[Mechanism of protective effects of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1 on hypoxic cardiomyocytes of rats].

PubMed

Xiang, F; Zhang, D X; Ma, S Y; Huang, Y S

2016-12-20

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of protective effects of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1) on hypoxic cardiomyocytes of rats. Methods: Primary cultured cardiomyocytes were obtained from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 1 to 3 days) and then used in the following experiments. (1) Cells were divided into group TRAP1 and control group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), and then the total protein of cells was extracted. Total protein of cells in group TRAP1 was added with mouse anti-rat TRAP1 monoclonal antibody, while that in control group was added with the same type of IgG from mouse. Co-immunoprecipitation and protein mass spectrography analysis were used to determine the possible proteins interacted with TRAP1. (2) Cells were divided into normoxia blank control group (NBC), normoxia+ TRAP1 interference control group (NTIC), normoxia+ TRAP1 interference group (NTI), normoxia+ TRAP1 over-expression control group (NTOC), and normoxia+ TRAP1 over-expression group (NTO), with 1 well in each group. Cells in group NBC were routinely cultured, while cells in the latter four groups were respectively added with TRAP1 RNA interference empty virus vector, TRAP1 RNA interference adenovirus vector, TRAP1 over-expression empty virus vector, and TRAP1 over-expression adenovirus vector. Another batch of cells were divided into group NBC, hypoxic blank control group (HBC), hypoxic+ TRAP1 interference control group (HTIC), hypoxic+ TRAP1 interference group (HTI), hypoxic+ TRAP1 over-expression control group (HTOC), and hypoxic+ TRAP1 over-expression group (HTO), with 1 well in each group. Cells in hypoxic groups were under hypoxic condition for 6 hours after being treated as those in the corresponding normoxia groups, respectively. The mRNA expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅱ (COXⅡ) of cells in each group was detected by real time fluorescent quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Experiments were repeated for three times. (3) Cells were divided into group NBC, group HBC, group HTOC, group HTO, hypoxic+ TRAP1 over-expression+ COXⅡinterference control group (HTOCIC), and hypoxic+ TRAP1 over-expression+ COXⅡinterference group (HTOCI), with 3 wells in each group. Cells in the previous 4 groups were treated as those in experiment (2). Cells in group HTOCIC and HTOCI were respectively transfected with COXⅡ RNA interference empty virus vector and COXⅡ RNA interference adenovirus vector, and then both added with TRAP1 over-expression adenovirus vector. The proliferation activity of cells was determined by cell counting kit 8 and microplate reader, and the ratio of death cells was measured by propidium lodide and Hoechst 33342 staining. Another batch of cells were divided into group NBC, group HBC, group HTIC, group HTI, hypoxic+ TRAP1 interference+ COXⅡover-expression control group (HTICOC), and hypoxic+ TRAP1 interference+ COXⅡ over-expression group (HTICO), with 3 wells in each group. Cells in the previous 4 groups were treated as those in experiment (2). Cells in group HTICOC and HTICO were both transfected with TRAP1 RNA interference adenovirus vector, and then respectively added with COXⅡ over-expression empty virus vector and COXⅡ over-expression adenovirus vector. The proliferation activity of cells and the ratio of death cells were detected as before. Experiments were repeated for three times. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and LSD test. Results: (1) The expression of TRAP1 was found in cells of group TRAP1, while that was not found in cells of control group. The possible proteins interacted with TRAP1 were keratin, COXⅡ, and an unknown protein with predicted molecular weight 13×10 3 . (2) Compared with that in group NBC, the mRNA expression of COXⅡof cells had no significant change in group NTIC and group NTOC (with P values above 0.05), but significantly decreased in group NTI ( P <0.01), and significantly increased in group NTO ( P <0.01). Compared with that in group NBC, the mRNA expression of COXⅡof cells in group HBC was significantly decreased ( P <0.01). Compared with that in group HBC, the mRNA expression of COXⅡof cells had no significant change in group HTIC and group HTOC (with P values above 0.05), but significantly decreased in group HTI ( P <0.01), and significantly increased in group HTO ( P <0.01). (3) The proliferation activity of cells in group NBC, group HBC, group HTOC, group HTO, group HTOCIC, and group HTOCI was respectively 0.498±0.022, 0.303±0.018, 0.313±0.032, 0.456±0.031, 0.448±0.034, and 0.335±0.026, and the ratios of death cells in above groups were respectively (4.7±1.5)%, (24.7±3.1)%, (26.0±2.7)%, (13.3±2.5)%, (12.7±2.1)%, and (21.0±1.7)%. Compared with those in group NBC, the proliferation activity of cells in HBC was decreased, while the ratio of death cells was increased (with P values below 0.01). Compared with those in group HBC, the proliferation activity of cells and the ratio of death cells in group HTOC had no significant change (with P values above 0.05), while the proliferation activity of cells was increased and the ratio of death cells was decreased in group HTO (with P values below 0.01). Compared with those in group HTO, the proliferation activity of cells and the ratio of death cells in group HTOCIC had no significant change (with P values above 0.05), while the proliferation activity of cells was decreased and the ratio of death cells was increased in group HTOCI (with P values below 0.01). (4) The proliferation activity of cells in group NBC, group HBC, group HTIC, group HTI, group HTICOC, and group HTICO was respectively 0.444±0.025, 0.275±0.016, 0.283±0.021, 0.150±0.009, 0.135±0.011, and 0.237±0.017, and the ratios of death cells in above groups were respectively (3.7±0.6)%, (21.0±2.7)%, (20.3±3.1)%, (31.7±2.5)%, (33.3±3.2)%, and (19.3±1.5)%. Compared with those in group HBC, the proliferation activity of cells and the ratio of death cells in group HTIC had no significant change (with P values above 0.05). Compared with those in group HBC and group HTIC, the proliferation activity of cells was decreased and the ratio of death cells was significantly increased in group HTI (with P values below 0.01). Compared with those in group HTI, the proliferation activity of cells and the ratio of death cells in group HTICOC had no significant change (with P values above 0.05), while the proliferation activity of cells was increased and the ratio of death cells was significantly decreased in group HTICO (with P values below 0.01). Conclusions: TRAP1 can up-regulate the expression of COXⅡ mRNA, and COXⅡ is one of the downstream effector molecules that TRAP1 mediates its protective effects on hypoxic cardiomyocytes.

[The influence of EphA2 overexpression on proliferation and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells exposed to high-concentration dexamethasone in vitro].

PubMed

Ma, C X; Zheng, G Y

2018-02-11

Objective: To construct lentiviral-mediated EphA2 overexpression vectors, transfect them into human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) in vitro , and investigate the effect of EphA2 gene overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis of HLE-B3 exposed to high-concentration dexamethasone. Methods: Experimental Study. The pCDH-CMV- MCS-EF1-RFP plasmid was set up by the digestion of NOTⅠand XbaⅠ double restriction enzyme and ligation of CE ligase, and then the plasmid was transformed into DH10B cells. Seven clons were picked for enzymatic digestion and the clons with correct results were chosen for sequencing. The 293 T/17 cells were co-transfected with the pCDH-CMV-MCS-EF1-RFP-EphA2 and the packaging mixture by Lipofectamine 2000. At different multiplicities of infection (MOI=20, 50, 100, and 200) after 72-hour infection, we observed the expression of RFP and morphological changes of HLE-B3 by an inverted fluorescence microscope, and calculated the transfection efficiency through the flow cytometry. EphA2 protein expression was detected by Western blot. The following experiments were divided into four groups: normal control group (group A), EphA2 overexpression vector transfection group (group B), HLE-B3 cells exposed to dexamethasone group (group C) and EphA2 overexpression vector transfection HLE-B3 cells exposed to dexamethasone group (group D). Statistical analysis method was single factor or two factors variance analysis. Cell survival rate was detected by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis index was detected by Tunel. Results: Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that EphA2 cDNA fragment was successfully inserted in the vector. The infection efficiency was up to 38.6%±3.9%, 49.2%±4.2%, 79.5%±5.5% and 80.2%±6.0% when the MOI was 20, 50, 100 and 200, respectively. There was statistically significant difference ( F= 2 600.8, P= 0.001) among the four groups and between any two groups except between the MOI=100 group and MOI=200 group ( P= 2.507) . The relative quantity of EphA2 protein of the normal control group, empty vector transfection group and EphA2 gene overexpression vector transfection group was (0.561 2±0.031 7) , (0.559 7±0.012 8) and (3.032 0±0.041 9) , respectively. There was statistically significant difference ( F= 2 646.0, P= 0.001) among the three groups and between any two groups except between the normal control group and empty vector transfection group ( P= 0.868) . The survival rate of groups A, B, C and D was 98.18%±1.85%, 122.01%±3.89%, 52.32%±1.99% and 76.18%±3.74%, respectively. There was statistically significant difference among the four groups ( F= 497.6, P= 0.001) . The survival rate of group B was greater than group A ( P= 0.001) . The survival rate of group D was greater than group C ( P= 0.001) . Tunel results showed that the apoptosis index of groups A, B, C and D was 5.4%±1.5%, 5.0%±1.3%, 23.0%±3.9% and 14.4%±2.7%, respectively. There was statistically significant difference among the four groups ( F= 397.6, P= 0.001) . The apoptosis index of group B was lower than group A, but there was no statistically significant difference between them ( P= 0.415) ; the apoptosis index of group D was lower than group C ( P= 0.018). Conclusions: The lentiviral vector carrying human EphA2 gene has been successfully constructed and efficiently expressed in HLE-B3 cells. EphA2 gene overexpression could increase the HLE-B3 cell survival rate and protect HLE-B3 cells from high-concentration dexamethasone-induced reduction of the cell survival rate. EphA2 gene overexpression could protect HLE-B3 cells from high-concentration dexamethasone-induced apoptosis, but it has no remarkable effect on apoptosis of HLE-B3 cells under physiological conditions. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 125-132) .

The effects of cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy on gastric emptying.

PubMed

Köksoy, F N; Bulut, T; Köse, H; Soybir, G; Yalçin, O; Aker, Y

In this clinical study, four groups, each consisting of 12 patients are established to determine how gastric emptying is influenced in cholelithiasis with accompanied flatulent dyspepsia and the relationship of symptoms and gastric emptying after cholecystectomy. 1. group: healthy people, 2. group: patients with dyspeptic cholelithiasis, 3. group: patients who have no dyspepsia after cholecystectomy, 4. group: patients whose dyspepsia is continued after cholecystectomy. Groups are compared according to solid phase gastric emptying scintigraphies performed with Tc 99m sulfur colloid bound with scrambled eggs. Gastric emptying delayed in second (p < 0.001) and fourth (p < 0.005) groups postprandially and not differed in the third group (p > 0.005). These results demonstrate that dyspepsia, in cholelithiasis and persisting after cholecystectomy have a close relation with delay in gastric emptying.

Effects of cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy on gastric emptying.

PubMed

Köksoy, F N; Bulut, T; Köse, H; Soybir, G; Yalçin, O; Aker, Y

1994-06-01

In this prospective, clinical study, four groups, each consisting of 12 patients were established to determine how gastric emptying is influenced in cholelithiasis with accompanied flatulent dyspepsia and the relationship of symptoms and gastric emptying after cholecystectomy: group 1--healthy people; group 2--patients with dyspeptic cholelithiasis; group 3--patients with no dyspepsia after cholecystectomy; group 4--patients with dyspepsia after cholecystectomy. Groups are compared according to solid phase gastric emptying scintigraphies performed with Tc 99m sulphur colloid bound with scrambled eggs. Gastric emptying delayed in groups 2 (P < 0.001) and 4 (P < 0.005) postprandially and did not differ in the group 3 (P > 0.005). These results demonstrate that dyspepsia, in cholelithiasis and persisting after cholecystectomy, has a close relation with delay in gastric emptying.

Effects of rehabilitation management on gastric emptying function in older adults with diabetes.

PubMed

Shao, Z M; Yao, J F; Chen, J; Yu, Z W; Yu, X F; Zheng, J J; Tang, X

2014-01-24

The relationship between gastric emptying dysfunction and blood glucose concentration in elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus was investigated, and the effect of rehabilitation exercise prescription training on gastric emptying in the geriatric diabetic patients was evaluated. A total of 160 older type 2 diabetic adults and 30 cases of non-diabetic patients were studied with regard to the gastric half emptying time (GET1/2) of solid meals radiolabelled with 99mTc. Eighty delayed gastric emptying diabetic patients were randomly divided into 4 four groups: rehabilitation exercise + mosapride group (N = 20), rehabilitation exercise group (N = 20), mosapride group (N = 20), and control group (N = 20). The level of blood glucose was measured every six months in a two-year follow-up. The solid GET1/2 of regulated blood glycemic control patients showed no statistically significant differences from non-diabetic patients (P > 0.05). However, the value for poor blood glycemic control patients exhibited significant statistical differences compared with both non-diabetic (P < 0.01) and regulated blood glycemic control group patients (P < 0.01). It showed that the gastric emptying time improved in the rehabilitation exercise group, mosapride group and rehabilitation exercise group + mosapride group after two years of treatment (P < 0.05). Fasting blood glucose in both rehabilitation exercise group and rehabilitation exercise + mosapride group was significantly decreased. Postprandial blood glucose in the rehabilitation exercise group, mosapride group, rehabilitation exercise group + mosapride group was significantly decreased. High blood glucose level can delay gastric emptying in older type 2 diabetic patients. Gastric emptying and blood glucose control affect each other. It was shown that appropriate rehabilitation exercise combined with prokinetic agent may improve gastric emptying in some geriatric type 2 diabetic patients and help control their blood glucose.

Proximal and Overall Gastric Emptying of Solids in Patients with Reduced Gastric Volume Accommodation Compared to Matched Controls

PubMed Central

Camilleri, Michael; Breen, Mary; Ryks, Michael; Burton, Duane

2011-01-01

Background Interventions such as gastric surgery and erythromycin result in displacement of solids to the distal stomach and acceleration of overall and proximal gastric emptying. The effect of non-surgical impairment of gastric accommodation on gastric emptying is unclear. Non-surgical impairment of gastric accommodation is associated with accelerated gastric emptying. Aim To compare measurements of proximal and overall gastric emptying in patients with reduced postprandial gastric volume accommodation with the emptying rates in age- and gender-matched controls with normal postprandial gastric volume accommodation. Methods We evaluated overall and proximal gastric emptying in 9 patients with impaired gastric accommodation and age-equivalent and gender-matched controls. Gastric volumes and emptying were measured using validated SPECT and dual gamma camera scintigraphy respectively. We compared group differences in overall and proximal gastric emptying t1/2 by t test. Results Patients with impaired postprandial gastric volume accommodation had greater fasting gastric volume. The proportion of food emptied from the proximal stomach immediately after meal ingestion was lower and t1/2of proximal gastric emptying correspondingly longer in the group with reduced postprandial gastric accommodation. In contrast, differences were not detected in overall gastric emptying in the two groups, and the ratio of overall to proximal gastric emptying t1/2was greater in the group with impaired volume accommodation. Conclusions Proximal stomach emptying is reduced in patients with impaired postprandial volume accommodation; this difference occurs predominantly during the time of meal ingestion. Compensatory mechanisms that result in normal overall gastric emptying require further elucidation. PMID:21327917

Bcl-xL Genetic Modification Enhanced the Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Heart Infarction

PubMed Central

Xue, Xiaodong; Liu, Yu; Zhang, Jian; Liu, Tao; Yang, Zhonglu; Wang, Huishan

2015-01-01

Objectives. Low survival rate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) severely limited the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). Bcl-xL genetic modification might enhance MSC survival after transplantation. Methods. Adult rat bone marrow MSCs were modified with human Bcl-xL gene (hBcl-xL-MSCs) or empty vector (vector-MSCs). MSC apoptosis and paracrine secretions were characterized using flow cytometry, TUNEL, and ELISA in vitro. In vivo, randomized adult rats with MI received myocardial injections of one of the three reagents: hBcl-xL-MSCs, vector-MSCs, or culture medium. Histochemistry, TUNEL, and echocardiography were carried out to evaluate cell engraftment, apoptosis, angiogenesis, scar formation, and cardiac functional recovery. Results. In vitro, cell apoptosis decreased 43%, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and plate-derived growth factor (PDGF) increased 1.5-, 0.7-, and 1.2-fold, respectively, in hBcl-xL-MSCs versus wild type and vector-MSCs. In vivo, cell apoptosis decreased 40% and 26% in hBcl-xL-MSC group versus medium and vector-MSC group, respectively. Similar results were observed in cell engraftment, angiogenesis, scar formation, and cardiac functional recovery. Conclusions. Genetic modification of MSCs with hBcl-xL gene could be an intriguing strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy in the treatment of heart infarction. PMID:26074971

Bcl-xL Genetic Modification Enhanced the Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Heart Infarction.

PubMed

Xue, Xiaodong; Liu, Yu; Zhang, Jian; Liu, Tao; Yang, Zhonglu; Wang, Huishan

2015-01-01

Objectives. Low survival rate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) severely limited the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). Bcl-xL genetic modification might enhance MSC survival after transplantation. Methods. Adult rat bone marrow MSCs were modified with human Bcl-xL gene (hBcl-xL-MSCs) or empty vector (vector-MSCs). MSC apoptosis and paracrine secretions were characterized using flow cytometry, TUNEL, and ELISA in vitro. In vivo, randomized adult rats with MI received myocardial injections of one of the three reagents: hBcl-xL-MSCs, vector-MSCs, or culture medium. Histochemistry, TUNEL, and echocardiography were carried out to evaluate cell engraftment, apoptosis, angiogenesis, scar formation, and cardiac functional recovery. Results. In vitro, cell apoptosis decreased 43%, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and plate-derived growth factor (PDGF) increased 1.5-, 0.7-, and 1.2-fold, respectively, in hBcl-xL-MSCs versus wild type and vector-MSCs. In vivo, cell apoptosis decreased 40% and 26% in hBcl-xL-MSC group versus medium and vector-MSC group, respectively. Similar results were observed in cell engraftment, angiogenesis, scar formation, and cardiac functional recovery. Conclusions. Genetic modification of MSCs with hBcl-xL gene could be an intriguing strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy in the treatment of heart infarction.

Adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease vaccine confers early and full protection against FMDV O1 Manisa in swine

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A human adenovirus (Ad5) vectored foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) sero-type O1-Manisa subunit vaccine (Ad5-O1Man) was engineered to deliver FMDV O1-Manisa empty capsids. Swine inoculated with Ad5-O1Man developed an FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response as compared to animals inoculated wi...

Comprehensive Comparison between Empty Nest and Non-Empty Nest Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study among Rural Populations in Northeast China

PubMed Central

Chang, Ye; Guo, Xiaofan; Guo, Liang; Li, Zhao; Yang, Hongmei; Yu, Shasha; Sun, Guozhe; Sun, Yingxian

2016-01-01

This study aimed to comprehensively compare the general characteristics, lifestyles, serum parameters, ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) parameters, depression, quality of life, and various comorbidities between empty nest and non-empty nest elderly among rural populations in northeast China. This analysis was based on our previous study which was conducted from January 2012 to August 2013, using a multistage, stratified, random cluster sampling scheme. The final analyzed sample consisted of 3208 participants aged no less than 60 years, which was further classified into three groups: non-empty nest group, empty nest group (living as a couple), and empty nest group (living alone). More than half of the participants were empty nest elderly (60.5%). There were no significant statistical differences for serum parameters, UCG parameters, lifestyles, dietary pattern, and scores of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) among the three groups. Empty nest elderly showed no more risk for comorbidities such as general obesity, abdominal obesity, hyperuricemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, left atrial enlargement (LAE), and stroke. Our study indicated that empty nest elderly showed no more risk for depression, low quality of life and comorbidities such as general obesity, abdominal obesity, hyperuricemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, LAE, and stroke among rural populations in northeast China. PMID:27618905

Comprehensive Comparison between Empty Nest and Non-Empty Nest Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study among Rural Populations in Northeast China.

PubMed

Chang, Ye; Guo, Xiaofan; Guo, Liang; Li, Zhao; Yang, Hongmei; Yu, Shasha; Sun, Guozhe; Sun, Yingxian

2016-08-27

This study aimed to comprehensively compare the general characteristics, lifestyles, serum parameters, ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) parameters, depression, quality of life, and various comorbidities between empty nest and non-empty nest elderly among rural populations in northeast China. This analysis was based on our previous study which was conducted from January 2012 to August 2013, using a multistage, stratified, random cluster sampling scheme. The final analyzed sample consisted of 3208 participants aged no less than 60 years, which was further classified into three groups: non-empty nest group, empty nest group (living as a couple), and empty nest group (living alone). More than half of the participants were empty nest elderly (60.5%). There were no significant statistical differences for serum parameters, UCG parameters, lifestyles, dietary pattern, and scores of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) among the three groups. Empty nest elderly showed no more risk for comorbidities such as general obesity, abdominal obesity, hyperuricemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, left atrial enlargement (LAE), and stroke. Our study indicated that empty nest elderly showed no more risk for depression, low quality of life and comorbidities such as general obesity, abdominal obesity, hyperuricemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, LAE, and stroke among rural populations in northeast China.

[Inhibitory effect of Mig-7 silencing by retrovirus-mediated shRNA on vasculogenic mimicry, invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro].

PubMed

Qu, Bo; Sheng, Guan-Nan; Yu, Fei; Chen, Guan-Nan; Lv, Qi; Mao, Zhong-Peng; Guo, Long; Lv, Yi

2016-11-20

To explore the inhibitory effect of migration-inducing gene 7 (Mig-7) gene silencing induced by retroviral-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM), invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro. Two target sequences (Mig-7 shRNA-1 and Mig-7 shRNA-2) and one negative control sequence (Mig-7 shRNA-N) were synthesized. The recombinant retroviral vectors carrying Mig-7 shRNA were constructed, and HCC cell line MHCC-97H were transfected with Mig-7 shRNA-1, Mig-7 shRNA-2, Mig-7 shRNA-N, or the empty vector, or treated with 125 µg/mL recombinant human endostatin (ES). Mig-7 expression in the treated cells was detected using semi-quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The inhibitory effect of Mig-7 silencing on VM formation was investigated in a 3-dimensional cell culture system; the changes in cell adhesion, invasion and migration were assessed with intercellular adhesion assay, Transwell invasion assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. The expression of Mig-7 at both mRNA and protein levels decreased significantly, VM formation, invasion and metastasis were suppressed, while intercellular adhesion increased significantly in MHCC-97H cells in Mig-7 shRNA-1 and Mig-7 shRNA-2 groups (P<0.05); such changes were not observed in cells transfected with Mig-7 shRNA-N or the empty vector, nor in cells treated with ES. Mig-7 silencing by retroviral-mediated shRNA significantly inhibits VM formation, invasion and metastasis and increases the intercellular adhesion of the HCC cells, while ES does not have such inhibitory effects.

[Effect of erythromycin on electrical activity and gastric emptying of the intrathoracic stomach after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer].

PubMed

Liu, Jun-feng; Liu, Cheng-jun; Shi, Zhi-hua; Liu, Xin-bo; Jiang, Tao; Wang, Fu-shun; Cao, Fu-min; Li, Bao-qing

2013-09-01

To investigate the effect of erythromycin on electrical activity and emptying of the intrathoracic stomach after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Thirty patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer and esophagogastrostomy above the aortic arch were divided into the study group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Electrogastrography and radionuclide gastric emptying were examined for these patients before and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. Patients in the study group received erythromycin (0.25 g tid po) for 1 week before examination. The wave amplitude (Uv), dominant frequency (CPM) and percentage of normal slow wave (%) of electrogastrogram decreased after surgery and returned to normal at the first postoperative month in the study group and the 12th postoperative month in the control group (P>0.05). Gastric emptying was significantly delayed after esophagectomy, and returned to normal one year after operation in the study group (P>0.05). However, gastric emptying remained abnormal in the control group (P<0.01). Erythromycin improves electrical activity and emptying of the stomach after esophagectomy for cancer. Gastric emptying recovery later than the recovery of electrical activity, which may be related to gastric ischemia and edema.

N-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-2 negates anti-proliferative effect of transforming growth factor beta in endothelial cells

PubMed Central

Abel, Britain; Willoughby, Cara; Jang, Sungchan; Cooper, Laura; Xie, Leike; Vo-Ransdell, Chi; Sowa, Grzegorz

2012-01-01

Here we show that tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-2 (Cav-2) negatively regulates the anti-proliferative function of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in endothelial cells. In contrast to wild-type-Cav-2, retroviral re-expression of Y19/27F-Cav-2 in Cav-2 knockout endothelial cells did not affect anti-proliferative effect of TGF-beta compared to empty vector. Conversely, although less effective than wild-type, re-expression of S23/36A-Cav-2 reduced the effect of TGF-beta compared to empty vector. This differential effect of tyrosine and serine phosphorylation mutants of Cav-2 correlated with TGF-beta-induced Smad3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Thus tyrosine-phosphorylated Cav-2 counteracts anti-proliferative effect of TGF-beta in endothelial cells. PMID:22819829

The presence of a membrane-bound progesterone receptor induces growth of breast cancer with norethisterone but not with progesterone: A xenograft model.

PubMed

Zhao, Yue; Ruan, Xiangyan; Wang, Husheng; Li, Xue; Gu, Muqing; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Yanglu; Seeger, Harald; Mueck, Alfred O

2017-08-01

During menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) a possible increase in breast cancer risk is thought to depend mainly on the progestogen component. In vitro studies have shown that the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is important for tumor proliferation induced by progestogens. The primary aim of this study was to compare for the first time the natural progestogen, progesterone (P), with a synthetic progestogen, norethisterone (NET), using a xenograft model. MCF7 cells, transfected with PGRMC1 plasmid or empty vector, were injected into nude mice and estradiol (E2) pellets were implanted. After 12days, NET or P or placebo pellets were implanted. Tumor volumes in all groups (6 mice/group) were monitored for 6-7 weeks. Immunohistochemical expression of PGRMC1 and KI-67 was assessed. These experiments were repeated using T47D cells. Compared with the control condition, E2 and sequential E2/NET combination increased xenograft tumor growth with MCF7 and T47D cells that transgenically expressed PGRMC1 (p<0.01); progesterone did not increase growth. Breast cancer cells transfected with empty vectors did not respond to either progestogen. Comparing KI-67 and PGRMC1 expression, the Pearson correlation was r=0.848, p=0.002. E2 plus NET increases tumor growth in human breast cancer cells overexpressing PGRMC1, but there is no change with progesterone. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison of both progestogens in vivo using nude mice, which are frequently used in xenograft models. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether women with overexpression of PGRMC1 are at increased risk of breast cancer if NET instead of progesterone is used in MHT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel Function of NIBP in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

reduced in NIBP knockdown cells (Fig. 8). 7 pRK -Flag-NIBP Isoforms(aa) 960 944 1200 1246 1148 S E A P A c ti v it y ( F o ld...Fig.9. MDA-MB-231 cells were co-transfected by TurboFectin8.0 with empty pRK -Flag vector or various isoforms of NIBP with NF-B-SEAP reporter and...Ser536) pRK -Flag 12060301550 NIBP-mutA 12060301550TNFα (min) Fig.11. MDA-MB-231 cells at 60% confluence in 6-well plates were transfected with empty

Gender Difference of Gastric Emptying in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Functional Dyspepsia.

PubMed

Mori, Hideki; Suzuki, Hidekazu; Matsuzaki, Juntaro; Taniguchi, Kanami; Shimizu, Toshiyuki; Yamane, Tsuyoshi; Masaoka, Tatsuhiro; Kanai, Takanori

2017-01-01

Delayed gastric emptying is one of the reasons why functional dyspepsia (FD) occurs. The 13C-acetate breath test is widely used to evaluate gastric emptying. Nevertheless, the standard value of 13C-acetate breath test has not taken into account the gender difference of gastric emptying among healthy individuals. The main aim of this study was to readjust the standard value of 13C-acetate breath test in the light of gender differences. In addition, we clarified the prevalence and clinical characteristics of delayed gastric emptying in patients with FD using the modified standard values of 13C-acetate breath test. Fifty-two healthy individuals and 126 patients with patients with FD were enrolled. Gastric emptying was evaluated by the 13C-acetate breath test. The cut-off points of Tmax for the diagnosis of delayed gastric emptying were determined on the basis of results from healthy individuals making a distinction of genders. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, dyspeptic symptoms, scores of anxiety and depression, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking and alcohol consumption were compared between the delayed gastric emptying group and the non-delayed gastric emptying group. Since gastric emptying was delayed in healthy women compared with that in healthy men (Tmax, 53.6 ± 19.3 vs. 42.7 ± 16.9 min, p = 0.04), we set the cut-off points of Tmax at 60 min in men and at 75 min in women. In patients with FD, the prevalence of delayed gastric emptying was not different between men and women with the modified standard values of 13C-acetate breath test. (31.0 vs. 27.4%, p = 0.68). BMI was lower in the delayed gastric emptying group than in the non-delayed group among the male patients. Reflux symptoms were more severe in delayed gastric emptying group than in the non-delayed group among the female patients. The standard values of 13C-acetate breath test should be modified bearing the gender difference in mind. It provides us more appropriate information to understand the mechanisms of FD. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Downregulation of SASH1 correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in ovarian carcinoma

PubMed Central

REN, XIAOYAN; LIU, YIFEI; TAO, YUMEI; ZHU, GUOXIANG; PEI, MEILAN; ZHANG, JIANGUO; LIU, JIAN

2016-01-01

SAM- and SH3-domain containing 1 (SASH1) is a recently identified tumor suppressor gene that is required in the tumorigenesis of breast and other solid carcinomas. The SASH1 protein contains SH3 and SAM domains, indicating that it may serve an important role in intracellular signal transduction. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of SASH1 in ovarian carcinoma and the correlation between its expression with clinical pathological features and clinical significance, and the effect of SASH1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of ovarian SKOV3 cells. The human ovarian carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected following surgery. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression levels of SASH1 mRNA and protein, respectively. The expression levels of SASH1 mRNA and protein in ovarian carcinoma tissues were significantly lower than that observed in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression levels of SASH1 in samples from patients without lymph nodes metastasis and patients with early FIGO stage was lower than those with lymph nodes metastasis and patients with advanced FIGO stage (P<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis and Transwell invasion chamber experiments were used to investigate the effect of SASH1 on the cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of SKOV3 cells. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-SASH1 was constructed and transfected into SKOV3 cells. In addition, the SKOV3 cells in the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group exhibited significantly reduced cell growth, proliferation, and migration ability compared to the empty vector group and normal group (P<0.01). There were a greater number of apoptotic cells in the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group compared to the empty vector group and normal group (P<0.01). Taken together, these results indicated that SASH1 may be a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian carcinoma, and SASH1 expression inhibited growth, proliferation and migration, and enhanced apoptosis of SKOV3 cells. PMID:27123075

Downregulation of SASH1 correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in ovarian carcinoma.

PubMed

Ren, Xiaoyan; Liu, Yifei; Tao, Yumei; Zhu, Guoxiang; Pei, Meilan; Zhang, Jianguo; Liu, Jian

2016-05-01

SAM- and SH3-domain containing 1 (SASH1) is a recently identified tumor suppressor gene that is required in the tumorigenesis of breast and other solid carcinomas. The SASH1 protein contains SH3 and SAM domains, indicating that it may serve an important role in intracellular signal transduction. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of SASH1 in ovarian carcinoma and the correlation between its expression with clinical pathological features and clinical significance, and the effect of SASH1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of ovarian SKOV3 cells. The human ovarian carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected following surgery. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression levels of SASH1 mRNA and protein, respectively. The expression levels of SASH1 mRNA and protein in ovarian carcinoma tissues were significantly lower than that observed in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression levels of SASH1 in samples from patients without lymph nodes metastasis and patients with early FIGO stage was lower than those with lymph nodes metastasis and patients with advanced FIGO stage (P<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis and Transwell invasion chamber experiments were used to investigate the effect of SASH1 on the cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of SKOV3 cells. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-SASH1 was constructed and transfected into SKOV3 cells. In addition, the SKOV3 cells in the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group exhibited significantly reduced cell growth, proliferation, and migration ability compared to the empty vector group and normal group (P<0.01). There were a greater number of apoptotic cells in the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group compared to the empty vector group and normal group (P<0.01). Taken together, these results indicated that SASH1 may be a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian carcinoma, and SASH1 expression inhibited growth, proliferation and migration, and enhanced apoptosis of SKOV3 cells.

Effect of Jiangzhi tablet on gastrointestinal propulsive function in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiangrong; Geng, Xiuli; Zhao, Jingsheng; Fan, Lili; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

This paper aims to study the effect of lipid-lowering tablets on gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion in mice. Mice were randomly divided into control group, Digestant Pill group, Jiangzhi tablet group, middle dose and small dose, the mice gastric emptying phenolsulfonphthalein, gastric residual rate of phenol red indicator to evaluate the gastric emptying rate, residual rate of detection in mouse stomach; small intestine propulsion and selection of carbon ink as the experimental index. Effects were observed to promote the function of normal mice gastric emptying and intestine. The gastric emptying and small intestinal motor function of normal mice were all promoted by each administration group, and the effect was most obvious in small dose group. The effect of reducing blood lipid on gastrointestinal motility of mice ware obviously enhanced.

Efficient Capsid Antigen Presentation From Adeno-Associated Virus Empty Virions In Vivo.

PubMed

Pei, Xiaolei; Earley, Lauriel Freya; He, Yi; Chen, Xiaojing; Hall, Nikita Elexa; Samulski, Richard Jude; Li, Chengwen

2018-01-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been successfully applied in clinical trials for hemophilic patients. Although promising, the clinical results suggest that the capsid-specific CD8+T cell response has a negative effect on therapeutic success. In an in vitro analysis using an engineered AAV virus carrying immune-dominant SIINFEKL peptide in the capsid backbone, we have previously demonstrated that capsid antigen presentation from full (genome containing) AAV capsids requires endosome escape and is proteasome dependent and that no capsid antigen presentation is induced from empty virions. In the present study, we examined capsid antigen presentation from administration of empty virions in animal models. In wild-type mice, similar to AAV full particles, capsid antigen presentation from AAV empty virion infection was dose dependent, and the kinetics studies showed that antigen presentation was detected from 2 to 40 days after AAV empty virion administration. In the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 deficient (TAP-/-) mice, capsid antigen presentation was inhibited from both AAV full and empty virions, but higher inhibition was achieved from AAV full particle administration than that from empty virions. This indicates that the pathway of capsid antigen presentation from AAV transduction is dependent on proteasome-mediated degradation of AAV capsids (mainly for full particles) and that the endosomal pathway may also play a role in antigen presentation from empty particles but not full virions. The capsid antigen presentation efficiency from AAV preparations was positively correlated with the amount of empty virions contaminated with full particles. Collectively, the results indicate that contamination of AAV empty virions induces efficient antigen presentation in vivo and the mechanism of capsid antigen presentation from empty virions involves both endosomal and proteasomal pathways. The elucidation of capsid antigen presentation from AAV empty virions may allow us to rationally design effective strategies to prevent elimination of AAV transduced target cells by capsid specific CD8+ T cells.

Efficient Capsid Antigen Presentation From Adeno-Associated Virus Empty Virions In Vivo

PubMed Central

Pei, Xiaolei; Earley, Lauriel Freya; He, Yi; Chen, Xiaojing; Hall, Nikita Elexa; Samulski, Richard Jude; Li, Chengwen

2018-01-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been successfully applied in clinical trials for hemophilic patients. Although promising, the clinical results suggest that the capsid-specific CD8+T cell response has a negative effect on therapeutic success. In an in vitro analysis using an engineered AAV virus carrying immune-dominant SIINFEKL peptide in the capsid backbone, we have previously demonstrated that capsid antigen presentation from full (genome containing) AAV capsids requires endosome escape and is proteasome dependent and that no capsid antigen presentation is induced from empty virions. In the present study, we examined capsid antigen presentation from administration of empty virions in animal models. In wild-type mice, similar to AAV full particles, capsid antigen presentation from AAV empty virion infection was dose dependent, and the kinetics studies showed that antigen presentation was detected from 2 to 40 days after AAV empty virion administration. In the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 deficient (TAP−/−) mice, capsid antigen presentation was inhibited from both AAV full and empty virions, but higher inhibition was achieved from AAV full particle administration than that from empty virions. This indicates that the pathway of capsid antigen presentation from AAV transduction is dependent on proteasome-mediated degradation of AAV capsids (mainly for full particles) and that the endosomal pathway may also play a role in antigen presentation from empty particles but not full virions. The capsid antigen presentation efficiency from AAV preparations was positively correlated with the amount of empty virions contaminated with full particles. Collectively, the results indicate that contamination of AAV empty virions induces efficient antigen presentation in vivo and the mechanism of capsid antigen presentation from empty virions involves both endosomal and proteasomal pathways. The elucidation of capsid antigen presentation from AAV empty virions may allow us to rationally design effective strategies to prevent elimination of AAV transduced target cells by capsid specific CD8+ T cells. PMID:29725339

Transcriptome analysis of a tau overexpression model in rats implicates an early pro-inflammatory response

PubMed Central

Wang, David B.; Dayton, Robert D.; Zweig, Richard M.; Klein, Ronald L.

2010-01-01

Neurofibrillary tangles comprised of the microtubule-associated protein tau are pathological features of Alzheimer's disease and several other neurodegenerative diseases, such as progressive supranuclear palsy. We previously overexpressed tau in the substantia nigra of rats and mimicked some of the neurodegenerative sequelae that occur in humans such as tangle formation, loss of dopamine neurons, and microgliosis. To study molecular changes involved in the tau-induced disease state, we used DNA microarrays at an early stage of the disease process. A range of adeno-associated virus (AAV9) vector doses for tau were injected in groups of rats with a survival interval of two weeks. Specific decreases in messages for dopamine related genes validated the technique with respect to the dopaminergic cell loss observed. Of the mRNAs upregulated, there was a dose-dependent effect on multiple genes involved in immune response such as chemokines, interferon-inducible genes and leukocyte markers, only in the tau vector groups and not in dose-matched controls of either transgene-less empty vector or control green fluorescent protein vector. Histological staining for dopamine neurons and microglia matched the loss of dopaminergic markers and upregulation of immune response mRNAs in the microarray data, respectively. RT-PCR for selected markers confirmed the microarray results, with similar changes found by either technique. The mRNA data correlate well with previous findings, and underscore microgliosis and immune response in the degenerative process following tau overexpression. PMID:20346943

[Comparison of immunosuppressive effects between human placental MSCs derived from fetal and maternal origins on the rejection of allogenic skin grafts in mice].

PubMed

Hao, Guiliang; Wang, Libin; Chen, Dongmei; Liang, Xueyun; Wang, Qiong; Zhu, Yongzhao; Ma, Xiaona; Liu, Xiaoming; Li, Yukui

2015-05-01

To compare the immunosuppressive effects of maternal and fetal placental mesenchymal stem cells (mPMSCs and fPMSCs, respectively) on the rejection of allogenic skin transplants in mice, and further to investigate the mechanism underlying this suppression. The mPMSCs and fPMSCs were isolated from human term placentas. The expressions of cell surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation capacity was characterized by MTT colorimetric assay. CD200 protein expressed on fPMSCs was neutralized with streaming monoclonal antibodies, and mPMSCs were infected with adenovirus expression vector carrying CD200 cDNA. For skin transplantation, 60 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups as skin transplant recipients, and ICR mice served as skin donors. After establishment of the allogenic skin transplants, recipient mice of the 6 groups were intravenous injected respectively with PBS, mPMSCs, fPMSCs, fPMSCs combined with anti-CD200 antibodies, mPMSCs with CD200 expressing vectors, and mPMSCs with empty vectors. The conditions and survival time of the skin grafts were inspected daily, and the expressions of interleukin 17 (IL-17), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) in blood and spleen were measured at the end of the study by ELISA and reverse transcription PCR. The majority (>70%) of fPMSCs were detected CD200 positive, while only a minor fraction (about 2%) of CD-200 positive cells were seen in mPMSCs. In the allogenic skin graft mice, the graft survival time in both mPMSCs- and fPMSCs-treated groups were significantly longer than that in PBS group [(5.6±1.17) days], while the fPMSCs group [(10.6±1.43) days] was more dominant than mPMSCs group [(7.7±1.42) days]. Neutralizing anti-CD200 antibody reduced the graft survival [(8.2±1.14) days] of the fPMSCs group to the level of that in mPMSCs group, while enforced expression of CD200 increased the graft survival [(10.7±1.34) days] of the mPMSCs group to the level of the fPMSCs group. The empty vector-transfected mPMSCs showed a similar effect on graft survival [(7.8±1.32) days] as that in mPMSCs group, longer than PBS group but shorter than fPMSCs and mPMSCs combined with CD200 groups. Comparing with PBS group, the expressions of IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α were significantly reduced in mPMSCs and fPMSCs groups. The reduction of these cytokine expressions in the fPMSCs group was neutralized when anti-CD200 antibody was applied, while this reduction in the mPMSCs-treated mice was further enhanced when the mPMSCs were enforced to express CD200. The immunosuppressive effect of fPMSCs on the rejection of allogenic skin transplantation was higher than that of mPMSCs, and this difference was partially contributed by CD200 signaling pathway. The mechanism of this suppression may mediate the inhibition of IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12 expressions. The fPMSCs may be a suitable choice for immunosuppression on skin transplantation.

Prospective randomized clinical trial of a change in gastric emptying and nutritional status after a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy: comparison between an antecolic and a vertical retrocolic duodenojejunostomy.

PubMed

Imamura, Naoya; Chijiiwa, Kazuo; Ohuchida, Jiro; Hiyoshi, Masahide; Nagano, Motoaki; Otani, Kazuhiro; Kondo, Kazuhiro

2014-04-01

Although an antecolic duodenojejunostomy was reported to reduce post-operative delayed gastric emptying (DGE) compared with a retrocolic duodenojejunostomy after a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), the long-term effects of these procedures have rarely been studied. The aim of this prospective, randomized, clinical trial was to investigate the influence of the reconstruction route on post-operative gastric emptying and nutrition. Reconstruction was performed in 116 patients with an antecolic duodenojejunostomy (A group, n = 58) or a vertical retrocolic duodenojejunostomy (VR group, n = 58). Post-operative complications, including DGE, gastric emptying variables assessed by (13) C-acetate breath test and nutrition, were compared between the two groups for 1 year post-operatively. The incidence of DGE was not significantly different between the procedures (A group: 12.1%; VR group: 20.7%, P = 0.316). At post-operative month 1, gastric emptying was prolonged in the VR versus the A group but not significantly so. At post-operative month 6, gastric emptying was accelerated significantly in the A versus the VR group. Post-operative weight recovery was significantly better in the VR versus the A group at post-operative month 12 (percentage of pre-operative weight, A group: 93.8 ± 1.2%; VR group: 98.5 ± 1.3%, P = 0.015). A vertical retrocolic duodenojejunostomy was an acceptable procedure for the lower incidence of DGE and may contribute to better weight gain affected by moderate gastric emptying. © 2013 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

Gongronema latifolium delays gastric emptying of semi-solid meals in diabetic dogs.

PubMed

Ogbu, Sylvester Osita; Agwu, Kenneth Kalu; Asuzu, Isaac Uzoma

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to investigate sonographically the effect of Gongronema latifolium on gastric emptying of semi-solid meals in diabetic dogs. Twenty-five alloxan-induced diabetic dogs were randomly allotted into five groups of five dogs each in a randomised placebo-controlled study. These are placebo, prokinetic dose, low dose, moderate dose and high dose groups. The placebo group served as the control. The low, moderate and high dose groups ingested methanolic leaf extract of G. latifolium at 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg respectively, while the prokinetic group ingested 0.5 mg/kg of metoclopramide. After a 12-hour fast, each group ingested its treatment capsules 30 minutes before the administration of test meal. Measurements of gastric emptying and blood glucose levels were obtained from each dog 30 minutes before and immediately after the ingestion of a test meal, every 15 minutes for another 4 hours and then every 30 minutes for further 2 hours. Gastric emptying of the moderate and high dose groups were 227.8 ± 9.9 min and 261.3 ± 19.3 min respectively and significantly (p < 0.0001) slower than the placebo control group of 143.0 ± 17.8 min. The gastric emptying of the low dose group (169.8 ± 3.8) and control group did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). A strong inverse relationship between gastric emptying and the incremental blood glucose levels was noted in the diabetic dogs after the ingestion of Gongronema latifolium (r = -0.90; p < 0.0001). Gonogronema latifolium delayed gastric emptying in diabetic dogs.

Prospective randomized clinical trial of a change in gastric emptying and nutritional status after a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy: comparison between an antecolic and a vertical retrocolic duodenojejunostomy

PubMed Central

Imamura, Naoya; Chijiiwa, Kazuo; Ohuchida, Jiro; Hiyoshi, Masahide; Nagano, Motoaki; Otani, Kazuhiro; Kondo, Kazuhiro

2014-01-01

Background Although an antecolic duodenojejunostomy was reported to reduce post-operative delayed gastric emptying (DGE) compared with a retrocolic duodenojejunostomy after a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), the long-term effects of these procedures have rarely been studied. The aim of this prospective, randomized, clinical trial was to investigate the influence of the reconstruction route on post-operative gastric emptying and nutrition. Methods Reconstruction was performed in 116 patients with an antecolic duodenojejunostomy (A group, n = 58) or a vertical retrocolic duodenojejunostomy (VR group, n = 58). Post-operative complications, including DGE, gastric emptying variables assessed by 13C-acetate breath test and nutrition, were compared between the two groups for 1 year post-operatively. Results The incidence of DGE was not significantly different between the procedures (A group: 12.1%; VR group: 20.7%, P = 0.316). At post-operative month 1, gastric emptying was prolonged in the VR versus the A group but not significantly so. At post-operative month 6, gastric emptying was accelerated significantly in the A versus the VR group. Post-operative weight recovery was significantly better in the VR versus the A group at post-operative month 12 (percentage of pre-operative weight, A group: 93.8 ± 1.2%; VR group: 98.5 ± 1.3%, P = 0.015). Conclusions A vertical retrocolic duodenojejunostomy was an acceptable procedure for the lower incidence of DGE and may contribute to better weight gain affected by moderate gastric emptying. PMID:23991719

Effect of solid-meal caloric content on gastric emptying kinetics of solids and liquids.

PubMed

Urbain, J L; Siegel, J A; Mortelmans, L; van Cutsem, E; van den Maegdenbergh, V; de Roo, M

1989-08-01

In this study, we have evaluated the effect of the caloric content of a physiological test meal on the gastric emptying kinetics of solids and liquids. 22 healthy male volunteers were studied in two groups matched for age. After an overnight fast, each volunteer underwent the same test procedure; in the first group (G I), 10 volunteers received a meal consisting of bread, 111In-DTPA water and 1 scrambled egg labeled with 99mTc-labelled sulphur colloid; in the second group (G II) 12 volunteers were given the same meal but with 2 labeled eggs in order to increase the caloric content of the solid phase meal. Simultaneous anterior and posterior images were recorded using a dual-headed gamma camera. Solid and liquid geometric mean data were analyzed to determine the lag phase, the emptying rate and the half-emptying time for both solids and liquids. Solid and liquid gastric half-emptying times were significantly prolonged in G II compared to G I volunteers. For the solid phased, the delay was accounted for by a longer lag phase and a decrease in the equilibrium emptying rate. The emptying rate of the liquid phase was significantly decreased in G II compared to G I. Within each group, no statistically significant difference was observed between solid and liquid emptying rates. We conclude that the caloric content of the solid portion of a meal not only alters the emptying of the solid phase but also affects the emptying of the liquid component of the meal.

Endoscopic Evaluation of Gastric Emptying and Effect of Mosapride Citrate on Gastric Emptying

PubMed Central

Jung, In Su; Kim, Jie-Hyun; Lee, Hwal Youn; Lee, Sang In

2010-01-01

Purpose Gastric emptying has been evaluated by scintigraphy in spite of its limitations of time consumption, cost, and danger of radioisotope. Endoscopy is a simple technique, however, its validation for gastric emptying and quantification of food has not yet been investigated. The aim of our study was to assess endoscopic gastric emptying compared with scintigraphy and radiopaque markers (ROMs) studies. We also investigated the effect of a single dose of mosapride on gastric emptying. Materials and Methods Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent scintigraphy. Next day, subjects received a standard solid meal with ROMs and underwent endoscopy and simple abdomen X-ray after 3 hrs. After one week, the same procedure was repeated after ingestion of mosapride (5 mg for group 1, n = 8; 10 mg for group 2, n = 7) 15 min before the meal. Quantification of gastric residue by endoscopy was scored from 0 to 3, and the scores were added up. Results All subjects completed the study without any complication. The gastric emptying rate [T1/2 (min)] was in normal range (65.6 ± 12.6 min). Endoscopic gastric emptying was correlated significantly with gastric clearance of ROMs (r = 0.627, p = 0.012). Endoscopic gastric emptying and gastric clearance of ROMs after administration of mosapride showed significant differences in the 10 mg group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Endoscopy can evaluate gastric emptying safely and simply on an outpatient basis. A 10 mg dose of mosapride enhanced gastric emptying, assessed by both endoscopy and ROMs. PMID:20046511

13C-sodium acetate breath test for evaluation of gastric emptying times in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

PubMed

Schmitz, S; Jansen, N; Failing, K; Neiger, R

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to assess solid phase gastric emptying via non-invasive 13C-sodium acetate breath test in large breed dogs with or without gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Dogs were recruited into one of the following groups: group 1 = healthy large breed dogs with no history of GDV, group 2 = dogs that underwent elective abdominal surgery for reasons unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract, and group 3 = dogs that underwent laparotomy and gastropexy to correct GDV. The dogs were fed a test meal containing 100 mg 13C-sodium acetate (for group 2 and 3, this was < 48 hours post-operatively). Breath samples were obtained at baseline and every 30 minutes for 3 hours, then every hour for a total of 7 hours. 12CO2/13CO2 ratio was measured for each breath sample via non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy and 25%, 50% and 75% gastric emptying times were calculated and compared between groups. Gastric emptying times were significantly prolonged in dogs undergoing surgery (group 2) compared to group 1 and 3. Also, gastric emptying times of dogs with GDV were significantly prolonged compared to controls, but not to the same extent as dogs in group 2. There was a significant effect of abdominal surgery on gastric emptying times. Surprisingly, dogs after GDV surgery and gastropexy had shorter gastric emptying times than dogs undergoing laparotomy for reasons other than GDV, but still prolonged compared to healthy controls. The reason for these differences requires further study.

Temporal and spatial distribution of dengue vector mosquitoes and their habitat patterns in Penang Island, Malaysia.

PubMed

Saifur, Rahman G M; Hassan, Ahmad Abu; Dieng, Hamady; Salmah, Md Rawi Che; Saad, Ahmad Ramli; Satho, Tomomitsu

2013-03-01

We studied the diversity of Aedes breeding sites in various urban, suburban, and rural areas over time between February 2009 and February 2010 in the dengue endemic areas of Penang Island, Malaysia. We categorized the breeding sites and efficiency, and identified the key breeding containers. Among the 3 areas, the rural areas produced the highest container index (55), followed by suburban (42) and urban (32) areas. The numbers of key premises and containers were significantly higher (P < 0.000) in rural areas. The class 1 containers were identified as the key containers with higher productivity and efficiency, although class 2 and class 4 are the highest in numbers. Aedes aegypti immatures were found mostly in drums, water reservoirs, and polyethylene sheets, while mixed breeding was more common in buckets and empty paint cans in urban and suburban areas. Aedes albopictus was found mainly in miscellaneous containers such as drums, empty paint cans, and covers in all areas. The main potential containers indoors were drums, water reservoirs, and empty paint cans, and containers outdoors included empty paint cans, drums, and polyethylene sheets.

Modified Einstein and Navier-Stokes Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulyzhenkov, I. É.

2018-05-01

The appearance of inertial rest mass-energy is associated with the kinematic slowing-down of time and with the vortex state of the elementary massive space with zero integral of its kinetic and potential energies. An analog of the Einstein equation is found for moving densities of a non-empty metric space in the concept of the Einstein-Infeld material field. The vector consequences of this tensor equation for a metric medium of overlapping elementary carriers of continuous mass-energies allow us to modify the Navier-Stokes equation under inertial motion of the matter of the nonlocal field in the nonrelativistic limit. The nonlocality of massenergy generates kinematic accelerations of feedback to Newtonian acceleration, which impedes asymptotic divergence of energy fluxes. Stabilization of inertial media by dynamic Bernoulli pressure corresponds to nonlocal self-organization of Einstein-Infeld non-empty space and invalidates Newtonian localization of masses in empty space.

Modified Einstein and Navier–Stokes Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulyzhenkov, I. É.

2018-05-01

The appearance of inertial rest mass-energy is associated with the kinematic slowing-down of time and with the vortex state of the elementary massive space with zero integral of its kinetic and potential energies. An analog of the Einstein equation is found for moving densities of a non-empty metric space in the concept of the Einstein-Infeld material field. The vector consequences of this tensor equation for a metric medium of overlapping elementary carriers of continuous mass-energies allow us to modify the Navier-Stokes equation under inertial motion of the matter of the nonlocal field in the nonrelativistic limit. The nonlocality of massenergy generates kinematic accelerations of feedback to Newtonian acceleration, which impedes asymptotic divergence of energy fluxes. Stabilization of inertial media by dynamic Bernoulli pressure corresponds to nonlocal self-organization of Einstein-Infeld non-empty space and invalidates Newtonian localization of masses in empty space.

Stomach emptiness in fishes: Sources of variation and study design implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vinson, M.R.; Angradi, T.R.

2011-01-01

This study summarizes fish stomach content data from 369,000 fish from 402 species in 1,096 collections and reports on the percentage of individuals with empty stomachs. The mean percentage of individuals with empty stomachs among all species, locations, habitats, seasons, regions, and collection methods was 26.4%. Mean percentage of individuals with empty stomachs varied significantly among fish collection gear types, taxonomic orders, trophic groups, feeding behaviors, and habitats, and with species length at maturity. Most of the variation in percentage of individuals with empty stomachs was explained by species length at maturity, fish collection gear type, and two autecological factors: trophic group (piscivore percentage of individuals with empty stomachs > non-piscivore percentage of individuals with empty stomachs) and feeding habitat (water column feeder percentage of individuals with empty stomachs > benthic feeder percentage of individuals with empty stomachs). After accounting for variation with fish length, the percentage of individuals with empty stomachs did not vary with the stomach removal collection method (dissection vs. gastric lavage), feeding time (diurnal or nocturnal), or time of collection (day or night). The percentage of individuals with empty stomachs was similar between fresh and saltwater fish, but differed within finer habitat classifications and appeared to follow a general prey availability or productivity gradient: percentage of individuals with empty stomachs of open ocean collections > estuary collections, lentic > lotic, and pelagic > littoral. Gear type (active or passive) was the most influential factor affecting the occurrence of empty stomachs that can be readily controlled by researchers.

Electromagnetic Characterization of Materials Using a Dual Chambered High Temperature Waveguide

DTIC Science & Technology

to just one day through simultaneous measurement of the sample and the empty second chamber. A vector network analyzer (VNA) will be used to run X-band...calculated from the Nicolson-Ross-Weir inversion algorithm for computing permittivity and permeability using VNA measured S-parameters at increasing temperatures.

Evaluation of protective effect of multiantigenic DNA vaccine encoding MIC3 and ROP18 antigen segments of Toxoplasma gondii in mice.

PubMed

Qu, Daofeng; Han, Jianzhong; Du, Aifang

2013-07-01

The high incidence and severe damage caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection clearly indicates the need for the development of a vaccine. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses and protection against toxoplasmosis by immunizing ICR mice with a multiantigenic DNA vaccine. To develop the multiantigenic vaccine, two T. gondii antigens, MIC3 and ROP18, selected on the basis of previous studies were chosen. ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with PBS, empty pcDNA3.1 vector, pMIC3, pROP18, and pROP18-MIC3, respectively. The results of lymphocyte proliferation assay, cytokine, and antibody determinations showed that mice immunized with pROP18-MIC3 elicited stronger humoral and Th1-type cellular immune responses than those immunized with single-gene plasmids, empty plasmid, or phosphate-buffered saline. After a lethal challenge with the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain, a prolonged survival time in pROP18-MIC3-immunized mice was observed in comparison to control groups. Our study indicates that the introduction of multiantigenic DNA vaccine is more powerful and efficient than single-gene vaccine, and deserves further evaluation and development.

Increase of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation associated with cascade stomach

PubMed Central

Kawada, Akiyo; Kusano, Motoyasu; Hosaka, Hiroko; Kuribayashi, Shiko; Shimoyama, Yasuyuki; Kawamura, Osamu; Akiyama, Junichi; Yamada, Masanobu; Akuzawa, Masako

2017-01-01

We previously reported that cascade stomach was associated with reflux symptoms and esophagitis. Delayed gastric emptying has been believed to initiate transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR). We hypothesized that cascade stomach may be associated with frequent TLESR with delayed gastric emptying. Eleven subjects with cascade stomach and 11 subjects without cascade stomach were enrolled. Postprandial gastroesophageal manometry and gastric emptying using a continuous 13C breath system were measured simultaneously after a liquid test meal. TLESR events were counted in early period (0–60 min), late period (60–120 min), and total monitoring period. Three parameters of gastric emptying were calculated: the half emptying time, lag time, and gastric emptying coefficient. The median frequency of TLESR events in the cascade stomach and non-cascade stomach groups was 6.0 (median), 4.6 (interquartile range) vs 5.0, 3.0 in the early period, 5.0, 3.2 vs 3.0, 1.8 in the late period, and 10.0, 6.2 vs 8.0, 5.0 in the total monitoring period. TLESR events were significantly more frequent in the cascade stomach group during the late and total monitoring periods. In contrast, gastric emptying parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups. We concluded that TLESR events were significantly more frequent in persons with cascade stomach without delayed gastric emptying. PMID:28584403

Effect of Yifukang oral liquid on gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jianhua; Li, Jun; Li, Xianyu; Hao, Shaojun; Guo, Junyi; Ma, Zhenzhen; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To observe the effect of Yifukang oral liquid on gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis in mice. Methods: 60 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. The suspension of Baohe Pill and the same volume of normal saline group were given once a day for 7 days. After the last administration for 30 minutes, 0.25 ml of 0.04% phenolic red solution was administered by stomach. After 20 minutes, the animals were killed, the stomach was removed, the gastric contents were cleaned, and the lotion 5ml was centrifuged. The absorbance of the supernatant was measured by TU-1901 ultraviolet spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 560nm. The residual rate of gastric phenolic red was calculated. Rate was used to evaluate gastric emptying velocity.60 mice were randomly divided into five groups: group 5, large, medium, small Yifukang oral liquid dosage group, pill suspension and the same volume normal saline. After 20 min after the last dose of carbon powder suspension, the mice were sacrificed, the abdominal cavity was cut open, the intestine of the ileocecum was cut off, the intestinal mesentery was separated, the total length of the small intestine (cm) was measured, and the distance (cm) in the small intestine was measured, and the end-of-carbon propulsion rate was calculated. Compared with the blank group, small dose of Yi Fu Kang group and Baohe Pill group could significantly promote the ability of gastric emptying in mice. Compared with the blank group, small dose group and rehabilitation benefits Baohewan group can significantly promote the gastric emptying ability of mice (P<0.01), high dose group had no obvious benefit rehabilitation ability to promote gastric emptying in mice. Yi Fu Kang oral liquid group could significantly increase the percentage of small intestine carbon powder(P<0.01), Large, medium-dose Yifukang oral liquid and Baofuwan group could significantly increase the percentage of small intestinal carbon in mice (P<0.05). Yi Fukang oral liquid has the effect of promoting gastric emptying and small intestinal peristalsis.

Effect of Positive Psychological Intervention on Well-Being, 2-Week Illness Prevalence, and Salivary Immunoglobulin A.

PubMed

Jiang, Miaomiao; Yin, Zhiqin; Li, Sijiao; Chen, Xiaolin; Gu, Jiahuan

2018-06-01

The study aims to explore the effect of positive psychological intervention (fun activities combined with positive mental health education) on the well-being, 2-week illness prevalence, and salivary immunoglobulin A of empty nesters. Ninety-two empty nesters were divided into intervention ( n = 49) and control ( n = 43) groups. The empty nesters in the intervention group performed the intervention in addition to routine community activities. The intervention group scored significantly higher on well-being ( p< .05) compared with the control group after intervention. A week after intervention, salivary immunoglobulin A of the intervention group ( p< .05) was higher than that before intervention. Meanwhile, the difference in salivary immunoglobulin A in the control group before and after intervention was not statistically significant. 2-week illness prevalence in both groups did not exhibit a significant difference ( p> .05). Results indicate that positive psychological intervention can effectively increase the well-being and salivary immunoglobulin A of empty nesters and improve their physical and mental health.

Blazed vector grating liquid crystal cells with photocrosslinkable polymeric alignment films fabricated by one-step polarizer rotation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawai, Kotaro; Kuzuwata, Mitsuru; Sasaki, Tomoyuki; Noda, Kohei; Kawatsuki, Nobuhiro; Ono, Hiroshi

2014-12-01

Blazed vector grating liquid crystal (LC) cells, in which the directors of low-molar-mass LCs are antisymmetrically distributed, were fabricated by one-step exposure of an empty glass cell inner-coated with a photocrosslinkable polymer LC (PCLC) to UV light. By adopting a LC cell structure, twisted nematic (TN) and homogeneous (HOMO) alignments were obtained in the blazed vector grating LC cells. Moreover, the diffraction efficiency of the blazed vector grating LC cells was greatly improved by increasing the thickness of the device in comparison with that of a blazed vector grating with a thin film structure obtained in our previous study. In addition, the diffraction efficiency and polarization states of ±1st-order diffracted beams from the resultant blazed vector grating LC cells were controlled by designing a blazed pattern in the alignment films, and these diffraction properties were well explained on the basis of Jones calculus and the elastic continuum theory of nematic LCs.

Gastric emptying 16 to 26 years after treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PubMed

Lüdtke, F E; Bertus, M; Voth, E; Michalski, S; Lepsien, G

1994-04-01

Long-term follow-up was performed 16 to 26 years after conservative (group I, n = 18) and operative (group II, n = 38) treatment of 56 patients who had infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The study encompassed the scintigraphic determination of gastric emptying rates for solids and liquids, an interview to obtain medical history and ascertain whether a current disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract was present, and a clinical examination. Gastric emptying rates were measured on two different days for solids and liquids. The standard solid meal consisted of two scrambled eggs, two slices of toast, and 20 g of margarine. The gastric emptying rate for liquids was measured using 300 mL of apple juice. The scrambled eggs and apple juice were each marked with 2.2 MBq technetium 99m-sulphur-colloid. Two control collectives were used in this study; one group (physicians) served to create a reference curve for gastric emptying, and the other group, with the same age and gender distributions as those of the patients, served to evaluate the frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, by means of a questionnaire. There was no significant rate difference for gastric emptying between the patients treated conservatively or surgically and the controls. No association could be construed between the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms or disorders and the gastric emptying rates for solids and liquids. The results presented here substantiate that clinically relevant disturbances of stomach motility after IHPS appear to be rare.

Evaluation of a SUMO E2 Conjugating Enzyme Involved in Resistance to Clavibacter michiganensis Subsp. michiganensis in Solanum peruvianum, Through a Tomato Mottle Virus VIGS Assay

PubMed Central

Esparza-Araiza, Mayra J.; Bañuelos-Hernández, Bernardo; Argüello-Astorga, Gerardo R.; Lara-Ávila, José P.; Goodwin, Paul H.; Isordia-Jasso, María I.; Castillo-Collazo, Rosalba; Rougon-Cardoso, Alejandra; Alpuche-Solís, Ángel G.

2015-01-01

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) causes bacterial wilt and canker of tomato. Currently, no Solanum lycopersicum resistant varieties are commercially available, but some degree of Cmm resistance has been identified in Solanum peruvianum. Previous research showed up-regulation of a SUMO E2 conjugating enzyme (SCEI) transcript in S. peruvianum compared to S. lycopersicum following infection with Cmm. In order to test the role of SCEI in resistance to Cmm, a fragment of SCEI from S. peruvianum was cloned into a novel virus-induced gene-silencing (VIGS) vector based on the geminivirus, Tomato Mottle Virus (ToMoV). Using biolistic inoculation, the ToMoV-based VIGS vector was shown to be effective in S. peruvianum by silencing the magnesium chelatase gene, resulting in leaf bleaching. VIGS with the ToMoV_SCEI construct resulted in ~61% silencing of SCEI in leaves of S. peruvianum as determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The SCEI-silenced plants showed unilateral wilting (15 dpi) and subsequent death (20 dpi) of the entire plant after Cmm inoculation, whereas the empty vector-treated plants only showed wilting in the Cmm-inoculated leaf. The SCEI-silenced plants showed higher Cmm colonization and an average of 4.5 times more damaged tissue compared to the empty vector control plants. SCEI appears to play an important role in the innate immunity of S. peruvianum against Cmm, perhaps through the regulation of transcription factors, leading to expression of proteins involved in salicylic acid-dependent defense responses. PMID:26734014

Comparative Effects of Diet-Induced Lipid Lowering Versus Lipid Lowering Along With Apo A-I Milano Gene Therapy on Regression of Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Wang, Lai; Tian, Fang; Arias, Ana; Yang, Mingjie; Sharifi, Behrooz G; Shah, Prediman K

2016-05-01

Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-I) Milano, a naturally occurring Arg173to Cys mutant of Apo A-1, has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in animal models and in a small phase 2 human trial. We have shown the superior atheroprotective effects of Apo A-I Milano (Apo A-IM) gene compared to wild-type Apo A-I gene using transplantation of retrovirally transduced bone marrow in Apo A-I/Apo E null mice. In this study, we compared the effect of dietary lipid lowering versus lipid lowering plus Apo A-IM gene transfer using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 8 as vectors on atherosclerosis regression in Apo A-I/Apo E null mice. All mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet from age of 6 weeks until week 20, and at 20 weeks, 10 mice were euthanized to determine the extent of atherosclerosis. After 20 weeks, an additional 20 mice were placed on either a low-cholesterol diet plus empty rAAV (n = 10) to serve as controls or low-cholesterol diet plus 1 single intravenous injection of 1.2 × 10(12)vector genomes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) 8 vectors expressing Apo A-IM (n = 10). At the 40 week time point, intravenous AAV8 Apo A-IM recipients showed a significant regression of atherosclerosis in the whole aorta (P< .01), aortic sinuses (P< .05), and brachiocephalic arteries (P< .05) compared to 20-week-old mice, whereas low-cholesterol diet plus empty vector control group showed no significant regression in lesion size. Immunostaining showed that compared to the 20-week-old mice, there was a significantly reduced macrophage content in the brachiocephalic (P< .05) and aortic sinus plaques (P< .05) of AAV8 Apo A-IM recipients. These data show that although dietary-mediated cholesterol lowering halts progression of atherosclerosis, it does not induce regression, whereas combination of low-cholesterol diet and AAV8 mediated Apo A-I Milano gene therapy induces rapid and significant regression of atherosclerosis in mice. These data provide support for the potential feasibility of this approach for atherosclerosis regression. © The Author(s) 2015.

Gastric pouch emptying of solid food in patients with successful and unsuccessful weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

PubMed

Deden, Laura N; Cooiman, Mellody I; Aarts, Edo O; Janssen, Ignace M C; Gotthardt, Martin; Hendrickx, Baudewijn W; Berends, Frits J

2017-11-01

After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), approximately 10% of patients have insufficient weight loss (excess body mass index loss<50%). Gastric pouch emptying may have a role in weight loss. To compare pouch emptying of patients with poor weight loss and patients with successful weight loss after RYGB. A research-intensive nonacademic hospital and center of expertise in bariatric surgery in the Netherlands METHODS: Female patients were included from among patients with the least (poor weight loss group [P-WL]) and the most weight loss (successful weight loss group [S-WL]) in our center 2 years after RYGB. Pouch emptying scintigraphy was performed after ingestion of a radiolabeled solid meal. Emptying curves, intestinal content (IC) at meal completion and after 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, half emptying time, and maximal pouch emptying rate were compared. Five individuals were included in P-WL and 5 in S-WL, on average 2.5 ± .3 years after RYGB. Total weight loss was 18 ± 4.1% in P-WL and 44 ± 5.7% in S-WL (P<.001). In P-WL, a fast initial pouch emptying and exponential emptying curve was observed, compared with a slower initial emptying and more linear curve in S-WL. Faster emptying in P-WL was also shown by a larger IC meal (42 ± 18% versus 4.0 ± 3.3%,), IC 15 (76 ± 15% versus 35 ± 22%), and IC 30 (85 ± 12% versus 54 ± 25%), and a greater maximal pouch emptying rate (17 ± 4.7 versus 5.6 ± 3.4%/min) compared with S-WL (P<.05). A linear correlation was found between total weight loss and maximal pouch emptying rate (Pearson R = .82, P = .004). Pouch emptying for solid food was faster in patients with the least weight loss compared with patients with the most weight loss after RYGB. If pouch emptying is an important mechanism in weight loss, altering the pouch outlet may improve poor weight loss management. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural Characterization of H-1 Parvovirus: Comparison of Infectious Virions to Empty Capsids

PubMed Central

Halder, Sujata; Nam, Hyun-Joo; Govindasamy, Lakshmanan; Vogel, Michèle; Dinsart, Christiane; Salomé, Nathalie; McKenna, Robert

2013-01-01

The structure of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) packaging H-1 parvovirus (H-1PV), which is being developed as an antitumor gene delivery vector, has been determined for wild-type (wt) virions and noninfectious (empty) capsids to 2.7- and 3.2-Å resolution, respectively, using X-ray crystallography. The capsid viral protein (VP) structure consists of an α-helix and an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel with large loop regions between the strands. The β-barrel and loops form the capsid core and surface, respectively. In the wt structure, 600 nucleotides are ordered in an interior DNA binding pocket of the capsid. This accounts for ∼12% of the H-1PV genome. The wt structure is identical to the empty capsid structure, except for side chain conformation variations at the nucleotide binding pocket. Comparison of the H-1PV nucleotides to those observed in canine parvovirus and minute virus of mice, two members of the genus Parvovirus, showed both similarity in structure and analogous interactions. This observation suggests a functional role, such as in capsid stability and/or ssDNA genome recognition for encapsulation. The VP structure differs from those of other parvoviruses in surface loop regions that control receptor binding, tissue tropism, pathogenicity, and antibody recognition, including VP sequences reported to determine tumor cell tropism for oncotropic rodent parvoviruses. These structures of H-1PV provide insight into structural features that dictate capsid stabilization following genome packaging and three-dimensional information applicable for rational design of tumor-targeted recombinant gene delivery vectors. PMID:23449783

Effect of cisapride on gastric emptying in dyspeptic patients.

PubMed

Urbain, J L; Siegel, J A; Debie, N C; Pauwels, S P

1988-07-01

The effect of the new gastrokinetic agent cisapride on gastric emptying was evaluated in 17 dyspeptic patients using the dual radionuclide technique. Eight patients with idiopathic dyspepsia and nine postsurgical dyspeptic patients were studied and compared to a control group. Gastric emptying of solids and liquids was determined after ingestion of a standardized meal using 99mTc-sulfur colloid scrambled eggs as the solid phase and [111In]DTPA-labeled water as the liquid phase. Following a basal study and on a separate occasion, each patient received an intravenous bolus of 10 mg of cisapride after ingestion of the test meal; 10 of the patients were restudied after a two-week period of chronic oral administration of the drug (10 mg four times a day). Baseline gastric emptying of solids was significantly delayed in idiopathic and postsurgical patients; liquid emptying was only delayed in the postsurgical group. Intravenous and oral administration of cisapride significantly shortened gastric emptying in both groups. In all but one patient, the clinical improvement was confirmed by the test. Cisapride appears to be a good alternative to metoclopramide and domperiodone in the treatment of dyspeptic patients. The dual radionuclide technique appears to be a useful physiologic tool for evaluating and predicting the efficacy of a gastric prokinetic therapy in man.

Disturbed gastric emptying in the short bowel syndrome. Evidence for a 'colonic brake'.

PubMed Central

Nightingale, J M; Kamm, M A; van der Sijp, J R; Morris, G P; Walker, E R; Mather, S J; Britton, K E; Lennard-Jones, J E

1993-01-01

Gastric emptying of liquid (orange juice containing technetium-99m (99mTc) labelled antimony sulphide colloid) and solid (570 kcal pancake containing 0.5 mm resin microspheres labelled with Indium-111 (111-In)) was measured in seven patients with jejunum and no colon (jejunal lengths 30-160 cm), six patients with jejunum in continuity with the colon (jejunal length 25-75 cm), and in 12 normal subjects. In patients with no colon early emptying of liquid was rapid (median 25% emptying: 7 v 25 min, no colon v normal, p < 0.05); early gastric emptying of solid was rapid in two (each with less than 100 cm jejunum) and normal in the other five. Gastric emptying of liquid and solid for patients with jejunum in continuity with the colon was normal for the first three hours. There was increased liquid and solid retained in the stomach at six hours in both groups of patients (p < 0.01). Small bowel transit time was faster than in normal subjects for liquid in both groups of patients (p < 0.05) and for solid in those with no colon (p < 0.05). Rapid gastric emptying of liquid may contribute to the large stomal output in patients with a high jejunostomy. Preservation of the colon after a major small intestinal resection exerts a braking effect on the rate of early gastric emptying of liquid. PMID:8406148

Itopride for gastric volume, gastric emptying and drinking capacity in functional dyspepsia

PubMed Central

Abid, Shahab; Jafri, Wasim; Zaman, Maseeh Uz; Bilal, Rakhshanda; Awan, Safia; Abbas, Aamir

2017-01-01

AIM To study the effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and drinking capacity in functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS Randomized controlled trial was conducted to check the effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying, capacity of tolerating nutrient liquid and symptoms of FD. We recruited a total of 31 patients having FD on the basis of ROME III criteria. After randomization, itopride was received by 15 patients while 16 patients received placebo. Gastric accommodation was determined using Gastric Scintigraphy. 13C labeled octanoic breadth test was performed to assess gastric emptying. Capacity of tolerating nutrient liquid drink was checked using satiety drinking capacity test. The intervention group comprised of 150 mg itopride. Patients in both arms were followed for 4 wk. RESULTS Mean age of the recruited participant 33 years (SD = 7.6) and most of the recruited individuals, i.e., 21 (67.7%) were males. We found that there was no effect of itopride on gastric accommodation as measured at different in volumes in the itopride and control group with the empty stomach (P = 0.14), at 20 min (P = 0.38), 30 min (P = 0.30), 40 min (P = 0.43), 50 min (P = 0.50), 60 min (P = 0.81), 90 min (P = 0.25) and 120 min (P = 0.67). Gastric emptying done on a sub sample (n = 11) showed no significant difference (P = 0.58) between itopride and placebo group. There was no significant improvement in the capacity to tolerate liquid in the itopride group as compared to placebo (P = 0.51). Similarly there was no significant improvement of symptoms as assessed through a composite symptom score (P = 0.74). The change in QT interval in itopride group was not significantly different from placebo (0.10). CONCLUSION Our study found no effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and maximum tolerated volume in patients with FD. PMID:28217377

Itopride for gastric volume, gastric emptying and drinking capacity in functional dyspepsia.

PubMed

Abid, Shahab; Jafri, Wasim; Zaman, Maseeh Uz; Bilal, Rakhshanda; Awan, Safia; Abbas, Aamir

2017-02-06

To study the effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and drinking capacity in functional dyspepsia (FD). Randomized controlled trial was conducted to check the effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying, capacity of tolerating nutrient liquid and symptoms of FD. We recruited a total of 31 patients having FD on the basis of ROME III criteria. After randomization, itopride was received by 15 patients while 16 patients received placebo. Gastric accommodation was determined using Gastric Scintigraphy. 13 C labeled octanoic breadth test was performed to assess gastric emptying. Capacity of tolerating nutrient liquid drink was checked using satiety drinking capacity test. The intervention group comprised of 150 mg itopride. Patients in both arms were followed for 4 wk. Mean age of the recruited participant 33 years (SD = 7.6) and most of the recruited individuals, i.e ., 21 (67.7%) were males. We found that there was no effect of itopride on gastric accommodation as measured at different in volumes in the itopride and control group with the empty stomach ( P = 0.14), at 20 min ( P = 0.38), 30 min ( P = 0.30), 40 min ( P = 0.43), 50 min ( P = 0.50), 60 min ( P = 0.81), 90 min ( P = 0.25) and 120 min ( P = 0.67). Gastric emptying done on a sub sample ( n = 11) showed no significant difference ( P = 0.58) between itopride and placebo group. There was no significant improvement in the capacity to tolerate liquid in the itopride group as compared to placebo ( P = 0.51). Similarly there was no significant improvement of symptoms as assessed through a composite symptom score ( P = 0.74). The change in QT interval in itopride group was not significantly different from placebo (0.10). Our study found no effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, gastric emptying and maximum tolerated volume in patients with FD.

Association of empty nest with depressive symptom in a Chinese elderly population: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Zhai, Yujia; Yi, Huaiming; Shen, Wei; Xiao, Yuanyuan; Fan, Haixiao; He, Fan; Li, Fudong; Wang, Xinyi; Shang, Xiaopeng; Lin, Junfen

2015-11-15

Empty nest has been becoming the main family pattern among old people, and influencing the traditional family providing for the aged in China. This study aimed to investigate the association of empty nest with depressive symptom in a Chinese elderly population. Our study was based on the baseline investigation of Zhejiang Major Public Health Surveillance which was conducted in 2014. The final analyzed sample consisted of 9215 participants aged no less than 60 years. Subjects completed a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, living arrangements, behavioral risk factors, health status, subjective assessments, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. More than half of the participants were empty nest elders (57.4%). The overall prevalence of depressive symptom was 10.3%, while it was higher in empty nest group than in non-empty nest group (11.6% vs. 8.6%, P<0.001). A positive association was found between empty nest and depressive symptom, the OR (95%CI) was 1.223(1.045, 1.431). After stratified by gender/age/education level/employment status, this association was just prominent in participants of male, 70 years old and above, primary school education, and retirees. No matter living with spouse or living alone, empty nesters were more likely to have depressive symptoms than non-empty nesters. Cross-sectional study could not make a causation conclusion. The social supports of participants were not been investigated in detail. Empty nest elders, especially those who are male, 70 years old and above, primary school education, and retired, are more vulnerable to depressive symptom. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Where are kids getting their empty calories? Stores, schools, and fast food restaurants each play an important role in empty calorie intake among US children in 2009-2010

PubMed Central

Poti, Jennifer M.; Slining, Meghan M.; Popkin, Barry M.; Kenan, W.R.

2013-01-01

Consumption of empty calories, the sum of energy from added sugar and solid fat, exceeds recommendations, but little is known about where US children obtain these empty calories. The objectives of this study were to compare children's empty calorie consumption from retail food stores, schools, and fast food restaurants; to identify food groups that were top contributors of empty calories from each location; and to determine the location providing the majority of calories for these key food groups. This cross-sectional analysis used data from 3,077 US children aged 2-18 years participating in the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The empty calorie content of children's intake from stores (33%), schools (32%), and fast food restaurants (35%) was not significantly different in 2009-2010. In absolute terms, stores provided the majority of empty calorie intake (436 kcal). The top contributors of added sugar and solid fat from each location were similar: sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), grain desserts, and high-fat milk from stores; high-fat milk, grain desserts, and pizza from schools; and SSBs, dairy desserts, french fries, and pizza from fast food restaurants. Schools contributed about 20% of children's intake of high-fat milk and pizza. In conclusion, these findings support the need for continued efforts to reduce empty calorie intake among US children aimed not just at fast food restaurants, but also at stores and schools. The importance of reformed school nutrition standards was suggested, as prior to their implementation, schools resembled fast food restaurants in their contributions to empty calorie intake. PMID:24200654

Where are kids getting their empty calories? Stores, schools, and fast-food restaurants each played an important role in empty calorie intake among US children during 2009-2010.

PubMed

Poti, Jennifer M; Slining, Meghan M; Popkin, Barry M

2014-06-01

Consumption of empty calories, the sum of energy from added sugar and solid fat, exceeds recommendations, but little is known about where US children obtain these empty calories. The objectives of this study were to compare children's empty calorie consumption from retail food stores, schools, and fast-food restaurants; to identify food groups that were top contributors of empty calories from each location; and to determine the location providing the majority of calories for these key food groups. This cross-sectional analysis used data from 3,077 US children aged 2 to 18 years participating in the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The empty calorie content of children's intake from stores (33%), schools (32%), and fast-food restaurants (35%) was not significantly different in 2009-2010. In absolute terms, stores provided the majority of empty calorie intake (436 kcal). The top contributors of added sugar and solid fat from each location were similar: sugar-sweetened beverages, grain desserts, and high-fat milk∗ from stores; high-fat milk, grain desserts, and pizza from schools; and sugar-sweetened beverages, dairy desserts, french fries, and pizza from fast-food restaurants. Schools contributed about 20% of children's intake of high-fat milk and pizza. These findings support the need for continued efforts to reduce empty calorie intake among US children aimed not just at fast-food restaurants, but also at stores and schools. The importance of reformed school nutrition standards was suggested, as prior to implementation of these changes, schools resembled fast-food restaurants in their contributions to empty calorie intake. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Affordable Housing and the Empty Nester Boom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hare, Patrick H.

One of the best ways to produce affordable housing is to address the needs of a group that has too much housing. A baby boom generation generates an empty nester boom. An empty nester boom means dramatic underutilization of the housing stock. If a small percentage of homeowners were to install an accessory apartment, they would have a significant…

Shakespeare in a Fishbowl.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coryell, Susan M.

1994-01-01

Presents an approach to discussion of Shakespearean sonnets, in which a group of students makes a presentation to the class and two empty chairs. Notes that, after the presentation, members of the larger group can take one of the empty seats and offer evidence or questions to the "experts," producing a lively and focused group…

Effect of glycine on recovery of bladder smooth muscle contractility after acute urinary retention in rats.

PubMed

Hong, Sung K; Son, Hwancheol; Kim, Soo W; Oh, Seung-June; Choi, Hwang

2005-12-01

To investigate the effects of glycine on the recovery of bladder smooth muscle contractility after acute urinary retention. Bladder overdistension was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by an infusion of saline (twice the threshold volume), maintained for 2 h. From 15 min before emptying of the bladder until 2 h after, saline or glycine solution was infused i.v. At 30 min, 2 h and 1 week after bladder emptying, samples of bladder tissue were taken for muscle strip study, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, ATP assay, Western blotting for apoptosis-related molecules (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3), and histological analysis including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labelling staining. The results were compared among normal control, saline-treated and glycine-treated rats. In the glycine-treated group, muscle strip contractile responses induced by electrical-field stimulation and carbachol were both significantly greater at 1 week after bladder emptying than in the saline-treated group. The results of the ATP assay appeared to correspond with those of the muscle strip study. The saline-treated group had significantly higher MDA levels at 30 min after bladder emptying than the glycine-treated group. At 2 h after bladder emptying, there was significantly more apoptosis and greater leukocyte infiltration in the saline-treated group than in the glycine-treated group. While pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 were down-regulated, Bcl-2 was up-regulated in the glycine-treated group. Glycine infusions might improve the contractile responses of bladder smooth muscle after acute urinary retention by reducing oxidative damage and apoptosis.

[Study of negative feedback between wild-type BRAF or RAFV600E and Mps1 in melanoma].

PubMed

Zhang, Ling; He, Chanting; Bi, Yanghui; Liu, Feng; Cui, Heyang; Wang, Juan; Song, Bin; Shi, Ruyi; Yang, Bin; Wang, Fang; Jia, Zhiwu; Zhao, Zhenxiang; Liu, Jing

2015-04-01

To study the effect of Mps1 on BRAFWT/MEK/ERK pathway in the presence of wild type BRAF or BRAFV600E in melanoma. Melanoma cells harboring BRAFWT genotype were transfected either with pBabe-puro-GST-BRAF-WT and/or pBabe-puro-GFP-Mps1-WT or pBabe-puro-GST-BRAFV600E and/or pBabe-puro-GFP-Mps1-WT, followed by Western blot to detect Mps1 and p-ERK expression. The melanoma cells harboring BRAFWT and BRAFV600E genotype were infected with pSUPER-Mps1 retrovirus to knockdown the endogenous Mps1 protein, followed by Western blot to detect Mps1 and p-ERK expression. Meanwhile, melanoma cells harboring BRAFV600E genotype were infected with pBabe-puro-GFP-Mps1 and Western blot was performed to detect Mps1 and p-ERK expression. In melanoma cells harboring BRAFWT genotype and transfected with pBabe-puro-GST-BRAF-WT and pBabe-puro-GFP-Mps1-WT, phospho-ERK levels were notably reduced as compared to either negative control or empty vector. However, cells transfected with pBabe-puro-GST-BRAFV600E and pBabe-puro-GFP-Mps1-WT, phospho-ERK levels did not change significantly compared with either negative control or empty vector. Knockout of Mps1 in BRAF wild-type cell lines led to an increased ERK activity. However, there was no significant change of ERK activity in BRAFV600E cell lines in the absence of Mps1. The expression of p-ERK in BRAFV600E mutant cell lines infected with pBabe-puro-GFP-Mps1-WT did not show any significant difference from either negative control or empty vector. Based on these findings, it suggests that there exists an auto-regulatory negative feedback loop between the Mps1 kinase and BRAFWT/ERK signaling. Oncogenic BRAFV600E abrogates the regulatory negative feedback loop of Mps1 on the MAPK pathway.

Gastric emptying abnormal in duodenal ulcer

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

Holt, S.; Heading, R.C.; Taylor, T.V.

1986-07-01

To investigate the possibility that an abnormality of gastric emptying exists in duodenal ulcer and to determine if such an abnormality persists after ulcer healing, scintigraphic gastric emptying measurements were undertaken in 16 duodenal ulcer patients before, during, and after therapy with cimetidine; in 12 patients with pernicious anemia, and in 12 control subjects. No difference was detected in the rate or pattern of gastric emptying in duodenal ulcer patients before and after ulcer healing with cimetidine compared with controls, but emptying of the solid component of the test meal was more rapid during treatment with the drug. Comparison ofmore » emptying patterns obtained in duodenal ulcer subjects during and after cimetidine treatment with those obtained in pernicious anemia patients and controls revealed a similar relationship that was characterized by a tendency for reduction in the normal differentiation between the emptying of solid and liquid from the stomach. The similarity in emptying patterns in these groups of subjects suggests that gastric emptying of solids may be influenced by changes in the volume of gastric secretion. The failure to detect an abnormality of gastric emptying in duodenal ulcer subjects before and after ulcer healing calls into question the widespread belief that abnormally rapid gastric emptying is a feature with pathogenetic significance in duodenal ulcer disease.« less

Undetectable Transcription of cap in a Clinical AAV Vector: Implications for Preformed Capsid in Immune Responses

PubMed Central

Hauck, Bernd; Murphy, Samuel L; Smith, Peter H; Qu, Guang; Liu, Xingge; Zelenaia, Olga; Mingozzi, Federico; Sommer, Jürg M; High, Katherine A; Wright, J. Fraser

2008-01-01

In a gene therapy clinical trial for hemophilia B, adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) capsid–specific CD8+ T cells were previously implicated in the elimination of vector-transduced hepatocytes, resulting in loss of human factor IX (hFIX) transgene expression. To test the hypothesis that expression of AAV2 cap DNA impurities in the AAV2-hFIX vector was the source of epitopes presented on transduced cells, transcription of cap was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (Q-RT-PCR) following transduction of target cells with the vector used in the clinical trial. Transcriptional profiling was also performed for residual AmpR, and adenovirus E2A and E4. Although trace amounts of DNA impurities were present in the clinical vector, transcription of these sequences was not detected after transduction of human hepatocytes, nor in mice administered a dose 26-fold above the highest dose administered in the clinical study. Two methods used to minimize encapsidated DNA impurities in the clinical vector were: (i) a vector (cis) production plasmid with a backbone exceeding the packaging limit of AAV; and (ii) a vector purification step that achieved separation of the vector from vector-related impurities (e.g., empty capsids). In conclusion, residual cap expression was undetectable following transduction with AAV2-hFIX clinical vectors. Preformed capsid protein is implicated as the source of epitopes recognized by CD8+ T cells that eliminated vector-transduced cells in the clinical study. PMID:18941440

The nondeterministic divide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charlesworth, Arthur

1990-01-01

The nondeterministic divide partitions a vector into two non-empty slices by allowing the point of division to be chosen nondeterministically. Support for high-level divide-and-conquer programming provided by the nondeterministic divide is investigated. A diva algorithm is a recursive divide-and-conquer sequential algorithm on one or more vectors of the same range, whose division point for a new pair of recursive calls is chosen nondeterministically before any computation is performed and whose recursive calls are made immediately after the choice of division point; also, access to vector components is only permitted during activations in which the vector parameters have unit length. The notion of diva algorithm is formulated precisely as a diva call, a restricted call on a sequential procedure. Diva calls are proven to be intimately related to associativity. Numerous applications of diva calls are given and strategies are described for translating a diva call into code for a variety of parallel computers. Thus diva algorithms separate logical correctness concerns from implementation concerns.

The metastasis suppressor gene KISS-1 regulates osteosarcoma apoptosis and autophagy processes.

PubMed

Yin, Yiran; Tang, Lian; Shi, Lei

2017-03-01

The expression of the metastasis suppressor gene KISS-1 in osteosarcoma cells during apoptosis and autophagy was evaluated. MG-63 osteosarcoma cells were transfected with either KISS-1 overexpression or KISS-1 knockdown expression vector in vitro, and compared with cell lines transfected with empty vector. After 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of cell culture, the cell proliferation was examined. The MTT method was used to detect apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the mRNA levels of apoptosis and autophagy markers caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, LC3 and Beclin1 were assessed by RT-PCR. Our results showed that cells in the control and low expression group kept proliferating during the cell culture period of 72 h, while the cells in the overexpression group progressively decreased in number. Also, the proliferation rate of the low expression group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The relative mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax mRNA in the control and low expression group showed no change (the expression was lowest in the low expression group). Moreover, the mRNA level of Bcl-2 increased in both cell groups. The mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax in the overexpression group were increased, and the level of Bcl-2 was reduced significantly. At the same time, the relative expression level of LC3 and Beclin1 mRNA in the control and low expression groups remained the same, and that of the overexpression group increased. The mRNA levels of LC3 and Beclin1 in the overexpression group were the highest, and that of the low expression group the lowest. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Based on these results, we showed that KISS-1 inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma in vitro, probably by accelerating the processes of apoptosis and autophagy in the cells.

Wigner functions on non-standard symplectic vector spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Nuno Costa; Prata, João Nuno

2018-01-01

We consider the Weyl quantization on a flat non-standard symplectic vector space. We focus mainly on the properties of the Wigner functions defined therein. In particular we show that the sets of Wigner functions on distinct symplectic spaces are different but have non-empty intersections. This extends previous results to arbitrary dimension and arbitrary (constant) symplectic structure. As a by-product we introduce and prove several concepts and results on non-standard symplectic spaces which generalize those on the standard symplectic space, namely, the symplectic spectrum, Williamson's theorem, and Narcowich-Wigner spectra. We also show how Wigner functions on non-standard symplectic spaces behave under the action of an arbitrary linear coordinate transformation.

3D printed hyperelastic "bone" scaffolds and regional gene therapy: A novel approach to bone healing.

PubMed

Alluri, Ram; Jakus, Adam; Bougioukli, Sofia; Pannell, William; Sugiyama, Osamu; Tang, Amy; Shah, Ramille; Lieberman, Jay R

2018-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) transduced with a lentiviral (LV) vector to overexpress bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) loaded onto a novel 3D printed scaffold. Human ADSCs were transduced with a LV vector carrying the cDNA for BMP-2. The transduced cells were loaded onto a 3D printed Hyperelastic "Bone" (HB) scaffold. In vitro BMP-2 production was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. The ability of ADSCs loaded on the HB scaffold to induce in vivo bone formation in a hind limb muscle pouch model was assessed in the following groups: ADSCs transduced with LV-BMP-2, LV-green fluorescent protein, ADSCs alone, and empty HB scaffolds. Bone formation was assessed using radiographs, histology and histomorphometry. Transduced ADSCs BMP-2 production on the HB scaffold at 24 hours was similar on 3D printed HB scaffolds versus control wells with transduced cells alone, and continued to increase after 1 and 2 weeks of culture. Bone formation was noted in LV-BMP-2 animals on plain radiographs at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation; no bone formation was noted in the other groups. Histology demonstrated that the LV-BMP-2 group was the only group that formed woven bone and the mean bone area/tissue area was significantly greater when compared with the other groups. 3D printed HB scaffolds are effective carriers for transduced ADSCs to promote bone repair. The combination of gene therapy and tissue engineered scaffolds is a promising multidisciplinary approach to bone repair with significant clinical potential. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1104-1110, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How often do fishes "run on empty"?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arrington, D.A.; Winemiller, K.O.; Loftus, W.F.; Akin, S.

2002-01-01

We used a large data set of African, Neotropical, and North American fishes to examine the frequency with which fishes have empty stomachs (nspecies = 254; nindividuals = 36875). Mean percentage of empty stomachs was low across all fishes (16.2 ?? 1.2%) but varied from 0% to 79.4% among individual species. Nocturnal fishes had empty stomachs more frequently than diurnal fishes. Trophic classification was strongly associated with the percentage of empty stomachs, a pattern also revealed from an intraspecific analysis. Fishes appear to adjust their feeding intervals relative to the energy density, conversion efficiency, and particle size of their food. Piscivorous fishes seem to be the only trophic group that regularly experience long periods of empty stomachs, with species that consume prey whole and those that provide extended parental care having the highest proportions of empty stomachs. Activity patterns and life histories of some piscivorous species probably have evolved in partial response to energetic benefits of large, energy-rich food resources.

Fasting does not induce gastric emptying in rats.

PubMed

Brito, Marcus Vinicius Henriques; Yasojima, Edson Yuzur; Teixeira, Renan Kleber Costa; Houat, Abdallah de Paula; Yamaki, Vitor Nagai; Costa, Felipe Lobato da Silva

2015-03-01

To evaluate the effect of fasting on gastric emptying in mice. Twenty-eight mice were distributed into three study groups: a normal group (N=4): normal standard animals; a total fasting group (N=12): subjected to food and water deprivation and a partial fasting group (N=12): subjected to food deprivation only. The fasting groups were subdivided into three subgroups of four animals each, according to the date of euthanasia: 24, 48 and 72 hours. Was analyzed: the gastric volume, degree of the gastric wall distention and the presence of food debris in gastrointestinal tract. The mean gastric volume was 1601 mm3 in the normal group, 847 mm3 in total fasting group and 997 mm3 in partial fasting group. There was difference between the fasting groups in any analyzed period (p<0.05). Regarding the presence of food debris in the gastrointestinal tract and the degree of distension of the stomach, there was no difference between the groups that underwent total or partial fasting (p>0.05). Total fasting or only-solids deprivation does not induce gastric emptying in mice.

A scalable method for the production of high-titer and high-quality adeno-associated type 9 vectors using the HSV platform

PubMed Central

Adamson-Small, Laura; Potter, Mark; Falk, Darin J; Cleaver, Brian; Byrne, Barry J; Clément, Nathalie

2016-01-01

Recombinant adeno-associated vectors based on serotype 9 (rAAV9) have demonstrated highly effective gene transfer in multiple animal models of muscular dystrophies and other neurological indications. Current limitations in vector production and purification have hampered widespread implementation of clinical candidate vectors, particularly when systemic administration is considered. In this study, we describe a complete herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based production and purification process capable of generating greater than 1 × 1014 rAAV9 vector genomes per 10-layer CellSTACK of HEK 293 producer cells, or greater than 1 × 105 vector genome per cell, in a final, fully purified product. This represents a 5- to 10-fold increase over transfection-based methods. In addition, rAAV vectors produced by this method demonstrated improved biological characteristics when compared to transfection-based production, including increased infectivity as shown by higher transducing unit-to-vector genome ratios and decreased total capsid protein amounts, shown by lower empty-to-full ratios. Together, this data establishes a significant improvement in both rAAV9 yields and vector quality. Further, the method can be readily adapted to large-scale good laboratory practice (GLP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP) production of rAAV9 vectors to enable preclinical and clinical studies and provide a platform to build on toward late-phases and commercial production. PMID:27222839

Single dose of an adenovirus vectored mouse interferon-α protects mice from lethal EV71 challenge.

PubMed

Sun, Jialei; Ennis, Jane; Turner, Jeffrey D; Chu, Justin Jang Hann

2016-10-01

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes hand-foot-and-mouth diseases as well as neurological complications in young children. Interferon (IFN) can inhibit the replication of many viruses with low cytotoxic effects. Previously, an adenovirus vectored mouse interferon-α (DEF201), subtype 5, was generated by Wu et al, 2007. In this study, the antiviral effects of DEF201 against EV71 were evaluated in a murine model. 6-day-old BALB/c mice were administered a single dose of DEF201 before or after infection with lethal dose of EV71. The survival rate, clinical symptoms, tissue viral loads and histology pathogenesis were evaluated. IFN gene expression following a single dose of DEF201 maintained high concentrations of 100-9000 pg/mL for more than 7 days in mice serum. Pre-infection administration of a single dose of 10 6  PFU of DEF201 offered full protection of the mice against EV71 infection compared with the empty Ad5 vector control. In addition, virus load in DEF201-treated mice muscle tissue was significantly decreased as compared with empty vector control. Histopathology analysis revealed that DEF201 significantly prevented the development of severe tissue damage with reduction of viral antigen in the murine muscle tissue. Post-infection treatment at 6 h offered full protection and partial protection at 12 h, indicating that DEF201 could be used as an anti-EV71 therapeutic agent in early stage of EV71 infection. In addition, our study showed that DEF201 enhanced the neutralization ability of serum in EV71-vaccinated mice, implying that DEF201 could promote the production of specific anti-EV71 antibodies. In conclusion, single dose of DEF201 is highly efficacious as a prophylactic agent against EV71 infection in vivo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An assessment of left atrial function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy before and 1 year after septal ablation by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

PubMed

Fang, Hui; Tang, Hailin; Li, Peng; Xiong, Li; Hu, Gongpai; Li, Li; Yu, Yonghong; Zhao, Bowen

2017-03-01

The objective of this study was to assess left atrial (LA) function with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in addition to standard echocardiographic assessments in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) before and 1 year after septal ablation (SA). The study included 31 patients with HOCM, who underwent SA. Each patient with HOCM underwent a complete two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography before and 1 year after the SA. The measurements included basal septal thickness, left ventricular outflow trace (LVOT) gradient, mitral regurgitation (MR) grade, LA dimensions, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, and tissue Doppler parameters of lateral mitral annular e' and septal mitral annular e'. The LA wall was tracked on a frame-by-frame basis using 2DSTE, and LA volume waveforms were generated. The maximum LA volume (LAV max ), minimal LA volume (LAV min ), and the LA volume before atrial contraction (LAV pre-a ) were measured. The LA reservoir function was calculated as the expansion index and diastolic emptying index. The LA conduit function was calculated as the passive emptying percentage of total emptying (PE) and the passive emptying index (PEI). The LA booster function was calculated as the active emptying percentage of total emptying (AE) and the active emptying index (AEI). The LVOT gradient, end-diastolic septal base thickness, the grade of MR, and LA end-diastolic size were significantly decreased in patients with HOCM before and 1 year after the SA (All P<.05). The lateral mitral annular e' was significantly increased (P<.05), and the E/lateral e' ratio was significantly decreased (P<.05), whereas septal mitral annular e' was significantly decreased (P<.05), and the E/septal e' ratio was significantly increased (P<.05). LAVI max , LAVI min , and LAVI pre-a were significantly decreased 1 year after the SA (All P<.05). The expansion and diastolic emptying indices were significantly increased (All P<.05) at 1 year after the SA. PE and PEI were significantly increased (All P<.05). The AE and AEI were significantly decreased (All P<.05). LAVI max , LAVI min , and LAVI pre-a of the responders group were significantly lower than those of the nonresponders group (All P<.05). The expansion and diastolic emptying indices of the responders group were significantly higher than those of the nonresponders group (All P<.05). The PE and PEI of the responders were significantly higher than those of the nonresponders group (All P<.05). The AE and AEI of the responders were significantly lower than those of the nonresponders group (All P<.05). We found an improvement in the LA reservoir and conduit function but a reduction in LA booster pump function 1 year after the SA in the responders. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Exercise and training effects on gastric emptying of carbohydrate beverages.

PubMed

Rehrer, N J; Beckers, E; Brouns, F; Hoor ten, F; Saris, W H

1989-10-01

Carbohydrate containing drinks are commonly consumed as an ergogenic aid during endurance sports activities. The efficacy of a given drink is limited by the rate of absorption, which is in turn limited by gastric emptying. A myriad of factors influence gastric emptying. The influence of several of these factors (training status, exercise intensity, and carbohydrate composition) was investigated by repeated experiments using a nasogastric tube and a modification of the technique of George. A group of well-trained bicyclists and a group of untrained subjects performed similar experiments. Three different carbohydrate containing drinks (15 g.100 ml-1 glucose (G), 15 g.100 ml-1 maltodextrin plus 3 g.100 ml-1 fructose (MD), 7 g.100 ml-1 sucrose (I] and artificially sweetened water were compared during rest and 50 and 70% Wmax bicycling. Experimental design was crossover. There was a trend for the carbohydrate drinks to empty initially more slowly under the influence of exercise. Differences in drink volume remaining in the stomach were significant (P less than 0.05), with I at 10 min (70%, mean = 48.9%; rest, mean = 30.5%) and at 20 min (70%, mean = 28.9%; rest, mean = 23.8%) and with MD at 10 min (70%, mean = 71.1%; rest, mean = 55.9%). A similar trend was also seen with 50% Wmax exercise; however, this trend was only significant with MD at 10 min (50%, mean = 72.1%; rest, mean = 55.9%). Drink composition was a much stronger inhibitor of gastric emptying. However, all drinks emptied exponentially with fast-phase initial emptying rates. No differences in gastric emptying or secretion were observed between trained and untrained subjects.

TPD52: A Novel Vaccine Target for Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

Headquarters Services , Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202- 4302...3T3 and 3T3.V (transfected with empty vector) served as negative controls. GAPDH expression served as an internal reference control. B. Western blot... internal reference control. Representative of three separate experiments. Murine TPD52–Induced Metastasis Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(2). February 2007 135 To

Ectopic ERK Expression Induces Phenotypic Conversion of C10 Cells and Alters DNA Methyltransferase Expression

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

Sontag, Ryan L.; Weber, Thomas J.

2012-05-04

In some model systems constitutive extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) activation is sufficient to promote an oncogenic phenotype. Here we investigate whether constitutive ERK expression influences phenotypic conversion in murine C10 type II alveolar epithelial cells. C10 cells were stably transduced with an ERK1-green fluorescent protein (ERK1-GFP) chimera or empty vector and ectopic ERK expression was associated with the acquisition of soft agar focus-forming potential in late passage, but not early passage cells. Late passage ERK1-GFP cells exhibited a significant increase in the expression of DNA methyl transferases (DNMT1 and 3b) and a marked increase in sensitivity to 5-azacytidine (5-azaC)-mediatedmore » toxicity, relative to early passage ERK1-GFP cells and vector controls. The expression of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) were significantly increased in late passage cells, suggesting enhanced DNA damage recognition and repair activity which we interpret as a reflection of genomic instability. Phospho-ERK levels were dramatically decreased in late passage ERK1-GFP cells, relative to early passage and vector controls, and phospho-ERK levels were restored by treatment with sodium orthovanadate, indicating a role for phosphatase activity in this response. Collectively these observations suggest that ectopic ERK expression promotes phenotypic conversion of C10 cells that is associated with latent effects on epigenetic programming and phosphatase activities.« less

Effect of c-myc on the ultrastructural structure of cochleae in guinea pigs with noise induced hearing loss

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

Han, Yu; Zhong, Cuiping; Hong, Liu

2009-12-18

Noise over-stimulation may induce hair cells loss and hearing deficit. The c-myc oncogene is a major regulator for cell proliferation, growth, and apoptosis. However, the role of this gene in the mammalian cochlea is still unclear. The study was designed to firstly investigate its function under noise condition, from the aspect of cochlear ultrastructural changes. We had established the adenoviral vector of c-myc gene and delivered the adenovirus suspension into the scala tympani of guinea pigs 4 days before noise exposure. The empty adenoviral vectors were injected as control. Then, all subjects were exposed to 4-kHz octave-band noise at 110more » dB SPL for 8 h/day, 3 days consecutively. Auditory thresholds were assessed by auditory brainstem response, prior to and 7 days following noise exposure. On the seventh days after noise exposure, the cochlear sensory epithelia surface was observed microscopically and the cochleae were taken to study the ultrastructural changes. The results indicated that auditory threshold shift after noise exposure was higher in the ears treated with Ad.EGFP than that treated with Ad.c-myc-EGFP. Stereocilia loss and the disarrangement of outer hair cells were observed, with greater changes found in the Ad.EGFP group. Also, the ultrastructure changes were severe in the Ad.EGFP group, but not obvious in the Ad.c-myc-EGFP group. Therefore, c-myc gene might play an unexpected role in hearing functional and morphological protection from acoustic trauma.« less

Catastrophic health expenditure: a comparative analysis of empty-nest and non-empty-nest households with seniors in Shandong, China.

PubMed

Yang, Tingting; Chu, Jie; Zhou, Chengchao; Medina, Alexis; Li, Cuicui; Jiang, Shan; Zheng, Wengui; Sun, Liyuan; Liu, Jing

2016-07-05

The aim of this study was to compare the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) prevalence and its determinants between empty-nest and non-empty-nest elderly households. Shandong province of China. A total of 2761 elderly households are included in the analysis. CHE incidence among elderly households was 44.9%. The CHE incidence of empty-nest singles (59.3%, p=0.000, OR=3.19) and empty-nest couples (52.9%, p=0.000, OR=2.45) are both statistically higher than that of non-empty-nest elderly households (31.4%). An inverse association was observed between CHE incidence and income level in all elderly household types. Factors including 1 or more household elderly members with non-communicable chronic diseases in the past 6 months, 1 or more elderly household members being hospitalised in the past year and lower household income, are significant risk factors for CHE in all 3 household types (p<0.05). Health insurance status was found to be a significant determinant of CHE among empty-nest singles and non-empty-nest households (p<0.05). CHE incidence among elderly households is high in China. Empty-nest households are at higher risk for CHE than non-empty-nest households. Based on these findings, we suggest that special insurance be developed to broaden the coverage of health services and heighten the reimbursement rate for empty-nest elderly in the existing health insurance schemes. Financial and social protection interventions are also essential for identified at-risk subgroups among different types of elderly households. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Felicity Conditions for Human Skill Acquisition: Validating an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-Based Theory.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-01

a stack, and productions are often not grouped into subroutines. For some reason, when psychologists think of temporary memory, whether for control ...Sierra cannot gcncrate. ’I7he third group contains 76 bug sets that have non -empty intersections with at least one bug set from Sierra’s predictions. This...that have non -empty intersections when interesected with at least one observed bug set. ’Ibis third group of bug sets is printed a little differently

Assessment of Gastric Emptying in Patients with Autoimmune Gastritis.

PubMed

Kalkan, Çağdaş; Soykan, Irfan; Soydal, Çiğdem; Özkan, Elgin; Kalkan, Emra

2016-06-01

Symptoms of patients with autoimmune gastritis are not specific, and some patients may present symptoms suggestive of delayed gastric emptying. This study aims to investigate whether any delay in gastric emptying of solid food exists in patients with autoimmune gastritis and, if so, to identify the factors that might affect delayed gastric emptying. A total of 165 patients (106 women) diagnosed as having autoimmune gastritis were analyzed by means of a gastric emptying test. All patients underwent a standardized scintigraphic gastric emptying study. Patients with delayed gastric emptying and normal gastric emptying tests were then compared by means of factors that might affect gastric emptying. Also 65 patients with functional dyspepsia who had a gastric emptying study constituted the control group. The median gastric emptying T ½ time was 127.43 min (min-max 50-953) for patients with AIG and 81 min (min-max 21-121.6) for functional dyspepsia patients (p < 0.001), and median percent retention at 2 h was 63.8 versus 20.2 (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, parameters that affected gastric emptying T ½ time were found as serum gastrin level (OR 1.002, 95 % CI 1.001-1.004, p < 0.001, chronic inflammation (OR 3.689, 95 % CI 1.44-9.39, p < 0.001), and increase in the degree of the atrophy of the gastric mucosa (OR 8.96, 95 % CI 2.98-26.93, p < 0.001). In patients with autoimmune gastritis, gastric emptying is generally delayed. Autoimmune gastritis is an important etiology to explain the finding of delayed gastric emptying on a radionuclide test. This new finding is likely to be relevant to clinicians when evaluating and initiating appropriate medical treatment for patients with autoimmune gastritis manifesting upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Eating behavior and gastric emptying in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome.

PubMed

Hoybye, Charlotte; Barkeling, Britta; Naslund, Erik; Thorén, Marja; Hellstrom, Per M

2007-01-01

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by distinctive physical, behavioral and psychiatric features. One cardinal symptom is excessive eating, often leading to extreme obesity. The etiology of the hyperphagia is unknown, but eating behaviors and gastrointestinal motility could play a pivotal role. In this pilot study, we therefore sought to give a closer description of the two. 12 PWS adults, 6 men and 6 women, 17-37 years of age with a median BMI of 34.9 were evaluated. Computerized monitoring of eating behavior and assessment of gastric emptying using paracetamol absorption were analyzed. Gastric emptying rate was compared to the rate in normal and obese controls. Eating behavior pattern was nonhomogeneous in the PWS patients, but they experienced both hunger and satiation. In PWS gastric emptying was similar to lean subjects (p > 0.05), but longer than in obese subjects (p < 0.05). Despite obesity, this group of adults with PWS did not display overeating in the test situation and gastric emptying rate was normal. Numbers are small, but the results are important for the treatment of obesity in this special group of patients. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of parenteral administration of erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin on abomasal emptying rate in suckling calves.

PubMed

Nouri, Mohammad; Constable, Peter D

2007-12-01

To determine the effect of parenteral administration of erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin on abomasal emptying rate in suckling calves. 8 male Holstein-Friesian calves < 35 days old. Calves received each of 4 treatments in random order (2 mL of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution, IM [control treatment]; erythromycin, 8.8 mg/kg, IM; tilmicosin, 10 mg/kg, SC; and tylosin, 17.6 mg/kg, IM). Calves were fed 2 L of milk replacer containing acetaminophen (50 mg/kg) 30 minutes later. Jugular venous blood samples and transabdominal ultrasonographic abomasal dimensions were obtained periodically after suckling. Abomasal emptying rate was assessed on the basis of the time to maximal plasma acetaminophen concentration and ultrasonographic determination of the halftime of abomasal emptying. One-tailed Dunnett post tests were conducted whenever the F value for group was significant. Emptying rate was faster for erythromycin, tilimicosin, and tylosin than for the control treatment, as determined on the basis of time to maximal plasma acetaminophen concentration. Ultrasonography indicated that the half-time of abomasal emptying was significantly shorter for erythromycin than for the control treatment. Tylosin and tilmicosin accelerated the abomasal emptying rate, but not significantly, relative to the emptying rate for the control treatment. Administration of erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin at the label dosage increased abomasal emptying rate in calves. The clinical importance of an increase in abomasal emptying rate in cattle remains to be determined.

Effect of synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog on gastric emptying of meals in man.

PubMed

Moore, J G; Alazraki, N; Clay, G D

1986-01-01

Forty-five subjects with healed duodenal ulcer were administered either a placebo or a low-dose or high-dose regimen of misoprostol, a synthetic PGE1 analog, in a double-blind, random, parallel-group design to assess the effect of this prostaglandin compound on the gastric emptying of liquid-solid meals. A dual-radionuclide technique to measure liquid- and solid-phase gastric emptying rates of physiological meals by external gamma camera imaging was used. All subjects had a pretreatment control (baseline) evaluation, followed one week later by a treatment-influenced emptying study. The results demonstrated that misoprostol did not significantly alter gastric emptying of either liquids or solids; however, these results cannot be extrapolated to other prostaglandin compounds because of the diverse and sometimes paradoxical effects of different prostaglandins on gastric motility.

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

Zhang, JY; Hong, DL

Purpose: To investigate the impact of bladder filling status of the organs at risk (OARs) on dose distribution during intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer patients. Methods: Twelve cervical cancer patients treated with IMRT were selected for this study. The prescription dose was 45Gy/25 fractions with the 6 MV photon beam. All patients performed two CT scans, one with an empty bladder, the other one with bladder filled. For the registration of two CT scans, the fusion was automatically carried out upon the bony anatomy. The OARs (bladder, rectum, pelvic bone and small intestine) were delineated to planning CTmore » to evaluate the dose distributions. These dose distributions were compared between empty bladder and bladder filling. Results: The bladder volume with empty bladder and bladder filling was 403.2±124.13cc and 101.4±87.5cc, respectively. There were no statistical differences between empty bladder and bladder filling in the mean value of pelvic bone V10Gy, V20Gy, V40Gy; rectum V40Gy and V45Gy. The bladder V40Gy and V45Gy were lower in the bladder filling group than in the empty bladder group (63.7%±5.8% vs 87.5%±7.8%, 45.1%±9.5% vs 62.4%±11.8%, respectively). The V45Gy for small intestine in the bladder filling group was significantly less than the empty bladder group (146.7cc±95.3cc vs 245.7cc±101.8cc). Conclusion: Our study finds that the bladder filling status did not have a significant impact on dose distribution in the rectum and pelvic bone. However, the changes of bladder filling have a large impact on bladder and small intestine doses. A full bladder is strongly recommended during treatment for cervical cancer patients.« less

Phase 1 Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using a Translational Optimized AAV Vector

PubMed Central

Bowles, Dawn E; McPhee, Scott WJ; Li, Chengwen; Gray, Steven J; Samulski, Jade J; Camp, Angelique S; Li, Juan; Wang, Bing; Monahan, Paul E; Rabinowitz, Joseph E; Grieger, Joshua C; Govindasamy, Lakshmanan; Agbandje-McKenna, Mavis; Xiao, Xiao; Samulski, R Jude

2012-01-01

Efficient and widespread gene transfer is required for successful treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Here, we performed the first clinical trial using a chimeric adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid variant (designated AAV2.5) derived from a rational design strategy. AAV2.5 was generated from the AAV2 capsid with five mutations from AAV1. The novel chimeric vector combines the improved muscle transduction capacity of AAV1 with reduced antigenic crossreactivity against both parental serotypes, while keeping the AAV2 receptor binding. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase I clinical study in DMD boys, AAV2.5 vector was injected into the bicep muscle in one arm, with saline control in the contralateral arm. A subset of patients received AAV empty capsid instead of saline in an effort to distinguish an immune response to vector versus minidystrophin transgene. Recombinant AAV genomes were detected in all patients with up to 2.56 vector copies per diploid genome. There was no cellular immune response to AAV2.5 capsid. This trial established that rationally designed AAV2.5 vector was safe and well tolerated, lays the foundation of customizing AAV vectors that best suit the clinical objective (e.g., limb infusion gene delivery) and should usher in the next generation of viral delivery systems for human gene transfer. PMID:22068425

Role of the Neddylation Enzyme Uba3, A New Estrogen Receptor Corepressor in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

cells acquire ICI 182,780 resistance while retaining expres- sion of ER. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials The following antibodies and reagents were used...protein assay kit; FBS and csFBS (Hy- Clone Laboratories, Inc., Logan, UT); LipofectAMINE Plus Reagent , geneticin, and other cell culture reagents were...plasmid DNA (adjusted by corresponding empty vectors) by using LipofectAMINE Plus Reagent according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Five hours later

Use of Log-Linear Models in Classification Problems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

polynomials. The second example involves infant hypoxic trauma, and many cells are empty. The existence conditions are used to find a model for which esti...mates of cell frequencies exist and are in good agreement with the ob- served data. Key Words: Classification problem, log-difference models, minimum 8...variates define k states, which are labeled consecutively. Thus, while MB define cells in their tables by an I-vector Z, we simply take Z to be a

Beta Catenin in Prostate Cancer Apoptosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

indicate that, Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) might be a key player in mediating this. GSK3β, a multifunctional serine/ threonine kinase regulates...for TRAIL-TZD-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. AMPK is a family of serine/ threonine protein kinase and is highly conserved from yeast to...metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes . We used C42-DN (stably overexpressing AMPK α1-dominant negative) and C42-EV (empty vector) prostate cancer cell

[Role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells].

PubMed

Bai, Yu-chun; Kang, Quan; Luo, Qing; Wu, Dao-qi; Ye, Wei-xia; Lin, Xue-mei; Zhao, Yong

2011-10-01

To explore the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in pancreatic cancer and its influence on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. The expression of CTGF in pancreatic cell line PANC-1 cells was analyzed by real-time PCR and in pancreatic carcinoma (50 cases) tissues by immunohistochemistry. The ability of proliferation and migration in vitro of PANC-1 cells was tested by MTT assay, scratch test and Boyden chamber test after the CTGF gene was overexpressed by Ad5-CTGF or silenced with Ad5-siCTGF transfection. CTGF was overexpressed in both pancreatic cancer cells and tissues. Overxpression of CTGF leads to increased proliferation and migration of PANC-1 cells. The CTGF-transfected PANC-1 cells showed apparent stronger proliferation ability and scratch-repair ability than that of empty vector controls. The results of Boyden chamber test showed that there were 34 cells/field (200× magnificantion) of the CTGF-transfected overexpressing cells, much more than the 11 cells/field of the empty vector control cells; and 6 cells/microscopic field of the Ad5-siCTGF-transfected silenced cells, much less than the 15 cells/field of the control cells. CTGF is overexpressed in both pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, indicating that it may play an important role in the cell proliferation and migration in pancreatic cancer.

Ranitidine: forgotten drug of delayed gastric emptying.

PubMed

Veevers, Abbie E; Oxberry, Stephen G

2017-09-01

Delayed gastric emptying in the presence or absence of mechanical bowel obstruction can cause distressing symptoms in palliative care patients. We present two patients, both with vomiting due to delayed gastric emptying and gastric outlet obstruction secondary to pancreatic cancer, treated with subcutaneous ranitidine resulting in a symptomatic response. We hypothesise that ranitidine is a useful adjunct to standard treatment with prokinetic agents or octreotide in such patients and potentially those with proximal mechanical bowel obstruction from other malignancies with associated delayed gastric emptying. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Relation between gastric emptying rate and energy intake in children compared with adults.

PubMed Central

Maes, B D; Ghoos, Y F; Geypens, B J; Hiele, M I; Rutgeerts, P J

1995-01-01

Measurement of gastric emptying rate of solids in children is difficult because the available methods are either invasive or induce a substantial radiation burden. In this study the newly developed 13C octanoic acid breath test was used to examine the gastric emptying rate of solids and milk in healthy children and to compare gastric emptying in children and adults. Fifteen healthy children and three groups of nine healthy adults were studied, using three different test meals labelled with 50 mg of 13C octanoic acid: a low caloric pancake (150 kcal), a high caloric pancake (250 kcal), and 210 ml of milk (134 kcal). Breath samples were taken before and at regular intervals after ingestion of the test meal, and analysed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The gastric emptying parameters were derived from the 13CO2 excretion curves by non-linear regression analysis. No significant difference was found between children and adults in the emptying rate of the low caloric solid test meal. In children as well as in adults, increasing the energy content of the solid meal resulted in a significantly slower emptying rate. The milk test meal, however, was emptied at a faster rate in adults and at slower rate in children compared with the low caloric solid test meal. Moreover, the emptying rate of milk in children was significantly slower than in adults. In conclusion, a similar gastric emptying rate of solids but a slower emptying of full cream milk was shown in children of school age compared with adults, using the non-radioactive 13C octanoic acid breath test. PMID:7883214

[Gastric emptying of a solid-liquid meal in gastroesophageal reflux in adults].

PubMed

Bost, R; Hostein, J; Gignoux, C; Busquet, G; Lachet, B; Fournet, J

1986-04-01

Several studies concerning the relationships between gastroesophageal reflux (GOR), gastric emptying and esophageal motility are available. So far, results have been contradictory. The purpose of this work was to study gastric emptying in patients with GOR; to search for simultaneous esophageal motility disorders and to specify their type and frequency; to establish a potential relationship between motor disorders of the esophagus and the stomach in these patients. Thirty-two consecutive patients were selected according to clinical criteria, i.e. presence of at least two of the three characteristic symptoms of GOR, and the data of a three-hour post-prandial pH-metry. Gastric stasis related clinical manifestations (nausea, post-prandial vomiting, sensation of abdominal distension or of post-prandial epigastric fullness) were also searched for in all patients. A gastroscopy allowed to score esophagitis in each case. All patients, including adult controls underwent an esophageal manometry as well as a radionuclide determination of gastric emptying, after isotopic labelling of the solid (S) and liquid (L) phases of a test meal. The results showed that there was no significant modification of gastric emptying of the S and L phases of the meal in the group of patients with GOR whatever the intensity of the reflux, judged on the pH-metry results and the endoscopic data. Thus the average time of gastric half-emptying of S and L was respectively 115 and 52 min for the patients vs 111 and 51 min for the control group. As well, no correlation was found between the gastric emptying parameters and the presence or absence of clinical signs of gastric stasis or the amplitude of esophageal contraction waves. On an individual basis, two patients showed a significant decrease in gastric emptying of either the S or L phases without any attendant modification in the kinetics of the other. These results suggest that, in the adult, gastric emptying cannot be considered to be a determining factor of GOR and there are no diffuse motility disorders of the upper digestive tract during this illness.

A Genealogy of Convex Solids Via Local and Global Bifurcations of Gradient Vector Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domokos, Gábor; Holmes, Philip; Lángi, Zsolt

2016-12-01

Three-dimensional convex bodies can be classified in terms of the number and stability types of critical points on which they can balance at rest on a horizontal plane. For typical bodies, these are non-degenerate maxima, minima, and saddle points, the numbers of which provide a primary classification. Secondary and tertiary classifications use graphs to describe orbits connecting these critical points in the gradient vector field associated with each body. In previous work, it was shown that these classifications are complete in that no class is empty. Here, we construct 1- and 2-parameter families of convex bodies connecting members of adjacent primary and secondary classes and show that transitions between them can be realized by codimension 1 saddle-node and saddle-saddle (heteroclinic) bifurcations in the gradient vector fields. Our results indicate that all combinatorially possible transitions can be realized in physical shape evolution processes, e.g., by abrasion of sedimentary particles.

Vector intensity reconstruction using the data completion method.

PubMed

Langrenne, Christophe; Garcia, Alexandre

2013-04-01

This paper presents an application of the data completion method (DCM) for vector intensity reconstructions. A mobile array of 36 pressure-pressure probes (72 microphones) is used to perform measurements near a planar surface. Nevertheless, since the proposed method is based on integral formulations, DCM can be applied with any kind of geometry. This method requires the knowledge of Cauchy data (pressure and velocity) on a part of the boundary of an empty domain in order to evaluate pressure and velocity on the remaining part of the boundary. Intensity vectors are calculated in the interior domain surrounded by the measurement array. This inverse acoustic problem requires the use of a regularization method to obtain a realistic solution. An experiment in a closed wooden car trunk mock-up excited by a shaker and two loudspeakers is presented. In this case, where the volume of the mock-up is small (0.61 m(3)), standing-waves and fluid structure interactions appear and show that DCM is a powerful tool to identify sources in a confined space.

Effects of gastric pacing on gastric emptying and plasma motilin

PubMed Central

Yang, Min; Fang, Dian-Chun; Li, Qian-Wei; Sun, Nian-Xu; Long, Qing-Lin; Sui, Jian-Feng; Gan, Lu

2004-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effects of gastric pacing on gastric emptying and plasma motilin level in a canine model of gastric motility disorders and the correlation between gastric emptying and plasma motilin level. METHODS: Ten healthy Mongrel dogs were divided into: experimental group of six dogs and control group of four dogs. A model of gastric motility disorders was established in the experimental group undergone truncal vagotomy combined with injection of glucagon. Gastric half-emptying time (GEt1/2) was monitored with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), and the half-solid test meal was labeled with an isotope 99mTc sulfur colloid. Plasma motilin concentration was measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit. Surface gastric pacing at 1.1-1.2 times the intrinsic slow-wave frequency and a superimposed series of high frequency pulses (10-30 Hz) was performed for 45 min daily for a month in conscious dogs. RESULTS: After surgery, GEt1/2 in dogs undergone truncal vagotomy was increased significantly from 56.35 ± 2.99 min to 79.42 ± 1.91 min (P < 0.001), but surface gastric pacing markedly accelerated gastric emptying and significantly decreased GEt1/2 to 64.94 ± 1.75 min (P < 0.001) in animals undergone vagotomy. There was a significant increase of plasma level of motilin at the phase of IMCIII (interdigestive myoelectrical complex, IMCIII) in the dogs undergone bilateral truncal vagotomy (baseline vs vagotomy, 184.29 ± 9.81 pg/ml vs 242.09 ± 17.22 pg/ml; P < 0.01). But plasma motilin concentration (212.55 ± 11.20 pg/ml; P < 0.02) was decreased significantly after a long-term treatment with gastric pacing. Before gastric pacing, GEt1/2 and plasma motilin concentration of the dogs undergone vagotomy showed a positive correlation (r = 0.867, P < 0.01), but after a long-term gastric pacing, GEt1/2 and motilin level showed a negative correlation (r = -0.733, P < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Surface gastric pacing with optimal pacing parameters can improve gastric emptying parameters and significantly accelerate gastric emptying and can resume or alter motor function in a canine model of motility disorders. Gastric emptying is correlated well with plasma motilin level before and after pacing, which suggests that motilin can modulate the mechanism of gastric pacing by altering gastric motility. PMID:14760770

Suppression of Oral Sweet Taste Sensation with Gymnema sylvestre Affects Postprandial Gastrointestinal Blood Flow and Gastric Emptying in Humans.

PubMed

Kashima, Hideaki; Eguchi, Kohei; Miyamoto, Kanae; Fujimoto, Masaki; Endo, Masako Yamaoka; Aso-Someya, Nami; Kobayashi, Toshio; Hayashi, Naoyuki; Fukuba, Yoshiyuki

2017-05-01

An oral sweet taste sensation (OSTS) exaggerates digestive activation transiently, but whether it has a role after swallowing a meal is not known. Gymnema sylvestre (GS) can inhibit the OSTS in humans. We explored the effect of the OSTS of glucose intake on gastrointestinal blood flow, gastric emptying, blood-glucose, and plasma-insulin responses during the postprandial phase. Eight participants ingested 200 g (50 g × 4 times) of 15% glucose solution containing 100 mg of 13C-sodium acetate after rinsing with 25 mL of 2.5% roasted green tea (control) or 2.5% GS solution. During each protocol, gastrointestinal blood flow and gastric emptying were measured by ultrasonography and 13C-sodium acetate breath test, respectively. Decreased subjective sweet taste intensity was observed in all participants in the GS group. The time to attain a peak value of blood flow in the celiac artery and gastric emptying were delayed in the GS group compared with the control group. At the initial phase after glucose intake, blood-glucose and plasma-insulin responses were lower in the GS group than those for the control group. These results suggest that the OSTS itself has a substantial role in controlling postprandial gastrointestinal activities, which may affect subsequent glycemic metabolism. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Overexpressed miRNA-134b inhibits proliferation and invasion of CD133+ U87 glioma stem cells].

PubMed

Liu, Yifeng; Zhang, Baochao; Wen, Changming; Wen, Gongling; Zhou, Guoping; Zhang, Jingwei; He, Haifa; Wang, Ning; Li, Wei

2017-05-01

Objective To investigate the role of microRNA-134b (miR-134b) in the tumorigenesis of glioma stem cells (GSCs) and the possible molecular mechanism. Methods Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evalate the expression of miR-134b in CD133 + and CD133 - U87 GSCs. A lentiviral vector overexpressing miR-134b in U87 GSCs was constructed, and the effect of miR-134b overexpression on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and MMP-12 expressions at both mRNA and protein levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Transwell TM assay was performed to determine the effect of miR-134b overexpression on GSCs invasion ability. Tumor xenograft models in nude mice were established to evaluate the effect of miR-134b overexpression on tumorgenesis in vivo. Results The qRT-PCR showed that, compared with CD133 - cells, miR-134b was significantly down-regulated in CD133 + cells. Cell line over-expressing miR-134b was successfully established, and miR-134b was up-regulated significantly compared with empty vector control. Overexpression of miR-134b remarkably inhibited the invasion of U87 GSCs and the expression of MMP-12. However, overexpression of miR-134b did not affect MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions. miR-134b also suppressed U87 GSCs xenograft growth in vivo. Tumor volume in tumor xenograft model group was significantly lower than that in control group, and tumor weight decreased by 42% in the former group. Conclusion Overexpression of miR-134b inhibits the growth and invasion of CD133 + GSCs.

Measuring polarization dependent dispersion of non-polarizing beam splitter cubes with spectrally resolved white light interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Csonti, K.; Hanyecz, V.; Mészáros, G.; Kovács, A. P.

2017-06-01

In this work we have measured the group-delay dispersion of an empty Michelson interferometer for s- and p-polarized light beams applying two different non-polarizing beam splitter cubes. The interference pattern appearing at the output of the interferometer was resolved with two different spectrometers. It was found that the group-delay dispersion of the empty interferometer depended on the polarization directions in case of both beam splitter cubes. The results were checked by inserting a glass plate in the sample arm of the interferometer and similar difference was obtained for the two polarization directions. These results show that to reach high precision, linearly polarized white light beam should be used and the residual dispersion of the empty interferometer should be measured at both polarization directions.

Gastric emptying of solids and liquids in obesity.

PubMed

Glasbrenner, B; Pieramico, O; Brecht-Krauss, D; Baur, M; Malfertheiner, P

1993-07-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether obese patients have different rates of solid and liquid gastric emptying compared to healthy controls. Twenty-four obese patients (7 males, 17 females) were investigated prior to dietary restriction. The patients had a weight excess above ideal weight ranging from 25% to 216% (mean weight 118.1 +/- 6.5 kg). The control group consisted of 8 healthy subjects (4 males, 4 females), within 10% of the ideal weight. The solid phase of the test meal consisted of 40 g bread, 30 g ham, 10 g margarine, and two scrambled eggs labeled with 99mTc. For the liquid phase, 200 ml orange juice was labeled with 201Tl. Three-minute counts of both tracers were taken for 106 min using a large field-of-view gamma camera. In obese patients, a significantly shortened lag phase for the emptying of solids was observed (27.0 +/- 3.3 versus 38.4 +/- 4.1 min; P < 0.05). Half-emptying time (105.9 +/- 6.7 versus 100.7 +/- 5.7 min), emptying rate (0.60 +/- 0.04 versus 0.71 +/- 0.07%/min), and total emptying of solids (49.4 +/- 3.6 versus 50.5 +/- 5.0%) were not different from controls. Obese subjects had a trend to slowed liquid emptying (half-time 82.7 +/- 4.8 versus 69.9 +/- 6.9 min; emptying rate 0.59 +/- 0.03 versus 0.65 +/- 0.03%/min; total emptying 59.8 +/- 2.9 versus 66.0 +/- 3.3%), but this was not statistically significant. There was no correlation between weight or body surface area and rate of solid or liquid gastric emptying.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-I anastomosis using circular stapler for early gastric cancer patients.

PubMed

Kim, Ki Han; Kim, Min Chan; Jung, Ghap Joong

2012-11-01

Gastric surgery may potentiate delayed gastric emptying. Billroth I gastroduodenostomy using a circular stapler is the most preferable reconstruction method. The purpose of this study is to analyze the risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis using a stapler for early gastric cancer. Three hundred and seventy-eight patients who underwent circular stapled Billroth I gastroduodenostomy after subtotal gastrectomy due to early gastric cancer were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and eighty-two patients had Billroth I anastomosis using a 25 mm diameter circular stapler, and 196 patients had anastomosis with a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler. Clinicopathological features and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Delayed gastric emptying was diagnosed by symptoms and simple abdomen X-ray with or without upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. Postoperative delayed gastric emptying was found in 12 (3.2%) of the 378 patients. Among all the variables, distal margin and circular stapler diameter were significantly different between the cases with delayed gastric emptying and no delayed gastric emptying. There were statistically significant differences in sex, body mass index, comorbidity, complication, and operation type according to circular stapler diameter. In both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, only the stapler diameter was found to be a significant factor affecting delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.040). In this study, the circular stapler diameter was one of the most significant predictable factors of delayed gastric emptying for Billroth I gastroduodenostomy. The use of a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler rather than a 25 mm diameter stapler in stapled gastroduodenostomy for early gastric cancer can reduce postoperative delayed gastric emptying associated with anastomosic stenosis or edema with relative safety.

Reversible autonomic dysfunction in hyperthyroid patients affects gastric myoelectrical activity and emptying.

PubMed

Barczyński, M; Thor, P

2001-08-01

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in hyperthyroidism has been so far investigated mainly from the cardiovascular point of view. The aim of this study is to show that the ANS dysfunction in hyperthyroidism is also expressed in gastric myoelectrical activity disturbances and gastric emptying disorders and to search for a correlation between the severity of clinical manifestation and free thyroid hormone levels and the degree of the ANS dysfunction. The analyzed group included 50 recently diagnosed patients with hyperthyroidism who were examined twice: before and after 3 months of thyrostatic treatment. Results were compared with those of a sex-, age- and BMI-matched control group of 50 healthy volunteers. The study included: heart rate variability analysis in time and frequency domain, at rest and during a deep-breathing test, surface electrogastrography in preprandial and postprandial periods measured simultaneously with the ultrasound assessment of gastric emptying time by Bolondi method. In patients with hyperthyroidism in comparison with the control group, the following significant differences were observed: a sharp reduction of the high-frequency component and a decrease of heart rate variability, a high incidence of dysrhythmia with dominant bradyarrhythmia, and a delay of gastric emptying. The degree of disorders related to the degree of clinical manifestation of hyperthyroidism's symptoms and free triiodothyronine serum concentration both. All the disorders were functional and disappeared in a stable euthyroidism. To conclude, the ANS dysfunction in hyperthyroidism results not only in withdrawal of vagal inhibitory effect on sinoatrial node, but in impaired mutual neuro-hormonal regulation (decrease of vagal influence) of gastric myoelectrical activity followed by delay of gastric emptying.

Continuous nasogastric tube feeding: monitoring by combined use of refractometry and traditional gastric residual volumes.

PubMed

Chang, W-K; McClave, S-A; Chao, Y-C

2004-02-01

Traditional use of gastric residual volumes (GRVs) is insensitive and cannot distinguish retained enteral formula from the large volume of endogenous secretions. We designed this prospective study to determine whether refractometry and Brix value (BV) measurements could be used to monitor gastric emptying and tolerance in patients receiving continuous enteral feeding. Thirty-six patients on continuous nasogastric tube feeding were divided into two groups; patients with lower GRVs (<75 ml) in Group 1, patients with higher GRVs (>75 ml) in Group 2. Upon entry, all gastric contents were aspirated, the volume was recorded (Asp GRV), BV measurements were made by refractometry, and then the contents were reinstilled but diluted with 30 ml additional water. Finally, a small amount was reaspirated and repeat BV measurements were made. Three hours later, the entire procedure was repeated a second time. The BV ratio, calculated (Cal) GRV, and volume of formula remaining were calculated by derived equations. Mean BV ratios were significantly higher for those patients in Group 2 compared to those in Group 1. All but one of the 22 patients (95%) in Group 1 had a volume of formula remaining in the stomach estimated on both measurements to be less than the hourly infusion rate (all these patients had BV ratios <70%). In contrast, six of the 14 patients in Group 2 (43%) on both measurements were estimated to have volumes of formula remaining that were greater than the hourly infusion rate (all these patients had BV ratios >70%). Three of the Group 2 patients (21%) whose initial measurement showed evidence for retention of formula, improved on repeat follow-up measurement assuring adequate gastric emptying. The remaining five patients from Group 2 (35%) had a volume of formula remaining that was less than the hourly infusion rate on both measurements. The pattern of Asp GRVs and serial pre- and post-dilution BVs failed to differentiate these patients in Group 2 with potential emptying problems from those with sufficient gastric emptying. Refractometry and measurement of the BV may improve the clinical utilization of GRVs, by its ability to identify the component of formula within gastric contents and track changes in that component related to gastric emptying.

Influence of hippophae rhamnoides on two appetite factors, gastric emptying and metabolic parameters, in children with functional dyspepsia.

PubMed

Xiao, Mantian; Qiu, Xiaoshan; Yue, Dianchao; Cai, Yongyi; Mo, Qingping

2013-01-01

Our aim was to explore in children with functional dyspepsia the effect of hippophae rhamnoides on the levels of plasma appetite factors and on their gastrointestinal motility. A hundred and twenty children with functional dyspepsia were randomly divided into three groups: Group I (treated with hippophae rhamnoides), Group II (treated with domperidone), and Group III (treated with hippophae rhamnoides plus domperidone). The treatment lasted for eight weeks. The levels of plasma leptin (LP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were measured before and after treatment. All patients underwent a gastric emptying (GE) test by ultrasound (US) to measure the rate of postprandial gastric antrum residual, at 30min, 60min, 90min and 120min. The average value of subcutaneous fat, body fat percentage, upper arm girth and body mass index (BMI) were also measured. To compare the US with the radionuclide GE test 14 healthy adults volunteers were tested by both GE techniques. We found that the levels of LP and NPY in plasma were markedly higher after treatment in Groups I and III than in Group II. The postprandial gastric antrum remains at 60min, 90min and 120min in Groups I and III fell greatly and the thickness of skin fold (SF), body fat percentage and arm girth increased (P<0.05). The GE half emptying time of a mixed liquid-solid food measured by B US and by the radionuclide technique in the same individuals was similar (P>0.05). In conclusion, in children's functional dyspepsia, our study showed that hippophae rhamnoides increases the levels of appetite factors, leptin and neuropeptide Y, increases gastric emptying and gastrointestinal digestive function, children's growth and development.

Upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 protected against brain damage induced by transient cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

PubMed

Lu, Xiufang; Gu, Renjun; Hu, Weimin; Sun, Zhitang; Wang, Gaiqing; Wang, Li; Xu, Yuming

2018-06-01

The aim of the present study was to identify the effect of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 gene on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups: Sham group, vehicle group, empty adenovirus vector (Ad) group and recombinant HO-1 adenovirus (Ad-HO-1) transfection group. Rats in the vehicle, Ad and Ad-HO-1 groups were respectively injected with saline, Ad or Ad-HO-1 for 3 days prior to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Subsequently, the middle cerebral artery occlusion method was used to establish the model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Following the assessment of neurological function, rats were sacrificed, and the infarction volume and apoptotic index in rat brains were measured. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of HO-1 in brain tissues were detected using western blot analysis. Results indicated that the neurological score of the Ad-HO-1 group was significantly increased compared with the Ad or vehicle groups, respectively (P<0.001). The volume of cerebral infarction and the index score of neuronal apoptosis in the vehicle and Ad groups was significantly increased compared with the Ad-HO-1 group (P<0.01). The death of neuronal cells following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury reduced remarkably induced by over-expression of HO-1. These findings suggest a neuroprotective role of HO-1 against brain injury induced by transient cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of bovine lactoferrin in surgically created bone defects on bone regeneration around implants.

PubMed

Görmez, Ulaş; Kürkcü, Mehmet; E Benlidayi, Mehmet; Ulubayram, Kezban; Sertdemir, Yaşar; Dağlioğlu, Kenan

2015-03-01

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLF)-loaded gelatin microspheres (GM) used in combination with anorganic bovine bone on bone regeneration in surgically created bone defects around tooth implants. Twenty-four uniform bone defects were created in the frontal bone via an extraoral approach in 12 domestic pigs. Twenty-four implants were placed at the center of the defects. In eight animals one of these defects was filled with 0.3 mL anorganic bovine bone while the other was left empty. In four animals, all defects were filled with 3 mg/defect bLF-loaded GM and anorganic bovine bone. All the defects were covered with collagen membranes. All animals were sacrificed after 10 weeks of healing, and the implants with the surrounding bone defects were removed en bloc. Undecalcified sections were prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The mean total area of hard tissue was 26.9 ± 6.0% in the empty defect group, 31.8 ± 8.4% in the graft group, and 47.6 ± 5.0% in the lactoferrin group (P < 0.001). The mean area of newly formed bone was 26.9 ± 6.0% in the empty defect group, 22.4 ± 8.2% in the graft group, and 46.1 ± 5.1% in the lactoferrin group (P < 0.001). The mean residual graft area was 9.4 ± 3.2% in the graft group and 1.5 ± 0.6% in the lactoferrin group (P < 0.001). The mean proportion of bone-implant contact in the defect region was 21.9 ± 8.4% in the empty defect group, 26.9 ± 10.1% in the graft group and 29.9 ± 10.3% in the lactoferrin group (P = 0.143). These data indicate that a combination of 3 mg bLF-loaded GM and bovine-derived HA promotes bone regeneration in defects around implants.

Intestinal-fatty acid binding protein and lipid transport in human intestinal epithelial cells

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

Montoudis, Alain; Delvin, Edgard; Canadian Institute of Health Research, Group of the Functional Development and Physiopathology of the Digestive Tract, and Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Que., Canada J1H 5N4

2006-01-06

Intestinal-fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) is a 14-15 kDa cytoplasmic molecule highly expressed in the enterocyte. Although different functions have been proposed for various FABP family members, the specific function of I-FABP in human intestine remains unclear. Here, we studied the role of I-FABP in molecularly modified normal human intestinal epithelial cells (HIEC-6). cDNA transfection resulted in 90-fold I-FABP overexpression compared to cells treated with empty pQCXIP vector. The high-resolution immunogold technique revealed labeling mainly in the cytosol and confirmed the marked phenotype abundance of I-FABP in cDNA transfected cells. I-FABP overexpression was not associated with alterations in cell proliferationmore » and viability. Studies using these transfected cells cultured with [{sup 14}C]oleic acid did not reveal higher efficiency in de novo synthesis or secretion of triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesteryl esters compared to cells treated with empty pQCXIP vector only. Similarly, the incubation with [{sup 35}S]methionine did not disclose a superiority in the biogenesis of apolipoproteins (apo) A-I, A-IV, B-48, and B-100. Finally, cells transfected with I-FABP did not exhibit an increased production of chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL. Our observations establish that I-FABP overexpression in normal HIEC-6 is not related to cell proliferation, lipid esterification, apo synthesis, and lipoprotein assembly, and, therefore, exclude its role in intestinal fat transport.« less

Assessment of gastric emptying in non-obese diabetic mice using a [13C]-octanoic acid breath test.

PubMed

Creedon, Christopher T; Verhulst, Pieter-Jan; Choi, Kyoung M; Mason, Jessica E; Linden, David R; Szurszewski, Joseph H; Gibbons, Simon J; Farrugia, Gianrico

2013-03-23

Gastric emptying studies in mice have been limited by the inability to follow gastric emptying changes in the same animal since the most commonly used techniques require killing of the animals and postmortem recovery of the meal(1,2). This approach prevents longitudinal studies to determine changes in gastric emptying with age and progression of disease. The commonly used [(13)C]-octanoic acid breath test for humans(3) has been modified for use in mice(4-6) and rats(7) and we previously showed that this test is reliable and responsive to changes in gastric emptying in response to drugs and during diabetic disease progression(8). In this video presentation the principle and practical implementation of this modified test is explained. As in the previous study, NOD LtJ mice are used, a model of type 1 diabetes(9). A proportion of these mice develop the symptoms of gastroparesis, a complication of diabetes characterized by delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction of the stomach(10). This paper demonstrates how to train the mice for testing, how to prepare the test meal and obtain 4 hr gastric emptying data and how to analyze the obtained data. The carbon isotope analyzer used in the present study is suitable for the automatic sampling of the air samples from up to 12 mice at the same time. This technique allows the longitudinal follow-up of gastric emptying from larger groups of mice with diabetes or other long-standing diseases.

Validation of 13C-acetic acid breath test by measuring effects of loperamide, morphine, mosapride, and itopride on gastric emptying in mice.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Kenjiro; Kimura, Hiroshi; Tashima, Kimihito; Uchida, Masayuki; Horie, Syunji

2008-10-01

Several methods are used to evaluate gastric motility in rodents, but they all have technical limitations. Recent technical developments enable a convenient method to evaluate gastric motility. The (13)C-acetic acid breath test in rodents is a non-invasive and repeatable method that can be used without physical restraints. The present study aimed to validate the (13)C-acetic acid breath test by measuring the effects of loperamide, morphine, mosapride, and itopride on gastric emptying in mice. Loperamide (1-10 mg/kg) and morphine (1.25-10 mg/kg) slowed gastric emptying and decreased the maximum concentration (C(max)) and area under the curve (AUC(90 min)) value in a dose-dependent manner. Mosapride (0.2-5 mg/kg) accelerated gastric emptying and increased C(max) value. Mosapride (20 mg/kg) did not accelerate gastric emptying on the (13)C-breath test. Itopride (30 mg/kg, per os) significantly accelerated gastric emptying compared with the vehicle group. In a comparison with the conventional phenol red test, there was a correlation between the C(max) value of breath test and gastric emptying (%) of phenol red tests in treatment with loperamide or mosapride. These results indicate that the (13)C-acetic acid breath test is an accurate, noninvasive, and simple method for monitoring gastric emptying in mice. This method is useful to assess the effect of drugs and gut function pharmacologically.

Rapid construction of a Bacterial Artificial Chromosomal (BAC) expression vector using designer DNA fragments.

PubMed

Chen, Chao; Zhao, Xinqing; Jin, Yingyu; Zhao, Zongbao Kent; Suh, Joo-Won

2014-11-01

Bacterial artificial chromosomal (BAC) vectors are increasingly being used in cloning large DNA fragments containing complex biosynthetic pathways to facilitate heterologous production of microbial metabolites for drug development. To express inserted genes using Streptomyces species as the production hosts, an integration expression cassette is required to be inserted into the BAC vector, which includes genetic elements encoding a phage-specific attachment site, an integrase, an origin of transfer, a selection marker and a promoter. Due to the large sizes of DNA inserted into the BAC vectors, it is normally inefficient and time-consuming to assemble these fragments by routine PCR amplifications and restriction-ligations. Here we present a rapid method to insert fragments to construct BAC-based expression vectors. A DNA fragment of about 130 bp was designed, which contains upstream and downstream homologous sequences of both BAC vector and pIB139 plasmid carrying the whole integration expression cassette. In-Fusion cloning was performed using the designer DNA fragment to modify pIB139, followed by λ-RED-mediated recombination to obtain the BAC-based expression vector. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this method by rapid construction of a BAC-based expression vector with an insert of about 120 kb that contains the entire gene cluster for biosynthesis of immunosuppressant FK506. The empty BAC-based expression vector constructed in this study can be conveniently used for construction of BAC libraries using either microbial pure culture or environmental DNA, and the selected BAC clones can be directly used for heterologous expression. Alternatively, if a BAC library has already been constructed using a commercial BAC vector, the selected BAC vectors can be manipulated using the method described here to get the BAC-based expression vectors with desired gene clusters for heterologous expression. The rapid construction of a BAC-based expression vector facilitates heterologous expression of large gene clusters for drug discovery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gallbladder emptying to endogenous and exogenous stimulation in chronic pancreatitis patients.

PubMed

Meguro, T; Shimosegawa, T; Kashimura, J; Kikuchi, Y; Koizumi, M; Toyota, T

1994-02-01

The present study was designed to analyze the underlying mechanism of gallbladder motor disturbance in chronic pancreatitis patients. Gallbladder emptying to endogenous (oral test meal, Daiyan 13 g) and exogenous stimulation (iv cerulein, 30 ng/kg for 5 min) was examined by real-time ultrasonography in 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 10 normal subjects (controls). Plasma cholecystokinin levels during the endogenous stimulation were measured by bioassay. In chronic pancreatitis patients compared with controls, the fasting gallbladder volume was significantly increased (29.5 +/- 2.2 vs. 21.5 +/- 2.8 ml), whereas the gallbladder emptying (percent change of the basal volume) to oral test meal was significantly decreased. Neither cholecystokinin secretion induced by the test meal, nor the gallbladder emptying response to intravenous cerulein, differed significantly between the two groups. However, when chronic pancreatitis patients were divided according to pathogenesis, it became clear that gallbladder emptying to intravenous cerulein was significantly greater in patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis than in patients with idiopathic pancreatitis. Gallbladder emptying during the intestinal phase is generally reduced in patients with chronic pancreatitis, but gallbladder responsiveness to exogenous stimulation might be heterogeneous according to the pathogenesis.

Bone regeneration in the presence of a synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based and a xenogenic hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute material.

PubMed

Kruse, A; Jung, R E; Nicholls, F; Zwahlen, R A; Hämmerle, C H F; Weber, F E

2011-05-01

A comparison of synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide, xenogenic hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute materials with empty control sites in terms of bone regeneration enhancement in a rabbit calvarial four non-critical-sized defect model. In each of six rabbits, four bicortical calvarial bone defects were generated. The following four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (1) empty control site, (2) synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based (HA/SiO) test granules, (3) xenogenic hydroxyapatite -based granules, (4) synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide -based (HA/SiO) test two granules. The results of the latter granules have not been reported due to their size being three times bigger than the other two granule types. After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and un-decalcified sections were obtained for histological analyses. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied (P<0.05). Histomorphometric analysis showed an average area fraction of newly formed bone of 12.32±10.36% for the empty control, 17.47±6.42% for the xenogenic hydroxyapatite -based granules group, and 21.2±5.32% for the group treated with synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide -based granules. Based on the middle section, newly formed bone bridged the defect to 38.33±37.55% in the empty control group, 54.33±22.12% in the xenogenic hydroxyapatite -based granules group, and to 79±13.31% in the synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide -based granules group. The bone-to-bone substitute contact was 46.38±18.98% for the xenogenic and 59.86±14.92% for the synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based granules group. No significant difference in terms of bone formation and defect bridging could be detected between the two bone substitute materials or the empty defect. There is evidence that the synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide granules provide comparable results with a standard xenogenic bovine mineral in terms of bone formation and defect bridging in non-critical size defects. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Temperature effect on gastric emptying time of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus spp.)

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

De, Moumita; Ghaffar, Mazlan Abd.; Das, Simon K.

2014-09-03

Knowledge of fish gastric emptying time is a necessary component for understanding the fish feeding rates, energy budgets and commercial production of fishes in aquaculture. The hybrid grouper Epinephelus spp. is getting popular as a culture species in Malaysia for their faster growth rate compared to commonly cultured grouper species (giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus and tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). There are data suggests that elevated sea water temperature affects gastric emptying time (GET) of fishes. Hence, this study aims to study the GET of hybrid grouper at different temperature (22, 26, 30, 34°C) in laboratory condition with commercial diet pellet.more » The gastric emptying times (GETs) at different temperatures were determined X-radiographically, using barium sulfate (BaSO{sub 4}) as a contrast medium food marker. The food marker and X-radiography showed that initial voidance of fecal matter began 4-6 h after feeding at all temperature. The fastest GET (13 h) was obsereved in the 30°C group, whereas the longest (17 h) GET was seen in 22°C group fed with artificial diet pellet. Not much differences in GET were recorded between the 26 and 34°C groups as 34°C groups fed lesser amount compared to 26°C groups. Nevertheless a substantial delay in GET was observed in the 22°C group. The findings of this study suggest to culture hybrid grouper between 26 to 30°C with commercial diet pellet as this temperature ranges proliferate the faster digestion process which may contribute faster growth rate of this commerical important fish species. Overall, these findings may have important consequences for optimization of commercial production of hybrid grouper.« less

Temperature effect on gastric emptying time of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus spp.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De, Moumita; Ghaffar, Mazlan Abd.; Das, Simon K.

2014-09-01

Knowledge of fish gastric emptying time is a necessary component for understanding the fish feeding rates, energy budgets and commercial production of fishes in aquaculture. The hybrid grouper Epinephelus spp. is getting popular as a culture species in Malaysia for their faster growth rate compared to commonly cultured grouper species (giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus and tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). There are data suggests that elevated sea water temperature affects gastric emptying time (GET) of fishes. Hence, this study aims to study the GET of hybrid grouper at different temperature (22, 26, 30, 34°C) in laboratory condition with commercial diet pellet. The gastric emptying times (GETs) at different temperatures were determined X-radiographically, using barium sulfate (BaSO4) as a contrast medium food marker. The food marker and X-radiography showed that initial voidance of fecal matter began 4-6 h after feeding at all temperature. The fastest GET (13 h) was obsereved in the 30°C group, whereas the longest (17 h) GET was seen in 22°C group fed with artificial diet pellet. Not much differences in GET were recorded between the 26 and 34°C groups as 34°C groups fed lesser amount compared to 26°C groups. Nevertheless a substantial delay in GET was observed in the 22°C group. The findings of this study suggest to culture hybrid grouper between 26 to 30°C with commercial diet pellet as this temperature ranges proliferate the faster digestion process which may contribute faster growth rate of this commerical important fish species. Overall, these findings may have important consequences for optimization of commercial production of hybrid grouper.

Principal component analysis (PCA) of volatile terpene compounds dataset emitted by genetically modified sweet orange fruits and juices in which a D-limonene synthase was either up- or down-regulated vs. empty vector controls.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Ana; Peris, Josep E; Redondo, Ana; Shimada, Takehiko; Peña, Leandro

2016-12-01

We have categorized the dataset from content and emission of terpene volatiles of peel and juice in both Navelina and Pineapple sweet orange cultivars in which D-limonene was either up- (S), down-regulated (AS) or non-altered (EV; control) ("Impact of D-limonene synthase up- or down-regulation on sweet orange fruit and juice odor perception"(A. Rodríguez, J.E. Peris, A. Redondo, T. Shimada, E. Costell, I. Carbonell, C. Rojas, L. Peña, (2016)) [1]). Data from volatile identification and quantification by HS-SPME and GC-MS were classified by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) individually or as chemical groups. AS juice was characterized by the higher influence of the oxygen fraction, and S juice by the major influence of ethyl esters. S juices emitted less linalool compared to AS and EV juices.

Effects of exogenous IL-37 on the biological characteristics of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and the chemotaxis of regulatory T cells.

PubMed

Chen, Yu-Hua; Zhou, Bi-Yun; Wu, Guo-Cai; Liao, De-Quan; Li, Jing; Liang, Si-Si; Wu, Xian-Jin; Xu, Jun-Fa; Chen, Yong-Hua; Di, Xiao-Qing; Lin, Qiong-Yan

2018-02-14

This study aims to investigate the effects of exogenous interleukin (IL)-37 on the biological characteristics of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and the chemotaxis of regulatory T (Treg) cells. After isolating the CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells from the peripheral blood, flow cytometry was used to detect the purity of the Treg cells. A549 cells were divided into blank (no transfection), empty plasmid (transfection with pIRES2-EGFP empty plasmid) or IL-37 group (transfection with pIRES2-EGFP-IL-37 plasmid). RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of IL-37 and ELISA to determine IL-37 and MMP-9 expressions. Western blotting was applied to detect the protein expressions of PCNA, Ki-67, Cyclin D1, CDK4, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9. MTT assay, flow cytometry, scratch test and transwell assay were performed to detect cell proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Effect of exogenous IL-37 on the chemotaxis of Treg cells was measured through transwell assay. Xenograft models in nude mice were eastablished to detect the impact of IL-37 on A549 cells. The IL-37 group had a higher IL-37 expression, cell apoptosis in the early stage and percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase than the blank and empty plasmid groups. The IL-37 group had a lower MMP-9 expression, optical density (OD), percentage of cells in the S and G2/M phases, migration, invasion and chemotaxis of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells. The xenograft volume and weight of nude mice in the IL-37 group were lower than those in the blank and empty plasmid groups. Compared with the blank and empty plasmid groups, the IL-37 group had significantly reduced expression of PCNA, Ki-67, Cyclin D1 and CDK4 but elevated expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9. Therefore, exogenous IL-37 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells as well as the chemotaxis of Treg cells while promoting the apoptosis of A549 cells.

Reverse Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice and Seeds Aqueous Extract on Gastric Emptying and Small-Bowel Motility in Rat.

PubMed

Rtibi, Kaïs; Selmi, Slimen; Saidani, Khouloud; Grami, Dhekra; Amri, Mohamed; Sebai, Hichem; Marzouki, Lamjed

2018-01-01

This study was conducted to compare the effects of juice and seeds on gastric emptying, small-bowel motility and intestinal ion transport. Separate groups of rats were randomized to receive NaCl, increasing doses of juice (5, 10, and 20 mL/kg, b.w.) or seeds aqueous extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.). Simultaneously, two other groups were received, the reference drugs; clonidine (1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (2 mg/kg). The charcoal meal was used as a suspension for gastrointestinal motility test. The purgative action of juice was confirmed using the loperamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) induced constipation. To evaluate the antisecretory effect, we were used as a hypersecretion agent, the castor oil at the dose of 5 mL/kg. Compared to the control and standard groups, we were showed that the prickly pear has an opposite effect on small-bowel motility and gastric emptying. Indeed, the juice at various doses has a laxative effect of gastrointestinal transit in healthy and constipated-rats. However, the aqueous extract of the seeds leads to a reduction of motility in normal rats which gives it a remarkable antidiarrhoeal activity, a notable intestinal fluid accumulation decline and electrolyte concentrations reestablishment. Moreover, orally juice administered at different doses accelerated the stomach emptying time in contrast to the seeds aqueous extract. More importantly, a significant variation in the phytochemical constituents levels between juice and seeds was found. These findings confirm the reverse therapeutic effects of this fruit in the treatment of digestive disturbances such as difficulty stool evacuation and massive intestinal secretion, likewise, the gastric emptying process perturbation. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Quantification of AAV particle titers by infrared fluorescence scanning of coomassie-stained sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels.

PubMed

Kohlbrenner, Erik; Henckaerts, Els; Rapti, Kleopatra; Gordon, Ronald E; Linden, R Michael; Hajjar, Roger J; Weber, Thomas

2012-06-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors have gained increasing attention as gene delivery vehicles in basic and preclinical studies as well as in human gene therapy trials. Especially for the latter two-for both safety and therapeutic efficacy reasons-a detailed characterization of all relevant parameters of the vector preparation is essential. Two important parameters that are routinely used to analyze recombinant AAV vectors are (1) the titer of viral particles containing a (recombinant) viral genome and (2) the purity of the vector preparation, most commonly assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by silver staining. An important, third parameter, the titer of total viral particles, that is, the combined titer of both genome-containing and empty viral capsids, is rarely determined. Here, we describe a simple and inexpensive method that allows the simultaneous assessment of both vector purity and the determination of the total viral particle titer. This method, which was validated by comparison with established methods to determine viral particle titers, is based on the fact that Coomassie Brilliant Blue, when bound to proteins, fluoresces in the infrared spectrum. Viral samples are separated by SDS-PAGE followed by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining and gel analysis with an infrared laser-scanning device. In combination with a protein standard, our method allows the rapid and accurate determination of viral particle titers simultaneously with the assessment of vector purity.

The Empty Cup (Power Teaching in a Digital Age). Occasional Paper #9

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fluellen, Jerry E., Jr.

2011-01-01

What might count as a world class, national public education system in 2020? That empty cup took the floor at the 2010 Future of Learning (FoL) Summer Institute at Harvard University. It traveled from Longfellow Hall's lecture room on Appian Way to several learning groups scattered around campus. Though not deliberately created to think about…

Risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-I anastomosis using circular stapler for early gastric cancer patients

PubMed Central

Kim, Ki Han; Jung, Ghap Joong

2012-01-01

Purpose Gastric surgery may potentiate delayed gastric emptying. Billroth I gastroduodenostomy using a circular stapler is the most preferable reconstruction method. The purpose of this study is to analyze the risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis using a stapler for early gastric cancer. Methods Three hundred and seventy-eight patients who underwent circular stapled Billroth I gastroduodenostomy after subtotal gastrectomy due to early gastric cancer were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and eighty-two patients had Billroth I anastomosis using a 25 mm diameter circular stapler, and 196 patients had anastomosis with a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler. Clinicopathological features and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Delayed gastric emptying was diagnosed by symptoms and simple abdomen X-ray with or without upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. Results Postoperative delayed gastric emptying was found in 12 (3.2%) of the 378 patients. Among all the variables, distal margin and circular stapler diameter were significantly different between the cases with delayed gastric emptying and no delayed gastric emptying. There were statistically significant differences in sex, body mass index, comorbidity, complication, and operation type according to circular stapler diameter. In both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, only the stapler diameter was found to be a significant factor affecting delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.040). Conclusion In this study, the circular stapler diameter was one of the most significant predictable factors of delayed gastric emptying for Billroth I gastroduodenostomy. The use of a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler rather than a 25 mm diameter stapler in stapled gastroduodenostomy for early gastric cancer can reduce postoperative delayed gastric emptying associated with anastomosic stenosis or edema with relative safety. PMID:23166886

Sleeve gastrectomy effects on hunger, satiation, and gastrointestinal hormone and motility responses after a liquid meal test.

PubMed

Mans, Esther; Serra-Prat, Mateu; Palomera, Elisabet; Suñol, Xavier; Clavé, Pere

2015-09-01

The relation between hunger, satiation, and integrated gastrointestinal motility and hormonal responses in morbidly obese patients after sleeve gastrectomy has not been determined. The objective was to assess the effects of sleeve gastrectomy on hunger, satiation, gastric and gallbladder motility, and gastrointestinal hormone response after a liquid meal test. Three groups were studied: morbidly obese patients (n = 16), morbidly obese patients who had had sleeve gastrectomy (n = 8), and nonobese patients (n = 16). The participants fasted for 10 h and then consumed a 200-mL liquid meal (400 kcal + 1.5 g paracetamol). Fasting and postprandial hunger, satiation, hormone concentrations, and gastric and gallbladder emptying were measured several times over 4 h. No differences were observed in hunger and satiation curves between morbidly obese and nonobese groups; however, sleeve gastrectomy patients were less hungry and more satiated than the other groups. Antrum area during fasting in morbidly obese patients was statistically significant larger than in the nonobese and sleeve gastrectomy groups. Gastric emptying was accelerated in the sleeve gastrectomy group compared with the other 2 groups (which had very similar results). Gallbladder emptying was similar in the 3 groups. Sleeve gastrectomy patients showed the lowest ghrelin concentrations and higher early postprandial cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1 peaks than did the other participants. This group also showed an improved insulin resistance pattern compared with morbidly obese patients. Sleeve gastrectomy seems to be associated with profound changes in gastrointestinal physiology that contribute to reducing hunger and increasing sensations of satiation. These changes include accelerated gastric emptying, enhanced postprandial cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, and reduced ghrelin release, which together may help patients lose weight and improve their glucose metabolism after surgery. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02414893. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Retro-Nasal Aroma Release Is Correlated with Variations in the In-Mouth Air Cavity Volume after Empty Deglutition

PubMed Central

Mishellany-Dutour, Anne; Woda, Alain; Labouré, Hélène; Bourdiol, Pierre; Lachaze, Pauline; Guichard, Elisabeth; Feron, Gilles

2012-01-01

We hypothesized that interindividual differences in motor activities during chewing and/or swallowing were determining factors for the transfer of volatile aroma from the in-mouth air cavity (IMAC) toward the olfactory mucosa. In our first experiment, we looked for changes in IMAC volume after saliva deglutition in 12 healthy subjects. The mean IMAC volume was measured after empty deglutition using an acoustic pharyngometer device. Based on the time course of the IMAC volume after swallowing, we discerned two groups of subjects. The first group displayed a small, constant IMAC volume (2.26 mL ±0.62) that corresponded to a high tongue position. The second group displayed a progressive increase in IMAC (from 6.82 mL ±2.37 to 22.82 mL ±3.04) that corresponded to a progressive lowering of the tongue to its resting position. In our second experiment, we investigated the relationship between IMAC volume changes after deglutition and the level of aroma release at the nostril. For this purpose, the release of menthone was measured at the nostril level in 25 subjects who consumed similar amounts of a mint tablet. The subjects were separated into two groups corresponding to two levels of menthone release: high (H) and low (L). The mean volume of IMAC was measured during and after empty deglutition. Group H displayed a small, constant amplitude of IMAC volume change after deglutition, while Group L displayed a progressive increase in IMAC. It is likely that Group H continuously released the aroma through the veloglossal isthmus as the mint was consumed, while Group L trapped the aroma in the oral cavity and then released it into the nasal cavity upon swallowing. These results show that the in vivo aroma release profile in humans depends closely on the different motor patterns at work during empty deglutition. PMID:22815986

ZNF217 is associated with poor prognosis and enhances proliferation and metastasis in ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Song, Lanlin; Qiu, Yuwen; Yin, Ailan; Zhong, Mei

2014-01-01

ZNF217 is an alternatively spliced Kruppel-like transcription factor that has recently been implicated to play a role in human carcinogenesis. Here, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to show that ZNF217 protein is overexpressed in nearly 60% of ovarian tumor samples. The disease-free survival time was shorter in patients with positive ZNF217 expression than in ZNF217-negative patients (P=0.042). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed ZNF217 genomic amplification in the poorly differentiated tumors, suggesting that ZNF217 is associated with the progression of ovarian cancer. Invasion was enhanced in HO-8910 cells stably transfected with constructs carrying full-length ZNF217 relative to cells transfected with the empty vector. To confirm our findings in vivo, we performed a tumorigenicity assay in nude mice inoculated with the HO-8910 overexpressing ZNF217 cells. As expected, tumors grown in the ZNF217 group were more invasive and prone to metastasis than those formed control groups. Based on these clinical and laboratory observations, we conclude that ZNF217 may contribute to ovarian cancer invasion and metastasis, and associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Distribution of AAV8 particles in cell lysates and culture media changes with time and is dependent on the recombinant vector

PubMed Central

Piras, Bryan A; Drury, Jason E; Morton, Christopher L; Spence, Yunyu; Lockey, Timothy D; Nathwani, Amit C; Davidoff, Andrew M; Meagher, Michael M

2016-01-01

With clinical trials ongoing, efficient clinical production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to treat large numbers of patients remains a challenge. We compared distribution of AAV8 packaged with Factor VIII (FVIII) in cell culture media and lysates on days 3, 5, 6, and 7 post-transfection and found increasing viral production through day 6, with the proportion of viral particles in the media increasing from 76% at day 3 to 94% by day 7. Compared to FVIII, AAV8 packaged with Factor IX and Protective Protein/Cathepsin A vectors demonstrated a greater shift from lysate towards media from day 3 to 6, implying that particle distribution is dependent on recombinant vector. Larger-scale productions showed that the ratio of full-to-empty AAV particles is similar in media and lysate, and that AAV harvested on day 6 post-transfection provides equivalent function in mice compared to AAV harvested on day 3. This demonstrates that AAV8 production can be optimized by prolonging the duration of culture post-transfection, and simplified by allowing harvest of media only, with disposal of cells that contain 10% or less of total vector yield. Additionally, the difference in particle distribution with different expression cassettes implies a recombinant vector-dependent processing mechanism which should be taken into account during process development. PMID:27069949

KGFR as a possible therapeutic target in middle ear cholesteatoma.

PubMed

Yamamoto-Fukuda, Tomomi; Akiyama, Naotaro; Shibata, Yasuaki; Takahashi, Haruo; Ikeda, Tohru; Kohno, Michiaki; Koji, Takehiko

2014-11-01

We demonstrated that repression of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) receptor (KGFR) could be a potentially useful strategy in the conservative treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma. Recently, the use of a selective inhibitor of the KGFR, SU5402, in an in vitro experiment resulted in the inhibition of the differentiation and proliferation of epithelial cells through KGF secretion by fibroblasts isolated from the cholesteatoma. In this study, we investigated the effects of the KGFR inhibitor during middle ear cholesteatoma formation in vivo. Based on the role of KGF in the development of cholesteatoma, Flag-hKGF cDNA driven by CMV14 promoter was transfected through electroporation into the external auditory canal of rats five times on every fourth day. Ears transfected with empty vector were used as controls. KGFR selective inhibitor (SU5402) or MEK inhibitor (PD0325901) was administered in the right ear of five rats after vector transfection. In the control, 2% DMSO in PBS was administered in the other ears after vector transfection. The use of a selective KGFR inhibitor, SU5402, completely prevented middle ear cholesteatoma formation in the rats.

Optimal Cloning of PCR Fragments by Homologous Recombination in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Jacobus, Ana Paula; Gross, Jeferson

2015-01-01

PCR fragments and linear vectors containing overlapping ends are easily assembled into a propagative plasmid by homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Although this gap-repair cloning approach is straightforward, its existence is virtually unknown to most molecular biologists. To popularize this method, we tested critical parameters influencing the efficiency of PCR fragments cloning into PCR-amplified vectors by homologous recombination in the widely used E. coli strain DH5α. We found that the number of positive colonies after transformation increases with the length of overlap between the PCR fragment and linear vector. For most practical purposes, a 20 bp identity already ensures high-cloning yields. With an insert to vector ratio of 2:1, higher colony forming numbers are obtained when the amount of vector is in the range of 100 to 250 ng. An undesirable cloning background of empty vectors can be minimized during vector PCR amplification by applying a reduced amount of plasmid template or by using primers in which the 5′ termini are separated by a large gap. DpnI digestion of the plasmid template after PCR is also effective to decrease the background of negative colonies. We tested these optimized cloning parameters during the assembly of five independent DNA constructs and obtained 94% positive clones out of 100 colonies probed. We further demonstrated the efficient and simultaneous cloning of two PCR fragments into a vector. These results support the idea that homologous recombination in E. coli might be one of the most effective methods for cloning one or two PCR fragments. For its simplicity and high efficiency, we believe that recombinational cloning in E. coli has a great potential to become a routine procedure in most molecular biology-oriented laboratories. PMID:25774528

J-pouch versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after gastrectomy: functional assessment and quality of life (randomized trial).

PubMed

Zonča, Pavel; Malý, Tomáš; Ihnát, Peter; Peteja, Matus; Kraft, Otakar; Kuca, Kamil

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and functional emptying of J-pouch versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy for malignancy. This study was designed as a prospective, nonblinded, randomized, parallel clinical trial (Trial Number: MN Ostrava, 200604). With informed consent, patients undergoing gastrectomy for malignancy were randomized to J-pouch or Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The time taken for a test semisolid meal labeled with 99m Tc-sulfur colloid to exit the reconstructed parts was measured by dynamic scintigraphy 1 year after resection. Quality of life was measured using the Eypasch questionnaire at the same time as functional emptying assessment. This trial was investigator-initiated. In all, 72 patients were included into the study. The time taken for the test meal to exit the postgastrectomy reconstruction was 16.5±10.0 minutes (mean ± standard deviation) in the Roux-en-Y group and 89.4±37.8 minutes in the "J-pouch" group; the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.001). Emptying of the J-pouch appeared to be a linear decreasing function compared to the exponential pattern seen in the Roux-en-Y group. The quality of life measurement showed scores of 106±18.8 points (mean ± standard deviation) in the Roux-en-Y group compared to 122±22.5 points in the J-pouch group; the difference was statistically significant ( P =0.0016). There were no important adverse events. After total gastrectomy, a J-pouch reconstruction empties more slowly and is associated with higher quality of life compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Whether these two observations have a direct causative link remains unanswered.

Urinary retention: benefit of gradual bladder decompression - myth or truth? A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Boettcher, S; Brandt, A S; Roth, S; Mathers, M J; Lazica, D A

2013-01-01

Urinary retention is a common emergency requiring immediate catheterization. Gradual decompression (GD) of the extended bladder is believed to minimize the risk of complications such as bleeding or circulatory collapse, but to date it has not been compared with rapid decompression (RD) in controlled trials. Male patients presenting with urinary retention (n = 294) were randomized to rapid or gradual catheterization. For the latter, the transurethral catheter was clamped for 5 min after every 200-ml outflow until the bladder was completely empty. Patients were monitored for at least 30 min thereafter with regular checks of vital signs and presence of macroscopic hematuria. Of 294 patients, 142 (48.3%) were randomized to the GD and 152 (51.7%) to the RD group. Both groups showed no statistically significant difference with regard to age, anticoagulation treatment, catheter size and material, or volume retained. Hematuria occurred in 16 (11.3%) of the GD and 16 (10.5%) of the RD group; 6 patients in the former and 4 in the latter required further treatment. No circulatory collapse occurred. We noted a decrease in the previously raised blood pressure and heart rate in both groups, although without clinical significance. In this first randomized trial, no statistically significant difference was noted between gradual and rapid emptying of the bladder for urinary retention. Gradual emptying did not reduce the risk of hematuria or circulatory collapse. Therefore, there is no need to prefer gradual over rapid emptying, which is both easy and safe. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Right Atrial Dysfunction in the Fetus with Severely Regurgitant Tricuspid Valve Disease: A Potential Source of Cardiovascular Compromise.

PubMed

Howley, Lisa W; Khoo, Nee Scze; Moon-Grady, Anita J; Patel, Sonali S; Alrais, Fayeza; Tworetzky, Wayne; Colen, Timothy; Brooks, Paul; Trines, Jean; Ojala, Tiina; Hornberger, Lisa K

2017-06-01

In severe right heart obstruction (RHO), redistribution of cardiac output to the left ventricle (LV) is well tolerated by the fetal circulation. Although the same should be true of severely regurgitant tricuspid valve disease (rTVD) with reduced or no output from the right ventricle, affected fetuses more frequently develop hydrops or suffer intrauterine demise. We hypothesized that right atrium (RA) function is altered in rTVD but not in RHO, which could contribute to differences in outcomes. Multi-institutional retrospective review of fetal echocardiograms performed over a 10-year period on fetuses with rTVD (Ebstein's anomaly, tricuspid valve dysplasia) or RHO (pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum, tricuspid atresia) and a healthy fetal control group. Offline velocity vector imaging and Doppler measurements of RA size and function and LV function were made. Thirty-four fetuses with rTVD, 40 with RHO, and 79 controls were compared. The rTVD fetuses had the largest RA size and lowest RA expansion index, fractional area of change, and RA indexed filling and emptying rates compared with fetuses with RHO and controls. The rTVD fetuses had the shortest LV ejection time and increased Tei index with a normal LV ejection fraction. RA dilation (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54) and reduced indexed emptying rate (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.07-5.81) were associated with fetal or neonatal demise. Fetal rTVD is characterized by more severe RA dilation and dysfunction compared with fetal RHO and control groups. RA dysfunction may be an important contributor to reduced ventricular filling and output, potentially playing a critical role in the worsened outcomes observed in fetal rTVD. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acupuncture in Critically Ill Patients Improves Delayed Gastric Emptying: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Pfab, Florian; Winhard, Martina; Nowak-Machen, Martina; Napadow, Vitaly; Irnich, Dominik; Pawlik, Michael; Bein, Thomas; Hansen, Ernil

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND Malnutrition remains a severe problem in the recovery of critically ill patients and leads to increased in-hospital morbidity and in-hospital stay. Even though early enteral nutrition has been shown to improve overall patient outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU), tubefeed administration is often complicated by delayed gastric emptying and gastroesophageal reflux. Acupuncture has been successfully used in the treatment and prevention of perioperative nausea and vomiting. In this study we evaluated whether acupuncture can improve gastric emptying in comparison with standard promotility drugs in critically ill patients receiving enteral feeding. METHODS Thirty mechanically ventilated neurosurgical ICU patients with delayed gastric emptying, defined as a gastric residual volume (GRV) >500 mL for ≥2 days, were prospectively and randomly assigned to either the acupoint stimulation group (ASG; bilateral transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Neiguan, PC-6) or the conventional promotility drug treatment group (DTG) over a period of 6 days (metoclopramide, cisapride, erythromycin). Patients in the ASG group did not receive any conventional promotility drugs. Successful treatment (feeding tolerance) was defined as GRV <200 mL per 24 hours. RESULTS Demographic and hemodynamic data were similar in both groups. After 5 days of treatment, 80% of patients in the ASG group successfully developed feeding tolerance versus 60% in the DTG group. On treatment day 1, GRV decreased from 970 ± 87 mL to 346 ± 71 mL with acupoint stimulation (P = 0.003), whereas patients in the DTG group showed a significant increase in GRV from 903 ± 60 mL to 1040 ± 211 mL (P = 0.015). In addition, GRV decreased and feeding balance (defined as enteral feeding volume minus GRV) increased in more patients in the ASG group (14 of 15) than in the DTG group (7 of 15; P = 0.014). On treatment day 1, the mean feeding balance was significantly higher in the ASG group (121 ± 128 mL) than in the DTG group (-727 ± 259 mL) (P = 0.005). Overall, the feeding balance improved significantly on all days of treatment in comparison with the DTG group. Patients in the DTG group did not show an increase in feeding balance until day 6. CONCLUSIONS We introduce a new protocol for acupuncture administration in the critical care setting. We demonstrated that this protocol was more effective than standard promotility medication in the treatment of delayed gastric emptying in critically ill patients. Acupoint stimulation at Neiguan (PC-6) may be a convenient and inexpensive option (with few side effects) for the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in critically ill patients. PMID:21081772

Regulation of corneal repair by particle-mediated gene transfer of opioid growth factor receptor complementary DNA.

PubMed

Zagon, Ian S; Sassani, Joseph W; Malefyt, Kristin J; McLaughlin, Patricia J

2006-11-01

To determine whether molecular manipulation of the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) alters corneal reepithelialization following central corneal abrasion in rats. The plasmid pcDNA3.1 + OGFr, carrying the rat OGFr complementary DNA in both the sense and antisense orientations, and empty vector (EV), were delivered by gene gun to the rat cornea. After 24 hours, corneas were abraded and reepithelialization was documented by fluorescein photography. Twenty-four hours after wounding, DNA synthesis (with bromodeoxyuridine) was examined. Eyes transfected with sense constructs of OGFr had corneal defects that were 24%, 52%, and 50% larger than the EV group at 16, 24, and 28 hours, respectively. Conversely, corneas transfected with antisense constructs of OGFr had corneal defects that were 56% and 48% smaller than the EV group at 16 and 24 hours, respectively. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling in the basal and suprabasal layers of the antisense group were increased 3.3- and 3.7-fold, respectively, in DNA synthesis from corresponding EV layers; DNA synthesis was comparable in the sense and EV groups. Excess OGFr delays reepithelialization, whereas attenuation of OGFr accelerates repair of the corneal surface. Clinical Relevance Inhibition of opioid growth factor action using gene therapy could be important in the treatment of corneal diseases such as nonhealing and recurrent erosions, diabetic keratopathy, and neurotrophic keratitis.

Epigenetic Alterations Associated with CCCTC-Binding Factor Deregulation in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

HPV16  E6  and/or  E7  prostate cell lines.  We have had to reestablish stable cell lines containing inducible multiple CTCF  shRNA in pTRIPZ vector in PPC...1, LNCaPs, 293T and non‐tumorigenic HPV16  E6   5 and/or  E7  prostate cell lines. We have had to rederive these due to leakage from the  promoter...empty pTRIPZ vector and control scrambled shRNA.  f. To test the tumorigenic ability of CTCF shRNA infected non‐tumorigenic  E6 / E7  cells using colony

Keeping the heart empty and beating: an alternative technique to preserve hypertrophied hearts during valvular surgery.

PubMed

Liu, Shangdian; Liu, Zonghong; Li, Lulu; Liu, Pengfei; Liu, Hongyu

2015-05-13

To determine whether keeping the heart empty and beating is an effective technique to preserve hypertrophied pig hearts, and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Ten Bama Miniature pigs with hypertrophied hearts were divided into 2 groups (n = 5 in each group). One group underwent normothermic normokalemic simultaneous perfusion (NNSP). The other group was subjected to normothermic hypermokalemic simultaneous perfusion (NHSP) and used as controls. Cardiac contractive function, myocardial energy metabolism and myocardial perfusion were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Western blot analysis was carried out to determine the expression of Troponin I (cTnI), Troponin T (cTnT), SM-MHC, Casapase-3 and PARP4. TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic cardiomyocytes. Keeping the heart empty and beating with NNSP improved the preservation of contractile function in comparison with cardioplegic arrest using NHSP. No significant differences existed in the effects of NNSP and NHSP in maintaining myocardial energy metabolism. 13 % perfusion defects areas were found in one heart in the NHSP group, whereas none was found in all other hearts in both groups. The expressions of cTnI, cTnT, Casapase-3 and PARP4 in NHSP group were abundantly increased compared to NNSP group as measured by Western blotting. Conversely, the expression of SM-MHC in NHSP group was reduced compared with NNSP group. The number of TUNEL positive nuclei per mm(2) area was significantly increased in NHSP group compared with NNSP group. Keeping the heart beating with NNSP is an alternative technique to preserve hypertrophied hearts during valvular surgery.

Virus replicon particles expressing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus proteins elicit immune priming but do not confer protection from viremia in pigs.

PubMed

Eck, Melanie; Durán, Margarita García; Ricklin, Meret E; Locher, Samira; Sarraseca, Javier; Rodríguez, María José; McCullough, Kenneth C; Summerfield, Artur; Zimmer, Gert; Ruggli, Nicolas

2016-02-19

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the causative agent of one of the most devastating and economically significant viral disease of pigs worldwide. The vaccines currently available on the market elicit only limited protection. Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) replicon particles (VRP) have been used successfully to induce protection against influenza A virus (IAV) in chickens and bluetongue virus in sheep. In this study, VSV VRP expressing the PRRSV envelope proteins GP5, M, GP4, GP3, GP2 and the nucleocapsid protein N, individually or in combination, were generated and evaluated as a potential vector vaccine against PRRSV infection. High level expression of the recombinant PRRSV proteins was demonstrated in cell culture. However, none of the PRRSV antigens expressed from VRP, with the exception of the N protein, did induce any detectable antibody response in pigs before challenge infection with PRRSV. After challenge however, the antibody responses against GP5, GP4 and GP3 appeared in average 2 weeks earlier than in pigs vaccinated with the empty control VRP. No reduction of viremia was observed in the vaccinated group compared with the control group. When pigs were co-vaccinated with VRP expressing IAV antigens and VRP expressing PRRSV glycoproteins, only antibody responses to the IAV antigens were detectable. These data show that the VSV replicon vector can induce immune responses to heterologous proteins in pigs, but that the PRRSV envelope proteins expressed from VSV VRP are poorly immunogenic. Nevertheless, they prime the immune system for significantly earlier B-cell responses following PRRSV challenge infection.

Effects of adding Braun jejunojejunostomy to standard Whipple procedure on reduction of afferent loop syndrome - a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Kakaei, Farzad; Beheshtirouy, Samad; Nejatollahi, Seyed Moahammad Reza; Rashidi, Iqbal; Asvadi, Touraj; Habibzadeh, Afshin; Oliaei-Motlagh, Mohammad

2015-12-01

Whipple surgery (pancreaticodeudenectomy) has a high complication rate. We aimed to evaluate whether adding Braun jejunojejunostomy (side-to-side anastomosis of afferent and efferent loops distal to the gastrojejunostomy site) to a standard Whipple procedure would reduce postoperative complications. We conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing patients who underwent standard Whipple surgery (standard group) and patients who underwent standard Whipple surgery with Braun jejunojejunostomy (Braun group). Patients were followed for 1 month after the procedure and postoperative complications were recorded. Our study included 30 patients: 15 in the Braun and 15 in the standard group. In the Braun group, 4 (26.7%) patients experienced 6 complications, whereas in the standard group, 7 (46.7%) patients experienced 11 complications (p = 0.14). Complications in the Braun group were gastrointestinal bleeding and wound infection (n = 1 each) and delayed gastric emptying and pulmonary infection (n = 2 each). Complications in the standard group were death, pancreatic anastomosis leak and biliary anastomosis leak (n = 1 each); gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 2); and afferent loop syndrome and delayed gastric emptying (n = 3 each). There was no significant difference between groups in the subtypes of complications. Our results showed that adding Braun jejunojejunostomy to standard Whipple procedure was associated with lower rates of afferent loop syndrome and delayed gastric emptying. However, more studies are needed to define the role of Braun jejunojejunostomy in this regard. IRCT2014020316473N1 (www.irct.ir).

[Investigation of urinary management after removal of indwelling urethral catheters in a general hospital: associations between bedridden state and impaired bladder emptying].

PubMed

Tsuchiyama, Katsuki; Ueki, Osamu; Minami, Hidero; Kawaguchi, Kouhei; Aoki, Yoshitaka; Yokoyama, Osamu

2010-06-01

In this study we investigated the influences of decreased levels of activities of daily living (ADL), especially in bedridden patients,on lower urinary tract dysfunction and urinary management during hospital care. All 1,106 non-urological inpatients (896 non-bedridden patients and 210 bedridden patients) with an indwelling urethral catheter treated at Noto General Hospital between April 2006 and October 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Maximum bladder capacity and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) were evaluated with uroflowmetry or voiding cystourethrography at the time the catheter was removed. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and drug administration were performed for patients who had a PVR of 100 ml or more. Bedridden patients required urinary interventions at a higher rate than did non-bedridden patients (bedridden : 29.0%,non-bedridden : 17.6%). Although indwelling urethral catheters were reinserted in 13 patients in the bedridden group and 16 patients in the non-bedridden group,many patients in both groups could be free from the catheter. Our results indicate that patients with low ADL are vulnerable to impaired bladder emptying,and early diagnosis of impaired bladder emptying and active urinary management are required to solve their urinary problems.

Bio-phenolic resin from oil palm empty fruit bunches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakaria, Zuhaili; Zakaria, Sarani; Roslan, Rasidi; Chia, Chin Hua; Jaafar, Sharifah Nabihah Syed; Amran, Umar Adli

2018-04-01

Utilization of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) in the production of bio-phenolic resin is an alternative way to reduce the dependency of petroleum-based phenol. In this study, resol type bio-phenolic resin (BPR) was synthesized from EFB fibers using sulfuric acid as the catalyst to produce liquefied empty fruit bunches (LEFB) followed by resinification reaction with formaldehyde in alkaline condition. The SEM image of LEFB residue showed separation of fiber bundles into individual fibers. This indicate that lignin was destroyed during the liquefaction process. The increased of formaldehyde/LEFB molar ratio has resulted an increase of viscosity, solid content and pH of the resin. The obtained FTIR spectra confirmed that functional groups of BPR resins was almost similar with commercial resin.

Intracellular trehalose via transporter TRET1 as a method to cryoprotect CHO-K1 cells.

PubMed

Uchida, Tsutomu; Furukawa, Maho; Kikawada, Takahiro; Yamazaki, Kenji; Gohara, Kazutoshi

2017-08-01

Trehalose is a promising natural cryoprotectant, but its cryoprotective effect is limited due to difficulties in transmembrane transport. Thus, expressing the trehalose transporter TRET1 on various mammalian cells may yield more trehalose applications. In this study, we ran comparative cryopreservation experiments between the TRET1-expressing CHO-K1 cells (CHO-TRET1) and the CHO-K1 cells transfected with an empty vector (CHO-vector). The experiments involve freezing under various trehalose concentrations in an extracellular medium. The freeze-thawing viabilities of CHO-TRET1 cells are higher than those of CHO-vector cells for most freezing conditions. This result differs from control experiments with a transmembrane type cryoprotectant, dimethyl sulfoxide (Me 2 SO), which had similar viabilities in each condition for both cell types. We conclude that the trehalose loaded into the cells with TRET1 significantly improves the cryoprotective effect. The higher viabilities occurred when the extracellular trehalose concentration exceeded 200 mM, with 250-500 mM being optimal, and a cooling rate below 30 K/min, with 5-20 K/min being optimal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Hypoxia responsive element regulated herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase system enhances killing effect of gancyclovir on Ewing's sarcoma cell line under hypoxic condition].

PubMed

Si, Ying-jian; Guang, Li-xia; Yuan, Fa-huan; Zhang, Ke-bin

2006-08-01

To find out a possible approach to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for Ewing's sarcoma by constructing a eukaryotic expression vector expressing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) regulated by hypoxia responsive element (HRE) under hypoxia and to evaluate the effects of this HRE regulated HSV-TK system on killing effect of gancyclovir (GCV) on Ewing's sarcoma cell line SK-ES under hypoxic condition. The HRE was synthesized according to the literature and cloned into the enhancer site of pIRES(2)-EGFP vector to obtain the pHRE recombinant plasmid. The HSV-TK was amplified by PCR and cloned into the multiple clone site of pIRES(2)-EGFP and pHRE to obtain pTK and pHRE-TK recombinant plasmid. The human Ewing's sarcoma cell line SK-ES was transfected by pTK or pHRE-TK recombinant plasmid with liposome and then was exposed to normoxic (21% oxygen) or hypoxic (3% oxygen) condition. The expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was monitored by fluorescent microscopy. The sensitivity of human Ewing's sarcoma cell line SK-ES transfected with pTK or pHRE-TK recombinant plasmid to the anti-tumour drug GCV was determined with the method of tetrazolium (MTT) after treating with GCV for five days. (1) The result of sequencing showed that the recombinant plasmid pHRE contained HRE, and that the recombinant plasmid pTK and pHRE-TK contained HSV-TK gene in the sense direction. (2) Comparison of fluorescent optical density (FOD) showed that (1) the EGFP FOD value of pHRE and pHRE-TK group cells exposed to hypoxia was significantly higher than those exposed to normoxia (P < 0.01); (2) when the cells were exposed to hypoxia, the EGFP FOD value of pHRE and pHRE-TK group cells was significantly higher than that of pTK and empty vector group (P < 0.01); (3) there was no significant difference among the four groups of cells when they were exposed to normoxia (P > 0.05). (3) Comparison of the sensitivity of four groups of cells to GCV showed that (1) the cells in pHRE-TK and pTK groups were much more sensitive to GCV than the cells in pHRE group under hypoxia condition (P < 0.01), the higher the GCV concentration, the greater the difference; (2) the cells of pHRE-TK group were more sensitive to GCV than those in pTK group under hypoxic condition (P < 0.01), but was almost equally sensitive under normoxic condition (P > 0.05); (3) the pHRE-TK group cells had higher sensitivity to GCV under hypoxia than normoxia (P < 0.01) while the pTK group cells had almost the same sensitivity to GCV under hypoxia and normoxia (P > 0.05). (1) The eukaryotic expression vector expressing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) regulated by hypoxia responsive element (HRE) under hypoxia was constructed successfully. (2) HRE could up-regulate expression of EGFP by SK-ES cells under hypoxia condition. (3) HRE could enhance the killing effect of HSV-TK/GCV system on human Ewing's sarcoma cell line SK-ES under hypoxic condition.

Neural mechanisms and delayed gastric emptying of liquid induced through acute myocardial infarction in rats.

PubMed

Nunez, Wilson Ranu Ramirez; Ozaki, Michiko Regina; Vinagre, Adriana Mendes; Collares, Edgard Ferro; Almeida, Eros Antonio de

2015-02-01

In pathological situations, such as acute myocardial infarction, disorders of motility of the proximal gut can trigger symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Acute myocardial infarction delays gastric emptying (GE) of liquid in rats. Investigate the involvement of the vagus nerve, α 1-adrenoceptors, central nervous system GABAB receptors and also participation of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in GE and gastric compliance (GC) in infarcted rats. Wistar rats, N = 8-15 in each group, were divided as INF group and sham (SH) group and subdivided. The infarction was performed through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. GC was estimated with pressure-volume curves. Vagotomy was performed by sectioning the dorsal and ventral branches. To verify the action of GABAB receptors, baclofen was injected via icv (intracerebroventricular). Intravenous prazosin was used to produce chemical sympathectomy. The lesion in the PVN of the hypothalamus was performed using a 1 mA/10 s electrical current and GE was determined by measuring the percentage of gastric retention (% GR) of a saline meal. No significant differences were observed regarding GC between groups; vagotomy significantly reduced % GR in INF group; icv treatment with baclofen significantly reduced %GR. GABAB receptors were not conclusively involved in delaying GE; intravenous treatment with prazosin significantly reduced GR% in INF group. PVN lesion abolished the effect of myocardial infarction on GE. Gastric emptying of liquids induced through acute myocardial infarction in rats showed the involvement of the vagus nerve, alpha1- adrenergic receptors and PVN.

[Overexpression of liver kinase B1 inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells].

PubMed

Li, Yang; Zhang, Libin; Wang, Ping

2017-01-01

Objective To explore the effect of overexpressed liver kinase B1(LKB1) on the proliferation of lung cancer cell lines. Methods The expression levels of LKB1 and PTEN in A549, NCI-H23, NCI-H157, XWLC-05, NCI-H446 lung cancer cells were detected by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Western blotting. Plasmid pcDNA3.1 + -LKB1 and empty vector pcDNA3.1 + -null were separately transfected into the above five cell lines, and then the expression of LKB1 mRNA and protein were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Finally, CCK-8 assay was used to analyze the proliferation ability of the transfected cells. Results LKB1 and PTEN were positive in NCI-H23 cells; LKB1 was negative while PTEN was positive in A549 and NCI-H446 cells; both LKB1 and PTEN were negative in NCI-H157 and XWLC-05 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that the expression level of LKB1 significantly increased in the above cell lines transfected with plasmid pcDNA3.1 + -LKB1 compared with the ones with empty vector pcDNA3.1 + -null. Besides, CCK-8 assay showed that the overexpression of LKB1 in the lung cancer cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 + -LKB1 had an obvious inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Conclusion The expression of LKB1 is down-regulated in most of the lung cell lines to different extent and the over-expression of LKB1 can remarkably inhibit the proliferation ability of lung cancer cell lines.

HDM2 promotes WIP1-mediated medulloblastoma growth

PubMed Central

Buss, Meghan C.; Read, Tracy-Ann; Schniederjan, Matthew J.; Gandhi, Khanjan; Castellino, Robert C.

2012-01-01

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. The protein phosphatase and oncogene WIP1 is over-expressed or amplified in a significant number of primary human medulloblastomas and cell lines. In the present study, we examine an important mechanism by which WIP1 promotes medulloblastoma growth using in vitro and in vivo models. Human cell lines and intracerebellar xenografted animal models were used to study the role of WIP1 and the major TP53 regulator, HDM2, in medulloblastoma growth. Stable expression of WIP1 enhances growth of TP53 wild-type medulloblastoma cells, compared with cells with stable expression of an empty-vector or mutant WIP1. In an animal model, WIP1 enhances proliferation and reduces the survival of immunodeficient mice bearing intracerebellar xenografted human medulloblastoma cells. Cells with increased WIP1 expression also exhibit increased expression of HDM2. HDM2 knockdown or treatment with the HDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a, the active enantomer of Nutlin-3, specifically inhibits the growth of medulloblastoma cells with increased WIP1 expression. Nutlin-3a does not affect growth of medulloblastoma cells with stable expression of an empty vector or of mutant WIP1. Knockdown of WIP1 or treatment with the WIP1 inhibitor CCT007093 results in increased phosphorylation of known WIP1 targets, reduced HDM2 expression, and reduced growth specifically in WIP1 wild-type and high-expressing medulloblastoma cells. Combined WIP1 and HDM2 inhibition is more effective than WIP1 inhibition alone in blocking growth of WIP1 high-expressing medulloblastoma cells. Our preclinical study supports a role for therapies that target WIP1 and HDM2 in the treatment of medulloblastoma. PMID:22379189

Anticancer Efficacy of Apo2L/TRAIL Is Retained in the Presence of High and Biologically Active Concentrations of Osteoprotegerin In Vivo

PubMed Central

Zinonos, Irene; Labrinidis, Agatha; Lee, Michelle; Liapis, Vasilios; Hay, Shelley; Ponomarev, Vladimir; Diamond, Peter; Findlay, David M; Zannettino, Andrew CW; Evdokiou, Andreas

2017-01-01

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily that binds to the ligand for receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANKL) and inhibits bone resorption. OPG can also bind and inhibit the activity of the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL), raising the possibility that the anticancer efficacy of soluble Apo2L/TRAIL may be abrogated in the bone microenvironment where OPG expression is high. In this study we used a murine model of breast cancer growth in bone to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant soluble Apo2L/TRAIL against intratibial tumors that were engineered to overexpress native full-length human OPG. In vitro, OPG-overexpressing breast cancer cells were protected from Apo2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis, an effect that was reversed with the addition of soluble RANKL or neutralizing antibodies to OPG. In vivo, mice injected intratibially with cells containing the empty vector developed large osteolytic lesions. In contrast, OPG overexpression preserved the integrity of bone and prevented breast cancer–induced bone destruction. This effect was due primarily to the complete absence of osteoclasts in the tibias of mice inoculated with OPG-transfected cells, confirming the biologic activity of the transfected OPG in vivo. Despite the secretion of supraphysiologic levels of OPG, treatment with Apo2L/TRAIL resulted in strong growth inhibition of both empty vector and OPG-overexpressing intratibial tumors. While Apo2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis may be abrogated in vitro by OPG overexpression, the in vivo anticancer efficacy of recombinant soluble Apo2L/TRAIL is retained in the bone microenvironment even in the presence of biologically active OPG at supraphysiologic concentrations. PMID:20818644

Overexpression of Populus×canescens isoprene synthase gene in Camelina sativa leads to alterations in its growth and metabolism.

PubMed

Rossi, Lorenzo; Borghi, Monica; Yang, Jinfen; Xie, De-Yu

2017-08-01

Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is a hemiterpene molecule. It has been estimated that the plant kingdom emits 500-750 million tons of isoprene in the environment, half of which results from tropical broadleaf trees and the remainder from shrubs. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an emerging bioenergy plant for biodiesel. In this study, we characterized isoprene formation following a diurnal/nocturnal cycle in wild-type Camelina plants. To understand the potential effects of isoprene emission on this herbaceous plant, a gray poplar Populus×canescens isoprene synthase gene (PcISPS) was overexpressed in Camelina. Transgenic plants showed increased isoprene production, and the emissions were characterized by a diurnal/nocturnal cycle. Measurements of the expression of six genes of the plastidial 2-C-methyl-d-erythriol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway revealed that the expression patterns of three key genes were associated with isoprene formation dynamics in the three genotypic plants. Conversely, dissimilar gene expression levels existed in different genotypes, indicating that dynamics and variations occurred among plants. Moreover, transgenic plants grew shorter and developed smaller leaves than the wild-type and empty vector control transgenic plants. Photosynthetic analysis showed that the CO 2 assimilation rate, intracellular CO 2 concentration, mesophyll conductance and contents of chlorophylls a and b were similar among PcISPS transgenic, empty-vector control transgenic, and wild-type plants, indicating that the transgene did not negatively affect photosynthesis. Based on these results, we suggest that the reduced biomass was likely a trade-off consequence of the increased isoprene emission. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Over-expression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase in the median preoptic nucleus attenuates chronic angiotensin II-induced hypertension in the rat.

PubMed

Collister, John P; Bellrichard, Mitch; Drebes, Donna; Nahey, David; Tian, Jun; Zimmerman, Matthew C

2014-12-02

The brain senses circulating levels of angiotensin II (AngII) via circumventricular organs, such as the subfornical organ (SFO), and is thought to adjust sympathetic nervous system output accordingly via this neuro-hormonal communication. However, the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in these communications remain to be fully understood. Previous lesion studies of either the SFO, or the downstream median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) have shown a diminution of the hypertensive effects of chronic AngII, without providing a clear explanation as to the intracellular signaling pathway(s) involved. Additional studies have reported that over-expressing copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), an intracellular superoxide (O2·-) scavenging enzyme, in the SFO attenuates chronic AngII-induced hypertension. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that overproduction of O2·- in the MnPO is an underlying mechanism in the long-term hypertensive effects of chronic AngII. Adenoviral vectors encoding human CuZnSOD (AdCuZnSOD) or control vector (AdEmpty) were injected directly into the MnPO of rats implanted with aortic telemetric transmitters for recording of arterial pressure. After a 3 day control period of saline infusion, rats were intravenously infused with AngII (10 ng/kg/min) for ten days. Rats over-expressing CuZnSOD (n = 7) in the MnPO had a blood pressure increase of only 6 ± 2 mmHg after ten days of AngII infusion while blood pressure increased 21 ± 4 mmHg in AdEmpty-infected rats (n = 9). These results support the hypothesis that production of O2·- in the MnPO contributes to the development of chronic AngII-dependent hypertension.

Noninvasive evaluation of gastric emptying and gastric wall thickness in SLE patients.

PubMed

Shen, Hao-Lin; Yang, Shu-Ping; Wang, Kang-Jian; Huang, Bei-Lei; Huang, Wen-Bao; Wu, Jin-Zhi; Lyu, Guo-Rong

2017-04-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the gastric emptying in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with gastrointestinal involvement using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography. The gastric emptying times at 25% (T1), 50% (T2), and 75% (T3) of SLE patients with gastrointestinal involvement (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 80) were evaluated and compared. In addition, the correlations among the gastric wall thickness, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and upper gastrointestinal symptoms were calculated. The gastric wall thickness was correlated with the SLEDAI (r = 0.928, p < 0.001) and the upper gastrointestinal symptom index (r = 0.848, p < 0.001). The emptying times T1, T2, and T3 of the SLE patients were 17.08 ± 2.65 min (mean ± standard deviation), 39.85 ± 6.54 min, and 83.58 ± 7.12 min, respectively. For healthy controls, they were 19.65 ± 5.39 min, 41.08 ± 7.51 min, and 70.34 ± 8.03 min. The T1 of the SLE patients was shorter (p < 0.01), while the T3 was longer (p < 0.001). Moreover, T3 in the SLE group had the best correlation with the upper gastrointestinal symptom index (r = 0.553, p < 0.001). T1 in the SLE group was anti-correlated with early satiety (r = -0.366, p < 0.05). Combining the emptying times T1 and T3, as well as the gastric wall thickness, the SLEDAI and the upper gastrointestinal symptoms index can provide accurate clinical diagnosis of SLE with gastric involvement.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of itopride (100 and 200 mg three times daily) on gastric motor and sensory function in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Choung, R S; Talley, N J; Peterson, J; Camilleri, M; Burton, D; Harmsen, W S; Zinsmeister, A R

2007-03-01

Itopride, a dopamine D2 antagonist and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, significantly improved symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia in one phase II randomized trial. However, the mechanisms by which itopride may improve symptoms are unknown. We aimed to compare the effects of two doses of itopride and placebo on gastric volumes, gastric emptying, small bowel transit and satiation in female and male healthy volunteers. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated gastric function before and after 7 days of itopride 100 mg (n = 16) or 200 mg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) t.i.d. Validated methods were used to study gastric accommodation (single photon emission computed tomography), gastric emptying and orocecal transit and satiation postnutrient challenge. The three arms were comparable with regard to age, gender and body mass index. There were no statistically significant effects of itopride on gastric emptying, orocecal transit, fasting gastric volume, maximum tolerated volume or aggregate symptom score with nutrient drink challenge. Postprandial (PP) change in gastric volume differed in the three groups (P = 0.019): 625[+/-28 (SEM)], 555(+/-26) and 512(+/-33) in placebo, itopride 100 and 200 mg groups, respectively. In healthy subjects, itopride reduced total PP gastric volume without accelerating gastric emptying or significantly altering gastric motor and sensory function in healthy individuals.

Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

PubMed

Nar, Gokay; Ergul, Bilal; Aksan, Gokhan; Inci, Sinan

2016-07-01

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease causing systemic inflammation, which may also affect the cardiovascular system, as well as other organ systems. The aim of the current study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) mechanical functions and duration of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) with echocardiography in patients with UC. A total of 91 patients, 45 with UC (Group 1) and 46 healthy individuals as control (Group 2) were included in the study. The demographic and laboratory data were recorded, and echocardiographic measurements were taken for all patients. In the evaluation of basal clinical and laboratory findings, no difference was detected between the two groups, except for white blood cell count (WBC) (8.26 ± 2.71 vs. 7.06 ± 1.70, P = 0.013) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP; 3.4 ± 1.7 vs. 1.0 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). The echocardiographic assessment revealed that the diastolic parameters such as E-, E/A-, and E- waves decreased in the UC group when compared to the control group. LA mechanical functions were different between groups, except for left atrial (LA) maximal volume: LA minimum volume (22.2 ± 12.9 vs. 15.3 ± 4.7, P = 0.001), LA volume before atrial systole (29.9 ± 14.2 vs. 24.2 ± 4.9, P = 0.021), LA ejection fraction (27.4 ± 16.5 vs. 38.6 ± 10.1, P < 0.001), LA total emptying volume (17.9 ± 6.9 vs. 21.9 ± 5.9, P = 0.004), LA active emptying fraction (27.4 ± 16.5 vs. 38.6 ± 10.1, P < 0.001), LA active emptying volume (7.7 ± 3.6 vs. 9.4 ± 2.9, P = 0.013), LA passive emptying fraction (26.8 ± 10.2 vs. 33.2 ± 9.2, P = 0.002), and LA passive emptying volume (10.3 ± 4.9 vs. 12.5 ± 4.5, P = 0.029). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of AEMD durations, except time interval from the onset of the P-wave on the surface ECG to the peak of the late diastolic wave (PA) of the tricuspid valve. The correlation analysis revealed that age and duration of disease were correlated with AEMD. The current study reported that LA volume and mechanical functions degenerated and AEMD increased in patients with UC when compared to the control group. These findings demonstrate that UC may have effects on LA electromechanical functions related to duration of disease. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of DCK knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenicity in vivo of cervical cancer HeLa cells.

PubMed

Shang, Q-Y; Wu, C-S; Gao, H-R

2017-09-01

The present study explored the effect that deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) knockdown had on proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenicity in vivo of cervical cancer HeLa cells. Human cervical cancer HeLa cells that had received no prior treatment were selected from the HeLa group. The HeLa-negative control (NC) group consisted of cells that had undergone an empty vector treatment, and finally the HeLa-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) group included cells that were treated by means of shRNA-DCK expression. DCK expressions were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in addition to western blotting assays. Cell proliferation was estimated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and cell cycle progression. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. BALB/c nude mice (n=24) were selected to establish transplanted tumor models, with gross tumor volume measured every 3 days. The results in vitro were as follows: compared with the HeLa group, the HeLa-shRNA group exhibited downregulation of DCK expression and inhibition of cell proliferation at 48, 72 and 96 h. Additionally, more cells in the HeLa-shRNA group were arrested in G0/G1 stage and less in S and G2/M stages, as well as in promotion of cell apoptosis. In vivo results are as follows: when comparing the HeLa and HeLa-NC groups, the gross tumor volume of the transplanted tumor in nude mice in the HeLa-shRNA group was found to have decreased in 13, 16, 19 and 22 days. Based on these findings, our study suggests that DCK knockdown facilitates apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation and tumorigenicity in vivo of cervical cancer HeLa cells.

[Quantitative Measurements on the Blood Flow Fields of Left Atrial Appendage using Vector Flow Mapping in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation].

PubMed

Cai, Yu-Yan; Wei, Xin; Zhang, Xiao-Ling; Liu, Gu-Yue; Li, Xi; Tang, Hong

2018-01-01

To quantify the hemodynamic characteristics of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Twenty patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 15 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation enrolled in this study,while 12 patients with sinus rhythms served as controls. The hemodynamic characteristics of the patients in left atrial appendage were measured by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and vector flow mapping (VFM) using indicators such as vectors,vortex and energy loss (EL). ① Significant differences appeared between the patients with atrial fibrillation and the controls in heart rate,size of left atrium,size of left atrial appendage (LAA),and velocities of LAA filling and emptying. ② Regular vectors in LAA in early systole and late diastole were found in the patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the controls; whereas,irregular vectors with direction alternating were visualized in the whole cardiac cycle in the patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. ③ Small vortexes were observed at the opening of the left atrial appendage in late diastole in the patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the controls. ④ Peak EL values occurred in early systole and late diastole in the patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and the controls. But the patients with persistent atrial fibrillation had increased EL values over the whole cardiac cycle. VFM can visualize and quantify the hemodynamics of LAA in patients with different heart rhythms. It may provide a new method for assessing atrial fibrillation. CopyrightCopyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).

Predictors of response to a behavioral treatment in patients with chronic gastric motility disorders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rashed, Hani; Cutts, Teresa; Abell, Thomas; Cowings, Patricia; Toscano, William; El-Gammal, Ahmed; Adl, Dima

2002-01-01

Chronic gastric motility disorders have proven intractable to most traditional therapies. Twenty-six patients with chronic nausea and vomiting were treated with a behavioral technique, autonomic training (AT) with directed imagery (verbal instructions), to help facilitate physiological control. After treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms decreased by >30% in 58% of the treated patients. We compared those improved patients to the 43% who did not improve significantly. No significant differences existed in baseline symptoms and autonomic measures between both groups. However, baseline measures of gastric emptying and autonomic function predicted treatment outcome. Patients who improved manifested mild to moderate delay in baseline gastric emptying measures. The percent of liquid gastric emptying at 60 mins and the sympathetic adrenergic measure of percent of change in the foot cutaneous blood flow in response to cold stress test predicted improvement in AT outcome, with clinical diagnostic values of 77% and 71%, respectively. We conclude that AT treatment can be efficacious in some patients with impaired gastric emptying and adrenergic dysfunction. More work is warranted to compare biofeedback therapy with gastric motility patients and controls in population-based studies.

Effect of centrally administered C75, a fatty acid synthase inhibitor, on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in mice.

PubMed

Li, Lai-Fu; Lu, Yan-Yu; Xiong, Wei; Liu, Juan-Ying; Chen, Qiang

2008-10-24

The central or systemic administration of 3-carboxy-4-octyl-2-methylenebutyrolactone (C75), a synthetic inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FAS), causes anorexia and profound weight loss in rodents. The amount of food intake and gastrointestinal mobility are closely related. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effects and mechanisms of C75 on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection in mice. Our data showed that C75 (1, 5, 10 microg/mouse) dose-dependently delayed gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in fasted mice. 10 microg C75 delayed gastric emptying by about 21.4% and reduced gastrointestinal transit by about 31.0% compared with vehicle control group. Administration (i.c.v.) of 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid (TOFA, an acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor) or ghrelin attenuated the delayed gastrointestinal mobility effect induced by 10 microg C75. Taken together, C75 is able to decrease gastrointestinal mobility and it seems possible that malonyl-CoA and ghrelin might play an intermediary role in these processes.

A fully coupled bolus-esophageal-gastric model for esophageal emptying based on the immersed boundary method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Wenjun; Pandolfino, John E.; Kahrilas, Peter J.; Patankar, Neelesh A.

2016-11-01

In this work, we develop a fully coupled bolus-esophageal-gastric model to study esophageal emptying based on the immersed boundary method. The model includes an esophageal segment, an ellipsoid-shaped stomach, and a bolus. It can easily handle the passive and active function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Two groups of case studies are presented. The first group is about the influence from tissue anisotropy. Simulation shows that the weaker (or more compliant) part suffers from a higher wall shear stress and higher pressure load when the bolus is filled in and emptied from the LES segment. This implies a degradation cycle in which a weaker tissue becomes much weaker due to an increased load, a possible pathway to the esophageal lower diverticulum. The second group is about bulge formation resulting from asymmetric anatomy and a compliant LES. In particular, we find a right bulge tends to develop for a compliant LES. The bulge is most pronounced with a highest stiffness of the gastric wall. This implies that the competition between the LES stiffness and gastric wall stiffness might be another factor related to the esophageal lower diverticulum. The support of Grant R01 DK56033 and R01 DK079902 from NIH is gratefully acknowledged.

Effect of DA-9701 on Gastric Motor Function Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Min, Yang Won; Min, Byung-Hoon; Kim, Seonwoo; Choi, Dongil; Rhee, Poong-Lyul

2015-01-01

Improving gastric accommodation and gastric emptying is an attractive physiological treatment target in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). We evaluated the effect of DA-9701, a new drug for FD, on gastric motor function after a meal in healthy volunteers using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Forty healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to receive either DA-9701 or placebo. After 5 days of treatment, subjects underwent gastric MRI (60 min before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after a liquid test meal). Gastric volume was measured through 3-dimensional reconstruction from MRI data. We analyzed 4 outcome variables including changes in total gastric volume (TGV), proximal TGV, and proximal to distal TGV ratio after a meal and gastric emptying rates after adjusting values at the pre-test meal. Changes in TGV and proximal TGV after a meal did not differ between the DA-9701 and placebo groups (difference between groups -25.9 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -54.0 to 2.3 mL, P = 0.070 and -2.9 mL, 95% CI -30.3 to 24.5 mL, P = 0.832, respectively). However, pre-treatment with DA-9701 increased postprandial proximal to distal TGV ratio more than placebo (difference between groups 0.93, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.79, P = 0.034). In addition, pre-treatment with DA-9701 significantly increased gastric emptying as compared with placebo (mean difference between groups 3.41%, 95% CI 0.54% to 6.29%, P = 0.021, by mixed model for repeated measures). Our results suggested that DA-9701 enhances gastric emptying and does not significantly affect gastric accommodation in healthy volunteers. Further studies to confirm whether DA-9701 enhances these gastric motor functions in patients with FD are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02091635.

A Plasmodium vivax Plasmid DNA- and Adenovirus-Vectored Malaria Vaccine Encoding Blood-Stage Antigens AMA1 and MSP142 in a Prime/Boost Heterologous Immunization Regimen Partially Protects Aotus Monkeys against Blood-Stage Challenge.

PubMed

Obaldia, Nicanor; Stockelman, Michael G; Otero, William; Cockrill, Jennifer A; Ganeshan, Harini; Abot, Esteban N; Zhang, Jianfeng; Limbach, Keith; Charoenvit, Yupin; Doolan, Denise L; Tang, De-Chu C; Richie, Thomas L

2017-04-01

Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium , which are transmitted to humans by the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes. After the elimination of Plasmodium falciparum , it is predicted that Plasmodium vivax will remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality outside Africa, stressing the importance of developing a vaccine against P. vivax malaria. In this study, we assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of two P. vivax antigens, apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and the 42-kDa C-terminal fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1 42 ) in a plasmid recombinant DNA prime/adenoviral (Ad) vector boost regimen in Aotus monkeys. Groups of 4 to 5 monkeys were immunized with plasmid DNA alone, Ad alone, prime/boost regimens with each antigen, prime/boost regimens with both antigens, and empty vector controls and then subjected to blood-stage challenge. The heterologous immunization regimen with the antigen pair was more protective than either antigen alone or both antigens delivered with a single vaccine platform, on the basis of their ability to induce the longest prepatent period and the longest time to the peak level of parasitemia, the lowest peak and mean levels of parasitemia, the smallest area under the parasitemia curve, and the highest self-cure rate. Overall, prechallenge MSP1 42 antibody titers strongly correlated with a decreased parasite burden. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of immunized animals developed anemia. In conclusion, the P. vivax plasmid DNA/Ad serotype 5 vaccine encoding blood-stage parasite antigens AMA1 and MSP1 42 in a heterologous prime/boost immunization regimen provided significant protection against blood-stage challenge in Aotus monkeys, indicating the suitability of these antigens and this regimen for further development. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Effect of p27 gene combined with Pientzehuang ([characters: see text]) on tumor growth in osteosarcoma-bearing nude mice.

PubMed

Ren, Shou-song; Yuan, Fang; Liu, Ying-hong; Zhou, Le-tian; Li, Jun

2015-11-01

To observe the effect of p27 gene recombinant adenovirus combined with Chinese medicine Pientzehuang ([characters: see text]) on the growth of xenografted human osteosarcoma in nude mice. Tissue transplantation was used to construct the orthotopic model of human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cell in nude mice. Thirty tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control group (model of osteosarcoma), empty vector group (recombinant adeno-associated virus-multiple cloning site), Pientzehuang group, p27 gene group and combined treatment group (p27 gene combined with Pientzehuang). The effect of combined treatment on human osteosarcoma was analyzed through the tumor formation, tumor volume and inhibition rate of tumor growth. The expression of p27 was measured by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. The orthotopic model of osteosarcoma in nude mice was successfully constructed. The general appearance of tumor-bearing nude mice in Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups was markedly improved compared with the blank control group; and in the combined treatment group it was significantly improved compared with the Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups. The tumor growth in the Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups was significantly inhibited compared with the blank control group P<0.05); while in the combined treatment group it was markedly inhibited compared with the Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups (P<0.05). The rates of tumor growth inhibition were 34.1%, 56.5% and 63.8% in the Pientzehuang, p27 gene and combined treatment groups, respectively. Meanwhile, the protein expression of p27 gene in the p27 gene group was significantly increased compared with the blank control group (P<0.05); and it was significantly increased in the combined treatment group compared with the p27 gene and Pientzehuang groups (P<0.05). p27 gene introduced by adenovirus combined with Pientzehuang can inhibit the growth of human osteosarcoma cell Saos-2 in nude mice.

[The role of the autonomic nervous system on malfunction of gastric motor and myoelectric activity in patients with hyperthyroidism].

PubMed

Barczyński, M; Thor, P J; Słowiaczek, M; Pitala, A

2000-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine both the type of gastric mioelectric and emptying disorders in correlation to degree of severity of hyperthyroidism (clinical and thyroid hormones' blood levels) and ANS function estimated in HRV analysis. The study was performed on a group of 50 patients (35 with multinodular toxic goitre and 15 with Graves' disease, 45 females and 5 males, mean age 39.6 years, mean BMI 23.72) with newly diagnosed and so far untreated hyperthyroidism. The control group were 50 healthy volunteers age-, sex-, and BMI-matched to the studied group. Patients were studied twice, within newly diagnosed thyreotoxicosis and after treatment (Metizol) and reaching stable euthyroid state. The study consisted of: a) percutaneous EGG analysis (Synectics): 30 minutes before and after a test meal (ENRICH Liquid 250 ml), b) HRV analysis (ECG POSTER 2002): 10 minutes at rest and during deep breathing test, c) ultrasound measurement of gastric emptying by Bolondi method. Statistical analysis of collected data was performed. In hyperthyroid patients significant both preprandial and postprandial dysrhythmia (33.01% of bradygastria and 16.49% of tachygastria) was found. In some patients decrease of amplitude of EGG signal was marked as a result of antral hypomotility with coexisting significantly prolonged gastric emptying (110 min). Among severe hyperthyroid patients both the antral food distribution (antrum 35% bigger than in a control group) and impaired proximal stomach relaxation were evident. The degree of gastric mioelectric activity and emptying disorders was proportional to the degree of both severity of clinical manifestation of hyperthyroidism in Zgliczynski scale (from I degree to III degrees) and free thyroid hormones' blood levels (positive correlation). In HRV analysis at rest in hyperthyroid patients comparing to a control group the decrease of both the heart rate variability and a total power was found particularly in HF component resulting in relative sympathetic activation. In HRV analysis during deep breathing test the decrease of heart rate variability was present mostly in LF component. It indicates on reduction of vagal regulation (and vagal excitability) of sinus node and gastric pacemaker function. Coexistence of the increase and decrease of a gastric basic electrical rhythm with delay of gastric emptying indicates on a complex mechanism of their formation. Both neurogenic regulation dysfunction and primary miogenic autoregulation disorders as a result of tyreotoxicosis seem to be the possible causes. All the found changes were functional and disappeared after reaching the stable euthyroid state within 3 months of pharmacological treatment.

Rapid rehydration and moderate plasma glucose elevation by fluid containing enzymatically synthesized glycogen.

PubMed

Inagaki, Kei; Ishihara, Kengo; Ishida, Mariko; Watanabe, Ai; Fujiwara, Mika; Komatsu, Yuko; Shirai, Mika; Kato, Yoshiho; Takanezawa, Ami; Furuyashiki, Takashi; Takata, Hiroki; Seyama, Yousuke

2011-01-01

Enzymatically synthesized glycogen (ESG) has high solubility and its solution has low osmotic pressure. Therefore ESG solution could be rapidly absorbed and could be adequate for water rehydration and carbohydrate supplementation during exercise. The object of this study was to evaluate the gastric emptying time and plasma glucose elevation after an administration of ESG solution in comparison with another carbohydrate solution by using a laboratory animal. Male BALB/c mice were administered 10% w/v solution of glucose, maltodextrin, starch, naturally synthesized glycogen (NSG) and ESG at a dose of 20 µL/g body weight for the measurement of gastric emptying rate (Experiment 1) and 10 µL/g body weight for the measurement of plasma glucose elevation (Experiment 2). The osmolarity of gastric content was lower in the ESG and maltodextrin group than the other carbohydrate group. Weight of gastric fluid was significantly lower in the ESG and water group than the glucose group (p<0.01). Plasma glucose level was significantly lower in the ESG group than the glucose group from 0 to 60 min after administration (p<0.01), whereas plasma glucose level was same from 60 to 120 min for the ESG and glucose group (p=0.948). In Experiment 3, BALB/c mice ran on a treadmill for 2 h and were administered 8% of ESG or glucose solution (1.75, 3.5 or 7.0 µL/g body weight) every 20 min during running. There was no difference in post-exercise muscle glycogen level. These data suggest that 1) ESG beverage does not disturb water absorption because of its short gastric emptying time and 2) ESG slowly elevates plasma glucose level and maintains it for a prolonged time compared to the glucose solution.

Plant X-tender: An extension of the AssemblX system for the assembly and expression of multigene constructs in plants.

PubMed

Lukan, Tjaša; Machens, Fabian; Coll, Anna; Baebler, Špela; Messerschmidt, Katrin; Gruden, Kristina

2018-01-01

Cloning multiple DNA fragments for delivery of several genes of interest into the plant genome is one of the main technological challenges in plant synthetic biology. Despite several modular assembly methods developed in recent years, the plant biotechnology community has not widely adopted them yet, probably due to the lack of appropriate vectors and software tools. Here we present Plant X-tender, an extension of the highly efficient, scar-free and sequence-independent multigene assembly strategy AssemblX, based on overlap-depended cloning methods and rare-cutting restriction enzymes. Plant X-tender consists of a set of plant expression vectors and the protocols for most efficient cloning into the novel vector set needed for plant expression and thus introduces advantages of AssemblX into plant synthetic biology. The novel vector set covers different backbones and selection markers to allow full design flexibility. We have included ccdB counterselection, thereby allowing the transfer of multigene constructs into the novel vector set in a straightforward and highly efficient way. Vectors are available as empty backbones and are fully flexible regarding the orientation of expression cassettes and addition of linkers between them, if required. We optimised the assembly and subcloning protocol by testing different scar-less assembly approaches: the noncommercial SLiCE and TAR methods and the commercial Gibson assembly and NEBuilder HiFi DNA assembly kits. Plant X-tender was applicable even in combination with low efficient homemade chemically competent or electrocompetent Escherichia coli. We have further validated the developed procedure for plant protein expression by cloning two cassettes into the newly developed vectors and subsequently transferred them to Nicotiana benthamiana in a transient expression setup. Thereby we show that multigene constructs can be delivered into plant cells in a streamlined and highly efficient way. Our results will support faster introduction of synthetic biology into plant science.

Plant X-tender: An extension of the AssemblX system for the assembly and expression of multigene constructs in plants

PubMed Central

Machens, Fabian; Coll, Anna; Baebler, Špela; Messerschmidt, Katrin; Gruden, Kristina

2018-01-01

Cloning multiple DNA fragments for delivery of several genes of interest into the plant genome is one of the main technological challenges in plant synthetic biology. Despite several modular assembly methods developed in recent years, the plant biotechnology community has not widely adopted them yet, probably due to the lack of appropriate vectors and software tools. Here we present Plant X-tender, an extension of the highly efficient, scar-free and sequence-independent multigene assembly strategy AssemblX, based on overlap-depended cloning methods and rare-cutting restriction enzymes. Plant X-tender consists of a set of plant expression vectors and the protocols for most efficient cloning into the novel vector set needed for plant expression and thus introduces advantages of AssemblX into plant synthetic biology. The novel vector set covers different backbones and selection markers to allow full design flexibility. We have included ccdB counterselection, thereby allowing the transfer of multigene constructs into the novel vector set in a straightforward and highly efficient way. Vectors are available as empty backbones and are fully flexible regarding the orientation of expression cassettes and addition of linkers between them, if required. We optimised the assembly and subcloning protocol by testing different scar-less assembly approaches: the noncommercial SLiCE and TAR methods and the commercial Gibson assembly and NEBuilder HiFi DNA assembly kits. Plant X-tender was applicable even in combination with low efficient homemade chemically competent or electrocompetent Escherichia coli. We have further validated the developed procedure for plant protein expression by cloning two cassettes into the newly developed vectors and subsequently transferred them to Nicotiana benthamiana in a transient expression setup. Thereby we show that multigene constructs can be delivered into plant cells in a streamlined and highly efficient way. Our results will support faster introduction of synthetic biology into plant science. PMID:29300787

DNA degradation and genetic analysis of empty puparia: genetic identification limits in forensic entomology.

PubMed

Mazzanti, Morena; Alessandrini, Federica; Tagliabracci, Adriano; Wells, Jeffrey D; Campobasso, Carlo P

2010-02-25

Puparial cases are common remnants of necrophagous flies in crime investigations. They usually represent the longest developmental time and, therefore, they can be very useful for the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI). However, before any PMI estimate, it is crucial to identify the species of fly eclosed from each puparium associated with the corpse. Morphological characteristics of the puparium are often distinctive enough to permit a species identification. But, even an accurate morphological analysis of empty puparia cannot discriminate among different species of closely related flies. Furthermore, morphological identification may be impossible if the fly puparia are poorly preserved or in fragments. This study explores the applicability of biomolecular techniques on empty puparia and their fragments for identification purposes. A total of 63 empty puparia of necrophagous Diptera resulting from forensic casework were examined. Samples were divided into three groups according to size, type and time of eclosion in order to verify whether the physical characteristics and puparia weathering can influence the amount of DNA extraction. The results suggest that a reliable genetic identification of forensically important flies may also be performed from empty puparia and/or their fragments. However, DNA degradation can deeply compromise the genetic analysis since the older the fly puparia, the smaller are the amplified fragments. 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic variants in microRNAs predict non-small cell lung cancer prognosis in Chinese female population in a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Lingzi, Xia; Zhihua, Yin; Xuelian, Li; Yangwu, Ren; Haibo, Zhang; Yuxia, Zhao; Baosen, Zhou

2016-12-13

To investigate the prognostic effect of microRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, 658 female participants from northeast China were enrolled in our prospective cohort study and followed up from 2010 to 2015. C-containing genotypes of miR-149 rs2292832 were associated with better overall survival (OS). The joint effect of miR-149 and miR-196a2 and the joint effect of miR-149 and miR-608 were also observed in our study. To verify the function of miR-149 rs2292832, A549 cell lines were stably transfected with lenti-virus containing miR-149-C vector, miR-149-T vector and empty vector. Cells containing C allele assumed a higher expression level of miR-149, a decrease in cell growth and the sensitivity to anticancer drug when compared with cells containing T allele. The role of miR-149 playing in cancer prognosis may function through DNA topoisomerases 1 (TOP1) pathway, according to the results from luciferase reporter assays. In conclusion, miR-149 C allele may be a prognostic biomarker for better NSCLC OS.

Genetic variants in microRNAs predict non-small cell lung cancer prognosis in Chinese female population in a prospective cohort study

PubMed Central

Lingzi, Xia; Zhihua, Yin; Xuelian, Li; Yangwu, Ren; Haibo, Zhang; Yuxia, Zhao; Baosen, Zhou

2016-01-01

To investigate the prognostic effect of microRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, 658 female participants from northeast China were enrolled in our prospective cohort study and followed up from 2010 to 2015. C-containing genotypes of miR-149 rs2292832 were associated with better overall survival (OS). The joint effect of miR-149 and miR-196a2 and the joint effect of miR-149 and miR-608 were also observed in our study. To verify the function of miR-149 rs2292832, A549 cell lines were stably transfected with lenti-virus containing miR-149-C vector, miR-149-T vector and empty vector. Cells containing C allele assumed a higher expression level of miR-149, a decrease in cell growth and the sensitivity to anticancer drug when compared with cells containing T allele. The role of miR-149 playing in cancer prognosis may function through DNA topoisomerases 1 (TOP1) pathway, according to the results from luciferase reporter assays. In conclusion, miR-149 C allele may be a prognostic biomarker for better NSCLC OS. PMID:27825117

Adenovirus-vectored foot-and-mouth disease vaccine confers early and full protection against FMDV O1 Manisa in swine.

PubMed

Fernandez-Sainz, Ignacio; Medina, Gisselle N; Ramirez-Medina, Elizabeth; Koster, Marla J; Grubman, Marvin J; de Los Santos, Teresa

2017-02-01

A human adenovirus (Ad5) vectored foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) O1-Manisa subunit vaccine (Ad5-O1Man) was engineered to deliver FMDV O1-Manisa capsid and capsid-processing proteins. Swine inoculated with Ad5-O1Man developed an FMDV-specific humoral response as compared to animals inoculated with an empty Ad5-vector. Vaccinated animals were completely protected against homologous challenge at 7 or 21 days post-vaccination. Potency studies exhibited a PD50 of about 10 7 pfu/animal while a dose of 4×10 7 pfu/animal fully protected swine against FMDV intradermal challenge. In-vitro cross-neutralization analysis distinctly predicted that swine vaccinated with Ad5-O1Man would be protected against challenge with homologous FMDV O1Man Middle East-South Asia (ME-SA) topotype and also against recent outbreak strains of Mya-98 South East Asia (SEA) lineage including O1-UK-2001 and O1-South Korea-2010. These results indicate that recombinant Ad5-O1Man is an effective, safe and cross-reacting vaccine that could potentially be used preventively and in outbreak situations, to control FMDV O Mya-98 lineage in swine. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Smooth muscle cell biglycan overexpression results in increased lipoprotein retention on extracellular matrix: implications for the retention of lipoproteins in atherosclerosis.

PubMed

O'Brien, Kevin D; Lewis, Katherine; Fischer, Jens W; Johnson, Pamela; Hwang, Jin-Yong; Knopp, Eleanor A; Kinsella, Michael G; Barrett, P Hugh R; Chait, Alan; Wight, Thomas N

2004-11-01

Lipoprotein retention on extracellular matrix (ECM) may play a central role in atherogenesis, and a specific extracellular matrix proteoglycan, biglycan, has been implicated in lipoprotein retention in human atherosclerosis. To test whether increased cellular biglycan expression results in increased retention of lipoproteins on ECM, rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were transduced with a human biglycan cDNA-containing retroviral vector (LBSN) or with an empty retroviral vector (LXSN). To assess the importance of biglycan's glycosaminoglycan side chains in lipoprotein retention, ECM binding studies were also performed using RASMCs transduced with a retroviral vector encoding for a mutant, glycosaminoglycan-deficient biglycan (LBmutSN). Human biglycan mRNA and protein were confirmed in LBSN and LBmutSN RASMCs by Northern and Western blot analyses. HDL3+E binding to SMC ECM was increased significantly (as determined by 95% confidence intervals for binding curves) for LBSN as compared to either LXSN or LBmutSN cells; the increases for LBSN cell ECM were due primarily to an approximately 50% increase in binding sites (increased Bmax) versus LXSN cell ECM and of approximately 25% versus LBmutSN cell ECM. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that biglycan, through its glycosaminoglycan side chains, may mediate lipoprotein retention on atherosclerotic plaque ECM.

Overexpression of IL-10 in C2D macrophages promotes a macrophage phenotypic switch in adipose tissue environments.

PubMed

Xie, Linglin; Fu, Qiang; Ortega, Teresa M; Zhou, Lun; Rasmussen, Dane; O'Keefe, Jacy; Zhang, Ke K; Chapes, Stephen K

2014-01-01

Adipose tissue macrophages are a heterogeneous collection of classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, secreted by a variety of cell types including M2 macrophages. We generated a macrophage cell line stably overexpressing IL-10 (C2D-IL10) and analyzed the C2D-IL10 cells for several macrophage markers after exposure to adipocytes compared to C2D cells transfected with an empty vector (C2D-vector). C2D-IL10 macrophage cells expressed more CD206 when co-cultured with adipocytes than C2D-vector cells; while the co-cultured cell mixture also expressed higher levels of Il4, Il10, Il1β and Tnf. Since regular C2D cells traffic to adipose tissue after adoptive transfer, we explored the impact of constitutive IL-10 expression on C2D-IL10 macrophages in adipose tissue in vivo. Adipose tissue-isolated C2D-IL10 cells increased the percentage of CD206(+), CD301(+), CD11c(-)CD206(+) (M2) and CD11c(+)CD206(+) (M1b) on their cell surface, compared to isolated C2D-vector cells. These data suggest that the expression of IL-10 remains stable, alters the C2D-IL10 macrophage cell surface phenotype and may play a role in regulating macrophage interactions with the adipose tissue.

[Transfection of hBcl-2 gene protects the liver against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats during liver transplantation].

PubMed

Liu, Ji-tong; Liu, Jing-shi; Jiang, Jin-yu; Zhou, Li-xue; Liang, Gang; Li, Yan-chun

2010-12-01

To study the effect of hBcl-2 gene transfer on rat liver against ischemia-reperfusion injury, and explore the feasibility of this approach to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in liver transplantation. We constructed the replication-deficient recombinant adenoviruses Adv-EGFP and Adv-Bcl-2 and transfected them into 293 cells and packaged into adenovirus particles for amplification and purification. The empty plasmid vector virus was constructed similarly. Male SD rats were randomized into Adv-Bcl-2-transfected group, Adv-EGFP-transfected group, ischemia-reperfusion group, and sham-operated group, and liver allograft transplantation model was established by sleeve method. In the transfected groups, the recombinant viruses were administered by perfusion through the portal vein, and the ischemia-reperfusion and sham-operated groups received no treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of bcl-2 in the liver tissue of each group, and at 0, 60 and 180 min after reperfusion, serum AST, LDH, and MDA levels were measured. Histological changes of the liver cells were evaluated by HE staining. Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions in Adv-Bcl-2-transfected group, as compared with those in Adv-EGFP-transfected group and control group, were significantly increased (P<0.01); the serum levels of AST, LDH and MDA in Adv-Bcl-2-transfected group were significantly lower than those of Adv-EGFP-transfected group and ischemia-reperfusion group (P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group, Adv-Bcl-2 treatment group showed lessened edema and vacuolar degeneration of the liver cells without patches or spots of necrosis. In ischemia-reperfusion and Adv-EGFP group, HE staining revealed hepatic lobular destruction and extensive liver cell swelling, enlargement, vacuolar degeneration, edema and occasional focal necrosis. Adv-Bcl-2 transfection can induce the expression of bcl-2 gene to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury of the liver graft in rats.

Effect of early enteral combined with parenteral nutrition in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Zhu, Xin-Hua; Wu, Ya-Fu; Qiu, Yu-Dong; Jiang, Chun-Ping; Ding, Yi-Tao

2013-09-21

To investigate the effect of early enteral nutrition (EEN) combined with parenteral nutritional support in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). From January 2006, all patients were given EEN combined with parenteral nutrition (PN) (EEN/PN group, n = 107), while patients prior to this date were given total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (TPN group, n = 67). Venous blood samples were obtained for a nutrition-associated assessment and liver function tests on the day before surgery and 6 d after surgery. The assessment of clinical outcome was based on postoperative complications. Follow-up for infectious and noninfectious complications was carried out for 30 d after hospital discharge. Readmission within 30 d after discharge was also recorded. Compared with the TPN group, a significant decrease in prealbumin (PAB) (P = 0.023) was seen in the EEN/PN group. Total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly decreased on day 6 in the EEN/PN group (P = 0.006, 0.004 and 0.032, respectively). The rate of grade I complications, grade II complications and the length of postoperative hospital stay in the EEN/PN group were significantly decreased (P = 0.036, 0.028 and 0.021, respectively), and no hospital mortality was observed in our study. Compared with the TPN group (58.2%), the rate of infectious complications in the EEN/PN group (39.3%) was significantly decreased (P = 0.042). Eleven cases of delayed gastric emptying were noted in the TPN group, and 6 cases in the EEN/PN group. The rate of delayed gastric emptying and hyperglycemia was significantly reduced in the EEN/PN group (P = 0.031 and P = 0.040, respectively). Early enteral combined with PN can greatly improve liver function, reduce infectious complications and delayed gastric emptying, and shorten postoperative hospital stay in patients undergoing PD.

Dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among children and adolescents in the United States.

PubMed

Reedy, Jill; Krebs-Smith, Susan M

2010-10-01

The objective of this research was to identify top dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among 2- to 18-year-olds in the United States. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study, were used to examine food sources (percentage contribution and mean intake with standard errors) of total energy (data from 2005-2006) and energy from solid fats and added sugars (data from 2003-2004). Differences were investigated by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income, and the consumption of empty calories-defined as the sum of energy from solid fats and added sugars-was compared with the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance. The top sources of energy for 2- to 18-year-olds were grain desserts (138 kcal/day), pizza (136 kcal/day), and soda (118 kcal/day). Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined) provided 173 kcal/day. Major contributors varied by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Nearly 40% of total energy consumed (798 of 2,027 kcal/day) by 2- to 18-year-olds were in the form of empty calories (433 kcal from solid fat and 365 kcal from added sugars). Consumption of empty calories far exceeded the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance for all sex-age groups (which range from 8% to 20%). Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. There is an overlap between the major sources of energy and empty calories: soda, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. The landscape of choices available to children and adolescents must change to provide fewer unhealthy foods and more healthy foods with less energy. Identifying top sources of energy and empty calories can provide targets for changes in the marketplace and food environment. However, product reformulation alone is not sufficient-the flow of empty calories into the food supply must be reduced.

Dietary Sources of Energy, Solid Fats, and Added Sugars Among Children and Adolescents in the United States

PubMed Central

Reedy, Jill; Krebs-Smith, Susan M.

2010-01-01

Objective The objective of this research was to identify top dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among 2–18 year olds in the United States. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional study, were used to examine food sources (percentage contribution and mean intake with standard errors) of total energy (2005–06) and calories from solid fats and added sugars (2003–04). Differences were investigated by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income, and the consumption of empty calories—defined as the sum of calories from solid fats and added sugars—was compared with the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance. Results The top sources of energy for 2–18 year olds were grain desserts (138 kcal/day), pizza (136 kcal), and soda (118 kcal). Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined) provided 173 kcal/day. Major contributors varied by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Nearly 40% of total calories consumed (798 kcal/day of 2027 kcal) by 2–18 year olds were in the form of empty calories (433 kcal from solid fat and 365 kcal from added sugars). Consumption of empty calories far exceeded the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance for all sex-age groups (which range from 8–20%). Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Conclusion There is an overlap between the major sources of energy and empty calories: soda, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. The landscape of choices available to children and adolescents must change to provide fewer unhealthy foods and more healthy foods with fewer calories. Identifying top sources of energy and empty calories can provide targets for changes in the marketplace and food environment. However, product reformulation alone is not sufficient—the flow of empty calories into the food supply must be reduced. PMID:20869486

Polymeric reaction between aldehyde group in furfural and phenolic derivatives from liquefaction of oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber as phenol-furfural resin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masli, M. Z.; Zakaria, S.; Chia, C. H.; Roslan, R.

2016-11-01

Resinification of liquefied empty fruit bunch with furfural (LEFB-Fu) was performed. During the resinification process, the samples were taken every hour up to 4 hours. FTIR analysis of the samples was conducted to understand the progress of the reaction. It showed that the bands of 1512 cm-1 and 1692 cm-1 evolving and diminishing respectively, indicating the consumption of furfural. The postulation of polymerization was also proven as the increasing extent of substitution of aromatic ring observed.

Production of Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Vectors Using Suspension HEK293 Cells and Continuous Harvest of Vector From the Culture Media for GMP FIX and FLT1 Clinical Vector

PubMed Central

Grieger, Joshua C; Soltys, Stephen M; Samulski, Richard Jude

2016-01-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown great promise as a gene therapy vector in multiple aspects of preclinical and clinical applications. Many developments including new serotypes as well as self-complementary vectors are now entering the clinic. With these ongoing vector developments, continued effort has been focused on scalable manufacturing processes that can efficiently generate high-titer, highly pure, and potent quantities of rAAV vectors. Utilizing the relatively simple and efficient transfection system of HEK293 cells as a starting point, we have successfully adapted an adherent HEK293 cell line from a qualified clinical master cell bank to grow in animal component-free suspension conditions in shaker flasks and WAVE bioreactors that allows for rapid and scalable rAAV production. Using the triple transfection method, the suspension HEK293 cell line generates greater than 1 × 105 vector genome containing particles (vg)/cell or greater than 1 × 1014 vg/l of cell culture when harvested 48 hours post-transfection. To achieve these yields, a number of variables were optimized such as selection of a compatible serum-free suspension media that supports both growth and transfection, selection of a transfection reagent, transfection conditions and cell density. A universal purification strategy, based on ion exchange chromatography methods, was also developed that results in high-purity vector preps of AAV serotypes 1–6, 8, 9 and various chimeric capsids tested. This user-friendly process can be completed within 1 week, results in high full to empty particle ratios (>90% full particles), provides postpurification yields (>1 × 1013 vg/l) and purity suitable for clinical applications and is universal with respect to all serotypes and chimeric particles. To date, this scalable manufacturing technology has been utilized to manufacture GMP phase 1 clinical AAV vectors for retinal neovascularization (AAV2), Hemophilia B (scAAV8), giant axonal neuropathy (scAAV9), and retinitis pigmentosa (AAV2), which have been administered into patients. In addition, we report a minimum of a fivefold increase in overall vector production by implementing a perfusion method that entails harvesting rAAV from the culture media at numerous time-points post-transfection. PMID:26437810

Left atrial appendage segmentation and quantitative assisted diagnosis of atrial fibrillation based on fusion of temporal-spatial information.

PubMed

Jin, Cheng; Feng, Jianjiang; Wang, Lei; Yu, Heng; Liu, Jiang; Lu, Jiwen; Zhou, Jie

2018-05-01

In this paper, we present an approach for left atrial appendage (LAA) multi-phase fast segmentation and quantitative assisted diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on 4D-CT data. We take full advantage of the temporal dimension information to segment the living, flailed LAA based on a parametric max-flow method and graph-cut approach to build 3-D model of each phase. To assist the diagnosis of AF, we calculate the volumes of 3-D models, and then generate a "volume-phase" curve to calculate the important dynamic metrics: ejection fraction, filling flux, and emptying flux of the LAA's blood by volume. This approach demonstrates more precise results than the conventional approaches that calculate metrics by area, and allows for the quick analysis of LAA-volume pattern changes of in a cardiac cycle. It may also provide insight into the individual differences in the lesions of the LAA. Furthermore, we apply support vector machines (SVMs) to achieve a quantitative auto-diagnosis of the AF by exploiting seven features from volume change ratios of the LAA, and perform multivariate logistic regression analysis for the risk of LAA thrombosis. The 100 cases utilized in this research were taken from the Philips 256-iCT. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach can construct the 3-D LAA geometries robustly compared to manual annotations, and reasonably infer that the LAA undergoes filling, emptying and re-filling, re-emptying in a cardiac cycle. This research provides a potential for exploring various physiological functions of the LAA and quantitatively estimating the risk of stroke in patients with AF. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevention of gastroduodenal content reflux and delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy: gastric tube reconstruction with duodenal diversion plus Roux-en-Y anastomosis.

PubMed

Yano, M; Motoori, M; Tanaka, K; Kishi, K; Miyashiro, I; Shingai, T; Gotoh, K; Noura, S; Takahashi, H; Yamada, T; Ohue, M; Ohigashi, H; Ishikawa, O

2012-04-01

Reflux of gastroduodenal contents and delayed gastric emptying are the most common and serious problems after esophagectomy with gastric reconstruction. However, attempts to reduce the above symptoms, surgically as well as non-surgically, had no or limited effect. To address this issue, we performed retrosternal gastric reconstruction with duodenal diversion plus Roux-en-Y anastomosis (RY) in eight patients with thoracic esophageal cancer and compared the outcomes with control patients who underwent standard reconstruction. The procedure is simple, safe, and not associated with any postoperative complications. The pancreatic amylase concentrations in the gastric juice samples on postoperative day 2 were slightly lower in the non-RY group than in the RY group (1884 ± 2152 vs. 25,790 ± 23,542IU/mL, respectively, P= 0.07). Postoperative endoscopic examination showed neither reflux esophagitis nor residual gastric content in the RY group. Quality of life assessed by the Dysfunction After Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery-32 questionnaire postoperatively was significantly better in the RY group than in the non-RY group for 'decreased physical activity,''symptoms of reflux,''nausea and vomiting,' and 'pain.' The results of this pilot study suggest that gastric reconstruction with duodenal diversion plus RY seems effective in improving both the reflux and delayed gastric emptying. The benefits of this procedure need to be further assessed in a large-scale, randomized controlled trial. © 2011 Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Osteoprotegerin inhibits bone resorption and prevents tumor development in a xenogenic model of Ewing's sarcoma by inhibiting RANKL

PubMed Central

Picarda, Gaëlle; Matous, Etienne; Amiaud, Jérôme; Charrier, Céline; Lamoureux, François; Heymann, Marie-Françoise; Tirode, Franck; Pitard, Bruno; Trichet, Valérie; Heymann, Dominique; Redini, Françoise

2013-01-01

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) associated with high osyeolytic lesions typically arises in the bones of children and adolescents. The development of multi-disciplinary therapy has increased current long-term survival rates to greater than 50% but only 20% for high risk group patients (relapse, metastases, etc.). Among new therapeutic approaches, osteoprotegerin (OPG), an anti-bone resorption molecule may represent a promising candidate to inhibit RANKL-mediated osteolytic component of ES and consequently to limit the tumor development. Xenogenic orthotopic models of Ewing's sarcoma were induced by intra-osseous injection of human TC-71 ES cells. OPG was administered in vivo by non-viral gene transfer using an amphiphilic non ionic block copolymer. ES bearing mice were assigned to controls (no treatment, synthetic vector alone or F68/empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid) and hOPG treated groups. A substantial but not significant inhibition of tumor development was observed in the hOPG group as compared to control groups. Marked bone lesions were revealed by micro-computed tomography analyses in control groups whereas a normal bone micro-architecture was preserved in the hOPG treated group. RANKL over-expressed in ES animal model was expressed by tumor cells rather than by host cells. However, TRAIL present in the tumor microenvironment may interfere with OPG effect on tumor development and bone remodeling via RANKL inhibition. In conclusion, the use of a xenogenic model of Ewing's sarcoma allowed discriminating between the tumor and host cells responsible for the elevation of RANKL production observed in this tumor and demonstrated the relevance of blocking RANKL by OPG as a promising therapy in ES. PMID:26909278

Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus

PubMed Central

Greenwood-Van Meerveld, Beverley; Tyler, Karl; Mohammadi, Ehsan; Pietra, Claudio

2012-01-01

Background Delayed gastric emptying is a common disorder with few effective therapeutic options. The goal of this study was to investigate whether ipamorelin, a synthetic peptidomimetic that acts on the ghrelin receptor, accelerates gastric emptying in a rodent model of gastroparesis induced by abdominal surgery and intestinal manipulation. Methods Fasted adult male rats were subjected to laparotomy and intestinal manipulation. Following the surgery rats received ipamorelin (0.014–0.14 µmol/kg) or vehicle control via intravenous administration. Gastric emptying was measured by the percent of total recovered radioactivity remaining in the stomach 15 minutes after intragastric gavage of 1.5 mL of 99mTc (technicium-99m) sulfur colloid in 0.5% methylcellulose. In a separate group of rats subjected to laparotomy and intestinal manipulation, the gastric fundus was isolated and tissue segments were suspended in an organ bath to assess the effect of ipamorelin (1 µM) on gastric smooth muscle contractility induced by acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation. Results Abdominal surgery caused a delay in gastric emptying with 78% ± 5% of the meal remaining in the stomach in vehicle controls. Ipamorelin (0.014 µmol/kg intravenous) resulted in a significant acceleration (P < 0.05 vs vehicle-treated rat) of gastric emptying with 52% ± 11% of the meal remaining in the stomach compared to nonsurgical control animals with 44% ± 6%. Following abdominal surgery and intestinal manipulation, isolated preparations of gastric smooth muscle exhibited a marked inhibition of acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation-induced contractile responses, which were reversed by ipamorelin and ghrelin. Conclusion These results suggest that ipamorelin accelerates gastric emptying in a rodent model of postoperative ileus through the stimulation of gastric contractility by activating a ghrelin receptor-mediated mechanism involving cholinergic excitatory neurons. PMID:27186127

Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus.

PubMed

Greenwood-Van Meerveld, Beverley; Tyler, Karl; Mohammadi, Ehsan; Pietra, Claudio

2012-01-01

Delayed gastric emptying is a common disorder with few effective therapeutic options. The goal of this study was to investigate whether ipamorelin, a synthetic peptidomimetic that acts on the ghrelin receptor, accelerates gastric emptying in a rodent model of gastroparesis induced by abdominal surgery and intestinal manipulation. Fasted adult male rats were subjected to laparotomy and intestinal manipulation. Following the surgery rats received ipamorelin (0.014-0.14 µmol/kg) or vehicle control via intravenous administration. Gastric emptying was measured by the percent of total recovered radioactivity remaining in the stomach 15 minutes after intragastric gavage of 1.5 mL of (99m)Tc (technicium-99m) sulfur colloid in 0.5% methylcellulose. In a separate group of rats subjected to laparotomy and intestinal manipulation, the gastric fundus was isolated and tissue segments were suspended in an organ bath to assess the effect of ipamorelin (1 µM) on gastric smooth muscle contractility induced by acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation. Abdominal surgery caused a delay in gastric emptying with 78% ± 5% of the meal remaining in the stomach in vehicle controls. Ipamorelin (0.014 µmol/kg intravenous) resulted in a significant acceleration (P < 0.05 vs vehicle-treated rat) of gastric emptying with 52% ± 11% of the meal remaining in the stomach compared to nonsurgical control animals with 44% ± 6%. Following abdominal surgery and intestinal manipulation, isolated preparations of gastric smooth muscle exhibited a marked inhibition of acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation-induced contractile responses, which were reversed by ipamorelin and ghrelin. These results suggest that ipamorelin accelerates gastric emptying in a rodent model of postoperative ileus through the stimulation of gastric contractility by activating a ghrelin receptor-mediated mechanism involving cholinergic excitatory neurons.

Induction of B7-H1 expression by human cytomegalovirus in extravillous cytotrophoblast cells and role of MAPK pathway

PubMed Central

Gong, Wenrong; Zhao, Jianhua; Chen, Zhen; Lei, Lin; Luo, Lihua; Zhao, Xuehong; Xing, Hui; Chen, Suhua; Tu, Qisheng

2014-01-01

Objective: This paper is aimed at to evaluate B7-H1 expression as induced by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in extravillous cytotrophoblast cell line HPT-8 and possible underlying mechanism. Method: Real time PCR and flow cytometry were used to determine B7-H1 mRNA and protein before and after HCMV infection in HPT-8 cells. Western blot analysis was used to determine the level of MAPK phosphorylation in HPT-8 cell lines infected with HCMV. Results: 100TCID50 was found to be the most effective dose, capable of stimulating B7-H1 mRNA and protein expression in HPT-8 cells. When empty control group was considered to have a B7-H1 mRNA value of 1, B7-H1 mRNA was 4.32 in 100TCID50 group. In flow cytometry study, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 100TCID50 group was 16.14, while empty control group was 1.34. Both mRNA and protein expression were found to be significantly increased (P<0.05) in 100TCID50 group compared to empty control group. The result of Western blot analysis showed increase in B7-H1 expression caused by the extracellular signaling that was related to ERK activation and the ERK inhibitor U0126 was found to reverse this increase. Conclusion: HCMV upregulates B7-H1 expression in human extravillous cytotrophoblast cell line HPT-8, which is related to MAPK activation. Our result would be helpful in finding better therapies against intrauterine HCMV infection. PMID:25225522

Determination of sugars composition in abscission zone of oil palm fruit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thang, Y. M.; Ariffin, A. A.; Appleton, D. R.; Asis, A. J.; Mokhtar, M. N.; Yunus, R.

2017-06-01

Fresh oil palm fruit bunches (FFB) arriving at a palm oil mill are graded manually and randomly for ripeness classification by counting the number of empty fruit sockets (EFS) found in each bunch before processing. FFBs with at least ten EFS are classified as ripe bunch, FFBs with less than ten EFS are classified as under-ripe, while bunches without any EFS are classified as unripe. The aim of the present study is to determine the composition of sugars in the abscission of these three groups of FFBs by monitoring their sugars composition. The bunches were grouped according to the number of empty fruit sockets: (i) nil; (ii) 1-9; (iii) ≥10 as unripe, under-ripe and ripe bunches, respectively. Non-structural, structural and water-soluble sugars extracted from the abscission zone were analyzed. The principal component analysis (PCA) based on various sugars compositions revealed some natural clustering among the samples. Bunches with more than one empty fruit sockets were distinguished from the others using glucose, sucrose and oligomers. In conclusion, analysis of sugars composition of the abscission zone could potentially be used as a chemical marker to differentiate those bunches at different stages of ripeness.

Immunization with a DNA vaccine encoding Toxoplasma gondii Superoxide dismutase (TgSOD) induces partial immune protection against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice.

PubMed

Liu, Yuan; Cao, Aiping; Li, Yawen; Li, Xun; Cong, Hua; He, Shenyi; Zhou, Huaiyu

2017-06-07

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals including humans and causes toxoplasmosis. An effective vaccine could be an ideal choice for preventing and controlling toxoplasmosis. T. gondii Superoxide dismutase (TgSOD) might participate in affecting the intracellular growth of both bradyzoite and tachyzoite forms. In the present study, the TgSOD gene was used to construct a DNA vaccine (pEGFP-SOD). TgSOD gene was amplified and inserted into eukaryotic vector pEGFP-C1 and formed the DNA vaccine pEGFP-SOD. Then the BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with the DNA vaccine and those injected with pEGFP-C1, PBS or nothing were treated as controls. Four weeks after the last immunization, all mouse groups followed by challenging intraperitoneally with tachyzoites of T. gondii ME49 strain. Results showed higher levels of total IgG, IgG2α in the sera and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the splenocytes from pEGFP-SOD inoculated mice than those unvaccinated, or inoculated with either empty plasmid vector or PBS. The proportions of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells in the spleen from pEGFP-SOD inoculated mice were significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to control groups. In addition, the survival time of mice immunized with pEGFP-SOD was significantly prolonged as compared to the controls (p < 0.05) although all the mice died. The present study revealed that the DNA vaccine triggered strong humoral and cellular immune responses, and aroused partial protective immunity against acute T. gondii infection in BALB/c mice. The collective data suggests the SOD may be a potential vaccine candidate for further development.

Brill-Noether theory for vector bundles on projective curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballico, E.

1998-11-01

In this paper we will study the Brill-Noether theory of vector bundles on a smooth projective curve X. As usual in papers on this topic we are mainly interested in stable or at least semistable bundles. Let Wkr, d(X) be the scheme of all stable vector bundles E on X with rank (E)=r, deg (E)=d and h0(X, E)[gt-or-equal, slanted]k+1. For a survey of the main known results, see the introduction of [6]. The referee has pointed out that the results in [6] were improved by V. Mercat in [14]; he proved that Wkr, d(X) is non-empty for d<2r if and only if k+1[less-than-or-eq, slant]r+(d[minus sign]r)/g. If X has general moduli the more interesting existence theorem was proved in [19]. However, in this paper we are mainly interested in very special curves X, e.g. the hyperelliptic or the bielliptic curves. We work over an algebraically closed base field K. In Section 5 we will assume char (K)=0. In Section 1 we will give some theorems of Clifford's type. In Section 2 we will construct several stable bundles with certain properties. Here the main tool is an operation (the +elementary transformation) which sends a vector bundle E on X to another vector bundle E[prime prime or minute] with rank (E[prime prime or minute])=rank (E) and deg (E[prime prime or minute])=deg (E)+1 (see Section 2 for its definition and its elementary properties). Using the +elementary transformations in Section 3 we will prove the following existence theorem which covers the case of a ‘small’ number of sections.

Does ITV vaginal procedure ensure dosimetric coverage during IMRT of post-operative gynaecological tumours without instructions concerning rectal filling?

PubMed

Verges, Ramona; Giraldo, Alexandra; Seoane, Alejandro; Toral, Elisabet; Ruiz, M Carmen; Pons, Ariadna; Giralt, Jordi

2018-01-01

To find out whether the internal target volume (ITV) vaginal procedure ensures dosimetric coverage during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) of post-operative gynaecological tumours without instructions on rectal filling. The ITV vaginal procedure does not necessarily include all movements of the bladder, and does not include changes in the rectal volume. We should know if the vaginal ITV is a useful tool in maintaining CTV coverage during treatment. A retrospective analysis of 24 patients treated between July 2012 and July 2014 with adjuvant IMRT for gynaecological cancer. All patients underwent empty and full bladder CT on simulation (CT-planning) and three weeks later (CT-control). ITV displacement was measured and the 3D vector was calculated. ITV coverage was then evaluated by comparing the volume covered by the prescription isodose on both CT's. Patients were asked to have full bladder but they did not follow recommendations for the rectum. The mean 3D vector was 0.64 ± 0.32 cm (0.09-1.30). The mean ITV coverage loss was 5.8 ± 5.7% (0-20.2). We found a significant positive correlation between the 3D vector and the loss of coverage (Pearson correlation, r  = 0.493, 95% CI: 0.111-0.748, p  = 0.0144). We did not find any significant correlation between the bladder and rectal parameters with the 3D vector and loss of dosimetric coverage. We found a trend between the maximum rectal diameter in CT-planning and 3D vector ( r  = 0.400, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.692, p  = 0.0529). ITV vaginal procedure contributed to ensuring a good dose coverage without instructions on rectal filling.

A pilot study assessing the effectiveness of a glycerin suppository in controlled colostomy emptying.

PubMed

McClees, Nancy; Mikolaj, Eda L; Carlson, Sharon L; Pryor-McCann, Joan

2004-01-01

The focus of this research was to explore another way for the patient to manage their colostomy. It was hoped that by inserting a glycerin suppository into the colostomy one would be able to evacuate the lower large intestine more effectively and efficiently. To determine if persons with a sigmoid colostomy could obtain fecal continence by instituting a daily self-administered bowel-stimulating suppository. Randomized crossover comparative study comparing usual ostomy emptying practice with emptying with a glycerine suppository to stimulate controlled emptying. Adult males and females with a sigmoid colostomy were studied in their homes. The instruments included a profile questionnaire, a take-home diary, crossover and end-of-study questionnaires, and an exit questionnaire. Subjects were randomized to their usual pouching method or to the experimental suppository method for 14 days each. There was no difference in fecal output, fecal volume, or flatus between the 2 groups. The action of the suppository was affected by its failure to remain in the bowel for an adequate amount of time. Further research is needed to determine if an adjunct device/method to hold the suppository in place would produce successful results.

HMGA2 upregulation mediates Cd-induced migration and invasion in A549 cells and in lung tissues of mice.

PubMed

Luo, Huiyuan; Li, Zhiguo; Ge, Hong; Mei, Dan; Zhao, Lian; Jiang, Liping; Geng, Chengyan; Li, Qiujuan; Yao, Xiaofeng; Cao, Jun

2017-11-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal widely found in a number of environmental matrices, and it induces serious adverse effects in various organs and tissues. In this study, the role of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) in promoting migration and invasion in Cd-treated A549 cells and lung tissues of mice was investigated. Our findings showed that exposure to Cd (2 μM) for 48 h or subcutaneous injection of Cd daily for 6 weeks significantly enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), and HMGA2 in A549 cells or lung tissues of mice. In A549 cells, HMGA2 knockdown significantly decreased expression of MMP-9, MMP-2 and p-FAK and inhibited the migration and invasion compared to that of only Cd-treated cultures. Overexpression of HMGA2 in HEK-293T cells increased expression of MMP-9, MMP-2 and p-FAK and enhanced the migration and invasion compared with the empty vector transfection group. In conclusion, upregulation of HMGA2 plays an important role in Cd-enhanced migration and invasion. Suppressing HMGA2 expression might have potential values in prevention of Cd-resulted toxicities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Overexpression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhance the expression of induced endothelial cells

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are capable of differentiating into endothelial cells in vitro and acquire major characteristics of mature endothelial-like expression of vWF and CD31. SFAs and lipid oxidation products have been linked with postprandial endothelial dysfunction. Consumption of SFAs impairs arterial endothelial function, while a Mediterranean-type MUFA-diet has a beneficial effect on endothelial function by producing a decrease in levels of vWF, TFPI and PAI-1. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), which converts SFA to MUFA, is involved in the cellular biosynthesis of MUFAs from SFA substrates. High expression of SCD1 is corresponded with low rates of fatty acid oxidation, therefore it might reduce inflammatory responses and be beneficial for the growth of induced endothelial cells. Overexpression of SCD1 in BM-MSCs might increase the growth of induced endothelial cells. The goal of this research is to study the relationship between overexpression of SCD1 and the expression of induced endothelial cells in BM-MSCs in vitro. Methods The gene SCD1 was integrated into a lentiviral vector, and then 293 T cells were transfected by the connected product to produce a packaged virus. BM-MSCs were infected by the packaged virus. Cell culture and endothelial induction were performed. Fluorescent quantitative PCR of CD31, vWF and VE-cad was performed after 1 week and 2 weeks to test the growth of induced endothelial cells. Results The mRNA amount of CD31, vWF and VE-cad of the SCD1 overexpressed group was statistically higher than that of the empty vector (EV) group and that of the normal group after 1 week and 2 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). Immunocytochemical staining of CD31 or vWF was detected by visualizing red color. Conclusions This study suggested that overexpression of SCD1 in BM-MSCs could increase the expression of induced endothelial cells in vitro. PMID:24650127

Interpretation of solution scattering data from lipid nanodiscs

DOE PAGES

Graziano, Vito; Miller, Lisa; Yang, Lin

2018-02-01

The structural information contained in solution scattering data from empty lipid nanodiscs is examined in the context of a multi-component geometric model. X-ray scattering data were collected on nanodiscs of different compositions at scattering vector magnitudes up to 2.0 Å −1 . Through the calculation of the partial form factor for each of the nanodisc components before the isotropic average, structural parameters in the model were correlated to the features observed in the X-ray scattering data and to the corresponding distance distribution function. It is shown that, in general, the features at ∼0.3–0.6 Å −1 in the scattering data correlate to themore » bilayer structure. The data also support the argument that the elliptical shape of nanodiscs found in model fitting is physical, rather than an artefact due to the nanodisc size distribution. The lipid chain packing peak at ∼1.5 Å −1 is visible in the data and reflects the lipid bilayer phase transition. The shape change in the distance distribution function across the phase transition suggests that the nanodiscs are more circular in the fluid phase. The implication of these findings for model fitting of empty and protein-loaded nanodiscs is discussed.« less

Semaphorin3A: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Lupus Nephritis.

PubMed

Bejar, Jacob; Kessler, Ofra; Sabag, Adi D; Sabo, Edmond; Itzhak, Ofer Ben; Neufeld, Gera; Vadasz, Zahava

2018-01-01

The immune regulatory properties of semaphorin3A (sema3A) (both innate and adaptive) are well established in many in vitro studies. The injection of sema3A into a mice model of rheumatoid arthritis was proven to be highly beneficial, both in attenuating clinical symptoms and in decreasing inflammatory mechanisms. This study was designed in order to assess the possible therapeutic benefits of sema3A following its injection into female NZB/W mice. Forty-eight NZB/W mice were recruited for this study. Thirty mice were treated as a "prevention group" and 18 were used as a "treatment group." Eight-week-old mice were acclimated and then divided into the two abovementioned groups. The injection of sema3A into young mice (at week 12) before the onset of disease (the prevention group) delayed the appearance of proteinuria. Here, the median time to severe proteinuria was 110 days, 95% CI: 88-131. However, in mice in which the empty vector was injected, the median time to severe proteinuria was 63 days, 95% CI: 0-139. sema3A treatment, significantly reduced renal damage, namely, it prevented the deposition of immune complexes in the glomeruli. When sema3A was injected at the onset of proteinuria (the treatment group), aiming to treat rather than to prevent disease in these mice, survival was increased and the deterioration of proteinuria was delayed. Semaphorin3A is highly beneficial in reducing lupus nephritis in NZB/W mice. It delays the appearance and deterioration of proteinuria, and increases the survival rates in these mice. The regulatory mechanisms of sema3A involve both innate and adaptive immune responses. Further studies will establish the idea of applying sema3A in the treatment of lupus nephritis.

On multi-sensitivity with respect to a vector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Lixin; Wang, Lidong; Li, Fengquan; Liu, Heng

2018-05-01

Consider the surjective continuous map f: X → X defined on a compact metric space X. Let 𝒦(X) be the space of all non-empty compact subsets of X equipped with the Hausdorff metric and define f¯: 𝒦(X) →𝒦(X) by f¯(A) = {f(a),a ∈ A} for any A ∈𝒦(X). In this paper, we introduce several stronger versions of sensitivities, such as multi-sensitivity with respect to a vector, 𝒩-sensitivity, strong multi-sensitivity. We obtain some basic properties of the concepts of these sensitivities and discuss the relationships with other sensitivities for continuous self-map on [0,1]. Some sufficient conditions for a dynamical system to be 𝒩-sensitive are presented. Also, it is shown that the strong multi-sensitivity of f implies that f¯ is 𝒩-sensitive. In turn, the 𝒩-sensitivity of f¯ implies that f is 𝒩-sensitive. In particular, it is proved that if f is a multi-transitive map with dense periodic sets, then f is 𝒩-sensitive. Finally, we give a multi-sensitive example which is not 𝒩-sensitive.

Gastric emptying and gastro-oesophageal reflux in children with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Hauser, Bruno; De Schepper, Jean; Malfroot, Anne; De Wachter, Elke; De Schutter, Iris; Keymolen, Kathelijn; Vandenplas, Yvan

2016-07-01

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastric emptying (GE) and GOR in children with CF. Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) to measure GOR and GE breath test (GEBT) to measure GE were performed in 28 children with symptoms suggestive for GOR disease (GORD) (group 1). GEBT was performed in another 28 children with/without GOR symptoms who agreed to undergo GEBT but not MII-pH (group 2). In group 1, we found increased acid GOR (AGOR) in 46.4% and delayed GE (DGE) in 21.4% but no relationship between increased AGOR and DGE. There was no DGE in group 2. We found DGE in 10.7% and rapid GE in 12.5% of the whole group. Almost half of the children with CF and symptoms suggestive for GORD have increased AGOR and almost a quarter has DGE. However, there was no relation between GOR and GE. Copyright © 2015 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of cell-seeded hydroxyapatite scaffolds on rabbit radius bone regeneration.

PubMed

Rathbone, C R; Guda, T; Singleton, B M; Oh, D S; Appleford, M R; Ong, J L; Wenke, J C

2014-05-01

Highly porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were developed as bone graft substitutes using a template coating process, characterized, and seeded with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). To test the hypothesis that cell-seeded HA scaffolds improve bone regeneration, HA scaffolds without cell seeding (HA-empty), HA scaffolds with 1.5 × 10(4) BMSCs (HA-low), and HA scaffolds with 1.5 × 10(6) BMSCs (HA-high) were implanted in a 10-mm rabbit radius segmental defect model for 4 and 8 weeks. Three different fluorochromes were administered at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after implantation to identify differences in temporal bone growth patterns. It was observed from fluorescence histomorphometry analyses that an increased rate of bone infiltration occurred from 0 to 2 weeks (p < 0.05) of implantation for the HA-high group (2.9 ± 0.5 mm) as compared with HA-empty (1.8 ± 0.8 mm) and HA-low (1.3 ± 0.2 mm) groups. No significant differences in bone formation within the scaffold or callus formation was observed between all groups after 4 weeks, with a significant increase in bone regenerated for all groups from 4 to 8 weeks (28.4% across groups). Although there was no difference in bone formation within scaffolds, callus formation was significantly higher in HA-empty scaffolds (100.9 ± 14.1 mm(3) ) when compared with HA-low (57.8 ± 7.3 mm(3) ; p ≤ 0.003) and HA-high (69.2 ± 10.4 mm(3) ; p ≤ 0.02) after 8 weeks. These data highlight the need for a better understanding of the parameters critical to the success of cell-seeded HA scaffolds for bone regeneration. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Severe Delayed Gastric Emptying Induces Non-acid Reflux up to Proximal Esophagus in Neurologically Impaired Patients.

PubMed

Ishii, Shinji; Fukahori, Suguru; Asagiri, Kimio; Tanaka, Yoshiaki; Saikusa, Nobuyuki; Hashizume, Naoki; Yoshida, Motomu; Masui, Daisuke; Komatsuzaki, Naoko; Higashidate, Naruki; Sakamoto, Saki; Kurahachi, Tomohiro; Tsuruhisa, Shiori; Nakahara, Hirotomo; Yagi, Minoru

2017-10-30

The aim of this study is to investigate the degree of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and evaluate how the severity of DGE affects gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in neurologically impaired (NI) patients utilizing 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements (pH/MII) and 13 C-acetate breath test ( 13 C-ABT) analyses. 13 C-ABT and pH/MII were conducted in 26 NI patients who were referred to our institution due to suspected GERD. At first, correlation analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between the 13 C-ABT parameters and the clinical or pH/MII parameters. Thereafter, all patients were divided into 2 groups (DGE and severe DGE [SDGE] group) according to each cut off half emptying time (t 1/2 , 90-170 minutes). Each pH/MII parameter was compared between the 2 groups in each set-up cutoff t 1/2 . The mean t 1/2 of all patients was 215.5 ± 237.2 minutes and the t 1/2 of 24 (92.3%) patients were > 100 minutes. Significant moderate positive correlations were observed between both t 1/2 and lag phase time and the non-acid reflux related parameters. Furthermore, the patients in the SDGE group demonstrated higher non-acid reflux related parameters than those of the DGE groups when the cutoff was t 1/2 ≥ 140 minutes. The present study demonstrated that GE with t 1/2 ≥ 140 minutes was related to an increase of non-acid exposure reaching up to the proximal esophagus in NI patients, and indicating that NI patients with SDGE might have a high risk of non-acid GERD.

The relationship between the plant-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1 and alternative oxidase in tomato basal defense against Tobacco mosaic virus.

PubMed

Liao, Yang-Wen-Ke; Liu, Ya-Ru; Liang, Jia-Yang; Wang, Wen-Ping; Zhou, Jie; Xia, Xiao-Jian; Zhou, Yan-Hong; Yu, Jing-Quan; Shi, Kai

2015-03-01

Salicylic acid (SA) plays a critical role in plant defense against pathogen attack. The SA-induced viral defense in plants is distinct from the pathways mediating bacterial and fungal defense, which is pathogenesis-related protein-independent but involves an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1 (RDR1)-mediated RNA silencing mechanism and/or an alternative oxidase (AOX)-associated defense pathway. However, the relationship between these two viral defense-related pathways remains unclear. In this study, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) inoculation onto Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) leaves induced a rapid induction of the SlAOX1a transcript level as well as the total and CN-resistant respiration at 0.5 dpi, followed by an increase in SlRDR1 gene expression at 1 dpi in the upper uninoculated leaves. Silencing SlRDR1 using virus-induced gene silencing system significantly reduced SlRDR1 expression and tomato defense against TMV but had no evident effect on SlAOX1a transcription. Conversely, silencing SlAOX1a not only effectively reduced the AOX1a transcript level, but also blocked the TMV-induced SlRDR1 expression and decreased the basal defense against TMV. Furthermore, the application of an exogenous AOX activator on empty vector-silenced control plants greatly induced the accumulation of SlRDR1 and SlAOX1a transcript and reduced TMV viral RNA accumulation, but failed to have such effects on SlRDR1-silenced plants. Moreover, RDR1-overexpressed transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants enhanced defense against TMV than the empty vector-transformed plants, but these effects were not affected by the exogenous AOX activator or inhibitor. These results indicate that RDR1 is involved in the AOX-mediated defense pathway against TMV infection and plays a crucial role in enhancing RNA silencing to limit virus systemic spread.

The MtDMI2-MtPUB2 Negative Feedback Loop Plays a Role in Nodulation Homeostasis1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Deng, Jie; Zhu, Fugui; Lu, Zheng

2018-01-01

DOES NOT MAKE INFECTION 2 (MtDMI2) is a Leu rich repeat-type receptor kinase required for signal transduction in the Medicago truncatula/Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis pathway. However, the mechanisms through which MtDMI2 participates in nodulation homeostasis are poorly understood. In this study, we identified MtPUB2—a novel plant U-box (PUB)–type E3 ligase—and showed that it interacts with MtDMI2. MtDMI2 and MtPUB2 accumulation were shown to be similar in various tissues. Roots of plants in which MtPUB2 was silenced by RNAi (MtPUB2-RNAi plants) exhibited impaired infection threads, fewer nodules, and shorter primary root lengths compared to those of control plants transformed with empty vector. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we showed that MtDMI2 phosphorylates MtPUB2 at Ser-316, Ser-421, and Thr-488 residues. When MtPUB2-RNAi plants were transformed with MtPUB2S421D, which mimics the phosphorylated state, MtDMI2 was persistently ubiquitinated and degraded by MtPUB2S421D, resulting in fewer nodules than observed in MtPUB2/MtPUB2-RNAi-complemented plants. However, MtPUB2S421A/MtPUB2-RNAi-complemented plants showed no MtPUB2 ubiquitination activity, and their nodulation phenotype was similar to that of MtPUB2-RNAi plants transformed with empty vector. Further studies demonstrated that these proteins form a negative feedback loop of the prey (MtDMI2)-predator (MtPUB2) type. Our results suggest that the MtDMI2-MtPUB2 negative feedback loop, which displays crosstalk with the long-distance autoregulation of nodulation via MtNIN, plays an important role in nodulation homeostasis. PMID:29440269

Agronomic performance of Populus deltoides trees engineered for biofuel production

DOE PAGES

Macaya-Sanz, David; Chen, Jin?Gui; Kalluri, Udaya C.; ...

2017-11-30

Background: One of the major barriers to the development of lignocellulosic feedstocks is the recalcitrance of plant cell walls to deconstruction and saccharification. Recalcitrance can be reduced by targeting genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, but this can have unintended consequences that compromise the agronomic performance of the trees under field conditions. Here we report the results of a field trial of fourteen distinct transgenic Populus deltoides lines that had previously demonstrated reduced recalcitrance without yield penalties under greenhouse conditions.Results: Survival and productivity of the trial were excellent in the first year, and there was little evidence for reduced performancemore » of the transgenic lines with modified target gene expression. Surprisingly, the most striking phenotypic effects in this trial were for two empty-vector control lines that had modified bud set and bud flush. This is most likely due to somaclonal variation or insertional mutagenesis. Traits related to yield, crown architecture, herbivory, pathogen response, and frost damage showed few significant differences between target gene transgenics and empty vector controls. However, there were a few interesting exceptions. Lines overexpressing the DUF231 gene, a putative O-acetyltransferase, showed early bud flush and marginally increased height growth. Lines overexpressing the DUF266 gene, a putative glycosyltransferase, had significantly decreased stem internode length and slightly higher volume index. Finally, lines overexpressing the PFD2 gene, a putative member of the prefoldin complex, had a slightly reduced volume index.Conclusions: This field trial demonstrates that these cell wall modifications, which decreased cell wall recalcitrance under laboratory conditions, did not seriously compromise first-year performance in the field, despite substantial challenges, including an outbreak of a stem boring insect (Gypsonoma haimbachiana), attack by a leaf rust pathogen (Melampsora spp.), and a late frost event. This bodes well for the potential utility of these lines as advanced biofuels feedstocks.« less

Agronomic performance of Populus deltoides trees engineered for biofuel production

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

Macaya-Sanz, David; Chen, Jin?Gui; Kalluri, Udaya C.

Background: One of the major barriers to the development of lignocellulosic feedstocks is the recalcitrance of plant cell walls to deconstruction and saccharification. Recalcitrance can be reduced by targeting genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, but this can have unintended consequences that compromise the agronomic performance of the trees under field conditions. Here we report the results of a field trial of fourteen distinct transgenic Populus deltoides lines that had previously demonstrated reduced recalcitrance without yield penalties under greenhouse conditions.Results: Survival and productivity of the trial were excellent in the first year, and there was little evidence for reduced performancemore » of the transgenic lines with modified target gene expression. Surprisingly, the most striking phenotypic effects in this trial were for two empty-vector control lines that had modified bud set and bud flush. This is most likely due to somaclonal variation or insertional mutagenesis. Traits related to yield, crown architecture, herbivory, pathogen response, and frost damage showed few significant differences between target gene transgenics and empty vector controls. However, there were a few interesting exceptions. Lines overexpressing the DUF231 gene, a putative O-acetyltransferase, showed early bud flush and marginally increased height growth. Lines overexpressing the DUF266 gene, a putative glycosyltransferase, had significantly decreased stem internode length and slightly higher volume index. Finally, lines overexpressing the PFD2 gene, a putative member of the prefoldin complex, had a slightly reduced volume index.Conclusions: This field trial demonstrates that these cell wall modifications, which decreased cell wall recalcitrance under laboratory conditions, did not seriously compromise first-year performance in the field, despite substantial challenges, including an outbreak of a stem boring insect (Gypsonoma haimbachiana), attack by a leaf rust pathogen (Melampsora spp.), and a late frost event. This bodes well for the potential utility of these lines as advanced biofuels feedstocks.« less

An affine projection algorithm using grouping selection of input vectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, JaeWook; Kong, NamWoong; Park, PooGyeon

2011-10-01

This paper present an affine projection algorithm (APA) using grouping selection of input vectors. To improve the performance of conventional APA, the proposed algorithm adjusts the number of the input vectors using two procedures: grouping procedure and selection procedure. In grouping procedure, the some input vectors that have overlapping information for update is grouped using normalized inner product. Then, few input vectors that have enough information for for coefficient update is selected using steady-state mean square error (MSE) in selection procedure. Finally, the filter coefficients update using selected input vectors. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has small steady-state estimation errors comparing with the existing algorithms.

Effect of colectomy on gastric emptying in idiopathic slow-transit constipation.

PubMed

Hemingway, D M; Finlay, I G

2000-09-01

Gastric emptying is delayed in patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation (ISTC). Gastric emptying was measured before and after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis in patients with ISTC to determine whether the abnormality persists after operation. Twelve patients undergoing colectomy for severe ISTC had solid-phase gastric emptying measured after an overnight fast. All 12 had an uncomplicated subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis; 11 had an excellent functional outcome. In ten of these patients gastric emptying was repeated within 3 months of operation. Seven patients (including the remaining two) had the study performed at 1 year. All 12 patients had severely delayed gastric emptying before operation. Gastric emptying remained delayed in the ten patients who underwent an early postoperative gastric emptying study. Six of seven patients assessed at 1 year had improved gastric emptying, of whom four had returned to normal. Functional outcome did not relate to gastric emptying. Patients with ISTC have delayed gastric emptying. In some patients this returns to normal after colectomy, but is persistent in others. This may have implications for our understanding of ISTC.

The recombinant Lactococcus lactis oral vaccine induces protection against C. difficile spore challenge in a mouse model.

PubMed

Guo, Shanguang; Yan, Weiwei; McDonough, Sean P; Lin, Nengfeng; Wu, Katherine J; He, Hongxuan; Xiang, Hua; Yang, Maosheng; Moreira, Maira Aparecida S; Chang, Yung-Fu

2015-03-24

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) causes nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis in the developed world. Two potent cytotoxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) are the virulence factors of this disease and can be a good vaccine candidate against CDI. In the present study, we genetically engineered Lactococcus lactis to express the nontoxic, recombinant fragments derived from TcdA and TcdB C-terminal receptor binding domains (Tcd-AC and Tcd-BC) as an oral vaccine candidate. The immunogenicity of the genetically engineered L. lactis oral vaccine delivery system (animal groups LAC and LBC or the combination of both, LACBC) was compared with the recombinant TcdA and TcdB C-terminal receptor binding domain proteins (animal groups PAC and PBC or the combination of both, PACBC), which were expressed and purified from E. coli. After the C. difficile challenge, the control groups received PBS or engineered L. lactis with empty vector, showed severe diarrhea symptoms and died within 2-3 days. However, both the oral vaccine and recombinant protein vaccine groups had significantly lower mortalities, body weight decreases and histopathologic lesions than the control sham-vaccine groups (p<0.05) except group LBC which only had a 31% survival rate after the challenge. The data of post infection survival showed that an average of 86% of animals survived in groups PAC and PACBC, 75% of animals survived in group LACBC, and 65% of animals survived in group LAC. All of the vaccinated animals produced higher titers of both IgG and IgA than the control groups (p<0.05), and the antibodies were able to neutralize the cytopathic effect of toxins in vitro. The results of this study indicate that there is a potential to use L. lactis as a delivery system to develop a cost effective oral vaccine against CDI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of gastric emptying during and between meal intake in free-feeding Lewis rats.

PubMed

van der Velde, P; Koslowsky, I; Koopmans, H S

1999-02-01

A new scintigraphic measurement technique is described that allows accurate assessment of gastric emptying in between as well as during a number of successive meals. Measurements were made every minute of food intake, gastric nutrient filling, and gastric emptying over a 6 h, 40 min period in conscious, free-feeding, loosely restrained rats. Before receiving access to the food, the animals had been deprived for a period of 31 h. Over the full duration of the experiment, an average rate of gastric emptying of 2.46 +/- 0.18 (SE) kcal/h was established. During most meals, however, the gastric emptying rate was increased so that an average of 26.9 +/- 2.7% of the ingested calories was emptied while the animals were feeding, with an average emptying rate of 0.15 +/- 0.014 kcal/min or 8.88 +/- 0.84 kcal/h. This transient increase in the rate of gastric emptying was followed by a subsequent slowing of gastric emptying after meal termination; in the 10-min postmeal interval, an average emptying rate of 0.96 +/- 0.12 kcal/h was found. Despite these fluctuations during and immediately after meals, a relatively constant rate of caloric emptying is maintained over longer periods. There were no differences between the emptying rate during the first meal when the gastrointestinal tract was still empty, compared with later meals when the gastrointestinal tract had been filled with food. The emptying rate during the 10-min postmeal interval, however, was significantly reduced during later meals. The results suggest that gastric emptying is controlled by different mechanisms during and after the ingestion of food and that these mechanisms remain in effect at various degrees of gastrointestinal filling.

Nucleus accumbens lentiviral-mediated gain of function of the oxytocin receptor regulates anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in adult mice.

PubMed

Bahi, Amine; Al Mansouri, Shamma; Al Maamari, Elyazia

2016-10-01

Anxiety is believed to influence ethanol use human in alcoholics. Studies using laboratory animals suggested an interaction between oxytocin and the behavioral effects of ethanol. Our previous study implicated a potential role for the oxytocin receptor (OxtR) in regulating ethanol-conditioned place preference. Here, we examined anxiety and the behavioral responses to ethanol in C57BL/6 mice stereotaxically injected in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) with lentiviral vectors expressing an empty vector (Mock) or the OxtR cDNA. For anxiety we used the elevated-plus maze, the open-field and the marble-burying tests and for ethanol we used the two-bottle choice paradigm, the wire-hanging and ethanol-induced loss-of-righting-reflex tests. We found that, compared to Mock, OxtR overexpression led to anxiolytic-like behavior without altering spontaneous locomotor activity. Most importantly, we found that, relative to Mock controls, increased expression of the OxtR in the NAcc led to decreased ethanol consumption and preference in the two-bottle choice protocol and increased resistance to ethanol-induced sedation. We also compared the consequence of OxtR modulation on the consumption and preference of saccharin and quinine and found that the two experimental groups did not differ for any tastant. These results provide further evidence that the oxytocin system contributes to the regulation of ethanol drinking and sensitivity and position OxtR as a central molecular mediator of ethanol's effects within the mesolimbic system. Taken together, the current findings suggest that OxtR manipulation may be a relevant strategy to address ethanol use disorders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lactococcus lactis carrying the pValac eukaryotic expression vector coding for IL-4 reduces chemically-induced intestinal inflammation by increasing the levels of IL-10-producing regulatory cells.

PubMed

Souza, Bianca Mendes; Preisser, Tatiane Melo; Pereira, Vanessa Bastos; Zurita-Turk, Meritxell; de Castro, Camila Prósperi; da Cunha, Vanessa Pecini; de Oliveira, Rafael Pires; Gomes-Santos, Ana Cristina; de Faria, Ana Maria Caetano; Machado, Denise Carmona Cara; Chatel, Jean-Marc; Azevedo, Vasco Ariston de Carvalho; Langella, Philippe; Miyoshi, Anderson

2016-08-30

Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation that leads to severe destruction of the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, the understanding of their aetiology as well as the development of new medicines is an important step for the treatment of such diseases. Consequently, the development of Lactococcus lactis strains capable of delivering a eukaryotic expression vector encoding the interleukin 4 (IL-4) of Mus musculus would represent a new strategy for the elaboration of a more effective alternative therapy against Crohn's disease. The murine IL-4 ORF was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pValac::dts. The resulting plasmid-pValac::dts::IL-4-was transfected into CHO cells so that its functionality could be evaluated in vitro. With fluorescent confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and ELISA, it was observed that pValac::dts::IL-4-transfected cells produced IL-4, while non-transfected cells and cells transfected with the empty vector did not. Then, pValac::dts::IL-4 was inserted into L. lactis MG1363 FnBPA(+) in order to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the recombinant strain against TNBS-induced colitis. Intragastric administration of L. lactis MG1363 FnBPA(+) (pValac::dts::IL-4) was able to decrease the severity of colitis, with animals showing decreased levels of IL-12, IL-6 and MPO activity; and increased levels of IL-4 and IL-10. Finally, LP-isolated cells from mice administered TNBS were immunophenotyped so that the main IL-4 and IL-10 producers were identified. Mice administered the recombinant strain presented significantly higher percentages of F4/80(+)MHCII(+)Ly6C(-)IL-4(+), F4/80(+)MHCII(+)Ly6C(-)IL-10(+), F4/80(+)MHCII(+)Ly6C(-)CD206(+)CD124(+)IL-10(+) and CD4(+)Foxp3(+)IL10(+) cells compared to the other groups. This study shows that L. lactis MG1363 FnBPA(+) (pValac::dts::IL-4) is a good candidate to maintain the anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory balance in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the levels of IL-10-secreting regulatory cells and, thus, demonstrating the effectiveness of this novel DNA delivery-based strategy.

Cryo-electron Microscopy Reconstruction and Stability Studies of the Wild Type and the R432A Variant of Adeno-associated Virus Type 2 Reveal that Capsid Structural Stability Is a Major Factor in Genome Packaging

PubMed Central

Drouin, Lauren M.; Lins, Bridget; Janssen, Maria; Bennett, Antonette; Chipman, Paul; McKenna, Robert; Chen, Weijun; Muzyczka, Nicholas; Cardone, Giovanni

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are promising therapeutic gene delivery vectors and better understanding of their capsid assembly and genome packaging mechanism is needed for improved vector production. Empty AAV capsids assemble in the nucleus prior to genome packaging by virally encoded Rep proteins. To elucidate the capsid determinants of this process, structural differences between wild-type (wt) AAV2 and a packaging deficient variant, AAV2-R432A, were examined using cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction both at an ∼5.0-Å resolution (medium) and also at 3.8- and 3.7-Å resolutions (high), respectively. The high resolution structures showed that removal of the arginine side chain in AAV2-R432A eliminated hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in altered intramolecular and intermolecular interactions propagated from under the 3-fold axis toward the 5-fold channel. Consistent with these observations, differential scanning calorimetry showed an ∼10°C decrease in thermal stability for AAV2-R432A compared to wt-AAV2. In addition, the medium resolution structures revealed differences in the juxtaposition of the less ordered, N-terminal region of their capsid proteins, VP1/2/3. A structural rearrangement in AAV2-R432A repositioned the βA strand region under the icosahedral 2-fold axis rather than antiparallel to the βB strand, eliminating many intramolecular interactions. Thus, a single amino acid substitution can significantly alter the AAV capsid integrity to the extent of reducing its stability and possibly rendering it unable to tolerate the stress of genome packaging. Furthermore, the data show that the 2-, 3-, and 5-fold regions of the capsid contributed to producing the packaging defect and highlight a tight connection between the entire capsid in maintaining packaging efficiency. IMPORTANCE The mechanism of AAV genome packaging is still poorly understood, particularly with respect to the capsid determinants of the required capsid-Rep interaction. Understanding this mechanism may aid in the improvement of AAV packaging efficiency, which is currently ∼1:10 (10%) genome packaged to empty capsid in vector preparations. This report identifies regions of the AAV capsid that play roles in genome packaging and that may be important for Rep recognition. It also demonstrates the need to maintain capsid stability for the success of this process. This information is important for efforts to improve AAV genome packaging and will also inform the engineering of AAV capsid variants for improved tropism, specific tissue targeting, and host antibody escape by defining amino acids that cannot be altered without detriment to infectious vector production. PMID:27440903

PSI:Biology-Materials Repository: A Biologist’s Resource for Protein Expression Plasmids

PubMed Central

Cormier, Catherine Y.; Park, Jin G.; Fiacco, Michael; Steel, Jason; Hunter, Preston; Kramer, Jason; Singla, Rajeev; LaBaer, Joshua

2011-01-01

The Protein Structure Initiative:Biology-Materials Repository (PSI:Biology-MR; MR; http://psimr.asu.edu) sequence-verifies, annotates, stores, and distributes the protein expression plasmids and vectors created by the Protein Structure Initiative (PSI). The MR has developed an informatics and sample processing pipeline that manages this process for thousands of samples per month from nearly a dozen PSI centers. DNASU (http://dnasu.asu.edu), a freely searchable database, stores the plasmid annotations, which include the full-length sequence, vector information, and associated publications for over 130,000 plasmids created by our laboratory, by the PSI and other consortia, and by individual laboratories for distribution to researchers worldwide. Each plasmid links to external resources, including the PSI Structural Biology Knowledgebase (http://sbkb.org), which facilitates cross-referencing of a particular plasmid to additional protein annotations and experimental data. To expedite and simplify plasmid requests, the MR uses an expedited material transfer agreement (EP-MTA) network, where researchers from network institutions can order and receive PSI plasmids without institutional delays. Currently over 39,000 protein expression plasmids and 78 empty vectors from the PSI are available upon request from DNASU. Overall, the MR’s repository of expression-ready plasmids, its automated pipeline, and the rapid process for receiving and distributing these plasmids more effectively allows the research community to dissect the biological function of proteins whose structures have been studied by the PSI. PMID:21360289

Functional and morphological changes in pancreatic remnant after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Fang, Wen-Liang; Su, Cheng-Hsi; Shyr, Yi-Ming; Chen, Tien-Hua; Lee, Rheun-Chuan; Tai, Ling-Chen; Wu, Chew-Wun; Lui, Wing-Yiu

2007-11-01

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency has been reported to be more common in pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) than in pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome after PD between these 2 groups. We evaluated the long-term functional status of 42 surviving patients diagnosed with periampullary lesions who underwent PJ or PG after PD and followed up for more than 1 year. Among these, 23 patients underwent PJ and 19 patients underwent PG. To compare the 2 groups, we analyzed the (1) pancreatic exocrine insufficiency by questioning the presence or absence of steatorrhea, (2) pancreatic endocrine function by measuring glycohemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, and history of new-onset diabetes, (3) nutritional status by measuring serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride, (4) gastric emptying time, (5) panendoscopic findings, (6) changes of pancreatic duct diameter by computed tomography, and (7) relaparotomy rate. The mean follow-up time for PG and PJ were 37 +/- 23 and 103 +/- 52 months, respectively (P < 0.05). A total of 52.4% patients developed pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and 11.9% had new-onset diabetes. There was no significant difference between PJ and PG groups. A significantly improved postoperative nutritional state regarding serum total protein and albumin were noticed in both groups. There was no significant difference in terms of gastric emptying time, positive panendoscopic findings, and changes in pancreatic duct diameter. The pancreatic remnant-related relaparotomy rate was higher in the PJ group as compared with the PG group (17.4% vs 0%; P = 0.056). There is no significant difference in pancreatic exocrine or endocrine insufficiency, gastric emptying time, and positive panendoscopic findings between PJ and PG. Pancreaticojejunostomy was associated with a higher pancreatic remnant-related relaparotomy rate; however, because of a shorter follow-up in the PG group, a continuous long-term follow-up is still needed.

Effect of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on left atrial appendage function and thrombotic potential in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Demirçelik, Muhammed Bora; Çetin, Mustafa; Çiçekcioğlu, Hülya; Uçar, Özgül; Duran, Mustafa

2014-05-01

We aimed to investigate effects of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on left atrial appendage functions, spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus formation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In 58 patients with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrilation and preserved left ventricular systolic function, left atrial appendage functions, left atrial spontaneous echo contrast grading and left ventricular diastolic functions were evaluated using transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiogram. Patients divided in two groups: Group D (n=30): Patients with diastolic dysfunction, Group N (n=28): Patients without diastolic dysfunction. Categorical variables in two groups were evaluated with Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The significance of the lineer correlation between the degree of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and clinical measurements was evaluated with Spearman's correlation analysis. Peak pulmonary vein D velocity of the Group D was significantly higher than the Group N (p=0.006). However, left atrial appendage emptying velocity, left atrial appendage lateral wall velocity, peak pulmonary vein S, pulmonary vein S/D ratio were found to be significantly lower in Group D (p=0.028, p<0.001, p<0.001; p<0.001). Statistically significant negative correlation was found between SEC in left atrium and left atrial appendage emptying, filling, pulmonary vein S/D levels and lateral wall velocities respectively (r=-0.438, r=-0.328, r=-0.233, r=-0.447). Left atrial appendage emptying, filling, pulmonary vein S/D levels and lateral wall velocities were significantly lower in SEC 2-3-4 than SEC 1 (p=0.003, p=0.029, p<0.001, p=0.002). In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial appendage functions are decreased in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction may constitute a potential risk for formation of thrombus and stroke.

Tissue reactions to a new mineral trioxide aggregate-containing endodontic sealer.

PubMed

Tavares, Cauana Oliva; Böttcher, Daiana Elisabeth; Assmann, Eloísa; Kopper, Patrícia Maria Poli; de Figueiredo, José Antônio Poli; Grecca, Fabiana Soares; Scarparo, Roberta Kochenborger

2013-05-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the connective tissue reactions to MTA Fillapex (Ângelus Indústria de Produtos Odontlógicos Ltda, Londrina, Brazil) compared with a zinc oxide-based sealer (EndoFill; Dentsply Indústria e Comérico Ltda, Petrópolis, Brazil) and an epoxy resin-based material (AH Plus; Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) in Wistar rats. Polyethylene tubes containing the test materials and empty polyethylene tubes (control) were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 12 rats. Empty tubes were used as a negative control. After 7 and 60 days (n = 6 per period), observations were made for cellular inflammatory components, fibrous condensation, and abscess formation. Comparisons among the groups and between the experimental periods were made using 2-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test (P < .05). At the end of the 7-day experimental period, all sealers scored higher than the control group for the variable lymphocytes, and MTA Fillapex presented lower fiber condensation compared with empty tubes. After 60 days, macrophages and lymphocytes scored significantly higher for MTA Fillapex and EndoFill compared with the negative control, and AH Plus showed similar results related to the empty tubes. Comparing the materials' responses at the end of the 2 evaluated periods, for EndoFill samples the variable neutrophils was detected less after 60 days. Both EndoFill and MTA Fillapex presented increased fiber condensation after 60 days. Although none of the sealers promoted ideal tissue responses, AH Plus presented the best outcomes. Although MTA Fillapex contains MTA powder, it presented no biocompatibility advantages when compared with AH Plus and EndoFill. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Supplementing Monosodium Glutamate to Partial Enteral Nutrition Slows Gastric Emptying in Preterm Pigs123

PubMed Central

Bauchart-Thevret, Caroline; Stoll, Barbara; Benight, Nancy M.; Olutoye, Oluyinka; Lazar, David; Burrin, Douglas G.

2013-01-01

Emerging evidence suggests that free glutamate may play a functional role in modulating gastroduodenal motor function. We hypothesized that supplementing monosodium glutamate (MSG) to partial enteral nutrition stimulates gastric emptying in preterm pigs. Ten-day-old preterm, parenterally fed pigs received partial enteral nutrition (25%) as milk-based formula supplemented with MSG at 0, 1.7, 3.0, and 4.3 times the basal protein-bound glutamate intake (468 mg·kg−1·d−1) from d 4 to 8 of life (n = 5–8). Whole-body respiratory calorimetry and 13C-octanoic acid breath tests were performed on d 4, 6, and 8. Body weight gain, stomach and intestinal weights, and arterial plasma glutamate and glutamine concentrations were not different among the MSG groups. Arterial plasma glutamate concentrations were significantly higher at birth than after 8 d of partial enteral nutrition. Also at d 8, the significant portal-arterial concentration difference in plasma glutamate was substantial (∼500 μmol/L) among all treatment groups, suggesting that there was substantial net intestinal glutamate absorption in preterm pigs. MSG supplementation dose-dependently increased gastric emptying time and decreased breath 13CO2 enrichments, 13CO2 production, percentage of 13CO2 recovery/h, and cumulative percentage recovery of 13C-octanoic acid. Circulating glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) concentration was significantly increased by MSG but was not associated with an increase in intestinal mucosal growth. In contrast to our hypothesis, our results suggest that adding MSG to partial enteral nutrition slows the gastric emptying rate, which may be associated with an inhibitory effect of increased circulating GLP-2. PMID:23446960

Supplementing monosodium glutamate to partial enteral nutrition slows gastric emptying in preterm pigs(1-3).

PubMed

Bauchart-Thevret, Caroline; Stoll, Barbara; Benight, Nancy M; Olutoye, Oluyinka; Lazar, David; Burrin, Douglas G

2013-05-01

Emerging evidence suggests that free glutamate may play a functional role in modulating gastroduodenal motor function. We hypothesized that supplementing monosodium glutamate (MSG) to partial enteral nutrition stimulates gastric emptying in preterm pigs. Ten-day-old preterm, parenterally fed pigs received partial enteral nutrition (25%) as milk-based formula supplemented with MSG at 0, 1.7, 3.0, and 4.3 times the basal protein-bound glutamate intake (468 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) from d 4 to 8 of life (n = 5-8). Whole-body respiratory calorimetry and (13)C-octanoic acid breath tests were performed on d 4, 6, and 8. Body weight gain, stomach and intestinal weights, and arterial plasma glutamate and glutamine concentrations were not different among the MSG groups. Arterial plasma glutamate concentrations were significantly higher at birth than after 8 d of partial enteral nutrition. Also at d 8, the significant portal-arterial concentration difference in plasma glutamate was substantial (∼500 μmol/L) among all treatment groups, suggesting that there was substantial net intestinal glutamate absorption in preterm pigs. MSG supplementation dose-dependently increased gastric emptying time and decreased breath (13)CO2 enrichments, (13)CO2 production, percentage of (13)CO2 recovery/h, and cumulative percentage recovery of (13)C-octanoic acid. Circulating glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) concentration was significantly increased by MSG but was not associated with an increase in intestinal mucosal growth. In contrast to our hypothesis, our results suggest that adding MSG to partial enteral nutrition slows the gastric emptying rate, which may be associated with an inhibitory effect of increased circulating GLP-2.

Gastric emptying of solids in children: reference values for the (13) C-octanoic acid breath test.

PubMed

Hauser, B; Roelants, M; De Schepper, J; Veereman, G; Caveliers, V; Devreker, T; De Greef, E; Vandenplas, Y

2016-10-01

(99m) Technetium scintigraphy ((99m) TS) is the 'gold standard' for measuring gastric emptying (GE), but it is associated with a radiation exposure. For this reason, the (13) C-octanoic acid breath test ((13) C-OBT) was developed for measuring GE of solids. The objective of this study was to determine normal values for gastric half-emptying time (t1/2 GE) of solids in healthy children. Gastric emptying of a standardized solid test meal consisting of a pancake evaluated with (99m) TS and (13) C-OBT was compared in 22 children aged between 1 and 15 years with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Subsequently, the (13) C-OBT was used to determine normal values for GE of the same solid test meal in 120 healthy children aged between 1 and 17 years. The results showed a significant correlation (r = 0.748, p = 0.0001) between t1/2 GE measured with both techniques in the group of children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In the group of healthy children, mean t1/2 GE was 157.7 ± 54.0 min (range 71-415 min), but t1/2 GE decreased with age between 1 and 10 years and remained stable afterward. There was no influence of gender, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area on t1/2 GE. Normal values for GE of solids measured with the (13) C-OBT using a standardized methodology were determined in healthy children. We propose to use this method and corresponding reference ranges to study GE of solids in children with gastrointestinal problems. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Molecular analysis on the utilization of oil palm empty fruit bunches fiber as reinforcement for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene biocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermawan, B.; Nikmatin, S.; Alatas, H.; Sudaryanto; Sukaryo, S. G.

2017-05-01

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) was one of the solid waste produced by the palm oil factory and were totally plentiful in biomass. OPEFB fiber used as reinforcement of polymer matrix acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The use of FTIR is to see that there is no changes in the molecules of the constituent biocomposite ABS and OPEFB. The reactivity of butadiene and styrene through the double bond- π conjugated system, contributed to the bond reaction with the maleic acid as compatibilizer witch is grafted to the system. It is concluded that the posible grafting reaction occurs by the addition of the MAH to the double bond of the butadiene and styrene. The hydroxyl group of cellulose can interact with this maleic acid to form a bond through the carboxyl group.

Detecting plague-host abundance from space: Using a spectral vegetation index to identify occupancy of great gerbil burrows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilschut, Liesbeth I.; Heesterbeek, Johan A. P.; Begon, Mike; de Jong, Steven M.; Ageyev, Vladimir; Laudisoit, Anne; Addink, Elisabeth A.

2018-02-01

In Kazakhstan, plague outbreaks occur when its main host, the great gerbil, exceeds an abundance threshold. These live in family groups in burrows, which can be mapped using remote sensing. Occupancy (percentage of burrows occupied) is a good proxy for abundance and hence the possibility of an outbreak. Here we use time series of satellite images to estimate occupancy remotely. In April and September 2013, 872 burrows were identified in the field as either occupied or empty. For satellite images acquired between April and August, 'burrow objects' were identified and matched to the field burrows. The burrow objects were represented by 25 different polygon types, then classified (using a majority vote from 10 Random Forests) as occupied or empty, using Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) calculated for all images. Throughout the season NDVI values were higher for empty than for occupied burrows. Occupancy status of individual burrows that were continuously occupied or empty, was classified with producer's and user's accuracy values of 63 and 64% for the optimum polygon. Occupancy level was predicted very well and differed 2% from the observed occupancy. This establishes firmly the principle that occupancy can be estimated using satellite images with the potential to predict plague outbreaks over extensive areas with much greater ease and accuracy than previously.

Empty sella associated with growth hormone deficiency and polydactyly.

PubMed

Jurcă, Maria Claudia; Bembea, Marius; Kozma, Kinga; Şandor, Mircea Ioan; Negrean, Rodica Anamaria; Dobjanschi, Luciana; Cuc, Emilia Albiniţa; Petcheşi, Codruţa Diana; Jurcă, Alexandru Daniel

2018-01-01

Empty sella means the absence of the pituitary gland on cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Empty sella syndrome is the pathological variant of the imaging-described empty sella. We present the case of a male Caucasian child, aged four years and two months, for short stature and diagnosed by imaging procedures as empty sella. The cause of short stature was isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Associated he presented left hand postaxial polydactyly. In connection with this particular case, we propose a review of current knowledge in empty sella syndrome. The particularity of reported case consists of association empty sella with GH deficiency and polydactyly. The association of empty sella with polydactyly is not reported yet in the medical literature and is probably coincidental.

ELF5 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma tissues and biological behavior in ovarian carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Yan, Hongchao; Qiu, Linglin; Xie, Xiaolei; Yang, He; Liu, Yongli; Lin, Xiaoman; Huang, Hongxiang

2017-03-01

The expression of E74-like factor 5 (ELF5) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma tissues and its effects on biological behavior in ovarian carcinoma cells were assessed in search for a new approach for gene treatment of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. RT-PCR technology was applied to detect the expression of ELF5 mRNA in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (n=49), borderline ovarian epithelial tumor (n=19), benign ovarian epithelial tumor (n=31) and normal ovarian tissues (n=40). Then, we transfected recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1‑ELF5+EGFP into human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells (recombinant plasmid group) in vitro and screened out stably transfected cells to conduct multiplication culture. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of ELF5 protein in the different groups. Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell apoptosis and cycles. ELF5 mRNA in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and borderline ovarian epithelial tumor tissues were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in benign ovarian epithelial tumor and normal ovarian tissues. ELF5 protein expression in the cells of recombinant plasmid group was significantly higher compared with empty plasmid and blank control groups. The capacity of cell reproductive recombinant plasmid group at each time point decreased (P<0.05). Flow cytometry detection showed that 67.03% of cells in recombinant plasmid group was blocked in G0/G1 phase (P<0.05), compared with empty plasmid group (37.17%) and blank control group (38.24%). Apoptotic rate of recombinant plasmid group was significantly lower (31.4±1.9%; P<0.05), compared with that of empty plasmid group (9.1±2.2%) and blank control group (8.7±1.5%), and the differences were statistically significant. In conclusion, ELF5 interfered with cell cycle of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells and promoted apoptosis of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells inhibiting their growth and invasive capacity; and thus providing a new approach to gene treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Therapeutic effect of low molecular weight chitosan containing sepia ink on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Liu, Kang; Li, Lei; Li, Yingxin; Sui, Xianxian; Rao, Yinzhu; Wu, Jiahao; Wu, Qiuping

2016-12-01

To evaluate the role of low molecular chitosan containing sepia ink (LMCS) in ethanol-induced (5 ml/kg) gastric ulcer in rats. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 12): normal group (Normal), negative control group (Con), experiment group (LMCS) and positive control Omeprazole group (OMZ). Gastric empty rate was detected in the first 7 days. Rats were sacrificed at 7, 14 and 21 day for histology and ELISA detections. Gastric empty was no significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). Histological observation showed gastric mucosal LMCS treated had better healing effect. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) was significantly increased from 7 day (P < 0.05). LMCS significantly inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) generation for lipid peroxidation from 7 day (P < 0.05). LMCS significantly promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) at the earlier stage (P < 0.05). OMZ had the similar effects above. As for myeloperoxidase (MPO), LMCS significantly decreased and restored it to normal levels from 7 day (P < 0.05), it is earlier than OMZ which is from 14 day. LMCS can improve gastric mucosa tissue repair, exert significant influences on oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activities and neutrophil infiltration.

Visualization of Underfill Flow in Ball Grid Array (BGA) using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ng, Fei Chong; Abas, Aizat; Abustan, Ismail; Remy Rozainy, Z. Mohd; Abdullah, MZ; Jamaludin, Ali b.; Kon, Sharon Melissa

2018-05-01

This paper presents the experimental methodology using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to study the underfill process of ball grid array (BGA) chip package. PIV is a non-intrusive approach to visualize the flow behavior of underfill across the solder ball array. The BGA model of three different configurations – perimeter, middle empty and full array – were studied in current research. Through PIV experimental works, the underfill velocity distribution and vector fields for each BGA models were successfully obtained. It is found that perimeter has the shortest filling time resulting to a higher underfill velocity. Therefore, it is concluded that the flow behavior of underfill in BGA can be justified thoroughly with the aid of PIV.

What is emptiness? Clarifying the 7th criterion for borderline personality disorder.

PubMed

Klonsky, E David

2008-08-01

The present study aims to clarify the 7th DSM-IV criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder: "chronic feelings of emptiness." Emptiness has been the subject of little empirical investigation. The relationship of emptiness to boredom and other affect-states is uncertain, and patients and clinicians can find it difficult to generate verbal descriptions of emptiness. In the present study, two sets of analyses address the meaning and clinical implications of feeling empty. First, affect-states that co-occur with emptiness are identified in 45 young adults who exhibit a prominent feature of Borderline Personality Disorder (i.e., self-injury). Second, the relationship of chronic emptiness to key psychiatric variables is examined in a large nonclinical sample (n = 274). Results indicate that emptiness is negligibly related to boredom, is closely related to feeling hopeless, lonely, and isolated, and is a robust predictor of depression and suicidal ideation (but not anxiety or suicide attempts). Findings are consistent with DSM-IV revisions regarding the 7th criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder. In addition, findings suggest that emptiness reflects pathologically low positive affect and significant psychiatric distress.

Nothing to it: Precursors to a Zero Concept in Preschoolers

PubMed Central

Merritt, Dustin J.; Brannon, Elizabeth M.

2013-01-01

Do young children understand the numerical value of empty sets prior to developing a concept of symbolic zero? Are empty sets represented as mental magnitudes? In order to investigate these questions, we tested 4-year old children and adults with a numerical ordering task in which the goal was to select two stimuli in ascending numerical order with occasional empty set stimuli. Both children and adults showed distance effects for empty sets.. Children who were unable to order the symbol zero (e.g., 0 < 1), but who successfully ordered countable integers (e.g., 2 < 4) nevertheless showed distance effects with empty sets. These results suggest that empty sets are represented on the same numerical continuum as non-empty sets and that children represent empty sets numerically prior to understanding symbolic zero. PMID:23219980

The effect of a sweet potato, footbath, and acupressure intervention in preventing constipation in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes.

PubMed

Ren, Kai; Qiu, Jingbo; Wang, Xiaohua; Niu, Fenglin; Jiang, Tingbo

2012-01-01

Constipation is a common health problem that adversely affects quality of life and the prognosis of hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The purpose of this study was to develop and test the sweet potato/footbath/acupressure massage (SFA) intervention as a safe treatment for prevention of constipation and to increase satisfaction with bowel emptying in hospitalized patients with ACS. The study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial with a sample of 93 patients (SFA group, n = 44; usual care group, n = 49). Patients in the SFA group received SFA intervention combined with usual care. The results showed that there were statistical differences between the two groups in terms of (1) the incidence of constipation; (2) the use of laxatives and enemas; (3) patients' subjective satisfaction with their bowel emptying during hospitalization; and (4) sensation of incomplete evacuation and anorectal obstruction/blockade. The SFA intervention was more effective, economical, and practical than usual care alone in managing constipation and satisfaction with defecation in patients hospitalized with ACS.

Evaluation of Biodistribution and Safety of Adenovirus Vectors Containing Group B Fibers after Intravenous Injection into Baboons

PubMed Central

NI, SHAOHENG; BERNT, KATHRIN; GAGGAR, ANUJ; LI, ZONG-YI; KIEM, HANS-PETER; LIEBER, ANDRÉ

2005-01-01

Vectors containing group B adenovirus (Ad) fibers are able to efficiently transduce gene therapy targets that are refractory to infection with standard Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors, including malignant tumor cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and dendritic cells. Preliminary studies in mice indicate that, after intravenous injection, B-group fiber-containing Ads do not efficiently transduce most organs and cause less acute toxicity than Ad5 vectors. However, biodistribution and safety studies in mice are of limited value because the mouse analog of the B-group Ad receptor, CD46, is expressed only in the testis, whereas in humans, CD46 is expressed on all nucleated cells. Unlike mice, baboons have CD46 expression patterns and levels that closely mimic those in humans. We conducted a biodistribution and toxicity study of group B Ad fiber-containing vectors in baboons. Animals received phosphate-buffered saline, Ad5-bGal (a first-generation Ad5 vector), or B-group fiber-containing Ads (Ad5/35-bGal and Ad5/11-bGal) at a dose of 2 × 1012 VP/kg, and vector biodistribution and safety was analyzed over 3 days. The amount of Ad5/35-bGal and Ad5/11-bGal vector genomes was in most tissues one to three orders of magnitude below that of Ad5. Significant Ad5/35- and Ad5/11-mediated transgene (β-galactosidase) expression was seen only in the marginal zone of splenic follicles. Compared with the animal that received Ad5-bGal, all animals injected with B-group fiber-containing Ad vectors had lower elevations in serum proinflammatory cytokine levels. Gross and histopathology were normal in animals that received B-group Ad fiber-containing Ads, in contrast to the Ad5-infused animal, which showed widespread endothelial damage and inflammation. In a further study, a chimeric Ad5/35 vector carrying proapoptotic TRAIL and Ad E1A genes under tumor-specific regulation was well tolerated in a 30-day toxicity study. No major clinical, serologic, or pathologic abnormalities were noticed in this animal. OVERVIEW SUMMARY B-group Ad fiber-containing vectors are promising tools for gene therapy, for example, for the treatment of metastatic cancer or cardiovascular diseases, or for vaccination/immunotherapy. However, only a few studies of vectors containing B-group Ad fibers in mice have been conducted so far, and little is known about the mechanisms and effects of B-group Ad vector delivery in vivo. Before these vectors can be considered for clinical application, this knowledge gap must be filled. We performed biodistribution and safety studies after intravenous injection of chimeric Ad5 vectors containing Ad35 and Ad11 fibers into baboons. Our study suggests that Ad vectors possessing B-group Ad fibers have a better safety profile after intravenous injection than do conventional Ad5-based vectors. PMID:15960598

Physical characteristics of indigestible solids affect emptying from the fasting human stomach.

PubMed Central

Meyer, B; Beglinger, C; Neumayer, M; Stalder, G A

1989-01-01

Gastric emptying of indigestible solids depends on their size. It is not clear whether physical characteristics other than particle size affect emptying of indigestible solids from the fasting human stomach. We studied gastric emptying of three differently shaped particles, (cubes, spheres, rods) of either hard or soft consistency during the fasting state in human volunteers. The shape of indigestible particles did not affect their emptying. The area under the gastric emptying curve (AUC: particles x hour) was for hard cubes 24.7 (2.2), for hard spheres 27.9 (1.6), for hard rods 26.9 (2.7). All soft particles emptied faster than their identically shaped hard counterparts, but there was no difference among the three shapes (AUC for soft cubes: 29.2 (3.0), for soft spheres 32.0 (1.8), for soft rods 34.1 (1.2). If gastric emptying of hard and soft particles was compared independently of their shape, soft particles emptied significantly faster than hard ones: AUC 31.8 (1.2) v 26.5 (1.3) (p less than 0.01). In conclusion, the consistency but not the shape significantly affects gastric emptying. Specific physical characteristics other than size and shape may affect gastric emptying of indigestible particles which may be of importance in the design of drugs. PMID:2599438

Gastric emptying of solid radiopaque markers: studies in healthy subjects and diabetic patients.

PubMed

Feldman, M; Smith, H J; Simon, T R

1984-10-01

The purpose of these studies was to develop a radiologic method for assessing gastric emptying of an indigestible solid in humans and to apply this technique to the evaluation of patients with diabetes mellitus. Thirty healthy subjects ingested 10 solid radiopaque markers (small pieces of nasogastric tubing) together with a standard meal (donuts and 7-Up). Radiographs of the upper abdomen were obtained hourly for up to 6 h until all markers had emptied from the stomach. Although most of the liquid component of the meal, labeled with 111In, emptied during the first hour (as assessed simultaneously by radionuclide scintigraphy), few radiopaque markers emptied from the stomach during the first 2 h after the meal. Most markers emptied during the fourth postprandial hour, and all 10 markers had emptied by 6 h in 45 of 46 experiments. In contrast, not all of the solid radiopaque markers emptied from the stomach by 6 h in 16 of 26 experiments in patients with diabetes mellitus (p less than 0.001 vs. healthy controls). In some experiments, 99mTc-labeled scrambled eggs were added to the meal so that emptying of this digestible solid, assessed by scintigraphy, could be compared with emptying of liquids and solid radiopaque markers. In healthy subjects, the digestible solid emptied more slowly than the liquid (t 1/2 = 154 +/- 11 min vs. 30 +/- 3 min, p less than 0.001), but emptying of digestible solid was significantly faster than the emptying of the indigestible solid radiopaque markers. In diabetics, emptying rates for the digestible solid and liquid were close to normal (t 1/2 = 178 +/- 5 min and 40 +/- 3 min, respectively), whereas indigestible solid markers were retained in the stomach 6 h after the meal in 50% of the patients. Radiopaque markers proved to be a simple method for measuring gastric emptying of indigestible solids in humans. Using this technique, patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus had a high incidence of abnormally slow gastric emptying of indigestible solids; the method may be a more sensitive indicator of gastric motor dysfunction than radionuclide scintigraphy.

A review of methods for assessment of the rate of gastric emptying in the dog and cat: 1898-2002.

PubMed

Wyse, C A; McLellan, J; Dickie, A M; Sutton, D G M; Preston, T; Yam, P S

2003-01-01

Gastric emptying is the process by which food is delivered to the small intestine at a rate and in a form that optimizes intestinal absorption of nutrients. The rate of gastric emptying is subject to alteration by physiological, pharmacological, and pathological conditions. Gastric emptying of solids is of greater clinical significance because disordered gastric emptying rarely is detectable in the liquid phase. Imaging techniques have the disadvantage of requiring restraint of the animal and access to expensive equipment. Radiographic methods require administration of test meals that are not similar to food. Scintigraphy is the gold standard method for assessment of gastric emptying but requires administration of a radioisotope. Magnetic resonance imaging has not yet been applied for assessment of gastric emptying in small animals. Ultrasonography is a potentially useful, but subjective, method for assessment of gastric emptying in dogs. Gastric tracer methods require insertion of gastric or intestinal cannulae and are rarely applied outside of the research laboratory. The paracetamol absorption test has been applied for assessment of liquid phase gastric emptying in the dog, but requires IV cannulation. The gastric emptying breath test is a noninvasive method for assessment of gastric emptying that has been applied in dogs and cats. This method can be carried out away from the veterinary hospital, but the effects of physiological and pathological abnormalities on the test are not known. Advances in technology will facilitate the development of reliable methods for assessment of gastric emptying in small animals.

Toupet versus Dor as a procedure to prevent reflux after cardiomyotomy for achalasia: results of a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Kumagai, Koshi; Kjellin, Ann; Tsai, Jon A; Thorell, Anders; Granqvist, Staffan; Lundell, Lars; Håkanson, Bengt

2014-01-01

The optimal anti-reflux procedure after Heller cardiomyotomy for oesophageal achalasia remains unclear. The most commonly used procedure is the anterior partial fundoplication according to Dor, although during recent years the posterior counterpart (Toupet) has become popular. Patients with newly diagnosed achalasia and referred for cardiomyotomy were randomised to receive either an anterior or partial posterior fundoplication following a classical cardiomyotomy. The effect of surgery was assessed during the first postoperative year by Eckardt scores, EORTC QLQ-OES18 scores and HRQL questionnaires. Timed barium oesophagogram (TBO) and ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring were performed to determine oesophageal emptying and the degree of reflux control, respectively. Forty-two patients were randomised into Dor (n = 20) and Toupet (n = 22) groups. Eckardt scores improved dramatically with both procedures, but the EORTC QLQ-OES18 (functional scales) scores revealed significantly better relative improvements in the Toupet group compared to the Dor repair (P = 0.044). Corresponding advantages in favour of Toupet were observed postoperatively in the percentage of oesophageal emptying at TBO (P = 0.011 in height and P = 0.018 in area), an effect not observed in the Dor group. There were no other significant differences recorded between the study groups concerning HRQL evaluations and objective assessment of gastro-oesophageal acid reflux. A partial posterior fundoplication after cardiomyotomy seems to achieve more improvement in oesophageal emptying and EORTC QLQ-OES18 functional scale scores than the anterior fundoplication. Otherwise no differences between the two anti-reflux repairs were noted. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01933373. Copyright © 2014 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects on gastric emptying and carbohydrate loading of an oral nutritional supplement and an oral rehydration solution: a crossover study with magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Nakamura, Makoto; Uchida, Kanji; Akahane, Masaaki; Watanabe, Yasushi; Ohtomo, Kuni; Yamada, Yoshitsugu

2014-06-01

Preoperative administration of clear fluids by mouth has recently been endorsed as a way to improve postoperative outcomes. A carbohydrate-containing beverage supplemented with electrolytes or proteins may have additional benefits for patients' satisfaction. However, effects on gastric residual, nausea, and emesis and the effectiveness of these beverages for improving patients' hydration status have not been well defined. We evaluated changes in gastric volume over time by magnetic resonance imaging, as well as blood glucose levels, before and after administration of 500 mL oral rehydration solution (ORS) containing 1.8% glucose and electrolytes in 10 healthy volunteers. The same volume of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing 18% glucose and supplemental arginine (545 mOsm/kg) was given to the same population using a crossover design. The mean (median, 95% confidence interval) gastric fluid volume at 1 hour after oral ingestion was 55.0 (55.3, 39.0-70.9) mL in the ORS group, whereas 409.2 (410.9, 371.4-447.0) mL in the ONS group (P = 0.0002). The gastric fluid volume of all participants in the ORS group returned to <1 mL/kg at 90 minutes after ingestion, whereas none reached <1 mL/kg at 120 minutes in the ONS group. The ONS group showed a sustained increase in the blood glucose level after ingestion (P < 0.0001 to baseline at 30, 60, 120 minutes), while the ORS group showed an initial increase (P < 0.0001, P = 0.01, P = 0.205 at each time point). ORS supplemented with a small amount of glucose showed faster gastric emptying, which may make it suitable for preoperative administration. In contrast, ONS supplemented with arginine with a relatively low osmolality was associated with a longer time for gastric emptying, although it showed a sustained increase in blood glucose level.

Efficacy of chimeric DNA vaccines encoding Eimeria tenella 5401 and chicken IFN-γ or IL-2 against coccidiosis in chickens.

PubMed

Song, Xiaokai; Huang, Xinmei; Yan, Ruofeng; Xu, Lixin; Li, Xiangrui

2015-09-01

Chimeric DNA vaccines encoding Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) surface antigen 5401 were constructed and their efficacies against E. tenella challenge were studied. The open reading frame (ORF) of 5401 was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-4T2 to express the recombinant protein and the expressed recombinant protein was identified by Western blot. The ORF of 5401 and chicken cytokine gene IFN-γ or IL-2 were cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1 consecutively to construct DNA vaccines pVAX-5401-IFN-γ, pVAX-5401-IL-2 and pVAX-5401. The expression of aim genes in vivo was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Fourteen-day-old chickens were inoculated twice at an interval of 7 days with 100 µg of plasmids pVAX-5401, pVAX-5401-IFN-γ and pVAX-5401-IL-2 or 200 µg of recombinant 5401 protein by leg intramuscular injection, respectively. Seven days after the second inoculation, all chickens except the unchallenged control group were challenged orally with 5 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella. Seven days after challenge, all chickens were weighted and slaughtered to determine the effects of immunization. The results showed the recombinant protein was about 90 kDa and reacted with antiserum against soluble sporozoites. The animal experiment showed that all the DNA vaccines pVAX-5401, pVAX-5401-IFN-γ or pVAX-5401-IL-2 and the recombinant 5401 protein could obviously alleviate body weight loss and cecal lesions as compared with non-vaccinated challenged control and empty vector pVAX1control. Furthermore, pVAX-5401-IFN-γ or pVAX-5401-IL-2 induced anti-coccidial index (ACI) of 180.01 or 177.24 which were significantly higher than that of pVAX-5401. The results suggested that 5401 was an effective candidate antigen for vaccine. This finding also suggested that chicken IFN-γ or IL-2 could effectively improve the efficacies of DNA vaccines against avian coccidiosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

(Pt1-xCux)3Cu2B and Pt9Cu3B5, the first examples of copper platinum borides. Observation of superconductivity in a novel boron filled β-Mn-type compound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salamakha, Leonid P.; Sologub, Oksana; Stöger, Berthold; Michor, Herwig; Bauer, Ernst; Rogl, Peter F.

2015-09-01

New ternary copper platinum borides have been synthesized by arc melting of pure elements followed by annealing at 600 °C. The structures have been studied by X-ray single crystal and powder diffraction. (Pt1-xCux)3Cu2B (x=0.33) forms a B-filled β-Mn-type structure (space group P4132; a=0.6671(1) nm). Cu atoms are distributed preferentially on the 8c atom sites, whereas the 12d site is randomly occupied by Pt and Cu atoms (0.670(4) Pt±0.330(4) Cu). Boron is located in octahedral voids of the parent β-Mn-type structure. Pt9Cu3B5 (space group P-62m; a=0.9048(3) nm, c=0.2908(1) nm) adopts the Pt9Zn3B5-δ-type structure. It has a columnar architecture along the short translation vector exhibiting three kinds of [Pt6] trigonal prism columns (boron filled, boron semi-filled and empty) and Pt channels with a pentagonal cross section filled with Cu atoms. The striking structural feature is a [Pt6] cluster in form of an empty trigonal prism at the origin of the unit cell, which is surrounded by coupled [BPt6] and [Pt6] trigonal prisms, rotated perpendicularly to the central one. There is no B-B contact as well as Cu-B contact in the structure. The relationships of Pt9Cu3B5 structure with the structure of Ti1+xOs2-xRuB2 as well as with the structure families of metal sulfides and aluminides have been elucidated. (Pt1-xCux)3Cu2B (x=0.3) (B-filled β-Mn-type structure) is a bulk superconductor with a transition temperature of about 2.06 K and an upper critical field μ0HC2(0)WHH of 1.2 T, whereas no superconducting transition has been observed up to 0.3 K in Pt9Cu3B5 (Pt9Zn3B5-δ-type structure) from electrical resistivity measurements.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND GASTRIC EMPTYING IN POORLY CONTROLLED TYPE 2 DIABETES

PubMed Central

Bharucha, Adil E.; Kudva, Yogish; Basu, Ananda; Camilleri, Michael; Low, Phillip A.; Vella, Adrian; Zinsmeister, Alan R.

2014-01-01

Background & Aims Acute hyperglycemia delays gastric emptying in patients with diabetes. However, it is not clear whether improved control of glycemia affects gastric emptying in these patients. We investigated whether overnight and short-term (6 months) improvements in control of glycemia affect gastric emptying. Methods We studied 30 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (levels of glycated hemoglobin >9%). We measured gastric emptying using the [13C]-spirulina platensis breath test on the patients’ first visit (visit 1), after overnight administration of insulin or saline, 1 week later (visit 2), and 6 months after intensive therapy for diabetes. We also measured fasting and post-prandial plasma levels of C-peptide, GLP1, and amylin, as well as autonomic functions. Results At visit 1, gastric emptying was normal in 10 patients, delayed in 14, and accelerated in 6; 6 patients had gastrointestinal symptoms; vagal dysfunction was associated with delayed gastric emptying (P<.05). Higher fasting blood levels of glucose were associated with shorter half-times of gastric emptying (thalf) at visits 1 (r= −0.46, P=.01) and 2 (r= −0.43, P=.02). Although blood levels of glucose were lower after administration of insulin (132±7 mg/dl) than saline (211±15 mg/dl; P=0.0002), gastric emptying thalf was not lower after administration of insulin, compared with saline. After 6 months of intensive therapy, levels of glycated hemoglobin decreased from 10.6%±0.3% to 9%±0.4% (P=.0003), but gastric emptying thalf did not change (92±8 min before, 92±7 min after). Gastric emptying did not correlate with plasma levels of GLP1 and amylin. Conclusions Two-thirds of patients with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes have mostly asymptomatic yet abnormal gastric emptying. Higher fasting blood levels of glucose are associated with faster gastric emptying. Overnight and sustained (6 months) improvements in glycemic control do not affect gastric emptying. PMID:25041866

Effect of proximal vagotomy and Roux-en-Y diversion on gastric emptying kinetics in asymptomatic patients.

PubMed

Urbain, J L; Penninckx, F; Siegel, J A; Vandenborre, P; Van Cutsem, E; Vandenmaegdenbergh, V; De Roo, M

1990-10-01

The role of the distal stomach in gastric emptying was studied. Ten patients with proximal gastric vagotomy (PV) and 10 age-matched patients with Roux-en-Y gastro-jejunostomy (R-Y) were compared with 10 healthy controls. Gastric emptying of solids and liquids was determined by the use of Tc-99m SC scrambled eggs and In-111 DTPA. In PV, gastric emptying of both solids and liquids was delayed; the prolongation with solids was mainly accounted for by an abnormal lag phase. In R-Y patients, no lag phase was observed, and the solid emptying curve pattern was characterized by early rapid emptying followed by very slow emptying. Both the solid and liquid phases were prolonged. The lag phase is affected by proximal vagotomy and is mainly determined by the distal stomach, which appears to be essential for normal emptying.

Agoraphobia and Melancholia: Thoughts on Milrod's "Emptiness in Agoraphobia Patients".

PubMed

Yates, Sheena

2015-08-01

Milrod (2007) identifies persistent emptiness in agoraphobic patients whose symptoms of anxiety and avoidance have remitted. To this important identification, a number of critical considerations may be raised regarding the meanings of emptiness in the psychoanalytic clinic. Milrod's admonishment to distinguish between an emptiness that indicates a deficit in the structure and stability of self-representation, and an emptiness that is strictly defensive, is a case in point. While much of the literature supports an interpretation of emptiness as a defense against overwhelming rage, these patients' assertions and experiences of emptiness can be better explained by the presence of traumatic, unmourned losses. Several explanations are offered as to why agoraphobic patients, in particular, defend unconsciously against mourning. © 2015 by the American Psychoanalytic Association.

Actinidin from kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward) increases the digestion and rate of gastric emptying of meat proteins in the growing pig.

PubMed

Montoya, Carlos A; Rutherfurd, Shane M; Olson, Trent D; Purba, Ajitpal S; Drummond, Lynley N; Boland, Mike J; Moughan, Paul J

2014-03-28

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary actinidin on the kinetics of gastric digestion of beef muscle proteins and on the rate of stomach emptying in growing pigs. For this purpose, 120 pigs (mean body weight 28 (sd 2·9) kg) were fed beef muscle protein-based diets containing either actinidin (fresh green kiwifruit pulp or gold kiwifruit pulp supplemented with purified actinidin) or no actinidin (fresh gold kiwifruit pulp or green kiwifruit pulp with inactivated actinidin). Additionally, fifteen pigs were fed with a protein-free diet to determine the endogenous protein flow. Pigs were euthanised at exactly 0·5, 1, 3, 5 and 7 h postprandially (n 6 per time point for each kiwifruit diet and n 3 for protein-free diet). Stomach chyme was collected for measuring gastric retention, actinidin activity, individual beef muscle protein digestion based on SDS-PAGE and the degree of hydrolysis based on the appearance of free amino groups. The stomach emptying of DM and N was faster when actinidin was present in the diet (P< 0·05): the half gastric emptying time of DM was 137 v. 172 min ( ± 7·4 min pooled standard error) for the diets with and without actinidin, respectively. The presence of dietary actinidin in the stomach chyme increased the digestion of beef muscle protein (P< 0·05) and, more specifically, those proteins with a high molecular weight (>34 kDa; P< 0·05). In conclusion, dietary actinidin fed in the form of fresh green kiwifruit increased the rate of gastric emptying and the digestion of several beef muscle proteins.

Postprandial gastric antral contractions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a scintigraphic study.

PubMed

Barbieri, C L A; Troncon, L E A; Herculano, J R L; Aprile, L R O; Moraes, E R; Secaf, M; Dantas, R O

2008-05-01

Disturbed gastric contractility has been found in manometric studies in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), but the pathophysiological role of this abnormality is unclear. We aimed at assessing postprandial gastric antral contractions and its relationships with gastric emptying and gastro-oesophageal reflux in GORD patients. Fasted GORD patients (n = 13) and healthy volunteers (n = 13) ingested a liquid meal labelled with 72 MBq of 99mTechnetium-phytate. Gastric images were acquired every 10 min for 2 h, for measuring gastric emptying half time. Dynamic antral scintigraphy (one frame per second), performed for 4 min at 30-min intervals, allowed estimation of both mean dominant frequency and amplitude of antral contractions. In GORD patients (n = 10), acidic reflux episodes occurring 2 h after the ingestion of the same test meal were determined by ambulatory 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring. Gastric emptying was similar in GORD patients and controls (median; range: 82 min; 58-126 vs 80 min; 44-122 min; P = 0.38). Frequency of antral contractions was also similar in both groups (3.1 cpm; 2.8-3.6 vs 3.2 cpm; 2.4-3.8 cpm; P = 0.15). In GORD patients, amplitude of antral contractions was significantly higher than in controls (32.7%; 17-44%vs 23.3%; 16-43%; P = 0.01), and correlated positively with gastric emptying time (R(s) = 0.58; P = 0.03) and inversely with the number of reflux episodes (R(s) = -0.68; P = 0.02). Increased amplitude of postprandial gastric antral contractions in GORD may comprise a compensatory mechanism against delayed gastric emptying and a defensive factor against acidic gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Facing the Music: Creative and Experiential Group Strategies for Working with Addiction Related Grief and Loss

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haberstroh, Shane

2005-01-01

This article outlines how group practitioners can harness creative strategies to assist addicted clients in verbalizing and addressing the losses associated with addictive disorders. This article overviews the implementation of an experiential process that includes a warm up activity, a psychodrama, and utilization of empty chair techniques to…

Cocaine hydrolase encoded in viral vector blocks the reinstatement of cocaine seeking in rats for 6 months

PubMed Central

Anker, Justin J.; Brimijoin, Stephen; Gao, Yang; Geng, Liyi; Zlebnik, Natalie E.; Parks, Robin J.; Carroll, Marilyn E.

2011-01-01

Background Cocaine dependence is a pervasive disorder with high rates of relapse. In a previous study, direct administration of a quadruple mutant albumin-fused butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) that efficiently catalyzes hydrolysis of cocaine to benzoic acid and ecgonine methyl ester acutely blocked cocaine seeking in an animal model of relapse. In the present experiments these results were extended to achieve a long duration blockade of cocaine seeking with a gene transfer paradigm using a related BChE-based cocaine hydrolase, termed “CocH”. Methods Male and female rats were allowed to self-administer cocaine under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement for approximately 14 days. Following the final self-administration session, rats were injected with CocH vector or a control injection (empty vector or saline), and their cocaine solutions were replaced with saline for 14 days to allow for extinction of lever pressing. Subsequently, they were tested for drug-primed reinstatement by administering i.p. injections of saline (S), cocaine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, C), and d-amphetamine (A) according to the following sequence: S, C, S, C, S, C, S, A. Rats then received cocaine-priming injections once weekly for 4 weeks, and subsequently, once monthly for up to 6 months. Results Administration of CocH vector produced substantial and sustained CocH activity in plasma that corresponded with diminished cocaine- (but not amphetamine-) induced reinstatement responding for up to 6 months following treatment (compared to high responding controls). Conclusion These results demonstrate that viral transfer of CocH may be useful in promoting long-term resistance to relapse to cocaine addiction. PMID:22209637

SIRT1 Overexpression Maintains Cell Phenotype and Function of Endothelial Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Bin; Jen, Michele; Perrin, Louisiane; Wertheim, Jason A; Ameer, Guillermo A

2015-12-01

Endothelial cells (ECs) that are differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used in establishing disease models for personalized drug discovery or developing patient-specific vascularized tissues or organoids. However, a number of technical challenges are often associated with iPSC-ECs in culture, including instability of the endothelial phenotype and limited cell proliferative capacity over time. Early senescence is believed to be the primary mechanism underlying these limitations. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is an NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase involved in the regulation of cell senescence, redox state, and inflammatory status. We hypothesize that overexpression of the SIRT1 gene in iPSC-ECs will maintain EC phenotype, function, and proliferative capacity by overcoming early cell senescence. SIRT1 gene was packaged into a lentiviral vector (LV-SIRT1) and transduced into iPSC-ECs at passage 4. Beginning with passage 5, iPSC-ECs exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology, whereas iPSC-ECs overexpressing SIRT1 maintained EC cobblestone morphology. SIRT1 overexpressing iPSC-ECs also exhibited a higher percentage of canonical markers of endothelia (LV-SIRT1 61.8% CD31(+) vs. LV-empty 31.7% CD31(+), P < 0.001; LV-SIRT1 46.3% CD144(+) vs. LV-empty 20.5% CD144(+), P < 0.02), with a higher nitric oxide synthesis, lower β-galactosidase production indicating decreased senescence (3.4% for LV-SIRT1 vs. 38.6% for LV-empty, P < 0.001), enhanced angiogenesis, increased deacetylation activity, and higher proliferation rate. SIRT1 overexpressing iPSC-ECs continued to proliferate through passage 9 with high purity of EC-like characteristics, while iPSC-ECs without SIRT1 overexpression became senescent after passage 5. Taken together, SIRT1 overexpression in iPSC-ECs maintains EC phenotype, improves EC function, and extends cell lifespan, overcoming critical hurdles associated with the use of iPSC-ECs in translational research.

Measurement of gastric emptying by intragastric gamma scintigraphy.

PubMed

Malbert, C H; Mathis, C; Bobillier, E; Laplace, J P; Horowitz, M

1997-09-01

Gastric emptying is usually measured in animals and humans by dilution/sampling or external scintigraphy. These methods are either time consuming or require expensive equipment. The capacity of a miniature gamma counter positioned in the stomach to measure emptying of liquid and solid meals was evaluated. In eight conscious pigs fitted with gastric and duodenal cannulae, gastric emptying of saline (500 mL), dextrose (20%, 500 mL), porridge (300 g) and scrambled eggs (300 g), all labelled with 3.5 MBq 99mTC, was evaluated. When positioned in the antrum the probe was unable to quantify gastric emptying. In contrast, measurements of the fractional emptying of saline over 4-min periods by the probe positioned in the corpus and quantification of radioactivity in the duodenal effluent correlated closely (r = 0.88, P < 0.05). Gastric emptying (50% emptying time) of saline and both solid meals measured by the probe was not significantly different from quantification of the duodenal effluent volume. No difference was observed also for the dextrose meal but only while gastric acid secretion was suppressed by omeprazole. We conclude that an intragastric gamma counter permits measurement of gastric emptying of homogeneous meals provided meal stimulation of gastric secretion was not extensive. This was possible probably by monitoring emptying from the proximal stomach.

Delayed Gastric Emptying in Side-to-Side Gastrojejunostomy in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Result of a Propensity Score Matching.

PubMed

Tsutaho, Akio; Nakamura, Toru; Asano, Toshimichi; Okamura, Keisuke; Tsuchikawa, Takahiro; Noji, Takehiro; Nakanishi, Yoshitsugu; Tanaka, Kimitaka; Murakami, Soichi; Kurashima, Yo; Ebihara, Yuma; Shichinohe, Toshiaki; Ito, Yoichi M; Hirano, Satoshi

2017-10-01

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common morbidities of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study was to clarify whether the incidence of DGE can be reduced by side-to-side gastric greater curvature-to-jejunal anastomosis in subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD). The clinical data of 253 patients who had undergone PD were examined. Of a total of 188 patients who had undergone SSPPD, a gastrojejunostomy (GJ) was performed with end-to-side anastomosis in 87 patients (SSPPD-ETS group), and a GJ was performed with a greater curvature side-to-jejunal side anastomosis in 101 patients (SSPPD-STS group). After propensity score matching, the matched cohort consisted of 74 patients in each group. The postoperative data were evaluated according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery grade of DGE. The total incidence of DGE was 9.4% in the SSPPD-ETS group and 4% in the SSPPD-STS group, with no significant difference (p = 0.1902). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in the incidence of DGE grade C (p = 0.0426). The incidence of total DGE was not reduced statistically in the STS group compared with the ETS group, but reduced DGE grade C. Side-to-side anastomosis might be associated with a reduced incidence of DGE grade C.

Effects on gastrointestinal transit and antroduodenojejunal manometry after gut-directed hypnotherapy in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

PubMed

Lindfors, Perjohan; Törnblom, Hans; Sadik, Riadh; Björnsson, Einar S; Abrahamsson, Hasse; Simrén, Magnus

2012-12-01

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is an effective treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but little is known about the mechanisms of action. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects on gastrointestinal motility when treating IBS with gut-directed hypnotherapy. We randomized 90 patients with IBS, refractory to standard management to receive gut-directed hypnotherapy 1 h/week for 12 weeks or supportive treatment for the same time period. Eighty-one subjects (40 hypnotherapy, 41 controls) could be evaluated by one or more of the following investigations, both before and after the intervention: gastric emptying time, small bowel transit time, colonic transit time, and antroduodenojejunal manometry. No significant differences in gastric emptying time, small bowel transit time, or colonic transit time was found when comparing the baseline and post-intervention measurements in the hypnotherapy group or in the control group. The same was true concerning the results of the antroduodenojejunal manometry. However, there was a numerical trend toward a higher number of migrating motor complexes at manometry and an accelerated gastric emptying time after hypnotherapy that did not reach statistical significance. In this study, we were not able to find evidence for long-standing effects on gastrointestinal motility as a mediator of the effects on IBS when treating the condition with gut-directed hypnotherapy. Further research to understand the mechanism of action is needed.

A ocean bottom vector magnetometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaomei; Teng, Yuntian; Wang, Chen; Ma, Jiemei

2017-04-01

The new development instrument with a compact spherical coil system and Overhauser magnetometer for measuring the total strength of the magnetic field and the vectors of strength, Delta inclination - Delta declination, meanwhile we also use a triaxial fluxgate instrument of the traditional instrument for geomagnetic vector filed measurement. The advantages of this method are be calibrated by each other and get good performances with automatic operation, good stability and high resolution. Firstly, a brief description of the instrument measurement principles and the key technologies are given. The instrument used a spherical coil system with 34 coils to product the homogeneous volume inside the coils which is large enough to accommodate the sensor of Overhauser total field sensor; the rest of the footlocker-sized ocean-bottom vector magnetometer consists of equipment to run the sensors and records its data (batteries and a data logger), weight to sink it to the sea floor, a remote-controlled acoustic release and flotation to bring the instrument back to the surface. Finally, the accuracy of the instrument was tested in the Geomagnetic station, and the measurement accuracies of total strength and components were better than 0.2nT and 1nT respectively. The figure 1 shows the development instrument structure. it includes six thick glass spheres which protect the sensor, data logger and batteries from the pressures of the deep sea, meanwhile they also provide recycling positive buoyancy; To cushion the glass, the spheres then go inside yellow plastic "hardhats". The triaxial fluxgate is inside No.1 glass spheres, data logger and batteries are inside No.2 glass spheres, the new vector sensor is inside No.3 glass spheres, acoustic communication unit is inside No.4 glass spheres, No.5 and No.6 glass spheres are empty which only provide recycling positive buoyancy. The figure 2 shows the development instrument Physical photo.

Involvement of LeMDR, an ATP-binding cassette protein gene, in shikonin transport and biosynthesis in Lithospermum erythrorhizon.

PubMed

Zhu, Yu; Lu, Gui-Hua; Bian, Zhuo-Wu; Wu, Feng-Yao; Pang, Yan-Jun; Wang, Xiao-Ming; Yang, Rong-Wu; Tang, Cheng-Yi; Qi, Jin-Liang; Yang, Yong-Hua

2017-11-13

Shikonin is a naphthoquinone secondary metabolite with important medicinal value and is found in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Considering the limited knowledge on the membrane transport mechanism of shikonin, this study investigated such molecular mechanism. We successfully isolated an ATP-binding cassette protein gene, LeMDR, from L. erythrorhizon. LeMDR is predominantly expressed in L. erythrorhizon roots, where shikonin accumulated. Functional analysis of LeMDR by using the yeast cell expression system revealed that LeMDR is possibly involved in the shikonin efflux transport. The accumulation of shikonin is lower in yeast cells transformed with LeMDR-overexpressing vector than that with empty vector. The transgenic hairy roots of L. erythrorhizon overexpressing LeMDR (MDRO) significantly enhanced shikonin production, whereas the RNA interference of LeMDR (MDRi) displayed a reverse trend. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of LeMDR was up-regulated by treatment with shikonin and shikonin-positive regulators, methyl jasmonate and indole-3-acetic acid. There might be a relationship of mutual regulation between the expression level of LeMDR and shikonin biosynthesis. Our findings demonstrated the important role of LeMDR in transmembrane transport and biosynthesis of shikonin.

A single immunization with modified vaccinia virus Ankara-based influenza virus H7 vaccine affords protection in the influenza A(H7N9) pneumonia ferret model.

PubMed

Kreijtz, Joost H C M; Wiersma, Lidewij C M; De Gruyter, Heidi L M; Vogelzang-van Trierum, Stella E; van Amerongen, Geert; Stittelaar, Koert J; Fouchier, Ron A M; Osterhaus, Albert D M E; Sutter, Gerd; Rimmelzwaan, Guus F

2015-03-01

Since the first reports in early 2013, >440 human cases of infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported including 122 fatalities. After the isolation of the first A(H7N9) viruses, the nucleotide sequences became publically available. Based on the coding sequence of the influenza virus A/Shanghai/2/2013 hemagglutinin gene, a codon-optimized gene was synthesized and cloned into a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA). This MVA-H7-Sh2 viral vector was used to immunize ferrets and proved to be immunogenic, even after a single immunization. Subsequently, ferrets were challenged with influenza virus A/Anhui/1/2013 via the intratracheal route. Unprotected animals that were mock vaccinated or received empty vector developed interstitial pneumonia characterized by a marked alveolitis, accompanied by loss of appetite, weight loss, and heavy breathing. In contrast, animals vaccinated with MVA-H7-Sh2 were protected from severe disease. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Catastrophic health expenditure: a comparative analysis of empty-nest and non-empty-nest households with seniors in Shandong, China

PubMed Central

Yang, Tingting; Chu, Jie; Zhou, Chengchao; Medina, Alexis; Li, Cuicui; Jiang, Shan; Zheng, Wengui; Sun, Liyuan; Liu, Jing

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) prevalence and its determinants between empty-nest and non-empty-nest elderly households. Setting Shandong province of China. Participants A total of 2761 elderly households are included in the analysis. Results CHE incidence among elderly households was 44.9%. The CHE incidence of empty-nest singles (59.3%, p=0.000, OR=3.19) and empty-nest couples (52.9%, p=0.000, OR=2.45) are both statistically higher than that of non-empty-nest elderly households (31.4%). An inverse association was observed between CHE incidence and income level in all elderly household types. Factors including 1 or more household elderly members with non-communicable chronic diseases in the past 6 months, 1 or more elderly household members being hospitalised in the past year and lower household income, are significant risk factors for CHE in all 3 household types (p<0.05). Health insurance status was found to be a significant determinant of CHE among empty-nest singles and non-empty-nest households (p<0.05). Conclusions CHE incidence among elderly households is high in China. Empty-nest households are at higher risk for CHE than non-empty-nest households. Based on these findings, we suggest that special insurance be developed to broaden the coverage of health services and heighten the reimbursement rate for empty-nest elderly in the existing health insurance schemes. Financial and social protection interventions are also essential for identified at-risk subgroups among different types of elderly households. PMID:27381206

Free fatty acid suppositories are as effective as docusate sodium and sorbitol enemas in treating constipation in children.

PubMed

Ormarsson, Orri Thor; Asgrimsdottir, Gudrun Marta; Loftsson, Thorsteinn; Stefansson, Einar; Lund, Sigrun Helga; Bjornsson, Einar Stefan

2016-06-01

A well-documented, clinically proven per rectum treatment for childhood constipation is needed. This phase two clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of suppositories containing free fatty acids (FFA) compared with Klyx docusate sodium and sorbitol enemas. A randomised, controlled, single-blind study was undertaken on 77 children aged between one and 17 who presented to an emergency department in Iceland and were diagnosed with constipation. In stage one, 23 patients were randomised to receive lower dose FFA suppositories or Klyx (n = 33). In stage two, 21 different patients were randomised to receive higher dose suppositories and compared with the same Klyx control subjects. The suppositories were effective at bowel emptying in 39% of the group who received the lower FFA doses and 81% of the group receiving higher doses, compared with 88% in the Klyx control group. Symptom relief was obtained in 30% of the group receiving the lower doses and 71% of the group receiving the higher doses, compared with 73% in the control group. The higher dose FFA suppositories were as effective as the Klyx enemas with regard to bowel emptying and symptom relief and might provide an important and less invasive alternative for childhood constipation. ©2016 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Genomic resources for gene discovery, functional genome annotation, and evolutionary studies of maize and its close relatives.

PubMed

Wang, Chao; Shi, Xue; Liu, Lin; Li, Haiyan; Ammiraju, Jetty S S; Kudrna, David A; Xiong, Wentao; Wang, Hao; Dai, Zhaozhao; Zheng, Yonglian; Lai, Jinsheng; Jin, Weiwei; Messing, Joachim; Bennetzen, Jeffrey L; Wing, Rod A; Luo, Meizhong

2013-11-01

Maize is one of the most important food crops and a key model for genetics and developmental biology. A genetically anchored and high-quality draft genome sequence of maize inbred B73 has been obtained to serve as a reference sequence. To facilitate evolutionary studies in maize and its close relatives, much like the Oryza Map Alignment Project (OMAP) (www.OMAP.org) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) resource did for the rice community, we constructed BAC libraries for maize inbred lines Zheng58, Chang7-2, and Mo17 and maize wild relatives Zea mays ssp. parviglumis and Tripsacum dactyloides. Furthermore, to extend functional genomic studies to maize and sorghum, we also constructed binary BAC (BIBAC) libraries for the maize inbred B73 and the sorghum landrace Nengsi-1. The BAC/BIBAC vectors facilitate transfer of large intact DNA inserts from BAC clones to the BIBAC vector and functional complementation of large DNA fragments. These seven Zea Map Alignment Project (ZMAP) BAC/BIBAC libraries have average insert sizes ranging from 92 to 148 kb, organellar DNA from 0.17 to 2.3%, empty vector rates between 0.35 and 5.56%, and genome equivalents of 4.7- to 8.4-fold. The usefulness of the Parviglumis and Tripsacum BAC libraries was demonstrated by mapping clones to the reference genome. Novel genes and alleles present in these ZMAP libraries can now be used for functional complementation studies and positional or homology-based cloning of genes for translational genomics.

Delayed gastric emptying of both the liquid and solid components of a meal in chronic liver disease.

PubMed

Galati, J S; Holdeman, K P; Dalrymple, G V; Harrison, K A; Quigley, E M

1994-05-01

To evaluate gastric emptying in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension. We measured gastric emptying of both the liquid and solid components of a meal in 10 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension, but free of ascites, and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. In the patients with liver disease, relationships between emptying and liver function were examined. To measure gastric emptying, subjects consumed a test meal that consisted of scrambled eggs labeled with 99mTc-sulfur colloid and 4 oz of water labeled with 111In-diethylene triamine pentacetic acid (DTPA). Patients with liver disease and portal hypertension demonstrated delayed emptying of both the liquid (t1/2, min, mean +/- SE, patients vs. 69.4 +/- 19.4 vs. 31.4 +/- 1.8, p < 0.01) and solid (post-lag phase solid emptying: 141 +/- 32.9 vs. 69.8 +/- 4.6, p < 0.006) components of the meal. We could not identify any correlation between gastric emptying and tests of liver function. Gastric emptying is delayed in patients with liver disease and portal hypertension; this abnormal gastric motor function may contribute to the pathophysiology of foregut complaints in this patient population.

Canine gastric emptying of fiber meals: influence of meal viscosity and antroduodenal motility.

PubMed

Russell, J; Bass, P

1985-12-01

Dietary fibers such as psyllium and guar gum have been shown to delay the gastric emptying of liquids and solids, presumably due to an increase in meal viscosity. For liquid test meals containing fats, delayed gastric emptying is associated with a reversal of the usual antral-to-duodenal contractile gradient. The present studies were performed to determine whether the gastric emptying of increasingly viscous psyllium and guar gum meals was associated with antroduodenal motility changes. Dogs were surgically fitted with mid-duodenal cannulas for the measurement of gastric emptying. Strain-gauge force transducers were used to monitor antral and duodenal contractile responses to the test meals. Low-viscosity fiber meals emptied from the stomach rapidly (E 1/2 approximately 10 min) compared with the high-viscosity meals (E 1/2 approximately 40 min). None of the test meals stimulated antral or duodenal motility despite differences in gastric emptying time. Other motor parameters such as the time of reappearance and the duration of the burst interval were also unchanged. We conclude a) as test meals' fiber content and viscosity increase, gastric emptying is slowed; and b) viscosity-related delays in gastric emptying are not due to an effect on postprandial antroduodenal motility.

49 CFR 173.29 - Empty packagings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Empty packagings. 173.29 Section 173.29... SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS Preparation of Hazardous Materials for Transportation § 173.29 Empty packagings. (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an empty packaging containing only the residue of a...

PCA-LBG-based algorithms for VQ codebook generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Jinn-Tsong; Yang, Po-Yuan

2015-04-01

Vector quantisation (VQ) codebooks are generated by combining principal component analysis (PCA) algorithms with Linde-Buzo-Gray (LBG) algorithms. All training vectors are grouped according to the projected values of the principal components. The PCA-LBG-based algorithms include (1) PCA-LBG-Median, which selects the median vector of each group, (2) PCA-LBG-Centroid, which adopts the centroid vector of each group, and (3) PCA-LBG-Random, which randomly selects a vector of each group. The LBG algorithm finds a codebook based on the better vectors sent to an initial codebook by the PCA. The PCA performs an orthogonal transformation to convert a set of potentially correlated variables into a set of variables that are not linearly correlated. Because the orthogonal transformation efficiently distinguishes test image vectors, the proposed PCA-LBG-based algorithm is expected to outperform conventional algorithms in designing VQ codebooks. The experimental results confirm that the proposed PCA-LBG-based algorithms indeed obtain better results compared to existing methods reported in the literature.

Effects of pyrolysis temperature on the physicochemical properties of empty fruit bunch and rice husk biochars.

PubMed

Claoston, N; Samsuri, A W; Ahmad Husni, M H; Mohd Amran, M S

2014-04-01

Biochar has received great attention recently due to its potential to improve soil fertility and immobilize contaminants as well as serving as a way of carbon sequestration and therefore a possible carbon sink. In this work, a series of biochars were produced from empty fruit bunch (EFB) and rice husk (RH) by slow pyrolysis at different temperatures (350, 500, and 650°C) and their physicochemical properties were analysed. The results indicate that porosity, ash content, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH value of both EFB and RH biochars were increased with temperature; however, yield, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and H, C, and N content were decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. The Fourier transform IR spectra were similar for both RH and EFB biochars but the functional groups were more distinct in the EFB biochar spectra. There were reductions in the amount of functional groups as pyrolysis temperature increased especially for the EFB biochar. However, total acidity of the functional groups increased with pyrolysis temperature for both biochars.

Cryo-electron Microscopy Reconstruction and Stability Studies of the Wild Type and the R432A Variant of Adeno-associated Virus Type 2 Reveal that Capsid Structural Stability Is a Major Factor in Genome Packaging.

PubMed

Drouin, Lauren M; Lins, Bridget; Janssen, Maria; Bennett, Antonette; Chipman, Paul; McKenna, Robert; Chen, Weijun; Muzyczka, Nicholas; Cardone, Giovanni; Baker, Timothy S; Agbandje-McKenna, Mavis

2016-10-01

The adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are promising therapeutic gene delivery vectors and better understanding of their capsid assembly and genome packaging mechanism is needed for improved vector production. Empty AAV capsids assemble in the nucleus prior to genome packaging by virally encoded Rep proteins. To elucidate the capsid determinants of this process, structural differences between wild-type (wt) AAV2 and a packaging deficient variant, AAV2-R432A, were examined using cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction both at an ∼5.0-Å resolution (medium) and also at 3.8- and 3.7-Å resolutions (high), respectively. The high resolution structures showed that removal of the arginine side chain in AAV2-R432A eliminated hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in altered intramolecular and intermolecular interactions propagated from under the 3-fold axis toward the 5-fold channel. Consistent with these observations, differential scanning calorimetry showed an ∼10°C decrease in thermal stability for AAV2-R432A compared to wt-AAV2. In addition, the medium resolution structures revealed differences in the juxtaposition of the less ordered, N-terminal region of their capsid proteins, VP1/2/3. A structural rearrangement in AAV2-R432A repositioned the βA strand region under the icosahedral 2-fold axis rather than antiparallel to the βB strand, eliminating many intramolecular interactions. Thus, a single amino acid substitution can significantly alter the AAV capsid integrity to the extent of reducing its stability and possibly rendering it unable to tolerate the stress of genome packaging. Furthermore, the data show that the 2-, 3-, and 5-fold regions of the capsid contributed to producing the packaging defect and highlight a tight connection between the entire capsid in maintaining packaging efficiency. The mechanism of AAV genome packaging is still poorly understood, particularly with respect to the capsid determinants of the required capsid-Rep interaction. Understanding this mechanism may aid in the improvement of AAV packaging efficiency, which is currently ∼1:10 (10%) genome packaged to empty capsid in vector preparations. This report identifies regions of the AAV capsid that play roles in genome packaging and that may be important for Rep recognition. It also demonstrates the need to maintain capsid stability for the success of this process. This information is important for efforts to improve AAV genome packaging and will also inform the engineering of AAV capsid variants for improved tropism, specific tissue targeting, and host antibody escape by defining amino acids that cannot be altered without detriment to infectious vector production. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Study of The Vector Product using Three Dimensions Vector Card of Engineering in Pathumwan Institute of Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueanploy, Wannapa

2015-06-01

The objective of this research was to offer the way to improve engineering students in Physics topic of vector product. The sampling of this research was the engineering students at Pathumwan Institute of Technology during the first semester of academic year 2013. 1) Select 120 students by random sampling are asked to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire scale, to select size of three dimensions vector card in order to apply in the classroom. 2) Select 60 students by random sampling to do achievement test and take the test to be used in the classroom. The methods used in analysis of achievement test by the Kuder-Richardson Method (KR- 20). The results show that 12 items of achievement test are appropriate to be applied in the classroom. The achievement test gets Difficulty (P) = 0.40-0.67, Discrimination = 0.33-0.73 and Reliability (r) = 0.70.The experimental in the classroom. 3) Select 60 students by random sampling divide into two groups; group one (the controlled group) with 30 students was chosen to study in the vector product lesson by the regular teaching method. Group two (the experimental group) with 30 students was chosen to learn the vector product lesson with three dimensions vector card. 4) Analyzed data between the controlled group and the experimental group, the result showed that experimental group got higher achievement test than the controlled group significant at .01 level.

Effect of L-Tryptophan and L-Leucine on Gut Hormone Secretion, Appetite Feelings and Gastric Emptying Rates in Lean and Non-Diabetic Obese Participants: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Trial

PubMed Central

Meyer-Gerspach, Anne Christin; Häfliger, Simon; Meili, Julian; Doody, Alison; Rehfeld, Jens F; Drewe, Jürgen; Beglinger, Christoph; Wölnerhanssen, Bettina

2016-01-01

Background/Objectives Gut hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) play a role as satiation factors. Strategies to enhance satiation peptide secretion could provide a therapeutic approach for obesity. Carbohydrates and lipids have been extensively investigated in relation to peptide release. In contrast, the role of proteins or amino acids is less clear. Our aim was to compare the effects of the amino acids L-tryptophan (L-trp) and L-leucine (L-leu) separately on gastric emptying and gut peptide secretion. Participants/Methods The study was conducted as a randomized (balanced), double-blind, parallel-group trial. A total of 10 lean and 10 non-diabetic obese participants were included. Participants received intragastric loads of L-trp (0.52 g and 1.56 g) and L-leu (1.56 g), dissolved in 300 mL tap water; 75 g glucose and 300 mL tap water served as control treatments. Results Results of the study are: i) L-trp at the higher dose stimulates CCK release (p = 0.0018), and induces a significant retardation in gastric emptying (p = 0.0033); ii) L-trp at the higher dose induced a small increase in GLP-1 secretion (p = 0.0257); iii) neither of the amino acids modulated subjective appetite feelings; and iv) the two amino acids did not alter insulin or glucose concentrations. Conclusions L-trp is a luminal regulator of CCK release with effects on gastric emptying, an effect that could be mediated by CCK. L-trp’s effect on GLP-1 secretion is only minor. At the doses given, the two amino acids did not affect subjective appetite feelings. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02563847 PMID:27875537

Ficus carica aqueous extract alleviates delayed gastric emptying and recovers ulcerative colitis-enhanced acute functional gastrointestinal disorders in rats.

PubMed

Rtibi, Kaïs; Grami, Dhekra; Wannes, Dalanda; Selmi, Slimen; Amri, Mohamed; Sebai, Hichem; Marzouki, Lamjed

2018-06-02

Ficus carica fruit, a source of bioactive functional ingredients, have been traditionally long time used for its medicinal benefits as they improve the digestive system, treating constipation and used as a natural laxative. The recent study was investigated the ameliorative effect of Ficus carica L. aqueous extract (FCAE) on delayed gastric emptying and ulcerative colitis-improved motility disturbances in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in rats. Wistar rats were assigned randomly and received 5% DSS for seven days. Ulcerative colitis diagnosis was confirmed by clinical signs, visible fecal blood and histopatological evaluation. The estimation of the action of colitis on TGI and constipation as well as the protective effect of extract, the intestinal biochemical and physiological parameters were measured using the charcoal meal test, loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation as well as spectrophotometric assays. FCAE (150 and 300 mg kg -1 ) was administered orally once per day for seven days 1 h after the loperamide treatment. Phenol-red colorimetric method was used to explore the action of FCAE on gastric emptying process. Ulcerative colitis caused a significantly gastrointestinal motility inhibition in normal rats and notably aggravated the constipation in LOP group. Oppositely, FCAE oral intake significantly increased levels of the gastrointestinal transit ratio and gastric emptying by accelerating of their times. Moreover, constipation severity induced by colitis was remarkably reduced in the FCAE treatment group, as demonstrated by a marked management of fecal parameters, water content, oxidative stress indicators, lipid metabolism, and intracellular mediators. Phytochemical analysis of FCAE revealed the presence of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, phenolic acids as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and ellagic acid, and flavonoids (e.g. rutin, catechin, epicatechin and apeginine). The obtained results indicated that FCAE exhibits a natural laxative effect without provoking diarrhea and ameliorates functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders thus justifying its traditional usage. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer on the lesser curvature in upper third of the stomach is a risk factor for postoperative delayed gastric emptying.

PubMed

Yoshizaki, Tetsuya; Obata, Daisuke; Aoki, Yasuhiro; Okamoto, Norihiro; Hashimura, Hiroki; Kano, Chise; Matsushita, Megumi; Kanamori, Atsushi; Matsumoto, Kei; Tsujimae, Masahiro; Momose, Kenji; Eguchi, Takaaki; Okuyama, Shunsuke; Yamashita, Hiroshi; Fujita, Mikio; Okada, Akihiko

2018-02-07

Advances in Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technology have established ESD for early gastric cancer as a safe and stable technique. However, ESD may induce delayed gastric emptying and the cause of food residue retention in the stomach after ESD is not clear. This study aimed to clarify risk factors for delayed gastric emptying with food retention after gastric ESD. We retrospectively examined for food residue in the stomach 1 week after ESD was performed for early gastric carcinoma at Osaka Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital from February 2008 to November 2016. Food residue was observed in 68 (6.1%) of 1114 patients who underwent gastric ESD. The percentage of lesions located on the lesser curvature of the upper third of the stomach was 45.6% (31/68) in the food residue group and 3.5% (37/1046) in the non-food residue group, which was significantly different (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lesions on the lesser curvature of the upper third of the stomach (Odds ratio [OR] 23.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.60-43.61, P < 0.01), post-ESD bleeding (OR 4.25, 95%CI 1.67-9.80, P < 0.01), submucosal invasion (OR 2.80, 95%CI 1.34-5.63, P < 0.01), and age over 80 years (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.28-4.22, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for food retention after gastric ESD. Of the 68 patients, 3 had food residue in the stomach on endoscopic examination for follow-up observation after the ESD ulcer had healed. Delayed gastric emptying with food retention after gastric ESD was associated with lesions located in the lesser curvature of the upper stomach, submucosal invasion of the lesion, age older than 80 years, and post-ESD bleeding, though it was temporary in most cases.

14 CFR 223.24 - Transportation of empty mail bags.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Transportation of empty mail bags. Any carrier authorized to engage in foreign air transportation may transport in foreign air transportation empty air mail bags from any country to the country of origin of such... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Transportation of empty mail bags. 223.24...

14 CFR 223.24 - Transportation of empty mail bags.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Transportation of empty mail bags. Any carrier authorized to engage in foreign air transportation may transport in foreign air transportation empty air mail bags from any country to the country of origin of such... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Transportation of empty mail bags. 223.24...

14 CFR 223.24 - Transportation of empty mail bags.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Transportation of empty mail bags. Any carrier authorized to engage in foreign air transportation may transport in foreign air transportation empty air mail bags from any country to the country of origin of such... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Transportation of empty mail bags. 223.24...

The stomach, cholecystokinin, and satiety.

PubMed

McHugh, P R; Moran, T H

1986-04-01

The stomach of the rhesus monkey empties liquids in a fashion that varies with the character of the solutions. Physiological saline empties exponentially. Glucose solutions empty biphasically--rapidly for the first minutes, then slowly and proportionately to glucose concentration to deliver glucose calories through the pylorus at a regulated rate (0.4 kcal/min). This prolonged and regulated second phase of gastric emptying depends on intestinal inhibition of the stomach. Cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone released by food in the intestine, is an inhibitor of gastric emptying. In vitro receptor autoradiography demonstrates CCK receptors to be clustered on the circular muscle of the pylorus. Exogenous CCK, in doses that inhibit gastric emptying, will reduce food intake only if combined with an infusion of saline in the stomach. These observations indicate how gastric distension can be a means for provoking satiety. The variably sustained distension produced by the stomach's slow, calorically regulated emptying could prolong intermeal intervals and thus permit high-calorie meals to inhibit further caloric intake over time. CCK, by directly inhibiting gastric emptying during a meal, could promote gastric distension and so restrict the duration and size of individual meals.

Down-regulation of Wnt10a affects odontogenesis and proliferation in mesenchymal cells

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

Liu, Yang, E-mail: Ly10160624@163.com; Han, Dong, E-mail: Donghan@bjmu.edu.cn; Wang, Lei, E-mail: wanglei_dentist@163.com

Highlights: •Down-regulation of Wnt10a in dental mesenchymal cells impairs odontogenesis of reassociated tooth germs. •Dspp is down- and up-regulated after Wnt10a-knockdown and overexpression in dental mesenchymal cells. •Down-regulation of Wnt10a inhibits proliferation of dental mesenchymal cells. -- Abstract: The WNT10a mutation has been found in patients with abnormal odontogenesis. In mice, Wnt10a expression is found in the tooth germ, but its role has not yet been elucidated. We aimed to investigate the role of Wnt10a in odontogenesis. Mesenchymal cells of the first mandibular molar germ at the bell stage were isolated, transfected with Wnt10a SiRNA or plasmid, and reassociated withmore » epithelial part of the molar germ. Scrambled SiRNA or empty vector was used in the control group. The reassociated tooth germs were transplanted into mice subrenal capsules. After gene modification, dental mesenchymal cells cultured in vitro were checked for cell proliferation and the expression of Dspp was examined. All 12 reassociated tooth germs in the control group resumed odontogenesis, while only 5 of 12 in the Wnt10a knockdown group developed into teeth. After Wnt10a knockdown, the mesenchymal cells cultured in vitro presented repressed proliferation. Wnt10a knockdown and overexpression led to both down- and up-regulation of Dspp. We conclude that the down-regulation of Wnt10a impairs odontogensis and cell proliferation, and that Wnt10a regulates Dspp expression in mesenchymal cells. These findings help to elucidate the mechanism of abnormal tooth development in patients with the WNT10A mutation.« less

What You Need to Know About Sjogren's Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... moisture of the conjunctiva and cornea. Various other experimental agents are being developed. Local oral agents have ... support near you? Locate an office or support group to connect with. Find Support Near ... Spam Control Text: Please leave this field empty Email Address ...

Directed plant cell-wall accumulation of iron: Embedding co-catalyst for efficient biomass conversion

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

Lin, Chien -Yuan; Jakes, Joseph E.; Donohoe, Bryon S.

Plant lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant, renewable feedstock for the production of biobased fuels and chemicals. Previously, we showed that iron can act as a co-catalyst to improve the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. However, directly adding iron catalysts into biomass prior to pretreatment is diffusion limited, and increases the cost of biorefinery operations. Recently, we developed a new strategy for expressing iron-storage protein ferritin intracellularly to accumulate iron as a catalyst for the downstream deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, we extend this approach by fusing the heterologous ferritin gene with a signal peptide for secretion into Arabidopsis cellmore » walls (referred to here as FerEX). The transgenic Arabidopsis plants. FerEX. accumulated iron under both normal and iron-fertilized growth conditions; under the latter (iron-fertilized) condition, FerEX transgenic plants showed an increase in plant height and dry weight by 12 and 18 %, respectively, compared with the empty vector control plants. The SDS- and native-PAGE separation of cell-wall protein extracts followed by Western blot analyses confirmed the extracellular expression of ferritin in FerEX plants. Meanwhile, Perls' Prussian blue staining and X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) maps revealed iron depositions in both the secondary and compound middle lamellae cell-wall layers, as well as in some of the corner compound middle lamella in FerEX. Remarkably, their harvested biomasses showed enhanced pretreatability and digestibility, releasing, respectively, 21 % more glucose and 34 % more xylose than the empty vector control plants. These values are significantly higher than those of our recently obtained ferritin intracellularly expressed plants. This study demonstrated that extracellular expression of ferritin in Arabidopsis can produce plants with increased growth and iron accumulation, and reduced thermal and enzymatic recalcitrance. Here, the results are attributed to the intimate colocation of the iron co-catalyst and the cellulose and hemicellulose within the plant cell-wall region, supporting the genetic modification strategy for incorporating conversion catalysts into energy crops prior to harvesting or processing at the biorefinery.« less

Directed plant cell-wall accumulation of iron: Embedding co-catalyst for efficient biomass conversion

DOE PAGES

Lin, Chien -Yuan; Jakes, Joseph E.; Donohoe, Bryon S.; ...

2016-10-21

Plant lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant, renewable feedstock for the production of biobased fuels and chemicals. Previously, we showed that iron can act as a co-catalyst to improve the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. However, directly adding iron catalysts into biomass prior to pretreatment is diffusion limited, and increases the cost of biorefinery operations. Recently, we developed a new strategy for expressing iron-storage protein ferritin intracellularly to accumulate iron as a catalyst for the downstream deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, we extend this approach by fusing the heterologous ferritin gene with a signal peptide for secretion into Arabidopsis cellmore » walls (referred to here as FerEX). The transgenic Arabidopsis plants. FerEX. accumulated iron under both normal and iron-fertilized growth conditions; under the latter (iron-fertilized) condition, FerEX transgenic plants showed an increase in plant height and dry weight by 12 and 18 %, respectively, compared with the empty vector control plants. The SDS- and native-PAGE separation of cell-wall protein extracts followed by Western blot analyses confirmed the extracellular expression of ferritin in FerEX plants. Meanwhile, Perls' Prussian blue staining and X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) maps revealed iron depositions in both the secondary and compound middle lamellae cell-wall layers, as well as in some of the corner compound middle lamella in FerEX. Remarkably, their harvested biomasses showed enhanced pretreatability and digestibility, releasing, respectively, 21 % more glucose and 34 % more xylose than the empty vector control plants. These values are significantly higher than those of our recently obtained ferritin intracellularly expressed plants. This study demonstrated that extracellular expression of ferritin in Arabidopsis can produce plants with increased growth and iron accumulation, and reduced thermal and enzymatic recalcitrance. Here, the results are attributed to the intimate colocation of the iron co-catalyst and the cellulose and hemicellulose within the plant cell-wall region, supporting the genetic modification strategy for incorporating conversion catalysts into energy crops prior to harvesting or processing at the biorefinery.« less

Superiority of stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy over conventional hand-sewn end-to-side gastrojejunostomy for reducing the risk of primary delayed gastric emptying after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Murata, Yasuhiro; Tanemura, Akihiro; Kato, Hiroyuki; Kuriyama, Naohisa; Azumi, Yoshinori; Kishiwada, Masashi; Mizuno, Shugo; Usui, Masanobu; Sakurai, Hiroyuki; Isaji, Shuji

2017-08-01

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is the most common complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The clinical efficacy of stapled side-to-side anastomosis using a laparoscopic stapling device during alimentary reconstruction in PD is not well understood and its superiority over conventional hand-sewn end-to-side anastomosis remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the stapled side-to-side anastomosis in preventing the development of DGE after PD. The subjects of this retrospective study were 137 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, as subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD; n = 130), or conventional whipple procedure (n = 7) with Child reconstruction, between January 2010 and May 2014. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had had a stapled side-to-side anastomosis (SA group; n = 57) or a conventional hand-sewn end-to-side anastomosis (HA group; n = 80). SA reduced the operative time (SA vs. HA: 508 vs. 557 min, p = 0.028) and the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (SA vs. HA: 21.1 vs. 46.3%, p = 0.003) and was associated with shorter hospitalization (SA vs. HA: 33 vs. 39.5 days, p = 0.007). In this cohort, SA was the only significant factor contributing to a reduction in the incidence of DGE (p = 0.002). Stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy reduced the operative time and the incidence of DGE following PD with Child reconstruction, thereby also reducing the length of hospitalization.

[Dynamics of food transit in gastrectomized patients with and without dumping syndrome studied with the gamma camera and a marked meal].

PubMed

Palermo, F; Boccaletto, F; Allegri, F; Tommaseo, T; Chiara, G

1988-01-01

Scintigraphy was performed on a group of patients following the administration of a solid radiolabelled meal. As a tracer, human albumin microspheres were used with 99mTc, mixed with fresh scrambled eggs, eaten as a sandwich in two slices of white bread. The analysis of transit and emptying-rate of the radiolabelled meal in the gastric or derivative loop areas was performed by means of a medium field (300 mm) gamma camera interfaced with a digital computer; the data were collected at 15" frames for 90'-120'. Twenty-nine patients were examined who had undergone sub-total gastrectomy: 11 of them were "dumpers" and 18 "non-dumpers"; moreover, 9 volunteers without any history of gastrointestinal diseases and 11 patients with different gastric disorders were checked. In the first group of gastrectomized patients the half-emptying time (T50) was significantly shorter than in the 11 people being checked (Md = 27.5 +/- 10.8 versus 69.6 +/- 19 minutes); in "non-dumpers" T50 was even shorter (Md = 24.2 +/- 13 min). There was no significant statistical difference between the two classes of gastroresected patients in both T50 and emptying-rate of the radioactive solid food, which excludes the accelerated transit as a factor in the functional post-prandial symptoms of the dumping syndrome. On the contrary, the dynamic selective analysis of the radiolabelled food transit through derivative afferent and efferent loops showed different patterns in the two groups of gastroresected patients: the progression of the propulsive wave was very irregular and constantly hyperperistaltic only in the dumpers.

The surgical treatment of chronic gastric atony following Roux-Y diversion for alkaline reflux gastritis

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

Vogel, S.B.; Woodward, E.R.

1989-06-01

Symptoms of severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and frequent bezoars, as well as objective gastric retention, can occur following Roux-Y biliary diversion for alkaline reflux gastritis. Medical therapy and prokinetic drugs have proven ineffective. This review evaluates 37 patients who underwent further gastric resection from 1979 to 1987 to improve gastric emptying and resolve symptoms. Fifteen patients underwent perioperative radionuclide solid-food gastric emptying studies. Seventy-three per cent (27 of 37 patients) of the patients who underwent further gastric resection (70% to 95%) had a satisfactory postoperative response. Twenty patients were graded Visick 1 or 2 and 7 Visick-3 patients, althoughmore » much improved, still had some symptoms of gastroparesis. Twenty-seven per cent (10 of 37 patients) failed to improve and underwent completion total gastrectomy. Overall, 70% of this group had almost complete resolution of their symptoms. Three of 10 patients were considered ''failures'' due to postprandial pain in 1 and early vasomotor dumping in 2. Of the 10 patients who failed initial revisional surgery, 7 underwent a 70% to 80% subtotal gastric resection (STG) and 3 patients underwent 85% to 95% extensive resection (EXT.G.). Of the 15 patients who underwent perioperative radionuclide evaluation, a mean two-hour gastric retention of 61.4% +/- 4% (SEM) decreased to 25% +/- 4% following further gastric resection. Eight patients were in the STG group and seven patients were in the EXT.G group. Following STG, mean two-hour gastric retention of 58.2% +/- 3.5% decreased to 38% +/- 3% (p less than 0.05). In seven patients who underwent EXT.G, mean two-hour retention of 65% +/- 4% decreased to 10% +/- 2.5% (p less than 0.005). EXT.G resulted in normal gastric emptying and few late failures.« less

Transgene and immune gene expression following intramuscular injection of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) with DNA-releasing PLGA nano- and microparticles.

PubMed

Hølvold, Linn Benjaminsen; Fredriksen, Børge N; Bøgwald, Jarl; Dalmo, Roy A

2013-09-01

The use of poly-(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) particles as carriers for DNA delivery has received considerable attention in mammalian studies. DNA vaccination of fish has been shown to elicit durable transgene expression, but no reports exist on intramuscular administration of PLGA-encapsulated plasmid DNA (pDNA). We injected Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) intramuscularly with a plasmid vector containing a luciferase (Photinus pyralis) reporter gene as a) naked pDNA, b) encapsulated into PLGA nano- (~320 nm) (NP) or microparticles (~4 μm) (MP), c) in an oil-based formulation, or with empty particles of both sizes. The ability of the different pDNA-treatments to induce transgene expression was analyzed through a 70-day experimental period. Anatomical distribution patterns and depot effects were determined by tracking isotope labeled pDNA. Muscle, head kidney and spleen from all treatment groups were analyzed for proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), antiviral genes (IFN-α, Mx) and cytotoxic T-cell markers (CD8, Eomes) at mRNA transcription levels at days 1, 2, 4 and 7. Histopathological examinations were performed on injection site samples from days 2, 7 and 30. Injection of either naked pDNA or the oil-formulation was superior to particle treatments for inducing transgene expression at early time-points. Empty particles of both sizes were able to induce proinflammatory immune responses as well as degenerative and inflammatory pathology at the injection site. Microparticles demonstrated injection site depots and an inflammatory pathology comparable to the oil-based formulation. In comparison, the distribution of NP-encapsulated pDNA resembled that of naked pDNA, although encapsulation into NPs significantly elevated the expression of antiviral genes in all tissues. Together the results indicate that while naked pDNA is most efficient for inducing transgene expression, the encapsulation of pDNA into NPs up-regulates antiviral responses that could be of benefit to DNA vaccination. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficacy assessment of an MVA vectored Rift Valley Fever vaccine in lambs.

PubMed

Busquets, Núria; Lorenzo, Gema; López-Gil, Elena; Rivas, Raquel; Solanes, David; Galindo-Cardiel, Iván; Abad, F Xavier; Rodríguez, Fernando; Bensaid, Albert; Warimwe, George; Gilbert, Sarah C; Domingo, Mariano; Brun, Alejandro

2014-08-01

The present study has evaluated the protection conferred by a single subcutaneous dose of a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vectored vaccine encoding the Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) glycoproteins Gn and Gc in lambs. Three groups of six to seven lambs were immunized as follows: one group received the vaccine (termed rMVA-GnGc), a second group received an MVA vector (vector control) and a third group received saline solution (non-vaccinated control). Fourteen days later, all animals were subcutaneously challenged with 10(5) TCID50 of the virulent RVFV isolate 56/74 and vaccine efficacy assessed using standard endpoints. Two lambs (one from the vaccine group and one from the vector control group) succumbed to RVFV challenge, showing characteristic liver lesions. Lambs from both the vector control and non-vaccinated groups were febrile from days 2 to 5 post challenge (pc) while those in the rMVA-GnGc group showed a single peak of pyrexia at day 3 pc. RVFV RNA was detected in both nasal and oral swabs from days 3 to 7 pc in some lambs from the vector control and non-vaccinated groups, but no viral shedding could be detected in the surviving lambs vaccinated with rMVA-GnGc. Together, the data suggest that a single dose of the rMVA-GnGc vaccine may be sufficient to reduce RVFV shedding and duration of viremia but does not provide sterile immunity nor protection from disease. Further optimization of this vaccine approach in lambs is warranted. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[The crosstalk between canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway in osteoblast differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in inflammatory microenvironments].

PubMed

Liu, N; Shi, H G; Zhang, W; Gu, B

2016-11-09

Objective: To investigate the crosstalk between canonical Wnt/β-catenin and noncanonical Wnt/Ca 2+ pathway in osteoblast differentiation process of periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) in inflammatory microenvironments. Methods: PDLSCs were obtained from human healthy individuals(H-PDLSC) and patients with periodontitis(P-PDLSC). The H/P-PDLSCs were transfected with β-catenin siRNA. Cell morphology was observed under fluorescent microscope and transfection efficiency was easured by Western blotting after transfection of PDLSC. The mRNA expressions of Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2), β-catenin and nemo like kinase(NLK) were detected by real time PCR, the protein expressions of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMK Ⅱ) and NLK were examined by Western blotting and the CaMK Ⅱ was observed by immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Results: The β-catenin expressions in H/P-PDLSCs were inhibited specifically and efficiently by treatment of β-catenin-siRNA for 24 h. After a 3-day-osteogenic process, results of real-time quantitative PCR showed that the Runx2 mRNA expression in P-PDLSC siRNA β-catenin transfected group(4.553 ± 0.659) was significantly higher than that in P-PDLSC empty plasmid control group(1.918 ± 0.315) ( P= 0.000). A similar trend was observed in the NLK mRNA expression tests(7.341 ± 1.331 vs. 5.664 ± 0.792) ( P= 0.030). Accordingly, the protein expression levels of CaMK Ⅱ, NLK were higher in P-PDLSC siRNA β-catenin transfected group than that in P-PDLSC empty plasmid control group in osteogenic differentiation condition for 3 days. CaMKⅡ was more strongly induced in P-PDLSC siRNA β-catenin group than that in P-PDLSC empty plasmid control group after PDLSC cultured in osteogenic medium for 3 days. Conclusions: Both canonical Wnt/β-catenin and noncanonical Wnt/Ca 2+ pathway could regulate the osteogenic differentiation potential of P-PDLSC. Suppression of β-catenin by siRNA promoted osteogenic differentiation via increasing noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway of PDLSC in inflammatory microenvironments.

Gastric emptying after artificial ulceration in rats: differences due to the site of the ulcer and the effects of prokinetic drugs.

PubMed

Uchida, Masayuki; Kobayashi, Orie; Shimizu, Kimiko

2017-01-01

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the position of an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer and the effects of prokinetic drugs on gastric emptying. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Acetic acid ulcers were induced either in the region between the fundus and pylorus on the anterior wall of the stomach or in the glandular region on the greater curvature of the stomach to determine whether there were regional differences in the effect of the ulcers. Gastric emptying was evaluated with a breath test using [1- 13 C] acetic acid. In addition, the effects of the prokinetic drugs, metoclopramide and mosapride, on gastric emptying were also evaluated. Results Acetic acid induced ulcers in the region between the fundus and pylorus on the anterior wall of the stomach significantly delayed gastric emptying as compared with control rats, but not the acetic acid induced ulcers in the glandular region on the greater curvature of the stomach. Metoclopramide and mosapride did not improve the delayed gastric emptying even at doses that enhanced gastric emptying in normal rats. Conclusion These findings show that gastric emptying is influenced by the position of the ulcer and the region between the fundus and pylorus on the anterior wall plays an important role in gastric emptying. Moreover, it was found that metoclopramide and mosapride do not improve the delayed gastric emptying caused by acetic acid ulcers induced on the anterior wall in the region between the fundus and pylorus.

Gastric emptying after artificial ulceration in rats: differences due to the site of the ulcer and the effects of prokinetic drugs

PubMed Central

Uchida, Masayuki; Kobayashi, Orie; Shimizu, Kimiko

2017-01-01

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the position of an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer and the effects of prokinetic drugs on gastric emptying. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Acetic acid ulcers were induced either in the region between the fundus and pylorus on the anterior wall of the stomach or in the glandular region on the greater curvature of the stomach to determine whether there were regional differences in the effect of the ulcers. Gastric emptying was evaluated with a breath test using [1-13C] acetic acid. In addition, the effects of the prokinetic drugs, metoclopramide and mosapride, on gastric emptying were also evaluated. Results Acetic acid induced ulcers in the region between the fundus and pylorus on the anterior wall of the stomach significantly delayed gastric emptying as compared with control rats, but not the acetic acid induced ulcers in the glandular region on the greater curvature of the stomach. Metoclopramide and mosapride did not improve the delayed gastric emptying even at doses that enhanced gastric emptying in normal rats. Conclusion These findings show that gastric emptying is influenced by the position of the ulcer and the region between the fundus and pylorus on the anterior wall plays an important role in gastric emptying. Moreover, it was found that metoclopramide and mosapride do not improve the delayed gastric emptying caused by acetic acid ulcers induced on the anterior wall in the region between the fundus and pylorus. PMID:28652516

A comparative study of nutrient intakes of migrant and Australian children in Western Australia.

PubMed

Owles, E N

1975-07-26

Little is known about the dietary patterns and nutrient intakes of preschool children in Australia. A study was undertaken in Perth on Australian and migrant children to obtain information on preschool diets. It was found that, although the mean nutrient intakes in both groups were adequate, some individual migrant national groups showed deficiencies of one or more nutrients. Many children were obtaining excessive calories and protein. The consumption of "empty calorie" foods was also high. In order to find different ways to teach good principles and practice of nutrition, the types of media which might influence parents were studied. It was considered that television and, to a lesser degree, radio were media which might exert a considerable effect if they were used to the best advantage. These forms of communication particularly were of potential value, as some migrant parents could not read English and some were illiterate. A positive nutrition education programme to combat commerical food advertising of "empty calorie" foods is recommended.

Novel method to assess gastric emptying in humans: the Pellet Gastric Emptying Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choe, S. Y.; Neudeck, B. L.; Welage, L. S.; Amidon, G. E.; Barnett, J. L.; Amidon, G. L.

2001-01-01

To further validate the Pellet Gastric Emptying Test (PGET) as a marker of gastric emptying, a randomized, four-way crossover study was conducted with 12 healthy subjects. The study consisted of oral co-administration of enteric coated caffeine (CAFF) and acetaminophen (APAP) pellets in four treatment phases: Same Size (100 kcal), Fasted, Small Liquid Meal (100 kcal), and Standard Meal (847 kcal). The time of first appearance of measurable drug marker in plasma, t(initial), was taken as the emptying time for the markers. Co-administration of same size enteric coated pellets of CAFF and APAP (0.7 mm in diameter) revealed no statistically significant differences in t(initial) values indicating that emptying was dependent only on size and not on chemical make-up of the pellets. Co-administration of different size pellets indicated that the smaller 0.7-mm diameter (CAFF) pellets were emptied and absorbed significantly earlier than the larger 3.6-mm diameter (APAP) pellets with both the Small Liquid Meal (by 35 min) and the Standard Meal (by 33 min) (P<0.05). The differences in emptying of the pellets were not significant in the Fasted Phase. The results suggest that the pellet gastric emptying test could prove useful in monitoring changes in transit times in the fasted and fed states and their impact on drug absorption.

Calories and gastric emptying: a regulatory capacity with implications for feeding.

PubMed

McHugh, P R; Moran, T H

1979-05-01

Gastric emptying in four unanesthetized male Macaca mulatta was studied with the serial test meal method of Hunt and Spurrell. Liquid meals were infused into the stomach through a chronic indwelling Silastic cannula. Saline meals empty rapidly and exponentially. Doubling the volume of saline from 150 to 300 ml increased the emptying rate so that the half-life remained unchanged (15 min). The 150-ml glucose meals (0.05, 0.125, and 0.25 g/ml) emptied more slowly than saline, progressively more slowly with increasing concentrations (0.05--1.8, 0.125--0.78, and 0.25--0.37 ml/min) and linearly through most of their course. Doubling the volume of 0.125 g/ml-glucose meal did not change the rate of emptying. Converting grams of glucose to their caloric content, the emptying rate in kcal/min becomes constant (approx 0.4 kcal/min) in this range of concentrations. Isocaloric casein hydrolysate and medium-chain triglyceride oil meals at 0.5 kcal/ml empty at the same rate as glucose. The precision of this regulation is sufficient to give it a role in preabsorptive satiety and the control of caloric intake.

The assisted prediction modelling frame with hybridisation and ensemble for business risk forecasting and an implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui; Hong, Lu-Yao; Zhou, Qing; Yu, Hai-Jie

2015-08-01

The business failure of numerous companies results in financial crises. The high social costs associated with such crises have made people to search for effective tools for business risk prediction, among which, support vector machine is very effective. Several modelling means, including single-technique modelling, hybrid modelling, and ensemble modelling, have been suggested in forecasting business risk with support vector machine. However, existing literature seldom focuses on the general modelling frame for business risk prediction, and seldom investigates performance differences among different modelling means. We reviewed researches on forecasting business risk with support vector machine, proposed the general assisted prediction modelling frame with hybridisation and ensemble (APMF-WHAE), and finally, investigated the use of principal components analysis, support vector machine, random sampling, and group decision, under the general frame in forecasting business risk. Under the APMF-WHAE frame with support vector machine as the base predictive model, four specific predictive models were produced, namely, pure support vector machine, a hybrid support vector machine involved with principal components analysis, a support vector machine ensemble involved with random sampling and group decision, and an ensemble of hybrid support vector machine using group decision to integrate various hybrid support vector machines on variables produced from principle components analysis and samples from random sampling. The experimental results indicate that hybrid support vector machine and ensemble of hybrid support vector machines were able to produce dominating performance than pure support vector machine and support vector machine ensemble.

Spatial games with cyclic interactions: the response of empty sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Bart; Pleimling, Michel

2015-03-01

Predator-prey models of the May-Leonard family employ empty sites in a spatial setting as an intermediate step in the reproduction process. This requirement makes the number and arrangement of empty sites important to the formation of space-time patterns. We study the density of empty sites in a stochastic predator-prey model in which the species compete in a cyclic way in two dimensions. In some cases systems of this type quickly form domains of neutral species after which all predation, and therefore, reproduction occur near the interface of competing domains. Using Monte Carlo simulations we investigate the relationship of this density of empty sites to the time-dependent domain length. We further explore the dynamics by introducing perturbations to the interaction rates of the system after which we measure the perturbed density, i.e. the response of empty sites, as the system relaxes. A dynamical scaling behavior is observed in the response of empty sites. This work is supported by the US National Science Foundation through Grant DMR-1205309.

Aldioxa improves delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastric compliance, pathophysiologic mechanisms of functional dyspepsia

PubMed Central

Asano, Teita; Aida, Shuji; Suemasu, Shintaro; Tahara, Kayoko; Tanaka, Ken-ichiro; Mizushima, Tohru

2015-01-01

Delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastric accommodation (decreased gastric compliance) play important roles in functional dyspepsia (FD). Here we screen for a clinically used drug with an ability to improve delayed gastric emptying in rats. Oral administration of aldioxa (dihydroxyaluminum allantoinate) partially improved clonidine- or restraint stress-induced delayed gastric emptying. Administration of allantoin, but not aluminium hydroxide, restored the gastric emptying. Both aldioxa and allantoin inhibited clonidine binding to the α-2 adrenergic receptor, suggesting that antagonistic activity of the allantoin moiety of aldioxa on this receptor is involved in the restoration of gastric emptying activity. Aldioxa or aluminium hydroxide but not allantoin restored gastric compliance with restraint stress, suggesting that aluminium hydroxide moiety is involved in this restoration. We propose that aldioxa is a candidate drug for FD, because its safety in humans has already been confirmed and its ameliorating effect on both of delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastric compliance are confirmed here. PMID:26620883

Effect of guar gum on hunger and satiety after meals of differing fat content: relationship with gastric emptying.

PubMed

French, S J; Read, N W

1994-01-01

To determine whether the satiating effects of fiber are due to delaying gastric emptying or slowing absorption of meals, 3% guar gum was added to high- and low-fat soups and gastric emptying rate, hunger, and satiety were measured in eight male volunteers. Guar gum delayed the emptying of the low-fat soup but the small delays in the return of hunger and decline of fullness were significantly correlated with the gastric emptying, suggesting mediation by gastric mechanoreceptors. The high-fat soup also emptied more slowly but this had no effect on the return of hunger or the decline in fullness. The delays in the return of hunger and decline of fullness were far greater when guar gum was added to the fatty soup; these delays were not correlated with the small additional delay in gastric emptying. This is more compatible with slowed absorption and prolonged contact of nutrients with intestinal chemoreceptors.

A group matrix representation relevant to scales of measurement of clinical disease states via stratified vectors.

PubMed

Sawamura, Jitsuki; Morishita, Shigeru; Ishigooka, Jun

2016-02-09

Previously, we applied basic group theory and related concepts to scales of measurement of clinical disease states and clinical findings (including laboratory data). To gain a more concrete comprehension, we here apply the concept of matrix representation, which was not explicitly exploited in our previous work. Starting with a set of orthonormal vectors, called the basis, an operator Rj (an N-tuple patient disease state at the j-th session) was expressed as a set of stratified vectors representing plural operations on individual components, so as to satisfy the group matrix representation. The stratified vectors containing individual unit operations were combined into one-dimensional square matrices [Rj]s. The [Rj]s meet the matrix representation of a group (ring) as a K-algebra. Using the same-sized matrix of stratified vectors, we can also express changes in the plural set of [Rj]s. The method is demonstrated on simple examples. Despite the incompleteness of our model, the group matrix representation of stratified vectors offers a formal mathematical approach to clinical medicine, aligning it with other branches of natural science.

Chlordecone disappearance in tissues of growing goats after a one month decontamination period--effect of body fatness on chlordecone retention.

PubMed

Lastel, Marie-Laure; Lerch, Sylvain; Fournier, Agnès; Jurjanz, Stefan; Mahieu, Maurice; Archimède, Harry; Feidt, Cyril; Rychen, Guido

2016-02-01

Chlordecone (CLD) is an organochlorine pesticide whose extended use led to the contamination of at least 20% of agricultural soils from the French West Indies. Livestock reared on polluted areas are involuntary contaminated by CLD and their level of contamination may exceed the threshold values set by the European Union. Thus, characterizing the CLD behaviour in farm animals appear as a real issue in terms of food safety for local populations. The aim of this experiment was (i) to characterize the CLD disappearance in various tissues after exposure cessation and (ii) to evaluate the potential effect of body fatness on this process. Two groups of eight growing goats were submitted to either a basal diet or a high energy diet for 50 days before being intravenously contaminated with 1 mg CLD kg(-1) body weight. Two days after CLD contamination, half of the kids of each experimental group were slaughtered in order to determine pollutant levels in the serum, liver, adipose tissues, and empty carcass. The remaining animals were submitted to a 30-day decontamination period before slaughtering and measurements as described above. The implemented nutritional plan resulted in both groups of kids with significant differences in terms of body fatness. CLD was mainly concentrated in the liver of animals as described in the literature. It was found also in kids' empty carcass and adipose tissues; however its levels in the empty carcass (muscles and bones) were unexpected since they were higher than in fat. These results indicate that the lipophilic pollutant CLD is found mainly in liver but also in muscles and fat. Concerning the animals' depuration, a 30-d decontamination period was sufficient to observe a decrease of CLD levels by more than 75% in both experimental groups and neither CLD concentrations nor CLD amounts were significantly affected by kids' body fatness.

Determining the syringyl/guaiacyl lignin ratio in the vessel and fiber cell walls of transgenic Populus plants

DOE PAGES

Tolbert, Allison K.; Ma, Tao; Kalluri, Udaya C.; ...

2016-06-20

Observation of the spatial lignin distribution throughout the plant cell wall provides insight into the physicochemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass. The distribution of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) lignin in cell walls of a genetically modified Populus deltoides and its corresponding empty vector control were analyzed with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and then mapped to determine the S/G lignin ratio of the sample surface and specific regions of interest (ROIs). The surface characterizations of transgenic cross-sections within 1 cm vertical distance of each other on the stem possess similar S/G lignin ratios. Furthermore, the analysis of the ROIsmore » determined that there was a 50% decrease in the S/G lignin ratio of the transgenic xylem fiber cell walls.« less

Determining the syringyl/guaiacyl lignin ratio in the vessel and fiber cell walls of transgenic Populus plants

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

Tolbert, Allison K.; Ma, Tao; Kalluri, Udaya C.

Observation of the spatial lignin distribution throughout the plant cell wall provides insight into the physicochemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass. The distribution of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) lignin in cell walls of a genetically modified Populus deltoides and its corresponding empty vector control were analyzed with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and then mapped to determine the S/G lignin ratio of the sample surface and specific regions of interest (ROIs). The surface characterizations of transgenic cross-sections within 1 cm vertical distance of each other on the stem possess similar S/G lignin ratios. Furthermore, the analysis of the ROIsmore » determined that there was a 50% decrease in the S/G lignin ratio of the transgenic xylem fiber cell walls.« less

Tyrosine Mutation in AAV9 Capsid Improves Gene Transfer to the Mouse Lung.

PubMed

Martini, Sabrina V; Silva, Adriana L; Ferreira, Debora; Rabelo, Rafael; Ornellas, Felipe M; Gomes, Karina; Rocco, Patricia R M; Petrs-Silva, Hilda; Morales, Marcelo M

2016-01-01

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are being increasingly used as the vector of choice for in vivo gene delivery and gene therapy for many pulmonary diseases. Recently, it was shown that phosphorylation of surface-exposed tyrosine residues from AAV capsid targets the viral particles for ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation, and mutations of these tyrosine residues lead to highly efficient vector transduction in vitro and in vivo in different organs. In this study, we evaluated the pulmonary transgene expression efficacy of AAV9 vectors containing point mutations in surface-exposed capsid tyrosine residues. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) a control group (CTRL) animals underwent intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of saline, (2) the wild-type AAV9 group (WT-AAV9, 1010 vg), and (3) the tyrosine-mutant Y731F AAV9 group (M-AAV9, 1010 vg), which received (i.t.) self-complementary AAV9 vectors containing the DNA sequence of enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP). Four weeks after instillation, lung mechanics, morphometry, tissue cellularity, gene expression, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factor expression were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in lung mechanics and morphometry among the experimental groups. However, the number of polymorphonuclear cells was higher in the WT-AAV9 group than in the CTRL and M-AAV9 groups, suggesting that the administration of tyrosine-mutant AAV9 vectors was better tolerated. Tyrosine-mutant AAV9 vectors significantly improved transgene delivery to the lung (30%) compared with their wild-type counterparts, without eliciting an inflammatory response. Our results provide the impetus for further studies to exploit the use of AAV9 vectors as a tool for pulmonary gene therapy. © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effect of itopride on gastric emptying in longstanding diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Stevens, J E; Russo, A; Maddox, A F; Rayner, C K; Phillips, L; Talley, N J; Giguère, M; Horowitz, M; Jones, K L

2008-05-01

Delayed gastric emptying (GE) occurs in 30-50% of patients with longstanding type 1 or 2 diabetes, and represents a major cause of morbidity. Current therapeutic options are limited. We aimed at evaluating the effects of itopride on GE in patients with longstanding diabetes. Twenty-five patients (20 type 1, 5 type 2; 10 males, 15 females; mean age 45.2 +/- 2.7 years; body mass index 27.5 +/- 0.9 kg m(-2); duration of diabetes 20.2 +/- 2.4 years) were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover trial. Subjects received both itopride (200 mg) and placebo t.i.d. for 7 days, with a washout of 7-14 days. GE (scintigraphy), blood glucose (glucometer) and upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (questionnaire) were measured following each treatment period. The test meal comprised 100 g ground beef (99mTc-sulphur colloid) and 150 mL of 10% dextrose [67Ga-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)]. There was a slight trend for itopride to accelerate both solid (P = 0.09) and liquid (P = 0.09) GE. With itopride treatment, the emptying of both solids and liquids tended to be more accelerated, as the emptying with placebo was slower (solids: r = 0.39, P = 0.057; liquids: r = 0.44, P < 0.03). Twelve (48%) patients had delayed solid and/or liquid GE on placebo and in this group, itopride modestly accelerated liquid (P < 0.05), but not solid (P = 0.39), emptying. Itopride had no effect on mean blood glucose during the GE measurement (placebo: 9.8 +/- 0.6 mmol L(-1) vs itopride: 9.6 +/-0.6 mmol L(-1)), or GI symptoms (placebo: 1.4 +/- 0.4 vs itopride: 1.8 +/- 0.5). Itopride, in a dose of 200 mg t.i.d. for 7 days, tends to accelerate GE of liquids and solids in longstanding diabetes. The magnitude of this effect appears to be modest and possibly dependent on the rate of GE without itopride.

Do calories or osmolality determine gastric emptying

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

Shafer, R.B.; Levine, A.S.; Marlette, J.M.

1984-01-01

Recent animal studies suggest that gastric emptying is dependent on the caloric and osmotic content of the ingested food. These studies have involved intubation with infusion of liquid meals into the stomach. Scintigraphic methods, which are non-invasive and do not alter normal physiology, are now available for precise quantitation of gastric emptying. To study the role of calories and osmolality on gastric emptying, the authors employed a standardized /sup 99m/Tc-scrambled egg meal washed with 50 cc tap water in 10 normal human volunteers. A variety of simple and complex sugars, non-absorbable complex carbohydrate (polycose), medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) andmore » gluten were dissolved in water and ingested with the test meal. Each subject acted as his own control. Coefficient of variation in control tests in each subject 12 weeks apart was 9.9%. Results showed that incremental glucose (25-66 gm) produced a linear increase in gastric emptying (T/2 control 50 +- 3, 25 gm 60 +- 3, 50 gm 79 +- 3 and 66 gm 102 +- 3 minutes). 25 gm fructose (T/2 59 +- 3 minutes) and 25 gm polycose (T/2 59 +- 3 minutes) had similar effects to glucose. 25 gm sucrose and 25 gm gluten did not significantly differ from controls. MCFA had an effect similar to 50 gm glucose - suggesting that calories are important in gastric emptying. However, 25 gm xylose markedly prolonged gastric emptying to 80 +- 5 minutes. The rank order for osmolality for substances tested MCFA = gluten < polycose < polycose < fructose < sucrose = glucose < xylose defined no relationship to gastric emptying. The authors' results suggest that neither calories nor osmolality alone determine gastric emptying. A specific food does not necessarily have the same effect on gastric emptying in different individuals.« less

Loneliness and depression among rural empty-nest elderly adults in Liuyang, China: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Wang, Guojun; Hu, Mi; Xiao, Shui-yuan; Zhou, Liang

2017-01-01

Objective To compare loneliness, depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes between empty-nest and not-empty-nest older adults in rural areas of Liuyang city, Hunan, China. Methods A cross-sectional multi-stage random cluster survey was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 in Liuyang, China. A total of 839 rural older residents aged 60 or above completed the survey (response rate 97.6%). In line with the definition of empty nest, 25 participants who had no children were excluded from the study, while the remaining 814 elderly adults with at least one child were included for analysis. Loneliness and depressive symptoms in rural elderly parents were assessed using the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Major depressive episodes were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Results Significant differences were found between empty-nest and not-empty-nest older adults regarding loneliness (16.19±3.90 vs. 12.87±3.02, Cohen’s d=0.97), depressive symptoms (8.50±6.26 vs. 6.92±5.19, Cohen’s d=0.28) and the prevalence of major depressive episodes (10.1% vs. 4.6%) (all p<0.05). After controlling for demographic characteristics and physical disease, the differences in loneliness, depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes remained significant. Path analysis showed that loneliness mediated the relationship between empty-nest syndrome and depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes. Conclusion Loneliness and depression are more severe among empty-nest than not-empty-nest rural elderly adults. Loneliness was a mediating variable between empty-nest syndrome and depression. PMID:28988166

Enhanced gene disruption by programmable nucleases delivered by a minicircle vector.

PubMed

Dad, A-B K; Ramakrishna, S; Song, M; Kim, H

2014-11-01

Targeted genetic modification using programmable nucleases such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) is of great value in biomedical research, medicine and biotechnology. Minicircle vectors, which lack extraneous bacterial sequences, have several advantages over conventional plasmids for transgene delivery. Here, for the first time, we delivered programmable nucleases into human cells using transient transfection of a minicircle vector and compared the results with those obtained using a conventional plasmid. Surrogate reporter assays and T7 endonuclease analyses revealed that cells in the minicircle vector group displayed significantly higher mutation frequencies at the target sites than those in the conventional plasmid group. Quantitative PCR and reverse transcription-PCR showed higher vector copy number and programmable nuclease transcript levels, respectively, in 293T cells after minicircle versus conventional plasmid vector transfection. In addition, tryphan blue staining and flow cytometry after annexin V and propidium iodide staining showed that cell viability was also significantly higher in the minicircle group than in the conventional plasmid group. Taken together, our results show that gene disruption using minicircle vector-mediated delivery of ZFNs and TALENs is a more efficient, safer and less toxic method than using a conventional plasmid, and indicate that the minicircle vector could serve as an advanced delivery method for programmable nucleases.

Research on strategy and optimization method of PRT empty vehicles resource allocation based on traffic demand forecast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Yu; Tao, Cheng

2018-05-01

During the operation of the personal rapid transit system(PRT), the empty vehicle resources is distributed unevenly because of different passenger demand. In order to maintain the balance between supply and demand, and to meet the passenger needs of the ride, PRT empty vehicle resource allocation model is constructed based on the future demand forecasted by historical demand in this paper. The improved genetic algorithm is implied in distribution of the empty vehicle which can reduce the customers waiting time and improve the operation efficiency of the PRT system so that all passengers can take the PRT vehicles in the shortest time. The experimental result shows that the improved genetic algorithm can allocate the empty vehicle from the system level optimally, and realize the distribution of the empty vehicle resources reasonably in the system.

Analysis of empty ATLAS pilot jobs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Love, P. A.; Alef, M.; Dal Pra, S.; Di Girolamo, A.; Forti, A.; Templon, J.; Vamvakopoulos, E.; ATLAS Collaboration

2017-10-01

In this analysis we quantify the wallclock time used by short empty pilot jobs on a number of WLCG compute resources. Pilot factory logs and site batch logs are used to provide independent accounts of the usage. Results show a wide variation of wallclock time used by short jobs depending on the site and queue, and changing with time. For a reference dataset of all jobs in August 2016, the fraction of wallclock time used by empty jobs per studied site ranged from 0.1% to 0.8%. Aside from the wall time used by empty pilots, we also looked at how many pilots were empty as a fraction of all pilots sent. Binning the August dataset into days, empty fractions between 2% and 90% were observed. The higher fractions correlate well with periods of few actual payloads being sent to the site.

Involvement of endogenous opiates in regulation of gastric emptying of fat test meals in mice

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

Fioramonti, J.; Fargeas, M.J.; Bueno, L.

1988-08-01

The role of endogenous opioids and cholecystokinin (CCK) in gastric emptying was investigated in mice killed 30 min after gavage with /sup 51/Cr-radiolabeled liquid meals. The meals consisted of 0.5 ml of milk or one of five synthetic meals containing arabic gum, glucose and/or arachis oil and/or casein. Naloxone (0.1 mg/kg sc) significantly (P less than 0.01) accelerated gastric emptying of milk and meals containing fat but did not modify gastric emptying of nonfat meals. The CCK antagonist asperlicin (0.1 mg/kg ip) increased by 25% gastric emptying of milk. The gastric emptying of meals containing glucose and casein but notmore » fat was reduced after administration of the COOH-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8, 4 micrograms/kg ip). This decrease was antagonized by both asperlicin (10 mg/kg ip) and naloxone (0.1 mg/kg sc). Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of an opiate antagonist that poorly crosses the blood-brain barrier, methyl levallorphan (10 micrograms/kg), did not modify gastric emptying of milk but accelerated it when peripherally administered (0.1 mg/kg sc). Similarly, asperlicin (icv) administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg did not affect milk emptying. These results indicate that endogenous opiates are involved at peripheral levels in the regulation of gastric emptying of fat meals only and that such regulation involves release of CCK.« less

Down-regulation of osmotin (PR5) gene by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) leads to susceptibility of resistant Piper colubrinum Link. to the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici Leonian.

PubMed

Anu, K; Jessymol, K K; Chidambareswaren, M; Gayathri, G S; Manjula, S

2015-06-01

Piper colubrinum Link., a distant relative of Piper nigrum L., is immune to the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici Leonian that causes 'quick wilt' in cultivated black pepper (P. nigrum). The osmotin, PR5 gene homologue, earlier identified from P. colubrinum, showed significant overexpression in response to pathogen and defense signalling molecules. The present study focuses on the functional validation of P. colubrinum osmotin (PcOSM) by virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) using Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV)-based vector. P. colubrinum plants maintained under controlled growth conditions in a growth chamber were infiltrated with Agrobacterium carrying TRV empty vector (control) and TRV vector carrying PcOSM. Three weeks post infiltration, viral movement was confirmed in newly emerged leaves of infiltrated plants by RT-PCR using TRV RNA1 and TRV RNA2 primers. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR confirmed significant down-regulation of PcOSM gene in TRV-PcOSM infiltrated plant compared with the control plants. The control and silenced plants were challenged with Phytophthora capsici which demonstrated that knock-down of PcOSM in P. colubrinum leads to increased fungal mycelial growth in silenced plants compared to control plants, which was accompanied by decreased accumulation of H2O2 as indicated by 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining. Thus, in this study, we demonstrated that Piper colubrinum osmotin gene is required for resisting P. capsici infection and has possible role in hypersensitive cell death response and oxidative burst signaling during infection.

Overexpression of the DNA mismatch repair factor, PMS2, confers hypermutability and DNA damage tolerance.

PubMed

Gibson, Shannon L; Narayanan, Latha; Hegan, Denise Campisi; Buermeyer, Andrew B; Liskay, R Michael; Glazer, Peter M

2006-12-08

Inherited defects in genes associated with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) have been linked to familial colorectal cancer. Cells deficient in MMR are genetically unstable and demonstrate a tolerance phenotype in response to certain classes of DNA damage. Some sporadic human cancers also show abnormalities in MMR gene function, typically due to diminished expression of one of the MutL homologs, MLH1. Here, we report that overexpression of the MutL homolog, human PMS2, can also cause a disruption of the MMR pathway in mammalian cells, resulting in hypermutability and DNA damage tolerance. A mouse fibroblast cell line carrying a recoverable lambda phage shuttle vector for mutation detection was transfected with either a vector designed to express hPMS2 or with an empty vector control. Cells overexpressing hPMS2 were found to have elevated spontaneous mutation frequencies at the cII reporter gene locus. They also showed an increase in the level of mutations induced by the alkylating agent, methynitrosourea (MNU). Clonogenic survival assays demonstrated increased survival of the PMS2-overexpressing cells following exposure to MNU, consistent with the induction of a damage tolerance phenotype. Similar results were seen in cells expressing a mutant PMS2 gene, containing a premature stop codon at position 134 and representing a variant found in an individual with familial colon cancer. These results show that dysregulation of PMS2 gene expression can disrupt MMR function in mammalian cells and establish an additional carcinogenic mechanism by which cells can develop genetic instability and acquire resistance to cytotoxic cancer therapies.

Automatic high throughput empty ISO container verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chalmers, Alex

2007-04-01

Encouraging results are presented for the automatic analysis of radiographic images of a continuous stream of ISO containers to confirm they are truly empty. A series of image processing algorithms are described that process real-time data acquired during the actual inspection of each container and assigns each to one of the classes "empty", "not empty" or "suspect threat". This research is one step towards achieving fully automated analysis of cargo containers.

Comparative study of gastric emptying and nutritional status after pylorus-preserving vs. subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Hiyoshi, Masahide; Chijiiwa, Kazuo; Ohuchida, Jiro; Imamura, Naoya; Nagano, Motoaki

2012-06-01

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a specific, worrisome complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), whereas subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD) that excises the pylorus ring seems to be effective in reducing DGE. This study compared gastric emptying and nutritional status between PPPD and SSPPD over 1 year. From June 2003 to December 2007, 41 patients (PPPD: 33, SSPPD: 8) were enrolled in this study to evaluate differences in gastric emptying and nutritional status at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Gastric emptying was evaluated by 13C-acetate breath test. Nutritional status (body weight, serum levels of total protein, albumin and total cholesterol) was similarly assessed. At 1 month, gastric emptying evaluated at T1/2 (half-emptying time) was significantly prolonged in the PPPD but not in the SSPPD compared to the preoperative level. Thereafter, T1/2 was decreased and showed function significantly better preserved at 3, 6 and 12 months after PPPD than after SSPPD. Body weight recovery was significantly better at 6 and 12 months after PPPD than after SSPPD. Other nutritional parameters were better preserved in the PPPD during 1-year follow-up. PPPD seems to be a more suitable surgical procedure than SSPPD in regard to gastric emptying and nutritional status.

Refinement of the charcoal meal study by reduction of the fasting period.

PubMed

Prior, Helen; Ewart, Lorna; Bright, Jonathan; Valentin, Jean-Pierre

2012-05-01

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether a shorter fasting period than the one historically employed for the charcoal meal test, could be used when measuring gastric emptying and intestinal transit within the same animal, and to ascertain whether the scientific outcome would be affected by this benefit to animal welfare. Rats and mice were fasted for 0, 3, 6 or 18 hours before the oral administration of vehicle or atropine. One hour later, the animals were orally administered a charcoal meal, then 20 minutes later, they were killed and the stomach and small intestine were removed. Intestinal transit time (the position of the charcoal front as a percentage of the total length of the small intestine) and relative gastric emptying (weight of stomach contents) were measured. Rats and mice fasted for six hours showed results for gastric emptying and intestinal transit which were similar to those obtained in animals fasted for 18 hours. Reducing the fasting period reduced the body weight loss in both species, and mice on shorter fasts could be group-housed, as hunger-induced fighting was lessened. Therefore, a fasting period of six hours was subsequently adopted for charcoal meal studies at our institution. 2011 FRAME.

Adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by mesoporous activated carbon prepared from H3PO4-activated langsat empty fruit bunch.

PubMed

Njoku, V O; Islam, Md Azharul; Asif, M; Hameed, B H

2015-05-01

The removal of toxic herbicide from wastewater is challenging due to the availability of suitable adsorbents. The Langsat empty fruit bunch is an agricultural waste and was used in this study as a cheap precursor to produce activated carbon for the adsorption of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at different initial concentrations ranging from 50 to 400 mg/L. The produced Langsat empty fruit bunch activated carbon (LEFBAC) was mesoporous and had high surface area of 1065.65 m(2)/g with different active functional groups. The effect of shaking time, temperature and pH on 2,4-D removal were investigated using the batch technique. The adsorption capacity of 2,4-D by LEFBAC was decreased with increase in pH of solution whereas adsorption capacity increased with temperature. The adsorption data was well described by Langmuir isotherm followed by removal capacity of 261.2 mg/g at 30 °C. The results from this work showed that LEFBAC can be used as outstanding material for anionic herbicide uptake from wastewater. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cytotoxic Effect Associated with Overexpression of QNR Proteins in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Machuca, Jesús; Diaz de Alba, Paula; Recacha, Esther; Pascual, Álvaro; Rodriguez-Martinez, José Manuel

2017-10-01

The objective was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect associated with overexpression of multiple Qnr-like plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) mechanisms in Escherichia coli. Coding regions of different PMQR genes (qnrA1, qnrB1, qnrC, qnrD1, qnrS1, and qepA2) and efsqnr were cloned into pET29a(+) vector and overexpressed in E. coli BL21. E. coli BL21 with and without an empty pET29a(+) vector were used as controls. The cytotoxic effect associated with PMQR mechanism overexpression was determined by transmission electron microscopy and viability assays. Overexpressed qnr genes produced loss of bacterial viability in the range of 77-97% compared with the controls, comparable with loss of viability associated with EfsQnr overexpression (97%). No loss of viability was observed in E. coli overexpressing QepA2. In transmission electron microscopy assays, signs of cytotoxicity were observed in E. coli cells overexpressing EfsQnr and Qnr proteins (30-45% of the bacterial population showed morphological changes). Morphological changes were observed in less than 5% of bacterial populations from the control strains and E. coli overexpressing QepA2. Overexpression of qnr genes produces a cytotoxic cellular and structural effect in E. coli, the magnitude of which varies depending on the family of Qnr proteins.

Safe intake of an oral supplement containing carbohydrates and whey protein shortly before sedation to gastroscopy; a double blind, randomized trial.

PubMed

de Aguilar-Nascimento, José Eduardo; Caporossi, Cervantes; Metelo, José Sebastião; Tanajura, Guilherme Henrique; Canevari-de-Oliveira, Mariana; da Cunha Costa, Rodrigo

2014-03-01

To investigate the gastric emptying of an oral supplement containing carbohydrate plus whey protein drunk before sedation for gastroscopy. This is a randomized double-blind trial including adult patients (ages 18-65) with a chief complaint of epigastric burning and who were candidates to elective gastroscopy. After overnight fast subjects were randomized to drink 200 mL of an oral nutritional supplement containing maltodextrine in addition to whey protein 150 to 210 min before the gastroscopy (intervention group, n = 12) or to undergo the endoscopic procedure with no supplement (control group, n = 12). The residual gastric volume (RGV) suctioned and measured during the exam was the main endpoint of the study. There were no complications during all exams. The median (range) fasting time was greater (P < 0.001) in control group (770 min, ranging from 660-917 min) than in the study group (175 min ranging from 150 to 210 min). The median (range) RGV was similar in between the two groups (control group: 25 (10-70) mL versus intervention group: 10 (0-100) mL; p = 0.32). Gastric emptying 150-210 min after the ingestion of an oral supplement containing carbohydrate plus whey protein is similar to an overnight fasting condition. Although limited by the number of cases, the sedation for endoscopic procedures is safe with this fasting protocol. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Hallucinations, loneliness, and social isolation in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

El Haj, Mohamad; Jardri, Renaud; Larøi, Frank; Antoine, Pascal

2016-01-01

Cognitive and functional compromise, as frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), hinders communication and social interactions. One consequence of this hindrance may be a feeling of loneliness. Moreover, emptiness and boredom, as observed in social isolation and loneliness, may thus be compensated for by creating imagined stimuli. Conditions of loneliness may be viewed as potentially generating hallucinatory experiences. To assess this assumption, the present study explored the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and hallucinations in a sample of 22 mild AD participants and 24 elderly, healthy controls. Participants were assessed using the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and a scale exploring contact with others and social participation. More hallucinatory experiences, social isolation, and loneliness were found in the AD group than in the healthy control group. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between hallucinations and loneliness and between hallucinations and social isolation in both groups. Finally, hallucinations were predicted by social isolation. Hallucinations may constitute a compensatory mechanism that aims to fulfil communication needs in lonely, elderly participants. Hallucinations may also be regarded as experiences that allow certain participants to escape the cycle of boredom, emptiness, and affective deprivation caused by social isolation.

Pets, Families, and the Life Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albert, Alexa; Bulcroft, Kris

1988-01-01

Conducted telephone interviews with 320 pet owners and 116 nonowners. Found sociodemographic differences between groups. Remarried people, families with children, and families in middle stages of life cycle were most likely to have pets. Widows, empty-nesters, families with infants, and those with annual incomes of $8,000 or less were least likely…

Personal Learning Network Clusters: A Comparison between Mathematics and Computer Science Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harding, Ansie; Engelbrecht, Johann

2015-01-01

"Personal learning environments" (PLEs) and "personal learning networks" (PLNs) are well-known concepts. A personal learning network "cluster" is a small group of people who regularly interact academically and whose PLNs have a non-empty intersection that includes all the other members. At university level PLN…

iPhone in the Management of the Berlin Heart EXCOR Ventricular Assist Device.

PubMed

Badheka, Aditya; Allareddy, Veerajalandhar

Berlin Heart Inc. EXCOR is an extracorporeal pneumatically pulsatile ventricular assist device approved for use in pediatric age group since 2011 in the United States. It is a well-established life-saving therapy for the bridge to heart transplant or to provide circulatory support in a transplanted patient. The most commonly reported problem was "membrane defect" in a postmarketing major device reporting. In general, the filling and emptying of the pump can be easily visualized, but the interobserver variability exist. In this first novel report, we used the iPhone slow motion video to quantify and compare the differences in filling and emptying that positively impacted the management of the Berlin Heart. This is an initial exploratory concept that will need further studies to validate this bedside tool.

Common and Distinct Capsid and Surface Protein Requirements for Secretion of Complete and Genome-free Hepatitis B Virions.

PubMed

Ning, Xiaojun; Luckenbaugh, Laurie; Liu, Kuancheng; Bruss, Volker; Sureau, Camille; Hu, Jianming

2018-05-09

During the morphogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV), an enveloped virus, two types of virions are secreted: (1) a minor population of complete virions containing a mature nucleocapsid with the characteristic, partially double-stranded, relaxed circular DNA genome and (2) a major population containing an empty capsid with no DNA or RNA (empty virions). Secretion of both types of virions requires interactions between the HBV capsid or core protein (HBc) and the viral surface or envelope proteins. We have studied the requirements from both HBc and envelope proteins for empty virion secretion, in comparison with those for secretion of complete virions. Substitutions within the N-terminal domain of HBc that block secretion of DNA-containing virions reduced but did not prevent secretion of empty virions. The HBc C-terminal domain was not essential for empty virion secretion. Among the three viral envelope proteins, the smallest, S, alone was sufficient for empty virion secretion at a basal level. The largest protein, L, essential for complete virion secretion, was not required for, but could stimulate empty virion secretion. Also, substitutions in L that eliminate secretion of complete virions reduced but did not eliminate empty virion secretion. S mutations that block secretion of the hepatitis D virus (HDV), an HBV satellite, did not block secretion of either empty or complete HBV virions. Together, these results indicate that both common and distinct signals on empty capsids vs. mature nucleocapsids interact with the S and L proteins during the formation of complete vs. empty virions. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of severe liver diseases including cirrhosis and cancer. In addition to the complete infectious virion particle, which contains an outer envelope layer and an interior capsid that, in turn, encloses a DNA genome, HBV infected cells also secrete non-infectious, incomplete viral particles in large excess over the complete virions. In particular, the empty (or genome-free) virion share with the complete virion the outer envelope and interior capsid but contain no genome. We have carried out a comparative study on the capsid and envelope requirements for the secretion of these two types of virion particles and uncovered both shared and distinct determinants on the capsid and envelope for their secretion. These results provide new information on HBV morphogenesis, and have implications for efforts to develop empty HBV virions as a novel biomarker and a new generation of HBV vaccine. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Is a sequence of tests during urethral pressure profilometry correlated with symptoms assessment in women?

PubMed

Valentini, Françoise A; Robain, Gilberte; Marti, Brigitte G

2012-01-01

Our purpose was, applying a strictly defined protocol for urethral profilometry, 1) to test the repeatability of same session rest maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and 2) to search for correlation between women complaint and the changes in MUCP value (rest and dynamic tests). A population of 140 consecutive women referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract dysfunction was stratified in 4 groups according with the urinary symptoms: stress, urge, mixed incontinence and continent and in each group in 3 age groups (young, middle age and old). The sequence of tests recorded in supine position was: urethral pressure profile at rest bladder empty, after bladder filling at 250 mL (reference test), stress profile, fatigability (before (rest) and after 10 successive strong coughs), then in standing position. In all groups, there was no significant difference between the two MUCP values at rest bladder filled. In the three incontinent groups, MUCP was higher bladder empty than bladder filled (p < 0.05) except in the young sub-group. Stress incontinence led to significant decrease of MUCP during dynamic tests in the young group. MUCP was not modified after fatigability test in women with urge complaint whatever age. When recorded following a strictly defined protocol, MUCP at rest bladder filled has a good repeatability in individual. However a complex sequence of tests during urethral pressure profilometry remains discussed in middle-age and old age-groups, it allows specifying the stress component of incontinence in young women and the urgency component in all age-groups.

Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Impaired Bladder Emptying

PubMed Central

Yoshimura, Naoki; Chancellor, Michael B

2004-01-01

Although much attention is paid to urinary incontinence, the condition of incomplete bladder emptying is becoming more common with the aging of the US population and the widespread use of anticholinergic drugs to treat overactive bladder. This disorder can often be silent until end-stage presentation of overflow incontinence. In this article, we review the pathophysiologic conditions of the bladder and urethra that can cause impaired bladder emptying and discuss how to evaluate and screen the patient with a bladder that does not empty. In addition, we provide an overview of treatment options available for impaired bladder emptying and consider the research that is under way to find the best therapies for the failing bladder. PMID:16985851

Evaluation of atrial electromechanical delay and left atrial mechanical function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea : Cardiac involvement in patients with OSA.

PubMed

Karabag, Turgut; Aydin, Mustafa; Altin, Remzi; Dogan, Sait M; Cil, Cem; Buyukuysal, Cagatay; Sayin, Muhammet R

2012-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial electromechanical delay measured by tissue Doppler imaging and left atrial mechanical function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fourty-seven moderate-to-severe OSA patients who were newly diagnosed by polysomnography (Apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h, 32 males, mean age 49.4 ± 11.5) and 30 patients who had no OSA in polysomnography (Apnea-hypopnea index < 5 events/h, 21 males, mean age 45.4 ± 9.1) were included in the study. Using tissue Doppler, diastolic functions, atrial electromechanical coupling were measured from the lateral mitral, septal, and tricuspid annulus. Inter, intra, and left atrial electromechanical delay were calculated (lateral-tricuspid, septum-tricuspid, lateral-septal). Left atrial volumes (maximal, minimal, and presystolic) were measured by the method of discs in the apical four-chamber view and were indexed to body surface area. Mechanical function parameters of the left atrium were also calculated. Interatrial, intraatrial, and left atrial electromechanical delays were significantly higher in the OSA group compared to the control group. Passive emptying fraction was significantly decreased, volume at the beginning of atrial systole and active emptying volume were significantly increased in OSA patients compared to the controls. The apnea-hypopnea index was significantly associated with interatrial and intraatrial electromechanical delay, passive emptying fraction, and conduit volume. Electromechanical delay was markedly prolonged and left atrial electromechanical function was impaired in untreated OSA patients. These impairments worsen with increasing severity of OSA.

Fibrin gel improves tissue ingrowth and cell differentiation in human immature premolars implanted in rats.

PubMed

Ruangsawasdi, Nisarat; Zehnder, Matthias; Weber, Franz E

2014-02-01

In pulpless immature human premolars implanted in rodents, this study investigated whether fibrin gel offered advantages over leaving the root canal empty regarding soft tissue ingrowth and cell differentiation. Root canals of extracted human immature premolars (n = 12) were accessed and then irrigated with 5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Root canals were then either left empty or filled with a fibrin gel (n = 6 each) before being placed subcutaneously on top of the calvarial bone of rats (1 tooth per rat) for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, teeth were histologically assessed. Tissue ingrowth was quantified and compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test (P < .05). Cells adhering to the pulp canal wall were immunohistochemically screened for the presence of bone sialoprotein (BSP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). More tissue grew into the pulp space when teeth were filled with fibrin gel (P < .05). The presence of fibrin gel affected not only the extent of tissue ingrowth but also tissue morphology and differentiation of cells contacting the dentinal wall. In the fibrin gel group, newly formed tissue was similar to normal pulp, constituted of inner pulp, cell-rich zone, cell-free zone, and an apparent odontoblast layer, which stained positive for BSP and DSP. Newly formed blood vessels were also more abundant compared with the initially empty root canals. Under the conditions of this study, fibrin gel improved cell infiltration and cell-dentin interaction. Both are necessary for pulp tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct comparison of solid-phase gastric emptying times assessed by means of a carbon isotope-labeled sodium acetate breath test and technetium Tc 99m albumin colloid radioscintigraphy in healthy cats.

PubMed

Schmitz, Silke; Götte, Birte; Borsch, Christian; Kunz, Clemens; Failing, Klaus; Neiger, Reto

2014-07-01

To directly compare solid-phase gastric emptying times assessed by means of a [(13)C]sodium acetate breath test ([(13)C]-SABT) and technetium Tc 99m albumin colloid radioscintigraphy ((99m)Tc-ACR) in healthy cats. 12 healthy cats. After ingestion of a test meal containing 50 mg of [(13)C]sodium acetate and 250 MBq of (99m)Tc-albumin colloid, each cat underwent simultaneous [(13)C]-SABT and (99m)Tc-ACR on 2 consecutive days. Breath samples and scintigrams were acquired at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300, 360, 480, and 600 minutes after meal ingestion. Quartiles of gastric emptying (25%, 50%, and 75%) were calculated for breath test analysis by use of the area under the curve of the (13)C:(12)C ratio. Quartiles of gastric emptying times were extrapolated from the scintigraphic findings by beans of nonlinear curve regression analysis. Mean ± SD gastric half-emptying (50%) times obtained with [(13)C]-SABT and (99m)Tc-ACR, were 239 ± 28 minutes and 276 ± 59 minutes, respectively. A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that mean gastric emptying times determined with [(13)C]-SABT and (99m)Tc-ACR differed significantly. For the stages of gastric emptying, Pearson correlation between the 2 methods was good at 25% (r = 0.655) and weak at 50% (r = 0.588) and 75% (r = 0.566)of gastric emptying. Results indicated that the [(13)C]-SABT can be a valid alternative to (99m)Tc-ACR in healthy cats; it was easy to perform, was tolerated well by the cats, and had acceptable correlation to scintigraphic findings at gastric emptying of 25%, 50% and 75%. Studies in cats with delayed gastric emptying will be needed to verify the validity of the [(13)C]-SABT.

Carbachol promotes gastrointestinal function during oral resuscitation of burn shock.

PubMed

Hu, Sen; Che, Jin-Wei; Tian, Yi-Jun; Sheng, Zhi-Yong

2011-04-07

To investigate the effect of carbachol on gastrointestinal function in a dog model of oral resuscitation for burn shock. Twenty Beagle dogs with intubation of the carotid artery, jugular vein and jejunum for 24 h were subjected to 35% total body surface area full-thickness burns, and were divided into three groups: no fluid resuscitation (NR, n = 10), in which animals did not receive fluid by any means in the first 24 h post-burn; oral fluid resuscitation (OR, n = 8), in which dogs were gavaged with glucose-electrolyte solution (GES) with volume and rate consistent with the Parkland formula; and oral fluid with carbachol group (OR/CAR, n = 8), in which dogs were gavaged with GES containing carbachol (20 μg/kg), with the same volume and rate as the OR group. Twenty-four hours after burns, all animals were given intravenous fluid replacement, and 72 h after injury, they received nutritional support. Hemodynamic and gastrointestinal parameters were measured serially with animals in conscious and cooperative state. The mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and plasma volume dropped markedly, and gastrointestinal tissue perfusion was reduced obviously after the burn injury in all the three groups. Hemodynamic parameters and gastrointestinal tissue perfusion in the OR and OR/CAR groups were promoted to pre-injury level at 48 and 72 h, respectively, while hemodynamic parameters in the NR group did not return to pre-injury level till 72 h, and gastrointestinal tissue perfusion remained lower than pre-injury level until 120 h post-burn. CO(2) of the gastric mucosa and intestinal mucosa blood flow of OR/CAR groups were 56.4 ± 4.7 mmHg and 157.7 ± 17.7 blood perfusion units (BPU) at 24 h post-burn, respectively, which were significantly superior to those in the OR group (65.8 ± 5.8 mmHg and 127.7 ± 11.9 BPU, respectively, all P < 0.05). Gastric emptying and intestinal absorption rates of GES were significantly reduced to the lowest level (52.8% and 23.7% of pre-injury levels) in the OR group at about 2 and 4 h post-burn, and did not return to 80% of pre-injury level until 24 h. In the first 24 h post-burn, the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal water absorption were elevated by a mean 15.7% and 11.5%, respectively, in the OR/CAR group compared with the OR group. At 5 days, the mortality in the NR group was 30% (3/10), 12.5% in the OR group (1/8), and none in the OR/CAR group. Carbachol had a beneficial effect on oral resuscitation of burn shock by promoting gastric emptying and intestinal absorption in our canine model.

Ozone Therapy Enhances Osseous Healing in Rats With Diabetes With Calvarial Defects: A Morphometric and Immunohistochemical Study.

PubMed

Alpan, Aysan Lektemur; Toker, Hülya; Ozer, Hatice

2016-08-01

Bone healing is impaired in diabetes mellitus (DM) cases. The aim of this study is to investigate, both morphometrically and immunohistochemically, the effect of gaseous ozone on bone healing in diabetic rat calvarial defects treated with xenografts. DM was induced with 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal streptozotocin in 56 male Wistar rats. Study groups were as follows: 1) empty defect (control, n = 14); 2) xenograft (XG, n = 14); 3) empty defect treated with ozone therapy (control + ozone, n = 14); and 4) xenograft and ozone application (XG + ozone, n = 14). Critical-size defects were created in all rats. Bovine-derived xenograft was applied to XG groups. Gaseous ozone was applied on the operation day and daily for 2 weeks (140 ppm at 2 L/d, 2.24 mg). Rats were sacrificed at 4 or 8 weeks post-surgery. Total bone area, newly formed bone, and residual graft material were measured histomorphometrically. Osteocalcin and bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. Osteoclast numbers in the XG + ozone group were higher than the other groups at week 4 (P <0.05). XG + ozone group revealed more total bone area and new bone area than the XG group at weeks 4 (P <0.05) and 8 (P >0.05). Residual graft materials were decreased in the XG + ozone group and the same group revealed more BMP-2 positivity compared with other groups. Osteocalcin positivity in XG groups was higher than in control groups. Within the limitations of this DM animal study, gaseous ozone application accelerates xenograft resorption and enhances bone regeneration, especially in the early stages of bone healing.

Long-pulse gastric electrical stimulation protects interstitial cells of Cajal in diabetic rats via IGF-1 signaling pathway.

PubMed

Li, Hai; Chen, Yan; Liu, Shi; Hou, Xiao-Hua

2016-06-21

To investigate the effects of different parameters of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and changes in the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signal pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male rats were randomized into control, diabetic (DM), diabetic with sham GES (DM + SGES), diabetic with GES1 (5.5 cpm, 100 ms, 4 mA) (DM + GES1), diabetic with GES2 (5.5 cpm, 300 ms, 4 mA) (DM + GES2) and diabetic with GES3 (5.5 cpm, 550 ms, 2 mA) (DM + GES3) groups. The expression levels of c-kit, M-SCF and IGF-1 receptors were evaluated in the gastric antrum using Western blot analysis. The distribution of ICCs was observed using immunolabeling for c-kit, while smooth muscle cells and IGF-1 receptors were identified using α-SMA and IGF-1R antibodies. Serum level of IGF-1 was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gastric emptying was delayed in the DM group but improved in all GES groups, especially in the GES2 group. The expression levels of c-kit, M-SCF and IGF-1R were decreased in the DM group but increased in all GES groups. More ICCs (c-kit(+)) and smooth muscle cells (α-SMA(+)/IGF-1R(+)) were observed in all GES groups than in the DM group. The average level of IGF-1 in the DM group was markedly decreased, but it was up-regulated in all GES groups, especially in the GES2 group. The results suggest that long-pulse GES promotes the regeneration of ICCs. The IGF-1 signaling pathway might be involved in the mechanism underlying this process, which results in improved gastric emptying.

[Overexpression of N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) inhibits proliferation, migration and promotes apoptosis in SW480 rectal cancer cells].

PubMed

Li, Zhiqiang; Sun, Yang; Wan, Hongxing; Chai, Fang

2017-01-01

Objective To investigate the role of N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) gene in the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of rectal cancer cells. Methods Human rectal cancer SW480 cells were cultured and transfected with pCDNA3.1-NDRG2 and empty vector (SW480-Ve). SW480 cells were set as a control group. Cell proliferation was detected in SW480 cells, SW480-Ve cells and SW480-NDRG2 cells by MTT assay; cell migration distance in the three groups at 24, 48, 72 hours was tested by wound healing assay; apoptosis rate was determined in the three groups at 48 hours by flow cytometry; the expressions of Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2 proteins in the three groups were examined by Western blotting. Results After the cells were cultured for 7 days, cell survival rate in SW480-NDRG2 group was significantly lower than that in SW480 cells and SW480-Ve cells; the cell survival rate decreased gradually with the prolongation of the culture time; and it had no significant difference between SW480-Ve group and SW480 group. Cell migration distance in SW480-NDRG2 group was significantly lower than that in SW480-Ve cells and SW480 cells, and it had also no significant difference between SW480-Ve cells and SW480 cells. The apoptosis rate in SW480-NDRG2 group was significantly higher than that in SW480 group and SW480-Ve group, and SW480 cells and SW480-Ve cells had no significant difference in the rate. The expressions of Bax and caspase-3 proteins in SW480-NDRG2 group were significantly higher than those in SW480 cells and SW480-Ve cells; Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly lower in SW480-NDRG2 group than in SW480 cells and SW480-Ve cells; and the expressions of Bax, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 proteins were not significantly different between SW480 cells and SW480-Ve cells. Conclusion Overexpression of NDRG2 can inhibit the proliferation, reduce cell migration, and promote cell apoptosis by regulating the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 proteins in SW480 cells.

Specific esophagogram to assess functional outcomes after Heller's myotomy and Dor's fundoplication for esophageal achalasia.

PubMed

Tsoukali, E; Gouvas, N; Tsiaoussis, J; Pechlivanides, G; Zervakis, N; Mantides, A; Xynos, E

2011-09-01

Esophageal emptying assessed at the 'timed barium' esophagogram correlates well with symptomatic outcomes after pneumatic dilation for esophageal achalasia, although 30% of patients with satisfactory outcome exhibit partial improvement in emptying. The aim of the study was to investigate any correlation of esophageal emptying to symptomatic response after laparoscopic Heller's myotomy and Dor's fundoplication. 'Bread and barium' (transit time of a barium opaque bread bolus) and 'timed barium' (height of esophageal barium column 5 minutes after ingestion of 200-250 mL of barium suspension) esophagogram was used to assess esophageal emptying in 73 patients with esophageal achalasia before 1 and 5 years (31 cases) after laparoscopic myotomy and anterior fundoplication. Symptoms assessment was based to a specific score. At 1-year follow-up, excellent and good symptomatic results were obtained in 95% of the cases. Esophageal maximum diameter, esophageal transit time, and esophageal barium column were significantly correlated to each other and to symptom score postoperatively (P < 0.001). Complete and partial (<90% and 50-90% postoperative reduction in barium column, respectively) emptying was seen in 55% and 31% of patients with excellent result. Patients with a pseudodiverticulum postoperatively had a more delayed esophageal emptying than those without. Symptomatic outcome and esophageal emptying did not deteriorate at 5-year follow-up. Esophageal emptying assessed by 'barium and bread' and 'timed barium' esophagogram correlated well with symptomatic outcome after laparoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia. Complete symptomatic relief does not necessarily reflect complete esophageal emptying. Outcomes do not deteriorate by time. Because of wide availability, esophagogram can be applied in follow-up of postmyotomy patients in conjunction with symptomatic evaluation. © 2011 Copyright the Authors. Journal compilation © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Gastric emptying, postprandial blood pressure, glycaemia and splanchnic flow in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Trahair, Laurence G; Kimber, Thomas E; Flabouris, Katerina; Horowitz, Michael; Jones, Karen L

2016-05-28

To determine gastric emptying, blood pressure, mesenteric artery blood flow, and blood glucose responses to oral glucose in Parkinson's disease. Twenty-one subjects (13 M, 8 F; age 64.2 ± 1.6 years) with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr score 1.4 ± 0.1, duration of known disease 6.3 ± 0.9 years) consumed a 75 g glucose drink, labelled with 20 MBq (99m)Tc-calcium phytate. Gastric emptying was quantified with scintigraphy, blood pressure and heart rate with an automated device, superior mesenteric artery blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography and blood glucose by glucometer for 180 min. Autonomic nerve function was evaluated with cardiovascular reflex tests and upper gastrointestinal symptoms by questionnaire. The mean gastric half-emptying time was 106 ± 9.1 min, gastric emptying was abnormally delayed in 3 subjects (14%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell (P < 0.001) and mesenteric blood flow and blood glucose (P < 0.001 for both) increased, following the drink. Three subjects (14%) had definite autonomic neuropathy and 8 (38%) had postprandial hypotension. There were no significant relationships between changes in blood pressure, heart rate or mesenteric artery blood flow with gastric emptying. Gastric emptying was related to the score for autonomic nerve function (R = 0.55, P < 0.01). There was an inverse relationship between the blood glucose at t = 30 min (R = -0.52, P < 0.05), while the blood glucose at t = 180 min was related directly (R = 0.49, P < 0.05), with gastric emptying. In mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, gastric emptying is related to autonomic dysfunction and a determinant of the glycaemic response to oral glucose.

Mosapride Accelerates the Delayed Gastric Emptying of High-Viscosity Liquids: A Crossover Study Using Continuous Real-Time 13C Breath Test (BreathID System)

PubMed Central

Sakamoto, Yasunari; Sekino, Yusuke; Yamada, Eiji; Ohkubo, Hidenori; Higurashi, Takuma; Sakai, Eiji; Iida, Hiroshi; Hosono, Kunihiro; Endo, Hiroki; Nonaka, Takashi; Ikeda, Tamon; Fujita, Koji; Yoneda, Masato; Koide, Tomoko; Takahashi, Hirokazu; Goto, Ayumu; Abe, Yasunobu; Gotoh, Eiji; Maeda, Shin; Nakajima, Atsushi

2011-01-01

Background/Aims The administration of liquid nutrients to patients is often accompanied by complications such as gastroesophageal reflux. To prevent gastroesophageal reflux, high-viscosity liquid meals are used widely, however, it still remains controversial whether high-viscosity liquid meals have any effect on the rate of gastric emptying. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining whether high-viscosity liquid meals had any effect on the rate of gastric emptying and mosapride might accelerate the rate of gastric emptying of high-viscosity liquid meals. Methods Six healthy male volunteers underwent 3 tests at intervals of > 1 week. After fasting for > 8 hours, each subject received one of three test meals (liquid meal only, high-viscosity liquid meal [liquid meal plus pectin] only, or high-viscosity liquid meal 30 minutes after intake of mosapride). A 13C-acetic acid breath test was performed, which monitored the rate of gastric emptying for 4 hours. Using the Oridion Research Software (β version), breath test parameters were calculated. The study parameters were examined for all the 3 test conditions and compared using the Freidman test. Results Gastric emptying was significantly delayed following intake of a high-viscosity liquid meal alone as compared with a liquid meal alone; however, intake of mosapride prior to a high-viscosity liquid meal was associated with a significantly accelerated rate of gastric emptying as compared with a high-viscosity liquid meal alone. Conclusions This study showed that high-viscosity liquid meals delayed gastric emptying: however, mosapride recovered the delayed rate of gastric emptying by high-viscosity liquid meals. PMID:22148109

[*C]octanoic acid breath test to measure gastric emptying rate of solids.

PubMed

Maes, B D; Ghoos, Y F; Rutgeerts, P J; Hiele, M I; Geypens, B; Vantrappen, G

1994-12-01

We have developed a breath test to measure solid gastric emptying using a standardized scrambled egg test meal (250 kcal) labeled with [14C]octanoic acid or [13C]octanoic acid. In vitro incubation studies showed that octanoic acid is a reliable marker of the solid phase. The breath test was validated in 36 subjects by simultaneous radioscintigraphic and breath test measurements. Nine healthy volunteers were studied after intravenous administration of 200 mg erythromycin and peroral administration of 30 mg propantheline, respectively. Erythromycin significantly enhanced gastric emptying, while propantheline significantly reduced gastric emptying rates. We conclude that the [*C]octanoic breath test is a promising and reliable test for measuring the gastric emptying rate of solids.

Delayed Gastric Emptying after Living Donor Hepatectomy for Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Griesemer, Adam D.; Parsons, Ronald F.; Graham, Jay A.; Emond, Jean C.; Samstein, Benjamin

2014-01-01

Delayed gastric emptying is a significant postoperative complication of living donor hepatectomy for liver transplantation and may require endoscopic or surgical intervention in severe cases. Although the mechanism of posthepatectomy delayed gastric emptying remains unknown, vagal nerve injury during intraoperative dissection and adhesion formation postoperatively between the stomach and cut liver surface are possible explanations. Here, we present the first reported case of delayed gastric emptying following fully laparoscopic hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation. Additionally, we also present a case in which symptoms developed after open right hepatectomy, but for which dissection for left hepatectomy was first performed. Through our experience and these two specific cases, we favor a neurovascular etiology for delayed gastric emptying after hepatectomy. PMID:25610698

Simulation of empty container logistic management at depot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sze, San-Nah; Sek, Siaw-Ying Doreen; Chiew, Kang-Leng; Tiong, Wei-King

2017-07-01

This study focuses on the empty container management problem in a deficit regional area. Deficit area is the area having more export activities than the import activities, which always have a shortage of empty container. This environment has challenged the trading companies in the decision making in distributing the empty containers. A simulation model that fit to the environment is developed. Besides, a simple heuristic algorithm with some hard and soft constraints consideration are proposed to plan the logistic of empty container supply. Then, the feasible route with the minimum cost will be determined by applying the proposed heuristic algorithm. The heuristic algorithm can be divided into three main phases which are data sorting, data assigning and time window updating.

Effects of Swertia japonica extract and its main compound swertiamarin on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility in mice.

PubMed

Kimura, Yoshiyuki; Sumiyoshi, Maho

2011-09-01

The Swertia japonica is used clinically as a remedy for gastrointestinal symptoms in Japan. We examined the effects of a S. japonica and swertiamarin on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility in atropine-, dopamine-, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-treated mice. All three preparations inhibited reductions in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility induced by dopamine (1mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, ip). Neither the powder, swertiamarin, nor itopride had any effect on the reductions in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility caused by 5-HT (4 mg/kg, ip). These findings suggest that the powder and swertiamarin stimulate gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility by inhibiting the dopamine D(2) receptor. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reconstruction of cytosolic fumaric acid biosynthetic pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Fumaric acid is a commercially important component of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and industrial materials, yet the current methods of production are unsustainable and ecologically destructive. Results In this study, the fumarate biosynthetic pathway involving reductive reactions of the tricarboxylic acid cycle was exogenously introduced in S. cerevisiae by a series of simple genetic modifications. First, the Rhizopus oryzae genes for malate dehydrogenase (RoMDH) and fumarase (RoFUM1) were heterologously expressed. Then, expression of the endogenous pyruvate carboxylase (PYC2) was up-regulated. The resultant yeast strain, FMME-001 ↑PYC2 + ↑RoMDH, was capable of producing significantly higher yields of fumarate in the glucose medium (3.18 ± 0.15 g liter-1) than the control strain FMME-001 empty vector. Conclusions The results presented here provide a novel strategy for fumarate biosynthesis, which represents an important advancement in producing high yields of fumarate in a sustainable and ecologically-friendly manner. PMID:22335940

Reach Out and Eat: Food and Beverages Depicted in Books for Preschoolers.

PubMed

England, Jessica L; Linchey, Jennifer; Madsen, Kristine A; Patel, Anisha I

2015-11-01

To examine food and beverage depictions in books for preschoolers. Books for preschoolers from Reach Out and Read (ROR; n = 42), public library (n = 27), and Publisher's Weekly booklists (n = 31) were examined for nutritive and empty-calorie food and beverage depictions. It was found that 66% of books depicted at least 1 food or beverage. More books depicted nutritive items than empty-calorie items (87.5% vs 54.7%, P < .001). There was a trend toward fewer empty-calorie depictions in ROR books than in other booklists. Yet nearly half of ROR books depicted at least 1 empty-calorie item. ROR books also accounted for 5 of 10 books with the most empty-calorie item depictions and 3 of 4 books with branding. With regard to messaging, approximately a third of books with the most empty-calorie depictions promoted unhealthy foods. When selecting books for ROR, it may be important to consider food and beverage depictions and messages. © The Author(s) 2015.

Reach Out and Eat: Food and Beverages Depicted in Books for Preschoolers

PubMed Central

England, Jessica L.; Linchey, Jennifer; Madsen, Kristine A.; Patel, Anisha I.

2015-01-01

Objective To examine food and beverage depictions in books for preschoolers. Methods Books for preschoolers from Reach Out and Read (ROR; n = 42), public library (n = 27), and Publisher's Weekly booklists (n = 31) were examined for nutritive and empty-calorie food and beverage depictions. Results It was found that 66% of books depicted at least I food or beverage. More books depicted nutritive items than empty-calorie items (87.5% vs 54.7%, P < .001). There was a trend toward fewer empty-calorie depictions in ROR books than in other booklists. Yet nearly half of ROR books depicted at least I empty-calorie item. ROR books also accounted for 5 of 10 books with the most empty-calorie item depictions and 3 of 4 books with branding. With regard to messaging, approximately a third of books with the most empty-calorie depictions promoted unhealthy foods. Conclusions When selecting books for ROR, it may be important to consider food and beverage depictions and messages. PMID:25715825

Postpyloric regulation of gastric emptying in rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

McHugh, P R; Moran, T H; Wirth, J B

1982-09-01

Saline (0.9% NaCl) empties rapidly and exponentially from the stomach of the rhesus monkey, but glucose solutions empty at a calorie-constant rate of 0.4 kcal/min. By means of indwelling intragastric and intraduodenal cannulae we can demonstrate an inhibition on the delivery of saline from the stomach provoked by glucose placed beyond the pylorus. The inhibition varies directly with the glucose calories in the intestine and averages 2.5 min/kcal. That these two results (0.4 kcal/min and 2.5 min/kcal) are reciprocals suggests a feedback inhibition on the gastric emptying of nutrients arising from beyond the pylorus and adequate to explain the rate of glucose delivery to the intestine. A control theory description of gastric emptying that includes such feedback regulation can be derived from these data to explain the different gastric emptying patterns of nutrients and nonnutrient solutions. These patterns give this visceral system a precision in its management of nutrients that can provide information crucial to preabsorptive satiety.

[Liposome-mediated glial growth factor 2 gene therapy in brain injury: an experimental study with rats].

PubMed

Xue, Ya-jun; Dong, Yan; Han, Xi; Wei, Mei-yang; Ge, Jun-hui; Cai, Ru-jue; Hu, Guo-han; Luo, Chun; Zhu, Cheng; Lu, Yi-cheng

2006-09-05

To explore the protective effect of glial growth factor-2 (GGF2) on brain injury. Thirty-four SD rats underwent lateral fluid percussion to establish brain injury models and then were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment group (n = 10, the plasmid pEGFP-N1-GGF2 mixed with liposome was injected into the brain tissue directly), vector control group (n = 10, the vector pEGFP-N1 mixed with liposome was injected into the brain tissue directly), liposome control group (n = 10, liposome was injected), and sham operation group (n = 4). Three assessment tasks were performed for neurobehavioral evaluation: Clivas Test, Beam Balance Test and Beam Walking Test. 10 days after brain injury, the rats were sacrificed and their brains were embedded in paraffin for HE staining, Nissle staining and immunohistochemical examination of MBP, NSE, and GFAP. The Clivas test score of the treatment group was 66.25 +/- 3.54, significantly higher than those of the vector control group and. liposome control group (58.31 +/- 3.72 and 57.21 +/- 3.93 respectively, both P < 0.05). The beam test score of the treatment group was 2.59 +/- 0.21, significantly lower than those the vector control group and liposome control group (3.41 +/- 0.25 and 3.24 +/- 0.22 respectively, both P < 0.05). The walking test score of the treatment group was 20.15 +/- 2.59, significantly lower than those of control group and liposome control group (27.00 +/- 3.47 and 27.80 +/- 3.00 respectively, both P < 0.05). The improvement in beam walking test was the greatest. The neuron number in the external granular layer and external pyramidal layer in cortex of the treatment group was 98 +/- 10, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (75 +/- 7 and 67 +/- 8, both P < 0.05). The neuron number in the internal pyramidal layer in cortex of the treatment group was 37 +/- 4, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (19 +/- 3 and 23 +/- 4 respectively, both P < 0.05). The neuron number in the CA1 region in hippocampus of the treatment group was 102 +/- 11, significantly more than those of the vector control group and liposome group (67 +/- 8 and 58 +/- 9 respectively, both P < 0.01). Higher level of immunoreactivity with MBP was also detected in the cortex in the rats of the treatment group. Cationic liposome-mediated GGF2 gene therapy effectively promotes the recovery of brain injury.

Pit Latrine Fecal Sludge Resistance Using a Dynamic Cone Penetrometer in Low Income Areas in Mzuzu City, Malawi

PubMed Central

Chirwa, Charles F. C.; Hall, Ralph P.; Krometis, Leigh-Anne H.; Vance, Eric A.; Edwards, Adam; Guan, Ting; Holm, Rochelle H.

2017-01-01

Pit latrines can provide improved household sanitation, but without effective and inexpensive emptying options, they are often abandoned once full and may pose a public health threat. Emptying techniques can be difficult, as the sludge contents of each pit latrine are different. The design of effective emptying techniques (e.g., pumps) is limited by a lack of data characterizing typical in situ latrine sludge resistance. This investigation aimed to better understand the community education and technical engineering needs necessary to improve pit latrine management. In low income areas within Mzuzu city, Malawi, 300 pit latrines from three distinct areas were assessed using a dynamic cone penetrometer to quantify fecal sludge strength, and household members were surveyed to determine their knowledge of desludging procedures and practices likely to impact fecal sludge characteristics. The results demonstrate that there is a significant difference in sludge strength between lined and unlined pits within a defined area, though sludge hardened with depth, regardless of the pit type or region. There was only limited association between cone penetration depth and household survey data. To promote the adoption of pit emptying, it is recommended that households be provided with information that supports pit emptying, such as latrine construction designs, local pit emptying options, and cost. This study indicates that the use of a penetrometer test in the field prior to pit latrine emptying may facilitate the selection of appropriate pit emptying technology. PMID:28165378

Delayed gastric emptying does not normalize after gluten withdrawal in adult celiac disease.

PubMed

Usai-Satta, Paolo; Oppia, Francesco; Scarpa, Mariella; Giannetti, Cristiana; Cabras, Francesco

2016-08-01

Objective Delayed gastric emptying has been frequently detected in patients with untreated celiac disease. According to several studies, gluten withdrawal showed to be effective in normalizing the gastric emptying rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastric emptying rate of solids in patients with celiac disease before and after a gluten-free diet. Methods Twelve adult patients with celiac disease (age range 20-57 years) and 30 healthy controls (age range 30-54 years) underwent a (13)C-octanoic acid breath test to measure gastric emptying. Half emptying time (t1/2) and lag phase (tlag) were calculated. After at least 12 months of a gluten-free diet, celiac patients underwent a new (13)C-octanoic acid breath test. A symptom score was utilized to detect dyspeptic and malabsorption symptoms in all the patients. Results The gastric motility parameters, t1/2 and tlag, were significantly longer in patients than in controls. On a gluten-free diet, surprisingly, the gastric emptying did not normalize despite an improvement of symptom score. No significant correlation between abnormal gastric emptying and specific symptom patterns, anthropometric parameters or severity of histological damage was found. Conclusions This finding supports the hypothesis that gluten-driven mucosal inflammation might determine motor abnormalities by affecting smooth muscle contractility or impairing gut hormone function. The persistence of these abnormalities on a gluten free diet suggests the presence of a persistent low-grade mucosal inflammation with a permanent perturbation of the neuro-immunomodulatory regulation.

The Wagner-Nelson method can generate an accurate gastric emptying flow curve from CO2 data obtained by a 13C-labeled substrate breath test.

PubMed

Sanaka, Masaki; Yamamoto, Takatsugu; Ishii, Tarou; Kuyama, Yasushi

2004-01-01

In pharmacokinetics, the Wagner-Nelson (W-N) method can accurately estimate the rate of drug absorption from its urinary elimination rate. A stable isotope (13C) breath test attempts to estimate the rate of absorption of 13C, as an index of gastric emptying rate, from the rate of pulmonary elimination of 13CO2. The time-gastric emptying curve determined by the breath test is quite different from that determined by scintigraphy or ultrasonography. In this report, we have shown that the W-N method can adjust the difference. The W-N equation to estimate gastric emptying from breath data is as follows: the fractional cumulative amount of gastric contents emptied by time t = Abreath (t)/Abreath (infinity) + (1/0.65).d[Abreath (t)/Abreath (infinity) ]/dt, where Abreath (t) = the cumulative recovery of 13CO2 in breath by time t and Abreath ( infinity ) = the ultimate cumulative 13CO2 recovery. The emptying flow curve generated by ultrasonography was compared with that generated by the W-N method-adjusted breath test in 6 volunteers. The emptying curves by the W-N method were almost identical to those by ultrasound. The W-N method can generate an accurate emptying flow curve from 13CO2 data, and it can adjust the difference between ultrasonography and the breath test. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Group velocity locked vector dissipative solitons in a high repetition rate fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Yiyang; Li, Lei; Liu, Deming; Sun, Qizhen; Wu, Zhichao; Xu, Zhilin; Tang, Dingyuan; Fu, Songnian; Zhao, Luming

2016-08-01

Vectorial nature of dissipative solitons (DSs) with high repetition rates is studied for the first time in a normal-dispersion fiber laser. Despite the fact that the formed DSs are strongly chirped and the repetition rate is greater than 100 MHz, polarization locked and polarization rotating group velocity locked vector DSs can be formed under 129.3 MHz fundamental mode-locking and 258.6 MHz harmonic mode-locking of the fiber laser, respectively. The two orthogonally polarized components of these vector DSs possess distinctly different central wavelengths and travel together at the same group velocity in the laser cavity, resulting in a gradual spectral edge and small steps on the optical spectra, which can be considered as an auxiliary indicator of the group velocity locked vector DSs.

[Effect of Different Stimulating Strength of Electroacupuncture on Gastrointestinal Motility and RhoA/ROCK Signaling in Gastric Antral Smooth Muscle in Diabetic Gastroparesis Rats].

PubMed

Wu, Xue-Fen; Chen, Xiao-Li; Zheng, Xue-Na; Guo, Xin; Xie, Zhi-Qiang; Liu, Li; Wei, Xin-Ran; Yue, Zeng-Hui

2018-03-25

To observe the effect of different strength of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on gastrointestinal motility and Ras homolog gene family member (RhoA)/Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) signaling in diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats, so as to reveal the underlying mechanisms of EA for improving DGP. Sixty SD rats were randomly and equally divided into blank control, DGP model, weak EA, medium EA, and strong EA groups ( n ＝12 rats in each). The DGP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mmol/kg, 2%) and high-sugar and high-fat fodder feeding for 8 weeks. EA (0.12, 0.24, 0.36 mA, 20 Hz/100 Hz) was applied to "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Liangmen" (ST 21) for 20 min, once daily for 15 successive days. Blood glucose levels were measured weekly with blood glucose meter and blood glucose test paper. Fecal phenol red excretion method was used to display gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion function. The expression of RhoA protein in the gastric antral smooth muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot (WB), separately, and that of ROCK, myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT 1) and phosphorylated (p)-MYPT 1 proteins in gastric antrum detected by WB. Compared with the blank control group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate of the model group were significantly decreased ( P <0.05), and the blood glucose level was remarkably increased ( P <0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of RhoA, ROCK, MYPT 1 and p-MYPT 1 proteins in the gastric antrum were significantly down-regulated relevant to the control group ( P <0.05). After administration of EA, the decreased gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate, and the down-regulated expression of RhoA, ROCK, MYPT 1 and p-MYPT 1 proteins were significantly increased in the strong, medium and weak EA stimulation groups ( P <0.05). Comparison among the 3 EA groups showed that the strong stimulation was significantly superior to weak stimulation in up-regulating the expression of RhoA, ROCK, MYPT 1 and p-MYPT 1 proteins, and obviously superior to the medium stimulation in up-regulating RhoA and MYPT 1 protein levels ( P <0.05), while the medium stimulation was significantly stronger than the weak stimulation in up-regulating the expression of ROCK, MYPT 1 and p-MYPT 1 proteins ( P <0.05). There were no significant differences among the 3 EA groups in up-regulating the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate, and between the strong stimulation and medium stimulation in the expression levels of ROCK and p-MYPT 1 proteins ( P >0.05). Electroacupuncture stimulation of ST 36-SP 6-ST 21 at 0.12, 0.24 and 0.36 mA can promote the gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats, which may be associated with its effects in enhancing RhoA/ROCK signaling in the gastric antral smooth muscle at different degrees.

Coherent states for the relativistic harmonic oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aldaya, Victor; Guerrero, J.

1995-01-01

Recently we have obtained, on the basis of a group approach to quantization, a Bargmann-Fock-like realization of the Relativistic Harmonic Oscillator as well as a generalized Bargmann transform relating fock wave functions and a set of relativistic Hermite polynomials. Nevertheless, the relativistic creation and annihilation operators satisfy typical relativistic commutation relations of the Lie product (vector-z, vector-z(sup dagger)) approximately equals Energy (an SL(2,R) algebra). Here we find higher-order polarization operators on the SL(2,R) group, providing canonical creation and annihilation operators satisfying the Lie product (vector-a, vector-a(sup dagger)) = identity vector 1, the eigenstates of which are 'true' coherent states.

49 CFR 173.428 - Empty Class 7 (radioactive) materials packaging.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Empty Class 7 (radioactive) materials packaging... SHIPPERS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials § 173.428 Empty Class 7 (radioactive) materials packaging. A packaging which previously contained Class 7 (radioactive...

Effect of ageing on the gastro-intestinal transit of a lactulose-supplemented mixed solid-liquid meal in humans.

PubMed

Wegener, M; Börsch, G; Schaffstein, J; Lüth, I; Rickels, R; Ricken, D

1988-01-01

Gastro-intestinal transit of a mixed solid-liquid meal containing wheat bread, scrambled eggs, coffee labelled with 99mTc, orange juice with lactulose and indigocarmine was evaluated in 21 young control (mean age 33.5 years) and 25 elderly subjects (mean age 81.7 years) without gastrointestinal complaints or severe medical illness. The rate of gastric emptying was determined by an anterior gamma camera technique, mouth-to-caecum transit by the hydrogen breath test and whole-gut transit by the first stool passage of indigocarmine. Gastric emptying was significantly prolonged in older subjects: t1/2 = 136 +/- (SEM) 13 versus 81 +/- 4 min; p less than 0.001. Concerning mouth-to-caecum or whole-gut transit time, significant differences between the two study groups were not detected.

[Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit enhances the immune response against canine parvovirus VP2 in mice immunized by VP2 DNA vaccine].

PubMed

Han, Dongmei; Zhong, Fei; Li, Xiujin; Wang, Wei; Wang, Xingxing; Pan, Sumin

2011-01-01

To investigate the effect of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) B subunit (LTB) gene on canine parvovirus (CPV) VP2 gene vaccine. The LTB gene was amplified by PCR from genomic DNA of E. coli 44815 strain. The VP2-70 fragment (210 bp) encoding major epitope of VP2 (70 amino acids) was amplified by PCR from a plasmid encoding VP2 gene. VP2-70 and LTB genes were inserted into the eukaryotic vector to construct VP2-70 gene,LTB gene and VP2-70-LTB fused gene vectors. The mice were immunized with VP2-70 vector, VP2-70-LTB fused vector, or VP2-70 vector plus LTB vector, respectively. The antibody titers at the different time were measured by using ELISA method. The spleen lymphocyte proliferation activity was analyzed by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The sequence of VP2-70 and LTB genes was identified. The recombinant VP2-70 and LTB proteins could be expressed in HEK293T cells in a secretory manner. The mice immunized with VP2-70 vector, VP2-70-LTB vector or VP2-70 vector plus LTB vector could generate the specific antibody against VP2 protein. The antibody titer immunized with VP2-70-LTB vector reached 1:5120 at 35 d post immunization, significantly higher than that of other two groups (P < 0.01). For antibody isotype analysis, the IgG1 isotype antibody titers in all test groups were significantly higher than of IgG2a (P < 0.01). The high-level spleen lymphocyte stimulation index was observed in the three test groups under the stimulation with Con A, higher than that in control groups (P < 0.01). LTB gene could enhance the humoral immune response of CPV VP2 gene vaccine in mice.

27 CFR 25.36 - Empty container storage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Empty container storage. 25.36 Section 25.36 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ALCOHOL BEER Construction and Equipment Equipment § 25.36 Empty container storage...

27 CFR 25.36 - Empty container storage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Empty container storage. 25.36 Section 25.36 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS BEER Construction and Equipment Equipment § 25.36 Empty container storage...

27 CFR 25.36 - Empty container storage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Empty container storage. 25.36 Section 25.36 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS BEER Construction and Equipment Equipment § 25.36 Empty container storage...

27 CFR 25.36 - Empty container storage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Empty container storage. 25.36 Section 25.36 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS BEER Construction and Equipment Equipment § 25.36 Empty container storage...

14 CFR 29.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 29.29 Section 29.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must...

14 CFR 27.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 27.29 Section 27.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 27.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 27.29 Section 27.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 23.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... gravity. 23.29 Section 23.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Flight General § 23.29 Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be determined by weighing the airplane with— (1) Fixed ballast; (2...

14 CFR 27.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 27.29 Section 27.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 25.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 25.29 Section 25.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 25.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 25.29 Section 25.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 29.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 29.29 Section 29.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must...

14 CFR 23.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... gravity. 23.29 Section 23.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Flight General § 23.29 Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be determined by weighing the airplane with— (1) Fixed ballast; (2...

14 CFR 29.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 29.29 Section 29.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must...

14 CFR 25.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 25.29 Section 25.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 27.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 27.29 Section 27.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 29.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 29.29 Section 29.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must...

14 CFR 27.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 27.29 Section 27.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 29.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 29.29 Section 29.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must...

14 CFR 25.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 25.29 Section 25.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 23.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... gravity. 23.29 Section 23.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Flight General § 23.29 Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be determined by weighing the airplane with— (1) Fixed ballast; (2...

14 CFR 23.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... gravity. 23.29 Section 23.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Flight General § 23.29 Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be determined by weighing the airplane with— (1) Fixed ballast; (2...

14 CFR 25.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. 25.29 Section 25.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be...

14 CFR 23.29 - Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... gravity. 23.29 Section 23.29 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... Flight General § 23.29 Empty weight and corresponding center of gravity. (a) The empty weight and corresponding center of gravity must be determined by weighing the airplane with— (1) Fixed ballast; (2...

Spherical nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from oil palm empty fruit bunch pulp via ultrasound assisted hydrolysis.

PubMed

Zianor Azrina, Z A; Beg, M Dalour H; Rosli, M Y; Ramli, Ridzuan; Junadi, Norhafzan; Alam, A K M Moshiul

2017-04-15

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunch pulp (EFBP) using ultrasound assisted acid hydrolysis. The obtained NCC was analysed using FESEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA, and compared with raw empty fruit bunch fibre (REFB), empty fruit bunch pulp (EFBP), and treated empty fruit bunch pulp (TEFBP). Based on FESEM analysis, it was found that NCC has a spherical shaped after acid hydrolysis with the assistance of ultrasound. This situation was different compared to previous studies that obtained rod-like shaped of NCC. Furthermore, the crystallinity of NCC is higher compared to REFB and EFBP. According to thermal stability, the NCC obtained shows remarkable sign of high thermal stability compared to REFB and EFBP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of empty bins on image upscaling in capsule endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rukundo, Olivier

2017-07-01

This paper presents a preliminary study of the effect of empty bins on image upscaling in capsule endoscopy. The presented study was conducted based on results of existing contrast enhancement and interpolation methods. A low contrast enhancement method based on pixels consecutiveness and modified bilinear weighting scheme has been developed to distinguish between necessary empty bins and unnecessary empty bins in the effort to minimize the number of empty bins in the input image, before further processing. Linear interpolation methods have been used for upscaling input images with stretched histograms. Upscaling error differences and similarity indices between pairs of interpolation methods have been quantified using the mean squared error and feature similarity index techniques. Simulation results demonstrated more promising effects using the developed method than other contrast enhancement methods mentioned.

Pit Latrine Emptying Behavior and Demand for Sanitation Services in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

PubMed Central

Jenkins, Marion W.; Cumming, Oliver; Cairncross, Sandy

2015-01-01

Pit latrines are the main form of sanitation in unplanned areas in many rapidly growing developing cities. Understanding demand for pit latrine fecal sludge management (FSM) services in these communities is important for designing demand-responsive sanitation services and policies to improve public health. We examine latrine emptying knowledge, attitudes, behavior, trends and rates of safe/unsafe emptying, and measure demand for a new hygienic latrine emptying service in unplanned communities in Dar Es Salaam (Dar), Tanzania, using data from a cross-sectional survey at 662 residential properties in 35 unplanned sub-wards across Dar, where 97% had pit latrines. A picture emerges of expensive and poor FSM service options for latrine owners, resulting in widespread fecal sludge exposure that is likely to increase unless addressed. Households delay emptying as long as possible, use full pits beyond what is safe, face high costs even for unhygienic emptying, and resort to unsafe practices like ‘flooding out’. We measured strong interest in and willingness to pay (WTP) for the new pit emptying service at 96% of residences; 57% were WTP ≥U.S. $17 to remove ≥200 L of sludge. Emerging policy recommendations for safe FSM in unplanned urban communities in Dar and elsewhere are discussed. PMID:25734790

A gamma variate model that includes stretched exponential is a better fit for gastric emptying data from mice

PubMed Central

Bajzer, Željko; Gibbons, Simon J.; Coleman, Heidi D.; Linden, David R.

2015-01-01

Noninvasive breath tests for gastric emptying are important techniques for understanding the changes in gastric motility that occur in disease or in response to drugs. Mice are often used as an animal model; however, the gamma variate model currently used for data analysis does not always fit the data appropriately. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate mathematical models to better fit mouse gastric emptying data including when two peaks are present in the gastric emptying curve. We fitted 175 gastric emptying data sets with two standard models (gamma variate and power exponential), with a gamma variate model that includes stretched exponential and with a proposed two-component model. The appropriateness of the fit was assessed by the Akaike Information Criterion. We found that extension of the gamma variate model to include a stretched exponential improves the fit, which allows for a better estimation of T1/2 and Tlag. When two distinct peaks in gastric emptying are present, a two-component model is required for the most appropriate fit. We conclude that use of a stretched exponential gamma variate model and when appropriate a two-component model will result in a better estimate of physiologically relevant parameters when analyzing mouse gastric emptying data. PMID:26045615

Exploring gastric emptying rate in minipigs: Effect of food type and pre-dosing of metoclopramide.

PubMed

Henze, Laura J; Griffin, Brendan T; Christiansen, Martin; Bundgaard, Christoffer; Langguth, Peter; Holm, René

2018-06-15

The present study investigated the gastric emptying rate in Göttingen minipigs pre- and post-prandial and evaluated the effect of metoclopramide on the same parameter, using paracetamol as an absorption marker. The pharmacokinetic evaluation of the obtained plasma concentration data for paracetamol demonstrated that the fastest gastric emptying rate was observed in the animals that were allowed access to normal pig food. There was no significant difference in the stomach emptying rate observed between fasted and fed minipigs, when fed either with a FDA standard breakfast or a nutritional energy drink. Pre-dosing minipigs with metoclopramide (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg) did not demonstrate any effect on gastric emptying in either the fasted or fed state. The data in the present study demonstrated a relatively prolonged gastric emptying rate in mini-pigs both in the fasted and fed state, hence when conducting pharmacokinetic studies using minipigs, this should be taken into account when planning the plasma sampling time points. Further, as no difference could be observed in gastric emptying rate as a function of food, the data also suggest that the Göttingen mini-pigs seems less suited to predict for food effect studies than other species. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of consuming carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages on gastric emptying and fluid absorption during and following exercise.

PubMed

Murray, R

1987-01-01

A variety of beverages formulated to provide fluid, carbohydrates, and electrolytes during and following exercise are commercially available. Such 'sport drinks' commonly contain 4 to 8% carbohydrate (as glucose, fructose, sucrose or maltodextrins) and small amounts of electrolytes (most often sodium, potassium, and chloride). The efficacy of consuming such beverages has been questioned primarily because of concern that beverage carbohydrate content may inhibit gastric emptying rate and fluid absorption during exercise, thereby jeopardizing physiological homeostasis and impairing exercise performance. Gastric motor activity, and consequently gastric emptying rate, is governed by neural and humoral feedback provided by receptors found in the gastric musculature and proximal small intestine. Gastric emptying rate may be influenced by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the caloric content, volume, osmolality, temperature, and pH of the ingested fluid, diurnal and interindividual variation, metabolic state (rest/exercise), and the ambient temperature. The caloric content of the ingested fluid appears to be the most important variable governing gastric emptying rate, providing a mean caloric efflux from the stomach of 2.0 to 2.5 kcal/min for ingested fluid volumes less than 400 ml. At rest, gastric emptying is inhibited by solutions containing calories in a manner independent of the nutrient source (i.e. carbohydrate, fat or protein). Consequently, plain water is known to empty from the stomachs of resting subjects at rates faster than solutions containing calories. Gastric emptying is increasingly inhibited as the caloric content of the ingested fluid increases. During moderate exercise (less than 75% VO2max), gastric emptying occurs at a rate similar to that during rest; more intense exercise appears to inhibit gastric emptying. When fluids are consumed at regular intervals throughout prolonged exercise (greater than 2 hours), postexercise aspiration of stomach contents reveals that solutions containing up to 10% carbohydrate empty at rates similar to plain water. There is ample physiological justification for the addition of glucose, fructose, sodium, potassium and chloride to fluid replacement beverages. Fluid absorption in the small intestine is stimulated by glucose and sodium (and to a lesser extent by fructose and other electrolytes). Glucose and sodium are absorbed via a common membrane carrier in the mucosal epithelium of the proximal small intestine. The potentiation of sodium uptake by glucose establishes an osmotic gradient for fluid absorption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Gastric Emptying and Motility in Rats.

PubMed

Lu, Kun-Han; Cao, Jiayue; Oleson, Steven Thomas; Powley, Terry L; Liu, Zhongming

2017-11-01

The assessment of gastric emptying and motility in humans and animals typically requires radioactive imaging or invasive measurements. Here, we developed a robust strategy to image and characterize gastric emptying and motility in rats based on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer-assisted image processing. The animals were trained to naturally consume a gadolinium-labeled dietgel while bypassing any need for oral gavage. Following this test meal, the animals were scanned under low-dose anesthesia for high-resolution T1-weighted MRI in 7 Tesla, visualizing the time-varying distribution of the meal with greatly enhanced contrast against non-gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Such contrast-enhanced images not only depicted the gastric anatomy, but also captured and quantified stomach emptying, intestinal filling, antral contraction, and intestinal absorption with fully automated image processing. Over four postingestion hours, the stomach emptied by 27%, largely attributed to the emptying of the forestomach rather than the corpus and the antrum, and most notable during the first 30 min. Stomach emptying was accompanied by intestinal filling for the first 2 h, whereas afterward intestinal absorption was observable as cumulative contrast enhancement in the renal medulla. The antral contraction was captured as a peristaltic wave propagating from the proximal to distal antrum. The frequency, velocity, and amplitude of the antral contraction were on average 6.34 ± 0.07 contractions per minute, 0.67 ± 0.01 mm/s, and 30.58 ± 1.03%, respectively. These results demonstrate an optimized MRI-based strategy to assess gastric emptying and motility in healthy rats, paving the way for using this technique to understand GI diseases, or test new therapeutics in rat models.The assessment of gastric emptying and motility in humans and animals typically requires radioactive imaging or invasive measurements. Here, we developed a robust strategy to image and characterize gastric emptying and motility in rats based on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer-assisted image processing. The animals were trained to naturally consume a gadolinium-labeled dietgel while bypassing any need for oral gavage. Following this test meal, the animals were scanned under low-dose anesthesia for high-resolution T1-weighted MRI in 7 Tesla, visualizing the time-varying distribution of the meal with greatly enhanced contrast against non-gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Such contrast-enhanced images not only depicted the gastric anatomy, but also captured and quantified stomach emptying, intestinal filling, antral contraction, and intestinal absorption with fully automated image processing. Over four postingestion hours, the stomach emptied by 27%, largely attributed to the emptying of the forestomach rather than the corpus and the antrum, and most notable during the first 30 min. Stomach emptying was accompanied by intestinal filling for the first 2 h, whereas afterward intestinal absorption was observable as cumulative contrast enhancement in the renal medulla. The antral contraction was captured as a peristaltic wave propagating from the proximal to distal antrum. The frequency, velocity, and amplitude of the antral contraction were on average 6.34 ± 0.07 contractions per minute, 0.67 ± 0.01 mm/s, and 30.58 ± 1.03%, respectively. These results demonstrate an optimized MRI-based strategy to assess gastric emptying and motility in healthy rats, paving the way for using this technique to understand GI diseases, or test new therapeutics in rat models.

Delayed small intestinal transit in patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus: investigation of the relationships with clinical features, gastric emptying, psychological distress, and nutritional parameters.

PubMed

Faria, Mariza; Pavin, Elizabeth João; Parisi, Maria Cândida Ribeiro; Lorena, Sônia Letícia Silva; Brunetto, Sérgio Quirino; Ramos, Celso Dario; Pavan, Célia Regina; Mesquita, Maria Aparecida

2013-01-01

Studies on small intestinal transit in type 1 diabetes mellitus have reported contradictory results. This study assessed the orocecal transit time (OCTT) in a group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and its relationships with gastrointestinal symptoms, glycemic control, chronic complications of diabetes, anthropometric indices, gastric emptying, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and psychological distress. Twenty-eight patients with long-standing (>10 years) type 1 diabetes mellitus (22 women, six men; mean age, 39 ± 9 years) participated in the study. The lactulose hydrogen breath test was used to determine OCTT and the occurrence of SIBO. The presence of anxiety and depression was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Gastric emptying was measured by scintigraphy. Anthropometric indices included body mass index, percentage body fat, midarm circumference, and arm muscle area. There was a statistically significant increase in OCTT values in diabetes patients (79 ± 41 min) in comparison with controls (54 ± 17 min) (P=0.01). Individual analysis showed that OCTT was above the upper limit (mean+2 SD) in 30.8% of patients. All anthropometric parameters were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in patients with prolonged OCTT in comparison with those with normal OCTT. In contrast, there was no statistically significant association between prolonged OCTT and gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, glycated hemoglobin, delayed gastric emptying, SIBO, anxiety, or depression. Small bowel transit may be delayed in about one-third of patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus. This abnormality seems to have a negative effect on nutritional status in these patients.

Assessment of gastric motor function in childhood functional dyspepsia and obesity.

PubMed

Hoffman, I; Tack, J

2012-02-01

The aim was to compare gastric emptying rate and nutrient tolerance during a satiety drinking test in children with functional dyspepsia (FD) and obesity and to study the relationship between daily caloric intake and the satiety drinking test. A total of 28 dyspeptic children (22 girls, mean age 12.5 ± 3.1 years) and 15 obese children (five girls, 13.3 ± 1.8 years) were studied. The patients underwent an octanoic acid gastric emptying breath test and a satiety drinking test. Prior to both tests, a dyspepsia questionnaire was filled out to calculate the mean calorie intake. The most prevalent dyspeptic symptoms were early satiety (96.4%), postprandial fullness (89.2%), and epigastric pain (78.6%), followed by nausea (50%). All dyspeptic and obese children (n = 43) started the satiety drinking test and 41 children completed the test until a score of 5 was reached. The maximum ingested volume in FD was significantly lower than in obesity or in age-matched healthy controls (252 ± 85 vs 479 ± 199 and 359 ± 29 mL respectively, both P < 0.05). As a group, dyspeptic children had significantly slower gastric emptying than obese children (89.7 ± 54.8 min vs 72.5 ± 26.0 min, P = 0.05). Daily calorie intake was significantly higher in obese children than that in dyspeptic children (2325 ± 469 vs 1503 ± 272 cal, P < 0.0001). The endpoint of the satiety drinking test was significantly correlated with body weight or BMI (both R = 0.41, P = 0.04), but not with daily calorie intake, gastric emptying rate or age. The satiety drinking test is a potentially useful non-invasive tool in the investigation of children with FD and obesity. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Gastric sensorimotor functions and hormone profile in normal weight, overweight, and obese people.

PubMed

Vazquez Roque, Maria I; Camilleri, Michael; Stephens, Debra A; Jensen, Michael D; Burton, Duane D; Baxter, Kari L; Zinsmeister, Alan R

2006-12-01

Peptide YY (PYY) levels are reported to be decreased in obesity. The relation between gastric functions, satiation, and gut hormones in obesity is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to compare gastric volumes, emptying, maximum tolerated volumes, postchallenge symptoms, and selected gut hormones in normal, overweight, or obese healthy volunteers. In 73 nonbulimic normal, overweight, or obese participants weighing less than 137 kg, we measured gastric emptying of solids and liquids by scintigraphy (gastric emptying half-time [GE t(1/2)]); gastric volumes by single-photon emission computed tomography; maximum tolerated volumes and symptoms by satiation test; and plasma leptin, ghrelin, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and PYY levels. Groups were compared using 1-way analysis of covariance adjusted for sex. Univariate associations among measured responses were assessed using Spearman correlations. Multiple linear regression models, adjusting for weight and sex, assessed the independent ability of gastric functions and hormones to predict satiation volume. Obese and overweight subjects had significantly lower postprandial gastric volumes, higher fasting and postprandial insulin and leptin levels, and lower fasting ghrelin and lower postprandial reduction in ghrelin levels. PYY levels were not different in obese or overweight subjects compared with controls. The GE t(1/2) was correlated inversely with postprandial PYY; increased body weight was associated with faster GE t(1/2) of solids (r(s) = 0.33, P = .005) and liquids (r(s) = 0.24, P = .04). Postprandial changes in gastric volume and PYY were independent predictors of satiation (both P = .01). Overweight or obesity are associated with lower postprandial gastric volumes and normal PYY levels. Gastric emptying influences postprandial PYY levels. Postprandial PYY and gastric volume independently predict satiation volume in nonbulimic people across a wide body mass index range.

Impact of gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying on pediatric lung transplant outcomes.

PubMed

Jamie Dy, Fei; Freiberger, Dawn; Liu, Enju; Boyer, Debra; Visner, Gary; Rosen, Rachel

2017-08-01

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is thought to predispose to adverse lung allograft outcomes. However, little is known about the burden of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroparesis in pediatric patients. In this study we describe the burden of reflux and gastroparesis in children undergoing lung transplant, and evaluates their impact on allograft survival and rejection incidence. This study is a retrospective analysis of pediatric lung transplant recipients who had combined pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance testing (pH-MII) and gastric-emptying scans (GES). Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated from Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the associations between reflux parameters and adverse allograft outcomes. Covariates considered in the multivariate analysis included abnormal pH-MII testing, abnormal GES and Nissen fundoplication status. Kaplan-Meier curves were created, with log-rank testing employed to assess differences between groups. Thirty lung transplant recipients, aged 1 to 21 years, were identified. Eight of 30 patients (27%) had abnormal reflux by impedance, and 12 (40%) had abnormal pH-metry. Of 19 patients tested, 5 (26.3%) had evidence of gastric dysmotility; however, the severity of GER did not trend with delays in gastric emptying. Neither reflux burden by pH-MII testing nor fundoplication status impacted survival or rejection. However, delayed gastric emptying appeared significantly linked to the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, independent of GER. In children, reflux burden and fundoplication status do not impact lung transplant outcomes, but gastric dysmotility may be linked to allograft dysfunction in children. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of consuming small volumes of beer on gastric motility and the involvement of gene polymorphisms.

PubMed

Shibata, Tomoyuki; Yamashita, Hiromi; Kawamura, Tomohiko; Jodai, Yasutaka; Omori, Takafumi; Sumi, Kazuya; Ichikawa, Yuichiro; Okubo, Masaaki; Ishizuka, Takamitsu; Tahara, Tomomitsu; Nagasaka, Mitsuo; Nakagawa, Yoshihito; Hirata, Ichiro; Ohmiya, Naoki; Nakao, Makoto

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of consuming small amounts of beer or a nonalcoholic beer taste beverage (non-beer) on gastric emptying and the polymorphisms in alcohol metabolism-related enzyme-encoding genes. Twenty male healthy volunteers were questioned regarding their alcohol consumption status, and body measurement was performed. The genetic polymorphisms in ADH1B (rs1229984, Arg47His) and ALDH2 (rs671 Glu487Lys) were analyzed. The subjects consumed 150 mL of beer or non-beer once per week, followed by the ingestion of 200 kcal of the test nutrient containing 13 C-acetate 15 min later, after which the subjects' exhalations were collected up to 120 min. The concentration peak of 13 C was measured as Tmax. Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity for the marker of small intestinal function activity was also measured the day after the test. Gastric emptying was significantly slower in the group that consumed a small amount of beer, and in daily beer consumption group, and also in the ADH1B *2/*2, ALDH2 *1/*2 genotypes compared to non-beer drinking group. DAO values were not significantly changed between beer and non-beer group. The consumption of even a small amount of beer and the polymorphisms in ADH1B / ALDH2 affects gastric motility.

Overexpression of Snail in retinal pigment epithelial triggered epithelial–mesenchymal transition

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

Li, Hui; Li, Min; Xu, Ding

2014-03-28

Highlights: • First reported overexpression of Snail in RPE cells could directly trigger EMT. • Further confirmed the regulator role of Snail in RPE cells EMT in vitro. • Snail may be a potential therapeutic target to prevent the fibrosis of PVR. - Abstract: Snail transcription factor has been implicated as an important regulator in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) during tumourigenesis and fibrogenesis. Our previous work showed that Snail transcription factor was activated in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induced EMT in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and may contribute to the development of retinal fibrotic disease such as proliferative vitreoretinopathymore » (PVR). However, whether Snail alone has a direct role on retinal pigment epithelial–mesenchymal transition has not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the capacity of Snail to drive EMT in human RPE cells. A vector encoding Snail gene or an empty vector were transfected into human RPE cell lines ARPE-19 respectively. Snail overexpression in ARPE-19 cells resulted in EMT, which was characterized by the expected phenotypic transition from a typical epithelial morphology to mesenchymal spindle-shaped. The expression of epithelial markers E-cadherin and Zona occludin-1 (ZO-1) were down-regulated, whereas mesenchymal markers a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and fibronectin were up-regulated in Snail expression vector transfected cells. In addition, ectopic expression of Snail significantly enhanced ARPE-19 cell motility and migration. The present data suggest that overexpression of Snail in ARPE-19 cells could directly trigger EMT. These results may provide novel insight into understanding the regulator role of Snail in the development of retinal pigment epithelial–mesenchymal transition.« less

Direct and converse theorems in problems of approximation by vectors of finite degree

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

Radzievski, G V

1998-04-30

Let A be a linear operator in a complex Banach space X with domain D(A) and a non-empty resolvent set. An element g element of D{sub {infinity}}(A):= intersection{sub j=0,1,...}D(A{sup j}) is called a vector of degree at most {zeta}(>0) with respect to A if ||A{sup j}g||{sub X}{<=}c(g){zeta}{sup j}, j=0,1,.... The set of vectors of degree at most {zeta} is denoted by G{sub {zeta}}(A). The quantity E{sub {zeta}}(f,A){sub X}=inf{sub gelement} {sub of{sub G}{sub {zeta}}}{sub (A)}||f-g||{sub X} is introduced and estimated in terms of the K-functional K({zeta}{sup -r},f;X,D(A{sup r}))=inf{sub gelementof} {sub D(A{sup r})}(||f-g||{sub X}+{zeta}{sup -r}||A{sup r}f||{sub X}) (the direct theorem). An estimatemore » of this K-functional in terms of E{sub {zeta}}(f,A){sub X} and ||f||{sub x} is established (the converse theorem). Using the estimates obtained, necessary and sufficient conditions for the following properties are found in terms of E{sub {zeta}}(f,A){sub X}: 1) f element of D{sub {infinity}}(A); 2) the series e{sup zA}f:={sigma}{sub r=0}{sup {infinity}}(z{sup r}A{sup r}f)/(r{exclamation_point}) converges in some disc; 3) the series e{sup zA}f converges in the entire complex plane. The growth order and the type of the entire function e{sup zA}f are calculated in terms of E{sub {zeta}}(f,A){sub X}.« less

CD10-bearing fibroblast inhibits matrigel invasive potency of interleukin-1α-producing squamous cell carcinoma by diminishing substance P levels in the tumor microenvironment.

PubMed

Xie, Lining; Moroi, Yoichi; Tsuji, Gaku; Liu, Min; Hayashida, Sayaka; Takahara, Masakazu; Fukagawa, Shuji; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Shan, Baoen; Nakahara, Takeshi; Uchi, Hiroshi; Yokomizo, Takehiko; Furue, Masutaka

2010-12-01

CD10 is a neutral endopeptidase, which cleaves various peptide substrates including substance P. CD10 expression has been detected in peritumoral fibroblasts (Fb) within the invasive area of various cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the biological significance of CD10-bearing Fb remains largely unknown. We examined dynamic interactions of Fb with tumorigenic A431 SCC cells or non-tumorigenic HaCaT squamous cells. The SCC and HaCaT cells did not synthesize CD10, while Fb constitutively expressed CD10. When co-cultured, SCC markedly upregulated fibroblastic CD10 expression compared with HaCaT, which was mainly attributable to SCC-derived interleukin-1α (IL-1α). Both SCC and Fb autonomously secreted substance P, which eventually enhanced the invasive capacity of SCC in a matrigel invasion assay by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-2, but not MMP-9. Transfection of siRNA for CD10 successfully knocked down the CD10 expression in Fb (CD10ND-Fb). In the presence of CD10ND-Fb, substance P levels in supernatants as well as MMP production and the invasive potency of SCC were significantly augmented compared with control scramble RNA-transfected Fb. We also transfected CD10 vector to Fb and found that the matrigel invasive ability of SCC cells was downregulated co-cultured with CD10 vector-transfected Fb rather than empty vector-transfected Fb. In conclusion, the CD10-bearing Fb generated by SCC-derived IL-1 inhibited the invasive capacity of SCC by diminishing the microenvironmental concentration of substance P. © 2010 Japanese Cancer Association.

Long-term reversal of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice by liver-directed gene therapy.

PubMed

Ren, Binhai; O'Brien, Bronwyn A; Byrne, Michelle R; Ch'ng, Edwin; Gatt, Prudence N; Swan, M Anne; Nassif, Najah T; Wei, Ming Q; Gijsbers, Rik; Debyser, Zeger; Simpson, Ann M

2013-01-01

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from an autoimmune attack against the insulin-producing β-cells of the pancreas. The present study aimed to reverse T1D by gene therapy. We used a novel surgical technique, which involves isolating the liver from the circulation before the delivery of a lentiviral vector carrying furin-cleavable human insulin (INS-FUR) or empty vector to the livers of diabetic non-obese diabetic mice (NOD). This was compared with the direct injection of the vector into the portal circulation. Mice were monitored for body weight and blood glucose. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed. Expression of insulin and pancreatic transcription factors was determined by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy was used to localise insulin. Using the novel surgical technique, we achieved long-term transduction (42% efficiency) of hepatocytes, restored normoglycaemia for 150 days (experimental endpoint) and re-established normal glucose tolerance. We showed the expression of β-cell transcription factors, murine insulin, glucagon and somatostatin, and hepatic storage of insulin in granules. The expression of hepatic markers, C/EBP-β, G6PC, AAT and GLUI was down-regulated in INS-FUR-treated livers. Liver function tests remained normal, with no evidence of intrahepatic inflammation or autoimmune destruction of the insulin-secreting liver tissue. By comparison, direct injection of INS-FUR reduced blood glucose levels, and no pancreatic transdifferentiation or normal glucose tolerance was observed. This gene therapy protocol has, for the first time, permanently reversed T1D with normal glucose tolerance in NOD mice and, as such, represents a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T1D. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Isolation of the endosperm-specific LPAAT gene promoter from coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and its functional analysis in transgenic rice plants.

PubMed

Xu, Li; Ye, Rongjian; Zheng, Yusheng; Wang, Zhekui; Zhou, Peng; Lin, Yongjun; Li, Dongdong

2010-09-01

As one of the key tropical crops, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a member of the monocotyledonous family Aracaceae (Palmaceae). In this study, we amplified the upstream region of an endosperm-specific expression gene, Lysophosphatidyl acyltransferase (LPAAT), from the coconut genomic DNA by chromosome walking. In this sequence, we found several types of promoter-related elements including TATA-box, CAAT-box and Skn1-motif. In order to further examine its function, three different 5'-deletion fragments were inserted into pBI101.3, a plant expression vector harboring the LPAAT upstream sequence, leading to pBI101.3-L1, pBI101.3-L2 and pBI101.3-L3, respectively. We obtained transgenic plants of rice by Agrobacterium-mediated callus transformation and plant regeneration and detected the expression of gus gene by histochemical staining and fluorometric determination. We found that gus gene driven by the three deletion fragments was specifically expressed in the endosperm of rice seeds, but not in the empty vector of pBI101.3 and other tissues. The highest expression level of GUS was at 15 DAF in pBI101.3-L3 and pBI101.3-L2 transgenic lines, while the same level was detected at 10 DAF in pBI101.3-L1. The expression driven by the whole fragment was up to 1.76- and 2.8-fold higher than those driven by the -817 bp and -453 bp upstream fragments, and 10.7-fold higher than that driven by the vector without the promoter. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that these promoter fragments from coconut have a significant potential in genetically improving endosperm in main crops.

Sellar reconstruction without intrasellar packing after endoscopic surgery of pituitary macroadenomas is better than its reputation.

PubMed

Ismail, Mostafa; Fares, Abd Alla; Abdelhak, Balegh; D'Haens, Jean; Michel, Olaf

2016-01-01

Sellar reconstruction with intrasellar packing following endoscopic resection of pituitary macroadenomas remains a subject of clinical and radiological discussion particularly, when an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is absent. This study was conducted to contribute our experience with sellar reconstruction after a standard endoscopic surgery of pituitary macroadenomas without intraoperative CSF leakage to the ongoing discussion between techniques with and without intrasellar packing. A consecutive series of 47 pituitary macroadenomas undergoing excision via a standard endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) without evident intraoperative CSF leakage were retrospectively evaluated over a 10-months mean follow-up period. According to the sellar reconstruction technique, three groups could be identified: Group A - with no intrasellar packing, Group B - with haemostatic materials packing, and Group C - with abdominal fat packing. Postoperative clinical and radiological assessments of the three groups were documented and analyzed for differences in outcome. Postoperative clinical assessment did not differ significantly between the three groups. In group A, postoperative CSF leakage, sphenoid sinusitis and empty sella syndrome were not observed. However, a significant difference in radiological assessment could be identified; the interpretation of sellar contents in postoperative MRI of group A succeeded earlier and more reliably than in other groups with intrasellar packing. There is no difference in the incidence of postoperative CSF leakage and empty sella syndrome among the various reconstructive techniques with and without intrasellar packing, irrespective of size and extension of the pituitary adenoma. Sellar reconstruction without intrasellar packing following a standard EETS is not inferior to other techniques with packing and even shows more radiological advantages, which made it our preferred technique, at least if no intraoperative CSF leakage is evident.

Ex Vivo Adenoviral Vector Gene Delivery Results in Decreased Vector-associated Inflammation Pre- and Post–lung Transplantation in the Pig

PubMed Central

Yeung, Jonathan C; Wagnetz, Dirk; Cypel, Marcelo; Rubacha, Matthew; Koike, Terumoto; Chun, Yi-Min; Hu, Jim; Waddell, Thomas K; Hwang, David M; Liu, Mingyao; Keshavjee, Shaf

2012-01-01

Acellular normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel method of donor lung preservation for transplantation. As cellular metabolism is preserved during perfusion, it represents a potential platform for effective gene transduction in donor lungs. We hypothesized that vector-associated inflammation would be reduced during ex vivo delivery due to isolation from the host immune system response. We compared ex vivo with in vivo intratracheal delivery of an E1-, E3-deleted adenoviral vector encoding either green fluorescent protein (GFP) or interleukin-10 (IL-10) to porcine lungs. Twelve hours after delivery, the lung was transplanted and the post-transplant function assessed. We identified significant transgene expression by 12 hours in both in vivo and ex vivo delivered groups. Lung function remained excellent in all ex vivo groups after viral vector delivery; however, as expected, lung function decreased in the in vivo delivered adenovirus vector encoding GFP (AdGFP) group with corresponding increases in IL-1β levels. Transplanted lung function was excellent in the ex vivo transduced lungs and inferior lung function was seen in the in vivo group after transplantation. In summary, ex vivo delivery of adenoviral gene therapy to the donor lung is superior to in vivo delivery in that it leads to less vector-associated inflammation and provides superior post-transplant lung function. PMID:22453765

The addition of locust bean gum but not water delayed the gastric emptying rate of a nutrient semisolid meal in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Darwiche, Gassan; Björgell, Ola; Almér, Lars-olof

2003-01-01

Background Most of the previous studies regarding the effects of gel-forming fibres have considered the gastric emptying of liquid or solid meals after the addition of pectin or guar gum. The influence of locust bean gum, on gastric emptying of nutrient semisolid meals in humans has been less well studied, despite its common occurrence in foods. Using a standardised ultrasound method, this study was aimed at investigating if the gastric emptying in healthy subjects could be influenced by adding locust been gum, a widely used thickening agent, or water directly into a nutrient semisolid test meal. Methods The viscosity of a basic test meal (300 g rice pudding, 330 kcal) was increased by adding Nestargel (6 g, 2.4 kcal), containing viscous dietary fibres (96.5%) provided as seed flour of locust bean gum, and decreased by adding 100 ml of water. Gastric emptying of these three test meals were evaluated in fifteen healthy non-smoking volunteers, using ultrasound measurements of the gastric antral area to estimate the gastric emptying rate (GER). Results The median value of GER with the basic test meal (rice pudding) was estimated at 63 %, (range 47 to 84 %), (the first quartile = 61 %, the third quartile = 69 %). Increasing the viscosity of the rice pudding by adding Nestargel, resulted in significantly lower gastric emptying rates (p < 0.01), median GER 54 %, (range 7 to 71 %), (the first quartile = 48 %, the third quartile = 60 %). When the viscosity of the rice pudding was decreased (basic test meal added with water), the difference in median GER 65 %, (range 38 to 79 %), (the first quartile = 56 %, the third quartile = 71 %) was not significantly different (p = 0.28) compared to the GER of the basic test meal. Conclusions We conclude that the addition of locust bean gum to a nutrient semisolid meal has a major impact on gastric emptying by delaying the emptying rate, but that the addition of water to this test meal has no influence on gastric emptying in healthy subjects. PMID:12793910

The addition of locust bean gum but not water delayed the gastric emptying rate of a nutrient semisolid meal in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Darwiche, Gassan; Björgell, Ola; Almér, Lars-Olof

2003-06-06

Most of the previous studies regarding the effects of gel-forming fibres have considered the gastric emptying of liquid or solid meals after the addition of pectin or guar gum. The influence of locust bean gum, on gastric emptying of nutrient semisolid meals in humans has been less well studied, despite its common occurrence in foods. Using a standardised ultrasound method, this study was aimed at investigating if the gastric emptying in healthy subjects could be influenced by adding locust been gum, a widely used thickening agent, or water directly into a nutrient semisolid test meal. The viscosity of a basic test meal (300 g rice pudding, 330 kcal) was increased by adding Nestargel (6 g, 2.4 kcal), containing viscous dietary fibres (96.5%) provided as seed flour of locust bean gum, and decreased by adding 100 ml of water. Gastric emptying of these three test meals were evaluated in fifteen healthy non-smoking volunteers, using ultrasound measurements of the gastric antral area to estimate the gastric emptying rate (GER). The median value of GER with the basic test meal (rice pudding) was estimated at 63%, (range 47 to 84%), (the first quartile = 61%, the third quartile = 69%). Increasing the viscosity of the rice pudding by adding Nestargel, resulted in significantly lower gastric emptying rates (p < 0.01), median GER 54%, (range 7 to 71%), (the first quartile = 48%, the third quartile = 60%). When the viscosity of the rice pudding was decreased (basic test meal added with water), the difference in median GER 65%, (range 38 to 79%), (the first quartile = 56%, the third quartile = 71%) was not significantly different (p = 0.28) compared to the GER of the basic test meal. We conclude that the addition of locust bean gum to a nutrient semisolid meal has a major impact on gastric emptying by delaying the emptying rate, but that the addition of water to this test meal has no influence on gastric emptying in healthy subjects.

Relationship of body weight with gastrointestinal motor and sensory function: studies in anorexia nervosa and obesity.

PubMed

Bluemel, Sena; Menne, Dieter; Milos, Gabriella; Goetze, Oliver; Fried, Michael; Schwizer, Werner; Fox, Mark; Steingoetter, Andreas

2017-01-05

Whether gastrointestinal motor and sensory function is primary cause or secondary effect of abnormal body weight is uncertain. Moreover, studies relating continuous postprandial sensations of satiation to measurable pathology are scarce. This work assessed postprandial gastrointestinal function and concurrent sensations of satiation across a wide range of body weight and after weight change. Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity (OB) were investigated in reference to normal weight controls (HC). AN were additionally investigated longitudinally. Gastric emptying, antral contractions and oro-cecal transit after ingestion of a solid meal were investigated by MRI and 13 C-lactose-ureide breath test. The dependency of self-reported sensations of satiation on the varying degree of stomach filling during gastric emptying was compared between groups. 24 AN (BMI 14.4 (11.9-16.0) kg/m 2 ), 16 OB (34.9 (29.6-41.5) kg/m 2 ) and 20 HC (21.9 (18.9-24.9) kg/m 2 ) were studied. Gastric half-emptying time (t 50 ) was slower in AN than HC (p = 0.016) and OB (p = 0.007), and a negative association between t 50 and BMI was observed between BMI 12 and 25 kg/m 2 (p = 0.007). Antral contractions and oro-cecal transit were not different. For any given gastric content volume, self-reported postprandial fullness was greater in AN than in HC or OB (p < 0.001). After weight rehabilitation, t 50 in AN tended to become shorter (p = 0.09) and postprandial fullness was less marked (p < 0.01). A relationship between body weight and gastric emptying as well as self-reported feelings of satiation is present. AN have slower gastric emptying and heightened visceral perception compared to HC and OB. Longitudinal follow-up after weight rehabilitation in AN suggests these abnormalities are not a primary feature, but secondary to other factors that determine abnormal body weight. Registered July 20, 2009 at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT00946816 ).

Biocompatibility and biomineralization assessment of bioceramic-, epoxy-, and calcium hydroxide-based sealers.

PubMed

Bueno, Carlos Roberto Emerenciano; Valentim, Diego; Marques, Vanessa Abreu Sanches; Gomes-Filho, João Eduardo; Cintra, Luciano Tavares Angelo; Jacinto, Rogério Castilho; Dezan-Junior, Eloi

2016-06-14

Obturation of the root canal system aims to fill empty spaces, promoting hermetic sealing and preventing bacterial activity in periapical tissues. This should provide optimal conditions for repair, stimulating the process of biomineralization. An endodontic sealer should be biocompatible once it is in direct contact with periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rat subcutaneous tissue response to implanted polyethylene tubes filled with Smartpaste Bio, Acroseal, and Sealapex and investigate mineralization ability of these endodontic sealers. Forty Wistar rats were assigned to the three sealers groups and control group, (n = 10 animals/group) and received subcutaneous implants containing the test sealers, and the control group were implanted with empty tubes. After days 7, 15, 30, and 60, animals were euthanized and polyethylene tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. Inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the fibrous capsule were histologically evaluated. Mineralization was analyzed by Von Kossa staining and polarized light. Data were tabulated and analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. All tested materials induced a moderate inflammatory reaction in the initial periods. Smartpaste Bio induced the mildest inflammatory reactions after day 15. No difference was observed among groups after days 30 or 60. Von Kossa-positive staining and birefringent structures observed under polarized light revealed a larger mineralization area in Sealapex-treated animals followed by Smartpaste Bio-treated animals. At the end of the experiment, all tested sealers were found to be biocompatible. All sealers induced biomineralization, except Acroseal, which induced a mild tissue reaction.

Function of duck RIG-I in induction of antiviral response against IBDV and avian influenza virus on chicken cells.

PubMed

Shao, Qiang; Xu, Wenpin; Yan, Li; Liu, Jinhua; Rui, Lei; Xiao, Xiao; Yu, Xiaoxue; Lu, Yanan; Li, Zandong

2014-10-13

The avian influenza (AI) H9N2 virus and IBDV are two major problems in the poultry industry. They have been prevalent among domestic poultry in Asia for many years and have caused considerable economic losses. Retinoic-acid-induced gene I (RIG-I) is a cytoplasmic sensor of dsRNA and ssRNA. It can detect Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in human cells, influenza virus in duck leads to production of IFN-β and IFN-stimulated antiviral genes and reductions in the replication of RNA virus. Chickens, which lack RIG-I, are more sensitive to influenza virus than ducks. However, little is known about the roles of duck RIG-I (dRIG-I) in the detection of IBDV and AI H9N2 in chicken cells DF-1. The purpose of this study was to examine the function of dRIG-I in the recognition of IBDV Ts strain and H9N2 A/Chicken/Shandong/ZB/2007(ZB07) and in the induction of antiviral gene expression to gain an understanding of antiviral ability of dRIG-I in chicken cells against dsRNA virus IBDV and ssRNA virus ZB07. After challenge with the IBDV Ts strain and ZB07 the expression levels of Type I IFN (IFN-β and IFN-α) and IFN-induced antiviral genes (Mx and PKR) were significantly up-regulated in dRIG-I-transfected DF-1cells compared with the empty-vector-transfected control. dRIG-I knockdown experiments further proved that dRIG-I is essential to sensing IBDV and ZB07 in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF). Growth curves showed that dRIG-I repressed the replication of IBDV and almost blunted the growth of ZB07 in DF-1. Apoptosis analysis revealed that dRIG-I increase the number of the survival cells after IBDV Ts strain or ZB07 infection relative to the empty-vector-transfected control. These results indicate that dRIG-I can up-regulates type I IFN and reduce viral gene expression and viral replication and protect chicken cells from virus-induced apoptosis during ZB07 and IBDV infection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis are activated in gastric SMCs in diabetic rats

PubMed Central

Chen, Xia; Fu, Xiang-Sheng; Li, Chang-Ping; Zhao, Hong-Xian

2014-01-01

AIM: To investigate the gastric muscle injury caused by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in rats with diabetic gastroparesis. METHODS: Forty rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a diabetic group. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Gastric emptying was determined at the 4th and 12th week. The ultrastructural changes in gastric smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to assess apoptosis of SMCs. Expression of the ER stress marker, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and the ER-specific apoptosis mediator, caspase-12 protein, was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Gastric emptying was significantly lower in the diabetic rats than in the control rats at the 12th wk (40.71% ± 2.50%, control rats vs 54.65% ± 5.22%, diabetic rats; P < 0.05). Swollen and distended ER with an irregular shape was observed in gastric SMCs in diabetic rats. Apoptosis of gastric SMCs increased in the diabetic rats in addition to increased expression of GRP78 and caspase-12 proteins. CONCLUSION: ER stress and ER stress-mediated apoptosis are activated in gastric SMCs in diabetic rats with gastroparesis. PMID:25009401

Determination of solid- and liquid-phase gastric emptying half times in cats by use of nuclear scintigraphy.

PubMed

Costello, M; Papasouliotis, K; Barr, F J; Gruffydd-Jones, T J; Caney, S M

1999-10-01

To use nuclear scintigraphy to establish a range of gastric emptying half times (t1/2) following a liquid or solid meal in nonsedated cats. 12 clinically normal 3-year-old domestic shorthair cats. A test meal of 75 g of scrambled eggs labeled with technetium Tc 99m tin colloid was fed to 10 of the cats, and solid-phase gastric emptying t1/2 were determined by use of nuclear scintigraphy. In a separate experiment, 8 of these cats plus an additional 2 cats were fed 18 ml (n = 5) or 36 ml (n = 5) of a nutrient liquid meal labeled with technetium Tc 99m pentetate. Liquid-phase gastric emptying t1/2 then were determined by use of scintigraphy. Solid-phase gastric emptying t1/2 were between 210 and 769 minutes (median, 330 minutes). Median liquid-phase gastric emptying t1/2 after ingestion of 18 or 36 ml of the test meal were 67 minutes (range, 60 to 96 minutes) and 117 minutes (range, 101 to 170 minutes), respectively. The median t1/2 determined for cats receiving 18 ml of the radiolabeled liquid was significantly less than that determined for cats receiving 36 ml of the test meal. The protocol was tolerated by nonsedated cats. Solid-phase gastric emptying t1/2 were prolonged, compared with liquid-phase t1/2, and a major factor governing the emptying rate of liquids was the volume consumed. Nuclear scintigraphy may prove useful in assessing gastric motility disorders in cats.

Correlation Between Gastric Emptying and Gastric Adaptive Relaxation Influenced by Amino Acids

PubMed Central

Uchida, Masayuki; Kobayashi, Orie; Saito, Chizuru

2017-01-01

Background/Aims Amino acids have many physiological activities. We report the correlation between gastric emptying and gastric adaptive relaxation using tryptophan and amino acids with a straight alkyl chain, hydroxylated chain, and branched chain. Here we sought to further clarify the correlation between gastric emptying and gastric adaptive relaxation by using other amino acids. Methods In Sprague-Dawley rats, gastric emptying was evaluated by a breath test using [1-13C] acetic acid. The expired 13CO2 pattern, Tmax, Cmax, and AUC120min values were used as evaluation items. Gastric adaptive relaxation was evaluated in a barostat experiment. Individual amino acids (1 g/kg) were administered orally 30 minutes before each breath test or barostat test. Results L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine did not influence gastric emptying. All other amino acids, ie, L-proline, L-histidine, L-cysteine, L-methionine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-asparagine, L-arginine, L-glutamine, and L-lysine significantly delayed and inhibited gastric emptying. L-Cysteine and L-aspartic acid significantly enhanced and L-methionine and L-glutamine significantly inhibited gastric adaptive relaxation. L-Phenylalanine moved the balloon toward the antrum, suggesting strong contraction of the fundus. Tmax showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.709), and Cmax and AUC120min each showed negative correlations (r = 0.613 and 0.667, respectively) with gastric adaptive relaxation. Conclusion From the above findings, it was found that a close correlation exists between gastric emptying and adaptive relaxation, suggesting that enhanced gastric adaptive relaxation inhibits gastric emptying. PMID:28335103

14 CFR 135.185 - Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Empty weight and center of gravity... ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Aircraft and Equipment § 135.185 Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency... gravity are calculated from values established by actual weighing of the aircraft within the preceding 36...

14 CFR 135.185 - Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Empty weight and center of gravity... ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Aircraft and Equipment § 135.185 Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency... gravity are calculated from values established by actual weighing of the aircraft within the preceding 36...

14 CFR 135.185 - Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Empty weight and center of gravity... ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Aircraft and Equipment § 135.185 Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency... gravity are calculated from values established by actual weighing of the aircraft within the preceding 36...

14 CFR 135.185 - Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Empty weight and center of gravity... ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Aircraft and Equipment § 135.185 Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency... gravity are calculated from values established by actual weighing of the aircraft within the preceding 36...

14 CFR 135.185 - Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Empty weight and center of gravity... ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT Aircraft and Equipment § 135.185 Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency... gravity are calculated from values established by actual weighing of the aircraft within the preceding 36...

Why the self is empty. Toward a historically situated psychology.

PubMed

Cushman, P

1990-05-01

This article presents a contextualized treatment of the current configuration of self, some of the pathologies that plague it, and the technologies that attempt to heal it. Of particular interest is the historical shift from the Victorian, sexually restricted self to the post-World War II empty self. The empty self is soothed and made cohesive by becoming "filled up" with food, consumer products, and celebrities. Its historical antecedents, economic constituents, and political consequences are the focus of this article. The two professions most responsible for healing the empty self, advertising and psychotherapy, find themselves in a bind: They must treat a psychological symptom without being able to address its historical causes. Both circumvent the bind by employing the life-style solution, a strategy that attempts to heal by covertly filling the empty self with the accoutrements, values, and mannerisms of idealized figures. This strategy solves an old problem but creates new ones, including an opportunity for abuse by exploitive therapists, cult leaders, and politicians. Psychology's role in constructing the empty self, and thus reproducing the current hierarchy of power and privilege, is examined.

International lower urinary tract function basic spinal cord injury data set.

PubMed

Biering-Sørensen, F; Craggs, M; Kennelly, M; Schick, E; Wyndaele, J-J

2008-05-01

To create the International Lower Urinary Tract Function Basic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Data Set within the framework of the International SCI Data Sets. International working group. The draft of the Data Set was developed by a working group consisting of the members appointed by the International Continence Society, the European Association of Urology, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) and a representative of the Executive Committee of the International SCI Standards and Data Sets. The final version of the Data Set was developed after review and comments by the members of the Executive Committee of the International SCI Standards and Data Sets, the ISCoS Scientific Committee, ASIA Board, relevant and interested (international) organizations and societies (around 40) and persons, and the ISCoS Council. Endorsement of the Data Set by relevant organizations and societies will be obtained. To make the Data Set uniform, each variable and each response category within each variable have been specifically defined in a way that is designed to promote the collection and reporting of comparable minimal data. Variables included in the International Lower Urinary Tract Function Basic SCI Data Set are as follows: date of data collection, urinary tract impairment unrelated to spinal cord lesion, awareness of the need to empty the bladder, bladder emptying, average number of voluntary bladder emptyings per day during the last week, incontinence within the last 3 months, collecting appliances for urinary incontinence, any drugs for the urinary tract within the last year, surgical procedures on the urinary tract and any change in urinary symptoms within the last year. Complete instruction for data collection, data sheet and training cases available at the website of ISCoS (www.iscos.org.uk) and ASIA (www.asia-spinalinjury.org).

Mechanisms Regulating Insulin Response to Intragastric Glucose in Lean and Non-Diabetic Obese Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Trial

PubMed Central

Meyer-Gerspach, Anne Christin; Cajacob, Lucian; Riva, Daniele; Herzog, Raphael; Drewe, Juergen; Beglinger, Christoph; Wölnerhanssen, Bettina K.

2016-01-01

Background/Objectives The changes in blood glucose concentrations that result from an oral glucose challenge are dependent on the rate of gastric emptying, the rate of glucose absorption and the rate of insulin-driven metabolism that include the incretins, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The rate of insulin-driven metabolism is clearly altered in obese subjects, but it is controversial which of these factors is predominant. We aimed to quantify gastric emptying, plasma insulin, C-peptide, glucagon and glucose responses, as well as incretin hormone secretions in obese subjects and healthy controls during increasing glucose loads. Subjects/Methods The study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial in a hospital research unit. A total of 12 normal weight (6 men and 6 women) and 12 non-diabetic obese (BMI > 30, 6 men and 6 women) participants took part in the study. Subjects received intragastric loads of 10 g, 25 g and 75 g glucose dissolved in 300 ml tap water. Results Main outcome measures were plasma GLP-1 and GIP, plasma glucagon, glucose, insulin, C-peptide and gastric emptying. The primary findings are: i) insulin resistance (P < 0.001) and hyperinsulinemia (P < 0.001); ii) decreased insulin disposal (P < 0.001); iii) trend for reduced GLP-1 responses at 75 g glucose; and iv) increased fasting glucagon levels (P < 0.001) in obese subjects. Conclusions It seems that, rather than changes in incretin secretion, fasting hyperglucagonemia and consequent hyperglycemia play a role in reduced disposal of insulin, contributing to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01875575 PMID:26942445

Regeneration of the periodontium using enamel matrix derivative in combination with an injectable bone cement.

PubMed

Oortgiesen, Daniël A W; Meijer, Gert J; Bronckers, Antonius L J J; Walboomers, X Frank; Jansen, John A

2013-03-01

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has proven to enhance periodontal regeneration; however, its effect is mainly restricted to the soft periodontal tissues. Therefore, to stimulate not only the soft tissues, but also the hard tissues, in this study EMD is combined with an injectable calcium phosphate cement (CaP; bone graft material). The aim was to evaluate histologically the healing of a macroporous CaP in combination with EMD. Intrabony, three-wall periodontal defects (2 × 2 × 1.7 mm) were created mesial of the first upper molar in 15 rats (30 defects). Defects were randomly treated according to one of the three following strategies: EMD, calcium phosphate cement and EMD, or left empty. The animals were killed after 12 weeks, and retrieved samples were processed for histology and histomorphometry. Empty defects showed a reparative type of healing without periodontal ligament or bone regeneration. As measured with on a histological grading scale for periodontal regeneration, the experimental groups (EMD and CaP/EMD) scored equally, both threefold higher compared with empty defects. However, most bone formation was measured in the CaP/EMD group; addition of CAP to EMD significantly enhanced bone formation with 50 % compared with EMD alone. Within the limits of this animal study, the adjunctive use of EMD in combination with an injectable cement, although it did not affect epithelial downgrowth, appeared to be a promising treatment modality for regeneration of bone and ligament tissues in the periodontium. The adjunctive use of EMD in combination with an injectable cement appears to be a promising treatment modality for regeneration of the bone and ligament tissues in the periodontium.

Solid Test Meal to Measure the Gastric Emptying with Magnetogastrography

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

Reynaga-Ornelas, M. G.; Roca-Chiapas, J. M. de ls; Cordova-Fraga, T.

2008-08-11

The gastric emptying is the time of evacuating the food ingested from the stomach to the duodenum in a controlled rate. Diverse studies express the results of the gastric emptying in form of half-time (t{sub 1/2}). The Magnetogastrography (MGG) is a biomagnetic technique that has the advantage of not being invasive, radiation free and does not interfere with the privacy of the subject. The objective was to analyze the magnetic signal of magnetic tracers mixed in a solid food to measure gastric emptying using Magnetogastrography. The ingested test meal displayed a magnetic signal, which served to obtain the signal registeredmore » by the fluxgate and the peristaltic contractions could be calculated while the stomach was emptying. The solid food product developed results to work satisfactorily in magnetogastrography.« less

An Examination of Year-Round Education: Pros and Cons That Challenge Schooling in America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howell, Vicki T.

The idea of converting to year-round education (YRE) comes from different sources, such as communities concerned about idle youth and taxpayer groups upset about empty buildings during the summer. The most prevalent reasons are overcrowded schools and unavailable construction funds, due to failed school bond proposals or refusal to raise taxes.…

Full Fields, Empty Cupboards: The Nutritional Status of Migrant Farmworkers in America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shotland, Jeffrey

This study is the result of a 1987-88 nutrition survey of Florida farmworkers, and it develops a composite picture of this group's overall health. The survey included a nutritional profile questionnaire identifying factors limiting migrants' access to an adequate diet and a survey examining their nutrient-specific dietary adequacy. The data show…

Does postprandial itopride intake affect the rate of gastric emptying? A crossover study using the continuous real time 13C breath test (BreathID system).

PubMed

Nonaka, Takashi; Kessoku, Takaomi; Ogawa, Yuji; Yanagisawa, Shogo; Shiba, Tadahiko; Sahaguchi, Takashi; Atsukawa, Kazuhiro; Takahashi, Hisao; Sekino, Yusuke; Iida, Hiroshi; Hosono, Kunihiro; Endo, Hiroki; Sakamoto, Yasunari; Koide, Tomoko; Takahashi, Hirokazu; Tokoro, Chikako; Abe, Yasunobu; Maeda, Shin; Nakajima, Atsushi; Inamori, Masahiko

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether oral Itopride hydrochloride (itopride) intake might have any effect on the rate of gastric emptying, using a novel non-invasive technique for measuring the rate of gastric emptying, namely, the continuous real time 13C breath test (BreathID system: Exalenz Bioscience Ltd., Israel). Eight healthy male volunteers participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. The subjects fasted overnight and were randomly assigned to receive 50mg itopride following a test meal (200 kcal per 200mL, containing 100mg 13C acetate), or the test meal alone. Under both conditions, gastric emptying was monitored for 4 hours after administration of the test meal by the 13C-acetic acid breath test performed continually using the BreathID system. Using Oridion Research Software (beta version), the time required for emptying of 50% of the labeled meal (T 1/2), the analog to the scintigraphy lag time for 10% emptying of the labeled meal (T lag), the gastric emptying coefficient (GEC), and the regression-estimated constants (beta and kappa) were calculated. The parameters measured under the two conditions were compared using the Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. No significant differences in the calculated parameters, namely, the T 1/2, T lag, GEC, beta or kappa, were observed between the two test conditions, namely, administration of a test meal+itopride and administration of the test meal alone. The present study revealed that postprandial itopride intake had no significant influence on the rate of gastric emptying. Recently, several studies have shown that itopride may be effective in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia. Our results suggest that the efficacy of itopride in patients with functional dyspepsia may be based on its effect of improving functions other than the rate of gastric emptying, such as the activities at neuronal sites, brain-gut correlation, visceral hypersensitivity, gastric accommodation and distension-induced adaptation.

A double-blind comparison of clebopride and placebo in dyspepsia secondary to delayed gastric emptying.

PubMed

Bavestrello, L; Caimi, L; Barbera, A

1985-01-01

Seventy-six patients suffering from dyspeptic symptoms secondary to roentgenologically demonstrated delayed gastric emptying were treated with clebopride (0.5 mg TID) or with placebo during a three-month double-blind trial. Clebopride was more effective (P less than or equal to 0.001) than placebo in reducing or relieving symptoms and roentgenological findings associated with delayed gastric emptying. No interactions of clebopride with concomitant drugs or coexisting disorders were observed, and the incidence of side effects was low. We conclude that clebopride will be beneficial in the management of patients with delayed gastric emptying.

Effects of Azospirillum brasilense with genetically modified auxin biosynthesis gene ipdC upon the diversity of the indigenous microbiota of the wheat rhizosphere.

PubMed

Baudoin, Ezékiel; Lerner, Anat; Mirza, M Sajjad; El Zemrany, Hamdy; Prigent-Combaret, Claire; Jurkevich, Edouard; Spaepen, Stijn; Vanderleyden, Jos; Nazaret, Sylvie; Okon, Yaacov; Moënne-Loccoz, Yvan

2010-04-01

The phytostimulatory properties of Azospirillum inoculants, which entail production of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), can be enhanced by genetic means. However, it is not known whether this could affect their interactions with indigenous soil microbes. Here, wheat seeds were inoculated with the wild-type strain Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 or one of three genetically modified (GM) derivatives and grown for one month. The GM derivatives contained a plasmid vector harboring the indole-3-pyruvate/phenylpyruvate decarboxylase gene ipdC (IAA production) controlled either by the constitutive promoter PnptII or the root exudate-responsive promoter PsbpA, or by an empty vector (GM control). All inoculants displayed equal rhizosphere population densities. Only inoculation with either ipdC construct increased shoot biomass compared with the non-inoculated control. At one month after inoculation, automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) revealed that the effect of the PsbpA construct on bacterial community structure differed from that of the GM control, which was confirmed by 16S rDNA-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The fungal community was sensitive to inoculation with the PsbpA construct and especially the GM control, based on ARISA data. Overall, fungal and bacterial communities displayed distinct responses to inoculation of GM A. brasilense phytostimulators, whose effects could differ from those of the wild-type.

Telomerase gene therapy rescues telomere length, bone marrow aplasia, and survival in mice with aplastic anemia.

PubMed

Bär, Christian; Povedano, Juan Manuel; Serrano, Rosa; Benitez-Buelga, Carlos; Popkes, Miriam; Formentini, Ivan; Bobadilla, Maria; Bosch, Fatima; Blasco, Maria A

2016-04-07

Aplastic anemia is a fatal bone marrow disorder characterized by peripheral pancytopenia and marrow hypoplasia. The disease can be hereditary or acquired and develops at any stage of life. A subgroup of the inherited form is caused by replicative impairment of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells due to very short telomeres as a result of mutations in telomerase and other telomere components. Abnormal telomere shortening is also described in cases of acquired aplastic anemia, most likely secondary to increased turnover of bone marrow stem and progenitor cells. Here, we test the therapeutic efficacy of telomerase activation by using adeno-associated virus (AAV)9 gene therapy vectors carrying the telomerase Tert gene in 2 independent mouse models of aplastic anemia due to short telomeres (Trf1- and Tert-deficient mice). We find that a high dose of AAV9-Tert targets the bone marrow compartment, including hematopoietic stem cells. AAV9-Tert treatment after telomere attrition in bone marrow cells rescues aplastic anemia and mouse survival compared with mice treated with the empty vector. Improved survival is associated with a significant increase in telomere length in peripheral blood and bone marrow cells, as well as improved blood counts. These findings indicate that telomerase gene therapy represents a novel therapeutic strategy to treat aplastic anemia provoked or associated with short telomeres. © 2016 by The American Society of Hematology.

A novel RET rearrangement (ACBD5/RET) by pericentric inversion, inv(10)(p12.1;q11.2), in papillary thyroid cancer from an atomic bomb survivor exposed to high-dose radiation.

PubMed

Hamatani, Kiyohiro; Eguchi, Hidetaka; Koyama, Kazuaki; Mukai, Mayumi; Nakachi, Kei; Kusunoki, Yoichiro

2014-11-01

During analysis of RET/PTC rearrangements in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) among atomic bomb survivors, a cDNA fragment of a novel type of RET rearrangement was identified in a PTC patient exposed to a high radiation dose using the improved 5' RACE method. This gene resulted from the fusion of the 3' portion of RET containing tyrosine kinase domain to the 5' portion of the acyl-coenzyme A binding domain containing 5 (ACBD5) gene, by pericentric inversion inv(10)(p12.1;q11.2); expression of the fusion gene was confirmed by RT-PCR. ACBD5 gene is ubiquitously expressed in various human normal tissues including thyroid. Full-length cDNA of the ACBD5-RET gene was constructed and then examined for tumorigenicity. Enhanced phosphorylation of ERK proteins in the MAPK pathway was observed in NIH3T3 cells transfected with expression vector encoding the full-length ACBD5/RET cDNA, while this was not observed in the cells transfected with empty expression vector. Stable NIH3T3 transfectants with ACBD5-RET cDNA induced tumor formation after their injection into nude mice. These findings suggest that the ACBD5-RET rearrangement is causatively involved in the development of PTC.

Gastric emptying and intragastric distribution of lipids in man. A new scintigraphic method of study

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

Jian, R.; Vigneron, N.; Najean, Y.

1982-08-01

We measured gastric emptying of fat and water from a solid-liquid meal in healthy volunteers using a tubeless scintigraphic method. /sup 75/Se glycerol triether, incorporated in butter, was the lipid-phase marker, and /sup 99m/Tcm, ingested with 250 ml water, the non-lipid phase marker. In seven of these subjects we also measured the gastric emptying of solids and liquids with /sup 99m/Tc bound to cooked egg whites as the solid-phase marker and /sup 111/In ingested with 250 ml water as the marker of the solid and aqueous phases. Emptying and intragastric repartition of each marker were measured by detection of radioactivitymore » changes over the abdominal area using a gamma-camera. The stability and the specificity of the labeling was checked for each marker. Mean gastric emptying rate (expressed as percentage ingested marker emptied per hr) of lipids (17.4 +/- 2.4) was much lower than that of the rest of the meal (34.2 +/- 1.8) and slightly, but significantly, lower than that of solids (22.8 +/- 1.8). An intragastric layering of fat above nonlipids was observed only after the first postprandial hour and remained moderate. Thus, lipids are emptied more slowly than any other component of an ordinary meal, and this is not due only to layering of fat above water.« less

Empty Tissue Boxes: Considering Poverty in Diversity Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cuthrell, Kristen; Ledford, Carolyn; Stapleton, Joy

2007-01-01

A preservice teacher doing her internship overhears some of her students asking a classmate why he regularly takes home empty tissue boxes. The boy replies that he builds cities and bridges with his empty boxes. His classmates then ask why he does not just build a city with Legos or building blocks. The preservice teacher listens intently as the…

21 CFR 864.9100 - Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... of blood and blood components. 864.9100 Section 864.9100 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION... Used In Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9100 Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components. (a) Identification. An empty container for the...

21 CFR 864.9100 - Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... of blood and blood components. 864.9100 Section 864.9100 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION... Used In Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9100 Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components. (a) Identification. An empty container for the...

21 CFR 864.9100 - Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... of blood and blood components. 864.9100 Section 864.9100 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION... Used In Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9100 Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components. (a) Identification. An empty container for the...

21 CFR 864.9100 - Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... of blood and blood components. 864.9100 Section 864.9100 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION... Used In Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9100 Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components. (a) Identification. An empty container for the...

21 CFR 864.9100 - Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... of blood and blood components. 864.9100 Section 864.9100 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION... Used In Establishments That Manufacture Blood and Blood Products § 864.9100 Empty container for the collection and processing of blood and blood components. (a) Identification. An empty container for the...

Impaired Performance of Right-Brain-Damaged Patients on a Sentence Anagram Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murasugi, K.; Schneiderman, E.

2005-01-01

A sentence anagram task was used to examine the right cerebral hemispheres's role in core grammatical functioning at the syntactic level. The test consisted of two subsets of stimuli involving empty categories: (a) those that required the empty category to be filled, and (b) those that allowed the category to remain empty. Three hypotheses were…

Relationships of the early insulin secretory response and oral disposition index with gastric emptying in subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

PubMed

Marathe, Chinmay S; Rayner, Christopher K; Lange, Kylie; Bound, Michelle; Wishart, Judith; Jones, Karen L; Kahn, Steven E; Horowitz, Michael

2017-02-01

The oral disposition index, the product of the early insulin secretory response during an oral glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity, is used widely for both the prediction of, and evaluation of the response to interventions, in type 2 diabetes. Gastric emptying, which determines small intestinal exposure of nutrients, modulates postprandial glycemia. The aim of this study was to determine whether the insulin secretory response and the disposition index (DI) related to gastric emptying in subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Thirty-nine subjects consumed a 350 mL drink containing 75 g glucose labeled with 99m Tc-sulfur colloid. Gastric emptying (by scintigraphy), blood glucose (G) and plasma insulin (I) were measured between t  = 0-120 min. The rate of gastric emptying was derived from the time taken for 50% emptying ( T 50 ) and expressed as kcal/min. The early insulin secretory response was estimated by the ratio of the change in insulin (∆I 0-30 ) to that of glucose at 30 min (∆G 0-30 ) represented as ∆I 0-30 /∆G 0-30 Insulin sensitivity was estimated as 1/fasting insulin and the DI was then calculated as ∆I 0-30 /∆G 0-30  × 1/fasting insulin. There was a direct relationship between ∆G 0-30 and gastric emptying ( r  = 0.47, P  = 0.003). While there was no association of either ∆I 0-30 ( r  = -0.16, P  = 0.34) or fasting insulin ( r  = 0.21, P  = 0.20), there were inverse relationships between the early insulin secretory response ( r  = -0.45, P  = 0.004) and the DI ( r  = -0.33, P  = 0.041), with gastric emptying. We conclude that gastric emptying is associated with both insulin secretion and the disposition index in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, such that when gastric emptying is relatively more rapid, both the early insulin secretory response and the disposition index are less. These findings should be interpreted as "hypothesis generating" and provide the rationale for longitudinal studies to examine the impact of baseline rate of gastric emptying on the prospective risk of type 2 diabetes. © 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

Topology-energy relationships and lowest energy configurations for pentagonal dodecahedral (H2O)20X clusters, X=empty, H2O, NH3, H3O+: The importance of O-topology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anick, David J.

2010-04-01

For (H2O)20X water clusters consisting of X enclosed by the 512 dodecahedral cage, X=empty, H2O, NH3, and H3O+, databases are made consisting of 55-82 isomers optimized via B3LYP/6-311++G∗∗. Correlations are explored between ground state electronic energy (Ee) or electronic energy plus zero point energy (Ee+ZPE) and the clusters' topology, defined as the set of directed H-bonds. Linear regression is done to identify topological features that correlate with cluster energy. For each X, variables are found that account for 99% of the variance in Ee and predict it with a rms error under 0.2 kcal/mol. The method of analysis emphasizes the importance of an intermediate level of structure, the "O-topology," consisting of O-types and a list of O pairs that are bonded but omitting H-bond directions, as a device to organize the databases and reduce the number of structures one needs to consider. Relevant variables include three parameters, which count the number of H-bonds having particular donor and acceptor types; |M|2, where M is the cluster's vector dipole moment; and the projection of M onto the symmetry axis of X. Scatter diagrams for Ee or Ee+ZPE versus |M| show that clusters fall naturally into "families" defined by the values of certain discrete parameters, the "major parameters," for each X. Combining "family" analysis and O-topologies, a small group of clusters is identified for each X that are candidates to be the global minimum, and the minimum is determined. For X=H3O+, one cluster with central hydronium lies just 2.08 kcal/mol above the lowest isomer with surface hydronium. Implications of the methodology for dodecahedral (H2O)20(NH4+) and (H2O)20(NH4+)(OH-) are discussed, and new lower energy isomers are found. For MP2/TZVP, the lowest-energy (H2O)20(NH4+) isomer features a trifurcated H-bond. The results suggest a much more efficient and comprehensive way of seeking low-energy water cluster geometries that may have wide applicability.

Topology-energy relationships and lowest energy configurations for pentagonal dodecahedral (H2O)20X clusters, X = empty, H2O, NH3, H3O+: the importance of O-topology.

PubMed

Anick, David J

2010-04-28

For (H(2)O)(20)X water clusters consisting of X enclosed by the 5(12) dodecahedral cage, X = empty, H(2)O, NH(3), and H(3)O(+), databases are made consisting of 55-82 isomers optimized via B3LYP/6-311++G(**). Correlations are explored between ground state electronic energy (Ee) or electronic energy plus zero point energy (Ee+ZPE) and the clusters' topology, defined as the set of directed H-bonds. Linear regression is done to identify topological features that correlate with cluster energy. For each X, variables are found that account for 99% of the variance in Ee and predict it with a rms error under 0.2 kcal/mol. The method of analysis emphasizes the importance of an intermediate level of structure, the "O-topology," consisting of O-types and a list of O pairs that are bonded but omitting H-bond directions, as a device to organize the databases and reduce the number of structures one needs to consider. Relevant variables include three parameters, which count the number of H-bonds having particular donor and acceptor types; absolute value(M)(2), where M is the cluster's vector dipole moment; and the projection of M onto the symmetry axis of X. Scatter diagrams for Ee or Ee+ZPE versus absolute value(M) show that clusters fall naturally into "families" defined by the values of certain discrete parameters, the "major parameters," for each X. Combining "family" analysis and O-topologies, a small group of clusters is identified for each X that are candidates to be the global minimum, and the minimum is determined. For X = H(3)O(+), one cluster with central hydronium lies just 2.08 kcal/mol above the lowest isomer with surface hydronium. Implications of the methodology for dodecahedral (H(2)O)(20)(NH(4)(+)) and (H(2)O)(20)(NH(4)(+))(OH(-)) are discussed, and new lower energy isomers are found. For MP2/TZVP, the lowest-energy (H(2)O)(20)(NH(4)(+)) isomer features a trifurcated H-bond. The results suggest a much more efficient and comprehensive way of seeking low-energy water cluster geometries that may have wide applicability.

A gluten-free vegan meal for gastric emptying scintigraphy: establishment of reference values and its utilization in the evaluation of diabetic gastroparesis.

PubMed

Somasundaram, Vijay Harish; Subramanyam, Padma; Palaniswamy, Shanmuga Sundaram

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to describe the preparation of radiolabeled idli (savory cake) meal for use as an alternate to the egg white sandwich (EWS) meal in gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES). Furthermore, the aim of this study was to establish normal emptying rates for this meal and present our experience in using it in the evaluation of diabetic gastroparesis. The meal was prepared using a universally available packaged mix labeled with 1 mCi 99mTc sulfur colloid, and the stability of labeling was tested up to 4 hours in simulated gastric fluid. One hundred thirteen healthy volunteers (aged 20-78 years; 54 women, 59 men) underwent GES study using the idli meal. Gastric retention at one-half, 1, 2, and 4 hours after ingestion of the meal was estimated, and the normal limits were set using the fifth and 95th percentile values at each period. Having established its normal emptying rates, the idli meal was further used to evaluate 70 patients suspected with diabetic gastroparesis. The idli meal, with a calorific value ≈282 kcal, has a relatively higher fat content (8% of total mass) than EWS. More than 96% of 99mTc sulfur colloid remained bound to the meal after 4 hours suspension in simulated gastric fluid. Gastric retention greater than 30% and greater than 6% at 2 hours and 4 hours, respectively, indicated delayed gastric emptying, whereas retention less than 30% at 1 hour suggested rapid emptying. Among patients suspected with diabetic gastroparesis, delayed gastric emptying was identified in 76%, and rapid emptying was seen in 4.2%. Radiolabeled idli meal is a good alternative to EWS meal for routine GES, especially among patients with specific dietary restrictions.

Inhibitory effect of ramosetron on corticotropin releasing factor- and soybean oil-induced delays in gastric emptying in rats.

PubMed

Hirata, Takuya; Keto, Yoshihiro; Yamano, Mayumi; Yokoyama, Toshihide; Sengoku, Takanori; Seki, Nobuo

2012-09-01

Symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD) are highly prevalent in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the effects of therapeutic agents for IBS on the pathophysiology of FD are unclear. In this study, therefore, we examined the effects of ramosetron, a serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, on corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)- and soybean oil-induced delays in gastric emptying of rats, in comparison with anti-diarrheal agent and spasmolytics. The involvement of 5-HT and the 5-HT(3) receptor in delayed gastric emptying was also evaluated. Corticotropin releasing factor was administered intravenously to rats 10min before oral administration of 0.05% phenol red solution, and the amount remaining in the stomach was measured after 30min. Soybean oil was administered orally with glass beads, and the number of residual beads in the stomach was counted 1h later. Both CRF and soybean oil inhibited gastric emptying dose-dependently. Ramosetron and itopride, a gastro-prokinetic agent, significantly reduced both CRF- and soybean oil-induced delays in gastric emptying, while an anti-diarrheal agent and spasmolytics aggravated them. Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine for 2days to reduced the synthesis of endogenous 5-HT diminished the effects of both CRF and soybean oil on gastric emptying. A 5-HT(3) receptor agonist m-chlorophenylbiguanide suppressed gastric emptying of both phenol red and glass beads, and those effects were reversed by ramosetron. These results suggest that CRF and soybean oil suppress gastric emptying in rats by activating 5-HT(3) receptors, and that by antagonizing these receptors, ramosetron may ameliorate symptoms of FD in clinical settings. © 2012 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

A central site of action for benzamide facilitation of gastric emptying.

PubMed

Costall, B; Gunning, S J; Naylor, R J; Simpson, K H

1983-07-22

Gastric emptying of the fed guinea-pig was measured using a non-invasive X-ray fluoroscopic technique to determine passage from the stomach of polystyrene-coated barium sulphate spheroids. Peripherally administered metoclopramide (0.1-10 mg/kg i.p.), clebopride (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), (-)-sulpiride (40 mg/kg i.p.), haloperidol (1 mg/kg i.p.) and domperidone (1-10 mg/kg i.p.) failed to modify gastric emptying. Stress inhibited emptying, and this was considered to explain the effects of eserine and high dose metoclopramide. Gastric emptying was decreased by peripherally administered atropine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and apomorphine (0.1-0.5 mg/kg s.c.); the apomorphine response was antagonised by pretreatment with haloperidol, domperidone, (-)-sulpiride, metoclopramide and clebopride but not by prazosin + propranolol. Gastric emptying was facilitated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administrations of metoclopramide and clebopride (40, 100 and 200 micrograms) but not by i.c.v. domperidone, haloperidol, fluphenazine or (-)-sulpiride (100, 200 micrograms) and was inhibited by i.c.v. apomorphine (100, 200 micrograms); the response to i.c.v. apomorphine was antagonised by i.c.v. pretreatments with haloperidol, domperidone, (-)-sulpiride, metoclopramide and clebopride (40-50 micrograms). Facilitation of emptying by i.c.v. metoclopramide was prevented by peripheral pretreatment with atropine (0.5 mg/kg i.p.). It is concluded that the actions of apomorphine and metoclopramide/clebopride to respectively inhibit and facilitate gastric emptying may be mediated, at least in part, via central mechanisms. Whilst apomorphine's action may be mediated via dopamine receptor mechanisms, metoclopramide and clebopride act at additional unspecified sites, metoclopramide's action being expressed via cholinergic mechanisms.

Preload of slowly digestible carbohydrate microspheres decreases gastric emptying rate of subsequent meal in humans.

PubMed

Cisse, Fatimata; Pletsch, Elizabeth A; Erickson, Daniel P; Chegeni, Mohammad; Hayes, Anna M R; Hamaker, Bruce R

2017-09-01

Gastric emptying rate influences how fast the nutrients of a meal are delivered to the body, and when slow, it moderates glycemic response and may impact satiety. Carbohydrates are one of the macronutrients that trigger the ileal brake, and we hypothesized that slowly digestible carbohydrate (SDC) administered in a premeal load would delay gastric emptying. A crossover design study was conducted with 10 healthy adults using fabricated SDC-microspheres (cooked) that were given 20 minutes before a non-nutritive viscous paste meal. There were 4 treatment arms, each separated by a 1-week washout period, consisting of (1) the paste alone, (2) a rapidly digesting maltodextrin (Polycose) preload followed by the paste 20 minutes later, (3) an SDC-microsphere preload followed by the paste, and (4) a comparably slower SDC-microsphere preload followed by the paste. A 13 C-labeled octanoic acid breath test method was used to measure gastric emptying, with the label incorporated into the non-nutritive paste. The microspheres were less than 1 mm in diameter (a size that does not require breakdown in the stomach before emptying) and, after cooking, were of the same density value. Compared with the paste alone, both of the SDC-microsphere preloads (slow and comparably slower digesting) decreased gastric emptying rate of the paste, with the latter having the most effect (half-emptying times of 1.7, 2.3, and 2.8 hours, respectively [each different at P<.05]). In conclusion, SDCs decreased gastric emptying rate, and this was suggested to be due to a triggering of the ileal brake. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Abnormalities in gastric mechanic sensitivity, gastric emptying and electrogastrography in non organic dyspepsia (NOD)].

PubMed

López Gastón, A; López DeLuise, G A; Sarmiento, A; Andrusch, A

1997-01-01

The aim was to study the alterations in mechanosensitivity, gastric emptying, and electrogastrography (E.G.G.) in a population of patients suffering from N.O.D. eighteen controls (9 males, 9 females, mean age 49.33 years old < SEM 3.62, range 24-74) and 32 patients with N.O.D. (22 males, 21 females, mean age 55.72 years old, SEM 2.87, range 17-86) were studied. Gastric mechano-sensitivity with a latex balloon of low compliance inflated "in phasic" was investigated, and intra balloon pressure was recorded. Gastric emptying with a mixed meal marked with 99 Tc in the solid phase, containing 250 Cal, was studied. E.G.G. was studied using two skin surface electrodes Ag-2C1Ag placed on epigastric area following a probalistic antral axe. Only dominant frequency in each block was considered, and % of total abnormalities on total recording time lesser than 2 c.p.m or more than 4 c.p.m. was considered. Recordings were taken during fast time during 30 minutes, and 30 minutes after a meal containing 250 Cal. Analysis with F.F.T, and spectral running. In 67.92% a delay in gastric emptying was observed. 56.3% did not complete 700 ml. of balloon inflation because of pain, Vs 16.8% in controls (p < 0.001) The slopes of intra-balloon pressure were not different in both groups. (Variance, F-NS). Mean E.C.A was 2.99 c.p.m in control, Vs 3.46 in fasting and 3.64 in postprandial period in N.O.D. (p = NS) Differences in fasting and postprandial % of arrhythmias total time recording were significant in N.O.D. ("t". 0.02 > p 0.01). Twenty percent of controls showed isolated tachygastria, but dominant frequencies never were higher than 6 c.p.m and never last more than 8% of the total recording time. Sixty eight point seventy five percent of N.O.D. showed arrhythmias. 48% of tachygastrias were in the range 30-60% of total recording time. No differences in gastric emptying between patient presenting pain with = < 700 ml. and < 700 ml. of balloon inflation were seen. Patients with sensorial threshold = < 700 ml. showed less frequent tachygastria (0.01 < p < 0.01). Patients with delayed gastric emptying showed more frequent tachygastria (94.7%, 0.05 < p < 0.02) a) E.G.G. abnormalities would more frequent in "motor" subpopulation; b) No association between abnormalities in gastric emptying, abnormal thresholds in mechanosensitivity and/or E.G.G. and any clinical subtype of Dyspepsia can be showed; h) although gastric arrhythmia was more frequent in motor than in sensorial abnormalities, it may represents a more generalized disturbance in central modulation in afferents and efferents inputs and outputs.

When the Pain Becomes Unbearable: Case-Control Study of Mental Pain Characteristics Among Medically Serious Suicide Attempters.

PubMed

Levi-Belz, Y; Gvion, Y; Grisaru, S; Apter, A

2018-01-01

The unbearable mental pain experience is recognized as a key antecedent of suicidal behavior. We aimed to examine the precise nature of the mental pain among medically serious suicide attempters (MSSAs), a population closely resembling those who died by suicide. We evaluated various factors of mental pain from the Orbach and Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale, as well as medical lethality and suicide intent. MSSAs were higher than non-MSSAs and psychiatric controls for Irreversibility of pain. Moreover, Emptiness predicted medical lethality, while Cognitive Confusion negatively predicted suicide intent level, controlling for hopelessness and depression. high sense of Irreversibility of pain as well as high Emptiness and low Cognitive Confusion are important risk factors for more severe suicidal behavior. Implications for identification of at-risk groups for suicide as well as for suicide prevention and treatment of suicidal individuals are discussed.

[Gastric emptying in the aged. Effect of clebopride].

PubMed

Schraier, M; Guinsburg, R; Valguarnera, J; Rosenfeld, L

1984-01-01

Fifteen patients considered as "geronts" (average 70 years) have been performed Radiology, Endoscopy and Gastric Biopsies, with differents degrees of chronic gastritis as only gastric pathology, and 8 "healthy adults" (controls) were assessed on the T1/2 of gastric evacuation, with a solid meal marked with DPTA Tc 99 and measurement of isotopic activity in Gamma Camera before and after administration of a therapeutic dose of Clebopride. In the basal trial it was found that geronts gastric emptying is delayed more than controls (112 and 89 minutes). The activity of Clebopride revealed a significant decrease in both groups, being more important in geronts. This findings suggests the clinic usefulness in different pathological situations, where its useful to accelerate the time of gastric evacuation (gastric esofagic reflux, gastric ulcer) and in the geront with dispeptic symptoms and chronic gastritis related to age, as the only gastric pathology.

Gastric emptying of enteric-coated tablets

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

Park, H.M.; Chernish, S.M.; Rosenek, B.D.

1984-03-01

To evaluate the gastric emptying time of pharmaceutical dosage forms in a clinical setting, a relatively simple dual-radionuclide technique was developed. Placebo tablets of six different combinations of shape and size were labeled with indium-111 DTPA and enteric coated. Six volunteers participated in a single-blind and crossover study. Tablets were given in the morning of a fasting stomach with 6 oz of water containing /sup 99m/Tc pertechnetate and continuously observed with a gamma camera. A scintigraph was obtained each minute. The results suggested that the size, shape, or volume of the tablet used in this study had no significant effectmore » in the rate of gastric emptying. The tablets emptied erratically and unpredictably, depending upon their time of arrival in the stomach in relation to the occurrence of interdigestive myoelectric contractions. The method described is a relatively simple and accurate technique to allow one to follow the gastric emptying of tablets.« less

Empty tracks optimization based on Z-Map model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Le; Yan, Guangrong; Wang, Zaijun; Zang, Genao

2017-12-01

For parts with many features, there are more empty tracks during machining. If these tracks are not optimized, the machining efficiency will be seriously affected. In this paper, the characteristics of the empty tracks are studied in detail. Combining with the existing optimization algorithm, a new tracks optimization method based on Z-Map model is proposed. In this method, the tool tracks are divided into the unit processing section, and then the Z-Map model simulation technique is used to analyze the order constraint between the unit segments. The empty stroke optimization problem is transformed into the TSP with sequential constraints, and then through the genetic algorithm solves the established TSP problem. This kind of optimization method can not only optimize the simple structural parts, but also optimize the complex structural parts, so as to effectively plan the empty tracks and greatly improve the processing efficiency.

The "group" in obstetric psychoprophylaxis.

PubMed

Volpe, B; Tenaglia, F; Fede, T; Cerutti, R

1983-01-01

In the practice of obstetric psychoprophylaxis every method employed considered always the group both from a psychological and a pedagogic point of view. Today the group of pregnant women (or couples) is considered under various aspects: - psychological: the group as a support for members with regard to maternal and parental emotional feelings; - anthropological: the group fills up an empty vital space and becomes a "rite de passage" from a state of social identity to another one; - social: the group is a significative cultural intermediary between health services and the women-patient. The knowledge of these aspects becomes an important methodological support for group conductors. We present an analysis of our experience with groups and how this has affected the Psychoprophylaxis in the last years.

High expression of S100A8 gene is associated with drug resistance to etoposide and poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia through influencing the apoptosis pathway.

PubMed

Yang, Xiao-Yan; Zhang, Ming-Ying; Zhou, Qi; Wu, Shui-Yan; Zhao, Ye; Gu, Wei-Ying; Pan, Jian; Cen, Jian-Nong; Chen, Zi-Xing; Guo, Wen-Ge; Chen, Chien-Shing; Yan, Wen-Hua; Hu, Shao-Yan

2016-01-01

S100A8 has been increasingly recognized as a biomarker in multiple solid tumors and has played pivotal roles in hematological malignancies. S100A8 is potentially an indicator for poor survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in retrospective studies. However, the mechanisms of S100A8 are diverse in cancers. In this study, we investigated the correlation of S100A8 at the transcription level with clinical parameters in 91 de novo AML patients and explored its mechanisms of chemoresistance to etoposide in vitro. The transcription level of S100A8 was significantly lower at initial and relapse stages of AML samples than at complete remission (P<0.001) and than in the control group (P=0.0078), while no significant difference could be found between initial and relapse stages (P=0.257). Patients with high transcription levels of S100A8 exhibited a shorter overall survival (P=0.0012). HL-60 cells transfected with S100A8 showed resistance to etoposide with a higher level IC50 value and lower apoptosis rate compared with HL-60 cells transfected with empty vector. Thirty-six genes were significantly downregulated and 12 genes were significantly upregulated in S100A8 overexpression group compared with control group in which 360 genes involved in apoptotic genes array were performed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Among them, the caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax were verified by Western blot analysis which indicated that the role of S100A8 in resistance to chemotherapy was closely related with antiapoptosis. In conclusion, critical S100A8 provided useful clinical information in predicting the outcome of AML. The main mechanism of S100A8 which promoted chemoresistance was antiapoptosis.

High expression of S100A8 gene is associated with drug resistance to etoposide and poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia through influencing the apoptosis pathway

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiao-yan; Zhang, Ming-ying; Zhou, Qi; Wu, Shui-yan; Zhao, Ye; Gu, Wei-ying; Pan, Jian; Cen, Jian-nong; Chen, Zi-xing; Guo, Wen-ge; Chen, Chien-shing; Yan, Wen-hua; Hu, Shao-yan

2016-01-01

S100A8 has been increasingly recognized as a biomarker in multiple solid tumors and has played pivotal roles in hematological malignancies. S100A8 is potentially an indicator for poor survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in retrospective studies. However, the mechanisms of S100A8 are diverse in cancers. In this study, we investigated the correlation of S100A8 at the transcription level with clinical parameters in 91 de novo AML patients and explored its mechanisms of chemoresistance to etoposide in vitro. The transcription level of S100A8 was significantly lower at initial and relapse stages of AML samples than at complete remission (P<0.001) and than in the control group (P=0.0078), while no significant difference could be found between initial and relapse stages (P=0.257). Patients with high transcription levels of S100A8 exhibited a shorter overall survival (P=0.0012). HL-60 cells transfected with S100A8 showed resistance to etoposide with a higher level IC50 value and lower apoptosis rate compared with HL-60 cells transfected with empty vector. Thirty-six genes were significantly downregulated and 12 genes were significantly upregulated in S100A8 overexpression group compared with control group in which 360 genes involved in apoptotic genes array were performed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Among them, the caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax were verified by Western blot analysis which indicated that the role of S100A8 in resistance to chemotherapy was closely related with antiapoptosis. In conclusion, critical S100A8 provided useful clinical information in predicting the outcome of AML. The main mechanism of S100A8 which promoted chemoresistance was antiapoptosis. PMID:27540302

Studies of insulin secretory responses and of arachidonic acid incorporation into phospholipids of stably transfected insulinoma cells that overexpress group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2beta ) indicate a signaling rather than a housekeeping role for iPLA2beta.

PubMed

Ma, Z; Ramanadham, S; Wohltmann, M; Bohrer, A; Hsu, F F; Turk, J

2001-04-20

A cytosolic 84-kDa group VIA phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)beta) that does not require Ca(2+) for catalysis has been cloned from several sources, including rat and human pancreatic islet beta-cells and murine P388D1 cells. Many potential iPLA(2)beta functions have been proposed, including a signaling role in beta-cell insulin secretion and a role in generating lysophosphatidylcholine acceptors for arachidonic acid incorporation into P388D1 cell phosphatidylcholine (PC). Proposals for iPLA(2)beta function rest in part on effects of inhibiting iPLA(2)beta activity with a bromoenol lactone (BEL) suicide substrate, but BEL also inhibits phosphatidate phosphohydrolase-1 and a group VIB phospholipase A(2). Manipulation of iPLA(2)beta expression by molecular biologic means is an alternative approach to study iPLA(2)beta functions, and we have used a retroviral construct containing iPLA(2)beta cDNA to prepare two INS-1 insulinoma cell clonal lines that stably overexpress iPLA(2)beta. Compared with parental INS-1 cells or cells transfected with empty vector, both iPLA(2)beta-overexpressing lines exhibit amplified insulin secretory responses to glucose and cAMP-elevating agents, and BEL substantially attenuates stimulated secretion. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses of arachidonic acid incorporation into INS-1 cell PC indicate that neither overexpression nor inhibition of iPLA(2)beta affects the rate or extent of this process in INS-1 cells. Immunocytofluorescence studies with antibodies directed against iPLA(2)beta indicate that cAMP-elevating agents increase perinuclear fluorescence in INS-1 cells, suggesting that iPLA(2)beta associates with nuclei. These studies are more consistent with a signaling than with a housekeeping role for iPLA(2)beta in insulin-secreting beta-cells.

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) controls ganciclovir intracellular accumulation and contributes to ganciclovir-induced neutropenia in renal transplant patients.

PubMed

Billat, Pierre-André; Ossman, Tahani; Saint-Marcoux, Franck; Essig, Marie; Rerolle, Jean-Philippe; Kamar, Nassim; Rostaing, Lionel; Kaminski, Hannah; Fabre, Gabin; Otyepka, Michal; Woillard, Jean-Baptiste; Marquet, Pierre; Trouillas, Patrick; Picard, Nicolas

2016-09-01

Ganciclovir (GCV) is the cornerstone of cytomegalovirus prevention and treatment in transplant patients. It is associated with problematic adverse hematological effects in this population of immunosuppressed patients, which may lead to dose reduction thus favoring resistance. GCV crosses the membranes of cells, is activated by phosphorylation, and then stops the replication of viral DNA. Its intracellular accumulation might favor host DNA polymerase inhibition, hence toxicity. Following this hypothesis, we investigated the association between a selected panel of membrane transporter polymorphisms and the evolution of neutrophil counts in n=174 renal transplant recipients. An independent population of n=96 renal transplants served as a replication and experiments using HEK293T-transfected cells were performed to validate the clinical findings. In both cohorts, we found a variant in ABCC4 (rs11568658) associated with decreased neutrophil counts following valganciclovir (GCV prodrug) administration (exploratory cohort: β±SD=-0.68±0.28, p=0.029; replication cohort: β±SD=-0.84±0.29, p=0.0078). MRP4-expressing cells showed decreased GCV accumulation as compared to negative control cells (transfected with an empty vector) (-61%; p<0.0001). The efflux process was almost abolished in cells expressing MRP4 rs11568658 variant protein. Molecular dynamic simulations of GCV membrane crossing showed a preferred location of the drug just beneath the polar head group region, which supports its interaction with efflux transporters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differing Interpretations of Empty Categories in English and Japanese VP Ellipsis Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matsuo, Ayumi

2007-01-01

This article describes how English and Japanese children interpret empty categories in Verb Phrase Ellipsis contexts as in (1):(1) The penguin [sat on his chair] and the robot did [delta], too. To obtain an adultlike interpretation of (1), English children have to do two things. First, they need to find a suitable antecedent for the empty verb…

Method for the quantitation of gastric emptying time of gel test meals.

PubMed

Russell, J; Bass, P

1984-09-01

Isotopic markers were developed to allow measurement of the gastric emptying times of homogeneous and nonhomogeneous gel meals. Meals containing the dietary fibers psyllium and guar gum presented as homogeneous, viscous gels while meals containing the synthetic polymer polycarbophil presented as discrete gel particle-water mixtures. Fiber meals were labeled differently than polycarbophil meals. Fiber meals were labeled with 51Cr-CM-Sephadex. The marker was uniformly suspended in meals containing at least 1% guar or 2% psyllium. In contrast, polycarbophil particles were labeled by hydrating the dried granules with saline in which Na2(51)CrO4 had been dissolved. Use of the markers to measure gastric emptying was demonstrated in dogs fitted with duodenal cannulas. Half of the fiber meals emptied from the stomach in about 40 min without significant dilution by secretions. In contrast, only 8% of the polycarbophil particles emptied by 90 min. Particle-specific labeling of polycarbophil was important because the meal effluent was diluted extensively by secretions. We conclude that 51Cr-CM-Sephadex and soluble Cr-51 may be used as meal markers for estimation of the gastric emptying times of certain homogeneous and nonhomogeneous gel-type meals, respectively.

Decomposition of group-velocity-locked-vector-dissipative solitons and formation of the high-order soliton structure by the product of their recombination.

PubMed

Wang, Xuan; Li, Lei; Geng, Ying; Wang, Hanxiao; Su, Lei; Zhao, Luming

2018-02-01

By using a polarization manipulation and projection system, we numerically decomposed the group-velocity-locked-vector-dissipative solitons (GVLVDSs) from a normal dispersion fiber laser and studied the combination of the projections of the phase-modulated components of the GVLVDS through a polarization beam splitter. Pulses with a structure similar to a high-order vector soliton could be obtained, which could be considered as a pseudo-high-order GVLVDS. It is found that, although GVLVDSs are intrinsically different from group-velocity-locked-vector solitons generated in fiber lasers operated in the anomalous dispersion regime, similar characteristics for the generation of pseudo-high-order GVLVDS are obtained. However, pulse chirp plays a significant role on the generation of pseudo-high-order GVLVDS.

Persistent, circulative transmission of begomoviruses by whitefly vectors.

PubMed

Rosen, Ran; Kanakala, Surapathrudu; Kliot, Adi; Cathrin Pakkianathan, Britto; Farich, Basheer Abu; Santana-Magal, Nadine; Elimelech, Meytar; Kontsedalov, Svetlana; Lebedev, Galina; Cilia, Michelle; Ghanim, Murad

2015-12-01

Begomoviruses comprise an emerging and economically important group of plant viruses exclusively transmitted by the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci in many regions of the world. The past twenty years have witnessed significant progress in studying the molecular interactions between members of this virus group and B. tabaci. Mechanisms and proteins encoded by the insect vector and its bacterial symbionts, which have been shown to be important for virus transmission, have been identified and thoroughly studied. Despite the economic importance of this group of viruses and their impact on the global agriculture, progress in investigating the virus-vector interactions is moving slowly when compared with similar virus-vector systems in plants and animals. Major advances in this field and future perspectives will be discussed in this review. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of small bowel preparation with simethicone on capsule endoscopy.

PubMed

Fang, You-hong; Chen, Chun-xiao; Zhang, Bing-ling

2009-01-01

Capsule endoscopy is a novel non-invasive method for visualization of the entire small bowel. The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy depends on the quality of visualization of the small bowel mucosa and its complete passage through the small bowel. To date, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy. The addition of simethicone in the bowel preparation for the purpose of reducing air bubbles in the intestinal lumen had only been studied by a few investigators. Sixty-four participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive a bowel preparation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (Group 1) and both PEG solution and simethicone (Group 2). The PEG solution and simethicone were taken the night before and 20 min prior to capsule endoscopy, respectively. Frames taken in the small intestine were examined and scored for luminal bubbles by two professional capsule endoscopists. Gastric emptying time and small bowel transit time were also recorded. Simethicone significantly reduced luminal bubbles both in the proximal and distal small intestines. The mean time proportions with slight bubbles in the proximal and distal intestines in Group 2 were 97.1% and 99.0%, respectively, compared with 67.2% (P<0.001) and 68.8% (P<0.001) in Group 1. Simethicone had no effect on mean gastric emptying time, 32.08 min in Group 2 compared with 30.88 min in Group 1 (P=0.868), but it did increase mean small intestinal transit time from 227.28 to 281.84 min (P=0.003). Bowel preparation with both PEG and simethicone significantly reduced bubbles in the intestinal lumen and improved the visualization of the small bowel by capsule endoscopy without any side effects observed.

Effect of small bowel preparation with simethicone on capsule endoscopy*

PubMed Central

Fang, You-hong; Chen, Chun-xiao; Zhang, Bing-ling

2009-01-01

Background: Capsule endoscopy is a novel non-invasive method for visualization of the entire small bowel. The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy depends on the quality of visualization of the small bowel mucosa and its complete passage through the small bowel. To date, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy. The addition of simethicone in the bowel preparation for the purpose of reducing air bubbles in the intestinal lumen had only been studied by a few investigators. Methods: Sixty-four participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive a bowel preparation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (Group 1) and both PEG solution and simethicone (Group 2). The PEG solution and simethicone were taken the night before and 20 min prior to capsule endoscopy, respectively. Frames taken in the small intestine were examined and scored for luminal bubbles by two professional capsule endoscopists. Gastric emptying time and small bowel transit time were also recorded. Results: Simethicone significantly reduced luminal bubbles both in the proximal and distal small intestines. The mean time proportions with slight bubbles in the proximal and distal intestines in Group 2 were 97.1% and 99.0%, respectively, compared with 67.2% (P<0.001) and 68.8% (P<0.001) in Group 1. Simethicone had no effect on mean gastric emptying time, 32.08 min in Group 2 compared with 30.88 min in Group 1 (P=0.868), but it did increase mean small intestinal transit time from 227.28 to 281.84 min (P=0.003). Conclusion: Bowel preparation with both PEG and simethicone significantly reduced bubbles in the intestinal lumen and improved the visualization of the small bowel by capsule endoscopy without any side effects observed. PMID:19198022

Traditional Malian Solid Foods Made from Sorghum and Millet Have Markedly Slower Gastric Emptying than Rice, Potato, or Pasta.

PubMed

Cisse, Fatimata; Erickson, Daniel P; Hayes, Anna M R; Opekun, Antone R; Nichols, Buford L; Hamaker, Bruce R

2018-01-26

From anecdotal evidence that traditional African sorghum and millet foods are filling and provide sustained energy, we hypothesized that gastric emptying rates of sorghum and millet foods are slow, particularly compared to non-traditional starchy foods (white rice, potato, wheat pasta). A human trial to study gastric emptying of staple foods eaten in Bamako, Mali was conducted using a carbon-13 ( 13 C)-labelled octanoic acid breath test for gastric emptying, and subjective pre-test and satiety response questionnaires. Fourteen healthy volunteers in Bamako participated in a crossover design to test eight starchy staples. A second validation study was done one year later in Bamako with six volunteers to correct for endogenous 13 C differences in the starches from different sources. In both trials, traditional sorghum and millet foods (thick porridges and millet couscous) had gastric half-emptying times about twice as long as rice, potato, or pasta ( p < 0.0001). There were only minor changes due to the 13 C correction. Pre-test assessment of millet couscous and rice ranked them as more filling and aligned well with postprandial hunger rankings, suggesting that a preconceived idea of rice being highly satiating may have influenced subjective satiety scoring. Traditional African sorghum and millet foods, whether viscous in the form of a thick porridge or as non-viscous couscous, had distinctly slow gastric emptying, in contrast to the faster emptying of non-traditional starchy foods, which are popular among West African urban consumers.

Traditional Malian Solid Foods Made from Sorghum and Millet Have Markedly Slower Gastric Emptying than Rice, Potato, or Pasta

PubMed Central

Cisse, Fatimata; Erickson, Daniel P.; Hayes, Anna M. R.; Opekun, Antone R.; Nichols, Buford L.; Hamaker, Bruce R.

2018-01-01

From anecdotal evidence that traditional African sorghum and millet foods are filling and provide sustained energy, we hypothesized that gastric emptying rates of sorghum and millet foods are slow, particularly compared to non-traditional starchy foods (white rice, potato, wheat pasta). A human trial to study gastric emptying of staple foods eaten in Bamako, Mali was conducted using a carbon-13 (13C)-labelled octanoic acid breath test for gastric emptying, and subjective pre-test and satiety response questionnaires. Fourteen healthy volunteers in Bamako participated in a crossover design to test eight starchy staples. A second validation study was done one year later in Bamako with six volunteers to correct for endogenous 13C differences in the starches from different sources. In both trials, traditional sorghum and millet foods (thick porridges and millet couscous) had gastric half-emptying times about twice as long as rice, potato, or pasta (p < 0.0001). There were only minor changes due to the 13C correction. Pre-test assessment of millet couscous and rice ranked them as more filling and aligned well with postprandial hunger rankings, suggesting that a preconceived idea of rice being highly satiating may have influenced subjective satiety scoring. Traditional African sorghum and millet foods, whether viscous in the form of a thick porridge or as non-viscous couscous, had distinctly slow gastric emptying, in contrast to the faster emptying of non-traditional starchy foods, which are popular among West African urban consumers. PMID:29373493

Brown rice compared to white rice slows gastric emptying in humans.

PubMed

Pletsch, Elizabeth A; Hamaker, Bruce R

2018-03-01

Consumption of whole vs. refined grain foods is recommended by nutrition or dietary guideline authorities of many countries, yet specific aspects of whole grains leading to health benefits are not well understood. Gastric emptying rate is an important consideration, as it is tied to nutrient delivery rate and influences glycemic response. Our objective was to explore two aspects of cooked rice related to gastric emptying, (1) whole grain brown vs. white rice and (2) potential effect of elevated levels of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) from high-amylose rice. Ten healthy adult participants were recruited for a crossover design study involving acute feeding and testing of 6 rice samples (50 g available carbohydrate). Gastric emptying rate was measured using a 13 C-labeled octanoic acid breath test. A rice variety (Cocodrie) with high-amylose content was temperature-cycled to increase SDS and RS fractions. In vitro starch digestibility results showed incremental increase in RS in Cocodrie after two temperature cycles. For low-amylose varieties, SDS was higher in the brown rice form. In human subjects, low-amylose and high-amylose brown rice delayed gastric emptying compared to white rices regardless of amylose content or temperature-cycling (p < 0.05). Whole grain brown rice had slower gastric emptying rate, which appears to be related to the physical presence of the bran layer. Extended gastric emptying of brown rice explains in part comparably low glycemic response observed for brown rice.

Differential Effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy and Psychoeducation in Facilitating Forgiveness and Letting Go of Emotional Injuries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenberg, Leslie J.; Warwar, Serine H.; Malcolm, Wanda M.

2008-01-01

This study compared the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy (EFT) involving gestalt empty-chair dialogue in the treatment of individuals who were emotionally injured by a significant other with therapy in a psychoeducation group designed to deal with these injuries. In addition, this study examined aspects of the emotional process of…

Integrated Conceptual Design of Joined-Wing SensorCraft Using Response Surface Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

vi Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my thesis advisor, Dr. Robert Canfield for his guidance and...55 Raymer Approximate and Group Weights Sizing Methods....................................... 57 Finite Element Model Structural Weight...Empty Weight Fraction Equation ............................... 54 Figure 29 Response of Refined Weight to T/W and W/S Inputs for Model (2) Raymer ASW

Effects of salinity on gastric emptying time in hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x E. lanceolattus juveniles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor, Noorashikin Md.; Das, Simon Kumar; Cob, Zaidi Che; Ghaffar, Mazlan Abd.

2018-04-01

The newly developed hybrid grouper: tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) × giant grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) (TG×GG), has a high resistance towards different environmental condition (eg. in euryhaline environment) due to its genetic improvement. This study aims to investigate the effects of different salinities (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 ppt) on the gastric emptying time (GET) of the TG×GG hybrid grouper juveniles. The fish were fed with commercial pellet over a 30 days experimental period under controlled laboratory conditions. The GET was determined by X-radiographic method, using barium sulfate (BaSO4) as an inert food marker. The X-radiography images showed that the shortest GET (12 h) was observed in the 15 ppt group, whereas the longest GET (18 h) in 30 ppt group. The results suggests to culture TG×GG hybrid grouper juveniles in 15 ppt with commercial pellet diet as this salinity proliferates faster digestion process which may contribute faster growth rate of this important fish species. Overall, these findings would be useful for the betterment of TG×GG hybrid grouper aquaculture which will eventually boost up the production of this newly developed hybrid grouper species.

Bioplastic production from cellulose of oil palm empty fruit bunch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isroi; Cifriadi, A.; Panji, T.; Wibowo, Nendyo A.; Syamsu, K.

2017-05-01

Empty fruit bunch is available abundantly in Indonesia as side product of CPO production. EFB production in Indonesia reached 28.65 million tons in 2015. EFB consist of 36.67% cellulose, 13.50% hemicellulose and 31.16% lignin. By calculation, potential cellulose from EFB is 11.50 million tons. Cellulose could be utilized as source for bioplastic production. This research aims to develop bioplastic production based on cellulose from EFB and to increase added value of EFB. Cellulose fiber has no plastic properties. Molecular modification of cellulose, composite with plasticizer and compatibilizer is a key success for utilization of cellulose for bioplastic. Main steps of bioplastic production from EFB are: 1) isolation and purification of cellulose, 2) cellulose modification and 3) synthesis of bioplastic. Cellulose was isolated by sodium hydroxide methods and bleached using sodium hypochlorite. Purity of obtained cellulose was 97%. Cellulose yield could reach 30% depend on cellulose content of EFB. Cellulose side chain was oxidized to reduce hydroxyl group and increase the carboxyl group. Bioplastic synthesis used glycerol as plasticizer and cassava starch as matrix. This research was successfully producing bioplastic sheet by casting method. In future prospects, bioplastic from EFB cellulose can be developed as plastic bag and food packaging.

Characterization of oocyte retrieval cycles with empty zona pellucida.

PubMed

Oride, Aki; Kanasaki, Haruhiko; Hara, Tomomi; Ohta, Hiroko; Kyo, Satoru

2018-01-01

To identify the factors that characterize cycles with empty zona pellucida (EZP). Thirty-six oocyte retrieval cycles from which EZP were collected and another 36 cycles from which no EZP was collected were compared. The patients were divided into three groups: those with no EZP collected during any cycle, those with EZP collected during all cycles, and those experiencing cycles both with and without EZP. The mean number of oocytes collected per cycle was higher in the cycles with EZP than without EZP. The fertilization rate of the collected oocytes and the rate of good embryo formation were significantly lower in the cycles with EZP. No significant difference was observed between the three groups in terms of age, number of oocytes collected, or hormone levels before and after the oocyte retrieval. The fertilization and pregnancy rates were highest in the patients with no EZP being collected during any cycle, followed by those experiencing cycles both with and without EZP, and then by those with EZP collected during all cycles. The observation of lower fertilization, poor embryo formation, and a low pregnancy rate in the patients with EZP suggests the poor quality of oocytes that were collected with EZP in the same cycle.

Reconstruction of the Abdominal Vagus Nerve Using Sural Nerve Grafts in Canine Models

PubMed Central

Luo, Fen; Wang, Zhiming; Wang, Yin

2013-01-01

Background Recently, vagus nerve preservation or reconstruction of vagus has received increasing attention. The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility of reconstructing the severed vagal trunk using an autologous sural nerve graft. Methods Ten adult Beagle dogs were randomly assigned to two groups of five, the nerve grafting group (TG) and the vagal resection group (VG). The gastric secretion and emptying functions in both groups were assessed using Hollander insulin and acetaminophen tests before surgery and three months after surgery. All dogs underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia. In TG group, latency and conduction velocity of the action potential in a vagal trunk were measured, and then nerves of 4 cm long were cut from the abdominal anterior and posterior vagal trunks. Two segments of autologous sural nerve were collected for performing end-to-end anastomoses with the cut ends of vagal trunk (8–0 nylon suture, 3 sutures for each anastomosis). Dogs in VG group only underwent partial resections of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks. Laparotomy was performed in dogs of TG group, and latency and conduction velocity of the action potential in their vagal trunks were measured. The grafted nerve segment was removed, and stained with anti-neurofilament protein and toluidine blue. Results Latency of the action potential in the vagal trunk was longer after surgery than before surgery in TG group, while the conduction velocity was lower after surgery. The gastric secretion and emptying functions were weaker after surgery in dogs of both groups, but in TG group they were significantly better than in VG group. Anti-neurofilament protein staining and toluidine blue staining showed there were nerve fibers crossing the anastomosis of the vagus and sural nerves in dogs of TG group. Conclusion Reconstruction of the vagus nerve using the sural nerve is technically feasible. PMID:23555604

A new tent trap for sampling exophagic and endophagic members of the Anopheles gambiae complex.

PubMed

Govella, Nicodemus J; Chaki, Prosper P; Geissbuhler, Yvonne; Kannady, Khadija; Okumu, Fredros; Charlwood, J Derek; Anderson, Robert A; Killeen, Gerry F

2009-07-14

Mosquito sampling methods are essential for monitoring and evaluating malaria vector control interventions. In urban Dar es Salaam, human landing catch (HLC) is the only method sufficiently sensitive for monitoring malaria-transmitting Anopheles. HLC is labour intensive, cumbersome, hazardous, and requires such intense supervision that is difficulty to sustain on large scales. Novel tent traps were developed as alternatives to HLC. The Furvela tent, designed in Mozambique, incorporates a CDC Light trap (LT) components, while two others from Ifakara, Tanzania (designs A and B) require no electricity or moving parts. Their sensitivity for sampling malaria vectors was compared with LT and HLC over a wide range of vector abundances in rural and urban settings in Tanzania, with endophagic and exophagic populations, respectively, using randomised Latin-square and cross- over experimental designs. The sensitivity of LTs was greater than HLC while the opposite was true of Ifakara tent traps (crude mean catch of An. gambiae sensu lato relative to HLC = 0.28, 0.65 and 1.30 for designs A, B and LT in a rural setting and 0.32 for design B in an urban setting). However, Ifakara B catches correlated far better to HLC (r2 = 0.73, P < 0.001) than any other method tested (r2 = 0.04, P = 0.426 and r2 = 0.19, P = 0.006 for Ifakara A and LTs respectively). Only Ifakara B in a rural setting with high vector density exhibited constant sampling efficiency relative to HLC. The relative sensitivity of Ifakara B increased as vector densities decreased in the urban setting and exceeded that of HLC at the lowest densities. None of the tent traps differed from HLC in terms of the proportions of parous mosquitoes (P >or= 0.849) or An. gambiae s.l. sibling species (P >or= 0.280) they sampled but both Ifakara A and B designs failed to reduce the proportion of blood-fed mosquitoes caught (Odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] = 1.6 [1.2, 2.1] and 1.0 [0.8, 1.2], P = 0.002 and 0.998, respectively), probably because of operator exposure while emptying the trap each morning. The Ifakara B trap may have potential for monitoring and evaluating a variety of endophagic and exophagic Afrotropical malaria vectors, particularly at low but epidemiologically relevant population densities. However, operator exposure to mosquito bites remains a concern so additional modifications or protective measures will be required before this design can be considered for widespread, routine use.

Controlled release of insulin-like growth factor 1 enhances urethral sphincter function and histological structure in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence in a rat model.

PubMed

Yan, Hao; Zhong, Liren; Jiang, Yaodong; Yang, Jian; Deng, Junhong; Wei, Shicheng; Opara, Emmanuel; Atala, Anthony; Mao, Xiangming; Damaser, Margot S; Zhang, Yuanyuan

2018-02-01

To determine the effects of controlled release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) from alginate-poly-L-ornithine-gelatine (A-PLO-G) microbeads on external urethral sphincter (EUS) tissue regeneration in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), as SUI diminishes the quality of life of millions, particularly women who have delivered vaginally, which can injure the urethral sphincter. Despite several well-established treatments for SUI, growth factor therapy might provide an alternative to promote urethral sphincter repair. In all, 44 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into four groups: vaginal distension (VD) followed by periurethral injection of IGF-1-A-PLO-G microbeads (VD + IGF-1 microbeads; 1 × 10 4 microbeads/1 mL normal saline); VD + empty microbeads; VD + saline; or sham-VD + saline (sham). Urethral function (leak-point pressure, LPP) was significantly lesser 1 week after VD + saline [mean (sem) 23.9 (1.3) cmH 2 O] or VD + empty microbeads [mean (sem) 21.7 (0.8) cmH 2 O) compared to the sham group [mean (sem) 44.4 (3.4) cmH 2 O; P < 0.05), indicating that the microbeads themselves do not create a bulking or obstructive effect in the urethra. The LPP was significantly higher 1 week after VD + IGF-1 microbeads [mean (sem) 28.4 (1.2) cmH 2 O] compared to VD + empty microbeads (P < 0.05), and was not significantly different from the LPP in sham rats, demonstrating an initiation of a reparative effect even at 1 week after VD. Histological analysis showed well-organised skeletal muscle fibres and vascular development in the EUS at 1 week after VD + IGF-1 microbeads, compared to substantial muscle fibre attenuation and disorganisation, and less vascular formation at 1 week after VD + saline or VD + empty microbeads. Periurethral administration of IGF-1-A-PLO-G microbeads facilitates recovery from SUI by promoting skeletal myogenesis and revascularisation. This therapy is promising, but detailed and longer term studies in animal models and humans are needed. © 2017 The Authors BJU International © 2017 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Genotype and Arterial Oxygen Saturation at High Altitude in Peruvian Quechua

PubMed Central

Bigham, Abigail W.; Kiyamu, Melisa; León-Velarde, Fabiola; Parra, Esteban J.; Rivera-Ch, Maria; Shriver, Mark D.

2008-01-01

Abstract Bigham, Abigail W., Melisa Kiyamu, Fabiola León-Verlarde, Esteban J. Parra, Maria Rivera-Ch, Mark D. Shriver, and Tom D. Brutsaert. Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype and arterial oxygen saturation at high altitude in Peruvian Quechua. High Alt. Med. Biol. 9:167–178, 2008.—The I-allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been associated with performance benefits at high altitude (HA). In n = 142 young males and females of largely Quechua origins in Peru, we evaluated 3 specific hypotheses with regard to the HA benefits of the I-allele: (1) the I-allele is associated with higher arterial oxygen saturation (\\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document}) at HA, (2) the I-allele effect depends on the acclimatization state of the subjects, and (3) the putative I-allele effect on \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document} is mediated by the isocapnic hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR, \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$$1 / {\\rm min}^{- 1} / \\%{\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}{- 1}$$\\end{document}). The subject participants comprised two different study groups including BLA subjects (born at low altitude) who were lifelong sea-level residents transiently exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (<24 h) and BHA subjects (born at HA) who were lifelong residents of HA. To control for the possibility of population stratification, Native American ancestry proportion (NAAP) was estimated as a covariate for each individual using a panel of 70 ancestry-informative molecular markers (AIMS). At HA, resting and exercise \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document} was strongly associated with the ACE genotype, p = 0.008 with ∼4% of the total variance in \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document} attributed to ACE genotype. Moreover, I/I individuals maintained ∼2.3 percentage point higher \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document} compared to I/D and D/D. This I-allele effect was evident in both BLA and BHA groups, suggesting that acclimatization state has little influence on the phenotypic expression of the ACE gene. Finally, ACE genotype was not associated with the isocapnic HVR, although HVR had a strong independent effect on \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document} (p = 0.001). This suggests that the I-allele effect on \\documentclass{aastex}\\usepackage{amsbsy}\\usepackage{amsfonts}\\usepackage{amssymb}\\usepackage{bm}\\usepackage{mathrsfs}\\usepackage{pifont}\\usepackage{stmaryrd}\\usepackage{textcomp}\\usepackage{portland,xspace}\\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}\\pagestyle{empty}\\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}\\begin{document}$${\\rm Sa}_{\\rm O_2}$$\\end{document} is not mediated by the peripheral control of breathing, but rather by some other central cardiopulmonary effect of the ACE gene on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). PMID:18578648

Improvement of gastric motility by hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Adachi, Hiroshi; Kamiya, Takeshi; Hirako, Makoto; Misu, Naoko; Kobayashi, Yuka; Shikano, Michiko; Matsuhisa, Eriko; Kataoka, Hiromi; Sasaki, Makoto; Ohara, Hirotaka; Nakao, Haruhisa; Orito, Etsuro; Joh, Takashi

2007-10-01

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). We have previously demonstrated that patients with predialysis end-stage renal disease showed a high prevalence of GI symptoms and gastric hypomotility, and that gastric hypomotility appears to be an important factor in generating GI symptoms. However, it is not clear whether impaired gastric motor function would improve after hemodialytic treatment. To examine the relationship between gastric motor function and GI symptoms in CRF patients on hemodialysis. The study was performed in 19 patients with CRF treated with hemodialysis for more than six months and in 12 matched healthy controls. GI symptom severity was quantified in all patients. Gastric motility was evaluated with cutaneously recorded electrogastrography (EGG) and gastric emptying of semi-solid meals using the (13)C-acetic acid breath test. Six patients had no symptoms, and 11 had slight GI symptoms with a total symptom score of less than 5. Compared with controls, CRF patients revealed no differences in gastric motility parameters, with the exception of a lower percentage of normogastria in EGG at fasting state. Eleven patients had normal gastric motor function (Group A), and eight showed abnormalities of either gastric myoelectrical activity or gastric emptying (Group B). There was no difference in symptom score between Group A and Group B. More than half of the patients with CRF on hemodialysis demonstrated normal gastric motility, and no or slight GI symptoms. Hemodialytic treatment may improve impaired gastric motility and reduce GI symptoms in patients with CRF.

[Panhypopituitarism and dwarfism in a man with a primary empty sella turcica (author's transl)].

PubMed

Turpin, G; Jambart, S; de Gennes, J L

1979-03-10

Endocrine features associated with the primary empty sella turcica syndrom are rare; they are usually related to a pituitary microadenoma and more rarely to an idiopathic panhypop ituitarism. A pituitary dwarfism with an idiopathic panhypopituitarism of hypothalamic origin, associated with an "empty" sella turcica containing functional and stimulable pituitary tissue, is reported in a 27 year old male Moraccan.

Electrophysiological Assessment of a Peptide Amphiphile Nanofiber Nerve Graft for Facial Nerve Repair.

PubMed

Greene, Jacqueline J; McClendon, Mark T; Stephanopoulos, Nicholas; Álvarez, Zaida; Stupp, Samuel I; Richter, Claus-Peter

2018-04-27

Facial nerve injury can cause severe long-term physical and psychological morbidity. There are limited repair options for an acutely transected facial nerve not amenable to primary neurorrhaphy. We hypothesize that a peptide amphiphile nanofiber neurograft may provide the nanostructure necessary to guide organized neural regeneration. Five experimental groups were compared, animals with 1) an intact nerve, 2) following resection of a nerve segment, and following resection and immediate repair with either a 3) autograft (using the resected nerve segment), 4) neurograft, or 5) empty conduit. The buccal branch of the rat facial nerve was directly stimulated with charge balanced biphasic electrical current pulses at different current amplitudes while nerve compound action potentials (nCAPs) and electromygraphic (EMG) responses were recorded. After 8 weeks, the proximal buccal branch was surgically re-exposed and electrically evoked nCAPs were recorded for groups 1-5. As expected, the intact nerves required significantly lower current amplitudes to evoke an nCAP than those repaired with the neurograft and autograft nerves. For other electrophysiologic parameters such as latency and maximum nCAP, there was no significant difference between the intact, autograft and neurograft groups. The resected group had variable responses to electrical stimulation, and the empty tube group was electrically silent. Immunohistochemical analysis and TEM confirmed myelinated neural regeneration. This study demonstrates that the neuroregenerative capability of peptide amphiphile nanofiber neurografts is similar to the current clinical gold standard method of repair and holds potential as an off-the-shelf solution for facial reanimation and potentially peripheral nerve repair. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Polarization rotation locking of vector solitons in a fiber ring laser.

PubMed

Zhao, L M; Tang, D Y; Zhang, H; Wu, X

2008-07-07

Polarization rotation of vector solitons in a fiber ring laser was experimentally studied. It was observed that the period of vector soliton polarization rotation could be locked to the cavity roundtrip time or multiple of it. We further show that multiple vector solitons can be formed in a fiber laser, and all the vector solitons have the same group velocity in cavity, however, their instantaneous polarization ellipse orientations could be orthogonal.

HIV-Positive Mothers With Late Adolescent/Early Adult Children: “Empty Nest” Concerns

PubMed Central

Murphy, Debra A.; Roberts, Kathleen Johnston; Herbeck, Diane M.

2012-01-01

In-depth interviews about the “empty nest” were conducted with 57 HIV-positive mothers of late adolescent/early adult children. Empty nest worries included: (1) identity loss, (2) loss of social support, (3) financial insecurity, (4) worsening of physical health, and (5) death/dying. Hopes included: (1) self-improvement, (2) change of life focus, (3) travel, (4) romantic partners, and (5) familial ties. Respondents’ HIV/AIDS status colored their thoughts/feelings about the empty nest; some worries were specific to being HIV-positive, and would not occur for non-ill mothers. Midlife HIV positive women need healthcare/social service resources as they navigate health and social-psychological challenges to successful aging. PMID:22420679

Raman-based Oxygen and Nitrogen Sensor for Monitoring Empty Airplane Fuel Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Peter C.

2004-01-01

The purpose of this project was to develop a Raman-based method for detecting oxygen and nitrogen in empty fuel tanks. The need for such a method comes from the potential danger of allowing explosive oxygen-fuel mixtures to accumulate in empty airplane fuel tanks. An explosion resulting from such a mixture is believed to have caused the Flight TWA 800 disaster in 1996. Recently, (e.g., February 17,2004 press release) the FAA announced its intentions to make fuel tank inerting mandatory. One potential solution to this problem is to use an inert gas such as nitrogen to flood the empty fue1 tanks in order to reduce the concentration of oxygen.

HIV-positive mothers with late adolescent/early adult children: "empty nest" concerns.

PubMed

Murphy, Debra A; Roberts, Kathleen Johnston; Herbeck, Diane M

2012-01-01

In-depth interviews about the "empty nest" were conducted with 57 HIV-positive mothers of late adolescent/early adult children. Empty nest worries included the following: (a) identity loss, (b) loss of social support, (c) financial insecurity, (d) worsening of physical health, and (e) death/dying. Hopes included the following: (a) self-improvement, (a) change of life focus, (c) travel, (d) romantic partners, and (e) familial ties. Respondents' HIV/AIDS status colored their thoughts/feelings about the empty nest; some worries were specific to being HIV positive and would not occur for nonill mothers. Midlife HIV-positive women need health care/social service resources as they navigate health and social-psychological challenges to successful aging.

MANCOVA for one way classification with homogeneity of regression coefficient vectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokesh Rayalu, G.; Ravisankar, J.; Mythili, G. Y.

2017-11-01

The MANOVA and MANCOVA are the extensions of the univariate ANOVA and ANCOVA techniques to multidimensional or vector valued observations. The assumption of a Gaussian distribution has been replaced with the Multivariate Gaussian distribution for the vectors data and residual term variables in the statistical models of these techniques. The objective of MANCOVA is to determine if there are statistically reliable mean differences that can be demonstrated between groups later modifying the newly created variable. When randomization assignment of samples or subjects to groups is not possible, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) provides statistical matching of groups by adjusting dependent variables as if all subjects scored the same on the covariates. In this research article, an extension has been made to the MANCOVA technique with more number of covariates and homogeneity of regression coefficient vectors is also tested.

Eco-bio-social research on dengue in Asia: a multicountry study on ecosystem and community-based approaches for the control of dengue vectors in urban and peri-urban Asia.

PubMed

Sommerfeld, Johannes; Kroeger, Axel

2012-12-01

This article provides an overview of methods and cross-site insights of a 5-year research and capacity building initiative conducted between 2006 and 2011 in six countries of South Asia (India, Sri Lanka) and South-East Asia (Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand).The initiative managed an interdisciplinary investigation of ecological, biological, and social (i.e., eco-bio-social) dimensions of dengue in urban and peri-urban areas, and developed community-based interventions aimed at reducing dengue vector breeding and viral transmission. The multicountry study comprised interdisciplinary research groups from six leading Asian research institutions. The groups conducted a detailed situation analysis to identify and characterize local eco-bio-social conditions, and formed a community-of-practice for EcoHealth research where group partners disseminated results and collaboratively developed site-specific intervention tools for vector-borne diseases. In sites where water containers produced more than 70% of Aedes pupae, interventions ranged from mechanical lid covers for containers to biological control. Where small discarded containers presented the main problem, groups experimented with solid waste management, composting and recycling schemes. Many intervention tools were locally produced and all tools were implemented through community partnership strategies. All sites developed socially and culturally appropriate health education materials. The study also mobilised and empowered women's, students' and community groups and at several sites organized new volunteer groups for environmental health. The initiative's programmes showed significant impact on vector densities in some sites. Other sites showed varying effect - partially attributable to the 'contamination' of control groups - yet led to significant outcomes at the community level where local groups united around broad interests in environmental hygiene and sanitation. The programme's findings are relevant for defining efficient, effective and ecologically sound vector control interventions based on local evidence and in accordance with WHO's strategy for integrated vector management.

Eco-bio-social research on dengue in Asia: a multicountry study on ecosystem and community-based approaches for the control of dengue vectors in urban and peri-urban Asia

PubMed Central

Sommerfeld, Johannes; Kroeger, Axel

2012-01-01

This article provides an overview of methods and cross-site insights of a 5-year research and capacity building initiative conducted between 2006 and 2011 in six countries of South Asia (India, Sri Lanka) and South-East Asia (Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand).The initiative managed an interdisciplinary investigation of ecological, biological, and social (i.e., eco-bio-social) dimensions of dengue in urban and peri-urban areas, and developed community-based interventions aimed at reducing dengue vector breeding and viral transmission. The multicountry study comprised interdisciplinary research groups from six leading Asian research institutions. The groups conducted a detailed situation analysis to identify and characterize local eco-bio-social conditions, and formed a community-of-practice for EcoHealth research where group partners disseminated results and collaboratively developed site-specific intervention tools for vector-borne diseases. In sites where water containers produced more than 70% of Aedes pupae, interventions ranged from mechanical lid covers for containers to biological control. Where small discarded containers presented the main problem, groups experimented with solid waste management, composting and recycling schemes. Many intervention tools were locally produced and all tools were implemented through community partnership strategies. All sites developed socially and culturally appropriate health education materials. The study also mobilised and empowered women’s, students’ and community groups and at several sites organized new volunteer groups for environmental health. The initiative’s programmes showed significant impact on vector densities in some sites. Other sites showed varying effect — partially attributable to the ‘contamination’ of control groups — yet led to significant outcomes at the community level where local groups united around broad interests in environmental hygiene and sanitation. The programme’s findings are relevant for defining efficient, effective and ecologically sound vector control interventions based on local evidence and in accordance with WHO’s strategy for integrated vector management. PMID:23318234

Determination of the Biological Efficiency and Antioxidant Potential of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), Cultivated Using Different Agro-Wastes in Malaysia.

PubMed

Sudheer, Surya; Alzorqi, Ibrahim; Ali, Asgar; Cheng, Poh Guat; Siddiqui, Yasmeen; Manickam, Sivakumar

2018-01-01

This study investigates the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum using different agricultural biomasses from Malaysia. Five different combinations of rubber wood sawdust, empty fruit bunch fiber, and mesocarp fiber from oil palm, alone and in combination, were used to cultivate G. lucidum. Although all the substrate combinations worked well to grow the mushroom, the highest biological efficiency was obtained from the combination of empty fruit bunch fiber with sawdust. A total yield of 27% was obtained from empty fruit bunch fiber with sawdust, followed by sawdust (26%), empty fruit bunch fiber (19%), mesocarp fiber with sawdust (19%), and mesocarp fiber (16%). The quality of mushrooms was proved by proximate analysis and detection of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity verified by DPPH, ferric-reducing ability of plasma, and ABTS analyses revealed that the empty fruit bunch fiber with sawdust had higher activity than the other substrates.

Gastric emptying of multi-particulate dosage forms.

PubMed

Newton, J Michael

2010-08-16

The evidence in the literature for the concept that multi-particulate dosage forms below a specific size empty from the stomach as if they were liquids and hence have the potential to provide the best solution to the formulation of controlled release oral dosage forms, has been considered. There is some evidence that particles less than 1.0mm provide a more rapid response than larger size particles but there is also evidence that this is not always the case and that rapid and reproducible gastric emptying of small particles does not always occur when they are administered. There is strong evidence that food can delay the gastric emptying of multi-particulate systems. Some of the misconception for gastric emptying performance of multi-particulate system is shown to be related to the limitation of the study design and limitation of the way the data is processed. Nevertheless, there is clear evidence that multi-particulate systems can provide effective oral controlled release dosage forms. There is still some way to go with experimental techniques which would allow a definitive answer to the issue of how the variability of the gastric emptying of multi-particulate systems of less than 2.0mm arises. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The superiority of paracostal endoscopic-assisted gastropexy over open incisional and belt loop gastropexy in dogs: a comparison of three prophylactic techniques

PubMed Central

Tavakoli, A.; Mahmoodifard, M.; Razavifard, A. H.

2016-01-01

Prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that prevents the occurrence of a life threatening condition known as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs. The objective of this study was to compare incisional, belt loop and minimally invasive endoscopically assisted gastropexy by evaluating different parameters such as surgical time, length of scar and score of pain in dogs. Twenty-one healthy, mixed-breed adult dogs weighting 14.3 ± 2.6 kg were randomly divided into three groups. Three gastropexy techniques applied in the following order: incisional (group I), belt loop (group B), and endoscopically assisted gastropexy (group E). Surgical time, anesthetic time, length of surgical incision and score of pain 3 h after surgery were recorded for all dogs. Two weeks after the surgery, positive-contrast gastrography was used to evaluate stomach position and total gastric emptying time. Ultrasonography was also used to evaluate the gastropexy two months after the surgery. Adhesion was confirmed two months after the surgery between the stomach wall at the pyloric antrum and the right side of the body wall in all dogs by ultrasound. The mean surgical time, length of surgical incision and score of pain were significantly lower in group E compared to group I and B (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in total gastric emptying time and gastropexy thickness post-operatively (P>0.05). Due to advantages observed in the current study, the endoscopically assisted technique seems to be a suitable alternative to open incisional and belt loop gastropexies for performing prophylactic gastropexy, especially when performed by skilled surgeons. PMID:27822237

Disintegration kinetics of food gels during gastric digestion and its role on gastric emptying: an in vitro analysis.

PubMed

Guo, Qing; Ye, Aiqian; Lad, Mita; Ferrua, Maria; Dalgleish, Douglas; Singh, Harjinder

2015-03-01

The understanding of the disintegration and gastric emptying of foods in the stomach is important for designing functional foods. In this study, a dynamic stomach model (human gastric simulator, HGS) was employed to investigate the disintegration and subsequent emptying of two differently structured whey protein emulsion gels (soft and hard gels).The gels were mechanically ground into fragments to reproduce the particle size distribution of an in vivo gel bolus. The simulated gel bolus was prepared by mixing gel fragments and artificial saliva, and exposed to 5 hours of simulated gastric digestion in the presence and absence of pepsin. Results showed that regardless of pepsin, the soft gel always disintegrated faster than the hard gel. The presence of pepsin significantly accelerated the disintegration of both gels. In particular, it enhanced abrasion of the soft gel into fine particles (<0.425 mm) after 180 min of processing. The emptying of the gels was influenced by the combined effects of the original particle size of the gel boluses and their disintegration kinetics in the HGS. In the presence or absence of pepsin, the larger particles of the soft gel emptied slower than the hard one during the first 120 min of process. However, in the presence of pepsin, the soft gel emptied faster than the hard one after 120 min because of a higher level of disintegration. These findings highlight the role of food structure, bolus properties and biochemical effects on the disintegration and gastric emptying patterns of gels during gastric digestion.

Effects of Intragastric Administration of Tryptophan on the Blood Glucose Response to a Nutrient Drink and Energy Intake, in Lean and Obese Men.

PubMed

Ullrich, Sina S; Fitzgerald, Penelope C E; Giesbertz, Pieter; Steinert, Robert E; Horowitz, Michael; Feinle-Bisset, Christine

2018-04-08

Tryptophan stimulates plasma cholecystokinin and pyloric pressures, both of which slow gastric emptying. Gastric emptying regulates postprandial blood glucose. Tryptophan has been reported to decrease energy intake. We investigated the effects of intragastric tryptophan on the glycaemic response to, and gastric emptying of, a mixed-nutrient drink, and subsequent energy intake. Lean and obese participants ( n = 16 each) received intragastric infusions of 1.5 g ("Trp-1.5g") or 3.0 g ("Trp-3.0g") tryptophan, or control, and 15 min later consumed a mixed-nutrient drink (56 g carbohydrates). Gastric emptying ( 13 C-acetate breath-test), blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, glucagon, cholecystokinin and tryptophan concentrations were measured ( t = 0-60 min). Energy intake was assessed between t = 60-90 min. In lean individuals, Trp-3.0g, but not Trp-1.5g, slowed gastric emptying, reduced C-peptide AUC and increased glucagon AUC (all P < 0.05), but did not significantly decrease the blood glucose response to the drink, stimulate cholecystokinin or reduce mean energy intake, compared with control. In obese individuals, Trp-3.0g, but not Trp-1.5g, tended to slow gastric emptying ( P = 0.091), did not affect C-peptide AUC , increased glucagon AUC ( P < 0.001) and lowered blood glucose at t = 30 min ( P < 0.05), and did not affect cholecystokinin or mean energy intake. In obese individuals, intragastrically administered tryptophan may reduce postprandial blood glucose by slowing gastric emptying; the lack of effect on mean energy intake requires further investigation.

Crop-emptying rate and the design of pesticide risk assessment schemes in the honey bee and wild bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

PubMed

Fournier, Alice; Rollin, Orianne; Le Féon, Violette; Decourtye, Axel; Henry, Mickaël

2014-02-01

Recent scientific literature and reports from official sanitary agencies have pointed out the deficiency of current pesticide risk assessment processes regarding sublethal effects on pollinators. Sublethal effects include troubles in learning performance, orientation skills, or mobility, with possible contribution to substantial dysfunction at population scale. However, the study of sublethal effects is currently limited by considerable knowledge gaps, particularly for the numerous pollinators other than the honey bee Apis mellifera L.--the traditional model for pesticide risk assessment in pollinators. Here, we propose to use the crop-emptying time as a rule of thumb to guide the design of oral exposure experiments in the honey bee and wild bees. The administration of contaminated sucrose solutions is typically followed by a fasting time lapse to allow complete assimilation before the behavioral tests. The fasting duration should at least encompass the crop-emptying time, because no absorption takes place in the crop. We assessed crop-emptying rate in fasted bees and how it relates 1) with sucrose solution concentration in the honey bee and 2) with body mass in wild bees. Fasting duration required for complete crop emptying in honey bees fed 20 microl of a 50% sucrose solution was nearly 2 h. Actual fasting durations are usually shorter in toxicological studies, suggesting incomplete crop emptying, and therefore partial assimilation of experimental solutions that could imply underestimation of sublethal effects. We also found faster crop-emptying rates in large wild bees compared with smaller wild bees, and suggest operative rules to adapt sublethal assessment schemes accordingly.

Muscle Weakness in the Empty and Full Can Tests Cannot Differentiate Rotator Cuff Tear from Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy: Pain Provocation is a Useful Finding.

PubMed

Iwata, Eiichiro; Shigematsu, Hideki; Inoue, Kazuya; Egawa, Takuya; Sakamoto, Yoshihiro; Tanaka, Yasuhito

2017-01-01

Rotator cuff tears and cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) are often confused as the main symptom in those with difficulty in shoulder elevation. Empty and full can tests are frequently used for the clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the empty and full can test results can help differentiate rotator cuff tears from CSA. Twenty-seven consecutive patients with rotator cuff tears and 25 with CSA were enrolled. We prospectively performed empty and full can tests in patients with rotator cuff tears and CSA. The following signs were considered positive: (a) muscle weakness during the empty can test, (b) muscle weakness during the full can test, (c) pain provocation during the empty can test, and (d) pain provocation during the full can test. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of rotator cuff tears for each positive finding. The sensitivity and specificity of each index were as follows (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV): (a) 77.8%, 0%, 45.7%, 0%; (b) 66.7%, 4.0%, 42.9%, 10.0%; (c) 88.9%, 96.0%, 96.0%, 88.9%; and (d) 74.1%, 96.0%, 95.2%, 77.4%. There were significant differences for each index. Muscle weakness during the empty and full can tests was not useful in differentiating rotator cuff tears from CSA because of low specificity and PPV. However, pain provocation was useful in differentiating these two conditions because of high specificity and PPV.

Impact of lubiprostone on gastric-emptying profile and the possible effect of concomitant domperidone in healthy adults
.

PubMed

Okamura, Takayuki; Yamamoto, Takatsugu; Kimura, Satoshi; Miki, Atsushi; Abe, Koichiro; Kita, Hiroto

2017-11-01

Lubiprostone is effective for patients with chronic constipation. This agent sometimes causes upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, which is one of the chief reasons for discontinuation. However, the etiology of and strategy against bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms of lubiprostone remain unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of lubiprostone on the gastric-emptying profile of healthy adults. The effect of domperidone on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal symptoms after lubiprostone administration were also assessed. 80 healthy male participants underwent ¹³C acetate breath testing to evaluate gastric emptying. The test meal comprised 200 kcal of a standard liquid nutrient. Each participant underwent 3 random breath tests with: 1) no premedication; 2) 24 µg of lubiprostone 30 minutes prior to the study; and 3) 24 µg of lubiprostone plus 10 mg of domperidone 30 minutes prior to the study. Gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain, fullness, distress feeling) during testing were evaluated using a 7-point scoring system. Gastric emptying was significantly delayed by the administration of lubiprostone. Among all 8 subjects, 4 reported heartburn after taking lubiprostone, whereas this symptom was not found when subjects received concomitant domperidone. However, gastric emptying showed little change between lubiprostone alone and lubiprostone plus domperidone. Lubiprostone delayed gastric emptying of liquid in healthy adults, which could be associated with the gastrointestinal symptoms caused by the agent. Domperidone seemed effective against such gastrointestinal symptoms after administration of lubiprostone. This effect seemed unrelated to gastric motility.
.

Gastric emptying in Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus before and after therapy readjustment: no influence of actual blood glucose concentration.

PubMed

Holzäpfel, A; Festa, A; Stacher-Janotta, G; Bergmann, H; Shnawa, N; Brannath, W; Schernthaner, G; Stacher, G

1999-12-01

Hyperglycaemia that is induced short-term slows gastric emptying in healthy subjects and patients with diabetes mellitus. Little information is available on the impact of longer-lasting, naturally occurring blood glucose increases and their reduction to euglycaemic values. We studied the relation between gastric emptying and pre-prandial and postprandial blood glucose concentrations in patients with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and secondary failure to respond to oral hypoglycaemic treatment (a) before readjusting hypoglycaemic therapy and (b) 1 week thereafter. We studied 9 female and 1 male patient (age 60-78 years, BMI 21.9-32.5 kg/m2, diabetes duration 3-33 years, HbA1c 8.8-13.2%). Gastric emptying of a radiolabelled semisolid 1168 kJ meal was recorded scintigraphically. Blood glucose concentration pre-prandial and postprandial was considerably lower subsequent to than before therapy readjustment in all patients (fasting, 7.9 mmol/l+/-1.5 SD vs 11.7+/-1.7 mmol/l; 60 min postprandial, 11.7+/-2.0 vs 15.4+/-2.2 mmol/l). By contrast, gastric emptying was unchanged (residual radioactivity in stomach 50 min postprandial 65.7+/-14.1% vs 66.5+/-12.9%). There was no relation between emptying and either fasting blood glucose concentration or its postprandial increase. The data do not support a major impact of actual, longer-lasting, naturally occurring blood glucose concentrations upon the rate of gastric emptying in patients with Type II diabetes.

Lack of modulation of gastric emptying by dietary nitrate in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Terai, Shiho; Iijima, Katsunori; Asanuma, Kiyotaka; Ara, Nobuyuki; Uno, Kaname; Abe, Yasuhiko; Koike, Tomoyuki; Imatani, Akira; Ohara, Shuichi; Shimosegawa, Tooru

2009-05-01

Nitric oxide produced endogenously in vagal neurons modulates gastrointestinal motor activity as an important non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic neurotransmitter. Other than through endogenous biosynthesis, a high concentration of nitric oxide also occurs by chemical reactions within the stomach in the presence of gastric acid through the entero-salivary re-circulation of dietary nitrate. Although dietary nitrate can be a potential source of nitric oxide in the human stomach, there has been no report on the effect of dietary nitrate on gastric motor function. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dietary nitrate on gastric emptying, one of the major parameters for the gastric motor function. Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent a placebo-controlled (310 mg sodium nitrate or placebo), double-blind, crossover trial. Since a sufficient amount of gastric acid is essential for dietary nitrate-derived nitric oxide generation in the stomach, the same protocol was repeated after 1-week treatment with a proton pump inhibitor, rabeprazole. Gastric emptying was evaluated by (13)C-octanoate breath test. The sodium nitrate ingestion did not affect gastric emptying either prior to or during rabeprazole treatment, although rabeprazole treatment itself significantly delayed gastric emptying, being independent of the dietary nitrate load. Confirmation of the delayed gastric emptying with rabeprazole indicates the sensitivity of the breath test employed in the present study. In conclusion, despite the potential nitrogen source of exogenous nitric oxide, the ingestion of 310 mg sodium nitrate, which is equivalent to the average daily intake of Japanese adults, does not affect gastric emptying in healthy volunteers.

Sluggish gallbladder emptying and gastrointestinal transit after intake of common alcoholic beverages.

PubMed

Kasicka-Jonderko, A; Jonderko, K; Gajek, E; Piekielniak, A; Zawislan, R

2014-02-01

To study the movement along the gut and the effect upon the gallbladder volume of alcoholic beverages taken in the interdigestive state. The study comprised three research blocks attended by 12 healthy subjects each. Within a given research block volunteers underwent three examination sessions held on separate days, being offered an alcoholic beverage, or an aqueous ethanol solution of an identical proof, or a corresponding volume of isotonic glucose solution; the order of administration of the drinks was randomized. The beverages tested were: beer (4.7% vol, 400 ml), red wine (13.7% vol, 200 ml), whisky (43.5% vol, 100 ml) within the "Beer", "Wine", and "Whisky" research block, respectively. Gastric myoelectrical activity was examined electrogastrographically, gastric emptying with ¹³C-sodium acetate breath test, orocaecal transit with lactulose H₂ breath test, gallbladder emptying with ultrasonography, breath ethanol with alcotest. The study showed that alcoholic beverages were emptied from the stomach significantly slower than isotonic glucose. Alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation only (beer, red wine) were emptied from the stomach more slowly than ethanol solutions of identical proof, while gastric evacuation of whisky (distillation product) and matching alcohol solution was similar. The slower gastric evacuation of alcoholic beverages and ethanol solutions could not be ascribed to a disorganization of the gastric myoelectrical activity. The orocaecal transit of beer and red wine did not differ from that of isotonic glucose, whereas the orocaecal transit of whisky and high proof ethanol was markedly prolonged. Red wine and whisky, and to a similar extent control ethanol solutions caused an inhibition and delay of gallbladder emptying. We concluded that alcoholic beverages taken on an empty stomach exert a suppressive effect upon the transport function of the digestive tract and gallbladder emptying. The extent of this action depends on the type of a beverage (whether it is obtained from fermentation only, or fermentation followed by distillation) and ethanol concentration therein.

Characterization of basal hepatic bile flow and the effects of intravenous cholecystokinin on the liver, sphincter, and gallbladder in patients with sphincter of Oddi spasm.

PubMed

Krishnamurthy, Gerbail T; Krishnamurthy, Shakuntala; Watson, Randy D

2004-01-01

The major objectives of this project were to establish the pattern of basal hepatic bile flow and the effects of intravenous administration of cholecystokinin on the liver, sphincter of Oddi, and gallbladder, and to identify reliable parameters for the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi spasm (SOS). Eight women with clinically suspected sphincter of Oddi spasm (SOS group), ten control subjects (control group), and ten patients who had recently received an opioid (opioid group) were selected for quantitative cholescintigraphy with cholecystokinin. Each patient was studied with 111-185 MBq (3-5 mCi) technetium-99m mebrofenin after 6-8 h of fasting. Hepatic phase images were obtained for 60 min, followed by gallbladder phase images for 30 min. During the gallbladder phase, 10 ng/kg octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) was infused over 3 min through an infusion pump. Hepatic extraction fraction, excretion half-time, basal hepatic bile flow into the gallbladder, gallbladder ejection fraction, and post-CCK-8 paradoxical filling (>30% of basal counts) were identified. Seven of the patients with SOS were treated with antispasmodics (calcium channel blockers), and one underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Mean (+/-SD) hepatic bile entry into the gallbladder (versus GI tract) was widely variable: it was lower in SOS patients (32%+/-31%) than in controls (61%+/-36%) and the opioid group (61%+/-25%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Hepatic extraction fraction, excretion half-time, and pattern of bile flow through both intrahepatic and extrahepatic ducts were normal in all three groups. Gallbladder mean ejection fraction was 9%+/-4% in the opioid group; this was significantly lower (P<0.0001) than the values in the control group (54%+/-18%) and the SOS group (48%+/-29%). Almost all of the bile emptied from the gallbladder refluxed into intrahepatic ducts; it reentered the gallbladder after cessation of CCK-8 infusion (paradoxical gallbladder filling) in all eight patients with SOS, but in none of the patients in the other two groups. Mean paradoxical filling was 204% (+/-193%) in the SOS group and less than 5% (P<0.05) in both the control and the opioid group. After treatment, six of the SOS patients had complete pain relief and one, partial pain relief. The basal tonus of the sphincter is variable in patients with SOS, and allows relatively more of the hepatic bile to enter the GI tract than the gallbladder. Due to simultaneous contraction of the sphincter and gallbladder in response to CCK-8, most of the bile emptied from the gallbladder refluxes into intrahepatic ducts, and reenters the gallbladder immediately after cessation of hormone infusion. The characteristic features of gallbladder filling, emptying, and paradoxical refilling with cholecystokinin provide objective parameters for noninvasive diagnosis of SOS by quantitative cholescintigraphy.

The Willingness-to-Pay for General Practitioners in Contractual Service and Influencing Factors among Empty Nesters in Chongqing, China.

PubMed

Chen, Fei; Xu, Xiang-Long; Yang, Zhan; Tan, Hua-Wei; Zhang, Liang

2015-08-10

In 2012, a pilot health policy of contractual service relations between general practitioners and patients was implemented in China. Due to the decline in body and cognitive function, as well as the lack of family care and narrow social support networks, the demand of health services among the elderly is much higher than that among the general population. This study aims to probe into the empty nesters' willingness-to-pay for general practitioners using a contractual service policy, investigating empty nesters' payment levels for the service, and analyze the main factors affecting the willingness of empty-nesters' general practitioners using contractual service supply cost. This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method to survey 865, city empty nesters (six communities in three districts of one city) aged 60-85 years. A condition value method was used to infer the distribution of the willingness-to-pay; Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of willingness-to-pay. More than seventy percent (76.6%) of the empty nesters in this city were willing to pay general practitioners using contract service in Chongqing. The level of willingness-to-pay for the surveyed empty nesters was 34.1 yuan per year. The median value was 22.1 yuan per year, which was below the Chongqing urban and rural cooperative medical insurance individual funding level (60 yuan per year) in 2013. Cox's proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that the higher the education level was, the worse the self-reported health status would be, accompanied by higher family per capita income, higher satisfaction of community health service, and higher willingness-to-pay empty nesters using a contract service. Women had a higher willingness-to-pay than men. The willingness-to-pay for general practitioners by contractual service is high among city empty nesters in Chongqing, thus, individual financing is feasible. However, people are willing to pay less than half of the current personal financing of cooperative medical insurance of urban and rural residents. Education level, family per capita income, and self-reported health status are the main factors affecting the cost sharing intention for general practitioners using contract service supply. According to the existing situation of different empty nesters, it is important to perfect the design of general practitioners using a contractual service policy system, according to differentiated personal financing levels.

The Willingness-to-Pay for General Practitioners in Contractual Service and Influencing Factors among Empty Nesters in Chongqing, China

PubMed Central

Chen, Fei; Xu, Xiang-Long; Yang, Zhan; Tan, Hua-Wei; Zhang, Liang

2015-01-01

Background: In 2012, a pilot health policy of contractual service relations between general practitioners and patients was implemented in China. Due to the decline in body and cognitive function, as well as the lack of family care and narrow social support networks, the demand of health services among the elderly is much higher than that among the general population. This study aims to probe into the empty nesters’ willingness-to-pay for general practitioners using a contractual service policy, investigating empty nesters’ payment levels for the service, and analyze the main factors affecting the willingness of empty-nesters’ general practitioners using contractual service supply cost. Methods: This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method to survey 865, city empty nesters (six communities in three districts of one city) aged 60–85 years. A condition value method was used to infer the distribution of the willingness-to-pay; Cox’s proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of willingness-to-pay. Results: More than seventy percent (76.6%) of the empty nesters in this city were willing to pay general practitioners using contract service in Chongqing. The level of willingness-to-pay for the surveyed empty nesters was 34.1 yuan per year. The median value was 22.1 yuan per year, which was below the Chongqing urban and rural cooperative medical insurance individual funding level (60 yuan per year) in 2013. Cox’s proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that the higher the education level was, the worse the self-reported health status would be, accompanied by higher family per capita income, higher satisfaction of community health service, and higher willingness-to-pay empty nesters using a contract service. Women had a higher willingness-to-pay than men. Conclusions: The willingness-to-pay for general practitioners by contractual service is high among city empty nesters in Chongqing, thus, individual financing is feasible. However, people are willing to pay less than half of the current personal financing of cooperative medical insurance of urban and rural residents. Education level, family per capita income, and self-reported health status are the main factors affecting the cost sharing intention for general practitioners using contract service supply. According to the existing situation of different empty nesters, it is important to perfect the design of general practitioners using a contractual service policy system, according to differentiated personal financing levels. PMID:26266416

Land-Use Change Alters Host and Vector Communities and May Elevate Disease Risk.

PubMed

Guo, Fengyi; Bonebrake, Timothy C; Gibson, Luke

2018-04-24

Land-use change has transformed most of the planet. Concurrently, recent outbreaks of various emerging infectious diseases have raised great attention to the health consequences of anthropogenic environmental degradation. Here, we assessed the global impacts of habitat conversion and other land-use changes on community structures of infectious disease hosts and vectors, using a meta-analysis of 37 studies. From 331 pairwise comparisons of disease hosts/vectors in pristine (undisturbed) and disturbed areas, we found a decrease in species diversity but an increase in body size associated with land-use changes, potentially suggesting higher risk of infectious disease transmission in disturbed habitats. Neither host nor vector abundance, however, changed significantly following disturbance. When grouped by subcategories like disturbance type, taxonomic group, pathogen type and region, changes in host/vector community composition varied considerably. Fragmentation and agriculture in particular benefit host and vector communities and therefore might elevate disease risk. Our results indicate that while habitat disturbance could alter disease host/vector communities in ways that exacerbate pathogen prevalence, the relationship is highly context-dependent and influenced by multiple factors.

Stem cells with FGF4-bFGF fused gene enhances the expression of bFGF and improves myocardial repair in rats

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

Chen, Xiang-Qi; Chen, Liang-Long, E-mail: xhzlyx@126.com; Fan, Lin

Highlights: • BFGF exists only in the cytoplasm of live cells. • BFGF cannot be secreted into the extracellular space to promote cell growth. • We combine the secretion-promoting signal peptide of FGF4. • We successfully modified BMSCs with the fused genes of FGF4-bFGF. • We promoted the therapeutic effects of transplanted BMSCs in myocardial infarction. - Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the modification of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with the fused FGF4 (fibroblast growth factor 4)-bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) gene could improve the expression and secretion of BFGF, and increase themore » efficacies in repairing infarcted myocardium. We used In-Fusion technique to construct recombinant lentiviral vectors containing the individual gene of bFGF, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), or genes of FGF4-bFGF and EGFP, and then transfected these lentiviruses into rat BMSCs. We conducted an in vitro experiment to compare the secretion of bFGF in BMSCs infected by these lentiviruses and also examined their therapeutic effects in the treatment of myocardial infraction in a rodent study. Sixty rats were tested in the following five conditions: Group-SHAM received only sham operation as controls; Group-AMI received only injection of placebo PBS buffer; Group-BMSC, Group-bFGF and Group-FGF4-bFGF received implantation of BMSCs with empty lentivirus, bFGF lentivirus, and FGF4-bFGF lentivirus, respectively. Our results found out that the transplanted FGF4-bFGF BMSCs had the highest survival rate, and also the highest myocardial expression of bFGF and microvascular density as evidenced by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. As compared to other groups, the Group-FGF4-BFGF rats had the lowest myocardial fibrotic fraction, and the highest left ventricular ejection fraction. These results suggest that the modification of BMSCs with the FGF4-bFGF fused gene can not only increase the expression of bFGF but also improve its secretion. The FGF4-bFGF BMSCs thus can enhance the survival of the transplanted cells, diminish myocardial fibrosis, promote myocardial angiogenesis, and improve cardiac functions.« less

Singular Vectors' Subtle Secrets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

James, David; Lachance, Michael; Remski, Joan

2011-01-01

Social scientists use adjacency tables to discover influence networks within and among groups. Building on work by Moler and Morrison, we use ordered pairs from the components of the first and second singular vectors of adjacency matrices as tools to distinguish these groups and to identify particularly strong or weak individuals.

Resistance to pathogens in terpene down-regulated orange fruits inversely correlates with the accumulation of D-limonene in peel oil glands.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Ana; Shimada, Takehiko; Cervera, Magdalena; Redondo, Ana; Alquézar, Berta; Rodrigo, María Jesús; Zacarías, Lorenzo; Palou, Lluís; López, María M; Peña, Leandro

2015-01-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are secondary metabolites acting as a language for the communication of plants with the environment. In orange fruits, the monoterpene D-limonene accumulates at very high levels in oil glands from the peel. Drastic down-regulation of D-limonene synthase gene expression in the peel of transgenic oranges harboring a D-limonene synthase transgene in antisense (AS) configuration altered the monoterpene profile in oil glands, mainly resulting in reduced accumulation of D-limonene. This led to fruit resistance against Penicillium digitatum (Pd), Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) and other specialized pathogens. Here, we analyze resistance to pathogens in independent AS and empty vector (EV) lines, which have low, medium or high D-limonene concentrations and show that the level of resistance is inversely related to the accumulation of D-limonene in orange peels, thus explaining the need of high D-limonene accumulation in mature oranges in nature for the efficient attraction of specialized microorganism frugivores.

Resistance to pathogens in terpene down-regulated orange fruits inversely correlates with the accumulation of D-limonene in peel oil glands

PubMed Central

Rodríguez, Ana; Shimada, Takehiko; Cervera, Magdalena; Redondo, Ana; Alquézar, Berta; Rodrigo, María Jesús; Zacarías, Lorenzo; Palou, Lluís; López, María M; Peña, Leandro

2015-01-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are secondary metabolites acting as a language for the communication of plants with the environment. In orange fruits, the monoterpene D-limonene accumulates at very high levels in oil glands from the peel. Drastic down-regulation of D-limonene synthase gene expression in the peel of transgenic oranges harboring a D-limonene synthase transgene in antisense (AS) configuration altered the monoterpene profile in oil glands, mainly resulting in reduced accumulation of D-limonene. This led to fruit resistance against Penicillium digitatum (Pd), Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) and other specialized pathogens. Here, we analyze resistance to pathogens in independent AS and empty vector (EV) lines, which have low, medium or high D-limonene concentrations and show that the level of resistance is inversely related to the accumulation of D-limonene in orange peels, thus explaining the need of high D-limonene accumulation in mature oranges in nature for the efficient attraction of specialized microorganism frugivores. PMID:26023857

Construction, Characterization, and Preliminary BAC-End Sequence Analysis of a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Library of the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

PubMed Central

Lin, Jinke; Kudrna, Dave; Wing, Rod A.

2011-01-01

We describe the construction and characterization of a publicly available BAC library for the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Using modified methods, the library was constructed with the aim of developing public molecular resources to advance tea plant genomics research. The library consists of a total of 401,280 clones with an average insert size of 135 kb, providing an approximate coverage of 13.5 haploid genome equivalents. No empty vector clones were observed in a random sampling of 576 BAC clones. Further analysis of 182 BAC-end sequences from randomly selected clones revealed a GC content of 40.35% and low chloroplast and mitochondrial contamination. Repetitive sequence analyses indicated that LTR retrotransposons were the most predominant sequence class (86.93%–87.24%), followed by DNA retrotransposons (11.16%–11.69%). Additionally, we found 25 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) that could potentially be used as genetic markers. PMID:21234344

Functional Characterization of a Dihydroflavanol 4-Reductase from the Fiber of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

PubMed

Wang, Le; Zhu, Yue; Wang, Peng; Fan, Qiang; Wu, Yao; Peng, Qing-Zhong; Xia, Gui-Xian; Wu, Jia-He

2016-01-26

Dihydroflavanol 4-reductase (DFR) is a key later enzyme involved in two polyphenols' (anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PAs)) biosynthesis, however it is not characterized in cotton yet. In present reports, a DFR cDNA homolog (designated as GhDFR1) was cloned from developing fibers of upland cotton. Silencing GhDFR1 in cotton by virus-induced gene silencing led to significant decrease in accumulation of anthocyanins and PAs. More interestingly, based on LC-MS analysis, two PA monomers, (-)-epicatachin and (-)-epigallocatachin, remarkably decreased in content in fibers of GhDFR1-silenced plants, but two new monomers, (-)-catachin and (-)-gallocatachin were present compared to the control plants infected with empty vector. The ectopic expression of GhDFR1 in an Arabidopsis TT3 mutant allowed for reconstruction of PAs biosynthesis pathway and led to accumulation of PAs in seed coat. Taken together, these data demonstrate that GhDFR1 contributes to the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and PAs in cotton.

Advantages and limitations for users of double pit pour-flush latrines: a qualitative study in rural Bangladesh.

PubMed

Hussain, Faruqe; Clasen, Thomas; Akter, Shahinoor; Bawel, Victoria; Luby, Stephen P; Leontsini, Elli; Unicomb, Leanne; Barua, Milan Kanti; Thomas, Brittany; Winch, Peter J

2017-05-25

In rural Bangladesh, India and elsewhere, pour-flush pit latrines are the most common sanitation system. When a single pit latrine becomes full, users must empty it themselves and risk exposure to fresh feces, pay an emptying service to remove pit contents or build a new latrine. Double pit pour-flush latrines may serve as a long-term sanitation option including high water table areas because the pits do not need to be emptied immediately and the excreta decomposes into reusable soil. Double pit pour-flush latrines were implemented in rural Bangladesh for 'hardcore poor' households by a national NGO, BRAC. We conducted interviews, focus groups, and spot checks in two low-income, rural areas of Bangladesh to explore the advantages and limitations of using double pit latrines compared to single pit latrines. The rural households accepted the double pit pour-flush latrine model and considered it feasible to use and maintain. This latrine design increased accessibility of a sanitation facility for these low-income residents and provided privacy, convenience and comfort, compared to open defecation. Although a double pit latrine is more costly and requires more space than a single pit latrine the households perceived this sanitation system to save resources, because households did not need to hire service workers to empty pits or remove decomposed contents themselves. In addition, the excreta decomposition process produced a reusable soil product that some households used in homestead gardening. The durability of the latrine superstructures was a problem, as most of the bamboo-pole superstructure broke after 6-18 months of use. Double pit pour-flush latrines are a long-term improved sanitation option that offers users several important advantages over single pit pour-flush latrines like in rural Bangladesh which can also be used in areas with high water table. Further research can provide an understanding of the comparative health impacts and effectiveness of the model in preventing human excreta from entering the environment.

[Diagnosis for human parvovirus B19-polyarthritis: usefulness of empty particle B19.ELISA and B19-DNA.PCR].

PubMed

Hatakeyama, Y; Ishii, K; Murai, C; Sugamura, K; Mitomo, N; Saitoh, T; Rikimaru, Y; Okazaki, T; Sasaki, T

1998-10-01

To evaluate the usefulness of new ELISA for human parvovirus B19 (B19) antibodies and PCR for the diagnosis of acute onset of B19 polyarthritis. We evaluated the reproducibility and sensitivity on the detection of anti-B19 antibody by ELISA using recombinant VP-1 and VP-2 (empty particle), and then studied for the prevalence of IgM and IgG B19 antibody in 125 samples for anti-B19 tests. The random study on anti-B19 antibody assay as well as PCR for B19-DNA was also performed in 130 cases with acute onset of arthritis excluding those with known origins, 224 with rheumatoid arthritis and 149 with other categories. The results by using B19-empty particle ELISA were reproducible and showed the assay was a sensitive way for clinical use. IgM anti-B19 antibodies were positive not only in all samples from erythema infectiosum, but also often in those from hemolytic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, fetal hydrops, hepatic injury, fever of unknown origin. Among 130 with acute onset of arthritis, 21 showed positive tests for IgM anti-B19 antibody and/or B19 DNA. On the other hand, 4 among 224 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were positive for IgM anti-B19 antibody, but all of 149 in control group were negative for IgM anti-B19 antibodies and for B19 DNA. Anti-B19 ELISA using B19-empty particle which has been introduced as a routine test system, is a useful tool for the diagnosis of acute onset of B19 arthritis. An additional examination using PCR for B19 DNA may contribute for understanding persistent B19 polyarthritis or reactivation of B19 infection.

Defining surgical criteria for empty nose syndrome: Validation of the office-based cotton test and clinical interpretability of the validated Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire.

PubMed

Thamboo, Andrew; Velasquez, Nathalia; Habib, Al-Rahim R; Zarabanda, David; Paknezhad, Hassan; Nayak, Jayakar V

2017-08-01

The validated Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) identifies empty nose syndrome (ENS) patients. The unvalidated cotton test assesses improvement in ENS-related symptoms. By first validating the cotton test using the ENS6Q, we define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) score for the ENS6Q. Individual case-control study. Fifteen patients diagnosed with ENS and 18 controls with non-ENS sinonasal conditions underwent office cotton placement. Both groups completed ENS6Q testing in three conditions-precotton, cotton in situ, and postcotton-to measure the reproducibility of ENS6Q scoring. Participants also completed a five-item transition scale ranging from "much better" to "much worse" to rate subjective changes in nasal breathing with and without cotton placement. Mean changes for each transition point, and the ENS6Q MCID, were then calculated. In the precotton condition, significant differences (P < .001) in all ENS6Q questions between ENS and controls were noted. With cotton in situ, nearly all prior ENS6Q differences normalized between ENS and control patients. For ENS patients, the changes in the mean differences between the precotton and cotton in situ conditions compared to postcotton versus cotton in situ conditions were insignificant among individuals. Including all 33 participants, the mean change in the ENS6Q between the parameters "a little better" and "about the same" was 4.25 (standard deviation [SD] = 5.79) and -2.00 (SD = 3.70), giving an MCID of 6.25. Cotton testing is a validated office test to assess for ENS patients. Cotton testing also helped to determine the MCID of the ENS6Q, which is a 7-point change from the baseline ENS6Q score. 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1746-1752, 2017. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Climate change and cattle vector-borne diseases: Use of participatory epidemiology to investigate experiences in pastoral communities in Northern Tanzania.

PubMed

Kimaro, Esther G; Toribio, Jenny-Ann L M L; Mor, Siobhan M

2017-11-01

Climate change is predicted to increase incidence of vector-borne diseases in humans, however, little is known about the impact of such diseases in livestock. In the absence of historical data with which to examine the inter-relation between climate and disease, participatory epidemiological (PE) methods were used with Maasai pastoralists of Monduli District, northern Tanzania to establish local observations on two major vector-borne diseases of cattle, namely East Coast fever (ECF) and African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT). Data collection involving gender segregated groups (10 men groups and 9 women groups) occurred in 10 randomly selected villages between November 2014 and March 2015. ECF and AAT were ranked amongst the top 5 most important cattle diseases with strong agreement across informant groups (Kendall's W=0.40 for men and 0.45 for women; p<0.01). Matrix scoring for both men and women groups confirmed that Masaai easily recognize these diseases. All groups associated ECF with the wet and cool dry seasons. AAT was more variable throughout the year, with more cases reported in the long dry season. Likewise, pastoralists reported differences in seasonal occurrence of disease vectors (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Glossina spp.) by village. Comparing 2014-1984, participant groups consistently reported declines in rainfall, vegetation cover and quality pasture, as well as increases in severe droughts. Experiences with ECF/AAT and vector abundance between these time periods was more variable across villages, and likely relates to changes in climate and animal management practices over the last 30 years. This baseline study is the first to document the inter-relation between climate and cattle vector-borne disease from the pastoralist perspective. Findings from this study reveal a complex interplay between human, animal and environmental factors, understanding of which is urgently required to devise approaches to mitigate effects of climate change in these vulnerable areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nilpotent representations of classical quantum groups at roots of unity

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

Abe, Yuuki; Nakashima, Toshiki

2005-11-01

Properly specializing the parameters in 'Schnizer modules', for types A,B,C, and D, we get its unique primitive vector. Then we show that the module generated by the primitive vector is an irreducible highest weight module of finite dimensional classical quantum groups at roots of unity.

Effect of meal volume and calorie load on postprandial gastric function and emptying: studies under physiological conditions by combined fiber-optic pressure measurement and MRI.

PubMed

Kwiatek, Monika A; Menne, Dieter; Steingoetter, Andreas; Goetze, Oliver; Forras-Kaufman, Zsofia; Kaufman, Elad; Fruehauf, Heiko; Boesiger, Peter; Fried, Michael; Schwizer, Werner; Fox, Mark R

2009-11-01

This study assessed the effects of meal volume (MV) and calorie load (CL) on gastric function. MRI and a minimally invasive fiber-optic recording system (FORS) provided simultaneous measurement of gastric volume and pressure changes during gastric filling and emptying of a liquid nutrient meal in physiological conditions. The gastric response to 12 iso-osmolar MV-CL combinations of a multinutrient drink (MV: 200, 400, 600, 800 ml; CL: 200, 300, 400 kcal) was tested in 16 healthy subjects according to a factorial design. Total gastric volume (TGV) and gastric content volume (GCV = MV + secretion) were measured by MRI during nasogastric meal infusion and gastric emptying over 60 min. Intragastric pressure was assessed at 1 Hz by FORS. The dynamic change in postprandial gastric volumes was described by a validated three-component linear exponential model. The stomach expanded with MV, but the ratio of GCV:MV at t(0) diminished with increasing MV (P < 0.01). Postprandial changes in TGV followed those of GCV. Intragastric pressure increased with MV, and this effect was augmented further by CL (P = 0.02); however, the absolute pressure rise was <4 mmHg. A further postprandial increase of gastric volumes was observed early on before any subsequent volume decrease. This "early" increase in GCV was greater for smaller than larger MV (P < 0.01), indicating faster initial gastric emptying of larger MV. In contrast, volume change during filling and in the early postprandial period were unaffected by CL. In the later postprandial period, gastric emptying rate continued to be more rapid with high MVs (P < 0.001); however, at any given volume, gastric emptying was slowed by higher CL (P < 0.001). GCV half-emptying time decreased with CL at 18 +/- 6 min for each additional 100-kcal load (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that gastric wall stress (passive strain and active tone) provides the driving force for gastric emptying, but distal resistance to gastric outflow regulates further passage of nutrients. The distinct early phase of gastric emptying with relatively rapid, uncontrolled passage of nutrients into the small bowel, modulated by meal volume but not nutrient composition, ensures that the delivery of nutrients in the later postprandial period is related to the overall calorie load of the meal.

Osteopontin regulates adhesion of calcium oxalate crystals to renal epithelial cells.

PubMed

Yasui, Takahiro; Fujita, Keiji; Asai, Kiyofumi; Kohri, Kenjiro

2002-02-01

The association of calcium crystals with renal tubular cells is an important factor during the formation of urinary stones. We previously reported the strong expression of osteopontin (OPN) on renal tubular cells in the stone-forming kidney, suggesting that OPN plays a role in the crystal-cell interaction. In the present study, we examined the biological consequences of inhibiting OPN expression at the translational level on the formation and adhesion of crystals. We synthesized antisense OPN expression vector (pTet-OPNas) using the tetracycline-regulated expression system. The pTet-OPNas was constructed using a mouse OPN cDNA sequence in an inverted (antisense) orientation. Two clones (NRK-52E/ASs) were identified by transfection of pTet-OPNas into NRK-52E cells and they showed a marked reduction of OPN synthesis in the absence of tetracycline. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal suspension was spread homogeneously on top of the NRK-52E cells. After incubation, the association of CaOx crystals and cells was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Intact NRK-52E cells, NRK-52E cells transfected with empty vector and tetracycline-treated antisense clones (NRK-52E/ASs), under identical conditions, were associated with CaOx crystals. In contrast, the expression of antisense OPN prevented the association of CaOx crystals with NRK-52E cells. Osteopontin plays a crucial role in the adhesion process of CaOx crystals to renal tubular cells in stone formation.

Estimation of body composition of pigs

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

Ferrell, C.L.; Cornelius, S.G.

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of deuterium oxide (D2O) for in vivo estimation of body composition of diverse types of pigs. Obese (Ob, 30) and contemporary Hampshire X Yorkshire (C, 30) types of pigs used in the study were managed and fed under typical management regimens. Indwelling catheters were placed in a jugular vein of 6 Ob and 6 C pigs at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 wk of age. The D2O was infused (.5 g/kg body weight) as a .9% NaCl solution into the jugular catheter. Blood samples were taken immediately before and at .25,more » 1, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after the D2O infusion and D2O concentration in blood water was determined. Pigs were subsequently killed by euthanasia injection. Contents of the gastrointestinal tract were removed and the empty body was then frozen and later ground and sampled for subsequent analyses. Ground body tissue samples were analyzed for water, fat, N, fat-free organic matter and ash. Pig type, age and the type X age interaction were significant sources of variation in live weight, D2O pool size and all empty body components, as well as all fat-free empty body components. Relationships between age and live weight or weight of empty body components, and between live weight, empty body weight, empty body water or D2O space and weight of empty components were highly significant but influenced, in most cases, by pig type. The results of this study suggested that, although relationships between D2O space and body component weights were highly significant, they were influenced by pig type and were little better than live weight for the estimation of body composition.« less

Effects of Intragastric Administration of Tryptophan on the Blood Glucose Response to a Nutrient Drink and Energy Intake, in Lean and Obese Men

PubMed Central

Ullrich, Sina S.; Fitzgerald, Penelope C. E.; Giesbertz, Pieter; Steinert, Robert E.; Horowitz, Michael; Feinle-Bisset, Christine

2018-01-01

Tryptophan stimulates plasma cholecystokinin and pyloric pressures, both of which slow gastric emptying. Gastric emptying regulates postprandial blood glucose. Tryptophan has been reported to decrease energy intake. We investigated the effects of intragastric tryptophan on the glycaemic response to, and gastric emptying of, a mixed-nutrient drink, and subsequent energy intake. Lean and obese participants (n = 16 each) received intragastric infusions of 1.5 g (“Trp-1.5g”) or 3.0 g (“Trp-3.0g”) tryptophan, or control, and 15 min later consumed a mixed-nutrient drink (56 g carbohydrates). Gastric emptying (13C-acetate breath-test), blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, glucagon, cholecystokinin and tryptophan concentrations were measured (t = 0–60 min). Energy intake was assessed between t = 60–90 min. In lean individuals, Trp-3.0g, but not Trp-1.5g, slowed gastric emptying, reduced C-peptideAUC and increased glucagonAUC (all P < 0.05), but did not significantly decrease the blood glucose response to the drink, stimulate cholecystokinin or reduce mean energy intake, compared with control. In obese individuals, Trp-3.0g, but not Trp-1.5g, tended to slow gastric emptying (P = 0.091), did not affect C-peptideAUC, increased glucagonAUC (P < 0.001) and lowered blood glucose at t = 30 min (P < 0.05), and did not affect cholecystokinin or mean energy intake. In obese individuals, intragastrically administered tryptophan may reduce postprandial blood glucose by slowing gastric emptying; the lack of effect on mean energy intake requires further investigation. PMID:29642492

Applied potential tomography. A new noninvasive technique for measuring gastric emptying

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

Avill, R.; Mangnall, Y.F.; Bird, N.C.

1987-04-01

Applied potential tomography is a new, noninvasive technique that yields sequential images of the resistivity of gastric contents after subjects have ingested a liquid or semisolid meal. This study validates the technique as a means of measuring gastric emptying. Experiments in vitro showed an excellent correlation between measurements of resistivity and either the square of the radius of a glass rod or the volume of water in a spherical balloon when both were placed in an oval tank containing saline. Altering the lateral position of the rod in the tank did not alter the values obtained. Images of abdominal resistivitymore » were also directly correlated with the volume of air in a gastric balloon. Profiles of gastric emptying of liquid meals obtained using applied potential tomography were very similar to those obtained using scintigraphy or dye dilution techniques, provided that acid secretion was inhibited by cimetidine. Profiles of emptying of a mashed potato meal using applied potential tomography were also very similar to those obtained by scintigraphy. Measurements of the emptying of a liquid meal from the stomach were reproducible if acid secretion was inhibited by cimetidine. Thus, applied potential tomography is an accurate and reproducible method of measuring gastric emptying of liquids and particulate food. It is inexpensive, well tolerated, easy to use, and ideally suited for multiple studies in patients, even those who are pregnant.« less

Scale-space for empty catheter segmentation in PCI fluoroscopic images.

PubMed

Bacchuwar, Ketan; Cousty, Jean; Vaillant, Régis; Najman, Laurent

2017-07-01

In this article, we present a method for empty guiding catheter segmentation in fluoroscopic X-ray images. The guiding catheter, being a commonly visible landmark, its segmentation is an important and a difficult brick for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedure modeling. In number of clinical situations, the catheter is empty and appears as a low contrasted structure with two parallel and partially disconnected edges. To segment it, we work on the level-set scale-space of image, the min tree, to extract curve blobs. We then propose a novel structural scale-space, a hierarchy built on these curve blobs. The deep connected component, i.e. the cluster of curve blobs on this hierarchy, that maximizes the likelihood to be an empty catheter is retained as final segmentation. We evaluate the performance of the algorithm on a database of 1250 fluoroscopic images from 6 patients. As a result, we obtain very good qualitative and quantitative segmentation performance, with mean precision and recall of 80.48 and 63.04% respectively. We develop a novel structural scale-space to segment a structured object, the empty catheter, in challenging situations where the information content is very sparse in the images. Fully-automatic empty catheter segmentation in X-ray fluoroscopic images is an important and preliminary step in PCI procedure modeling, as it aids in tagging the arrival and removal location of other interventional tools.

Natural Fiber Cut Machine Semi-Automatic Linear Motion System for Empty Fiber Bunches: Re-designing for Local Use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asfarizal; Kasim, Anwar; Gunawarman; Santosa

2017-12-01

Empty Palm bunches of fiber is local ingredient in Indonesia that easy to obtain. Empty Palm bunches of fiber can be obtained from the palm oil industry such as in West Pasaman. The character of the empty Palm bunches of fiber that is strong and pliable has high-potential for particle board. To transform the large quantities of fiber become particles in size 0-10 mm requires a specially designed cut machine. Therefore, the machine is designed in two-stage system that is mechanical system, structure and cutting knife. Components that have been made, assembled and then tested to reveal the ability of the machine to cut. The results showed that the straight back and forth motion cut machine is able to cut out the empty oil palm bunches of fiber with a length 0-1 cm, 2 cm, 8 cm and the surface of the cut is not stringy. The cutting capacity is at a length of 2 cm in the result 24.4 (kg/h) and 8 cm obtained results of up to 84 (kg/h)

Nanoindentation studies of full and empty viral capsids and the effects of capsid protein mutations on elasticity and strength

PubMed Central

Michel, J. P.; Ivanovska, I. L.; Gibbons, M. M.; Klug, W. S.; Knobler, C. M.; Wuite, G. J. L.; Schmidt, C. F.

2006-01-01

The elastic properties of capsids of the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus have been examined at pH 4.8 by nanoindentation measurements with an atomic force microscope. Studies have been carried out on WT capsids, both empty and containing the RNA genome, and on full capsids of a salt-stable mutant and empty capsids of the subE mutant. Full capsids resisted indentation more than empty capsids, but all of the capsids were highly elastic. There was an initial reversible linear regime that persisted up to indentations varying between 20% and 30% of the diameter and applied forces of 0.6–1.0 nN; it was followed by a steep drop in force that is associated with irreversible deformation. A single point mutation in the capsid protein increased the capsid stiffness. The experiments are compared with calculations by finite element analysis of the deformation of a homogeneous elastic thick shell. These calculations capture the features of the reversible indentation region and allow Young's moduli and relative strengths to be estimated for the empty capsids. PMID:16606825

Energetics and sugar-feeding of field-collected anopheline females.

PubMed

Holliday-Hanson, M L; Yuval, B; Washino, R K

1997-06-01

We studied the relationship between nutritional reserves and blood-feeding and sugar-feeding of Anopheles freeborni (Diptera: Culicidae) females in the field. In particular we determined whether (1) females feed on nectar before maturing eggs and initiating host-seeking and (2) the energy reserves of host-seeking females differ from those of non-fed resting females. Twenty-three percent of host-seeking females and 94 percent of gravid females were positive for nectar sugars (containing > 20 micrograms of fructose) versus 55 percent of empty (no blood or eggs) females collected in the morning and 36 percent of empty females collected in the evening. In addition, gravid females contained significantly more calories of nectar than empty, blood-fed, or partially blood-fed females collected in the morning. When the energy reserves of host-seeking and resting females were compared, no differences were found in lipid, trehalose, or glycogen. However, empty females collected in the evening contained more glycogen than empty females collected in the morning. We conclude that gravid females frequently feed on nectar and that fructose is metabolized into glycogen during the day.