The first year pre-service teachers' chemical literacy in individual learning case using the fuel cell technology based-chemical enrichment book

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernani, Saefulloh, Mudzakir, Ahmad

2017-08-01

This research aims to analyze chemical literacy ability of pre-service teachers based on PISA 2015 scientific competency. This research used descriptive method. Instrument that used in this research is multiple choice question that built based on scientific competency of PISA 2015. The result is grouping by PISA 2015 competency and mapped by high, medium and low GPA classified. This research involves 19 the first year pre-service teachers of 90 population that randomly chosen. According to the result, chemical literacy ability of pre-service described as follows: 1) 35.5% of sample are able to explain phenomena scientifically. Based on GPA, for high, medium and low GPA group respectively 25.0%, 40.3% and 29.2%; 2) 31.6% of sample are able to evaluate and design scientific enquiry. Based on GPA, for high, medium and low GPA group respectively 16.7%, 35.4% and 31.3%; 3) 31.6% of sample are able to Interpret data and evidence scientifically. Based on GPA, for high, medium and low GPA group respectively 50.0%, 25.0% and 37.5%; For the attitude competency, 68.4% of sample able to showing PISA attitude competency that consist of interest in science, environment awareness and Valuing scientific approaches to enquiry attitude. Based on GPA, for high, medium and low GPA group respectively 77.8%, 63.9% and 75.0%. According to the data, chemical literacy ability of pre-service teachers in average are bellow to 50.0% thereby need to be given special attention while scientific attitude are above to 50.0%.

The association between different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and CHAD, HIF-1α, COL2A1 expression in chondrocyte cultures

PubMed Central

Sirin, Duygu Yasar; Kaplan, Necati; Yilmaz, Ibrahim; Karaarslan, Numan; Ozbek, Hanefi; Akyuva, Yener; Kaya, Yasin Emre; Oznam, Kadir; Akkaya, Nuray; Guler, Olcay; Akkaya, Semih; Mahirogullari, Mahir

2018-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of three different formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA): Low molecular weight (MW) Sinovial One®, medium MW Viscoplus® and high MW Durolane®, on chondrocyte proliferation and collagen type II (COL2A1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and chondroadherin (CHAD) expression in primary chondrocyte cultures. Standard primary chondrocyte cultures were established from osteochondral tissues surgically obtained from 6 patients with gonarthrosis. Cell morphology was evaluated using an inverted light microscope; cell proliferation was determined with a MTT assay and confirmed with acridine orange/propidium iodide staining. Levels of CHAD, COL2A1 and HIF-1α expression were assessed using specific TaqMan gene expression assays. The results demonstrated the positive effect of HA treatment on cell proliferation, which was independent from the MW. COL2A1 expression increased in the medium and high MW HA treated groups. It was observed that HIF-1α expression increased in the high MW treated group alone. CHAD expression increased only in the medium MW HA treated group. Evaluation of gene expression revealed that levels of expression increased as the duration of HA application increased, in the medium and high MW HA treated groups. In terms of increased viability and proliferation, a longer duration of HA application was more effective. Taken together, it may be concluded that the administration of medium and high MW HA may be a successful way of treating diseases affecting chondrocytes in a clinical setting. PMID:29849772

Enamel and Dentin Surface Finishing Influence on the Roughness and Microshear Bond Strength of a Lithium Silicate Glass-Ceramic for Laminate Veneers

PubMed Central

Gonzaga, Carla Castiglia; Bravo, Ruth Peggy; Pavelski, Thiago Vinícius; Garcia, Paula Pontes; Correr, Gisele Maria; Leonardi, Denise Piotto; da Cunha, Leonardo Fernandes; Furuse, Adilson Yoshio

2015-01-01

Objectives. This study evaluated the influence of cavity surface finishing with diamond burs of different grit mounted on high-speed turbine and ultrasound on the roughness and microshear bond strength (MBS) of a lithium silicate glass-ceramic to enamel and dentin. Methods. Enamel and dentin specimens were divided into seven groups, according to the type of surface finishing: 1200-grit sandpaper (control), two different brands of medium-grit and fine-grit diamond burs in a high-speed turbine; medium-grit and fine-grit CVD (chemical vapor deposition) tips in an ultrasonic device. Roughness parameters (n = 5) and MSBS to a glass-ceramic (n = 10) were determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). Results. Control group showed lower mean roughness readings and groups that used medium-grit diamond burs showed the highest mean roughness values. Regarding MSBS, there was no statistical difference when comparing the groups gritted with the same brand of medium- and fine-grit burs and tips. Conclusions. Cavity surface finishing influenced the roughness parameters and MSBS of a glass-ceramic to enamel and dentin. Medium-grit diamond burs in high-speed turbine showed the highest mean roughness values. Fine-grit CVD tips in ultrasound presented the highest MSBS values for both enamel and dentin. PMID:27347507

Enamel and Dentin Surface Finishing Influence on the Roughness and Microshear Bond Strength of a Lithium Silicate Glass-Ceramic for Laminate Veneers.

PubMed

Gonzaga, Carla Castiglia; Bravo, Ruth Peggy; Pavelski, Thiago Vinícius; Garcia, Paula Pontes; Correr, Gisele Maria; Leonardi, Denise Piotto; da Cunha, Leonardo Fernandes; Furuse, Adilson Yoshio

2015-01-01

Objectives. This study evaluated the influence of cavity surface finishing with diamond burs of different grit mounted on high-speed turbine and ultrasound on the roughness and microshear bond strength (MBS) of a lithium silicate glass-ceramic to enamel and dentin. Methods. Enamel and dentin specimens were divided into seven groups, according to the type of surface finishing: 1200-grit sandpaper (control), two different brands of medium-grit and fine-grit diamond burs in a high-speed turbine; medium-grit and fine-grit CVD (chemical vapor deposition) tips in an ultrasonic device. Roughness parameters (n = 5) and MSBS to a glass-ceramic (n = 10) were determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). Results. Control group showed lower mean roughness readings and groups that used medium-grit diamond burs showed the highest mean roughness values. Regarding MSBS, there was no statistical difference when comparing the groups gritted with the same brand of medium- and fine-grit burs and tips. Conclusions. Cavity surface finishing influenced the roughness parameters and MSBS of a glass-ceramic to enamel and dentin. Medium-grit diamond burs in high-speed turbine showed the highest mean roughness values. Fine-grit CVD tips in ultrasound presented the highest MSBS values for both enamel and dentin.

Low-, medium- and high-dose steroids with or without aminocaproic acid in adult hematopoietic SCT patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.

PubMed

Rathi, N K; Tanner, A R; Dinh, A; Dong, W; Feng, L; Ensor, J; Wallace, S K; Haque, S A; Rondon, G; Price, K J; Popat, U; Nates, J L

2015-03-01

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a poorly understood complication of transplantation carrying a high mortality. Patients commonly deteriorate and require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Treatment with high-dose steroids and aminocaproic acid (ACA) has been suggested. The current study examined 119 critically ill adult hematopoietic transplant patients treated for DAH. Patients were subdivided into low-, medium- and high-dose steroid groups with or without ACA. All groups had similar baseline characteristics and severity of illness scores. Primary objectives were 30, 60, 100 day, ICU and hospital mortality. Overall mortality (n=119) on day 100 was high at 85%. In the steroids and ACA cohort (n=82), there were no significant differences in 30, 60, 100, day, ICU and hospital mortality between the dosing groups. In the steroids only cohort (n=37), the low-dose steroid group had a lower ICU and hospital mortality (P=0.02). Adjunctive treatment with ACA did not produce differences in outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, medium- and high-dose steroids were associated with a higher ICU mortality (P=0.01) as compared with the low-dose group. Our data suggest that treatment strategies may need to be reanalyzed to avoid potentially unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies.

Predictors of seizure occurrence in children undergoing pre-surgical monitoring.

PubMed

Harini, Chellamani; Singh, Kanwaljit; Takeoka, Masanori; Parulkar, Isha; Bergin, Ann Marie; Loddenkemper, Tobias; Kothare, Sanjeev V

2013-10-01

Long-Term-Monitoring (LTM) is a valuable tool for seizure localization/lateralization among children with refractory-epilepsy undergoing pre-surgical-monitoring. The aim of this study was to examine the factors predicting occurrence of single/multiple seizures in children undergoing pre-surgical monitoring in the LTM unit. Chart review was done on 95 consecutive admissions on 92 children (40 females) admitted to the LTM-unit for pre-surgical workup. Relationship between occurrence of multiple (≥ 3) seizures and factors such as home seizure-frequency, demographics, MRI-lesions/seizure-type and localization/AED usage/neurological-exam/epilepsy-duration was evaluated by logistic-regression and survival-analysis. Home seizure-frequency was further categorized into low (up-to 1/month), medium (up-to 1/week) and high (>1/week) and relationship of these categories to the occurrence of multiple seizures was evaluated. Mean length of stay was 5.24 days in all 3 groups. Home seizure frequency was the only factor predicting the occurrence of single/multiple seizures in children undergoing presurgical workup. Other factors (age/sex/MRI-lesions/seizure-type and localization/AED-usage/neurological-exam/epilepsy-duration) did not affect occurrence of single/multiple seizures or time-to-occurrence of first/second seizure. Analysis of the home-seizure frequency categories revealed that 98% admissions in high-frequency, 94% in the medium, and 77% in low-frequency group had at-least 1 seizure recorded during the monitoring. Odds of first-seizure increased in high vs. low-frequency group (p=0.01). Eighty-nine percent admissions in high-frequency, 78% in medium frequency, versus 50% in low-frequency group had ≥ 3 seizures. The odds of having ≥ 3 seizures increased in high-frequency (p=0.0005) and in medium-frequency (p=0.007), compared to low-frequency group. Mean time-to-first-seizure was 2.7 days in low-frequency, 2.1 days in medium, and 2 days in high-frequency group. Time-to-first-seizure in high and medium-frequency was less than in low-frequency group (p<0.0014 and p=0.038). Majority of the admissions (92%) admitted to the LTM-unit for pre-surgical workup had at-least one seizure during a mean length of stay of 5.24 days. Home seizure-frequency was the only predictor influencing occurrence of single/multiple seizures in the LTM unit. Patients with low seizure-frequency are at risk for completing the monitoring with less than the optimum number (<3) of seizures captured. Copyright © 2013 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dietary Intake of Structured Lipids with Different Contents of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids on Obesity Prevention in C57BL/6J Mice.

PubMed

Zhou, Shengmin; Wang, Yueqiang; Jiang, Yuanrong; Zhang, Zhongfei; Sun, Xiangjun; Yu, Liangli Lucy

2017-08-01

Three medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) with different contents of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) (10% to 30%, w/w) were prepared and evaluated for their anti-obesity potential in C57BL/6J mice. The group fed with a high fat diet of MLCT containing 30% (w/w) MCFA showed significantly decreased body weight and fat mass (P < 0.05) relative to the control mice fed an obesity-inducing high fat rapeseed oil diet. In addition, serum parameters including triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in the treatment group fed with 30% (w/w) MCFA were close to those of mice fed with a low fat rapeseed oil diet, but significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of the obesity control group. Moreover, the intake of MLCT with high content of MCFA reduced the size of adipocytes. In addition, the visceral fat and liver weights, as well as the liver triacylglycerol for 3 treatment groups were lower than those of the obesity control group. These results demonstrate the great potential of MLCT with high content of MCFA in weight loss. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Improving students’ mathematical critical thinking through rigorous teaching and learning model with informal argument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamid, H.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze an improvement of students’ mathematical critical thinking (CT) ability in Real Analysis course by using Rigorous Teaching and Learning (RTL) model with informal argument. In addition, this research also attempted to understand students’ CT on their initial mathematical ability (IMA). This study was conducted at a private university in academic year 2015/2016. The study employed the quasi-experimental method with pretest-posttest control group design. The participants of the study were 83 students in which 43 students were in the experimental group and 40 students were in the control group. The finding of the study showed that students in experimental group outperformed students in control group on mathematical CT ability based on their IMA (high, medium, low) in learning Real Analysis. In addition, based on medium IMA the improvement of mathematical CT ability of students who were exposed to RTL model with informal argument was greater than that of students who were exposed to CI (conventional instruction). There was also no effect of interaction between RTL model and CI model with both (high, medium, and low) IMA increased mathematical CT ability. Finally, based on (high, medium, and low) IMA there was a significant improvement in the achievement of all indicators of mathematical CT ability of students who were exposed to RTL model with informal argument than that of students who were exposed to CI.

Identification of mistakes and their correction by a small group discussion as a revision exercise at the end of a teaching module in biochemistry.

PubMed

Bobby, Zachariah; Nandeesha, H; Sridhar, M G; Soundravally, R; Setiya, Sajita; Babu, M Sathish; Niranjan, G

2014-01-01

Graduate medical students often get less opportunity for clarifying their doubts and to reinforce their concepts after lecture classes. The Medical Council of India (MCI) encourages group discussions among students. We evaluated the effect of identifying mistakes in a given set of wrong statements and their correction by a small group discussion by graduate medical students as a revision exercise. At the end of a module, a pre-test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) was conducted. Later, a set of incorrect statements related to the topic was given to the students and they were asked to identify the mistakes and correct them in a small group discussion. The effects on low, medium and high achievers were evaluated by a post-test and delayed post-tests with the same set of MCQs. The mean post-test marks were significantly higher among all the three groups compared to the pre-test marks. The gain from the small group discussion was equal among low, medium and high achievers. The gain from the exercise was retained among low, medium and high achievers after 15 days. Identification of mistakes in statements and their correction by a small group discussion is an effective, but unconventional revision exercise in biochemistry. Copyright 2014, NMJI.

Duplex-assisted carotid artery stenting without administration of contrast medium for patients with chronic kidney disease or allergic reaction.

PubMed

Mizowaki, Takashi; Fujita, Atsushi; Imahori, Taichiro; Uyama, Atsushi; Inoue, Satoshi; Kohta, Masaaki; Hamaguchi, Hirotoshi; Sasayama, Takashi; Hosoda, Kohkichi; Kohmura, Eiji

2016-07-01

We aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of duplex-assisted carotid artery stenting (CAS) without administration of contrast medium for the prevention of adverse reactions. Fifteen patients (9 % of all CASs) with severe carotid stenosis (≥70 %) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (stage ≥3) or allergy to contrast medium underwent duplex-assisted CAS without administration of contrast medium over 4 years. The procedural success rate and perioperative complication rates were compared between the duplex-assisted CAS (n = 15) and conventional CAS (n = 153) groups. The technical success rate was 100 % in both groups. Combined stroke or death rates during the post-procedural period did not differ significantly between the duplex-assisted CAS group (0/15, 0 %) and conventional CAS group (4/153, 2.6 %). None of the 14 patients with CKD in the duplex-assisted CAS group experienced further deterioration of renal function. The mean surface radiation dose of participants in the duplex-assisted CAS group (n = 13, 312 ± 131 mGy) was significantly lower than that of the conventional CAS group (n = 31, 1036 ± 571 mGy) (p < 0.001). The mean duration of CAS procedure was not significantly different between the duplex-assisted CAS group (156 ± 39.7 min) and the conventional CAS group (156 ± 37.4 min). Duplex-assisted CAS without administration of contrast medium could be an alternative option in selected patients deemed to be at high risk for renal failure from nephrotoxic contrast medium or who have an allergy to contrast medium.

[Effects of Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil on tumor growth and cell cycle of MKN-45 human gastric cancer cells orthotopically transplanted in nude mice].

PubMed

Xiao, Yan; Wei, Pin-Kang; Li, Jun; Shi, Jun; Yu, Zhi-Hong; Lin, Hui-Ming

2006-07-01

To evaluate the effects of Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil on tumor growth and cell cycle of MKN-45 human gastric cancer cells orthotopically transplanted in nude mice. One hundred and five nude mice orthotopically transplanted with MKN-45 human gastric cancer cells were randomly divided into seven groups: untreated group, normal saline-treated group, dissolvant-treated group, cyclophosphamide (CTX)-treated group and high-, medium-, and low-dose Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil-treated groups. Corresponding interventions were implemented in each group except the untreated group. The antitumor effects in vivo were evaluated. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of MKN-45 human gastric cancer cells were determined by using flow cytometry (FCM). The ultrastructure of MKN-45 gastric cancer cells was observed by a transmission electron microscope. In the high-, medium-, and low-dose Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil-treated groups, the growth inhibition rates of gastric cancer were 57.2%, 28.0% and 5.0% respectively, and the gastric cancer cells were arrested at G(0)/G(1) phase. This antitumor effect was dose-dependent. The apoptotic cells occurred more frequently in the high-dose Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil-treated group and the CTX-treated group than those in the medium- and low-dose Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil-treated groups. The Rhizoma kaempferiae volatile oil is an effective composition for growth inhibition of gastric cancer, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis.

Use of preoperative CHA2 DS2 -VASc score to predict the risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiothoracic surgery: a nested case-control study from the Atrial Fibrillation Suppression Trials (AFIST) I, II, and III.

PubMed

Baker, William L; Coleman, Craig I; White, C Michael; Kluger, Jeffrey

2013-05-01

To evaluate whether the preoperative CHA2 DS2 -VASc score predicts the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). Retrospective, nested case-control study. A total of 560 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular surgery from the Atrial Fibrillation Suppression Trials I, II, and III. All variables showing a univariate association (p≤0.20) with AF occurrence were entered into a backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for potential confounders and to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The population was age 67.8 ± 8.6 (mean ± SD) years and 77.1% male, with CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores of 0-1 (low) in 34 patients (6.1%), 2-3 (medium) in 261 patients (46.6%), and more than 3 (high) in 265 patients (47.3%). Post-CTS AF occurred in 177 patients (31.6%), with 27%, 23%, and 41% in the low-, medium-, and high-CHA2 DS2 -VASc score groups, respectively. The high-score group had a 2.3-fold increased odds of developing AF versus the medium-score group (p<0.0001). The differences between the high- and medium-score groups when each group was compared with the low-score group were not statistically significant. On the multivariate logistic regression analysis, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was associated with development of AF (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06-1.36). Increasing CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was an independent predictor for the development of post-CTS AF, with patients in the high-score group having the highest overall incidence. © 2013 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Effects of fluoride on synapse morphology and myelin damage in mouse hippocampus.

PubMed

Niu, Ruiyan; Chen, Huijuan; Manthari, Ram Kumar; Sun, Zilong; Wang, Jinming; Zhang, Jianhai; Wang, Jundong

2018-03-01

To investigate the fluoride-induced neurotoxicity on mice hippocampus, healthy adult mice were exposed to 25, 50, and 100 mg NaF/L for 60 days. The results showed that medium and high fluoride administration induced ultrastructural alterations in the structure of neuron synapse, including indistinct and short synaptic cleft, and thickened postsynaptic density (PSD). The significant reduced mRNA expressions of proteolipid protein (PLP) in medium and high fluoride groups suggested that myelin damage occurred in hippocampus. The myelin damage in turn was determined by the increased myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) level, which is naturally released by injured myelin, in high fluoride group, compared to the medium fluoride group. In addition, high fluoride exposure also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). These findings suggested that the alteration in synaptic structure and myelin damage may partly be due to adverse effects of fluoride on the neurotrophy and neuron adhesion in mice hippocampus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitrate-nitrogen levels in rural drinking water: Is there an association with age-related macular degeneration?

PubMed

Klein, Barbara E K; McElroy, Jane A; Klein, Ronald; Howard, Kerri P; Lee, Kristine E

2013-01-01

We examined the association of nitrate-nitrogen exposure from rural private drinking water and incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). All participants in the Beaver Dam Eye Study (53916 improvement plan code) completed a questionnaire and had an ocular examination including standardized, graded fundus photographs at five examinations. Only information from rural residents in that study are included in this report. Data from an environmental monitoring study with probabilistic-based agro-chemical sampling, including nitrate-nitrogen, of rural private drinking water were available. Incidence of early AMD was associated with elevated nitrate-nitrogen levels in rural private drinking water supply (10.0% for low, 19.2% for medium, and 26.1% for high nitrate-nitrogen level in the right eye). The odds ratios (ORs) were 1.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-2.78) for medium and 2.88 (95% CI: 1.59-5.23) for high nitrate-nitrogen level. Incidence of late AMD was increased for those with medium or high levels of nitrate-nitrogen compared to low levels (2.3% for low and 5.1% for the medium or high nitrate-nitrogen level, for the right eye). The OR for medium or high nitrate-nitrogen groups was 2.80 (95% CI: 1.07-7.31) compared to the low nitrate-nitrogen group.

Nitrate-Nitrogen Levels in Rural Drinking Water: Is There an Association with Age-related Macular Degeneration?

PubMed Central

Klein, Barbara E. K.; McElroy, Jane A.; Klein, Ronald; Howard, Kerri P.; Lee, Kristine E.

2014-01-01

We examined the association of nitrate-nitrogen exposure from rural private drinking water and incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Participants of the Beaver Dam Eye Study living in rural areas within the 53916 zone improvement plan code but outside the city limits of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Beaver Dam Township) completed a questionnaire and ocular examination including standardized, graded fundus photographs at five examinations. Data from an environmental monitoring study with probabilistic-based agro-chemical sampling, including nitrate-nitrogen, of rural private drinking water were available. Incidence of early AMD was associated with elevated nitrate-nitrogen levels in rural private drinking water supply (10.0% for low, 19.2% for medium, and 26.1% for high nitrate-nitrogen level in the right eye). The odds ratios (ORs) were 1.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–2.78) for medium and 2.88 (95% CI: 1.59–5.23) for high nitrate-nitrogen level. Incidence of late AMD was increased for those with medium or high levels of nitrate-nitrogen compared to low levels (2.3% for low and 5.1% for the medium or high nitrate-nitrogen level, for the right eye). The OR for medium or high nitrate-nitrogen groups was 2.80 (95% CI: 1.07–7.31) compared to the low nitrate-nitrogen group. PMID:24007430

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevented Adipocyte Hypertrophy by Downregulating DGAT-2 and FABP-4 in a Sex-Dependent Fashion.

PubMed

Balogun, Kayode A; Cheema, Sukhinder K

2016-01-01

Obesity is characterized by an increase in fat mass primarily as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy. Diets enriched in omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are suggested to reduce obesity, however, the mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA on adipocyte hypertrophy and the key genes involved in adipocyte hypertrophy. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed semi-purified diets (20 % w/w fat) containing high n-3 PUFA before mating, during pregnancy, and until weaning. Male and female offspring were continued on high n-3 PUFA (10 % w/w), medium n-3 PUFA (4 % w/w), or low n-3 PUFA (2 % w/w) diet for 16 weeks postweaning. Adipocyte area was quantified using microscopy, and gonadal mRNA expression of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (DGAT-2), fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) and leptin were measured. The high n-3 PUFA group showed higher levels of total n-3 PUFA in gonadal TAG compared to the medium and low n-3 PUFA groups (P < 0.001). The high n-3 PUFA male group had a lower adipocyte area compared to the medium and low n-3 PUFA group (P < 0.001); however, no difference was observed in females. The high n-3 PUFA male group showed lower mRNA expression of FABP-4, DGAT-2 and leptin compared to the low n-3 PUFA group, with no difference in females. Plasma lipid levels were lower in the high n-3 PUFA group compared to the other groups. Our findings show for the first time that n-3 PUFA prevents adipocyte hypertrophy by downregulating FABP-4, DGAT-2 and leptin; the effects are however sex-specific.

Effects of dietary methylmercury on juvenile Sacramento blackfish bioenergetics.

PubMed

Houck, Ann; Cech, Joseph J

2004-08-10

Although much is known about the biogeochemical cycling of mercury in the environment, relatively little is known about methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in fishes and how chronic sub-lethal exposures affect their functioning. Several species of fish in Clear Lake, California have high MeHg tissue levels, including Sacramento blackfish, Orthodon microlepidotus, a large native cyprinid that is fished commercially. We fed juvenile blackfish one of four diets containing MeHg (0.21 mg/kg control; 0.52 mg/kg low; 22.2 mg/kg medium; and 55.5 mg/kg high treatments) for 70 days. There were no statistical differences (P > 0.05) in food consumption among the treatment groups. By 35 days the high treatment group had a significantly depressed growth rate when compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and by 70 days both the medium and the high groups had significantly lower growth rates (P < 0.05). The high-dose group had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower specific growth rate (SGR) compared all other treatment groups at 35 days, although by 70 days these differences were not significant. The wet/dry muscle mass and muscle mass/total mass ratios, condition factor, and resting routine metabolic rates at both 35 and 70 days were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05) between treatment groups. All treatment groups assimilated the dietary MeHg into muscle tissue in a dose-dependent fashion. Percent assimilation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group at 35 days, (control 53%, low-dose 61%, medium-dose 50%, and high-dose 40%) but at 70 days assimilation was lower (35, 43, 42, and 32%, respectively) and statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Dietary MeHg concentrations and bioaccumulation rates were correlated (r2 = 0.98 at 35 days, 0.99 at 70 days). These results may contribute to construction of ecosystem mercury models and more informed natural resources management at Clear Lake.

Dietary sodium and potassium intake were associated with hypertension, kidney damage and adverse perinatal outcome in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

PubMed

Yılmaz, Zehra Vural; Akkaş, Elif; Türkmen, Gülenay Gençosmanoğlu; Kara, Özgür; Yücel, Aykan; Uygur, Dilek

2017-02-01

In this study, we hypothesized that dietary salt and potassium intake may be related with blood pressure, kidney damage and perinatal outcome in pregnants with preeclampsia (PE). In total, 200 women (50 control women with healthy pregnancy, 150 women with PE) were recruited for the study. Daily salt and potassium intake was estimated based on calculation of 24-hour urinary sodium U[Na+] and potassium U[K+] excretion. U[Na+]/[K+] was calculated by dividing U[Na+] by U[K+]. At the end of the measurements, the pregnant women with PE (n=150) were divided into tertiles according to U[Na+]/[K+]: low Na/K group (n=50, mean U[Na+]/[K+]: 1,04±0,32), medium Na/K group (n=50, mean U[Na+]/[K+]: 2,49± 0,54), high Na/K group (n=50, mean U[Na+]/[K+]: 6,62±3,41). The mean SBP and DBP levels were significantly lower in low Na/K group compared with medium or high Na/K groups (p=0.024, p=0.0002; respectively). Serum creatinine was significantly lower in low Na/K group than high Na/K group (p=0.025). Frequency of severe preeclampsia is lower in low Na/K group than medium or high Na/K groups (p=0.002, p=0.0001; respectively). Birth weight and gestational age at birth were higher in low Na/K group compared with high Na/K group (p=0.045, p=0.0002; respectively). After adjusting for covariates, SBP and DBP and creatinine levels were independently associated with 24 hours urinary [Na+]/[K+] Conclusion: These findings suggest that pregnant with PE with high dietary salt and low potassium intake may have greater maternal and neonatal morbidity risk than pregnant with PE under low dietary salt and high potassium intake.

[Effect of baicalin on ATPase and LDH and its regulatory effect on the AC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].

PubMed

Zhou, Rong-Yi; Wang, Jiao-Jiao; You, Yue; Sun, Ji-Chao; Song, Yu-Chen; Yuan, Hai-Xia; Han, Xin-Min

2017-05-01

To study the effect of baicalin on synaptosomal adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its regulatory effect on the adenylate cyclase (AC)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 40 SHR rats were randomly divided into five groups: ADHD model, methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment (0.07 mg/mL), and low-dose (3.33 mg/mL), medium-dose (6.67 mg/mL), and high-dose (10 mg/mL) baicalin treatment (n=8 each). Eight WKY rats were selected as normal control group. Percoll density gradient centrifugation was used to prepare brain synaptosomes and an electron microscope was used to observe their structure. Colorimetry was used to measure the activities of ATPase and LDH in synaptosomes. ELISA was used to measure the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA. Compared with the normal control group, the ADHD model group had a significant reduction in the ATPase activity, a significant increase in the LDH activity, and significant reductions in the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA (P<0.05). Compared with the ADHD model group, the methylphenidate hydrochloride group and the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups had a significant increase in the ATPase activity (P<0.05), a significant reduction in the LDH activity (P<0.05), and significant increases in the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA (P<0.05). Compared with the methylphenidate hydrochloride group, the high-dose baicalin group had significantly greater changes in these indices (P<0.05). Compared with the low-dose baicalin group, the high-dose baicalin group had a significant increase in the ATPase activity (P<0.05); the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups had a significant reduction in the LDH activity (P<0.05) and significant increases in the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA (P<0.05). Compared with the medium-dose baicalin group, the high-dose baicalin group had a significant increase in the ATPase activity (P<0.05). Both methylphenidate hydrochloride and baicalin can improve synaptosomal ATPase and LDH activities in rats with ADHD. The effect of baicalin is dose-dependent, and high-dose baicalin has a significantly greater effect than methylphenidate hydrochloride. Baicalin exerts its therapeutic effect possibly by upregulating the AC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

Variation of Spirulina maxima biomass production in different depths of urea-used culture medium

PubMed Central

Affan, Md-Abu; Lee, Dae-Won; Al-Harbi, Salim Marzoog; Kim, Han-Jun; Abdulwassi, Najah Ibrahim; Heo, Soo-Jin; Oh, Chulhong; Park, Heung-Sik; Ma, Chae Woo; Lee, Hyeon-Yong; Kang, Do-Hyung

2015-01-01

Fewer studies have assessed the outdoor cultivation of Spirulina maxima compared with S. platensis, although the protein content of S. maxima is higher than S. platensis. Spirulina growth medium requires an increased amount of NaHCO3, Na2CO3, and NaNO3, which increases the production cost. Therefore, the current study used a low-cost but high-efficiency biomass production medium (Medium M-19) after testing 33 different media. The medium depth of 25 cm (group A) was sub-divided into A1 (50% cover with a black curtain (PolyMax, 12 oz ultra-blackout), A2 (25% cover), and A3 (no cover). Similarly the medium depths of 30 and 35 cm were categorized as groups B (B1, B2, and B3) and C (C1, C2, and C3), respectively, and the effects of depth and surface light availability on growth and biomass production were assessed. The highest biomass production was 2.05 g L-1 in group A2, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in all other groups and sub-groups. Spirulina maxima died in B1 and C1 on the fifth day of culture. The biochemical composition of the biomass obtained from A2 cultures, including protein, carbohydrate, lipid, moisture, and ash, was 56.59%, 14.42%, 0.94%, 5.03%, and 23.02%, respectively. Therefore, S. maxima could be grown outdoors with the highest efficiency in urea-enriched medium at a 25-cm medium depth with 25% surface cover or uncovered. PMID:26691456

Variation of Spirulina maxima biomass production in different depths of urea-used culture medium.

PubMed

Affan, Md-Abu; Lee, Dae-Won; Al-Harbi, Salim Marzoog; Kim, Han-Jun; Abdulwassi, Najah Ibrahim; Heo, Soo-Jin; Oh, Chulhong; Park, Heung-Sik; Ma, Chae Woo; Lee, Hyeon-Yong; Kang, Do-Hyung

2015-01-01

Fewer studies have assessed the outdoor cultivation of Spirulina maxima compared with S. platensis, although the protein content of S. maxima is higher than S. platensis. Spirulina growth medium requires an increased amount of NaHCO3, Na2CO3, and NaNO3, which increases the production cost. Therefore, the current study used a low-cost but high-efficiency biomass production medium (Medium M-19) after testing 33 different media. The medium depth of 25 cm (group A) was sub-divided into A1 (50% cover with a black curtain (PolyMax, 12 oz ultra-blackout), A2 (25% cover), and A3 (no cover). Similarly the medium depths of 30 and 35 cm were categorized as groups B (B1, B2, and B3) and C (C1, C2, and C3), respectively, and the effects of depth and surface light availability on growth and biomass production were assessed. The highest biomass production was 2.05 g L-1 in group A2, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in all other groups and sub-groups. Spirulina maxima died in B1 and C1 on the fifth day of culture. The biochemical composition of the biomass obtained from A2 cultures, including protein, carbohydrate, lipid, moisture, and ash, was 56.59%, 14.42%, 0.94%, 5.03%, and 23.02%, respectively. Therefore, S. maxima could be grown outdoors with the highest efficiency in urea-enriched medium at a 25-cm medium depth with 25% surface cover or uncovered.

Discovery learning model with geogebra assisted for improvement mathematical visual thinking ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juandi, D.; Priatna, N.

2018-05-01

The main goal of this study is to improve the mathematical visual thinking ability of high school student through implementation the Discovery Learning Model with Geogebra Assisted. This objective can be achieved through study used quasi-experimental method, with non-random pretest-posttest control design. The sample subject of this research consist of 62 senior school student grade XI in one of school in Bandung district. The required data will be collected through documentation, observation, written tests, interviews, daily journals, and student worksheets. The results of this study are: 1) Improvement students Mathematical Visual Thinking Ability who obtain learning with applied the Discovery Learning Model with Geogebra assisted is significantly higher than students who obtain conventional learning; 2) There is a difference in the improvement of students’ Mathematical Visual Thinking ability between groups based on prior knowledge mathematical abilities (high, medium, and low) who obtained the treatment. 3) The Mathematical Visual Thinking Ability improvement of the high group is significantly higher than in the medium and low groups. 4) The quality of improvement ability of high and low prior knowledge is moderate category, in while the quality of improvement ability in the high category achieved by student with medium prior knowledge.

Impact of Continuous Administration of Tolvaptan on Preventing Medium-Term Worsening Renal Function and Long-Term Adverse Events in Heart Failure Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Nakano, Yusuke; Mizuno, Tomofumi; Niwa, Toru; Mukai, Kentaro; Wakabayashi, Hirokazu; Watanabe, Atsushi; Ando, Hirohiko; Takashima, Hiroaki; Murotani, Kenta; Waseda, Katsuhisa; Amano, Tetsuya

2018-01-27

Tolvaptan (TLV) has an inhibiting effect for worsening renal function (WRF) in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) patients. However, there are limited data regarding the effect of continuous TLV administration on medium-term WRF.This was a retrospective observational study in hospitalized HF patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). TLV was administered to those patients with fluid retention despite standard HF therapy. We compared 34 patients treated with TLV (TLV group) to 33 patients treated with conventional HF therapy with high-dose loop diuretics (furosemide ≥ 40 mg) (Loop group). Clinical outcomes, including the incidence of medium-term WRF, defined as increase of serum creatinine > 0.3 mg/dL, at 6 months after discharge and adverse events rate, were evaluated.Baseline patient characteristics were not different between the TLV and Loop group. The TLV group consisted of less frequent use of loop diuretics and carperitide compared with the Loop group. The incidence of medium-term WRF was significantly lower in the TLV group than in the Loop group (3.2% versus 31.0%, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the TLV non-user was an independent predictor of medium-term WRF. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the long-term event-free survival was significantly higher in the TLV group (log-rank P = 0.01).Continuous administration of TLV may reduce the risk of medium-term WRF, resulting possibility in improvement of long-term adverse outcomes in HF patients with CKD.

Associations between changes in glucagon-like peptide-1 and bodyweight reduction in patients receiving acarbose or metformin treatment.

PubMed

Wang, Na; Zhang, Jin-Ping; Xing, Xiao-Yan; Yang, Zhao-Jun; Zhang, Bo; Wang, Xin; Yang, Wen-Ying

2017-08-01

The present post hoc analysis investigated whether changes in endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (∆GLP-1) levels are associated with weight loss in newly diagnosed diabetes patients. In all, 784 subjects from the Metformin and AcaRbose in Chinese as initial Hypoglycemic treatment (MARCH) study were stratified according to ∆GLP-1. Changes in clinical and physiological parameters were evaluated across ∆GLP-1 subgroups (low, medium, and high) to assess correlations between ∆GLP-1 and weight loss in acarbose- versus metformin-treated groups. After 24 weeks treatment, greater ∆GLP-1 was associated with significantly greater weight loss (-2 vs -1 kg in the medium/high vs low ∆GLP-1 groups, respectively) and reduction in body mass index (BMI; -0.88, -0.83, and -0.69 kg/m 2 in the high, medium, and low ∆GLP-1 groups, respectively). In the acarbose-treated group, there was a significant association between ∆GLP-1 and BMI reductions, and greater ∆GLP-1 across the high, medium, and low ∆GLP-1 groups was correlated with greater weight loss (-2.8, -2.1, and -1.9 kg, respectively) and reductions in fasting plasma glucose (-1.57, -1.28, and -1.02 mmol/L, respectively) at Week 24. No significant differences were found across ∆GLP-1 subgroups in metformin-treated patients (P > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that gender, baseline BMI, and ∆GLP-1 at Week 24 were associated with weight loss. Baseline BMI and ∆GLP-1 in the acarbose-treated group and baseline BMI in the metformin-treated group predicted weight loss at Week 24. Changes in GLP-1 levels are associated with weight loss in newly diagnosed Chinese diabetes patients receiving acarbose. © 2016 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

[Food intake in indigenous and non-indigenous Chilean schoolchildren of different social vulnerability].

PubMed

García, Vanessa; Amigo, Hugo; Bustos, Patricia

2002-12-01

The study was based on a cross-sectional design of children from six to nine year olds. Indigenous children were those whose parents had all surnames of this ethnic origin. Non-indigenous children were those with Hispanic surnames. Participants belonged to one of the three social vulnerability groups: high vulnerability (extreme poverty) living in rural communities in a southern region of the country (n = 184); medium vulnerability living in urbanized settings in the same region (n = 248); low vulnerability living in Santiago of Chile (n = 336). Food intake was estimated using a 24-hours recall questionnaire. Total energy intake was similar in the two ethnic groups in all vulnerabilities. It was observed that energy and macronutrient intake increased with the improvement of the social vulnerability: High 1679 kcal. with a standard deviation (SD) of 461, Medium 1878 (SD 484), Low 1894 (SD 495). Children in the high social vulnerability group had a total energy intake below the WHO/FAO recommendations. Consumption of milk, meat, vegetables and fruits was insufficient in all social vulnerability levels but it was closer to the recommendation in the low vulnerability group. Bread accounted for almost 50% of the total energy intake in the high and medium vulnerability groups. It is concluded that differences in the access to an adequate feeding are related to social vulnerability and not ethnicity.

Technologies and Applications of Airborne Power Ultrasound in Food Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallego-Juárez, Juan A.; Riera, Enrique

Applications of ultrasonic waves are generally divided into two groups: low intensity and high intensity. Low-intensity applications are those wherein the objective is to obtain information about the propagation medium without producing any modification of its state. On the contrary, high-intensity applications are those wherein ultrasonic energy is used to produce permanent changes in the treated medium.

Postlingual adult performance in noise with HiRes 120 and ClearVoice Low, Medium, and High.

PubMed

Holden, Laura K; Brenner, Christine; Reeder, Ruth M; Firszt, Jill B

2013-11-01

The study's objectives were to evaluate speech recognition in multiple listening conditions using several noise types with HiRes 120 and ClearVoice (Low, Medium, High) and to determine which ClearVoice program was most beneficial for everyday use. Fifteen postlingual adults attended four sessions; speech recognition was assessed at sessions 1 and 3 with HiRes 120 and at sessions 2 and 4 with all ClearVoice programs. Test measures included sentences presented in restaurant noise (R-SPACE), in speech-spectrum noise, in four- and eight-talker babble, and connected discourse presented in 12-talker babble. Participants completed a questionnaire comparing ClearVoice programs. Significant group differences in performance between HiRes 120 and ClearVoice were present only in the R-SPACE; performance was better with ClearVoice High than HiRes 120. Among ClearVoice programs, no significant group differences were present for any measure. Individual results revealed most participants performed better in the R-SPACE with ClearVoice than HiRes 120. For other measures, significant individual differences between HiRes 120 and ClearVoice were not prevalent. Individual results among ClearVoice programs differed and overall preferences varied. Questionnaire data indicated increased understanding with High and Medium in certain environments. R-SPACE and questionnaire results indicated an advantage for ClearVoice High and Medium. Individual test and preference data showed mixed results between ClearVoice programs making global recommendations difficult; however, results suggest providing ClearVoice High and Medium and HiRes 120 as processor options for adults willing to change settings. For adults unwilling or unable to change settings, ClearVoice Medium is a practical choice for daily listening.

An ecological model of the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea: Analysis of ecosystem structure and fishing impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coll, Marta; Santojanni, Alberto; Palomera, Isabel; Tudela, Sergi; Arneri, Enrico

2007-08-01

A trophic mass-balance model was developed to characterise the food web structure and functioning of the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea and to quantify the ecosystem impacts of fishing during the 1990s. Forty functional groups were described, including target and non-target fish and invertebrate groups, and three detritus groups (natural detritus, discards and by-catch of cetaceans and marine turtles). Results highlighted that there was an important coupling between pelagic-benthic production of plankton, benthic invertebrates and detritus. Organisms located at low and medium trophic levels, (i.e. benthic invertebrates, zooplankton and anchovy), as well as dolphins, were identified as keystone groups of the ecosystem. Jellyfish were an important element in terms of consumption and production of trophic flows within the ecosystem. The analysis of trophic flows of zooplankton and detritus groups indirectly underlined the importance of the microbial food web in the Adriatic Sea. Fishing activities inflicted notable impacts on the ecosystem during the 1990s, with a high gross efficiency of the fishery, a high consumption of fishable production, high exploitation rates for various target and non target species, a low trophic level of the catch and medium values of primary production required to sustain the fishery. Moreover, the analysis of Odum's ecological indicators highlighted that the ecosystem was in a low-medium developmental stage. Bottom trawling ( Strascico), mid-water trawling ( Volante) and beam trawling ( Rapido) fleets had the highest impacts on both target and non target ecological groups. On the contrary, purse seining ( Lampara) showed medium to low impacts on the ecosystem; cetaceans, marine turtles and sea birds were not significantly involved in competition with fishing activity.

Perioperative fluid management: comparison of high, medium and low fluid volume on tissue oxygen pressure in the small bowel and colon.

PubMed

Hiltebrand, L B; Pestel, G; Hager, H; Ratnaraj, J; Sigurdsson, G H; Kurz, A

2007-11-01

Insufficient blood flow and oxygenation in the intestinal tract is associated with increased incidence of postoperative complications after bowel surgery. High fluid volume administration may prevent occult regional hypoperfusion and intestinal tissue hypoxia. We tested the hypothesis that high intraoperative fluid volume administration increases intestinal wall tissue oxygen pressure during laparotomy. In all, 27 pigs were anaesthetized, ventilated and randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups (n = 9 in each) receiving low (3 mL kg-1 h-1), medium (7 mL kg-1 h-1) or high (20 mL kg-1 h-1) fluid volume treatment with lactated Ringer's solution. All animals received 30% and 100% inspired oxygen in random order. Cardiac index was measured with thermodilution and tissue oxygen pressure with a micro-oximetry system in the jejunum and colon wall and subcutaneous tissue. Groups receiving low and medium fluid volume treatment had similar systemic haemodynamics. The high fluid volume group had significantly higher mean arterial pressure, cardiac index and subcutaneous tissue oxygenation. Tissue oxygen pressures in the jejunum and colon were comparable in all three groups. The three different fluid volume regimens tested did not affect tissue oxygen pressure in the jejunum and colon, suggesting efficient autoregulation of intestinal blood flow in healthy subjects undergoing uncomplicated abdominal surgery.

Dependency between light intensity and refractive development under light-dark cycles.

PubMed

Cohen, Yuval; Belkin, Michael; Yehezkel, Oren; Solomon, Arieh S; Polat, Uri

2011-01-01

The emmetropization process involves fine-tuning the refractive state by altering the refractive components toward zero refraction. In this study, we provided light-dark cycle conditions at several intensities and examined the effect of light intensity on the progression of chicks' emmetropization. Chicks under high-, medium-, and low-light intensities (10,000, 500, and 50 lux, respectively) were followed for 90 days by retinoscopy, keratometry, as well as ultrasound measurements. Emmetropization was reached from days 30-50 and from days 50-60 for the low- and medium-intensity groups, respectively. On day 90, most chicks in the low-intensity group were myopic, with a mean refraction of -2.41D (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.9 to -1.8D), whereas no chicks in the high-intensity group developed myopia, but they exhibited a stable mean hyperopia of +1.1D. The medium-intensity group had a mean refraction of +0.03D. The low-intensity group had a deeper vitreous chamber depth and a longer axial length compared with the high-intensity group, and shifted refraction to the myopic side. The low-intensity group had a flatter corneal curvature, a deeper anterior chamber, and a thinner lens compared with the high-intensity group, and shifted refraction to the hyperopic side. In all groups the corneal power was correlated with the three examined levels of log light intensity for all examined times (e.g., day 20 r = 0.6 P < 0.0001, day 90 r = 0.56 P < 0.0001). Thus, under light-dark cycles, light intensity is an environmental factor that modulates the process of emmetropization, and the low intensity of ambient light is a risk factor for developing myopia. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mortality decrease according to socioeconomic groups during the economic crisis in Spain: a cohort study of 36 million people.

PubMed

Regidor, Enrique; Vallejo, Fernando; Granados, José A Tapia; Viciana-Fernández, Francisco J; de la Fuente, Luis; Barrio, Gregorio

2016-11-26

Studies of the effect of macroeconomic fluctuations on mortality in different socioeconomic groups are scarce and have yielded mixed findings. We analyse mortality trends in Spain before and during the Great Recession in different socioeconomic groups, quantifying the change within each group. We did a nationwide prospective study, in which we took data from the 2001 Census. All people living in Spain on Nov 1, 2001, were followed up until Dec 31, 2011. We included 35 951 354 people alive in 2001 who were aged between 10 and 74 years in each one of the four calendar years before the economic crisis (from 2004 to 2007) and in each one of the first four calendar years of the crisis (from 2008 to 2011), and analysed all-cause and cause-specific mortality in those people. We classified individuals by socioeconomic status (low, medium, or high) using two indicators of household wealth: household floor space (<72 m 2 , 72-104 m 2 , and >104 m 2 ) and number of cars owned by the residents of the household (none, one, and two or more). We used Poisson regression to calculate the annual percentage reduction (APR) in mortality rates during 2004-07 (pre-crisis) and 2008-11 (crisis) in each socioeconomic group, as well as the effect size, measured by the APR difference between the pre-crisis and crisis period. The annual decline in all-cause mortality in the three socioeconomic groups was 1·7% (95% CI 1·2 to 2·1) for the low group, 1·7% (1·3 to 2·1) for the medium group, and 2·0% (1·4 to 2·5) for the high group in 2004-07, and 3·0% (2·5 to 3·5) for the low group, 2·8% (2·5 to 3·2) for the medium group, and 2·1% (1·6 to 2·7) for the high group in 2008-11 when individuals were classified by household floor space. The annual decline in all-cause mortality when people were classified by number of cars owned by the household was 0·3% (-0·1 to 0·8) for the low group, 1·6% (1·2 to 2·0) for the medium group, and 2·2% (1·6 to 2·8) for the high group in 2004-07, and 2·3% (1·8 to 2·8) for the low group, 2·4% (2·0 to 2·7) for the medium group and 2·5% (1·9 to 3·0) for the high group in 2008-11. The low socioeconomic group showed the largest effect size for both wealth indicators. In Spain, probably due to the decrease in exposure to risk factors, all-cause mortality decreased more during the economic crisis than before the economic crisis, especially in low socioeconomic groups. None. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of Chronic Kidney Disease to Enhance Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk in Those at Medium Risk.

PubMed

Chia, Yook Chin; Lim, Hooi Min; Ching, Siew Mooi

2015-01-01

Based on global cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment for example using the Framingham risk score, it is recommended that those with high risk should be treated and those with low risk should not be treated. The recommendation for those of medium risk is less clear and uncertain. We aimed to determine whether factoring in chronic kidney disease (CKD) will improve CV risk prediction in those with medium risk. This is a 10-year retrospective cohort study of 905 subjects in a primary care clinic setting. Baseline CV risk profile and serum creatinine in 1998 were captured from patients record. Framingham general cardiovascular disease risk score (FRS) for each patient was computed. All cardiovascular disease (CVD) events from 1998-2007 were captured. Overall, patients with CKD had higher FRS risk score (25.9% vs 20%, p = 0.001) and more CVD events (22.3% vs 11.9%, p = 0.002) over a 10-year period compared to patients without CKD. In patients with medium CV risk, there was no significant difference in the FRS score among those with and without CKD (14.4% vs 14.6%, p = 0.84) However, in this same medium risk group, patients with CKD had more CV events compared to those without CKD (26.7% vs 6.6%, p = 0.005). This is in contrast to patients in the low and high risk group where there was no difference in CVD events whether these patients had or did not have CKD. There were more CV events in the Framingham medium risk group when they also had CKD compared those in the same risk group without CKD. Hence factoring in CKD for those with medium risk helps to further stratify and identify those who are actually at greater risk, when treatment may be more likely to be indicated.

Use of Chronic Kidney Disease to Enhance Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk in Those at Medium Risk

PubMed Central

Chia, Yook Chin; Lim, Hooi Min; Ching, Siew Mooi

2015-01-01

Based on global cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment for example using the Framingham risk score, it is recommended that those with high risk should be treated and those with low risk should not be treated. The recommendation for those of medium risk is less clear and uncertain. We aimed to determine whether factoring in chronic kidney disease (CKD) will improve CV risk prediction in those with medium risk. This is a 10-year retrospective cohort study of 905 subjects in a primary care clinic setting. Baseline CV risk profile and serum creatinine in 1998 were captured from patients record. Framingham general cardiovascular disease risk score (FRS) for each patient was computed. All cardiovascular disease (CVD) events from 1998–2007 were captured. Overall, patients with CKD had higher FRS risk score (25.9% vs 20%, p = 0.001) and more CVD events (22.3% vs 11.9%, p = 0.002) over a 10-year period compared to patients without CKD. In patients with medium CV risk, there was no significant difference in the FRS score among those with and without CKD (14.4% vs 14.6%, p = 0.84) However, in this same medium risk group, patients with CKD had more CV events compared to those without CKD (26.7% vs 6.6%, p = 0.005). This is in contrast to patients in the low and high risk group where there was no difference in CVD events whether these patients had or did not have CKD. There were more CV events in the Framingham medium risk group when they also had CKD compared those in the same risk group without CKD. Hence factoring in CKD for those with medium risk helps to further stratify and identify those who are actually at greater risk, when treatment may be more likely to be indicated. PMID:26496190

Risk-adapted approach for fever and neutropenia in paediatric cancer patients--a national multicentre study.

PubMed

Miedema, Karin G E; Tissing, Wim J E; Abbink, Floor C H; Ball, Lynne M; Michiels, Erna M C; van Vliet, Michel J; de Vries, Wilma Y; Kamps, Willem A; Norbruis, Obbe F; Fiocco, Marta; de Groot-Kruseman, Hester A; van de Wetering, Marianne D; de Bont, Eveline S J M

2016-01-01

In this national multicentre study, we examined the safety of reducing antibiotics in selected paediatric cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Patients with signs of a bacterial infection and/or abnormal vital signs indicating sepsis were considered high risk and received antibiotic therapy. Remaining patients were allocated to low- or medium risk, depending on their interleukin-8 level. Low-risk patients did not receive any antibiotics and were discharged from the hospital after having been afebrile for 12 h. Medium-risk patients were re-evaluated after 72 h of antibiotic treatment and, in selected patients, antibiotics were stopped. Two hundred thirty-three febrile neutropenic episodes in 141 paediatric cancer patients were included in the study. Sixty-four episodes were classified high risk (28%), 122 medium risk (52%), and 47 (20%) low risk. In the medium-risk group, antibiotics were stopped after 72 h in 50 in 122 episodes (41%). Median duration of antibiotic treatment and hospital admission was significantly lower in low- and medium-risk episodes with early discharge. No failures were observed in the medium-risk group with early discharge. In the low-risk group, six failures were observed (12.8%), due to coagulase-negative staphylococci-positive blood cultures and recurrent fever. We showed that it is safe to shorten antibiotic treatment to 72 h in selected medium-risk patients with febrile neutropenia, regardless of the neutrophil count. The safety of withholding antibiotics in selected low-risk paediatric cancer patients with febrile neutropenia requires further investigation, using more suitable definitions for safety. Reduction in hospital admissions allows children with cancer more time at home and consequently improves their quality of life. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Skin sensitization of 3, 4-bis (4'-aminofurazano-3') furoxan in mice evaluated by BrdU-ELISA local lymph node assay].

PubMed

Wang, H; Gao, J H; Liu, Z Y; Yue, H; Gao, Y C; Xue, Z; Zhang, Z Z; Zhou, Y S

2016-08-20

Objective: To investigate skin sensitization of 3, 4-bis (4'-aminofurazano-3') furoxan (DATF) in mice using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BrdU-ELISA) . Methods: A total of 30 specific pathogen-free BALB/C mice were randomly divided into high-, medium-, and low-dose DATF groups, positive control group, and solvent control group, with six mice in each group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose DATF groups were treated with 50%, 25%, and 10% (0.5, 0.25, and 0.10 g/ml) DATF solution, those in the positive control group were treated with 1% 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzol (DNCB) , and those in the solvent control group were treated with acetone/olive oil (4∶1) . After treatment, retroauricular lymph nodes were collected and cell suspension was prepared. ELISA was used to measure the level of cell proliferation after the addition of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) , and the BrdU labeling index (LI) and test substance concentration at a stimulation index (SI) of 1.6 (EC 1.6 ) were calculated. Results: There were no significant differences in auricular thickness between groups ( P >0.05) , and DAFT did not have skin irritation. Compared with the solvent control group, the high-dose DATF group and the positive control group showed significant increases in the weight of lymph nodes ( P <0.05) . Compared with the solvent control group, all the other groups showed significant increases in BrdU LI ( P <0.01) . The low-, medium-, and high-dose DATF groups had SIs of 6.1, 8.8, and 12.1, respectively, and the EC 1.6 of DATF was 2.2%, which suggested that DATF had strong sensitization. Conclusion: DATF has strong skin sensitization in mice, with reference to the guideline of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Item No. 442B (OECD TG 442B) .

[Morbidity and mortality rates in relation to the "surgeon factor" after duodenopancreatectomy].

PubMed

Targarona, Javier; Pando, Elizabeth; Garatea, Rafael; Vavoulis, Alexandra; Montoya, Eduardo

2007-10-01

The present study was designed to determine whether the surgeon factor has an independent effect on morbidity and mortality rates after duodenopancreatectomy. Between October 2002 and December 2006, we performed a study of 119 patients who underwent duodenopancreatectomy. The surgeons were divided into 3 groups according to the number of interventions they performed each year: a low volume group (three Whipple procedures per year), a medium volume group (four to 10 Whipple procedures per year) and a high volume group (> 10 Whipple procedures per year). The morbidity rate was higher in the low volume group (82%) than in the high volume group (35%). Length of hospital stay was clearly longer in the low and medium volume groups (27 days, and 21 days) than in the high volume group (17 days). Comparison of the results of the 3 groups revealed that the group performing three or less interventions per year (low volume) had the highest mortality rate (47%), while the group performing more than 10 interventions per year (high volume) had a very low mortality rate (4%). We found that the volume-to-surgeon ratio was inversely proportional to morbidity, length of hospital stay, return to oral intake, and mortality rates. Therefore, increasing surgical volume could improve morbidity and mortality rates.

Continuity and change in social and physical aggression from middle childhood through early adolescence.

PubMed

Underwood, Marion K; Beron, Kurt J; Rosen, Lisa H

2009-01-01

For a sample followed from age 9-13 (N=281), this investigation examined developmental trajectories for social and physical aggression as measured by teacher ratings. Trajectories for both forms of aggression were estimated first separately, then jointly. Mean levels of both social and physical aggression decreased over time for the overall sample, but with high variability of individual trajectories. Subgroups followed high trajectories for both social and physical aggression. Joint estimation yielded six trajectories: low stable, low increasers, medium increasers, medium desisters, high desisters, and high increasers. Membership in the high increaser group was predicted by male gender, unmarried parents, African American ethnicity, and maternal authoritarian and permissive parenting. Permissive parenting also predicted membership in the medium increaser group. This is one of the first studies to examine social aggression longitudinally across this developmental period. Though the results challenge the claim that social aggression is at its peak in early adolescence, the findings emphasize the importance of considering different developmental trajectories in trying to understand origins and outcomes of aggression.

Continuity and Change in Social and Physical Aggression from Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence

PubMed Central

Underwood, Marion K.; Beron, Kurt J.; Rosen, Lisa H.

2009-01-01

For a sample followed from age 9–13 (N=281), this investigation examined developmental trajectories for social and physical aggression as measured by teacher ratings. Trajectories for both forms of aggression were estimated first separately, then jointly. Mean levels of both social and physical aggression decreased over time for the overall sample, but with high variability of individual trajectories. Subgroups followed high trajectories for both social and physical aggression. Joint estimation yielded six trajectories: low stable, low increasers, medium increasers, medium desisters, high desisters, and high increasers. Membership in the high increaser group was predicted by male gender, unmarried parents, African American ethnicity, and maternal authoritarian and permissive parenting. Permissive parenting also predicted membership in the medium increaser group. This is one of the first studies to examine social aggression longitudinally across this developmental period. Though the results challenge the claim that social aggression is at its peak in early adolescence, the findings emphasize the importance of considering different developmental trajectories in trying to understand origins and outcomes of aggression. PMID:19685551

Social Victimization Trajectories From Middle Childhood Through Late Adolescence

PubMed Central

Rosen, Lisa H.; Beron, Kurt J.; Underwood, Marion K.

2016-01-01

Social victimization refers to being targeted by behaviors intended to harm one’s social status or relationships (Underwood, 2003), including malicious gossip, friendship manipulation, and social exclusion (both verbal and non-verbal). The current study examined social victimization experiences longitudinally from middle childhood through late adolescence. Participants (N = 273, 139 females) reported on their social victimization experiences in grades 4–11 (ages 9 to 16 years). Using mixture (group-based) modeling, four social victimization trajectories were identified: low, medium decreasing, medium increasing, and elevated. High parent-child relationship quality decreased the odds of being in the elevated group compared to the low group; however, parent-child relationship quality was no longer a significant predictor when emotional dysfunction was added to the model. Higher emotional dysfunction and male gender increased the odds of being in the elevated group and medium increaser group relative to the low group even after controlling for parent-child relationship quality. Implications for intervention and future research directions are discussed. PMID:28408789

[Treatment results with ALL-BFM-95 protocol in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Hungary].

PubMed

Müller, Judit; Kovács, Gábor; Jakab, Zsuzsanna; Rényi, Imre; Galántai, Ilona; Békési, Andrea; Kiss, Csongor; Nagy, Kálmán; Kajtár, Pál; Bartyik, Katalin; Masát, Péter; Magyarosy, Edina

2005-01-09

In Hungary children (from 1 to 18 years of age) with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia were treated from January 1996 to October 2002, according to protocol ALL-BFM-95. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience with this protocol, the treatment results according to the risk groups and to compare the Hungarian data with the international results. Patients were stratified into 3 risk groups, based on initial white blood cell count, age, immunology, cytogenetics and response to treatment: standard, medium and high risk group. Three hundred sixty eight children entered the study (male-female ratio was 1.27:1, median age 6 years and 4 months). 110 (29.9%) children were in the standard, 210 (57.1%) in the medium and 48 (13%) in the high risk group. Duration of the chemotherapy was 2 years, except of the boys in the standard risk group, their maintenance therapy was 1 year longer. The overall complete remission rate was 93.2%. 20 (5.4%) children died in induction and 5 (1.4%) were non-responders. The 5-year overall survival for all patients was 78.5%, in the standard risk group 93.2%, in the medium risk group 78.4% and in the high risk group 44.5% with a minimum follow up of 1.19 years and median follow up of 4.85 years. From the 368 patients 272 (73.9%) are still in their first complete clinical remission and other 18 children are alive after relapse. In 14.7% of the patients relapse was diagnosed; the most common site was the bone marrow. In one patient second malignancy occurred. The 5-year event free survival for all patients was 72.6%, in the standard risk group 87.6%, in the medium risk group 72.1% and in the high risk group 39.9%. The treatment outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia improved remarkably over the last decades. 78% of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia could be cured with the ALL-BFM-95 protocol. The Hungarian results are comparable to those achieved by other leukaemia study groups in the world regarding the ALL-BFM-95 protocol.

Prosocial Behavior: Long-Term Trajectories and Psychosocial Outcomes.

PubMed

Flynn, Elinor; Ehrenreich, Samuel E; Beron, Kurt J; Underwood, Marion K

2015-08-01

This study investigated developmental trajectories for prosocial behavior for a sample followed from age 10 - 18 and examined possible adjustment outcomes associated with membership in different trajectory groups. Participants were 136 boys and 148 girls, their teachers, and their parents (19.4% African American, 2.4% Asian, 51.9% Caucasian, 19.5% Hispanic, and 5.8% other). Teachers rated children's prosocial behavior yearly in grades 4 - 12. At the end of the 12 th grade year, teachers, parents, and participants reported externalizing behaviors and participants reported internalizing symptoms, narcissism, and features of borderline personality disorder. Results suggested that prosocial behavior remained stable from middle childhood through late adolescence. Group-based mixture modeling revealed three prosocial trajectory groups: low (18.7%), medium (52.8%), and high (29.6%). Membership in the high prosocial trajectory group predicted lower levels of externalizing behavior as compared to the low prosocial trajectory group, and for girls, lower levels of internalizing symptoms. Membership in the medium prosocial trajectory group also predicted being lower on externalizing behaviors. Membership in the high prosocial trajectory group predicted lower levels of borderline personality features for girls only.

Association of educational level with delay of prehospital care before reperfusion in STEMI.

PubMed

Heo, Ju Yeon; Hong, Ki Jeong; Shin, Sang Do; Song, Kyoung Jun; Ro, Young Sun

2015-12-01

Rapid access to reperfusion is important in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The goal of this study is to assess the association of the educational level of patients with STEMI and prehospital and inhospital delay before reperfusion. We used a nationwide database of 31 emergency departments for cardiovascular disease surveillance operated by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction cases registered from November 2007 to December 2012 were enrolled. Cases younger than 18 years old or missing educational history were excluded. Educational level was characterized as low (completion of elementary school or less), medium (completion of middle or high school), and high (completion of a bachelor's degree or higher). We compared prehospital and inhospital delay for 3 educational groups. A general linear regression was used to assess the association of educational level with the time from symptom to hospital arrival. A total of 9028 patients with STEMI were included. The median time from symptom to hospital arrival was 144, 76, and 68 minutes in the low, medium, and high education groups, respectively (P < .01). Educational level had no significant effect on the door-to-balloon time. Low and medium education groups experienced significant delays of symptom to hospital to high education group (low: β = 27.2 minutes; 95% confidence interval, 15.9-38.5; medium: β = 19.1 minutes; 95% confidence interval, 15.9-38.5). In patients with STEMI, the time from symptom to hospital arrival increased as educational level decreased, but educational level had no significant association with the inhospital delay to reperfusion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficacy and safety of cross-cylinder photorefractive keratectomy versus single method in medium-high astigmatism: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Sedghipour, Mohammad R; Lotfi, Afshin; Sadeghilar, Ayaz; Banan, Saeeid

2012-09-07

BACKGROUND: To compare efficacy and safety of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) by cross-cylinder with single methods in medium-high astigmatism. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial study PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients with medium-high compound myopic astigmatism were enrolled between September 2007 and September 2008. METHODS: PRK was performed on 100 eyes of 50 patients with compound myopic astigmatism. Each patient underwent PRK by cross-cylinder approach in one eye and single method on the contralateral eye. Vector analysis was used to assess astigmatic results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Improvement of visual acuity (snelen chart), refraction, aberrometry. RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCCA) equal to 20/40 or better after six months, was achieved in 98% of eyes in the cross-cylinder method versus 96% in single method.. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent(SE) was -5.2 ±2.1 D in the cross-cylinder method versus -5.1 ±0.5 D in the single method. At six months, the mean SE was - 0.5±0.4 D and -0.6±0.3 D, respectively. Mean IOS was 0.4±0.3 in the cross-cylinder group and 0.4±0.4 in the single group. Mean postoperative absolute change in total root-mean-square higher order aberrations in the cross-cylinder group and single group were 0.16 pm and 0.17 pm, respectively. Any of the mentioned differences didn't appear to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both PRK methods appeared to be safe and effective in correcting medium-high astigmatism. © 2012 The Author. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2012 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Insomnia, Nightmares, and Chronotype as Markers of Risk for Severe Mental Illness: Results from a Student Population.

PubMed

Sheaves, Bryony; Porcheret, Kate; Tsanas, Athanasios; Espie, Colin A; Foster, Russell G; Freeman, Daniel; Harrison, Paul J; Wulff, Katharina; Goodwin, Guy M

2016-01-01

To group participants according to markers of risk for severe mental illness based on subsyndromal symptoms reported in early adulthood and evaluate attributes of sleep across these risk categories. An online survey of sleep and psychiatric symptomatology (The Oxford Sleep Survey) was administered to students at one United Kingdom university. 1403 students (undergraduate and postgraduate) completed the survey. The median age was 21 (interquartile range = 20-23) and 55.60% were female. The cross-sectional data were used to cluster participants based on dimensional measures of psychiatric symptoms (hallucinations, paranoia, depression, anxiety, and (hypo)mania). High, medium, and low symptom groups were compared across sleep parameters: insomnia symptoms, nightmares, chronotype, and social jet lag. Insomnia symptoms, nightmares frequency, and nightmare-related distress increased in a dose-response manner with higher reported subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms (low, medium, and high). The high-risk group exhibited a later chronotype (mid sleep point for free days) than the medium- or low-risk group. The majority of participants (71.7%) in the high-risk group screened positive for insomnia and the median nightmare frequency was two per 14 days (moderately severe pathology). Insomnia, nightmares, and circadian phase delay are associated with increased subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms in young people. Each is a treatable sleep disorder and might be a target for early intervention to modify the subsequent progression of psychiatric disorder. © 2016 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Effect of culturally competent educational films about prenatal screening on informed decision making of pregnant women in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Peters, I A; Posthumus, A G; Reijerink-Verheij, J C I Y; Van Agt, H M E; Knapen, M F C M; Denktaş, S

2017-04-01

To evaluate the effect of a culturally competent educational film (CCEF) on informed decision making (IDM) regarding prenatal screening (PS) in a study population consisting of multicultural pregnant women. A cross-sectional study with 262 women in the control group and 117 in the intervention group. All counselled participants received a self-report questionnaire to obtain data on IDM and only the intervention group received the CCEF. Twenty two percent of the study population had an ethnic minority background and 52% had a low or medium educational level. After exposure to the CCEF, knowledge about the Fetal Anomaly Scan (FAS) was significantly increased in ethnic minority women and in 'medium' and 'highly' educated women. Among women in the intervention group who had the intention to participate in FAS, there was an increase of 11% in IDM and a decrease of 12% in uninformed decision making. CCEF leads to a significant increase in the level of knowledge in medium and highly educated groups as well as non-western ethnic minority groups. The increase in IDM among intentional participants in the FAS is promising as well. CCEF's are a valuable complement to counseling about PS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence and burden of chronic kidney disease among the general population and high-risk groups in Africa: a systematic review

PubMed Central

Abd ElHafeez, Samar; Bolignano, Davide; D’Arrigo, Graziella; Dounousi, Evangelia; Tripepi, Giovanni; Zoccali, Carmine

2018-01-01

Objectives While increasing attention is paid to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in Africa, there is little focus on chronic kidney disease (CKD). This systematic review assesses CKD burden among the general population and high-risk groups on the entire African continent. Design, setting and participants We searched Medline and PubMed databases for articles published between 1 January 1995 and 7 April 2017 by sensitive search strategies focusing on CKD surveys at the community level and high-risk groups. In total, 7918 references were evaluated, of which 7766 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thus, 152 studies were included in the final analysis. Outcome measurement The prevalence of CKD in each study group was expressed as a range and pooled prevalence rate of CKD was calculated as a point estimate and 95% CI. No meta-analysis was done. Data were presented for different populations. Results In the community-level studies, based on available medium-quality and high-quality studies, the prevalence of CKD ranged from 2% to 41% (pooled prevalence: 10.1%; 95% CI 9.8% to 10.5%). The prevalence of CKD in the high-risk groups ranged from 1% to 46% (pooled prevalence: 5.6%; 95% CI 5.4% to 5.8%) in patients with HIV (based on available medium-quality and high-quality studies), 11%–90% (pooled prevalence: 24.7%; 95% CI 23.6% to 25.7%) in patients with diabetes (based on all available studies which are of low quality except four of medium quality) and 13%–51% (pooled prevalence: 34.5%; 95 % CI 34.04% to 36%) in patients with hypertension (based on all available studies which are of low quality except two of medium quality). Conclusion In Africa, CKD is a public health problem, mainly attributed to high-risk conditions as hypertension and diabetes. The poor data quality restricts the validity of the findings and draws the attention to the importance of designing future robust studies. PMID:29326180

Effects of Collaborative Group Composition and Inquiry Instruction on Reasoning Gains and Achievement in Undergraduate Biology

PubMed Central

Jensen, Jamie Lee; Lawson, Anton

2011-01-01

This study compared the effectiveness of collaborative group composition and instructional method on reasoning gains and achievement in college biology. Based on initial student reasoning ability (i.e., low, medium, or high), students were assigned to either homogeneous or heterogeneous collaborative groups within either inquiry or didactic instruction. Achievement and reasoning gains were assessed at the end of the semester. Inquiry instruction, as a whole, led to significantly greater gains in reasoning ability and achievement. Inquiry instruction also led to greater confidence and more positive attitudes toward collaboration. Low-reasoning students made significantly greater reasoning gains within inquiry instruction when grouped with other low reasoners than when grouped with either medium or high reasoners. Results are consistent with equilibration theory, supporting the idea that students benefit from the opportunity for self-regulation without the guidance or direction of a more capable peer. PMID:21364101

Dose-dependent effects of vitamin 1,25(OH)2D3 on oxidative stress and apoptosis.

PubMed

Cakici, Cagri; Yigitbasi, Turkan; Ayla, Sule; Karimkhani, Hadi; Bayramoglu, Feyza; Yigit, Pakize; Kilic, Ertugrul; Emekli, Nesrin

2018-02-08

Background The purpose of this study is to examine the dose-dependent effects of vitamin 1,25(OH)2D3 on apoptosis and oxidative stress. Methods In this study, 50 male Balb/c mice were used as control and experiment groups. The mice were divided into 5 groups each consisting of 10 mice. Calcitriol was intraperitoneally administered as low dose, medium dose, medium-high dose and high dose vitamin D groups (at 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 μg/kg, respectively), for three times a week during 14 days. At the end of the study, annexin V was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status values were measured by colorimetric method in serum. Hematoxylin eosin staining was performed in liver tissues and periodic acid schiff staining was performed in kidney tissues. Results While comparing the results of medium-high dose (5 μg/kg) and high dose (10 μg/kg) vitamin D administration to that of the control group, it was observed that serum antioxidant status and annexin V levels decreased and glomerular mesenchial matrix ratio increased in kidney (p<0.05). In addition to these findings, in the group receiving high dose vitamin D (10 μg/kg), it was observed that the damage to the liver increased together with the the oxidative stress index values (p<0.05). Conclusions As a result, this study was the first in the literature to report that use of high-dose vitamin D (10 μg/kg) results in oxidant effect, rather than being an antioxidant, and causes severe histopathological toxicity in the liver and kidney.

Exploring Radiotherapy Targeting Strategy and Dose: A Pooled Analysis of Cooperative Group Trials of Combined Modality Therapy for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PubMed

Schild, Steven E; Fan, Wen; Stinchcombe, Thomas E; Vokes, Everett E; Ramalingam, Suresh S; Bradley, Jeffrey D; Kelly, Karen; Pang, Herbert H; Wang, Xiaofei

2018-04-21

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CRT) is standard therapy for locally-advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(LA-NSCLC)patients. This study was performed to examine thoracic radiotherapy(TRT) parameters and their impact on patient survival. We collected Individual patient data(IPD) from 3600LA-NSCLC patients participating in 16 cooperative group trials of concurrent CRT. The primary TRT parameters examined included field design strategy(elective nodal irradiation(ENI) compared to involved field TRT(IF-TRT)), total dose, and biologically effective dose(BED). Hazard ratios(HRs) for overall survival were calculated with univariable and multivariable Cox models. TRT doses ranged from 60 to 74 Gy with most treatments administered once-daily. ENI was associated with poorer survival than IF-TRT(univariable HR,1.37;95%CI,1.24-1.51,p<0.0001;multivariable HR,1.31;95%CI,1.08-1.59,p=0.002). The median survival of the IF and ENI patients were 24 and 16 months, respectively. Patients were divided into 3 dose groups: low total dose(60 Gy), medium total dose(>60Gy-66Gy) and high total dose(>66Gy-74 Gy). With reference to the low dose group, the multivariable HR's were 1.08 for the medium dose group(95%CI=0.93-1.25) and 1.12 for the high dose group(CI=0.97-1.30).The univariate p=0.054 and multivariable p=0.17. BED was grouped as follows: low(<55.5Gy 10 ), medium(=55.5 Gy 10) , or high(>55.5 Gy 10 ). With reference to the low BED group, the HR was 1.00(95%CI=0.85-1.18) for the medium BED group and 1.10(95%CI=0.93-1.31) for the high BED group. The univariable p=0.076 and multivariable p=0.16. For LA-NSCLC patients treated with concurrent CRT, IF-TRT was associated with significantly better survival than ENI-TRT. TRT total and BED dose levels were not significantly associated with patient survival. Future progress will require research focusing on better systemic therapy and TRT. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Comparison of gait after Syme and transtibial amputation in children: factors that may play a role in function.

PubMed

Jeans, Kelly A; Karol, Lori A; Cummings, Donald; Singhal, Kunal

2014-10-01

Preservation of maximal limb length during amputation is often recommended to maximize the efficiency and symmetry of gait. The goals of this study were to determine (1) whether there are gait differences between children with a Syme (or Boyd) amputation and those with a transtibial-level amputation, and (2) whether the type of prosthetic foot affects gait and PODCI (Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument) outcomes. Sixty-four patients (age range, 4.7 to 19.2 years) with unilateral below-the-knee prosthesis use (forty-one in the Syme group and twenty-three in the transtibial group) underwent gait analysis and review of data for the involved limb. The twelve prosthetic foot types were categorized as designed for a high, medium, or low activity level (e.g., Flex foot, dynamic response foot, or SACH). Statistical analyses were conducted. Kinematic differences of <4° in total prosthetic ankle motion and 8° in external hip rotation were seen between the Syme and transtibial groups. Ankle power was greater in the transtibial group, whereas the Syme group had greater coronal-plane hip power (p < 0.05). Prosthetic ankle motion was significantly greater in the high compared with the medium and low-performance feet. However, the PODCI happiness score was higher in patients with low compared with medium-performance feet (p < 0.05). Small differences in prosthetic ankle motion and power were found between children with Syme and transtibial amputations. Ankle motion was greater in patients using high-performance feet (9% of the total cohort) compared with medium-performance (59%) and low-performance (31%) feet. Despite the increased ankle motion achieved with high-performance dynamic feet, this advantage was not reflected in peak power of the prosthetic ankle or the PODCI sports/physical functioning subscale. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. Copyright © 2014 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.

Electronic Cigarettes Are as Toxic to Skin Flap Survival as Tobacco Cigarettes.

PubMed

Rau, Aline Sabrina; Reinikovaite, Viktorija; Schmidt, Eric P; Taraseviciene-Stewart, Laima; Deleyiannis, Frederic White-Brown

2017-07-01

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular. However, information about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use is sparse. Currently, no published studies examine the effects of chronic e-cigarette exposure on microcirculation or perfusion. Using a rat skin flap model, we examined the toxic microcirculatory effects e-cigarettes may have in comparison with tobacco cigarettes. Fifty-eight rats were randomized to either exposure to room air, tobacco cigarette smoke, medium-nicotine content (1.2%) e-cigarette vapor, or a high-nicotine content (2.4%) e-cigarette vapor. After 4 weeks of exposure, a random pattern, 3 × 9 cm skin flap was elevated on the dorsum of the rats. At 5 weeks, flap survival was evaluated quantitatively, and the rats were euthanized. Plasma was collected for nicotine and cotinine analysis, and flap tissues were harvested for histopathological analysis. Evaluation of the dorsal skin flaps demonstrated significantly increased necrosis in the vapor and tobacco groups. The average necrosis within the groups was as follows: control 19.23%, high-dose vapor 28.61%, medium-dose vapor 35.93%, and tobacco cigarette 30.15%. Although the e-cigarette and tobacco cigarette groups did not differ significantly, each individual group had significantly more necrosis than the control group (P<0.05). These results were corroborated with histopathological analysis of hypoxic tissue. Both the medium-content and high-nicotine content e-cigarette exposure groups had similar amounts of flap necrosis and hypoxia when compared with the tobacco cigarette exposure group. Nicotine-containing e-cigarette vapor is similarly toxic to skin flap survival as tobacco cigarettes.

Development of a hot intergalactic medium in spiral-rich galaxy groups: the example of HCG 16

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vrtilek, Jan M.; O'Sullivan, Ewan; David, Laurence P.; Giacintucci, Simona; Zezas, Andreas; Mamon, Gary; Ponman, Trevor J; Raychaudhury, Somak

2014-08-01

Galaxy groups provide the environment in which the majority of galaxies evolve, with low velocity dispersions and small galaxy separations that are conducive to tidal interactions and mergers between group members. X-ray observations reveal the frequent presence of hot gas in groups, with larger quantities linked to early-type galaxies, whereas cold gas is common in spiral-dominated groups. Clarification of the origin and role of the hot medium is central to the understanding of the evolution of the galaxy population and of all phases of the IGM.We here report on the nuclear activity, star formation and the high luminosity X-ray binary populations of the spiral-dominated, likely not yet virialized, group HCG 16, as well as on its intra-group medium, based principally on deep (150 ks) Chandra X-ray observations of the group, as well as new Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) 610 MHz radio data. We confirm the presence of obscured active nuclei in NGC 833 and NGC 835, and identify what may be a previously unrecognized nuclear source in NGC 838; all are variable. NGC 838 and NGC 839 are both starburst-dominated systems, with galactic superwinds that show X-ray and radio evidence of IGM interaction, but only weak nuclear activity; NGC 848 is also dominated by emission from its starburst.We confirm the existence of a faint, extended low-temperature (0.3 keV) intra-group medium, a subject of some uncertainty in earlier studies. The diffuse emission is strongest in a ridge linking the four principal galaxies, and is at least partly coincident with a large-scale HI tidal filament, indicating that the IGM in the inner part of the group is highly multi-phase. We conclude that starburst winds and shock-heating of stripped HI may play an important role in the early stages of IGM formation, with galactic winds contributing 20-40% of the observed hot gas in the system.

Bovine babesiosis: Cattle protected in the field with a frozen vaccine containing Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina cultured in vitro with a serum-free medium.

PubMed

Rojas-Martínez, Carmen; Rodríguez-Vivas, Roger Iván; Millán, Julio Vicente Figueroa; Bautista-Garfias, Carlos Ramón; Castañeda-Arriola, Roberto Omar; Lira-Amaya, José Juan; Urióstegui, Patricia Vargas; Carrasco, Juan José Ojeda; Martínez, Jesús Antonio Álvarez

2018-04-01

An attenuated live vaccine containing Babesia bovis and B. bigemina cultured in vitro with a serum-free medium was assessed for its clinical protection conferred of naïve cattle, under natural tick-challenge in a high endemicity zone to Babesia spp. Three groups of six animals were treated as follows: group I (GI) received a vaccine derived from parasites cultured with a free-serum medium; group II (GII) were immunized with the standard vaccine, with parasites cultured in a medium supplemented with 40% (v/v) bovine serum; and a control group (GIII) inoculated with non-infected bovine erythrocytes. Inocula were administered by IM route. Experimental animals were kept during 23days after vaccination in a cattle farm free of ticks and Babesia spp. Thereafter, cattle were moved to a high endemicity farm for natural exposure to Babesia spp. transmitted by Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Protection against clinical babesiosis was observed in bovines belonging to GI (100%) and GII (83.33%), while the control animals (GIII) were not protected, and showed severe clinical signs, closely related to babesiosis, were observed for at least three consecutive days during the challenge. These were fever, anemia, which were measured simultaneously, and circulating parasites were detected by optic light microscopy. All cattle showed B. bovis and B. bigemina in stained blood films during the challenge; B. bovis antibody titers were higher than those to B. bigemina in GI and GII, and lower titers were determined in GIII. The protective capacity of the vaccine derived from B. bovis and B. bigemina cultured in vitro in a serum-free medium was demonstrated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibition effects of chlorogenic acid on benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice.

PubMed

Huang, Ya; Chen, Huaguo; Zhou, Xin; Wu, Xingdong; Hu, Enming; Jiang, Zhengmeng

2017-08-15

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects and explore mechanisms of chlorogenic acid against testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in mice. Benign prostatic hyperplasia model was induced in experimental groups by daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate (7.5mg/kg/d) consecutively for 14 d. A total of 60 mice were randomly divided into six groups: (Group 1) normal control group, (Group 2) benign prostatic hyperplasia model control group, (Group 3) benign prostatic hyperplasia mice treated with finasteride at a dose of 1mg/kg, (Group 4) benign prostatic hyperplasia mice treated with chlorogenic acid at dose levels of 0.8mg/kg (low dose group), (Group 5) benign prostatic hyperplasia mice treated with chlorogenic acid at dose levels of 1.6mg/kg (medium dose group) and (Group 6) benign prostatic hyperplasia mice treated with chlorogenic acid at dose levels of 3.2mg/kg (high dose group). Animals were sacrificed on the scheduled termination, pick out the eyeball to get blood, then prostates were weighed and prostatic index were determined. Then the serum acid phosphatase (ACP), prostatic acid phosphatase (PACP) and typeⅡ5-alpha-reductase (SRD5A2) levels were measured and observed morphological changes of the prostate. Comparing with benign prostatic hyperplasia model group, the high and medium dose of chlorogenic acid could significantly reduce prostate index and levels of acid phosphatase, prostatic acid phosphatase and typeⅡ5-alpha-reductase (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These findings were supported by histopathological observations of prostate tissues. Histopathological examination also indicated that chlorogenic acid treatment at the high and medium doses inhibited testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia. The results indicated that chlorogenic acid exhibited restraining effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia model animals, and its mechanism might be related to inhibit typeⅡ5-alpha reductase activity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Prosocial Behavior: Long-Term Trajectories and Psychosocial Outcomes

PubMed Central

Flynn, Elinor; Ehrenreich, Samuel E.; Beron, Kurt J.; Underwood, Marion K.

2015-01-01

This study investigated developmental trajectories for prosocial behavior for a sample followed from age 10 – 18 and examined possible adjustment outcomes associated with membership in different trajectory groups. Participants were 136 boys and 148 girls, their teachers, and their parents (19.4% African American, 2.4% Asian, 51.9% Caucasian, 19.5% Hispanic, and 5.8% other). Teachers rated children’s prosocial behavior yearly in grades 4 – 12. At the end of the 12th grade year, teachers, parents, and participants reported externalizing behaviors and participants reported internalizing symptoms, narcissism, and features of borderline personality disorder. Results suggested that prosocial behavior remained stable from middle childhood through late adolescence. Group-based mixture modeling revealed three prosocial trajectory groups: low (18.7%), medium (52.8%), and high (29.6%). Membership in the high prosocial trajectory group predicted lower levels of externalizing behavior as compared to the low prosocial trajectory group, and for girls, lower levels of internalizing symptoms. Membership in the medium prosocial trajectory group also predicted being lower on externalizing behaviors. Membership in the high prosocial trajectory group predicted lower levels of borderline personality features for girls only. PMID:26236108

Cost effectiveness of ramipril treatment for cardiovascular risk reduction.

PubMed

Malik, I S; Bhatia, V K; Kooner, J S

2001-05-01

To assess the cost effectiveness of ramipril treatment in patients at low, medium, and high risk of cardiovascular death. Population based cost effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the health care provider in the UK. Effectiveness was modelled using data from the HOPE (heart outcome prevention evaluation) trial. The life table method was used to predict mortality in a medium risk cohort, as in the HOPE trial (2.44% annual mortality), and in low and high risk groups (1% and 4.5% annual mortality, respectively). UK population using 1998 government actuary department data. Cost per life year gained at five years and lifetime treatment with ramipril. Cost effectiveness was pound36 600, pound13 600, and pound4000 per life year gained at five years and pound5300, pound1900, and pound100 per life year gained at 20 years (lifetime treatment) in low, medium, and high risk groups, respectively. Cost effectiveness at 20 years remained well below that of haemodialysis ( pound25 000 per life year gained) over a range of potential drug costs and savings. Treatment of the HOPE population would cost the UK National Health Service (NHS) an additional pound360 million but would prevent 12 000 deaths per annum. Ramipril is cost effective treatment for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients at medium, high, and low pretreatment risk, with a cost effectiveness comparable with the use of statins. Implementation of ramipril treatment in a medium risk population would result in a major reduction in cardiovascular deaths but would increase annual NHS spending by pound360 million.

Everyday Cognition in Prodromal Huntington Disease

PubMed Central

Williams, Janet K.; Kim, Ji-In; Downing, Nancy; Farias, Sarah; Harrington, Deborah L.; Long, Jeffrey D.; Mills, James A.; Paulsen, Jane S.

2014-01-01

Objective Assessment of daily functions affected by cognitive loss in prodromal Huntington disease (HD) is necessary in practice and clinical trials. We evaluated baseline and longitudinal sensitivity of the Everyday Cognition (ECog) scales in prodromal HD and compared self- and companion-ratings. Method Everyday cognition was self-assessed by 850 participants with prodromal HD and 768 companions. We examined internal structure using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on baseline data. For longitudinal analysis, we stratified participants into Low, Medium, and High disease progression groups. We examined ECog scores for group differences and participant-and-companion differences using linear mixed effects regression (LMER). Comparison with the Total Functional Capacity (TFC) scale was made. Results CFA revealed good fit of a 5-factor model having a global factor (total score), and sub factors (subscales) of memory, language, visuospatial perception, and executive function. At study entry, participants and companions in the Medium and High groups reported significantly worsened everyday cognition as well as significant functional decline over time. Losses became more pronounced and participant and companion ratings diverged as individuals progressed. TFC showed significant functional loss over time in the High group but not in the Medium group. Conclusions Disease progression is associated with reduced self- and companion-reported everyday cognition in prodromal HD participants who are less than 13 years to estimated motor onset. Our findings suggest companion ratings are more sensitive than participants’ for detecting longitudinal change in daily cognitive function. ECog appears more sensitive to specific functional changes in the prodrome of HD than the TFC. PMID:25000321

Comparison of a Stratified Group Intervention (STarT Back) With Usual Group Care in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Murphy, Susan E; Blake, Catherine; Power, Camillus K; Fullen, Brona M

2016-04-01

A nonrandomized controlled trial. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of group-based stratified care in primary care. Stratified care based on psychosocial screening (STarT Back) has demonstrated greater clinical and cost-effectiveness in patients with low back pain. However, low back pain interventions are often delivered in groups and evaluating this system of care in a group setting is important. Patients were recruited from 60 general practices and linked physiotherapy services. A new group stratified intervention was compared with a historical nonstratified control group. Patients stratified as low, medium and high risk were offered risk-matched group care. Consenting participants completed self-report measures of functional disability (primary outcome measure), pain, psychological distress, and beliefs. The historical control received a generic group intervention. Analysis was by intention to treat. In total, 251 patients in the new stratified intervention and 332 in the historical control were included in the primary analysis at 12 weeks. The mean age of patients was 43 ± 10.98 years. Overall adjusted mean changes in the RMDQ scores were higher in the stratified intervention than in the control arm at 12-week follow-up (P = 0.028). Exploring the risk groups, individually the high-risk stratified group, demonstrated better outcome over the controls (P = 0.031). The medium-risk stratified intervention demonstrated equally good outcomes (P = 0.125), and low-risk stratified patients, despite less intervention, did as well as the historical controls (P = 0.993). Stratified care delivered in a group setting demonstrated superior outcomes in the high-risk patients, and equally good outcomes for the medium and low-risk groups. This model, embedded in primary care, provides an early and effective model of chronic disease management and adds another dimension to the utility of the STarT Back system of care. 2.

Effects of Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride on Sprague-Dawley Rats after Two Weeks of Inhalation Exposure

PubMed Central

Chung, Yong-Hyun

2014-01-01

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) is used for various purposes, such as a fungicide for coolants, an antiseptic for wood, and disinfectant for cleaning. Despite the increasing likelihood of DDAC inhalation, available data on its toxicity from inhalation are scarce. Therefore, this study was aimed at confirming the toxicity of DDAC after inhalation exposure for 2 wk. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to approximately 0.15 mg/m3, 0.6 mg/m3, and 3.6 mg/m3 DDAC aerosols in whole-body exposure chambers. After DDAC exposure for 2 wk, effects of DDAC on body weight, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the lungs were verified. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of DDAC aerosols was 1.86 μm and the geometric standard deviation was 2.75. The concentrations of DDAC aerosols for the low, medium, and high groups were 0.15 ± 0.15 mg/m3, 0.58 ± 0.40 mg/m3, and 3.63 ± 1.56 mg/m3, respectively. Body weight gain was significantly influenced by DDAC exposure. In the high group, a body weight decrease of 2.6 g was observed, whereas a 25.8 g increase was observed in the normal control group after the first 3 days. The low and medium groups showed 23.3 g and 20.4 g increases, respectively, after the first 3 days. Decreases in body weight were recovered during the next 4 days. In contrast, no changes were noted in hematological and blood biochemistry parameters after DDAC exposure. Furthermore, only mild effects were observed on bronchoalveolar cell differentiation counts and cell damage parameters in the BAL fluids of the medium and high groups. Although inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial pneumonia were partially observed, fibrosis was not found in the lungs of the medium and high groups. In conclusion, body weight gain and the lungs were mainly affected by DDAC exposure. The noobserved-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for DDAC was determined as 0.15 mg/m3. PMID:25343015

Time Is Money: The Decision Making of Smartphone High Users in Gain and Loss Intertemporal Choice.

PubMed

Tang, Zixuan; Zhang, Huijun; Yan, An; Qu, Chen

2017-01-01

Nowadays the smartphone plays an important role in our lives. While it brings us convenience and efficiency, its overuse can cause problems. Although a great number of studies have demonstrated that people affected by substance abuse, pathological gambling, and internet addiction disorder have lower self-control than average, scarcely any study has investigated the decision making of smartphone high users by using a behavioral paradigm. The present study employed an intertemporal task, the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11th version (BIS-11) to explore the decision control of smartphone high users in a sample of 125 college students. Participants were divided into three groups according to their SPAI scores. The upper third (69 or higher), middle third (from 61 to 68) and lower third (60 or lower) of scores were defined as high smartphone users, medium users and low users, respectively. We compared the percentage of small immediate reward/penalty choices in different conditions between the three groups. Relative to the low users group, high users and medium users were more inclined to request an immediate monetary reward. Moreover, for the two dimensions of time and money in intertemporal choice, high users and medium users showed a bias in intertemporal choice task among most of the time points and value magnitude compared to low users. These findings demonstrated that smartphone overuse was associated with problematic decision-making, a pattern similar to that seen in persons affected by a variety of addictions.

Characteristics and Pathways of Long-Stay Patients in High and Medium Secure Settings in England; A Secondary Publication From a Large Mixed-Methods Study.

PubMed

Völlm, Birgit A; Edworthy, Rachel; Huband, Nick; Talbot, Emily; Majid, Shazmin; Holley, Jessica; Furtado, Vivek; Weaver, Tim; McDonald, Ruth; Duggan, Conor

2018-01-01

Background: Many patients experience extended stays within forensic care, but the characteristics of long-stay patients are poorly understood. Aims: To describe the characteristics of long-stay patients in high and medium secure settings in England. Method: Detailed file reviews provided clinical, offending and risk data for a large representative sample of 401 forensic patients from 2 of the 3 high secure settings and from 23 of the 57 medium secure settings in England on 1 April 2013. The threshold for long-stay status was defined as 5 years in medium secure care or 10 years in high secure care, or 15 years in a combination of high and medium secure settings. Results: 22% of patients in high security and 18% in medium security met the definition for "long-stay," with 20% staying longer than 20 years. Of the long-stay sample, 58% were violent offenders (22% both sexual and violent), 27% had been convicted for violent or sexual offences whilst in an institutional setting, and 26% had committed a serious assault on staff in the last 5 years. The most prevalent diagnosis was schizophrenia (60%) followed by personality disorder (47%, predominantly antisocial and borderline types); 16% were categorised as having an intellectual disability. Overall, 7% of the long-stay sample had never been convicted of any offence, and 16.5% had no index offence prompting admission. Although some significant differences were found between the high and medium secure samples, there were more similarities than contrasts between these two levels of security. The treatment pathways of these long-stay patients involved multiple moves between settings. An unsuccessful referral to a setting of lower security was recorded over the last 5 years for 33% of the sample. Conclusions: Long-stay patients accounted for one fifth of the forensic inpatient population in England in this representative sample. A significant proportion of this group remain unsettled. High levels of personality pathology and the risk of assaults on staff and others within the care setting are likely to impact on treatment and management. Further research into the treatment pathways of longer stay patients is warranted to understand the complex trajectories of this group.

Characteristics and Pathways of Long-Stay Patients in High and Medium Secure Settings in England; A Secondary Publication From a Large Mixed-Methods Study

PubMed Central

Völlm, Birgit A.; Edworthy, Rachel; Huband, Nick; Talbot, Emily; Majid, Shazmin; Holley, Jessica; Furtado, Vivek; Weaver, Tim; McDonald, Ruth; Duggan, Conor

2018-01-01

Background: Many patients experience extended stays within forensic care, but the characteristics of long-stay patients are poorly understood. Aims: To describe the characteristics of long-stay patients in high and medium secure settings in England. Method: Detailed file reviews provided clinical, offending and risk data for a large representative sample of 401 forensic patients from 2 of the 3 high secure settings and from 23 of the 57 medium secure settings in England on 1 April 2013. The threshold for long-stay status was defined as 5 years in medium secure care or 10 years in high secure care, or 15 years in a combination of high and medium secure settings. Results: 22% of patients in high security and 18% in medium security met the definition for “long-stay,” with 20% staying longer than 20 years. Of the long-stay sample, 58% were violent offenders (22% both sexual and violent), 27% had been convicted for violent or sexual offences whilst in an institutional setting, and 26% had committed a serious assault on staff in the last 5 years. The most prevalent diagnosis was schizophrenia (60%) followed by personality disorder (47%, predominantly antisocial and borderline types); 16% were categorised as having an intellectual disability. Overall, 7% of the long-stay sample had never been convicted of any offence, and 16.5% had no index offence prompting admission. Although some significant differences were found between the high and medium secure samples, there were more similarities than contrasts between these two levels of security. The treatment pathways of these long-stay patients involved multiple moves between settings. An unsuccessful referral to a setting of lower security was recorded over the last 5 years for 33% of the sample. Conclusions: Long-stay patients accounted for one fifth of the forensic inpatient population in England in this representative sample. A significant proportion of this group remain unsettled. High levels of personality pathology and the risk of assaults on staff and others within the care setting are likely to impact on treatment and management. Further research into the treatment pathways of longer stay patients is warranted to understand the complex trajectories of this group. PMID:29713294

Light-Drag Enhancement by a Highly Dispersive Rubidium Vapor.

PubMed

Safari, Akbar; De Leon, Israel; Mirhosseini, Mohammad; Magaña-Loaiza, Omar S; Boyd, Robert W

2016-01-08

The change in the speed of light as it propagates through a moving material has been a subject of study for almost two centuries. This phenomenon, known as the Fresnel light-drag effect, is quite small and usually requires a large interaction path length and/or a large velocity of the moving medium to be observed. Here, we show experimentally that the observed drag effect can be enhanced by over 2 orders of magnitude when the light beam propagates through a moving slow-light medium. Our results are in good agreement with the theoretical prediction, which indicates that, in the limit of large group indices, the strength of the light-drag effect is proportional to the group index of the moving medium.

Comparison of limb kinematics between collected and lengthened (medium/extended) trot in two groups of dressage horses on two different surfaces.

PubMed

Walker, V A; Tranquille, C A; Newton, J R; Dyson, S J; Brandham, J; Northrop, A J; Murray, R C

2017-09-01

Dressage horses are often asked to work in lengthened paces during training and competition, but to date there is limited information about the biomechanics of dressage-specific paces. Preliminary work has shown increased fetlock extension in extended compared with collected paces, but further investigation of the kinematic differences between collected, medium and extended trot in dressage horses is warranted. Investigation of the effect of collected vs. medium/extended trot on limb kinematics of dressage horses. Prospective kinematic evaluation. Twenty clinically sound horses in active dressage training were used. Group 1: Ten young horses (≤6 years) were assessed at collected and medium trot and Group 2: Ten mature horses (≥9 years) were assessed at collected and extended trot. All horses were evaluated on two different surfaces. High speed motion capture (240 Hz) was used to determine kinematic variables. Fore- and hindlimb angles were measured at mid-stance. Descriptive statistics and mixed effect multilevel regression analyses were performed. Speed and stride length were reduced and stride duration increased at collected compared with medium/extended trot. Lengthened trot (medium/extended trot) was associated with increased fetlock extension in both the fore- and hindlimbs in both groups of horses. Changes were greater in mature horses compared with young horses. Shoulder and carpus angles were associated with forelimb fetlock angle. Hock angle was not significantly influenced by pace. Surface had no effect on fetlock or hock angles. Only 2D motion analysis was carried out. Results may have differed in horses with more extreme gait characteristics. Medium/extended trot increases extension of the fore- and hindlimb fetlock joints compared with collected trot in both young and mature dressage horses, respectively. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Naturally occurring mastitis disrupts developmental competence of bovine oocytes.

PubMed

Roth, Z; Dvir, A; Kalo, D; Lavon, Y; Krifucks, O; Wolfenson, D; Leitner, G

2013-10-01

We examined the effects of naturally occurring mastitis on bovine oocyte developmental competence in vitro. Specifically, we investigated the effects of intramammary infection on the ovarian pool of oocytes (i.e., follicle-enclosed oocytes) and their ability to undergo in vitro maturation, fertilization, and further development to the blastocyst stage. Culled Holstein cows (n=50) from 9 commercial dairy farms in Israel were allotted to 3 groups according to somatic cell count (SCC) records of the last 3 monthly milk tests as well as of quarter samples collected before slaughter: (1) low SCC (n=7), (2) medium SCC (n=16), or (3) high SCC (n=27). Means of SCC values differed among low-, medium-, and high-SCC groups: 148,000, 311,000 and 1,813,000 cell/mL milk, respectively. Milk yield and days in milk did not differ among the 3 groups. Bacterial isolates included coagulase-negative staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, or no bacteria found. Ovaries were collected at the abattoir and brought to the laboratory. Cumulus oocyte complexes were recovered separately from each cow and subjected individually to in vitro maturation and fertilization, followed by 8d in culture. The number of aspirated oocytes did not differ among groups, with a range of 17 to 21 oocytes per cow. The proportion of oocytes that cleaved into 2- to 4-cell-stage embryos (86.1 ± 3.4%) did not differ among groups. In contrast, mean percentages of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage on d 7 and 8 after fertilization were less in both medium- and-high SCC groups than in the low-SCC group (5.6 ± 2.3 and 4.1 ± 1.8 vs. 18.1 ± 4.6%, respectively). Additional analysis indicated that cleavage and blastocyst-formation rates did not differ among the bacterial types in the low-, medium-, and high-SCC groups. These are the first results to demonstrate that naturally occurring mastitis disrupts the developmental competence of the ovarian pool of oocytes, (i.e., oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage). The disruption was associated with elevation of SCC rather than bacterial type. The results may provide a partial explanation for the low fertility of cows that have contracted mastitic pathogens before insemination. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of medium composition on penicillin-induced hydrolysis and loss of RNA and culture turbidity in group A streptococci.

PubMed Central

McDowell, T D; Reed, K E

1989-01-01

Exposure to penicillin G of exponentially growing cultures of group A streptococci growing in chemically defined medium (CDM) can lead to extensive loss of culture turbidity. Significant reductions in culture turbidity did not accompany comparable treatments of group A streptococci growing in Todd-Hewitt broth (THB). Studies with THB and a high-molecular-weight (greater than 12,000) fraction of THB demonstrated that components in this complex medium inhibited the efflux of RNA hydrolysis products from otherwise intact cells. Hydrolysis products accumulated intracellularly and inhibited the extensive hydrolysis of RNA and consequently the loss of culture turbidity. Results of survival studies with cultures of group A streptococci exposed to penicillin G in THB demonstrated that this treatment protocol produces conditions of phenotypic tolerance relative to exposure in CDM. In combination, these findings provide further support for the hypothesis of RNA hydrolysis as the bactericidal mechanism of penicillin G action in this nonlytic death phenotype. PMID:2480343

Effects of medium composition on penicillin-induced hydrolysis and loss of RNA and culture turbidity in group A streptococci.

PubMed

McDowell, T D; Reed, K E

1989-12-01

Exposure to penicillin G of exponentially growing cultures of group A streptococci growing in chemically defined medium (CDM) can lead to extensive loss of culture turbidity. Significant reductions in culture turbidity did not accompany comparable treatments of group A streptococci growing in Todd-Hewitt broth (THB). Studies with THB and a high-molecular-weight (greater than 12,000) fraction of THB demonstrated that components in this complex medium inhibited the efflux of RNA hydrolysis products from otherwise intact cells. Hydrolysis products accumulated intracellularly and inhibited the extensive hydrolysis of RNA and consequently the loss of culture turbidity. Results of survival studies with cultures of group A streptococci exposed to penicillin G in THB demonstrated that this treatment protocol produces conditions of phenotypic tolerance relative to exposure in CDM. In combination, these findings provide further support for the hypothesis of RNA hydrolysis as the bactericidal mechanism of penicillin G action in this nonlytic death phenotype.

Effects of different computer typing speeds on acceleration and peak contact pressure of the fingertips during computer typing.

PubMed

Yoo, Won-Gyu

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study showed the effects of different computer typing speeds on acceleration and peak contact pressure of the fingertips during computer typing. [Subjects] Twenty-one male computer workers voluntarily consented to participate in this study. They consisted of 7 workers who could type 200-300 characteristics/minute, 7 workers who could type 300-400 characteristics/minute, and 7 workers who could type 400-500 chracteristics/minute. [Methods] This study was used to measure the acceleration and peak contact pressure of the fingertips for different typing speed groups using an accelerometer and CONFORMat system. [Results] The fingertip contact pressure was increased in the high typing speed group compared with the low and medium typing speed groups. The fingertip acceleration was increased in the high typing speed group compared with the low and medium typing speed groups. [Conclusion] The results of the present study indicate that a fast typing speed cause continuous pressure stress to be applied to the fingers, thereby creating pain in the fingers.

Experimental investigation of the physical properties of medium and heavy oils, their vaporization and use in explosion engines. Part I

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinlein, Fritz

1926-01-01

While little has been accomplished in obtaining an abundant supply of light oils from coal and heavy oils, progress has been made on engine design to make use of the heavier oils. Progress has been made in two different directions which are outlined in this paper: the group of engines with medium and high-pressure carburetion in the cylinder; and the group of engines with low-pressure carburetion of the heavy oils before reaching the cylinder.

Effects of ezetimibe added to statin therapy on markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis and LDL-C lowering in hyperlipidemic patients

PubMed Central

Thongtang, Nuntakorn; Lin, Jianxin; Schaefer, Ernst J.; Lowe, Robert S.; Tomassini, Joanne E.; Shah, Arvind K.; Tershakovec, Andrew M.

2013-01-01

Objective Statins inhibit cholesterol synthesis but can upregulate cholesterol absorption, with higher doses producing larger effects. Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption but also upregulates synthesis. We tested whether ezetimibe added to ongoing statin therapy would be most effective in lowering LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in subjects on high-potency statins and whether these effects would be related to alterations in cholesterol absorption (β-sitosterol) and synthesis (lathosterol) markers. Methods Hypercholesterolemic subjects (n=874) on statins received ezetimibe 10 mg/day. Plasma lipids, lathosterol, and β-sitosterol were measured at baseline and on treatment. Subjects were divided into low- (n=133), medium- (n=582), and high- (n=159) statin potency groups defined by predicted LDL-C–lowering effects of each ongoing statin type and dose (reductions of ~20-30%, ~31-45%, or ~46-55%, respectively). Results The high-potency group had significantly lower baseline lathosterol (1.93 vs. 2.58 vs. 3.17 μmol/l; p <0.001) and higher baseline β-sitosterol values (6.21 vs. 4.58 vs. 4.51 μmol/l, p <0.001) than medium-/low-potency groups. Ezetimibe treatment in the high-potency group produced significantly greater reductions from baseline in LDL-C than medium-/low-potency groups (−29.1% vs. −25.0% vs. −22.7%; p <0.001) when evaluating unadjusted data. These effects and group differences were significantly (p <0.05) related to greater β-sitosterol reductions and smaller lathosterol increases. However, LDL-C reduction differences between groups were no longer significant after controlling for placebo effects, due mainly to modest LDL-C lowering by placebo in the high-potency group. Conclusion Patients on high-potency statins have the lowest levels of cholesterol synthesis markers and the highest levels of cholesterol absorption markers at baseline, and the greatest reduction in absorption markers and the smallest increases in synthesis markers with ezetimibe addition. Therefore, such patients may be good candidates for ezetimibe therapy if additional LDL-C lowering is needed. PMID:23040830

Linear variability of gait according to socioeconomic status in elderly

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Aim: To evaluate the linear variability of comfortable gait according to socioeconomic status in community-dwelling elderly. Method: For this cross-sectional observational study 63 self- functioning elderly were categorized according to the socioeconomic level on medium-low (n= 33, age 69.0 ± 5.0 years) and medium-high (n= 30, age 71.0 ± 6.0 years). Each participant was asked to perform comfortable gait speed for 3 min on an 40 meters elliptical circuit, recording in video five strides which were transformed into frames, determining the minimum foot clearance, maximum foot clearance and stride length. The intra-group linear variability was calculated by the coefficient of variation in percent. Results: The trajectory parameters variability is not different according to socioeconomic status with a 30% (range= 15-55%) for the minimum foot clearance and 6% (range= 3-8%) in maximum foot clearance. Meanwhile, the stride length consistently was more variable in the medium-low socioeconomic status for the overall sample (p= 0.004), female (p= 0.041) and male gender (p= 0.007), with values near 4% ​​(range = 2.5-5.0%) in the medium-low and 2% (range = 1.5-3.5%) in the medium-high. Conclusions: The intra-group linear variability is consistently higher and within reference parameters for stride length during comfortable gait for elderly belonging to medium-low socioeconomic status. This might be indicative of greater complexity and consequent motor adaptability. PMID:27546931

Cellular chromosome DNA interferes with fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR detection of HBV DNA in culture medium.

PubMed

Pan, Xiao-Ben; Wei, Lai; Han, Jin-Chao; Gao, Yan

2008-01-01

Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (FQ-PCR) is a recently developed technique increasingly used for clinical diagnosis by detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum. FQ-PCR is also used in scientific research for detection of HBV DNA in cell culture. Understanding potential FQ-PCR interference factors can improve the accuracy of HBV DNA quantification in cell culture medium. HBV positive serum was diluted with culture medium to produce three test groups with HBV DNA levels of 5 x 10(7) copies/ml (high), 5 x 10(5) copies/ml (medium), and 5 x 10(3) copies/ml (low). Chromosome DNA was extracted from HepG2 cells and then added to high, medium, and low group samples at final concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/ml. The samples were quantified by FQ-PCR and data were evaluated using statistical software. No marked changes were seen in the quantitative curves for high level HBV DNA samples when the samples were supplemented with 0-100 microg/ml of chromosome DNA. Interference was observed in medium level samples when 50 and 100 microg/ml of chromosome DNA was added. Interference was also observed in low level HBV DNA samples when the concentration of added chromosome DNA was greater than 25 microg/ml. The interference was eliminated when samples were digested by DNase I prior to PCR detection. In Conclusions, the presence of cellular chromosome DNA can interfere with the detection of HBV DNA by FQ-PCR. Removal of cellular chromosome DNA from culture media prior to FQ-PCR is necessary for reliable HBV DNA quantitative detection. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hip-Hop Hamlet: Hybrid Interpretive Discourse in a Suburban High School English Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anglin, Joanna L.; Smagorinsky, Peter

2014-01-01

This study investigates the collaborative composing processes of a group of five high school seniors who constructed interpretations of each of the five acts of Shakespeare's Hamlet through the medium of spoken word performances. The group composing processes were analyzed to identify how the students drew on conventions from the spoken word…

[Correlation between feeding index and growth development of 6-36 month-old infants in two counties of western China by applying multiple correspondence analysis].

PubMed

Chen, Hong-da; Hao, Bo; Kang, Xiao-ping; Zhao, Geng-li; Zhou, Min

2012-06-18

To explore the correlation between feeding index and growth development status of infants from two counties of western China by applying the method of multiple correspondence analysis. Two sample counties were randomly selected from the ones that satisfied the research conditions in Shaanxi province and Chongqing in western China. In the study, 472 premature/low birth weight infants (PLBW) and 461 normal term infants (NT) of 6-36 months from the two counties were investigated from September 2010 to November 2010. The SPSS 19.0 software was applied to analyze the data using general statistical analysis and multiple correspondence analysis. In the two counties of western China, the proportion of infants with feeding index at the medium level was the highest, which was between 50% and 60%. In the PLBW group and the NT group, the proportion of low level of feeding index among 6-9 month-old infants was the highest, and the proportion was 33.3% for the PLBW group and 29.4% for the NT group. For both the PLBW group and the NT group, the distribution of feeding index among the different age groups showed significant difference (P<0.05).Among the infants with low level of feeding index, the growth development of the PLBW lay behind that of the NT. We could see a catching-up trend of the PLBW with medium or good level of feeding index, but their growth development index was still at a lower level than that of the NT with the same level of feeding condition. Through multiple correspondence analyses, the outcomes of PLBW corresponded and strongly correlated with low level of feeding index, low level of growth development index, mother's low education degree and low annual family income. And the outcomes of NT corresponded and strongly correlated with medium/good level of feeding index, medium level of growth development status, mother's medium/high education degree and medium/high level of annual family income. There are good correspondence correlations at different hierarchical levels of the infants' group, feeding index, growth development index and family factors in the two counties of western China. Multiple correspondence analysis could directly reveal the correlation among several variables, which is a suitable method for categorical data. The result can be illustrated directly through a two-dimensional graph and could provide the suggestion of feeding practice for different infants in western rural China.

High calcium to phosphorus ratio impairs growth and bone mineralization in Pekin ducklings.

PubMed

Zhu, Y W; Wen, J; Jiang, X X; Wang, W C; Yang, L

2018-04-01

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of high dietary calcium (Ca) level on growth performance, Ca and phosphorus (P) metabolism, and nutrient utilization in ducklings subjected to normal and low P levels in diets. A completely randomized design was used with a factorial arrangement of 2 total dietary P levels [normal-P (0.60%) and low-P (0.45%) groups] × 4 dietary Ca levels [low-Ca (0.55%), normal-Ca (0.75%), medium-Ca (0.95%) and high-Ca (1.15%) groups)]. Compared to normal-P group, low-P group had lower (P < 0.05) final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and reduced (P < 0.05) serum Ca and P levels, bone Ca, P, and ash content, and bone mineral density in ducklings during the starter period. Under the low-P group, birds from high-Ca group had lower (P < 0.05) final BW, ADG, ADFI, bone ash content, bone mineral density, and the utilization of energy, Ca, and P than those from low-Ca, normal-Ca, and medium-Ca groups. Our results indicate that high-Ca diet induced greater growth suppression and bone mineralization loss in ducklings fed a low-P diet. The aggravated negative effect of high dietary Ca level with a low P level might be related to the elevated serum alkaline phosphatase activity and the reduced utilization of energy, Ca, and P.

Cryoprotective role of organic Zn and Cu supplementation in goats (Capra hircus) diet.

PubMed

Arangasamy, Arunachalam; Krishnaiah, Mayasula Venkata; Manohar, Narasimhaiah; Selvaraju, Sellappan; Rani, Guvvala Pushpa; Soren, Nira Manik; Reddy, Ippala Janardhan; Ravindra, Janivara Parameshwaraiah

2018-04-01

The current study focused on cryopreservation and assessment of characters of post-thaw semen of indigenous Osmanabadi bucks maintained with standard diet, supplemented with different concentrations of organic zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) or in combination, for a period of 180 days. The different doses of organic Zn and Cu were fed per kg DM basis, Zn groups (low: Zn20, medium: Zn40 and high: Zn60), Cu groups: (low: Cu12.5, medium: Cu25 and high: Cu37.5) and combination of Zn + Cu groups (low: Zn20 + Cu12.5, medium: Zn40 + Cu25 and high: Zn60 + Cu37.5) respectively. The control group bucks were maintained mainly on the basal diet without any additional mineral supplementation. Two hundred and forty (240) semen samples were collected from 40 bucks aged 11 months, through electro ejaculator method, processed and analysed for sperm quality parameters both at pre freeze and post-thaw stage. The semen samples were diluted in Tris egg yolk extender, cooled and equilibrated for 4 h at 5 °C, cryopreserved using programmable freezer (PLANER Kryo 360-1.7) and stored at -196 °C. The organic trace minerals (Zn, Cu and Zn + Cu) protected the spermatozoa against the cryoinjury and maintained higher post-thaw semen parameters except in high Zn group. Additional feeding of organic Cu and Zn to bucks had a protective role and resulted in higher sperm liveability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, motility and velocity and reduced oxidative stress in supplemented goats (P < 0.05). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Fat emulsion tolerance in preterm infants of different gestational ages in the early stage after birth].

PubMed

Tang, Hui; Yang, Chuan-Zhong; Li, Huan; Wen, Wei; Huang, Fang-Fang; Huang, Zhi-Feng; Shi, Yu-Ping; Yu, Yan-Liang; Chen, Li-Lian; Yuan, Rui-Qin; Zhu, Xiao-Yu

2017-06-01

To investigate the fat emulsion tolerance in preterm infants of different gestational ages in the early stage after birth. A total of 98 preterm infants were enrolled and divided into extremely preterm infant group (n=17), early preterm infant group (n=48), and moderate-to-late preterm infant group (n=33). According to the dose of fat emulsion, they were further divided into low- and high-dose subgroups. The umbilical cord blood and dried blood filter papers within 3 days after birth were collected. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the content of short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines. The extremely preterm infant and early preterm infant groups had a significantly lower content of long-chain acylcarnitines in the umbilical cord blood and dried blood filter papers within 3 days after birth than the moderate-to-late preterm infant group (P<0.05), and the content was positively correlated with gestational age (P<0.01). On the second day after birth, the low-dose fat emulsion subgroup had a significantly higher content of short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines than the high-dose fat emulsion subgroup among the extremely preterm infants (P<0.05). In the early preterm infant and moderate-to-late preterm infant groups, there were no significant differences in the content of short-, medium-, and long-chain acylcarnitines between the low- and high-dose fat emulsion subgroups within 3 days after birth. Compared with moderate-to-late preterm infants, extremely preterm infants and early preterm infants have a lower capacity to metabolize long-chain fatty acids within 3 days after birth. Early preterm infants and moderate-to-late preterm infants may tolerate high-dose fat emulsion in the early stage after birth, but extremely preterm infants may have an insufficient capacity to metabolize high-dose fat emulsion.

Effects of Qufeng Xuanfei decoction in animal model of post-infectious cough.

PubMed

Jia, Zhu; Feixia, Li

2014-11-01

This study evaluated the effects and potential mechanisms of Qufeng Xuanfei decoction in animal model of post-infectious cough. Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into six groups (10 animals per group): control, disease model, low- (4.62 g kg(-1)), medium- (9.24 g kg(-1)), and high-dose (13.86 g kg(-1)) decoction, and positive treatment groups (dextromethorphan hydrobromide, 8 mL kg(-1)). To model post-infectious cough, all but control group animals were challenged with exposure to 50 g sawdust and 10 cigarette smokes for 30 min day(-1) for a total of 10 days, followed by subsequent exposures to lipopolysaccharide (20 µg) and capsaicin (10(-4) M) aerosols. The drugs were given by oral gavage for 15 days after which lung pathology, cell counts and cell differentials in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and concentrations of neuropeptides [substance P (SP), neurokinins A (NKA) and B (NKB), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)] in BAL (ELISA) were assessed. Compared with control group animals, significant inflammation and damage to bronchial epithelium were observed in the disease model group. A marked decrease in BAL percentages of all types of inflammatory cells was observed in the decoction-treated groups, with most changes in the medium-dose decoction group (p < 0.001 vs. disease model group). Further, airway inflammation and damage, as well as the levels of SP, NKA, NKB, and CGRP in BAL decreased the most in the medium-dose group (p < 0.001 vs. disease model group). In conclusion, medium-dose Qufeng Xuanfei decoction efficiently decreases the levels of neuropeptides, attenuates airway inflammation, and promotes recovery from disease.

The Utility of the Supine-to-Stand Test as a Measure of Functional Motor Competence in Children Aged 5–9 Years

PubMed Central

Duncan, Michael J.; Lawson, Chelsey; Walker, Leanne Jaye; Stodden, David; Eyre, Emma L. J.

2017-01-01

This study examined how supine-to-stand (STS) performance is related to process and product assessment of motor competence (MC) in children. Ninety-one children aged 5–9 years were assessed for process and product MC (10 m running speed and standing long jump) as well as process and product measures of STS. Tertiles were created for STS process and STS product scores to create 3 groups reflecting low, medium, and high STS competency. ANCOVA analysis, controlling for age, for process STS, indicated that process MC was significantly higher in children, classified as medium STS (p = 0.048) and high STS (p = 0.011) competence, and that 10 m run speed was slower for low STS compared to medium (p = 0.019) and high STS (p = 0.004). For product STS tertiles, process MC was significantly higher for children in the lowest (fastest) STS tertile compared to those in the medium highest (slowest) tertile (p = 0.01). PMID:29910427

Efficiency of specialist rehabilitation in reducing dependency and costs of continuing care for adults with complex acquired brain injuries

PubMed Central

Turner‐Stokes, L; Paul, S; Williams, H

2006-01-01

Objectives To examine functional outcomes from a rehabilitation programme and to compare two methods for evaluating cost efficiency of rehabilitation in patients with severe complex disability. Subjects and setting Two hundred and ninety seven consecutive admissions to a specialist inpatient rehabilitation unit following severe acquired brain injury. Methods Retrospective analysis of routinely collected data, including the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Barthel Index, and Northwick Park Dependency Score and Care Needs Assessment (NPDS/NPCNA), which provides a generic estimation of dependency, care hours. and weekly cost of continuing care in the community. Patients were analysed in three groups according to dependency on admission: “low” (NPDS<10 (n = 83)); “medium” (NPDS10–24 (n = 112)); “high” (NPDS >24 (n = 102)). Results Mean length of stay (LOS) 112 (SD 66) days. All groups showed significant reduction in dependency between admission and discharge on all measures (paired t tests: p<0.001). Mean reduction in “weekly cost of care” was greatest in the high dependency group at £639 per week (95% CI 488 to 789)), as compared with the medium (£323/week (95% CI 217 to 428)), and low (£111/week (95% CI 42 to 179)) dependency groups. Despite their longer LOS, time taken to offset the initial cost of rehabilitation was only 16.3 months in the high dependency group, compared with 21.5 months (medium dependency) and 38.8 months (low dependency). FIM efficiency (FIM gain/LOS) appeared greatest in the medium dependency group (0.25), compared with the low (0.17) and high (0.16) dependency groups. Conclusions The NPDS/NPCNA detected changes in dependency potentially associated with substantial savings in the cost of ongoing care, especially in high dependency patients. Floor effects in responsiveness of the FIM may lead to underestimation of efficiency of rehabilitation in higher dependency patients. PMID:16614023

[Role of hydrogen gas in regulating of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 dependent cell death in rat Schwann cells].

PubMed

Yu, Yang; Jiao, Yang; Li, Bo; Ma, Xiaoye; Yang, Tao; Xie, Keliang; Yu, Yonghao

2016-08-01

To investigate the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of hydrogen (H2) on high glucose-induced poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) dependent cell death (PARthanatos) in primary rat Schwann cells. Cultured primary rat Schwann cells were randomly divided into five groups: blank control group (C group), H2 control group (H2 group), high osmotic control group (M group), high glucose treatment group (HG group), and H2 treatment group (HG+H2 group). The cells in H2 group and HG+H2 group were cultured with saturated hydrogen-rich medium containing 0.6 mmol/L of H2, and those in three control groups were cultured with low sugar DMEM medium containing 5.6 mmol/L of sugar, and the cells in HG and HG+H2 groups were given 44.4 mmol/L of glucose in addition (the medium containing 50 mmol/L of glucose), the cells in C group and H2 group were given the same volume of normal saline, and the cells in M group were given the same volume of mannitol. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rate assays after treatment for 48 hours in each group. The contents of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) reflecting oxidative stress injury and DNA damage were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) protein expression was analyzed by Western Blot, and immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the nuclear translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). The cytotoxicity in HG and HG+H2 groups was significantly increased as compared with that of C group [LDH release rate: (61.40±2.89)%, (42.80±2.32)% vs. (9.92±0.38)%, both P < 0.01], the levels of ONOO(-) and 8-OHdG were markedly elevated [ONOO(-) (ng/L): 853.58±51.00, 553.11±38.66 vs. 113.56±14.22; 8-OHdG (ng/L): 1?177.37±60.97, 732.06±54.29 vs. 419.67±28.77, all P < 0.01], and the PAR protein expression was up-regulated (A value: 0.603±0.028, 0.441±0.010 vs. 0.324±0.021, both P < 0.01). The cytotoxicity, the levels of ONOO(-) and 8-OHdG, and PAR expression in HG+H2 group were significantly lower than those of the HG group (all P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in above parameters between H2 group as well as M group and C group. It was shown by immunofluorescence that AIF was expressed in the cytoplasm in C group, H2 group and M group, AIF was expressed in the whole cell in HG group, and the expression in the nucleus was particularly increased. A small amount of AIF expression was found in the nucleus of HG+H2 group, which indicated that high glucose could promote the AIF nuclear translocation, and that hydrogen-rich medium could prevent the process of translocation. High glucose levels could enhance DNA damage that enhance PARthanatos in primary rat Schwann cells. However, H2 can not only reduce DNA damage of injured cells, but also inhibit the special death process, reduce the cell toxicity, all of which have protective effects.

Comparison of metoprolol succinate versus carvedilol in time to cardiovascular admission in a Veterans Affairs healthcare system: An observational study.

PubMed

Church, Kara M; Henalt, Robert; Baker, Errol; Smith, Gary L; Brennan, Michael T; Joseph, Jacob

2015-12-01

To determine if metoprolol succinate or carvedilol is more effective in delaying the time to first cardiovascular disease hospital admission in systolic heart failure patients. As a secondary objective, to determine the most effective dose of each agent in delaying first cardiovascular disease hospital admission, including but not limited to heart failure exacerbation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or death. This study was a retrospective chart review of 272 veterans at the VA Boston Healthcare System newly started on metoprolol succinate (n = 157) or carvedilol (n = 115) between January 2000 and December 2008. After an 8-week study medication titration period, subjects were subcategorized into low-, medium-, and high-dose ranging groups and followed until the first cardiovascular disease hospitalization, death, or 365 days. The main outcome measure was time to first cardiovascular hospitalization or death. The mean age (69.9 years vs. 67.9 years) and ejection fraction (26% vs. 25%) were comparable between study arms at baseline. Mean time to first cardiovascular disease hospitalization was significantly different (p = 0.001) between study groups with 330.6 days with in metoprolol succinate group vs. 282.6 days in the carvedilol groups. High-dose carvedilol significantly delayed time to first hospitalization in comparison to medium or low carvedilol doses (p = 0.015, p = 0.005). Low- and high-dose metoprolol succinate were not significantly different (p = 0.509) in time to first event, and both dosing groups fared better compared to medium dose metoprolol succinate (p = 0.046). In this veteran patient population in need of additional heart failure treatments, metoprolol succinate use resulted in a delayed time to first cardiovascular disease hospitalization or death compared to carvedilol. Both low and high doses of metoprolol succinate showed a significant delay of time to first cardiovascular hospitalization compared to medium doses of metoprolol succinate. Higher doses of carvedilol showed a significant delay of time to cardiovascular hospitalization than lower carvedilol doses. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of Socioeconomic Status in Childhood With Left Ventricular Structure and Diastolic Function in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

PubMed

Laitinen, Tomi T; Puolakka, Elina; Ruohonen, Saku; Magnussen, Costan G; Smith, Kylie J; Viikari, Jorma S A; Heinonen, Olli J; Kartiosuo, Noora; Hutri-Kähönen, Nina; Kähönen, Mika; Jokinen, Eero; Laitinen, Tomi P; Tossavainen, Päivi; Pulkki-Råback, Laura; Elovainio, Marko; Raitakari, Olli T; Pahkala, Katja; Juonala, Markus

2017-08-01

Increased left ventricular (LV) mass and diastolic dysfunction are associated with cardiovascular disease. Prospective data on effects of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) on measures of LV structure and function are lacking. To examine whether family SES in childhood was associated with LV mass and diastolic function after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors in childhood and adulthood. The analyses were performed in 2016 using data gathered in 1980 and 2011 within the longitudinal population-based Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. The sample comprised 1871 participants who reported family SES at ages 3 to 18 years and were evaluated for LV structure and function 31 years later. Socioeconomic status was characterized as annual income of the family and classified on a 3-point scale. Left ventricular mass indexed according to height at the allometric power of 2.7 and the E/e' ratio describing LV diastolic performance at ages 34 to 49 years. The participants were aged 3 to 18 years at baseline (mean [SD], 10.8 [5.0] years), and the length of follow-up was 31 years. Family SES was inversely associated with LV mass (mean [SD] LV mass index, 31.8 [6.7], 31.0 [6.6], and 30.1 [6.4] g/m2.7 in the low, medium, and high SES groups, respectively; differences [95% CI], 1.7 [0.6 to 2.8] for low vs high SES; 0.8 [-0.3 to 1.9] for low vs medium; and 0.9 [0.1 to 1.6] for medium vs high; overall P = .001) and E/e' ratio (mean [SD] E/e' ratio, 5.0 [1.0], 4.9 [1.0], and 4.7 [1.0] in the low, medium, and high SES groups, respectively; differences [95% CI], 0.3 [0.1 to 0.4] for low vs high SES; 0.1 [-0.1 to 0.3] for low vs medium; and 0.2 [0 to 0.3] for medium vs high; overall P < .001) in adulthood. After adjustment for age, sex, and conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors in childhood and adulthood, and participants' own SES in adulthood, the relationship with LV mass (differences [95% CI], 1.5 [0.2 to 2.8] for low vs high SES; 1.3 [0 to 2.6] for low vs medium; and 0.2 [-0.6 to 1.0] for medium vs high; P = .03) and E/e' ratio (differences [95% CI], 0.2 [0 to 0.5] for low vs high SES; 0.1 [-0.1 to 0.4] for low vs medium; and 0.1 [0 to 0.3] for medium vs high; P = .02) remained significant. Low family SES was associated with increased LV mass and impaired diastolic performance more than 3 decades later. These findings emphasize that approaches of cardiovascular disease prevention must be directed also to the family environment of the developing child.

Time Is Money: The Decision Making of Smartphone High Users in Gain and Loss Intertemporal Choice

PubMed Central

Tang, Zixuan; Zhang, Huijun; Yan, An; Qu, Chen

2017-01-01

Nowadays the smartphone plays an important role in our lives. While it brings us convenience and efficiency, its overuse can cause problems. Although a great number of studies have demonstrated that people affected by substance abuse, pathological gambling, and internet addiction disorder have lower self-control than average, scarcely any study has investigated the decision making of smartphone high users by using a behavioral paradigm. The present study employed an intertemporal task, the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11th version (BIS-11) to explore the decision control of smartphone high users in a sample of 125 college students. Participants were divided into three groups according to their SPAI scores. The upper third (69 or higher), middle third (from 61 to 68) and lower third (60 or lower) of scores were defined as high smartphone users, medium users and low users, respectively. We compared the percentage of small immediate reward/penalty choices in different conditions between the three groups. Relative to the low users group, high users and medium users were more inclined to request an immediate monetary reward. Moreover, for the two dimensions of time and money in intertemporal choice, high users and medium users showed a bias in intertemporal choice task among most of the time points and value magnitude compared to low users. These findings demonstrated that smartphone overuse was associated with problematic decision-making, a pattern similar to that seen in persons affected by a variety of addictions. PMID:28344568

What Do They Want in Life?: The Life Goals of a Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Generational Sample of High School Seniors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Esther S.; Chen, Chuansheng; Greenberger, Ellen; Dooley, David; Heckhausen, Jutta

2006-01-01

This study investigated ethnic as well as gender and generational similarities and differences in the life goals among graduating high-school seniors. Adolescents came from six ethnic groups: White, African, Mexican, Other Latino, Filipino, and East/Southeast Asian Americans. Their self-articulated medium-range life goals were grouped into 8 major…

Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Yinsiwei compound on spatial learning and memory ability and the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Diwu, Yong-chang; Tian, Jin-zhou; Shi, Jing

2011-02-01

To study the effects of Chinese herbal medicine Yinsiwei compound (YSW) on spatial learning and memory ability in rats with sporadic Alzheimer disease (SAD) and the ultrastructural basis of the hippocampal neurons. A rat model of SAD was established by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin. The rats were divided into six groups: sham-operation group, model group, donepezil control group, and YSW low, medium and high dose groups. Drug interventions were started on the 21st day after modeling and each treatment group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for two months. Meanwhile, the model group and the sham-operation group were given the same volume of distilled water by gavage once a day for two months. The Morris water maze was adopted to test spatial learning and memory ability of the rats. The place navigation test and the spatial probe test were conducted. The escape latency, total swimming distance and swimming time in the target quadrant of the rats were recorded. Also, the hippocampus tissues of rats were taken out and the ultrastructure of hippocampus neurons were observed by an electron microscope. In the place navigation test, compared with the model group, the mean escape latency and the total swimming distance of the donepezil group and the YSW low, medium and high dose groups were significantly shortened (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the space probe test, the swimming time of each treatment group in the target quadrant was significantly longer than that of the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). For most of the test period, the donepezil group had no significant change compared with the YSW low, medium and high dose groups, respectively. The ultrastructure of the hippocampus neurons under the electron microscope also confirmed the efficacy of the drug treatment. Chinese herbal medicine YSW compound can improve spatial learning and memory impairment of rats with SAD. The ultrastructural basis may be that it can protect the microtubule structures of hippocampal neurons and prevent nerve axons from being damaged.

Effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in urothelial carcinoma patients with different PD-L1 expression levels: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Junqi; Zhang, Chuanfeng; Hu, Jiegang; Tian, Qing; Wang, Xin; Gu, Hao; Zhang, Song; Zhao, Di; Fan, Ruitai

2018-02-23

Urothelial carcinoma ranks the ninth among malignant cancers. We conducted this study to identify which patients could benefit more from the treatment of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. We performed literature searches, combined data from qualified literature and performed comparative analyses on the effectiveness of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in patients with different PD-L1 expression levels. We divided patients into three groups according to the percentages of PD-L1-positive cells, namely the low- PD-L1 (PD-L1 < 1%), the medium-PD-L1 (PD-L1 ≥ 1 and < 5%) and the high-PD-L1 (PD-L1 ≥ 5%) groups. We found that the high-PD-L1 group responded significantly better than other groups (P = 0.0003, ORs = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.29-071; P = 0.0009, ORs = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.25-0.73, for low-PD-L1 and medium-PD-L1 groups, respectively), while the latter two groups responded similarly (P = 0.90, ORs = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.62-1.83) to both PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. Furthermore, we found that the medium-PD-L1 and high-PD-L1 groups responded similarly to PD-1/ PD-L1 inhibitors (P = 0.65, ORs = 1.11, 95%CI: 0.69-1.77), while the low-PD-L1 group responded better to PD-1 inhibitors than PD-L1 inhibitors (P = 0.046, ORs = 1.92, 95%CI: 0.98-3.89). Our results suggest that PD-L1 positive patients should be defined as those with ≥ 5% or greaterPD-L1-positive cells. PD-1 antibodies performed better only in the low-group patients, likely because they could block the interactions of PD-1 with both PD-L1 and PD-L2.

Treatment optimization in MS: Canadian MS Working Group updated recommendations.

PubMed

Freedman, Mark S; Selchen, Daniel; Arnold, Douglas L; Prat, Alexandre; Banwell, Brenda; Yeung, Michael; Morgenthau, David; Lapierre, Yves

2013-05-01

The Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Working Group (CMSWG) developed practical recommendations in 2004 to assist clinicians in optimizing the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. The CMSWG convened to review how disease activity is assessed, propose a more current approach for assessing suboptimal response, and to suggest a scheme for switching or escalating treatment. Practical criteria for relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and MRI were developed to classify the clinical level of concern as Low, Medium and High. The group concluded that a change in treatment may be considered in any RRMS patient if there is a high level of concern in any one domain (relapses, progression or MRI), a medium level of concern in any two domains, or a low level of concern in all three domains. These recommendations for assessing treatment response should assist clinicians in making more rational choices in their management of relapsing MS patients.

Gender differences in algebraic thinking ability to solve mathematics problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusumaningsih, W.; Darhim; Herman, T.; Turmudi

2018-05-01

This study aimed to conduct a gender study on students' algebraic thinking ability in solving a mathematics problem, polyhedron concept, for grade VIII. This research used a qualitative method. The data was collected using: test and interview methods. The subjects in this study were eight male and female students with different level of abilities. It was found that the algebraic thinking skills of male students reached high group of five categories. They were superior in terms of reasoning and quick understanding in solving problems. Algebraic thinking ability of high-achieving group of female students also met five categories of algebraic thinking indicators. They were more diligent, tenacious and thorough in solving problems. Algebraic thinking ability of male students in medium category only satisfied three categories of algebraic thinking indicators. They were sufficient in terms of reasoning and understanding in solving problems. Algebraic thinking ability group of female students in medium group also satisfied three categories of algebraic thinking indicators. They were fairly diligent, tenacious and meticulous on working on the problems.

A clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a thermosensitive hydrogel-type cultured epidermal allograft for deep second-degree burns.

PubMed

Yim, Haejun; Yang, Hyeong-Tae; Cho, Yong-Suk; Kim, Dohern; Kim, Jong-Hyun; Chun, Wook; Hur, Jun

2014-12-01

This study is a phase 1 and 2 clinical trial for investigating the safety profile, effective treatment dose and effectiveness of the newly developed thermosensitive hydrogel-type cultured epidermal allograft. For phase 1, the keratinocytes were divided into 3 groups as follows, with 5 patients in each group: (1) low-dose group (6.7×10(6)/1.5mL), (2) medium-dose group (2×10(7)/1.5mL), and (3) high-dose group (6.0×10(7)/1.5mL). The second phase of the trial proceeded with 10 cases after choosing the most effective dose based on the analysis of the first phase. When comparing re-epithelialization time, medium- and high-dose group showed significantly shorter re-epithelialization time than low-dose group (p=0.003 and p=0.002). A total of 15 cases, 5 cases selected from phase 1 and 10 cases test in phase 2 with the medium dose, were compared with the re-epithelialization period. The re-epithelialization period was 9.6±4.0 days in the test site and 12.4±4.8 days in the control site. In the test site, re-epithelialization was 2.8±1.8 days faster than in the control site (p<0.0001). There was no significant adverse reaction in our clinical trial. In conclusion, this new type of CEAllo accelerates wound healing time and shows the safety. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties of acetylated high-, medium-, and low-amylose rice starches.

PubMed

Colussi, Rosana; Pinto, Vania Zanella; El Halal, Shanise Lisie Mello; Vanier, Nathan Levien; Villanova, Franciene Almeida; Marques E Silva, Ricardo; da Rosa Zavareze, Elessandra; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra

2014-03-15

The high-, medium-, and low-amylose rice starches were isolated by the alkaline method and acetylated by using acetic anhydride for 10, 30, and 90 min of reaction. The degree of substitution (DS), the Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the X-ray diffractograms, the thermal, morphological, and pasting properties, and the swelling power and solubility of native and acetylated starches were evaluated. The DS of the low-amylose rice starch was higher than the DS of the medium- and the high-amylose rice starches. The introduction of acetyl groups was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The acetylation treatment reduced the crystallinity, the viscosity, the swelling power, and the solubility of rice starch; however, there was an increase in the thermal stability of rice starch modified by acetylation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Protective effect of zoledronic acid on articular cartilage and subchondral bone of rabbits with experimental knee osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

She, Guorong; Zhou, Ziqi; Zha, Zhengang; Wang, Fei; Pan, Xiaoting

2017-01-01

Subchondral bone reabsorption and remodeling are responsible for the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Zoledronic acid (ZOL), a third-generation bisphosphonate (BIS), is an inhibitor of bone reabsorption. However, the intervention effect of ZOL on OA has not been fully characterized and remains to be directly demonstrated in animal experiments. The present study examined the microscopic and macroscopic changes in the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model of OA in rabbits and evaluated the effects of ZOL on cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone loss. A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: High-, medium- and low-dose ZOL groups, which received an intravenous injection of 250, 50 and 10 µg/kg ZOL, respectively, after modeling, as well as an untreated group. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the knee joint was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning immediately after modeling and at 4 and 8 weeks. At week 8, quantitative measurement of cartilage was performed by a specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, including three-dimensional fat-suppressed spoil gradient-recalled sequence and T2 mapping. The rabbits were sacrificed by air embolism after anesthesia and both knee joints were harvested and evaluated by general and histological observation. Toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to assess histological changes in the articular cartilage. Quantitative analysis of cartilage histopathology was performed according to the Mankin scoring system. The BMD of ACLT joints dropped after modeling, which was effectively suppressed by ZOL at the high and medium dose but not the low dose. MRI scans demonstrated that in the untreated group, articular cartilages on ACLT knees were thinner than those on normal knees. The high dose of ZOL preserved the cartilage tissue thickness more efficiently than the medium and low doses. Observation of specimens and pathological slices revealed that the articular cartilage degeneration in the high-dose ZOL group was lightest, while that in the medium- and low-dose ZOL group was moderate, and the untreated group exhibited the most severe defect. The untreated group had the highest Mankin score, whereas the high-dose ZOL group had the lowest score. In conclusion, ZOL increased the subchondral bone density, improved the microstructure and reduced the degeneration of articular cartilage in OA according to morphological as well as quantitative observation. ZOL exerted significant chondroprotective effects in a dose-dependent manner. A favorable chondroprotective effect was induced at the dose of 250 µg/kg. ZOL may represent a novel promising drug to complement the treatment of OA. PMID:29201194

High speed fiber optics local area networks: Design and implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tobagi, Fouad A.

1988-01-01

The design of high speed local area networks (HSLAN) for communication among distributed devices requires solving problems in three areas: (1) the network medium and its topology; (2) the medium access control; and (3) the network interface. Considerable progress has been made in all areas. Accomplishments are divided into two groups according to their theoretical or experimental nature. A brief summary is given in Section 2, including references to papers which appeared in the literature, as well as to Ph.D. dissertations and technical reports published at Stanford University.

[Preliminary study of constructing tissue-engineered cartilage with the endoskeletal scaffold of HDPE by bone marrow stromal cells].

PubMed

Zhu, Lie; Jiang, Hua; Zhou, Guang-Dong; Wu, Yu-Jia; Luo, Xu-Song

2008-09-01

To explore the feasibility of using a nonreactive, permanent endoskeletal scaffold to create the prothesis in special shape which is covered with tissue-engineered cartilage. Porcine BMSCs and articular chondrocytes were isolated and expanded respectively in vitro. Porcine BMSC of passage 1 in the concentration of 10 x 10(7)/ml were seeded onto a cylinder-shaped PGA (1 mm in thickness)/Medpor (3mm in diameter and 5mm in highness) scaffold as the experimental group. After the cell-scaffold constructs were cultured for 5 days, the primary medium, high-glucose DMEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), was replaced by chondrogenically inductive medium for 4 weeks. BMSCs and chondrocytes of the same concentration were seeded respectively onto the scaffold as the negative control group and the positive control group. After cultured in vitro for 4 weeks, the cell-scaffolds construct were implanted into subcutaneous pockets on the back of nude mice. Four and eight weeks later, the formed cartilage prosthesis were harvested and then evaluated by gross view, histology, immunohistochemistry and glycosamino-glycan (GAG) content. Cells in all groups had fine adhesion to the scaffold and could secrete extracellular matrix. All specimens in experimental group and positive control group formed mature cartilage with collagen II expression.The mature catrtilage wraped HDPE compactly and grown into the gap of HDPE. Mature lacuna structures and metachromatic matrices were also observed in these specimens. GAG contents in experimental group were (5.13 +/- 0.32) mg/g (4 weeks), (5.37 +/- 0.12) mg/g (8 weeks). In contrast, specimens in BMSC group showed mainly fibrous tissue. It indicates that it is feasible to create special shaped tissue-engineering cartilage with the permanent internal support using BMSCs as seed cell.

[Burnout syndrome in pre-hospital and hospital emergency. Cognitive study in two cohorts of nurses].

PubMed

Cicchitti, Chiara; Cannizzaro, Giorgia; Rosi, Fabrizio; Maccaroni, Roberto; Menditto, Vincenzo G

2014-01-01

Burnout syndrome (BOS) associated with stress has been documented in health care professionals in many specialties. The emergency department and the pre-hospital healthcare services are highly stressful environments. Little is known about the BOS in critical care nursing staff. The objective of the study is to compare the incidence of BOS and its three domains, namely, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced professional accomplishment, in two cohorts of critical care nurses: a pre-hospital and a hospital emergency service. A survey using a questionnaire (the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, MBI-GS), among nurses of two Italian emergency services has been performed: a hospital emergency service (HES, Emergency Department or "Pronto Soccorso") and a pre-hospital emergency service (PHES, territorial healthcare service or "Centrale Operativa 118"). All 60 nurses surveyed (82% female) filled the questionnaires. BOS-related symptoms have been identified in at least 50% of the nurses in the HES: 50% suffered a medium-high emotional exhaustion, 75% had a medium-high depersonalization and 92.5% had a medium-high reduced professional accomplishment. Among the PEHS nurses, BOS-related symptoms have been identified in at least 60% of the respondents: 60% had a medium-high emotional exhaustion, 70% had a medium-high depersonalization and 95% had a medium-high reduced professional accomplishment. Moreover, the likelihood that a nurse has a severe BOS, that is at least one degree of high burnout or ≥2 degrees of medium burnout, is significantly higher in the group of the PHES than in the HES (90% vs 60%, p <0.02). At least two-thirds of critical care nursing staff had a severe BOS. The incidence of BOS appeared to be similar among PHES and HES nurses with a higher trend for the former. Further interventional studies are needed to investigate the determinants of BOS among critical care nurses and the potentially preventive strategies.

Delayed post-treatment with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells is neurorestorative of striatal medium-spiny projection neurons and improves motor function after neonatal rat hypoxia-ischemia.

PubMed

Cameron, Stella H; Alwakeel, Amr J; Goddard, Liping; Hobbs, Catherine E; Gowing, Emma K; Barnett, Elizabeth R; Kohe, Sarah E; Sizemore, Rachel J; Oorschot, Dorothy E

2015-09-01

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia is a major cause of striatal injury and may lead to cerebral palsy. This study investigated whether delayed administration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), at one week after neonatal rat hypoxia-ischemia, was neurorestorative of striatal medium-spiny projection neurons and improved motor function. The effect of a subcutaneous injection of a high-dose, or a low-dose, of MSCs was investigated in stereological studies. Postnatal day (PN) 7 pups were subjected to hypoxia-ischemia. At PN14, pups received treatment with either MSCs or diluent. A subset of high-dose pups, and their diluent control pups, were also injected intraperitoneally with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), every 24h, on PN15, PN16 and PN17. This permitted tracking of the migration and survival of neuroblasts originating from the subventricular zone into the adjacent injured striatum. Pups were euthanized on PN21 and the absolute number of striatal medium-spiny projection neurons was measured after immunostaining for DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32), double immunostaining for BrdU and DARPP-32, and after cresyl violet staining alone. The absolute number of striatal immunostained calretinin interneurons was also measured. There was a statistically significant increase in the absolute number of DARPP-32-positive, BrdU/DARPP-32-positive, and cresyl violet-stained striatal medium-spiny projection neurons, and fewer striatal calretinin interneurons, in the high-dose mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) group compared to their diluent counterparts. A high-dose of MSCs restored the absolute number of these neurons to normal uninjured levels, when compared with previous stereological data on the absolute number of cresyl violet-stained striatal medium-spiny projection neurons in the normal uninjured brain. For the low-dose experiment, in which cresyl violet-stained striatal medium-spiny neurons alone were measured, there was a lower statistically significant increase in their absolute number in the MSC group compared to their diluent controls. Investigation of behavior in another cohort of animals showed that delayed administration of a high-dose of bone marrow-derived MSCs, at one week after neonatal rat hypoxia-ischemia, improved motor function on the cylinder test. Thus, delayed therapy with a high- or low-dose of adult MSCs, at one week after injury, is effective in restoring the loss of striatal medium-spiny projection neurons after neonatal rat hypoxia-ischemia and a high-dose of MSCs improved motor function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) administration induces expression of immune relevant genes and biochemical parameters in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Nootash, Shahab; Sheikhzadeh, Najmeh; Baradaran, Behzad; Oushani, Ali Khani; Maleki Moghadam, Mohammad Reza; Nofouzi, Katayoon; Monfaredan, Amir; Aghebati, Leili; Zare, Fatemeh; Shabanzadeh, Sadigheh

2013-12-01

Present study elucidates the efficacy of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on growth performance, immune and antioxidant systems and cytokine gene expression in rainbow trout tissues. Green tea was supplemented at 20, 100, and 500 mg kg(-1) diet and fed to fish (average weight: 23.5 g) for 35 days. No remarkable changes in growth performance were observed among all test groups. Lower lipid peroxidation product and higher superoxide dismutase activity were noted in fish received the medium dose of green tea. Significant increase in serum bactericidal activity and total protein were recorded in all treatment groups. All doses of green tea up-regulated Interleukin-1β transcription in the spleen, while Interleukin-1β mRNA level decreased significantly in the kidney of low dose of green tea. Interleukin-6 mRNA level was up-regulated in the spleen of high dose of green tea and liver of middle and high doses of green tea. High dose and medium dose of green tea up-regulated the interleukin-8 transcription in the kidney and liver, respectively. Meanwhile, green tea inhibited the production of interleukin-10 in all treatment groups compared with control group. Medium dose of green tea up-regulated tumor necrosis factor-α transcription in all fish tissues, while high dose and low dose of green tea enhanced tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA levels in the kidney and spleen, respectively. Present study suggests that green tea especially at 100 mg kg(-1) feed may effectively enhance the antioxidant system and immune system in rainbow trout. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short-term outcomes of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for low, medium, and high myopia.

PubMed

Fernández, Joaquín; Valero, Almudena; Martínez, Javier; Piñero, David P; Rodríguez-Vallejo, Manuel

2017-03-10

To determine the safety, efficacy, and predictability of small-incision lenticule extraction at 6-month follow-up, depending on the level of the myopic refractive error. The surgeries were performed by a surgeon new to this technique. Seventy-one subjects with a mean age of 31.86 ± 5.57 years were included in this retrospective observational study. Subjects were divided into 3 groups depending on the preoperative spherical equivalent (SE): low group from -1.00 D to -3.00 D, medium from -3.25 D to -5.00 D, and high from -5.25 D to -7.00 D. Manifest refraction, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) were measured before surgery and at 6 months after the treatment. In total, 1.4% of the eyes lost 1 line of CDVA after the procedure, whereas 95.8% remained unchanged and 2.8% gained 1 line. A significant undercorrection (p = 0.031) was found in the high myopia group (median -0.50 D), whereas the low and medium groups remained near to emmetropia. In terms of efficacy, no statistically significant intergroup differences for postoperative UDVA (p = 0.282) were found. The vector analysis also showed undercorrection of the preoperative cylinder, even though the standard deviations decreased from 0.9 D in the x axis and 0.7 D in the y axis to 0.24 D and 0.27 D, respectively. Small-incision lenticule extraction might be a safe, effective, and predictable procedure even for inexperienced surgeons. No differences in efficacy were found among myopia levels even though undercorrections were found for SE and cylinder in high myopia.

Sources of Variation in Hospital-level Infection Rates after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Heart Surgery Database

PubMed Central

Likosky, Donald S.; Wallace, Amelia S.; Prager, Richard L.; Jacobs, Jeffrey P.; Zhang, Min; Harrington, Steven D.; Saha-Chaudhuri, Paramita; Theurer, Patricia F.; Fishstrom, Astrid; Dokholyan, Rachel S.; Shahian, David M.; Rankin, J. Scott

2016-01-01

Background Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are at risk for developing a variety of infections. While investigators have focused on predictors of these adverse sequelae, less attention has been focused on characterizing hospital-level variability in these outcomes. Methods 365,686 patients in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database underwent isolated CABG across 1084 hospitals between July 2011 and December 2013. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) were defined as: pneumonia, sepsis/septicemia, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis, vein harvest/cannulation, or thoracotomy. Hospitals were ranked based on their HAI rate: Low (≤10th Percentile) vs. Medium (10th–90th Percentile) and High (>90th Percentile). Differences in peri-operative factors and composite morbidity/mortality endpoints across these groups were determined using the Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests. Results HAIs occurred among 3.97% of patients overall, but rates varied across hospital groups (Low:<0.84%, Medium:0.84–8.41%, High:>8.41%). Pneumonia (2.98%) was the most common HAI, followed by sepsis/septicemia (0.84%). Patients at high rate hospitals more often smoked, had diabetes, chronic lung disease, NYHA Class III-IV, and received blood products, (p<0.001); however, they less often were prescribed the appropriate antibiotics (p<0.001). Major morbidity/mortality occurred among 12.3% of patients, although varied by hospital group (low: 8.6%, medium: 12.3%, high: 17.9%, p<0.001). Conclusions Substantial hospital-level variation exists in postoperative HAIs among patients undergoing CABG, driven predominantly by pneumonia. Given the relatively small absolute differences in comorbidities across hospital groups, our findings suggest factors other than case mix may explain the observed variation in HAI rates. PMID:26321440

Cancer-specific mortality, cure fraction, and noncancer causes of death among diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients in the immunochemotherapy era.

PubMed

Howlader, Nadia; Mariotto, Angela B; Besson, Caroline; Suneja, Gita; Robien, Kim; Younes, Naji; Engels, Eric A

2017-09-01

Survival after the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been increasing since 2002 because of improved therapies; however, long-term outcomes for these patients in the modern treatment era are still unknown. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, this study first assessed factors associated with DLBCL-specific mortality during 2002-2012. An epidemiologic risk profile, based on clinical and demographic characteristics, was used to stratify DLBCL cases into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. The proportions of DLBCL cases that might be considered cured in these 3 risk groups was estimated. Risks of death due to various noncancer causes among DLBCL cases versus the general population were also calculated with standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). Overall, 8274 deaths were recorded among 18,047 DLBCL cases; 76% of the total deaths were attributed to DLBCL, and 24% were attributed to noncancer causes. The 10-year survival rates for the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups were 80%, 60%, and 36%, respectively. The estimated cure proportions for the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups were 73%, 49%, and 27%, respectively; however, these cure estimates were uncertain because of the need to extrapolate the survival curves beyond the follow-up time. Mortality risks calculated with SMRs were elevated for conditions including vascular diseases (SMR, 1.3), infections (SMR, 3.1), gastrointestinal diseases (SMR, 2.5), and blood diseases (SMR, 4.6). These mortality risks were especially high within the initial 5 years after the diagnosis and declined after 5 years. Some DLBCL patients may be cured of their cancer, but they continue to experience excess mortality from lymphoma and other noncancer causes. Cancer 2017;123:3326-34. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

The effect of systemic administration of G-CSF on a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model MSC proliferation as presumed mechanism

PubMed Central

Sasaki, T.; Akagi, R.; Akatsu, Y.; Fukawa, T.; Hoshi, H.; Yamamoto, Y.; Enomoto, T.; Sato, Y.; Nakagawa, R.; Takahashi, K.; Yamaguchi, S.

2017-01-01

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation in vitro and to determine whether pre-microfracture systemic administration of G-CSF (a bone marrow stimulant) could improve the quality of repaired tissue of a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model. Methods MSCs from rabbits were cultured in a control medium and medium with G-CSF (low-dose: 4 μg, high-dose: 40 μg). At one, three, and five days after culturing, cells were counted. Differential potential of cultured cells were examined by stimulating them with a osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic medium. A total of 30 rabbits were divided into three groups. The low-dose group (n = 10) received 10 μg/kg of G-CSF daily, the high-dose group (n = 10) received 50 μg/kg daily by subcutaneous injection for three days prior to creating cartilage defects. The control group (n = 10) was administered saline for three days. At 48 hours after the first injection, a 5.2 mm diameter cylindrical osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlea. At four and 12 weeks post-operatively, repaired tissue was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Results The cell count in the low-dose G-CSF medium was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The differentiation potential of MSCs was preserved after culturing them with G-CSF. Macroscopically, defects were filled and surfaces were smoother in the G-CSF groups than in the control group at four weeks. At 12 weeks, the quality of repaired cartilage improved further, and defects were almost completely filled in all groups. Microscopically, at four weeks, defects were partially filled with hyaline-like cartilage in the G-CSF groups. At 12 weeks, defects were repaired with hyaline-like cartilage in all groups. Conclusions G-CSF promoted proliferation of MSCs in vitro. The systemic administration of G-CSF promoted the repair of damaged cartilage possibly through increasing the number of MSCs in a rabbit model. Cite this article: T. Sasaki, R. Akagi, Y. Akatsu, T. Fukawa, H. Hoshi, Y. Yamamoto, T. Enomoto, Y. Sato, R. Nakagawa, K. Takahashi, S. Yamaguchi, T. Sasho. The effect of systemic administration of G-CSF on a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model MSC proliferation as presumed mechanism: G-CSF for cartilage repair. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:123–131. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0083. PMID:28258115

[Effect of Huangqi injection on short-term prognosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

PubMed

Yan, Pei-Hua; Yan, Mei; Wang, Xue-Mei; Wang, Shu-Hong

2014-02-01

To investigate the effect of Huangqi injection on the short-term prognosis in childhood with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 105 children newly diagnosed with ALL between January 2009 and December 2012. These children were randomly divided into treatment group (18 low-risk cases, 7 medium-risk cases, and 24 high-risk cases) and control group (21 low-risk cases, 7 medium-risk cases, 28 high-risk cases). Both groups were given remission induction therapy based on the levels of risk. Throughout the remission induction therapy, the treatment group also received Huangqi injection (0.5-1.0 mL/kg per day) by intravenous infusion, while the control group was given 0.9% sodium chloride injection instead. The two groups were compared in terms of distribution of prognostic factors and complete remission (CR) rate after remission induction therapy, as well as the incidence of minimal residual disease (MDR) (≥ 10(-4) and < 10(-4)) among all patients in the two groups on day 19 of remission induction therapy and among B-ALL patients in the two groups when achieving a CR at the end of remission induction therapy. Of the 105 children with ALL, 99 had B-ALL, and 6 had T-ALL. There were no significant differences in the distribution of prognostic factors between the two groups (P>0.05). The overall CR rate of 105 patients was 79%; there was no significant difference in CR rate between the treatment and control groups (82% vs 77%; P>0.05); also, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the CR rates among high-, medium-, and low-risk cases (P>0.05). On day 19 of remission induction therapy, the incidence of MRD≥10(-4) in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (69% vs 95%; P<0.05); among 80 children with B-ALL who achieved a CR (43 cases in the control group and 37 cases in the treatment group), the incidence of MRD≥10-4 was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (27% vs 58%; P<0.05); in both circumstances above, the high- and low-risk cases in the treatment group had a significantly lower incidence of MRD≥10(-4) than the control group (P<0.05). Huangqi injection combined with chemotherapy has an enhanced anti-tumor effect and can improve the short-term prognosis and clinical outcome in children with ALL.

Long-term Pulmonary Responses to Quadweekly Intermittent Intratracheal Spray Instillations of Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles for 52 Weeks in Fischer 344 Rats.

PubMed

Tada, Yukie; Yano, Norio; Takahashi, Hiroshi; Yuzawa, Katsuhiro; Ando, Hiroshi; Kubo, Yoshikazu; Nagasawa, Akemichi; Inomata, Akiko; Ogata, Akio; Nakae, Dai

2013-12-01

Information about potential risks of iron nanomaterials is still limited, while a wide variety of applications are expected. We recently reported acute phase responses of male and female Fischer 344 rats after a single intratracheal spray instillation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (magnetite), clearly showing dose-dependent pulmonary inflammatory changes (Tada et al., J Toxicol Pathol 25, 233-239, 2012). The present study assessed long-term responses of male and female Fischer 344 rats to multiple administrations of magnetite. Ten-week-old male and female Fischer 344 rats (n=20/group) were exposed to a total of 13 quadweekly intermittent intratracheal spray instillations of magnetite during the experimental period of 52 weeks, at doses of 0, 0.2 (low), 1.0 (medium) and 5.0 (high-dose) mg/kg body weight per administration. Absolute and relative lung weights of the high-dose group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Macroscopically, slight enlargement and scattered black patches were recognized in the lungs and the lung-associated lymph nodes of the high-dose group. Histopathologically, infiltration of macrophages phagocytosing magnetite (all dose groups) and of chronic inflammatory cells (medium- and high-dose males and high-dose females), alveolar bronchiolization and granuloma (high-dose group) were observed. In addition, alveolar hyperplasias were observed in some rats of the high-dose group, and cytoplasmic overexpression of β-catenin protein was immunohistochemically found in such lesions. The present results clearly show that instilled magnetite causes chronic inflammatory responses in the lung. These responses occur in a dose-dependent manner without apparent differences among sexes.

[Comparison of diagnostic quality in hysterosalpingography between iodinated non-ionic contrast media with low and high osmolarity].

PubMed

Piccotti, K; Guida, D; Carbonetti, F; Stefanetti, L; Macioce, A; Cremona, A; David, V

Comparison of diagnostic quality in hysterosalpingography between low and high-osmolality contrast media. We performed a retrospective evaluation of two cohorts of patients who underwent HSG using contrast media with different osmolarity: the first group ,47 patients, underwent hysterosalpingography in the period September 2011-December 2012 using Iopromide 370 mg/ml; the second group, 50 patients, underwent HSG from January 2013 to October 2013 using Iomeprol 400 mg/ml. Three radiologists, in consensus reading,, reviewed the radiographs by assessing the following four parameters: opacification of the uterine cavity, uterine profiles definition, Fallopian tubes visualization, contrast media spillage into peritoneum. A score-scale from 0 to 3 was assigned for each of the mentioned parameter (0 = minimum non-diagnostic exam, 1 = sufficient examination; 2 = good quality examination; maximum 3 = high quality images). We documented a statistically significant higher quality in displaying Fallopian tubes among patients studied through high osmolarity contrast medium (Iopromide 370 mg/ml) than what obtained through lower osmolarity contrast medium (Iomeprol 400 mg/ml). The use of high osmolarity contrast medium enabled better visualization of the tubes and a greater number of diagnoses of chronic aspecific salpigintis due to the increased osmolality and viscosity of Iomeprol 400 mg/ml. There were no significant differences between the two contrast agents in the evaluation of intra-uterine pathology and in the evaluation of the tubal patency.

All-silica fiber with low or medium OH-content for broadband applications in astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferwana, Saleh; Eckhardt, Hanns-Simon; Simon, Thorsten; Klein, Karl-Friedrich; Haynes, Roger; Khalilov, Valery K.; Nelson, Gary W.

2004-09-01

For astronomical applications, different types of step-index all-silica fibers with high-transparency in the whole spectral region from UV (300 nm) to NIR (1100 nm) will be introduced. The light-guiding core-material consists of high-purity silica, especially with low or medium OH-content. In UV region, the losses are mainly influenced by Rayleigh scattering, while the losses in the IR region are limited by traces of OH-groups (in the order of approx. 2 ppm) and fundamental vibration-bands. Due to processing, typical UV-defects below 280 nm can be suppressed significantly within fibers with medium or low OH-content. Especially, one fiber-type with low-OH content in the core possess high resistance against UV radiation in the DUV-region down to 200 nm, which is comparable to high-OH all-silica fibers specially developed for UV-application below 250 nm. In addition, a medium-OH will be presented. The properties of these new fibers in respect to basic attenuation and spectral damage in the UV-region will be discussed, in comparison to high-OH fibers, based on the same measurement-technique. In addition, first results on focal ratio degradation (FRD) and additional loss related to higher propagation angles will be shown, in comparison to standard high-OH fibers.

Fusion pumped light source

DOEpatents

Pappas, Daniel S.

1989-01-01

Apparatus is provided for generating energy in the form of light radiation. A fusion reactor is provided for generating a long, or continuous, pulse of high-energy neutrons. The neutron flux is coupled directly with the lasing medium. The lasing medium includes a first component selected from Group O of the periodic table of the elements and having a high inelastic scattering cross section. Gamma radiation from the inelastic scattering reactions interacts with the first component to excite the first component, which decays by photon emission at a first output wavelength. The first output wavelength may be shifted to a second output wavelength using a second liquid component responsive to the first output wavelength. The light outputs may be converted to a coherent laser output by incorporating conventional optics adjacent the laser medium.

Effects of contour enhancement on low-vision preference and visual search.

PubMed

Satgunam, Premnandhini; Woods, Russell L; Luo, Gang; Bronstad, P Matthew; Reynolds, Zachary; Ramachandra, Chaithanya; Mel, Bartlett W; Peli, Eli

2012-09-01

To determine whether image enhancement improves visual search performance and whether enhanced images were also preferred by subjects with vision impairment. Subjects (n = 24) with vision impairment (vision: 20/52 to 20/240) completed visual search and preference tasks for 150 static images that were enhanced to increase object contours' visual saliency. Subjects were divided into two groups and were shown three enhancement levels. Original and medium enhancements were shown to both groups. High enhancement was shown to group 1, and low enhancement was shown to group 2. For search, subjects pointed to an object that matched a search target displayed at the top left of the screen. An "integrated search performance" measure (area under the curve of cumulative correct response rate over search time) quantified performance. For preference, subjects indicated the preferred side when viewing the same image with different enhancement levels on side-by-side high-definition televisions. Contour enhancement did not improve performance in the visual search task. Group 1 subjects significantly (p < 0.001) rejected the High enhancement, and showed no preference for medium enhancement over the original images. Group 2 subjects significantly preferred (p < 0.001) both the medium and the low enhancement levels over original. Contrast sensitivity was correlated with both preference and performance; subjects with worse contrast sensitivity performed worse in the search task (ρ = 0.77, p < 0.001) and preferred more enhancement (ρ = -0.47, p = 0.02). No correlation between visual search performance and enhancement preference was found. However, a small group of subjects (n = 6) in a narrow range of mid-contrast sensitivity performed better with the enhancement, and most (n = 5) also preferred the enhancement. Preferences for image enhancement can be dissociated from search performance in people with vision impairment. Further investigations are needed to study the relationships between preference and performance for a narrow range of mid-contrast sensitivity where a beneficial effect of enhancement may exist.

Relative resistance of Pacific salmon to infectious salmon anaemia virus

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rolland, J.B.; Winton, J.R.

2003-01-01

Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) is a major disease of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, caused by an orthomyxovirus (ISAV). Increases in global aqua culture and the international movement of fish made it important to determine if Pacific salmon are at risk. Steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and chum, O. keta, Chinook, O. tshawytscha, coho, O. kisutch, and Atlantic salmon were injected intraperitoneally with a high, medium, or low dose of a Norwegian strain of ISAV. In a second challenge, the same species, except chum salmon, were injected with a high dose of either a Canadian or the Norwegian strain. Average cumulative mortality of Atlantic salmon in trial 1 was 12% in the high dose group, 20% in the medium dose group and 16% in the low dose group. The average cumulative mortality of Atlantic salmon in trial 2 was 98%. No signs typical of ISA and no ISAV-related mortality occurred among any of the groups of Oncorhynchus spp. in either experiment, although ISAV was reisolated from some fish sampled at intervals post-challenge. The results indicate that while Oncorhynchus spp. are quite resistant to ISAV relative to Atlantic salmon, the potential for ISAV to adapt to Oncorhynchus spp. should not be ignored.

Evaluation of a High Concentrated Contrast Media Injection Protocol in Combination with Low Tube Current for Dose Reduction in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: A Randomized, Two-center Prospective Study.

PubMed

Sun, Yibo; Hua, Yanqing; Wang, Mingpeng; Mao, Dingbiao; Jin, Xiu; Li, Cheng; Shi, Kailei; Xu, Jianrong

2017-12-01

The study aimed to prospectively evaluate the radiation dose reduction potential and image quality (IQ) of a high-concentration contrast media (HCCM) injection protocol in combination with a low tube current (mAs) in coronary computed tomography angiography. Eighty-one consecutive patients (mean age: 62 years; 34 females; body mass index: 18-31) were included and randomized-assigned into two groups. All computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed in two groups with the same tube voltage (100 kV), flow rate of contrast medium (5.0 mL/s), and iodine dose (22.8 g). An automatic mAs and low concentration contrast medium (300 mgI/mL) were used in group A, whereas effective mAs was reduced by a factor 0.6 along with HCCM (400 mgI/mL) in group B. Radiation dose was assessed (CT dose index [CTDI vol ] and dose length product), and vessel-based objective IQ for various regions of interest (enhancement, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio), subjective IQ, noise, and motion artifacts were analyzed overall and vessel-based with a 5-point Likert scale. The CT attenuation of coronary arteries and image noise in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (ranges: 507.5-548.1 Hounsfield units vs 407.5-444.5 Hounsfield units; and 20.3 ± 8.6 vs 17.7 ± 8.0) (P ≤ 0.0166). There was no significant difference between the two groups in signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and subjective IQ of coronary arteries (29.4-31.7, 30.0-37.0, and medium score of 5 in group A vs 29.4-32.4, 27.7-36.3, and medium score of 5 in group B, respectively, P ≥ 0.1859). Both mean CTDI vol and dose length product in group B were 58% of those of group A. HCCM combined with low tube current allows dose reduction in coronary computed tomography angiography and does not compromise IQ. Copyright © 2017 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The composite Archaean grey gneisses: Petrological significance, and evidence for a non-unique tectonic setting for Archaean crustal growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moyen, Jean-François

2011-04-01

The geodynamic context of formation of the Archaean continental crust is a matter of debate. The crust is largely made of grey gneiss complexes, a composite rock assemblage dominated by granitoids that are generally regarded as belonging to the TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) series. Using a large database of published TTG and grey gneiss compositions, it is possible to show that the granitoids forming grey gneiss complexes actually belong to at least four main geochemical groups: (i) a potassic component made of granodiorites and formed by melting of existing crustal lithologies; and (ii) three sodic groups (TTG proper) that comprise low, medium and high pressure groups. The geochemistry of the low pressure group is consistent with derivation from a plagioclase and garnet-amphibolite; the medium pressure group was formed in equilibrium with a garnet-rich, plagioclase-poor amphibolite, whereas the high pressure group derived from a rutile-bearing eclogite. As the temperature of melting of metamafic rocks is largely independent from pressure, this corresponds to melting along a range of contrasting geothermal gradients, in turn reflecting a range of tectonic sites for the formation of the Archaean continental crust.

Predicting Long-Term Outcomes in Pleural Infections. RAPID Score for Risk Stratification.

PubMed

White, Heath D; Henry, Christopher; Stock, Eileen M; Arroliga, Alejandro C; Ghamande, Shekhar

2015-09-01

Pleural infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The recently developed RAPID (renal, age, purulence, infection source, and dietary factors) score consists of five clinical factors that can identify patients at risk for increased mortality. The objective of this study was to further validate the RAPID score in a diverse cohort, identify factors associated with mortality, and provide long-term outcomes. We evaluated a single-center retrospective cohort of 187 patients with culture-positive pleural infections. Patients were classified by RAPID scores into low-risk (0-2), medium-risk (3-4), and high-risk (5-7) groups. The Social Security Death Index was used to determine date of death. All-cause mortality was assessed at 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. Clinical factors and comorbid conditions were evaluated for association. Three-month mortality for low-, medium-, and high-risk groups was 1.5, 17.8, and 47.8%, respectively. Increased odds were observed among medium-risk (odds ratio, 14.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-112.6; P = 0.01) and high-risk groups (odds ratio, 53.3; 95% confidence interval, 6.8-416.8; P < 0.01). This trend continued at 1, 3, and 5 years. Factors associated with high-risk scores include gram-negative rod infections, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, and increased length of stay. When applied to a diverse patient cohort, the RAPID score predicts outcomes in patients up to 5 years and may aid in long-term risk stratification on presentation.

Projection Stereolithographic Fabrication of Human Adipose Stem Cell-Incorporated Biodegradable Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

PubMed

Sun, Aaron X; Lin, Hang; Beck, Angela M; Kilroy, Evan J; Tuan, Rocky S

2015-01-01

The poor self-healing ability of cartilage necessitates the development of methods for cartilage regeneration. Scaffold construction with live stem cell incorporation and subsequent differentiation presents a promising route. Projection stereolithography (PSL) offers high resolution and processing speed as well as the ability to fabricate scaffolds that precisely fit the anatomy of cartilage defects using medical imaging as the design template. We report here the use of a visible-light-based PSL (VL-PSL) system to encapsulate human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) into a biodegradable polymer [poly-d,l-lactic acid/polyethylene glycol/poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA-PEG)]/hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix to produce live cell constructs with customized architectures. After fabrication, hASCs showed high viability (84%) and were uniformly distributed throughout the constructs, which possessed high mechanical properties with a compressive modulus of 780 kPa. The hASC-seeded constructs were then cultured in control or TGF-β3-containing chondrogenic medium for up to 28 days. In chondrogenic medium-treated group (TGF-β3 group), hASCs maintained 77% viability and expressed chondrogenic genes Sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan at 11, 232, and 2.29 × 10(5) fold increases, respectively compared to levels at day 0 in non-chondrogenic medium. The TGF-β3 group also produced a collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan-rich extracellular matrix, detected by immunohistochemistry, Alcian blue staining, and Safranin O staining suggesting robust chondrogenesis within the scaffold. Without chondroinductive addition (Control group), cell viability decreased with time (65% at 28 days) and showed poor cartilage matrix deposition. After 28 days, mechanical strength of the TGF-β3 group remained high at 240 kPa. Thus, the PSL and PDLLA-PEG/HA-based fabrication method using adult stem cells is a promising approach in producing mechanically competent engineered cartilage for joint cartilage resurfacing.

Abnormal hippocampal shape in offenders with psychopathy.

PubMed

Boccardi, Marina; Ganzola, Rossana; Rossi, Roberta; Sabattoli, Francesca; Laakso, Mikko P; Repo-Tiihonen, Eila; Vaurio, Olli; Könönen, Mervi; Aronen, Hannu J; Thompson, Paul M; Frisoni, Giovanni B; Tiihonen, Jari

2010-03-01

Posterior hippocampal volumes correlate negatively with the severity of psychopathy, but local morphological features are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate hippocampal morphology in habitually violent offenders having psychopathy. Manual tracings of hippocampi from magnetic resonance images of 26 offenders (age: 32.5 +/- 8.4), with different degrees of psychopathy (12 high, 14 medium psychopathy based on the Psychopathy Checklist Revised), and 25 healthy controls (age: 34.6 +/- 10.8) were used for statistical modelling of local changes with a surface-based radial distance mapping method. Both offenders and controls had similar hippocampal volume and asymmetry ratios. Local analysis showed that the high psychopathy group had a significant depression along the longitudinal hippocampal axis, on both the dorsal and ventral aspects, when compared with the healthy controls and the medium psychopathy group. The opposite comparison revealed abnormal enlargement of the lateral borders in both the right and left hippocampi of both high and medium psychopathy groups versus controls, throughout CA1, CA2-3 and the subicular regions. These enlargement and reduction effects survived statistical correction for multiple comparisons in the main contrast (26 offenders vs. 25 controls) and in most subgroup comparisons. A statistical check excluded a possible confounding effect from amphetamine and polysubstance abuse. These results indicate that habitually violent offenders exhibit a specific abnormal hippocampal morphology, in the absence of total gray matter volume changes, that may relate to different autonomic modulation and abnormal fear-conditioning. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Towards a reduced meat diet: Mindset and motivation of young vegetarians, low, medium and high meat-eaters.

PubMed

de Boer, Joop; Schösler, Hanna; Aiking, Harry

2017-06-01

This study provides insight into differences and similarities in the mindset and motivation of four dietary groups (young self-declared vegetarians, low, medium and high meat-eaters) to support the development of strategies for a general transition to a less meat-based diet. The paper highlights the value of the identity concept for our understanding of both vegetarians and meat eaters. The analysis involves a comparison of the four dietary groups focusing on the strength and the profile of their food-related motivation and their reasons for and against frequent meat eating. To check for the generalizability of the results, the analyses were performed in two samples of adults (aged 18-35) in the Netherlands (native Dutch, n = 357, and second generation Chinese Dutch, n = 350). In both samples, the vegetarians had the same level of food-related motivation as the other groups, but a different motivational profile and distinctive, taste- and animal-welfare related reasons to justify their abstinence from eating meat. The low and medium meat-eaters often considered health a reason to eat meat as well as to moderate meat eating, plus they liked to vary their meals. In these aspects they were different from both the vegetarians and the high meat-eaters. The findings are relevant for (non) governmental organizations that aim to influence dietary choices, as well as for businesses that operate in the market of meat substitutes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of metastasis at diagnosis of osteosarcoma: an international comparison

PubMed Central

Marko, Tracy A.; Diessner, Brandon J.; Spector, Logan G.

2016-01-01

Background Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in many countries, with metastatic disease responsible for most patient deaths. This study compares the prevalence of metastatic osteosarcoma at diagnosis across countries to inform the critical question of whether diagnostic delay or tumor biology drives metastases development prior to diagnosis. Procedure A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted to compare the prevalence of metastatic disease at the time of OS diagnosis between countries. A pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was calculated for each study meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped for analysis based on human development index (HDI) scores. Results Our analysis found an 18% (95% CI: 15%, 20%) average global pooled proportion of metastasis at osteosarcoma diagnosis. The average prevalence of metastasis at diagnosis increased as HDI groupings decreased, with very high HDI, high HDI, and medium/ low HDI groups found to be 15% (95% CI: 13%, 17%), 20% (95% CI: 14%, 28%), and 31% (95% CI: 15%, 52%), respectively. Conclusions Our evidence suggests there is a biological baseline for metastatic OS at diagnosis, which is observed in countries with very high HDI. In countries with medium/ low HDI, where there are more barriers to accessing healthcare, the higher prevalence of metastasis may result from treatment delay or an artificial prevalence inflation due to patients with less severe symptoms not presenting to clinic. Additional research in countries with medium/ low HDI may reveal that earlier detection and treatment could improve patient outcomes in those countries. PMID:26929018

The Effects of Retraining Interventions on Individuals Confined in Navy Correctional Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-07-01

expected, scores on the belonging scale appeared to moderate scores on other scales: high belonging was associated with high self - esteem and with low ...Navy prisoners and awardees tend to have relatively low self - esteem ; the ability to function well in military or civilian life will be improved if self ...Group Scale Low Medium High FRatio S*WficanwoF Self - esteem , Locus of Control, and Anomia Scores at Release by Belonging Group Self - esteem 2.97 3.26

[Study on the relationship between occupational stress and psychological health state among oil workers].

PubMed

Liu, Jiwen; Wang, Zhiming; Wang, Mianzhen; Lan, Yajia; Zhan, Chenglie; Zhao, Xiaoguo

2002-02-01

To study the relationship between occupational stress and psychological health state among oil workers. 1,230 oil workers in 122 work types of oil industry were selected and written occupational stress questionary(OSQ) and symptom check list (SCL-90). Petroleum workers' psychological health states were poor with increasing occupational stress degree. The scores in physical symptoms(1.87 +/- 0.80, 1.72 +/- 0.70), depression(1.74 +/- 0.76, 1.62 +/- 0.67), horror(1.48 +/- 0.65, 1.39 +/- 0.55) in the high and medium stress group were obviously higher than those in low stress group(1.55 +/- 0.61, 1.43 +/- 0.54, 1.28 +/- 0.46, respectively, P < 0.05). The score of mood state in the high and medium stress group was obviously higher than that in low stress group(P < 0.05). Psychological health states and mood state in the petroleum workers with short service length are significantly poorer than that with long service length(P < 0.01). Occupational stress should affect psychological health state of petroleum workers.

Can RSScan footscan(®) D3D™ software predict injury in a military population following plantar pressure assessment? A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Franklyn-Miller, Andrew; Bilzon, James; Wilson, Cassie; McCrory, Paul

2014-03-01

Injury in initial military training is common with incidences from 25 to 65% of recruits sustaining musculoskeletal injury. Risk factors for injury include extrinsic factors such as rapid onset of high volume training, but intrinsic factors such as lower limb biomechanics and foot type. Prediction of injury would allow more effective training delivery, reduce manpower wastage and improve duty of care to individuals by addressing potential interventions. Plantar pressure interpretation of footfall has been shown to reflect biomechanical intrinsic abnormality although no quantifiable method of risk stratification exists. To identify if pressure plate assessment of walking gait is predictive of injury in a military population. 200 male subjects commencing Naval Officer training were assessed by plantar pressure plate recording, of foot contact pressures. A software interpretation, D3D™, stratified the interpretation to measure 4 specific areas of potential correction. Participants were graded as to high, medium and low risk of injury and subsequently followed up for injury through their basic training. Seventy two percent of all injuries were attributed to subjects in the high and medium risk of injury as defined by the risk categorization. 47% of all injuries were sustained in the high-risk group. Participants categorized in the high-risk group for injury were significantly more likely to sustain injury than in medium or low groups (p<0.001, OR 5.28 with 95% CI 2.88, 9.70). Plantar pressure assessment of risk for overuse lower limb injury can be predictive of sustaining an overuse injury in a controlled training environment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improvement of Self-regulated Learning in Mathematics through a Hypermedia Application: Differences based on Academic Performance and Previous Knowledge.

PubMed

Cueli, Marisol; Rodríguez, Celestino; Areces, Débora; García, Trinidad; González-Castro, Paloma

2017-12-04

Self-regulation on behalf of the student is crucial in learning Mathematics through hypermedia applications and is an even greater challenge in these IT environments. Two aims are formulated. First, to analyze the effectiveness of a hypermedia tool in improving perceived knowledge of self-regulatory strategies and the perceived usage of the planning, executing and assessment strategy on behalf of students with low, medium and high levels of academic performance. Second, to analyze the effectiveness of the hypermedia tool in improving perceived usage of the strategy for planning, monitoring and evaluating on behalf of students with a perceived knowledge (low, medium and high). Participants were 624 students (aged 10-13), classified into a treatment group (TG; 391) and a comparative group (CG; 233). They completed a questionnaire on perceived knowledge (Perceived Knowledge of Self-Regulatory Strategies) and another one on perceived usage of the strategy for planning, performing and evaluating (Inventory of Self-regulatory Learning Processes). Univariate covariance analyses (ANCOVAs) and Student-t tests were used. ANCOVA results were not statistically significant. However, the linear contrast indicated a significant improvement in perceived knowledge of strategies among the TG with low, medium and high academic performance (p ≤ .001). Results are discussed in the light of past and future research.

Effect of Rehabilitation Intensity on Mortality Risk After Stroke.

PubMed

Hsieh, Cheng-Yang; Huang, Hsiu-Chen; Wu, Darren Philbert; Li, Chung-Yi; Chiu, Meng-Jun; Sung, Sheng-Feng

2018-06-01

To determine the relation between rehabilitation intensity and poststroke mortality. Retrospective cohort study. Nationwide claims data. From Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims databases, patients (N=6737; mean age, 66.9y; 40.3% women) hospitalized between 2001 and 2013 for a first-ever stroke who had mild to moderate stroke and survived the first 90 days of stroke were enrolled. The intensity of rehabilitation therapy within 90 days after stroke was categorized into low, medium, or high based on the tertile distribution of the number of rehabilitation sessions. Long-term all-cause mortality. The Cox proportional hazard models with Bonferroni correction were used to assess the association between rehabilitation intensity and mortality, adjusting for age, comorbidities, stroke severity, and other covariates. Patients in the high-intensity group were younger but had a higher burden of comorbidities and greater stroke severity. During follow-up, the high-intensity group was associated with a significantly lower adjusted risk (hazard ratio [HR], .73; 95% confidence interval [CI], .63-.84) of mortality than the low-intensity group, whereas the medium-intensity group carried a similar risk of mortality (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84-1.06) compared with the low-intensity group. This association was not modified by stroke severity. Among patients with mild to moderate stroke severity, high-intensity rehabilitation therapy within the first 90 days was associated with a lower mortality risk than low-intensity therapy. Efforts to promote high-intensity rehabilitation therapy for this group of patients with stroke should be encouraged. Copyright © 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gastrointestinal nematode infection does not affect selection of tropical foliage by goats in a cafeteria trial.

PubMed

Ventura-Cordero, J; González-Pech, P G; Jaimez-Rodriguez, P R; Ortíz-Ocampo, G I; Sandoval-Castro, C A; Torres-Acosta, J F J

2017-01-01

It is important to determine whether gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) affect foliage choice of goats leading to confirm the expression of a self-medication behavior. This study investigated the effect of GIN infection on tropical foliage selection by goats. During experimental stage 1 (10 days), goats had a natural mixed GIN infection, and at stage 2 (10 days), goats were treated with effective anthelmintics to maintain them free of GIN infection. During stage 1 the twelve adult goats (32 ± 2.3 kg live weight [LW]) were assigned to three groups (n = 4) according to their initial GIN infection status: HI group, with fecal egg count (FEC) between 1450 and 2150 eggs per g/feces (EPG); MI group, medium FEC (592-1167 EPG); and the NI group, free from GIN infection. Fresh foliage of four tropical plants were offered to goats ad libitum for 1 h daily: Gymnopodium floribundum (high condensed tannin [CT] content, 37-40 %), Mimosa bahamensis (medium CT content, 16-17 %), Leucaena leucocephala (low CT content, 3-5 %), and Viguiera dentata (negligible CT content, 0.6-0.9 %). Jacobs' selection indexes (JSIs) were estimated for the experimental foliage based on dry matter (DM), CT, or crude protein (CP) intake. During both study stages, individual fecal egg counts were estimated. The JSI patterns of different plant species, based on DM, CT, or CP, were similar irrespective of infection level during stage 1 (HI, MI, and NI) or no GIN infection (stage 2). Thus, irrespective of GIN infection, goats actively selected M. bahamensis (high CT, low CP content) and V. dentata (negligible CT, high CP content) but avoided G. floribundum (high CT, low CP content) and L. leucocephala (medium CT and high CP content). Thus, natural GIN infection did not influence goats' foliage selection.

Detection of dengue virus in individual Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Delhi, India.

PubMed

Vikram, Kumar; Nagpal, B N; Pande, Veena; Srivastava, Aruna; Saxena, Rekha; Singh, Himmat; Gupta, Sanjeev K; Tuli, N R; Yadav, N K; Olivier, Telle; Richard, Paul; Valecha, Neena

2015-06-01

Delhi, the capital city of India, has so far witnessed several outbreaks of dengue fever since 1967 (last one reported in 2013). Improved virological and entomological surveillance are the only tools that can help in prevention of dengue as well as in the development of dengue control programmes. The aim of the study was to conduct a prospective field study to detect dengue virus in adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected from various localities represented by different socioeconomic groups in Delhi. The study areas were selected and categorized into high, medium and low income groups on the basis of socioeconomical characteristics of the resident population, where dengue cases were reported during the past three years by MCD. Dengue viral infection was detected in the head squash of each adult mosquito by immunofluorescent assay (IFA) employing monoclonal antibodies against dengue virus (DENV). A total of 2408 females and 1206 males of Ae. aegypti were collected and tested by IFA. Out of 2408 Ae. aegypti females, 14 were found positive, with minimum infection rate (MIR) of 5.8 per 1000 mosquitoes. Among the 18 study areas, 11 localities were found positive for dengue virus infection. Low income group (LIG) areas showed highest mosquito infectivity (9.8), followed by medium income group (MIG), i.e. 6.2; while least was observed in high income group (HIG), i.e. 1.3. No vertical transmission of dengue virus could be detected in 1206 Ae. aegypti males collected. The study concludes that there was high MIR in the identified localities of low and medium income groups. Estimation of MIR in a female Aedes mosquito in the existing arsenals for dengue surveillance would be an added advantage for early warning of dengue outbreak. The presence of infected mosquitoes in identified localities of Delhi was alarming and require rigorous vector surveillance so that the severe outbreaks can be prevented.

Effect Of Seedling Size And First-Order Lateral Roots On Early Development Of Northern Red Oak On A Mesic Site: Eleventh-Year Results

Treesearch

Paul P. Kormanik; Shi-Jean S. Sung; Donald Kass; Stanley J. Zarnoch

2002-01-01

Abstract - The effect of initial first-order lateral root (FOLR) groupings of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) seedlings on a high quality mesic site was followed for eleven years on a shelterwood and a clearcut area. The initial FOLR number groups were empirically determined as low (0 to 6) medium (7 to 12) and high (12). The...

Soy milk as a storage medium to preserve human fibroblast cell viability: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Moura, Camilla Christian Gomes; Soares, Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira; Reis, Manuella Verdinelli de Paula; Fernandes Neto, Alfredo Júlio; Soares, Carlos José

2012-01-01

Soy milk (SM) is widely consumed worldwide as a substitute for cow milk. It is a source of vitamins, carbohydrates and sugars, but its capacity to preserve cell viability has not been evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of SM to maintain the viability of human fibroblasts at short periods compared with different cow milks. Human mouth fibroblasts were cultured and stored in the following media at room temperature: 10% Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (positive control group); long shelf-life ultra-high temperature whole cow milk (WM); long shelf-life ultra-high temperature skim cow milk (SKM); powdered cow milk (PM); and soy milk (SM). After 5, 15, 30 and 45 min, cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test with post-analysis using the Dunn's method (α=0.05). SKM showed the lowest capacity to maintain cell viability in all analyzed times (p<0.05). At 30 and 45 min, the absorbance levels in control group (DMEM) and SM were significantly higher than in SKM (p<0.05). Cell viability decreased along the time (5-45 min). The results indicate that SM can be used as a more adequate storage medium for avulsed teeth. SKM was not as effective in preserving cell viability as the cell culture medium and SM.

Nutritional status and nutrition risk screening in hospitalized children in New Zealand.

PubMed

Moeeni, Vesal; Walls, Tony; Day, Andrew S

2013-09-01

Children requiring hospitalization are at risk of malnutrition. This study aimed to define the nutritional status of paediatric inpatients in comparison with healthy children and to compare and contrast the feasibility and validity of three nutritional risk screening (NRS) tools in the hospitalized children. A total of 162 children admitted to Christchurch Hospital were assessed along with a similar group of healthy children. Their nutritional state was assessed and classified using standard criteria. The NRS tools were applied, and patients were classified into low-, medium- and high-risk groups. The feasibility and validity of the tools were assessed. Under-nutrition was more frequent in the inpatient group (9.9% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.04), whereas both groups had similar rates of overweight/obesity. NRS tools were able to identify between 81% and 100% of the malnourished patients in the medium- to high-risk groups. Undernourished patients had longer hospital stay than well-nourished patients. Hospitalized children have higher rates of under-nutrition than healthy children in NZ. The three NRS tools were able to identify children at nutritional risk with differing utility. In this setting, STRONGkids was the most reliable tool. ©2013 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dandelions, tulips and orchids: evidence for the existence of low-sensitive, medium-sensitive and high-sensitive individuals.

PubMed

Lionetti, Francesca; Aron, Arthur; Aron, Elaine N; Burns, G Leonard; Jagiellowicz, Jadzia; Pluess, Michael

2018-01-22

According to empirical studies and recent theories, people differ substantially in their reactivity or sensitivity to environmental influences with some being generally more affected than others. More sensitive individuals have been described as orchids and less-sensitive ones as dandelions. Applying a data-driven approach, we explored the existence of sensitivity groups in a sample of 906 adults who completed the highly sensitive person (HSP) scale. According to factor analyses, the HSP scale reflects a bifactor model with a general sensitivity factor. In contrast to prevailing theories, latent class analyses consistently suggested the existence of three rather than two groups. While we were able to identify a highly sensitive (orchids, 31%) and a low-sensitive group (dandelions, 29%), we also detected a third group (40%) characterised by medium sensitivity, which we refer to as tulips in keeping with the flower metaphor. Preliminary cut-off scores for all three groups are provided. In order to characterise the different sensitivity groups, we investigated group differences regarding the Big Five personality traits, as well as experimentally assessed emotional reactivity in an additional independent sample. According to these follow-up analyses, the three groups differed in neuroticism, extraversion and emotional reactivity to positive mood induction with orchids scoring significantly higher in neuroticism and emotional reactivity and lower in extraversion than the other two groups (dandelions also differed significantly from tulips). Findings suggest that environmental sensitivity is a continuous and normally distributed trait but that people fall into three distinct sensitive groups along a sensitivity continuum.

Academic Achievement from Using the Learning Medium Via a Tablet Device Based on Multiple Intelligences in Grade 1 Elementary Student.

PubMed

Nuallaong, Winitra; Nuallaong, Thanya; Preechadirek, Nongluck

2015-04-01

To measure academic achievement of the multiple intelligence-based learning medium via a tablet device. This is a quasi-experimental research study (non-randomized control group pretest-posttest design) in 62 grade 1 elementary students (33 males and 29 females). Thirty-one students were included in an experimental group using purposive sampling by choosing a student who had highest multiple intelligence test scores in logical-mathematic. Then, this group learned by the new learning medium via a tablet which the application matched to logical-mathematic multiple intelligence. Another 31 students were included in a control group using simple random sampling and then learning by recitation. Both groups did pre-test and post-test vocabulary. Thirty students in the experimental group and 24 students in the control group increased post-test scores (odds ratio = 8.75). Both groups made significant increasing in post-test scores. The experimental group increased 9.07 marks (95% CI 8.20-9.93) significantly higher than the control group which increased 4.39 marks (95% CI 3.06-5.72) (t = -6.032, df = 51.481, p < 0.001). Although learning from either multiple intelligence-based learning medium via a tablet or recitation can contribute academic achievement, learningfrom the new medium contributed more achievement than recitation. The new learning medium group had higher post-test scores 8.75 times than the recitation group. Therefore, the new learning medium is more effective than the traditional recitation in terms of academic achievement. This study has limitations because samples came from the same school. However, the previous study in Thailand did notfind a logical-mathematical multiple intelligence difference among schools. In the future, long-term research to find how the new learning medium affects knowledge retention will support the advantage for life-long learning.

Enhancement of Skin Permeation and Skin Immunization of Ovalbumin Antigen via Microneedles.

PubMed

Pamornpathomkul, Boonnada; Rojanarata, Theerasak; Opanasopit, Praneet; Ngawhirunpat, Tanasait

2017-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of different types of microneedles and doses of ovalbumin antigen for in vitro skin permeation and in vivo immunization. In vitro skin permeation experiments and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that hollow microneedles had a superior enhancing effect on skin permeation compared with a solid microneedle patch and untreated skin by efficiently delivering ovalbumin-fluorescein conjugate into the deep skin layers. The flux and cumulative amount of ovalbumin-fluorescein conjugate at 8 h after administering with various conditions could be ranked as follows: hollow MN; high dose > medium dose > low dose > MN patch; high dose > medium dose > low dose > untreated skin; high dose > medium dose > low dose > without ovalbumin-fluorescein conjugate. As the dose of ovalbumin-fluorescein conjugate was increased to 500 μg, the antigen accumulated in the skin to a greater extent, as evidenced by the increasing green fluorescence intensity. When the hollow microneedle was used for the delivery of ovalbumin into the skin of mice, it was capable of inducing a stronger immunoglobulin G immune response than conventional subcutaneous injection at the same antigen dose. Immunoglobulin G levels in the hollow MN group were 5.7, 11.6, and 13.3 times higher than those of the subcutaneous injection group for low, medium, and high doses, respectively. Furthermore, the mice immunized using the hollow microneedle showed no signs of skin infection or pinpoint bleeding. The results suggest that the hollow MN is an efficient device for delivering the optimal dose of antigen via the skin for successful immunization.

Family Predictors of Continuity and Change in Social and Physical Aggression from Ages 9 – 18

PubMed Central

Ehrenreich, Samuel E.; Beron, Kurt J.; Brinkley, Dawn Y.; Underwood, Marion K.

2014-01-01

This research examined developmental trajectories for social and physical aggression for a sample followed from age 9–18, and investigated possible family predictors of following different trajectory groups. Participants were 158 girls and 138 boys, their teachers, and their parents (21% African American, 5.3% Asian, 51.6% Caucasian, and 21% Hispanic). Teachers rated children’s social and physical aggression yearly in grades 3–12. Participants’ parent (83% mothers) reported on family income, conflict strategies, and maternal authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. The results suggested that both social and physical aggression decline slightly from middle childhood through late adolescence. Using a dual trajectory model, group based mixture modeling revealed three trajectory groups for both social and physical aggression: low-, medium-, and high-desisting for social aggression, and stably-low, stably-medium, and high-desisting for physical aggression. Membership in higher trajectory groups was predicted by being from a single-parent family, and having a parent high on permissiveness. Being male was related to both elevated physical aggression trajectories and the medium-desisting social aggression trajectory. Negative interparental conflict strategies did not predict social or physical aggression trajectories when permissive parenting was included in the model. Permissive parenting in middle childhood predicted following higher social aggression trajectories across many years, which suggests that parents setting fewer limits on children’s behaviors may have lasting consequences for their peer relations. Future research should examine transactional relations between parenting styles and practices and aggression to understand the mechanisms that may contribute to changes in involvement in social and physical aggression across childhood and adolescence. PMID:24888340

Family predictors of continuity and change in social and physical aggression from ages 9 to 18.

PubMed

Ehrenreich, Samuel E; Beron, Kurt J; Brinkley, Dawn Y; Underwood, Marion K

2014-01-01

This research examined developmental trajectories for social and physical aggression for a sample followed from age 9 to 18, and investigated possible family predictors of following different trajectory groups. Participants were 158 girls and 138 boys, their teachers, and their parents (21% African American, 5.3% Asian, 51.6% Caucasian, and 21% Hispanic). Teachers rated children's social and physical aggression yearly in grades 3-12. Participants' parent (83% mothers) reported on family income, conflict strategies, and maternal authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. The results suggested that both social and physical aggression decline slightly from middle childhood through late adolescence. Using a dual trajectory model, group-based mixture modeling revealed three trajectory groups for both social and physical aggression: low-, medium-, and high-desisting for social aggression, and stably-low, stably-medium, and high-desisting for physical aggression. Membership in higher trajectory groups was predicted by being from a single-parent family, and having a parent high on permissiveness. Being male was related to both elevated physical aggression trajectories and the medium-desisting social aggression trajectory. Negative interparental conflict strategies did not predict social or physical aggression trajectories when permissive parenting was included in the model. Permissive parenting in middle childhood predicted following higher social aggression trajectories across many years, which suggests that parents setting fewer limits on children's behaviors may have lasting consequences for their peer relations. Future research should examine transactional relations between parenting styles and practices and aggression to understand the mechanisms that may contribute to changes in involvement in social and physical aggression across childhood and adolescence. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Formulation of multiple choice questions as a revision exercise at the end of a teaching module in biochemistry.

PubMed

Bobby, Zachariah; Radhika, M R; Nandeesha, H; Balasubramanian, A; Prerna, Singh; Archana, Nimesh; Thippeswamy, D N

2012-01-01

The graduate medical students often get less opportunity for clarifying their doubts and to reinforce their concepts after lecture classes. Assessment of the effect of MCQ preparation by graduate medical students as a revision exercise on the topic "Mineral metabolism." At the end of regular teaching module on the topic "Mineral metabolism," graduate medical students were asked to prepare the stems of 15 MCQs based on the four discriminators given for each. They were told that one of the discriminators could be the answer for the MCQ and the remaining three could be the distracters. They were further guided in their task by providing few key word(s) in the stem of the expected MCQ. In the first phase of the exercise, the students attempted the MCQ preparation individually without peer consultation. In the second phase, the students participated in small group discussion to formulate the best MCQs of the group. The effects on low, medium, and high achievers were evaluated by pre and post-tests with the same set of MCQs. Both the individual endeavor in Phase 1 and small group discussion in Phase 2 for the formulation of MCQs significantly contributed to the gain from the exercise. The gains from the individual task and from small group discussion were equal among the different categories of students. Both phases of the exercise were equally beneficial for the low, medium, and high achievers. The high and medium achievers retained the gain from the exercise even after 1 week of the exercise whereas the low achievers could not retain the gain completely. Formulation of MCQs is an effective and useful unconventional revision exercise in Biochemistry for graduate medical students. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Discrimination and the incidence of psychotic disorders among ethnic minorities in The Netherlands.

PubMed

Veling, Wim; Selten, Jean-Paul; Susser, Ezra; Laan, Winfried; Mackenbach, Johan P; Hoek, Hans W

2007-08-01

It is well established now that the incidence of schizophrenia is extremely high for several ethnic minority groups in western Europe, but there is considerable variation among groups. We investigated whether the increased risk among these groups depends upon the degree to which they perceive discrimination based on race or ethnicity. We studied the incidence of psychotic disorders over 7 years in The Hague, a city with a large and diverse population of ethnic minorities. To compare the incidence of schizophrenic disorders (DSM IV: schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder) in each ethnic minority group with the incidence in native Dutch, we computed incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Based on a population study and on rates of reported incidents of discrimination in The Hague, the degree of perceived discrimination of ethnic minority groups was rated: high (Morocco), medium (Netherlands-Antilles, Surinam and 'other non-western countries'), low (Turkey) or very low ('western or westernized countries'). The age- and gender-adjusted IRRs of schizophrenic disorders for ethnic minority groups exposed to high, medium, low, and very low discrimination were 4.00 (95% CI 3.00-5.35), 1.99 (1.58-2.51), 1.58 (1.10-2.27), and 1.20 (0.81-1.90), respectively. When not only schizophrenic, but all psychotic disorders were included in the analysis, the results were similar. These results suggest that discrimination perceived by ethnic minority groups in western Europe, or some factor closely related to it, may contribute to their increased risk of schizophrenia.

The effect of systemic administration of G-CSF on a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model MSC proliferation as presumed mechanism: G-CSF for cartilage repair.

PubMed

Sasaki, T; Akagi, R; Akatsu, Y; Fukawa, T; Hoshi, H; Yamamoto, Y; Enomoto, T; Sato, Y; Nakagawa, R; Takahashi, K; Yamaguchi, S; Sasho, T

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation in vitro and to determine whether pre-microfracture systemic administration of G-CSF (a bone marrow stimulant) could improve the quality of repaired tissue of a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model. MSCs from rabbits were cultured in a control medium and medium with G-CSF (low-dose: 4 μg, high-dose: 40 μg). At one, three, and five days after culturing, cells were counted. Differential potential of cultured cells were examined by stimulating them with a osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic medium.A total of 30 rabbits were divided into three groups. The low-dose group (n = 10) received 10 μg/kg of G-CSF daily, the high-dose group (n = 10) received 50 μg/kg daily by subcutaneous injection for three days prior to creating cartilage defects. The control group (n = 10) was administered saline for three days. At 48 hours after the first injection, a 5.2 mm diameter cylindrical osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlea. At four and 12 weeks post-operatively, repaired tissue was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The cell count in the low-dose G-CSF medium was significantly higher than that in the control medium. The differentiation potential of MSCs was preserved after culturing them with G-CSF.Macroscopically, defects were filled and surfaces were smoother in the G-CSF groups than in the control group at four weeks. At 12 weeks, the quality of repaired cartilage improved further, and defects were almost completely filled in all groups. Microscopically, at four weeks, defects were partially filled with hyaline-like cartilage in the G-CSF groups. At 12 weeks, defects were repaired with hyaline-like cartilage in all groups. G-CSF promoted proliferation of MSCs in vitro . The systemic administration of G-CSF promoted the repair of damaged cartilage possibly through increasing the number of MSCs in a rabbit model. Cite this article : T. Sasaki, R. Akagi, Y. Akatsu, T. Fukawa, H. Hoshi, Y. Yamamoto, T. Enomoto, Y. Sato, R. Nakagawa, K. Takahashi, S. Yamaguchi, T. Sasho. The effect of systemic administration of G-CSF on a full-thickness cartilage defect in a rabbit model MSC proliferation as presumed mechanism: G-CSF for cartilage repair. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:123-131. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.63.BJR-2016-0083. © 2017 Sasho et al.

A Systematic Understanding of Successful Web Searches in Information-Based Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhou, Mingming

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study is to research how Chinese university students solve information-based problems. With the Search Performance Index as the measure of search success, participants were divided into high, medium and low-performing groups. Based on their web search logs, these three groups were compared along five dimensions of the search…

A rich medium-chain triacylglycerol diet benefits adiposity but has adverse effects on the markers of hepatic lipogenesis and beta-oxidation.

PubMed

Chamma, Carolina Maria de Oliveira; Bargut, Thereza Cristina Lonzetti; Mandarim-de-Lacerda, Carlos Alberto; Aguila, Marcia Barbosa

2017-02-22

We investigated the increasing amounts of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) in the diet on hepatic lipid metabolism. Mature C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group). The animals received their diet for 12 weeks, as a control (C group, 10% of energy from lipids); high-fat lard (HF group, isoenergetic diet, 50% of energy from lipids with lard); a mixture of lard and MCT oil (with a gradual replacement of lard by MCT: HF-MCT25%, HF-MCT75%, and HF-MCT100% groups). At euthanasia, we collected blood and dissected the liver for analyses (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICK index, and triacylglycerol, light microscopy, western blotting, and RT-qPCR). The HF diet groups showed a greater body mass gain compared to the C group, but the HF-MCT100% group showed diminished adiposity and amelioration of insulin resistance. All the HF groups also showed a clear increase in hepatic lipid accumulation, increased lipogenesis and decreased PPAR-alpha expression, although HF-MCT groups showed improved local insulin signaling. Lastly, the HF-MCT100% group had raised markers of beta-oxidation (UCP3 and MCAD) and mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1-alpha and NRF1). In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that a high amount of MCT (HF-MCT100% group) added to an HF diet reduces the body fat accumulation and insulin resistance. However, the lipid accumulation as well as the lipid metabolism is altered in the liver of animals fed with a very high MCT diet, indicating that higher doses of MCT may be harmful in a long-term.

28 CFR 540.14 - General correspondence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... address. (2) Except for “special mail,” outgoing mail from a sentenced inmate in a medium or high security... which may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption; (3) Information of escape plots, of...

28 CFR 540.14 - General correspondence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... address. (2) Except for “special mail,” outgoing mail from a sentenced inmate in a medium or high security... which may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption; (3) Information of escape plots, of...

28 CFR 540.14 - General correspondence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... address. (2) Except for “special mail,” outgoing mail from a sentenced inmate in a medium or high security... which may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption; (3) Information of escape plots, of...

28 CFR 540.14 - General correspondence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... address. (2) Except for “special mail,” outgoing mail from a sentenced inmate in a medium or high security... which may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption; (3) Information of escape plots, of...

28 CFR 540.14 - General correspondence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... address. (2) Except for “special mail,” outgoing mail from a sentenced inmate in a medium or high security... which may lead to the use of physical violence or group disruption; (3) Information of escape plots, of...

Benzoylureas as removable cis amide inducers: synthesis of cyclic amides via ring closing metathesis (RCM).

PubMed

Brady, Ryan M; Khakham, Yelena; Lessene, Guillaume; Baell, Jonathan B

2011-02-07

Rapid and high yielding synthesis of medium ring lactams was made possible through the use of a benzoylurea auxiliary that serves to stabilize a cisoid amide conformation, facilitating cyclization. The auxiliary is released after activation under the mild conditions required to deprotect a primary amine, such as acidolysis of a Boc group in the examples given here. This methodology is a promising tool for the synthesis of medium ring lactams, macrocyclic natural products and peptides.

Lifestyle Risk Factors Predict Disability and Death in Healthy Aging Adults

PubMed Central

Chakravarty, Eliza F.; Hubert, Helen B.; Krishnan, Eswar; Bruce, Bonnie B.; Lingala, Vijaya B.; Fries, James F.

2011-01-01

Background Associations between modifiable health risk factors during middle age with disability and mortality in later life are critical to maximizing longevity while preserving function. Positive health effects of maintaining normal weight, routine exercise, and non-smoking are known for the short and intermediate term. We studied the effects of these risk factors into advanced age. Methods A cohort of 2,327 college alumnae ≥60 years was followed annually (1986–2005) by questionnaires addressing health risk factors, history, and Health Assessment Questionnaire disability (HAQ-DI). Mortality data were ascertained from the National Death Index. Low, medium, and high risk groups were created based upon the number (0, 1, ≥2) of health risk factors (overweight, smoking, inactivity) at baseline. Disability and mortality for each group were estimated from unadjusted data and regression analyses. Multivariable survival analyses estimated time to disability or death. Results Medium and high-risk groups had higher disability than the low risk group throughout the study (p<0.001). Low-risk subjects had onset of moderate disability delayed 8.3 years compared with high-risk. Mortality rates were higher in the high risk group (384 versus 247 per 10,000 person-years). Multivariable survival analyses showed the number of risk factors to be associated with cumulative disability and increased mortality. Conclusions Seniors with fewer behavioral risk factors during middle age have lower disability and improved survival. These data document that the associations of lifestyle risk factors upon health continue into the ninth decade. PMID:22269623

Self assembled molecular monolayers on high surface area materials as molecular getters

DOEpatents

King, David E.; Herdt, Gregory C.; Czanderna, Alvin W.

1997-01-01

The present invention relates to a gettering material that may be used as a filtration medium to remove pollutants from the environment. The gettering material comprises a high surface area material having a metal surface that chemically bonds n-alkanethiols in an organized manner thereby forming a molecular monolayer over the metal surface. The n-alkanethiols have a free functional group that interacts with the environment thereby binding specific pollutants that may be present. The gettering material may be exposed to streams of air in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems or streams of water to remove specific pollutants from either medium.

Progress and Challenges in Short to Medium Range Coupled Prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brassington, G. B.; Martin, M. J.; Tolman, H. L.; Akella, Santha; Balmeseda, M.; Chambers, C. R. S.; Cummings, J. A.; Drillet, Y.; Jansen, P. A. E. M.; Laloyaux, P.;

Self assembled molecular monolayers on high surface area materials as molecular getters

DOEpatents

King, D.E.; Herdt, G.C.; Czanderna, A.W.

1997-01-07

The present invention relates to a gettering material that may be used as a filtration medium to remove pollutants from the environment. The gettering material comprises a high surface area material having a metal surface that chemically bonds n-alkanethiols in an organized manner thereby forming a molecular monolayer over the metal surface. The n-alkanethiols have a free functional group that interacts with the environment thereby binding specific pollutants that may be present. The gettering material may be exposed to streams of air in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems or streams of water to remove specific pollutants from either medium. 9 figs.

Cost-efficiency of specialist inpatient rehabilitation for working-aged adults with complex neurological disabilities: a multicentre cohort analysis of a national clinical data set.

PubMed

Turner-Stokes, Lynne; Williams, Heather; Bill, Alan; Bassett, Paul; Sephton, Keith

2016-02-24

To evaluate functional outcomes, care needs and cost-efficiency of specialist rehabilitation for a multicentre cohort of inpatients with complex neurological disability, comparing different diagnostic groups across 3 levels of dependency. A multicentre cohort analysis of prospectively collected clinical data from the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes Collaborative (UKROC) national clinical database, 2010-2015. All 62 specialist (levels 1 and 2) rehabilitation services in England. Working-aged adults (16-65 years) with complex neurological disability. all episodes with length of stay (LOS) 8-400 days and complete outcome measures recorded on admission and discharge. Total N=5739: acquired brain injury n=4182 (73%); spinal cord injury n=506 (9%); peripheral neurological conditions n=282 (5%); progressive conditions n=769 (13%). Specialist inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Dependency and care costs: Northwick Park Dependency Scale/Care Needs Assessment (NPDS/NPCNA). Functional independence: UK Functional Assessment Measure (UK Functional Independence Measure (FIM)+FAM). Cost-efficiency: (1) time taken to offset rehabilitation costs by savings in NPCNA-estimated costs of ongoing care, (2) FIM efficiency (FIM gain/LOS days), (3) FIM+FAM efficiency (FIM+FAM gain/LOS days). Patients were analysed in 3 groups of dependency. Mean LOS 90.1 (SD 66) days. All groups showed significant reduction in dependency between admission and discharge on all measures (paired t tests: p<0.001). Mean reduction in 'weekly care costs' was greatest in the high-dependency group at £760/week (95% CI 726 to 794)), compared with the medium-dependency (£408/week (95% CI 370 to 445)), and low-dependency (£130/week (95% CI 82 to 178)), groups. Despite longer LOS, time taken to offset the cost of rehabilitation was 14.2 (95% CI 9.9 to 18.8) months in the high-dependency group, compared with 22.3 (95% CI 16.9 to 29.2) months (medium dependency), and 27.7 (95% CI 15.9 to 39.7) months (low dependency). FIM efficiency appeared greatest in medium-dependency patients (0.54), compared with the low-dependency (0.37) and high-dependency (0.38) groups. Broadly similar patterns were seen across all 4 diagnostic groups. Specialist rehabilitation can be highly cost-efficient for all neurological conditions, producing substantial savings in ongoing care costs, especially in high-dependency patients. 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/

Thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer utilizing a single material

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold; Lukosi, Eric

2017-05-02

A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays. Optionally, the detection medium includes a .sup.6LiInSe.sub.2 crystal. Optionally, the detection medium comprises a compound formed by the process of: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating; wherein the Group I element includes lithium.

Increasing synthetic serum substitute (SSS) concentrations in P1 glucose/phosphate-free medium improves implantation rate: a comparative study.

PubMed

Ben-Yosef, D; Yovel, I; Schwartz, T; Azem, F; Lessing, J B; Amit, A

2001-11-01

To assess the comparative efficacy of IVF medium (MediCult, with 5.2 mM glucose) and a glucose/phosphate-free medium, P1 (Irvine Scientific), and to investigate the influence of increasing the serum supplementation (synthetic serum substitute; SSS; Irvine Scientific) to P1 on embryo development and implantation. Patients were randomly assigned to IVF medium (Group 1, cycles n = 172) or P1 supplemented with 10% SSS (Group 2, cycles n = 229) according to the medium scheduled for use on the day of oocyte retrieval. Another 555 IVF consequent cycles (Group 3) were performed using increased SSS concentrations (20%) in P1 medium. In this large series of IVF cycles, we herein demonstrate that significantly higher pregnancy and implantation rates were found when embryos were cultured in glucose/phosphate-free medium P1 supplemented with 20% SSS compared to supplementation with the lower SSS concentration and with IVF medium.

Influence of educational attainments on long term glucose control and morbid events in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving integrated care from 15 China urban communities: The Beijing Community Diabetes Study 11.

PubMed

Yang, Guang-Ran; Yuan, Shen-Yuan; Fu, Han-Jing; Wan, Gang; Zhu, Liang-Xiang; Yuan, Ming-Xia; Lv, Yu-Jie; Zhang, Jian-Dong; Du, Xue-Ping; Li, Yu-Ling; Ji, Yu; Zhou, Li; Li, Yue

2015-12-01

To investigate the effects of educational attainment on glucose control and morbid events in patients with type 2 diabetes in Beijing communities. In this prospective multi-center study, 2866 type 2 diabetes patients receiving integrated care from 15 Beijing urban communities were investigated. Educational attainment was categorized into three levels: low, medium, and high. After a 42-month management, glucose control parameters and morbid events were analyzed. At baseline, the percentages of patients with good glucose control (HbA1c ≤ 7.0%) in the low, medium and high educational groups were 49.09%, 54.82% and 62.59%, respectively (P<0.001). After the 42-month management, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c values were the highest in the low educational group (7.51 ± 2.05 mmol/l and 7.20 ± 1.27%, respectively). Percentages of patients with good glucose control in the three groups were 49.6%, 55.83% and 67.23%, respectively, and the incidences of combined morbid events were 4.5%, 2.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that educational level was related to the incidence of combined morbid events (medium level, HR=0.572; high level, HR=0.351; P<0.05). Educational level was associated with long-term glucose control, and seemed to be related to the incidence of combined morbid events in people with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2015 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sources of Variation in Hospital-Level Infection Rates After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Heart Surgery Database.

PubMed

Likosky, Donald S; Wallace, Amelia S; Prager, Richard L; Jacobs, Jeffrey P; Zhang, Min; Harrington, Steven D; Saha-Chaudhuri, Paramita; Theurer, Patricia F; Fishstrom, Astrid; Dokholyan, Rachel S; Shahian, David M; Rankin, J Scott

2015-11-01

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are at risk for a variety of infections. Investigators have focused on predictors of these adverse sequelae, but less attention has been focused on characterizing hospital-level variability in these outcomes. Between July 2011 and December 2013, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database shows 365,686 patients underwent isolated CABG in 1,084 hospitals. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) were defined as pneumonia, sepsis/septicemia, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis, vein harvest/cannulation site infection, or thoracotomy infection. Hospitals were ranked by their HAI rate as low (≤ 10th percentile), medium (10th to 90th percentile), and high (>90th percentile). Differences in perioperative factors and composite morbidity and mortality end points across these groups were determined using the Wilcoxon rank sum and χ(2) tests. HAIs occurred among 3.97% of patients overall, but rates varied across hospital groups (low: <0.84%, medium: 0.84% to 8.41%, high: >8.41%). Pneumonia (2.98%) was the most common HAI, followed by sepsis/septicemia (0.84%). Patients at high-rate hospitals more often smoked, had diabetes, chronic lung disease, New York Heart Association Functional Classification III to IV, and received blood products (p < 0.001); however, they less often were prescribed the appropriate antibiotics (p < 0.001). Major morbidity and mortality occurred among 12.3% of patients, although this varied by hospital group (low: 8.6%, medium: 12.3%, high: 17.9%; p < 0.001). Substantial hospital-level variation exists in postoperative HAIs among patients undergoing CABG, driven predominantly by pneumonia. Given the relatively small absolute differences in comorbidities across hospital groups, our findings suggest factors other than case mix may explain the observed variation in HAI rates. Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Hierarchy to Pluralism in American High Schools: Changing Patterns in Status Distinctions and Racial Segregation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comas, Jordi, R.; Milner, Murray, Jr.

Previous research on high school status consistently found a status structure characterized by extensive ranking and group salience. This case study, using observations and interviews, documents the emergence of a new pattern: status pluralism. The study was conducted in a medium-sized urban high school of about 1,000 students, who were nearly…

Improving Mathematical Communication Ability and Self Regulation Learning of Junior High Students by Using Reciprocal Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Qohar, Abdul; Sumarmo, Utari

2013-01-01

This paper presents the findings from a posttest experiment control group design by using reciprocal teaching, conducted in Indonesia University of Education to investigate students' ability in mathematical communication and self regulated learning. Subject of the study were 254 of 9th grade students from three junior high schools of high, medium,…

A risk/cost analysis of alternative screening intervals for occupational tuberculosis infection.

PubMed

Nicas, M

1998-02-01

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that new health care employees receive a baseline skin test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) infection and that testing be repeated periodically. However, CDC does not explain the quantitative basis for its suggested screening intervals. This article examines the efficacy of alternative screening intervals for workers subject to different annual rates of M. tb infection and estimates the costs. An equation is developed for the cumulative risk of tuberculosis (TB) at 12 years given a specified annual rate of infection (ARI), screening interval, and a combined proportion (p) of successful skin testing and antibiotic prophylaxis. Equations for total cost of screening and cost per disease case prevented are provided. Results assume: (a) costs of $10 per skin test and $10,000 per TB disease case; (b) p = 0.88; and (c) and acceptable cumulative TB risk of 1 per 1000. For ARIs that might be deemed low (0.2% to 0.5%) and medium (1%), CDC screening intervals of 12 months and 6-12 months, respectively, minimize the cost per disease case prevented but permit residual disease risks greater than 1 per 1000. Recommended screening intervals are (i) 6 months for low-risk employee groups and (ii) 3 months for medium- and high-risk (e.g., ARIs of > or = 5%) groups. Interval (i) limits risk to 1 per 1000 and is approximately 50% shorter than the CDC interval for a low-risk group. Interval (ii), which is 67% shorter than the CDC interval for medium-risk groups but equal to that recommended for high-risk groups, permits a risk above 1 per 1000, but is likely the shortest feasible interval.

[Regulative effects of hydrogen-rich medium on monocytic adhesion and vascular endothelial permeability].

PubMed

Wang, Wei-na; Xie, Ke-liang; Chen, Hong-guang; Han, Huan-zhi; Wang, Guo-lin; Yu, Yong-hao

2013-11-19

To explore the regulative effects of hydrogen-rich medium on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monocytes adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and vascular endothelial permeability in vitro. Endothelial cells were seeded in 6-well plates and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 42 each):control (A), hydrogen-rich medium (B), LPS (C) and LPS+hydrogen-rich medium (D). Cells were cultured in plain culture medium in groups A and C or in hydrogen-saturated culture medium in groups B and D.LPS 1 µg/ml was added into groups C and D.When forming a monolayer, monocytes were added into each group after 6, 12 and 24 h respectively. After a 90-minute co-culturing, adhesion status was detected by Wright-Giemsa stain.Supernatants were collected to detect the concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of VE-cadherin was measured by Western blot. Cells were stained with immunofluorescence to show the distribution of VE-cadherin after a 24-hour incubation. Compared with group A, the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells increased (P < 0.05) in group C, the levels of E-selectin and VCAM-1 became elevated (P < 0.05) while the expression of VE-cadherin decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with group C, adhesion decreased in group D (P < 0.05), the levels of E-selectin and VCAM-1 decreased (P < 0.05) while there was an increased expression of VE-cadherin (P < 0.05). Three timepoints showed the same tendency. The results of 24 h fluorescence indicated that, compared with group A, VE-cadherin was incomplete in cell-cell connections in group C.However it was complete and well-distributed in group D versus group C. Hydrogen-rich medium may reduce the LPS-induced release of adhesion molecules, lessen monocytic adhesion to HUVEC and regulate the expression of VE-cadherin to protect vascular permeability.

A dose-finding, cross-over study to evaluate the effect of a Nestorone®/Estradiol transdermal gel delivery on ovulation suppression in normal ovulating women.

PubMed

Brache, Vivian; Merkatz, Ruth; Kumar, Narender; Jesam, Cristian; Sussman, Heather; Hoskin, Elena; Roberts, Kevin; Alami, Mohcine; Taylor, Deshawn; Jorge, Aidelis; Croxatto, Horacio; Lorange, Ellen; Mishell, Daniel R; Sitruk-Ware, Regine

2015-10-01

This study aims to determine the lowest effective of three Nestorone (NES)/estradiol (E2) transdermal gel doses to ensure ovulation suppression in 90-95% of cycles. This was a randomized, open-label, three-treatment-period cross-over study to evaluate the effects of NES/E2 transdermal gel on ovulation inhibition, suppression of follicular growth and pharmacokinetic parameters. The doses were low (1.5 mg NES/0.5 mg E2), medium (3.0 mg NES/1.0 mg E2) and high (4.5 mg NES/1.5 mg E2). Participants applied gel daily to a fixed area on the abdomen for 21 consecutive days. They were interviewed regarding their experiences using the gel. Eighteen participants were randomized; 16 completed the study. Median NES C(max) values for low, medium and high dose groups at day 21 were 318.6 pmol/L, 783.0 pmol/L and 1063.8 pmol/L, respectively. Median maximum follicular diameter was higher with the lowest dose with 16.2 mm versus 10.0 and 10.4 mm with the medium and high doses, respectively. Among adherent participants, ovulation was inhibited in all dose groups, except for one participant in the medium dose (6.7%) that had luteal activity and an ultrasound image suggestive of a luteinized unruptured follicle. There were few reports of unscheduled bleeding, with more episodes reported for the lower dose. Adverse events were mild, and no skin irritation was reported from gel application. While all three doses blocked ovulation effectively and were evaluated as safe and acceptable, the medium dose was considered the lowest effective dose based on a more adequate suppression of follicular development. Further development of this novel contraceptive delivering NES and E2 is warranted and has potential for improved safety compared to ethinyl-estradiol-based methods. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of BioFM liquid medium for culture of cerebrospinal fluid in tuberculous meningitis to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PubMed

Kashyap, R S; Ramteke, S S; Gaherwar, H M; Deshpande, P S; Purohit, H J; Taori, G M; Daginawala, H

2010-01-01

The present study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of liquid culture medium (BioFM broth) for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF samples from 200 patients (TBM group = 150 and non-TBM group = 50) were tested for culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in BioFM liquid culture medium. Out of 150 TBM cases, 120 were found to be culture positive, indicating a sensitivity of 80% in BioFM broth within 2-3 weeks of inoculation. Positive cultures were also observed for CSF from 32 (64%) out of 50 non-TBM patients in BioFM liquid culture medium within 4 days of sample inoculation. Therefore, according to our study, BioFM broth system yielded 80% sensitivity [95% confidence interval (CI): 67-93%] and 36% specificity (95% CI: 57-98%) for TBM diagnosis. Our results indicate that although BioFM broth allows the detection of positive cultures within a shorter time, it has a high potential for contamination or for the coexistence of M. tuberculosis and non-tuberculous meningitis (NTM). This coexistence may go undetected or potentially lead to erroneous reporting of results.

Effect of Zuogui Pill () on monoamine neurotransmitters and sex hormones in climacteric rats with panic attack.

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Yu; Wang, Xiao-Yun

2017-03-01

To explore the effects of Chinese medicine prescription Zuogui Pill (, ZGP) on monoamine neurotransmitters and sex hormones in climacteric rats with induced panic attacks. Forty-eight climacteric female rats were randomized into 6 groups with 8 rats in each group: the control group, the model group, the low-, medium- and high-dose ZGP groups and the alprazolam group. Rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose ZGP groups were administered 4.725, 9.45, or 18.9 g/kg ZGP by gastric perfusion, respectively. The alprazolam group was treated by gastric perfusion with 0.036 mg/kg alprazolam. The control and model groups were treated with distilled water. The animals were pretreated once daily for 8 consecutive weeks. The behaviors of rats in the open fifield test and the elevated T-maze (ETM) were observed after induced panic attack, and the levels of brain monoamine neurotransmitters and the plasma levels of sex hormones were measured. Compared with the control group, the mean ETM escape time and the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenalin (NE) of the model group were signifificantly reduced (P<0.05), Compared with the model group, the mean ETM escape time and the 5-HT and NE levels of all the ZGP groups increased signifificantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, no signifificant difference was observed in the levels of sex hormones between the groups. Pretreatment with ZGP in climacteric rats may improve the behavior of panic attack, which may be related to increased 5-HT and NE in the brain.

Intravenous Single Dose Toxicity of Sweet Bee Venom in Sprague-Dawley Rats

PubMed Central

Lee, Kwang-Ho; Yu, JunSang; Sun, Seungho; Kwon, KiRok

2015-01-01

Objectives: Anaphylactic shock can be fatal to people who become hypersensitive when bee venom pharmacopuncture (BVP) is used. Thus, sweet bee venom (SBV) was developed to reduce these allergic responses. SBV is almost pure melittin, and SBV has been reported to have fewer allergic responses than BVP. BVP has been administered only into acupoints or intramuscularly, but we thought that intravenous injection might be possible if SBV were shown to be a safe medium. The aim of this study is to evaluate the intravenous injection toxicity of SBV through a single-dose test in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: Male and female 6-week-old SD rats were injected intravenously with SBV (high dosage: 1.0 mL/animal; medium dosage: 0.5 mL/animal; low dosage: 0.1 mL/animal). Normal saline was injected into the control group in a similar method. We conducted clinical observations, body weight measurements, and hematology, biochemistry, and histological observations. Results: No death was observed in any of the experimental groups. Hyperemia was observed in the high and the medium dosage groups on the injection day, but from next day, no general symptoms were observed in any of the experimental groups. No significant changes due to intravenous SBV injection were observed in the weights, in the hematology, biochemistry, and histological observations, and in the local tolerance tests. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that the lethal dose of SBV is over 1.0 mL/animal in SD rats and that the intravenous injection of SBV is safe in SD rats. PMID:26389001

Processing Mechanisms for Interstellar Ices: Connections to the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pendleton, Y. J.; Cuzzi, Jeffrey N. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

The organic component of the interstellar medium, which has revealed itself through the ubiquitous 3.4 micrometers hydrocarbon absorption feature, is widespread throughout the disk of our galaxy and has been attributed to dust grains residing in the diffuse interstellar medium. The absorption band positions near 3.4 micrometers are characteristic of C-H stretching vibrations in the -CH3 and -CH2- groups of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons associated with perturbing chemical groups. The production of complex molecules is thought to occur within dense molecular clouds when ice-mantled grains are processed by various energetic mechanisms. Studies of the processing of interstellar ices and the subsequent production of organic residues have relevance to studies of ices in the solar system, because primitive, icy solar system bodies such as those in the Kuiper belt are likely reservoirs of organic material, either preserved from the interstellar medium or produced in situ. Connections between the interstellar medium and the early solar nebula have long been a source of interest. A comparison of the interstellar organics and the Murchison meteorite illustrates the importance of probing the interstellar connection to the solar system, because although the carbonaceous meteorites are undoubtedly highly processed, they do retain specific interstellar signatures (such as diamonds, SiC grains, graphite and enriched D/H). The organic component, while not proven interstellar, has a remarkable similarity to the interstellar organics observed in over a dozen sightlines through our galaxy. This paper compares spectra from laboratory organics produced through the processing of interstellar ice analog materials with the high resolution infrared observations of the interstellar medium in order to investigate the mechanisms (such as ion bombardment, plasma processing, and UV photolysis) that may be producing the organics in the ISM.

Promoting Physical Activity among Sedentary Women Using Pedometers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sidman, Cara L.; Corbin, Charles B.; Le Masurier, Guy

2004-01-01

Sedentary women (n=92) classified as low (L), medium (M), and high (H) in baseline step counts and assigned to 10,000-step goal (TSG) and personal step goal (PSG) groups (within levels) were compared on goal attainment and step counts. A significant interaction for goal attainment, F(2, 86)=4.51, p=.014, indicated that the L group was…

Association study between mannose-binding lectin haplotypes and X gene mutation of hepatitis B virus from treatment naïve patients.

PubMed

Su, Chenghao; Lin, Yong; Mao, Qianguo; Wu, Daitze; Zhu, Lina; Najera, Isabel; Garcia-Alcalde, Fernando; Niu, Jianjun

2016-11-07

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) plays important role in the innate immunity of human. Mutations in the MBL2 gene can significantly change the serum level of MBL, and consequently alter the susceptibility and progression of infectious disease. However, the association between the MBL2 profile and the HBV mutation and quasispecies complexity has not yet been reported. Our approach includes the study of the MBL2 gene genotype as well as ultra-deep sequencing of the HBV viruses obtained from the plasma of 50 treatment naïve patients with chronic HBV infection. We found that the liver function was better among patients within the high MBL2 group with respect to those within the medium/low MBL2 group. Likewise, the number of mutations in the HBV X gene as well as the viral quasispecies complexity were significantly higher in medium/low MBL2 production group. Nucleotide substitution rates were also higher within the medium/low MBL2 production group in all positions described to have an influence in liver cancer development, except for A1499G. In this work we show that the MBL2 profile may have an impact on the HBV X gene mutations as well as on viral quasispecies complexity.

Usefulness of organic acid produced by Exiguobacterium sp. 12/1 on neutralization of alkaline wastewater.

PubMed

Kulshreshtha, Niha Mohan; Kumar, Anil; Bisht, Gopal; Pasha, Santosh; Kumar, Rita

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of organic acids produced by Exiguobacterium sp. strain 12/1 (DSM 21148) in neutralization of alkaline wastewater emanated from beverage industry. This bacterium is known to be able to grow in medium of pH as high as pH 12.0 and to neutralize alkaline industrial wastewater from pH 12.0 to pH 7.5. The initial investigation on the type of functional groups present in medium, carried out using FT-IR spectroscopy, revealed the presence of peaks corresponding to carbonyl group and hydroxyl group, suggesting the release of carboxylic acid or related metabolic product(s). The identification of specific carboxylic group, carried out using RP-HPLC, revealed the presence of a single peak in the culture supernatant with retention time most similar to formic acid. The concentration of acid produced on different carbon sources was studied as a function of time. Although acid was present in same final concentration, the rate of acid production was highest in case of medium supplemented with sucrose followed by fructose and glucose. The knowledge of metabolic products of the bacterium can be considered as a first step towards realization of its potential for large-scale bioremediation of alkaline wastewater from beverage industry.

Usefulness of Organic Acid Produced by Exiguobacterium sp. 12/1 on Neutralization of Alkaline Wastewater

PubMed Central

Kulshreshtha, Niha Mohan; Kumar, Anil; Bisht, Gopal; Pasha, Santosh; Kumar, Rita

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of organic acids produced by Exiguobacterium sp. strain 12/1 (DSM 21148) in neutralization of alkaline wastewater emanated from beverage industry. This bacterium is known to be able to grow in medium of pH as high as pH 12.0 and to neutralize alkaline industrial wastewater from pH 12.0 to pH 7.5. The initial investigation on the type of functional groups present in medium, carried out using FT-IR spectroscopy, revealed the presence of peaks corresponding to carbonyl group and hydroxyl group, suggesting the release of carboxylic acid or related metabolic product(s). The identification of specific carboxylic group, carried out using RP-HPLC, revealed the presence of a single peak in the culture supernatant with retention time most similar to formic acid. The concentration of acid produced on different carbon sources was studied as a function of time. Although acid was present in same final concentration, the rate of acid production was highest in case of medium supplemented with sucrose followed by fructose and glucose. The knowledge of metabolic products of the bacterium can be considered as a first step towards realization of its potential for large-scale bioremediation of alkaline wastewater from beverage industry. PMID:22666107

Growth Performance, Mineral Digestibility, and Blood Characteristics of Ostriches Receiving Drinking Water Supplemented with Varying Levels of Chelated Trace Mineral Complex.

PubMed

Seyfori, Hossein; Ghasemi, Hossein Ali; Hajkhodadadi, Iman; Nazaran, Mohammad Hassan; Hafizi, Maryam

2018-05-01

The effects of water supplementation of chelated trace minerals (CTM, which is named Bonzaplex designed with chelate compounds technology) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of minerals, and some blood metabolites, TM, and antioxidant enzyme values in African ostriches were investigated from 8 to 12 months of age. A total of 20 8-month-old ostriches (five birds in five replicate pens) was randomly allocated into one of the following four treatments: (1) control (basal diet + tap water), (2) low CTM (basal diet +100 mg/bird/day CTM powder in tap water), (3) medium CTM (basal diet +1 g/bird/day CTM powder in tap water), and (4) high CTM (basal diet +2 g/bird/day CTM powder in tap water). Compared with control, medium CTM improved (P < 0.05) daily weight gain and ATTD of phosphorous, zinc, and copper in 12-month-old ostriches. Furthermore, the feed conversion ratio was lower, and ATTD of magnesium was higher in the medium- and high-CTM groups than that in the control group (P < 0.05). At the end of the trial, ostriches receiving high-CTM treatment exhibited the lower (P < 0.05) serum triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and higher copper levels compared to those of the control treatment. Supplementation of higher amounts of CTM (medium and high CTM) also increased the activity of serum superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05). No differences were detected for other blood parameters including glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, iron, magnesium, and glutathione peroxidase values. In conclusion, supplementation of CTM at the level of 1 g/bird/day to the drinking water can be recommended for improving growth performance, mineral absorption, and antioxidant status of ostriches fed diets containing the recommended levels of inorganic TM.

Addition of sphingosine-1-phosphate to human oocyte culture medium decreases embryo fragmentation.

PubMed

Hannoun, Antoine; Ghaziri, Ghina; Abu Musa, Antoine; Zreik, Tony G; Hajameh, Fatiha; Awwad, Johnny

2010-03-01

Apoptosis is implicated in the fragmentation of preimplantation mammalian embryos, yet the extent of this association remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a known anti-apoptotic substance, to reduce the fragmentation rate of human preimplantation embryos when added to their culture microenvironment. Mature human oocytes were inseminated using intracytoplasmic sperm injection, incubated for 3 days and evaluated for embryo quality and fragmentation by the same embryologist. Oocytes in the study group were manipulated and cultured in culture medium supplemented with S1P to a 20 micromol/l concentration. A total of 46 patients donated 177 mature oocytes for the study group and 546 oocytes for the control group. The fertilization rate was significantly lower in the S1P-supplemented group (52.4% versus 67.3%; P=0.002) and the proportion of grade I embryos with less than 15% fragmentation was significantly higher in the same group (79.5% versus 53.9%; P<0.0001). Sphingosine-1-phosphate added to the culture medium of human preimplantation embryos is associated with a significantly lower fragmentation rate and hence better quality embryos. The clinical significance of these findings on reproductive outcome remains highly speculative awaiting further studies to translate this improvement in embryo quality into better pregnancy rates. Copyright 2009 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carcinogenicity of antioxidants BHA, caffeic acid, sesamol, 4-methoxyphenol and catechol at low doses, either alone or in combination, and modulation of their effects in a rat medium-term multi-organ carcinogenesis model.

PubMed

Hirose, M; Takesada, Y; Tanaka, H; Tamano, S; Kato, T; Shirai, T

1998-01-01

The carcinogenicity of low dietary levels of the antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), caffeic acid, sesamol, 4-methoxyphenol (4-MP) and catechol, known to target the forestomach or glandular stomach, were examined alone or in combination in a 2-year long-term experiment and their modifying effects assessed in a medium-term multiorgan model. In the carcinogenicity study, groups of 30-31 male F344 rats were treated with 0.4% BHA, 0.4% caffeic acid, 0.4% sesamol, 0.4% 4-MP and 0.16% catechol either alone or in combination for up to 104 weeks and then killed. In the medium-term multi-organ model, groups of 10 to 15 male F344 rats were given diethylnitrosamine (DEN), N-methylnitrosourea (MNU), 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) and 2,2'-dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine (DHPN) for a total multiple initiation period of 4 weeks (DMBDD treatment). BHA, caffeic acid, sesamol and 4-MP, each at doses of 0.4% or 0.08%, and catechol at doses of 0.16% or 0.032% were administered in the diet either alone or in combination after completion of the initiation regimen. All surviving animals were killed at the end of week 28, and major organs were examined histopathologically. In the carcinogenicity study, slightly increased incidences of forestomach papillomas were found in the sesamol- (15.8%), caffeic acid- (14.8%), catechol- (3%) and 4-MP- (11.5%) treated groups as compared with basal diet (0%), and a significant increase was observed with the five antioxidants in combination (42.9%, P < 0.001). In a medium-term multiorgan carcinogenesis model, incidences of forestomach papillomas and/or carcinomas were increased in each high dose group, but additive or synergistic effects were not found in the combination group. In the low dose case, the incidence of forestomach papillomas was significantly increased only in the combination group. With regard to other organs, the incidence of colon tumors was significantly decreased only in the high dose combination group. The results indicate that even at low dose levels phenolic compounds can exert additive/synergistic effect on carcinogenesis.

Clinical factors affecting inspired gas humidification and oral dryness during noninvasive ventilation.

PubMed

Oto, Jun; Imanaka, Hideaki; Nishimura, Masaji

2011-10-01

Oral dryness is a common complication during noninvasive ventilation (NIV). We measured the oral dryness of patients and performed a bench study to investigate factors related to humidification during NIV. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: medium (Med group) and maximum (Max group) heated humidifier (HH) settings. Oral moistness was measured using an oral moisture-checking device, and the feeling of oral dryness was evaluated using a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale (NRS) at 0, 12, and 24 hours from the beginning of NIV and at 12 and 24 hours after NIV was discontinued. A bench study was performed to assess the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), the fraction of inspired oxygen (F(I)O(2)), and air leaks on absolute humidity. We evaluated 3 HH settings: no HH, HH at the medium setting, and HH at the maximum setting. The temperature in the outlet chamber was 31°C to 32°C for the medium HH setting and 38°C to 41°C for the maximum HH setting. In the clinical study, 12 patients were assigned to the Med group and 11 to the Max group. In the Med group, oral moistness decreased and NRS increased at 12 and 24 hours compared with 0 hours (P < .05). In the Max group, neither the oral moistness nor the NRS changed throughout the study period, whereas in the bench study, high F(I)O(2), high PEEP, and air leak decreased the absolute humidity for both HH settings (P < .01). However, it is not clear to what extent these factors affected the patients' oral dryness because the ranges of F(I)O(2) and PEEP were narrow. Oral dryness was a common problem in our patients. The HH setting significantly affected humidification and oral dryness during NIV. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness and safety of valsartan in children aged 6 to 16 years with hypertension.

PubMed

Wells, Thomas; Blumer, Jeffrey; Meyers, Kevin E C; Neto, Jose P R; Meneses, Rejane; Litwin, Mieczysław; Vande Walle, Johan; Solar-Yohay, Susan; Shi, Victor; Han, Guangyang

2011-05-01

The effectiveness and safety of valsartan have not been assessed in hypertensive children. Therefore, hypertensive patients aged 6 to 16 years (n=261) were randomized to receive weight-stratified low- (10/20 mg), medium- (40/80 mg), or high-dose (80/160 mg) valsartan for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, patients were randomized to a 2-week placebo-controlled withdrawal phase. Dose-dependent reductions in sitting systolic blood pressure (SSBP) and sitting diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) were observed after 2 weeks (low dose, -7.9/-4.6 mm Hg; medium dose, -9.6/-5.8 mm Hg; high dose, -11.5/-7.4 mm Hg [P<.0001 for all groups]). During the withdrawal phase, SSBP and SDBP were both lower in the pooled valsartan group than in the pooled placebo group (SSBP, -2.7 mm Hg [P=.0368]; SDBP, -3.0 mm Hg [P=.0047]). Similar efficacy was observed in all subgroups. Valsartan was well tolerated and headache was the most commonly observed adverse event during both the double-blind and 52-week open-label phases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Safety and tolerability of different titration rates of retigabine (ezogabine) in patients with partial-onset seizures.

PubMed

Biton, Victor; Gil-Nagel, Antonio; Brodie, Martin J; Derossett, Sarah E; Nohria, Virinder

2013-11-01

Retigabine (RTG; international nonproprietary name)/ezogabine (EZG; US adopted name) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) that prolongs neuronal voltage-gated potassium-channel KCNQ2-5 (Kv 7.2-7.5) opening. This double-blind study evaluated different RTG/EZG dose-titration rates. Patients (N=73) with partial-onset seizures receiving concomitant AEDs were randomized to one of three titration groups, all of which were initiated at RTG/EZG 300mg/day divided into three equal doses. Fast-, medium-, and slow-titration groups received dose increments of 150mg/day every 2, 4, and 7 days, respectively, achieving the target dose of 1200mg/day after 13, 25, and 43 days, respectively. Safety assessments were performed throughout. Discontinuation rates due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were numerically higher in the fast- (10/23) and medium- (7/22) titration groups than in the slow-titration group (3/23) but statistical significance was achieved only for the high-titration group compared with the low-titration group (p=0.024). Stratified analysis, with concomitant AEDs divided into enzyme inducers (carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxcarbazepine) or noninducers, showed that the risk of discontinuation due primarily to TEAEs was significantly higher in the fast- (p=0.010) but not in the medium-titration group (p=0.078) when compared with the slow-titration group. Overall, the slow-titration rate appeared to be best tolerated and was used in further efficacy and safety studies with RTG/EZG. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Poverty and childhood cancer incidence in the United States.

PubMed

Pan, I-Jen; Daniels, Julie L; Zhu, Kangmin

2010-07-01

This study examined socioeconomic differentials in cancer incidence rates during 2000-2005 among children aged 0-19 in the United States. The data on childhood cancers, which were classified by the International Classification of Childhood Cancer, Third Edition (ICCC-3), were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The socioeconomic status of residential area at diagnosis was estimated by county-level poverty rate in Census 2000, i.e., percentage of persons in the county living below the national poverty thresholds. Counties were categorized as low-, medium-, and high-poverty areas when the poverty rates were <10, 10-19.99, and 20% or higher, respectively. The results showed that medium- and high-poverty counties had lower age-adjusted incidence rates than low-poverty counties for total childhood cancers combined, central nervous system neoplasms (ICCC group III), neuroblastoma (group IV), renal tumors (group VI), and other malignant epithelial neoplasms and malignant melanomas (group XI). When the data were stratified by race, these associations were observed among whites, but not blacks. For leukemia (group I), poor counties had higher incidence rates than affluent counties for whites, but lower rates for blacks. This ecologic study provides perspective on area socioeconomic variations in childhood cancer incidence that warrants further research.

Relationship of metabolic alkalosis, azotemia and morbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypercapnia.

PubMed

Ucgun, Irfan; Oztuna, Funda; Dagli, Canan Eren; Yildirim, Huseyin; Bal, Cengiz

2008-01-01

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, but the effect of metabolic compensation of respiratory acidosis (RA) on mortality is not fully understood. To investigate the relationship between metabolic compensation and mortality in COPD patients with RA. We prospectively investigated all COPD patients with RA admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit between February 2001 and March 2007. Two hundred and thirteen patients (159 male, 54 female; mean age 65 +/- 10.8 years) were divided into three groups (71 patients each) according to base excess (BE) levels: (1) low BE, (2) medium BE, and (3) high BE. H(+) concentration was calculated according to their standard formula and BE was calculated according to the Van Slyke equation. The overall mortality rate was 24.9%. The group mortality rates were 32, 17 and 25% in the low, medium and high BE groups, respectively (p = 0.001). When patients were divided into three groups according to the HCO(3)(-) levels, the group mortality rate was 59.1% in the low HCO(3)(-) group and 19.8% in the high HCO(3)(-) group. Based on univariate analysis, six factors affecting mortality were identified. However, multivariate analysis showed that the levels of serum HCO(3)(-) (p = 0.013; OR: 0.552; CI: 0.345-0.882) and creatinine (p = 0.019; OR: 2.114; CI: 1.132-3.949) had an independent effect. In patients with COPD exacerbation and hypercapnia, the development of sufficient metabolic compensation and adequate renal function significantly decreases mortality. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Stimulation of insulin secretion by medium-chain triglycerides in patients with cirrhosis 1

PubMed Central

McCullough, Frank S.; Tzagournis, Manuel; Greenberger, Norton J.; Linscheer, Willem G.

1971-01-01

Oral medium-chain triglycerides were given to 10 normal volunteers, 12 cirrhotics (group I) without and 28 cirrhotics (group II) with abnormal portal systemic communications (ascites, splenomegaly, oesophageal varices, or surgically-created portacaval shunts). After 30 ml of medium-chain triglyceride oil there was no appreciable change in serum glucose levels in any of the three groups nor in serum insulin levels in the normals and in cirrhotics in group I. However, there was a significant increase in serum insulin levels in the cirrhotic patients in group II. It is suggested that the rise in serum insulin levels after medium-chain triglycerides noted in the cirrhotics with shunts is due to shunting of insulin-containing portal blood around the liver (anatomical shunts) and to a diminished hepatic cell mass capable of extracting insulin (functional shunt). This differential response of serum insulin levels to medium-chain triglycerides may prove to be of value in detecting the presence of abnormal portal systemic communications in cirrhotic patients. PMID:5548559

Efficiency of the Self Adjusting File, WaveOne, Reciproc, ProTaper and hand files in root canal debridement.

PubMed

Topcu, K Meltem; Karatas, Ertugrul; Ozsu, Damla; Ersoy, Ibrahim

2014-07-01

The aim of this study was to compare the canal debridement capabilities of three single file systems, ProTaper, and K-files in oval-shaped canals. Seventy-five extracted human mandibular central incisors with oval-shaped root canals were selected. A radiopaque contrast medium (Metapex; Meta Biomed Co. Ltd., Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea) was introduced into the canal systems and the self-adjusting file (SAF), WaveOne, Reciproc, ProTaper, and K-files were used for the instrumentation of the canals. The percentage of removed contrast medium was calculated using pre- and post-operative radiographs. An overall comparison between the groups revealed that the hand file (HF) and SAF groups presented the lowest percentage of removed contrast medium, whereas the WaveOne group showed the highest percentage (P < 0.001). The ProTaper group removed more contrast medium than the SAF and HF groups (P < 0.05). None of the instruments was able to remove the contrast medium completely. WaveOne performed significantly better than other groups.

Efficiency of the Self Adjusting File, WaveOne, Reciproc, ProTaper and hand files in root canal debridement

PubMed Central

Topcu, K. Meltem; Karatas, Ertugrul; Ozsu, Damla; Ersoy, Ibrahim

2014-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the canal debridement capabilities of three single file systems, ProTaper, and K-files in oval-shaped canals. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five extracted human mandibular central incisors with oval-shaped root canals were selected. A radiopaque contrast medium (Metapex; Meta Biomed Co. Ltd., Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea) was introduced into the canal systems and the self-adjusting file (SAF), WaveOne, Reciproc, ProTaper, and K-files were used for the instrumentation of the canals. The percentage of removed contrast medium was calculated using pre- and post-operative radiographs. Results: An overall comparison between the groups revealed that the hand file (HF) and SAF groups presented the lowest percentage of removed contrast medium, whereas the WaveOne group showed the highest percentage (P < 0.001). The ProTaper group removed more contrast medium than the SAF and HF groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: None of the instruments was able to remove the contrast medium completely. WaveOne performed significantly better than other groups. PMID:25202211

Metacognitive Skills, Academic Success and Exam Anxiety as the Predictors of Psychological Well-Being

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Isgör, Isa Yücel

2016-01-01

The purpose of this research was to investigate the predicting effect of high school students' metacognitive skills, exam anxiety and academic success levels upon their psychological well-being in a provincial center with a medium-scale population in Eastern Anatolian Region. The research group included totally 251 high school students including…

Enhanced binding by dextran-grafting to Protein A affinity chromatographic media.

PubMed

Zhao, Lan; Zhu, Kai; Huang, Yongdong; Li, Qiang; Li, Xiunan; Zhang, Rongyue; Su, Zhiguo; Wang, Qibao; Ma, Guanghui

2017-04-01

Dextran-grafted Protein A affinity chromatographic medium was prepared by grafting dextran to agarose-based matrix, followed by epoxy-activation and Protein A coupling site-directed to sulfhydryl groups of cysteine molecules. An enhancement of both the binding performance and the stability was achieved for this dextran-grafted Protein A chromatographic medium. Its dynamic binding capacity was 61 mg immunoglobulin G/mL suction-dried gel, increased by 24% compared with that of the non-grafted medium. The binding capacity of dextran-grafted medium decreased about 7% after 40 cleaning-in-place cycles, much lower than that of the non-grafted medium as decreased about 15%. Confocal laser scanning microscopy results showed that immunoglobulin G was bound to both the outside and the inside of dextran-grafted medium faster than that of non-grafted one. Atomic force microscopy showed that this dextran-grafted Protein A medium had much rougher surface with a vertical coordinate range of ±80 nm, while that of non-grafted one was ±10 nm. Grafted dextran provided a more stereo surface morphology and immunoglobulin G molecules were more easily to be bound. This high-performance dextran-grafted Protein A affinity chromatographic medium has promising applications in large-scale antibody purification. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[The establishment of the arsenic poisoning rats model caused by corn flour baked by high-arsenic coal].

PubMed

Yao, Mao-lin; Zhang, Ai-hua; Yu, Chun; Xu, Yu-yan; Hu, Yong; Xiao, Ting-ting; Wang, Lei

2013-09-01

To establish coal arsenic poisoning rat model by feeding the rats with the corn powder baked by high arsenic coal as the main raw material. Fifty Wistar rats, healthy, were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the figures of their weights, including control group, drinking arsenic poisoning water group, low, medium and high arsenic contaminated grain group, 10 rats for each.Rats in control group and drinking arsenic poisoning water group were fed with standard feed without any arsenic containing. Rats in water group would drink 100 mg/L As2O3 solution and the rats in arsenic grain groups would be fed with the arsenic contaminated grain at the dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The duration would last for 3 months.General situation and weight were observed. At the same time, the arsenic contents of urine, hair, liver and kidney of the rats in each group were detected, as well as the histopathology changes of liver and kidney, and the ultra structure of liver was observed. The arsenic contents of urine (median(min-max)) of the rats in the arsenic water group, low, medium and high arsenic grain groups were separately 3055.59 (722.43-6389.05), 635.96(367.85-1551.31), 1453.84 (593.27-5302.94) and 3101.11 (666.64-6858.61) µg/g Cr; while the arsenic contents of hair of the rats in the above groups were separately (23.07 ± 10.38), (8.87 ± 3.31), (12.43 ± 6.65) and (25.68 ± 7.16) µg/g; the arsenic contents of liver of the rats in the above groups were separately (5.68 ± 3.13), (2.64 ± 1.52), (3.89 ± 1.76) and (5.34 ± 2.78) µg/g; and the arsenic contents of kidney were separately (6.90 ± 1.94), (3.48 ± 1.96), (5.03 ± 2.08) and (7.02 ± 1.62) µg/g; which were all significantly higher than those in the control group (86.70 (49.71-106.104) µg/g Cr,(1.28 ± 0.37) µg/g, (1.01 ± 0.34) µg/g and (1.82 ± 1.09) µg/g, respectively). The difference showed significance (P < 0.05). Under electron microscope detection, we observed the reduction of mitochondrial, the blurred mitochondrial cristae, some disappeared ridges, the reduced rough endoplasmic reticulum, and irregular uneven nuclear in the liver cells of rats in arsenic contaminated grain group. The contents of aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bile acid (TBA) in medium and high arsenic contaminated grain group were respectively (196.17 ± 46.18), (212.40 ± 35.14) U/L and (11.74 ± 4.07), (19.19 ± 4.68)µmol/L, which were higher than it in the control group (separately (143.10 ± 29.13) U/L and (6.23 ± 2.95)µmol/L). The contents of glutathione-S-transferases(GST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)in high arsenic contaminated grain group were separately (196.21 ± 47.38)U/L, (1.71 ± 0.66)U/L, (9.54 ± 1.95)mmol/L, which were higher than that in the control group ((134.93 ± 24.80 )U/L, (0.75 ± 0.36)U/L, (7.67 ± 1.02)mmol/L, respectively). The contents of cholinesterase (CHE) in low, medium and high arsenic contaminated grain group were separately (259.90 ± 52.71)U/L, (263.44 ± 66.06)U/L and (244.90 ± 36.14)U/L, the contents of total protein(TP) in rats of high arsenic contaminated grain group were (62.64 ± 5.50)g/L, which was all lower than that in the control group ((448.33 ± 59.67)U/L, (69.38 ± 4.24)g/L, respectively). The contents of TBA in high arsenic contaminated grain group ( (19.19 ± 4.68) µmol/L) was higher than that in drinking water arsenic poisoning group ((15.15 ± 2.64)µmol/L). The differences of the above indexes were all significant (P < 0.05). The results showed the arsenic poisoning rat model produced by coal-burning were successfully established.

Detection of mast cell secretion by using surface enhanced Raman scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Juan; Li, Ren; Zheng, Liqin; Wang, Yuhua; Xie, Shusen; Lin, Juqiang

2016-10-01

Acupuncture can cause a remarkable increase in degranulation of the mast cells, which has attracted the interest of researchers since the 1980s. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) could obtain biochemical information with high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, SERS was used to detect the degree of degranulation of mast cells according to different incubate time. Mast cells was incubated with culture medium for 0 h, 12 h and 24 h, then centrifuge the culture medium, decant the supernatant, and discard the mast cell. SERS was performed to obtain the biochemical fingerprinting signatures of the centrifuged medium. The spectra data are then analyzed by spectral peaks attribution and the principal component analysis (PCA). The measured Raman spectra of the two groups were separated well by PCA. It indicated that mast cells had secreted some substances into cultured medium though degranulation did not happen.

The Effect of Information Level on Human-Agent Interaction for Route Planning

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

13 Fig. 4 Experiment 1 shows regression results for time spent at DP predicting posttest trust group membership for the high LOI...decision time by pretest trust group membership. Bars denote standard error (SE). DT at DP was evaluated to see if it predicted posttest trust... group . Linear regression indicated that DT at DP was not a significant predictor of posttest trust for the Low or the Medium LOI conditions; however, it

Multi-crystalline II-VI based multijunction solar cells and modules

DOEpatents

Hardin, Brian E.; Connor, Stephen T.; Groves, James R.; Peters, Craig H.

2015-06-30

Multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells and methods for fabrication of same are disclosed herein. A multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cell includes a first photovoltaic sub-cell comprising silicon, a tunnel junction, and a multi-crystalline second photovoltaic sub-cell. A plurality of the multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells can be interconnected to form low cost, high throughput flat panel, low light concentration, and/or medium light concentration photovoltaic modules or devices.

[Effect of cisplatin on the expression of Pokemon gene: experiment with different human lung cancer cells].

PubMed

Zhao, Zhi-Hong; Wang, Sheng-Fa; Yu, Liang; Wang, Ju; Cong, De-Gang; Chang, Hao; Wang, Xue-Feng; Zhang, Tie-Wa; Zhang, Jian; Fu, Kai; Jiang, Jiu-Yang

2008-04-29

To investigate the correlation between Pokemon gene and cisplatin mechanism. Human lung adenocarcinoma cells of the lines A549 and AGZY83-a, human lung squamous carcinoma cells of the line HE-99, and human giant cell lung cancer cells of the line 95D were cultured and cisplatin was added into the medium. Other lung cancer cells of the above mentioned lines were cultured in the medium without cisplatin and were used as control groups. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Pokemon. Pokemon mRNA and protein were expressed highly in all the 4 cell lines. The Pokemon gene expression did not changed significantly after cisplatin treatment groups. There were not significant differences in the mRNA and protein expression of Pokemon among the 4 experiment groups and the control groups (all P > 0.05). Cisplatin has no effect on the Pokemon gene expression of the human lung cancer cells.

New results for temperature rise in gain medium of operating DPAL causing its degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhdanov, B. V.; Rotondaro, M. D.; Shaffer, M. K.; Knize, R. J.

2017-10-01

Diode Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL) is one of the main candidates for development of a high power directed energy system producing laser beam from a single aperture with high spatial quality. Currently, several groups in the US and abroad demonstrated DPAL systems with kW level output power and efficiency higher than 50%. At the same time, the DPAL power scaling experiments revealed some limiting effects, which require detailed study to understand the nature of these effects and ways to mitigate them. Examples of such effects are output power degradation in time, alkali cell windows and gain medium contamination and damage that causes lasing efficiency decrease or even lasing termination. These problems can be connected to thermal effects, ionization, chemical interactions between the gain medium components and alkali cells materials. Study of all these and, possibly, other limiting effects and ways to mitigate them is very important for high power DPAL development. In this paper we present our new results of experiments on measurements of the temperature rise in the gain medium of operating DPAL leading to the output power degradation even before visible damage in the gain cell occurs. This degradation can be both recoverable and non-recoverable, depending on operation conditions and the system design.

Comparative Difficulty of Verbs and Other Words in a Beginning Reading Vocabulary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bean, Rita M.; Crouse, Russell

A study was conducted to determine if verbs were learned as easily as other words by primary school children. One hundred eight kindergarten children were divided into high, medium, and low I.Q. ranges and each range group was further divided--one group for each of three testing methods at each intelligence level. A list of words including 25…

Learning Excitement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sudore, Gail M.

1987-01-01

Provides directions for 18 environmental activities/concepts for adventure programming including games (clam free, habitat lap sit, spirals); warm-ups/stretches (bug tug, stork stretch); trust builders/group initiatives (willow in wind, opossum ferry); low elements (all aboard, trolley); medium elements (rebirth, tire on pole); and high elements…

High-Performance Medium- & Heavy-Duty Vehicles | Transportation Research |

Science.gov Websites

, as is a range of charging technology options. A study compared a wireless-power-transfer-enabled plug , and Doug DeVoto of NREL's Power Electronics and Electric Machines research group were part of the

Toxicity features of high glucose on endothelial cell cycle and protection by Dan Gua-Fang in ECV-304 in high glucose medium.

PubMed

Heng, Xian-Pei; Chen, Ke-Ji; Hong, Zhen-Feng; He, Wei-Dong; Chu, Ke-Dan; Lin, Jiu-Mao; Zheng, Hai-Xia; Yang, Liu-Qing; Huang, Su-Ping; Lan, Yuan-Long; Chen, Ling; Guo, Fang

2013-08-01

To study the toxicity features of high glucose on the endothelial cell cycle and the influence of Dan Gua-Fang, a Chinese herbal compound prescription, on the reproductive cycle of vascular endothelial cells cultivated under a high glucose condition; to reveal the partial mechanisms of Dan Gua-Fang in the prevention and treatment of endothelial injury caused by hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM); and offer a reference for dealing with the vascular complications of DM patients with long-term high blood glucose. Based on the previous 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (z-y1)-3-5-diphenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) experiment, under different medium concentrations of glucose and Dangua liquor, the endothelial cells of vein-304 (ECV-304) were divided into 6 groups as follows: standard culture group (Group A, 5.56 mmol/L glucose); 1/300 herb-standard group (Group B); high glucose culture group (Group C, 16.67 mmol/L glucose); 1/150 herb-high glucose group (Group D); 1/300 herb-high glucose group (Group E); and 1/600 herb-high glucose group (Group F). The cell cycle was assayed using flow cytometry after cells were cultivated for 36, 72 and 108 h, respectively. (1) The percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase was significantly increased in Group C compared with that in Group A (P<0.05), while the percentage of S-phase (S%) cells in Group C was significantly reduced compared with Group A (P<0.05); the latter difference was dynamically related to the length of growing time of the endothelial cells in a high glucose environment. (2) The S% cells in Group A was decreased by 30.25% (from 40.23% to 28.06%) from 36 h to 72 h, and 12.33% (from 28.06% to 24.60%) from 72 h to 108 h; while in Group C, the corresponding decreases were 23.05% and 21.87%, respectively. The difference of S% cells between the two groups reached statistical significance at 108 h (P<0.05). (3) The percentage difference of cells in the G2/M phase between Group C and Group A was statistically significant at 72 h (P<0.01). (4) 1/300 Dan Gua-Fang completely reversed the harmful effect caused by 16.67 mmol/L high glucose on the cell cycle; moreover it did not disturb the cell cycle when the cell was cultivated in a glucose concentration of 5.56 mmol/L. High glucose produces an independent impact on the cell cycle. Persistent blocking of the cell cycle and its arrest at the G0/G1 phase are toxic effects of high glucose on the endothelial cell cycle. The corresponding variation of the arrest appears in the S phase. 1/300 Dan Gua-Fang completely eliminates the blockage of high glucose on the endothelial cell cycle.

GIS-based identification of areas with mineral resource potential for six selected deposit groups, Bureau of Land Management Central Yukon Planning Area, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, James V.; Karl, Susan M.; Labay, Keith A.; Shew, Nora B.; Granitto, Matthew; Hayes, Timothy S.; Mauk, Jeffrey L.; Schmidt, Jeanine M.; Todd, Erin; Wang, Bronwen; Werdon, Melanie B.; Yager, Douglas B.

2015-01-01

This study has used a data-driven, geographic information system (GIS)-based method for evaluating the mineral resource potential across the large region of the CYPA. This method systematically and simultaneously analyzes geoscience data from multiple geospatially referenced datasets and uses individual subwatersheds (12-digit hydrologic unit codes or HUCs) as the spatial unit of classification. The final map output indicates an estimated potential (high, medium, low) for a given mineral deposit group and indicates the certainty (high, medium, low) of that estimate for any given subwatershed (HUC). Accompanying tables describe the data layers used in each analysis, the values assigned for specific analysis parameters, and the relative weighting of each data layer that contributes to the estimated potential and certainty determinations. Core datasets used include the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Geochemical Database (AGDB2), the Alaska Division of Geologic and Geophysical Surveys Web-based geochemical database, data from an anticipated USGS geologic map of Alaska, and the USGS Alaska Resource Data File. Map plates accompanying this report illustrate the mineral prospectivity for the six deposit groups across the CYPA and estimates of mineral resource potential. There are numerous areas, some of them large, rated with high potential for one or more of the selected deposit groups within the CYPA.

Improvement in surface fatigue life of hardened gears by high-intensity shot peening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Dennis P.

1992-04-01

Two groups of carburized, hardened, and ground spur gears that were manufactured from the same heat vacuum induction melted vacuum arc melted (VIM VAR) AISI 9310 steel were endurance tested for surface fatigue. Both groups were manufactured with a standard ground 16 rms surface finish. One group was subjected to a shot peening (SP) intensity of 7 to 9A, and the second group was subjected to a SP intensity of 15 to 17A. All gears were honed after SP to a surface finish of 16 rms. The gear pitch diameter was 8.89 cm. Test conditions were a maximum Hertz stress of 1.71 GPa, a gear temperature of 350 K, and a speed of 10000 rpm. The lubricant used for the tests was a synthetic paraffinic oil with an additive package. The following results were obtained: The 10 pct. surface fatigue (pitting) life of the high intensity (15 to 17A) SPed gears was 2.15 times that of the medium intensity (7 to 9A) SPed gears, the same as that calculated from measured residual stress at a depth of 127 microns. The measured residual stress for the high intensity SPed gears was 57 pct. higher than that for the medium intensity SPed gears at a depth of 127 microns and 540 pct. higher at a depth of 51 microns.

Improvement in surface fatigue life of hardened gears by high-intensity shot peening

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, Dennis P.

1992-01-01

Two groups of carburized, hardened, and ground spur gears that were manufactured from the same heat vacuum induction melted vacuum arc melted (VIM VAR) AISI 9310 steel were endurance tested for surface fatigue. Both groups were manufactured with a standard ground 16 rms surface finish. One group was subjected to a shot peening (SP) intensity of 7 to 9A, and the second group was subjected to a SP intensity of 15 to 17A. All gears were honed after SP to a surface finish of 16 rms. The gear pitch diameter was 8.89 cm. Test conditions were a maximum Hertz stress of 1.71 GPa, a gear temperature of 350 K, and a speed of 10000 rpm. The lubricant used for the tests was a synthetic paraffinic oil with an additive package. The following results were obtained: The 10 pct. surface fatigue (pitting) life of the high intensity (15 to 17A) SPed gears was 2.15 times that of the medium intensity (7 to 9A) SPed gears, the same as that calculated from measured residual stress at a depth of 127 microns. The measured residual stress for the high intensity SPed gears was 57 pct. higher than that for the medium intensity SPed gears at a depth of 127 microns and 540 pct. higher at a depth of 51 microns.

Evidence for medium chain triglycerides in the treatment of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia.

PubMed

Desai, A P; Guvenc, B H; Carachi, R

2009-08-01

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is an uncommon congenital anomaly. It is an intrinsic abnormality of the intestinal lymphatics system. Over the years, various treatment options such as diuretics, albumin transfusions and a medium chain triglycerides (MCT) diet as well as surgical options such as resection of isolated segments and peritoneal-venous shunts have been used. An MCT diet, which is a low fat, high protein diet, is increasingly used in the management of this anomaly. The aim was to review the evidence for medium chain triglycerides as a therapeutic option in patients with primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. A literature search was performed and individual case details were extracted. We found 55 cases, of which 3 were from our own institute. The cases were divided in 2 groups: Group A (n=27) consisted of patients treated with MCT, and Group B (n=28) consisted patients not treated with MCT. Cases were analysed for symptomatic response to MCT as well as mortality. 17 of 27 cases (63%) treated with MCT had complete resolution of symptoms while only 10 of 28 (35.7%) patients in group B showed complete resolution. Mortality for Group A was 1 out of 27 (3.7%), while mortality in group B was 5 of 28 (17.85%) patients. We conclude that, although an MCT diet is not completely curative in all cases, it does improve the symptoms of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia and reduces mortality. Hence it is a valid option in the paediatric age group. Copyright Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.

Preventive effect of Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction on rat liver fibrosis

PubMed Central

Li, Chun-Hui; Pan, Li-Hui; Yang, Zong-Wei; Li, Chun-Yu; Xu, Wen-Xie

2008-01-01

AIM: To study the preventive effects of Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction on liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into hepatic fibrosis model group, control group and 3 treatment groups (12 rats in each group). Except for the normal control group, all the rats received 1% DMN (10 μL/kg body weight, i.p), 3 times a week for 4 wk. The rats in the 3 treatment groups including a high-dose DMN group (10 mL/kg), a medium-dose DMN group (7 mL/kg), and a low-dose DMN group (4 mL/kg) were daily gavaged with Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction, and the rats in the model and normal control groups were given saline vehicle. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the changes in serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and type IV collagen levels. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using routine laboratory methods. Pathologic changes, particularly fibrosis, were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Sirius red staining. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the model control group, the serum levels of HA, LN, type IV collagen, ALT and AST were decreased markedly in the other groups after treatment with Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction, especially in the medium-dose DMN group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis was lower in the Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction treatment groups than in the model group, and a more significant drop was observed in the medium-dose DMN group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction can inhibit hepatic fibrosis due to chronic liver injury, delay the development of cirrhosis, and notably ameliorate liver function. It may be used as a safe and effective thera-peutic drug for patients with fibrosis. PMID:18567088

The composite TTG series: evidence for a non-unique tectonic setting for Archaean crustal growth.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moyen, Jean-François

2010-05-01

The geodynamic context of formation of the Archaean TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) series, the dominant component of the Archaean continental crust, is a matter of debate. The two end-member models for TTG formation are melting of the basaltic slab in a "hot subduction"; and intra-plate melting of basaltic rocks at the base of thick crust (oceanic plateau?). Both models do however predict strikingly different geothermal gradients, as in the modern Earth a typical subduction gradient is less than 10 °C/km compared to > 25-30 °C/km in the case of plateau melting. Using a large database of published TTG compositions, and filtering it to remove rocks that do not match the definition of TTG, it is possible to show that the TTG series is actually composite and made of a range of geochemically identifiable components that can be referred to as low-, medium- and high-pressure groups. The geochemistry of the low-pressure group (low Al, Na, Sr, relatively high Y and Nb) is consistent with derivation from a plagioclase and garnet- amphibolite; the medium-pressure group was formed in equilibrium with a garnet-rich, plagioclase-poor amphibolite, whereas the high pressure group derived from a rutile bearing eclogite. As the temperature of melting of metamafic rocks is largely independent from pressure, this corresponds to melting along a range of contrasting geothermal gradients. The low pressure group requires gradients of 10-12 °C/km, whereas the gradient required for the low pressure group can be as high as 25—30 °C/km. Regardless of the preferred tectonic model for the Archaean, such a range of gradients requires an equally large range of tectonic sites for the formation of the Archaean continental crust.

Emotional stability, anxiety, and natural killer activity under examination stress.

PubMed

Borella, P; Bargellini, A; Rovesti, S; Pinelli, M; Vivoli, R; Solfrini, V; Vivoli, G

1999-08-01

This study was performed to evaluate the relation between a stable personality trait, a mood state and immune response to an examination stress. A self-reported measure of emotional stability (BFQ-ES scale) was obtained in a sample (n = 39) randomly selected from 277 cadets; this personality trait was also investigated by completing a neuroticism scale (Eysenck personality inventory) and a trait-anxiety scale (STAI). Natural killer (NK) cell activity was measured at baseline, long before the examination time and the examination day. The state-anxiety scale evaluated the response to the stressful stimulus. Taking subjects all together, the academic task did not result in significant modification over baseline in NK cell activity. Subjects were then divided into three groups based on emotional stability and state-anxiety scores: high emotional stability/low anxiety, medium, and low emotional stability/high anxiety. Examination stress induced significant increases in NK cell activity in the high emotional stability/low anxiety group, no effect in the medium group, and significant decreases in the low emotional stability/high anxiety group. The repeated-measure ANOVA revealed a significant interaction of group x period (baseline vs. examination) for both lytic units and percent cytolysis. The results did not change after introducing coffee and smoking habits as covariates. Our findings suggest that the state-anxiety acts in concert with a stable personality trait to modulate NK response in healthy subjects exposed to a psychological naturalistic stress. The relation between anxiety and poor immune control has been already described, whereas the ability of emotional stability to associate with an immunoenhancement has not yet reported. The peculiarity of our population, a very homogeneous and healthy group for life style and habits, can have highlighted the role of emotional stability, and may account for the difference with other studies.

Appearance of medium-large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen on adaptive optics in age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Querques, Giuseppe; Kamami-Levy, Cynthia; Blanco-Garavito, Rocio; Georges, Anouk; Pedinielli, Alexandre; Capuano, Vittorio; Poulon, Fanny; Souied, Eric H

2014-11-01

To investigate the appearance of medium-large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen on adaptive optics (AO). In 14 consecutive patients, AO infrared (IR) images were overlaid with confocal scanning-laser-ophthalmoscope IR reflectance images and IR-referenced spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In eight eyes of six patients, a total of 19 images of medium-large drusen were investigated by AO imaging. En face AO revealed medium-large drusen as highly hyper-reflective round/oval lesions, always centred and/or surrounded by a continuous/discontinuous hyporeflectivity. Cone photoreceptors were detected overlying drusen, appearing either as continuous 'bright' hyper-reflective dots over a 'dark' hyporeflective background, or as continuous 'dark' hyporeflective dots over a 'bright' hyper-reflective background. In eight eyes from eight patients, a total of 14 images of pseudodrusen were investigated by AO imaging. En face AO revealed reticular pseudodrusen as isoreflective lesions, always surrounded by a continuous/discontinuous hyporeflectivity. Cone photoreceptors were detected overlying pseudodrusen as 'bright' hyper-reflective dots over either a hyporeflective or isoreflective background. No 'dark' hyporeflective dots were detected in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen only. Cone photoreceptors were counted on the border of the drusen and pseudodrusen, respectively, and in a visibly healthy zone in its absolute vicinity. A similar decrease in cone appearance was observed for drusen and pseudodrusen (15.7% vs 16.2%). AO allows differences in reflectivity between medium-large drusen and reticular pseudodrusen to be appreciated. The cone mosaics may be detected as continuous 'bright' hyper-reflective dots overlying/on the border of drusen and pseudodrusen deposits, and possibly as continuous 'dark' hyporeflective dots overlying drusen only. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Using optimal combination of teaching-learning methods (open book assignment and group tutorials) as revision exercises to improve learning outcome in low achievers in biochemistry.

PubMed

Rajappa, Medha; Bobby, Zachariah; Nandeesha, H; Suryapriya, R; Ragul, Anithasri; Yuvaraj, B; Revathy, G; Priyadarssini, M

2016-07-08

Graduate medical students of India are taught Biochemistry by didactic lectures and they hardly get any opportunity to clarify their doubts and reinforce the concepts which they learn in these lectures. We used a combination of teaching-learning (T-L) methods (open book assignment followed by group tutorials) to study their efficacy in improving the learning outcome. About 143 graduate medical students were classified into low (<50%: group 1, n = 23), medium (50-75%: group 2, n = 74), and high (>75%: group 3, n = 46) achievers, based on their internal assessment marks. After the regular teaching module on the topics "Vitamins and Enzymology", all the students attempted an open book assignment without peer consultation. Then all the students participated in group tutorials. The effects on the groups were evaluated by pre and posttests at the end of each phase, with the same set of MCQs. Gain from group tutorials and overall gain was significantly higher in the low achievers, compared to other groups. High and medium achievers obtained more gain from open book assignment, than group tutorials. The overall gain was significantly higher than the gain obtained from open book assignment or group tutorials, in all three groups. All the three groups retained the gain even after 1 week of the exercise. Hence, optimal use of novel T-L methods (open book assignment followed by group tutorials) as revision exercises help in strengthening concepts in Biochemistry in this oft neglected group of low achievers in graduate medical education. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(4):321-325, 2016. © 2016 The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Perceived early-life maternal care and the cortisol response to repeated psychosocial stress.

PubMed

Engert, Veronika; Efanov, Simona I; Dedovic, Katarina; Duchesne, Annie; Dagher, Alain; Pruessner, Jens C

2010-11-01

In the past decade, a body of animal and human research has revealed a profound influence of early-life experiences, ranging from variations in parenting behaviour to severe adversity, on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in adulthood. In our own previous studies, we have shown how variations in early-life parental care influence the development of the hippocampus and modify the cortisol awakening response. In the present study, we investigated the influence of early-life maternal care on cortisol, heart rate and subjective psychological responses to the repeated administration of a psychosocial laboratory stressor in a population of 63 healthy young adults. Low, medium and high early-life maternal care groups were identified using the Parental Bonding Instrument. Controlling for the effect of sex, we found an inverted u-shaped relation between increasing levels of maternal care and cortisol stress responsivity. Specifically, overall and stress-induced cortisol levels went from below normal in the low maternal care, to normal in the medium care, back to below normal in the high maternal care groups. We found no group differences with respect to heart rate and subjective psychological stress measures. Whereas low and high maternal care groups exhibited similarly low endocrine stress responses, their psychological profiles were opposed with increased levels of depression and anxiety and decreased self-esteem in the low care group. Sex was unequally distributed among maternal care groups, whereby the number of men with low maternal care was too small to allow introducing sex as a second between-group variable. We discuss the potential significance of this dissociation between endocrine and psychological parameters with respect to stress vulnerability and resistance for each maternal care group.

Perceived early-life maternal care and the cortisol response to repeated psychosocial stress

PubMed Central

Engert, Veronika; Efanov, Simona I.; Dedovic, Katarina; Duchesne, Annie; Dagher, Alain; Pruessner, Jens C.

2010-01-01

Background In the past decade, a body of animal and human research has revealed a profound influence of early-life experiences, ranging from variations in parenting behaviour to severe adversity, on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation in adulthood. In our own previous studies, we have shown how variations in early-life parental care influence the development of the hippocampus and modify the cortisol awakening response. Methods In the present study, we investigated the influence of early-life maternal care on cortisol, heart rate and subjective psychological responses to the repeated administration of a psychosocial laboratory stressor in a population of 63 healthy young adults. Low, medium and high early-life maternal care groups were identified using the Parental Bonding Instrument. Results Controlling for the effect of sex, we found an inverted u-shaped relation between increasing levels of maternal care and cortisol stress responsivity. Specifically, overall and stress-induced cortisol levels went from below normal in the low maternal care, to normal in the medium care, back to below normal in the high maternal care groups. We found no group differences with respect to heart rate and subjective psychological stress measures. Whereas low and high maternal care groups exhibited similarly low endocrine stress responses, their psychological profiles were opposed with increased levels of depression and anxiety and decreased self-esteem in the low care group. Limitations Sex was unequally distributed among maternal care groups, whereby the number of men with low maternal care was too small to allow introducing sex as a second between-group variable. Conclusion We discuss the potential significance of this dissociation between endocrine and psychological parameters with respect to stress vulnerability and resistance for each maternal care group. PMID:20964960

Pitfalls associated with the therapeutic reference pricing practice of asthma medication

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Therapeutic reference pricing (TRP) based on the WHO daily defined dose (DDD) is a method frequently employed for the cost-containment of pharmaceuticals. Our objective was to compare average drug use in the real world with DDD and to evaluate whether TRP based on DDD could result in cost savings on maintenance medication and the total direct health expenditures for asthma patients treated with Symbicort Turbuhaler (SYT) and Seretide Diskus (SED) in Hungary. Methods Real-world data were derived from the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund database. Average doses and costs were compared between the high-dose and medium-dose SYT and SED groups. Multiple linear regressions were employed to adjust the data for differences in the gender and age distribution of patients. Results 27,779 patients with asthma were included in the analysis. Average drug use was lower than DDD in all groups, 1.38-1.95 inhalations in both SED groups, 1.28-1.97 and 1.74-2.49 inhalations in the medium and high-dose SYT groups, respectively. Although the cost of SED based on the DDD would be much lower than the cost of SYT in the medium-dose groups, no difference was found in the actual cost of the maintenance therapy. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of total medical costs. Conclusions Cost-containment initiatives by payers may influence clinical decisions. TRP for inhalation asthma drugs raises special concern, because of differences in the therapeutic profile of pharmaceuticals and the lack of proven financial benefits after exclusion of the effect of generic price erosion. Our findings indicate that the presented TRP approach of asthma medications based on the daily therapeutic costs according to the WHO DDD does not result in reduced public healthcare spending in Hungary. Further analysis is required to show whether TRP generates additional expenditures by inducing switching costs and reducing patient compliance. Potential confounding factors may limit the generalisability of our conclusions. PMID:22818402

Pitfalls associated with the therapeutic reference pricing practice of asthma medication.

PubMed

Kalo, Zoltan; Abonyi-Toth, Zsolt; Bartfai, Zoltan; Voko, Zoltan

2012-07-20

Therapeutic reference pricing (TRP) based on the WHO daily defined dose (DDD) is a method frequently employed for the cost-containment of pharmaceuticals. Our objective was to compare average drug use in the real world with DDD and to evaluate whether TRP based on DDD could result in cost savings on maintenance medication and the total direct health expenditures for asthma patients treated with Symbicort Turbuhaler (SYT) and Seretide Diskus (SED) in Hungary. Real-world data were derived from the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund database. Average doses and costs were compared between the high-dose and medium-dose SYT and SED groups. Multiple linear regressions were employed to adjust the data for differences in the gender and age distribution of patients. 27,779 patients with asthma were included in the analysis. Average drug use was lower than DDD in all groups, 1.38-1.95 inhalations in both SED groups, 1.28-1.97 and 1.74-2.49 inhalations in the medium and high-dose SYT groups, respectively. Although the cost of SED based on the DDD would be much lower than the cost of SYT in the medium-dose groups, no difference was found in the actual cost of the maintenance therapy. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of total medical costs. Cost-containment initiatives by payers may influence clinical decisions. TRP for inhalation asthma drugs raises special concern, because of differences in the therapeutic profile of pharmaceuticals and the lack of proven financial benefits after exclusion of the effect of generic price erosion. Our findings indicate that the presented TRP approach of asthma medications based on the daily therapeutic costs according to the WHO DDD does not result in reduced public healthcare spending in Hungary. Further analysis is required to show whether TRP generates additional expenditures by inducing switching costs and reducing patient compliance. Potential confounding factors may limit the generalisability of our conclusions.

76 FR 55834 - Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee, Appliance Standards Subcommittee, Negotiated...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-09

... Subcommittee/Working Group for Liquid-Immersed and Medium-Voltage Dry Type Transformers AGENCY: Department of... Medium-Voltage Dry Type Transformers (hereafter ``MV Group''). The MV Group is a working group within the... energy efficiency of distribution transformers, as authorized by the Energy Policy Conservation Act (EPCA...

Biodiversity of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Streptococcus thermophilus Strains Is Reflected in Their Production and Their Molecular and Functional Characteristics

PubMed Central

Vaningelgem, Frederik; Zamfir, Medana; Mozzi, Fernanda; Adriany, Tom; Vancanneyt, Marc; Swings, Jean; De Vuyst, Luc

2004-01-01

Twenty-six lactic acid bacterium strains isolated from European dairy products were identified as Streptococcus thermophilus and characterized by bacterial growth and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing capacity in milk and enriched milk medium. In addition, the acidification rates of the different strains were compared with their milk clotting behaviors. The majority of the strains grew better when yeast extract and peptone were added to the milk medium, although the presence of interfering glucomannans was shown, making this medium unsuitable for EPS screening. EPS production was found to be strain dependent, with the majority of the strains producing between 20 and 100 mg of polymer dry mass per liter of fermented milk medium. Furthermore, no straightforward relationship between the apparent viscosity and EPS production could be detected in fermented milk medium. An analysis of the molecular masses of the isolated EPS by gel permeation chromatography revealed a large variety, ranging from 10 to >2,000 kDa. A distinction could be made between high-molecular-mass EPS (>1,000 kDa) and low-molecular-mass EPS (<1,000 kDa). Based on the molecular size of the EPS, three groups of EPS-producing strains were distinguished. Monomer analysis of the EPS by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with amperometric detection was demonstrated to be a fast and simple method. All of the EPS from the S. thermophilus strains tested were classified into six groups according to their monomer compositions. Apart from galactose and glucose, other monomers, such as (N-acetyl)galactosamine, (N-acetyl)glucosamine, and rhamnose, were also found as repeating unit constituents. Three strains were found to produce EPS containing (N-acetyl)glucosamine, which to our knowledge was never found before in an EPS from S. thermophilus. Furthermore, within each group, differences in monomer ratios were observed, indicating possible novel EPS structures. Finally, large differences between the consistencies of EPS solutions from five different strains were assigned to differences in their molecular masses and structures. PMID:14766570

Does Embryo Culture Medium Influence the Health and Development of Children Born after In Vitro Fertilization?

PubMed

Bouillon, Céline; Léandri, Roger; Desch, Laurent; Ernst, Alexandra; Bruno, Céline; Cerf, Charline; Chiron, Alexandra; Souchay, Céline; Burguet, Antoine; Jimenez, Clément; Sagot, Paul; Fauque, Patricia

2016-01-01

In animal studies, extensive data revealed the influence of culture medium on embryonic development, foetal growth and the behaviour of offspring. However, this impact has never been investigated in humans. For the first time, we investigated in depth the effects of embryo culture media on health, growth and development of infants conceived by In Vitro Fertilization until the age of 5 years old. This single-centre cohort study was based on an earlier randomized study. During six months, in vitro fertilization attempts (No. 371) were randomized according to two media (Single Step Medium--SSM group) or Global medium (Global group). This randomized study was stopped prematurely as significantly lower pregnancy and implantation rates were observed in the SSM group. Singletons (No. 73) conceived in the randomized study were included (42 for Global and 31 for SSM). The medical data for gestational, neonatal and early childhood periods were extracted from medical records and parental interviews (256 variables recorded). The developmental profiles of the children in eight domains (social, self-help, gross motor, fine motor, expressive language, language comprehension, letter knowledge and number knowledge--270 items) were compared in relation to the culture medium. The delivery rate was significantly lower in the SSM group than in the Global group (p<0.05). The culture medium had no significant effect on birthweight, risk of malformation (minor and major), growth and the frequency of medical concerns. However, the children of the Global group were less likely than those of the SSM group to show developmental problems (p = 0.002), irrespective of the different domains. In conclusion, our findings showed that the embryo culture medium may have an impact on further development.

Doxycycline shows dose-dependent changes in hernia repair strength after mesh repair.

PubMed

Tharappel, Job C; Harris, Jennifer W; Zwischenberger, Brittany A; Levy, Salomon M; Puleo, David A; Roth, J Scott

2016-05-01

Ventral hernia is a commonly occurring surgical problem. Our earlier studies have shown that a 30 mg/kg dose of doxycycline can significantly impact the strength of polypropylene (PP) mesh in a rat hernia repair model at 6 and 12 weeks. The objective of the present study was to investigate the dose dependence of doxycycline treatment on hernia repair strengths in rats. Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats underwent hernia repair with either PP mesh (n = 28) or sutures only (primary; n = 28); both groups were further divided into four doxycycline groups of seven animals each: control (0 mg/kg), low (3 mg/kg), medium (10 mg/kg), and high (30 mg/kg). One day before hernia repair surgery, animals received doxycycline doses by gavage and continued receiving daily until euthanasia. After 8 weeks, rats were euthanized and tissue samples from hernia repaired area were collected and analyzed for tensile strength using a tensiometer (Instron, Canton, MA, USA), while MMPs 2, 3, and 9, and collagen type 1 and 3 were analyzed by western blotting. In mesh-repaired animals, medium and high doxycycline dose repaired mesh fascia interface (MFI) showed significant increase in tensile strength when compared to control. In the primary repaired animals, there was no significant difference in MFI tensile strength in any dose group. In medium-dose MFI, there was a significant reduction in MMPs 2, 3, and 9. In this animal group, MFI showed significant increase in collagen 1 and significant reduction in collagen type 3 when compared to control. It is possible to improve the strength of mesh-repaired tissue by administering a significantly lower dose of the drug, which has implications for translation of the findings.

Test drives in the Daimler-Benz driving simulator with drivers under diazepam

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-05-01

The research project investigated the influence of diazepam on the driving performance measured in the Daimler-Benz Driving Simulator. Test subjects were male students; 20 received a medium, and 20 received a high dosage of diazepam. A third group of...

Predicting levels of Latino depression: acculturation, acculturative stress, and coping.

PubMed

Torres, Lucas

2010-04-01

Past research has noted that aspects of living in the United States place Latinos at risk for experiencing psychological problems. However, the specific features of the adaptation process that contribute to depression remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the ability of acculturation, acculturative stress, and coping to predict membership into low, medium, and high groups of depression among Latinos. Within a group of 148 Latino adults from the community, a multinomial logistic regression revealed that an Anglo orientation, English competency pressures, and active coping differentiated high from low depression and that a Latino orientation and, to some extent, the pressure to acculturate distinguished medium from low depression. These results highlight a pattern of characteristics that function as risk and protective factors in relation to level of symptom severity. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for Latino mental health, including considerations for intervention and prevention. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

A risk score including microdeletions improves relapse prediction for standard and medium risk precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children.

PubMed

Sutton, Rosemary; Venn, Nicola C; Law, Tamara; Boer, Judith M; Trahair, Toby N; Ng, Anthea; Den Boer, Monique L; Dissanayake, Anuruddhika; Giles, Jodie E; Dalzell, Pauline; Mayoh, Chelsea; Barbaric, Draga; Revesz, Tamas; Alvaro, Frank; Pieters, Rob; Haber, Michelle; Norris, Murray D; Schrappe, Martin; Dalla Pozza, Luciano; Marshall, Glenn M

2018-02-01

To prevent relapse, high risk paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is treated very intensively. However, most patients who eventually relapse have standard or medium risk ALL with low minimal residual disease (MRD) levels. We analysed recurrent microdeletions and other clinical prognostic factors in a cohort of 475 uniformly treated non-high risk precursor B-cell ALL patients with the aim of better predicting relapse and refining risk stratification. Lower relapse-free survival at 7 years (RFS) was associated with IKZF1 intragenic deletions (P < 0·0001); P2RY8-CRLF2 gene fusion (P < 0·0004); Day 33 MRD>5 × 10 -5 (P < 0·0001) and High National Cancer Institute (NCI) risk (P < 0·0001). We created a predictive model based on a risk score (RS) for deletions, MRD and NCI risk, extending from an RS of 0 (RS0) for patients with no unfavourable factors to RS2 +  for patients with 2 or 3 high risk factors. RS0, RS1, and RS2 +  groups had RFS of 93%, 78% and 49%, respectively, and overall survival (OS) of 99%, 91% and 71%. The RS provided greater discrimination than MRD-based risk stratification into standard (89% RFS, 96% OS) and medium risk groups (79% RFS, 91% OS). We conclude that this RS may enable better early therapeutic stratification and thus improve cure rates for childhood ALL. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Search for X-ray Emission in Isolated Compact Triplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Beth A.; Williams, Barbara

2006-01-01

We describe preliminary results of an exploratory search for diffuse X-ray emission in a sample of the poorest galaxy groups, i.e., isolated compact triplets of galaxies. These systems represent the simplest forms of galaxy clustering while manifesting all the complexities inherent in other groups. We have selected 20 compact triplets for this initial study. The component galaxies are expected to interact with each other and with the group's intergalactic medium, if present, in complex ways that trigger high-energy processes.

Aromatic polyimides containing a dimethylsilane-linked dianhydride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St.clair, Anne K. (Inventor); St.clair, Terry L. (Inventor); Pratt, J. Richard (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A high-temperature stable, optically transparent, low dielectric aromatic polyimide is prepared by chemically combining equimolar quantities of an aromatic dianhydride reactant and an aromatic diamine reactant, which are selected so that one reactant contains at least one Si(CH3)2 group in its molecular structure, and the other reactant contains at least one -CF3 group in its molecular structure. The reactants are chemically combined in a solvent medium to form a solution of a high molecular weight polyamic acid, which is then converted to the corresponding polyimide.

Aromatic polyimides containing a dimethylsilane-linked dianhydride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, Anne K. (Inventor); St. Clair, Terry L. (Inventor); Pratt, J. Richard (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A high-temperature stable, optically transparent, low dielectric aromatic polyimide is prepared by chemically combining equimolar quantities of an aromatic dianhydride reactant and an aromatic diamine reactant, which are selected so that one reactant contains at least one Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 group in its molecular structure, and the other reactant contains at least one --CH.sub.3 group in its molecular structure. The reactants are chemically combined in a solvent medium to form a solution of a high molecular weight polyamic acid, which is then converted to the corresponding polyimide.

Human Development Index (HDI) of the maternal country of origin as a predictor of perinatal outcomes - a longitudinal study conducted in Spain.

PubMed

Garcia-Tizon Larroca, S; Arevalo-Serrano, J; Duran Vila, A; Pintado Recarte, M P; Cueto Hernandez, I; Solis Pierna, A; Lizarraga Bonelli, S; De Leon-Luis, J

2017-09-21

In an era of worldwide population displacement, recent studies have identified strong associations between social situations and perinatal outcomes among immigrants. Little is known about the effect of maternal social background on pregnancy outcomes. The Human Development Index (HDI) assesses the following dimensions of human development: life expectancy, education level and income. The objective of our study was to determine if maternal HDI may be used to identify women at increased odds of poor pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a longitudinal population-based study in a tertiary centre in Madrid, Spain. The outcome variables were maternal and perinatal/antenatal mortality, preeclampsia (PE), low birth weight (LBW), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery (PTD) before 37 and 34 gestational weeks, abnormal cardiotocography (CTG) during delivery, C-section (CS) due to abnormal CTG, pH < 7.10 at birth, Apgar at 5 min ≤ 7, and resuscitation type ≥3. We performed multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding variables to evaluate the associations between maternal HDI and perinatal outcomes. In total, 38,719 singleton infants who were born in our maternity ward between 2010 and 2016 and had perinatal outcome data available were included in this study. The neonates of women from medium/low HDI countries had significantly lower odds of low birth weight (LBW) than their very high HDI country counterparts (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55-0.72). However, the odds of PTD before 37 gestational weeks and PE were higher in the medium/low HDI group than the very high HDI group (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04-1.53; OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.79, respectively). Poorer neonatal outcomes were identified in the medium/low HDI group than the very high HDI group, including greater odds of abnormal CTG, CS due to abnormal CTG and Apgar 2 ≤ 7 (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the infants of mothers from medium/low HDI had lower odds of LBW but higher odds of PTD, PE and poor neonatal outcomes. These results support the hypothesis that maternal HDI can be used to understand the impact of maternal origin on pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm its validity.

Restoring effect of selenium on the molecular content, structure and fluidity of diabetic rat kidney brush border cell membrane.

PubMed

Gurbanov, Rafig; Bilgin, Mehmet; Severcan, Feride

2016-04-01

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a dominant factor standing for kidney impairments during diabetes. In this study, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to disclose the diabetes-induced structural changes in the kidney and evaluate the effects of selenium on diabetes. The increase in the area of the olefinic band indicated increased amount of lipid peroxidation end products in diabetic kidney brush border cell membrane. Moreover, saturated lipid content of this cell membrane considerably diminished. DKD was found to disrupt lipid order and cause a decrease in membrane dynamics. However, the administration of selenium at low and medium doses was shown to improve these conditions by changing the lipid contents toward control values, restoring the ordered structure of the lipids and membrane dynamics. Curve-fitting and artificial neural network (ANN) analyses of secondary structures of proteins demonstrated a relative increase in α-helix and reduction in the β-sheet during diabetes in comparison to the control group, which were ameliorated following selenium treatment at low and medium doses. These findings were further confirmed by applying hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). A clear separation of the experimental groups was obtained with high heterogeneity in the lipid and protein regions. These chemometric analyses showed that the low and medium doses of selenium-treated diabetic groups are successfully segregated from the diabetic group and clustered closer to the control. The study suggests that medium and, more predominantly, low-dose selenium treatment can be efficient in eliminating diabetes-induced structural alterations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

7 CFR 29.3647 - Heavy Leaf (B Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Heavy Leaf (B Group). 29.3647 Section 29.3647... REGULATIONS TOBACCO INSPECTION Standards Grades § 29.3647 Heavy Leaf (B Group). This group consists of leaves... specifications, and tolerances B1F Choice Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. Ripe medium body, open leaf structure...

7 CFR 29.3647 - Heavy Leaf (B Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Heavy Leaf (B Group). 29.3647 Section 29.3647... REGULATIONS TOBACCO INSPECTION Standards Grades § 29.3647 Heavy Leaf (B Group). This group consists of leaves... specifications, and tolerances B1F Choice Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. Ripe medium body, open leaf structure...

7 CFR 29.3647 - Heavy Leaf (B Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Heavy Leaf (B Group). 29.3647 Section 29.3647... REGULATIONS TOBACCO INSPECTION Standards Grades § 29.3647 Heavy Leaf (B Group). This group consists of leaves... specifications, and tolerances B1F Choice Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. Ripe medium body, open leaf structure...

7 CFR 29.3647 - Heavy Leaf (B Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Heavy Leaf (B Group). 29.3647 Section 29.3647... REGULATIONS TOBACCO INSPECTION Standards Grades § 29.3647 Heavy Leaf (B Group). This group consists of leaves... specifications, and tolerances B1F Choice Quality Medium-brown Heavy Leaf. Ripe medium body, open leaf structure...

Prognosis and survival analysis of paraquat poisoned patients based on improved HPLC-UV method.

PubMed

Hong, Guangliang; Hu, Lufeng; Tang, Yahui; Zhang, Tao; Kang, Xiaowen; Zhao, Guangju; Lu, Zhongqiu

2016-01-01

Paraquat (PQ) has caused deaths of numerous people around the world. In order to assess the lethal plasma concentration, the patients who acquired acute PQ intoxication were analyzed by plasma concentration monitoring. The plasma PQ concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which used 5-bromopyrimidine as internal standard and trichloroacetic acid-methanol (1:9) as protein precipitant. The liver, kidney and coagulation function were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer. According to plasma PQ concentration, 90 patients were divided into four groups: trace PQ group (<50ng/mL), low PQ group (<1000ng/mL), medium PQ group (1000-5000ng/mL) and high PQ group (>5000ng/mL). The clinical data from the four groups was statistically analyzed. The results showed the developed HPLC methods exhibited a high degree of accuracy and good linearity within 50-25000ng/mL (R=0.9998). The Spearman's correlation analysis showed PQ concentration had a strong relationship to total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, aspartic transaminase, urea nitrogen, prothrombin time, prothrombin activity, and international normalized ratio (P<0.01). The cured or survival PQ poisoned patients among the trace PQ group, the low PQ group, the medium PQ group, and the high PQ group were 19/19 (100%), 19/21 (90.47%), 11/25 (44.0%), and 0/25 (0%) respectively. The mean hospital days were (10.37±8.04), (18.76±12.06), (16.76±14.44), and (4.04±5.41) days respectively. The Cox regression analysis indicated that plasma PQ concentration was highly related to prognosis (P<0.05). In conclusion, no patient presenting with a PQ concentration over 5000ng/mL survived. The plasma PQ level is related to liver, kidney and coagulation function, which can be used as an important clinical index to judge the prognosis of PQ poisoned patients. Paraquat (PubChem CID: 15938), 5-bromopyrimidine (PubChem CID: 78344), acetonitrile (PubChem CID: 6342), sodium dihydrogen phosphate (PubChem CID: 23672064), sodium heptanesulfonate (PubChem CID: 23672332), methylprednisolone (PubChem CID: 6741), cyclophosphamide (PubChem CID: 2907). Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Value of early application of different doses of amino acids in parenteral nutrition among preterm infants].

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-Juan; Liu, Guo-Sheng; Chen, Yong-Ge; Zhang, Hui-Li; Wu, Xue-Fen

2015-01-01

To study the short-term response and tolerance of different doses of amino acids in parenteral nutrition among preterm infants. This study included 86 preterm infants who had a birth weight between 1 000 to 2 000 g and were admitted to the hospital within 24 hours of birth between March 2013 and June 2014. According to the early application of different doses of amino acids, they were randomized into low-dose group (n=29, 1.0 g/kg per day with an increase of 1.0 g/kg daily and a maximum of 3.5 g/kg per day), medium-dose group (n=28, 2.0 g/kg per day with an increase of 1.0 g/kg daily and a maximum of 3.7 g/kg per day), and high-dose group (n=29, 3.0 g/kg per day with an increase of 0.5-1.0 g/kg daily and a maximum of 4.0 g/kg per day). Other routine parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition support were also applied. The maximum weight loss was lower and the growth rate of head circumference was greater in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group (P<0.05). The infants in the medium- and high-dose groups had faster recovery of birth weight, earlier attainment of 100 kcal/(kg·d) of enteral nutrition, shorter duration of hospital stay, and less hospital cost than those in the low-dose group (P<0.05). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the high-dose group increased compared with the other two groups 7 days after birth (P<0.05). The levels of creatinine, pH, bicarbonate, bilirubin, and transaminase and the incidence of complications showed no significant differences between groups (P>0.05). Parenteral administration of high-dose amino acids in preterm infants within 24 hours after birth can improve the short-term nutritional status of preterm infants, but there is a transient increase in BUN level.

Piezosurgery versus conventional osteotomy in orthognathic surgery: a paradigm shift in treatment.

PubMed

Bertossi, Dario; Lucchese, Alessandra; Albanese, Massimo; Turra, Matteo; Faccioni, Fiorenzo; Nocini, Pierfrancesco; Rodriguez Y Baena, Ruggero

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare in a randomized controlled clinical trial the use of the piezoelectric osteotomy as an alternative to the conventional approach in terms of surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, cut quality, nerve injury, and costs.One hundred ten patients who had orthognathic surgery procedures with bimaxillary osteotomy were divided into 2 groups: group A was treated with a piezosurgery device, and group B, with a reciprocating saw and bur.The piezosurgical bone osteotomy permitted individualized cut designs. The surgical time in group A was reduced, with a mean for the mandibular osteotomy (1 side) between 3 minutes 31 seconds and 5 minutes 2 seconds, whereas in group B, the surgical time was between 7 minutes 23 seconds and 10 minutes 22 seconds. The surgical time in group A for the Le Fort I osteotomy was between 5 minutes 17 seconds and 7 minutes 55 seconds in group A and between 8 minutes 38 seconds and 15 minutes 11 seconds in group B. All patients in group A had a low blood loss (<300 mL) versus patients of group B who had a medium to high blood loss (medium loss: 400 mL, high loss: >500 mL). Inferior alveolar nerve sensation was retained in 98.2% of group A versus 92.7% in group B at 6 months postoperative testing.Piezoelectric osteotomy reduced surgical time, blood loss, and inferior alveolar nerve injury in bimaxillary osteotomy. Absence of macrovibrations makes the instrument more manageable and easy to use and allows greater intraoperative control with higher safety in cutting in difficult anatomical regions.

Turkey's High Temperature Geothermal Energy Resources and Electricity Production Potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilgin, Ö.

2012-04-01

Turkey is in the first 7 countries in the world in terms of potential and applications. Geothermal energy which is an alternative energy resource has advantages such as low-cost, clean, safe and natural resource. Geothermal energy is defined as hot water and steam which is formed by heat that accumulated in various depths of the Earth's crust; with more than 20oC temperature and which contain more than fused minerals, various salts and gases than normal underground and ground water. It is divided into three groups as low, medium and high temperature. High-temperature fluid is used in electricity generation, low and medium temperature fluids are used in greenhouses, houses, airport runways, animal farms and places such as swimming pools heating. In this study high temperature geothermal fields in Turkey which is suitable for electricity production, properties and electricity production potential was investigated.

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murrill extract on HT-29 human colon cancer cells in SCID mice in vivo.

PubMed

Wu, Ming-Fang; Chen, Yung-Liang; Lee, Mei-Hui; Shih, Yung-Luen; Hsu, Yu-Ming; Tang, Ming-Chu; Lu, Hsu-Feng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Yang, Su-Tso; Chueh, Fu-Shin; Chung, Jing-Gung

2011-01-01

Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) popularly known as 'Cogumelo do Sol' in Brazil, or 'Himematsutake' in Japan, is a mushroom native to Brazil and widely cultivated in Japan for its medicinal uses and is now considered one of the most important edible and culinary-medicinal biotechnological species. This study is the first tumor growth model to evaluate the amelioratory effect of ABM extract using HT-29 human colon cancer cells in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Forty SCID mice were inoculated with HT-29 cells to induce tumor formation and were then divided into four groups. All the four groups (control, low, medium and high concentration treatment) of mice were separately orally administered 0 mg, 1.125 mg, 4.5 mg or 45 mg ABM extract daily. After six weeks of treatment, 8 out of the 40 mice had not survived including one mouse which scored +++ (tumor up to 15 mm diameter) and four mice which scored ++++ (tumor over 15 mm diameter) in the control group and three mice which scored ++++ on the low-dose ABM treatment. After high- or medium-dose treatment, all ten mice in each group survived. The oral administration of ABM does not prevent tumor growth, as shown by increased tumor mass, but compared with the control group, the tumor mass seems to grow more slowly depending on the ABM dose.

Composition of plasma and atheromatous plaque among coronary artery disease subjects consuming coconut oil or sunflower oil as the cooking medium.

PubMed

Palazhy, Sabitha; Kamath, Prakash; Rajesh, P C; Vaidyanathan, Kannan; Nair, Shiv K; Vasudevan, D M

2012-12-01

Coconut oil, which is rich in medium-chain saturated fatty acids, is the principal cooking medium of the people of Kerala, India. Replacement of saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat is effective in reducing serum cholesterol levels. However, the effect of substituting coconut oil with sunflower oil on the fatty acid composition of plaque has not been thoroughly investigated. We therefore evaluated and compared the fatty acid composition of plasma and plaque among subjects consuming coconut oil or sunflower oil as the cooking medium. Endarterectomy samples and plasma samples were obtained from subjects who underwent coronary artery bypass grafts (n = 71). The subjects were grouped based on the type of oil they were using as their cooking medium (coconut oil or sunflower oil). The fatty acid composition in the plaques and the plasma was determined by HPLC and the data were analyzed statistically. Sunflower oil consumers had elevated concentrations of linoleic acid (p = 0.001) in plasma, while coconut oil users had higher myristic acid levels (p = 0.011) in plasma. Medium-chain fatty acids did not differ significantly between the two groups in the plasma. Medium-chain fatty acids were detected in the plaques in both groups of subjects. In contrast to previous reports, long-chain saturated fatty acids dominated the lipid content of plaque in this population, and the fatty acid composition of plaque was not significantly different between the two groups. No correlation between fatty acids of plasma and plaque was observed in either group. A change in cooking medium, although it altered the plasma fatty acid composition, was not reflected in the plaque composition.

Rolling contact fatigue of low hardness steel for slewing ring application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knuth, Jason A.

This thesis discusses the rolling contact fatigue of steel utilized in anti-friction bearings, also referred to as slewing bearings. These slewing bearings are utilized in cranes, excavators, wind turbines and other similar applications. Five materials composed of two different material types were tested. The two material types were high carbon steel and medium carbon alloy steel. The test specimens were processed from forged rolled rings. Two machines were evaluated a ZF-RCF and 3-Ball test machine. The evaluation was to determine which machine can best simulate the application in which the slewing bearing is utilized. Initially, each specimen will be pretested to determine the appropriate testing direction from within the forged rolled rings. Pretesting is needed in order to establish consistent failure modes between samples. The primary goal of the test is to understand the life differences and failure modes between high carbon steel and medium carbon alloy steel. The high carbon steel ring was cut into two sections, one of which was stress relieved and the other was quenched and tempered. The medium carbon alloy steel was cut into three sections, all of which were quenched and tempered to different hardness levels. The test program was dynamically adjusted based upon the previous sample's life and load. An S-N curve was then established from the 5 materials tested at two target loads. The samples were run until the first sign of a crack was detected by an eddy current. At the completion of the rolling contact test, select sample's microstructure was evaluated for crack initiation location. The selected samples were divided into four groups which represent different maximum shear stress levels. These samples displayed indications of material deformation in which the high carbon steel experienced an increased amount of cold work when compared to medium carbon alloy steel. The life of the high carbon steel was nearly equivalent to the expected life of the medium carbon alloy. The work hardening of the high carbon steel increased the surface hardness that exceeded the medium carbon alloy steel surface hardness.

Does the trait anxiety affect the dental fear?

PubMed

Doganer, Yusuf Cetin; Aydogan, Umit; Yesil, Hande Ucler; Rohrer, James Edwin; Williams, Mark Douglas; Agerter, David Charles

2017-05-04

The aims of the present study were to evaluate possible associations between trait anxiety, dental fear and the predictors of these interactions including demographic characteristics and dental history of patients applied to the dental care center in Ankara, Turkey. A sample of 607 participants (mean age: 21.02 ± 2.32) responded to a Turkish version of the Modified Dental Fear Survey (MDFS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and a questionnaire regarding previous negative dental experience. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between dental fear and the independent variables including trait anxiety, age groups, education level, dental visit frequency, experience and the source of dental knowledge. There was a trend for increasing in trait anxiety scores with greater levels of dental fear in a medium level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.055, 95%CI [1.025-1.086]; p < 0.001) and in a high level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.090 [1.057-1.124]; p < 0.001). Comparing to the low level of dental fear group; participants of medium dental fear level intended more likely to go to the dentist when they have a complaint instead of regularly going (odds ratio; OR = 3.177, 95%CI [1.304-7.741]; p = 0.011). Participants of high dental fear level tended to be less likely to have experienced no problem (OR = 0.476, 95%CI [0.284-0.795]; p = 0.005) than the low level of the dental fear group. We strongly indicate that higher dental fear scores have a predisposition of having high trait anxiety scores. Unpleasant dental experiences increased the risk for high dental fear levels. Patients with dental fear tended only to visit a dentist when necessary, avoiding regular visits.

Methane emissions, body composition, and rumen fermentation traits of beef heifers differing in residual feed intake.

PubMed

Fitzsimons, C; Kenny, D A; Deighton, M H; Fahey, A G; McGee, M

2013-12-01

This study examined the relationship of residual feed intake (RFI) and performance with methane emissions, rumen fermentation, and digestion in beef heifers. Individual DMI and growth performance were measured for 22 Simmental heifers (mean initial BW 449 kg, SD = 46.2 kg) offered grass silage ad libitum for 120 d. Ultrasonically scanned muscle and fat depth, BCS, muscularity score, skeletal measurements, blood variables, rumen fermentation (via stomach tube), and total tract digestibility (indigestible marker) were measured. Methane production was estimated using the sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas technique over two 5-d periods beginning on d 20 and 75 of the RFI measurement period. Phenotypic RFI was calculated as actual DMI minus expected DMI. The residuals of the regression of DMI on ADG and midtest metabolic body weight, using all heifers, were used to compute individual RFI coefficients. Heifers were ranked by RFI and assigned to low (efficient), medium, or high (inefficient) groupings. Overall ADG and DMI were 0.58 kg (SD = 0.18) and 7.40 kg (SD = 0.72), respectively. High-RFI heifers consumed 9 and 15% more (P < 0.05) than medium- and low-RFI groups, respectively. Body weight, growth, skeletal, and composition traits did not differ (P > 0.05) between low- and high-RFI groups. High-RFI heifers had higher concentrations of plasma glucose (6%) and urea (13%) and lower concentrations of plasma creatinine (9%) than low-RFI heifers (P < 0.05). Rumen pH and apparent in vivo digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05) between RFI groups, although acetate:propionate ratio was lowest (P = 0.07) for low-RFI (3.5) and highest for high-RFI (4.6) heifers. Methane production expressed as grams per day or grams per kilogram metabolic body weight was greater (P < 0.05) for high (297 g/d and 2.9 g/kg BW0.75) compared with low (260 g/d and 2.5 g/kg BW0.75) RFI heifers, with medium (275 g/d and 2.7 g/kg BW0.75) RFI heifers being intermediate. Regression analysis indicated that a 1 kg DM/d increase in RFI was associated with a 23 g/d increase (P = 0.09) in methane emissions. Results suggest that improved RFI will reduce methane emissions without affecting productivity of growing beef cattle.

The impact of a hybrid social marketing intervention on inequities in access, ownership and use of insecticide-treated nets.

PubMed

Agha, Sohail; Van Rossem, Ronan; Stallworthy, Guy; Kusanthan, Thankian

2007-01-29

An ITN intervention was initiated in three predominantly rural districts of Eastern Province, Zambia, that lacked commercial distribution and communication infrastructures. Social marketing techniques were used for product and message development. Public sector clinics and village-based volunteers promoted and distributed subsidized ITNs priced at 2.5 dollars per net. A study was conducted to assess the effects of the intervention on inequities in knowledge, access, ownership and use of ITNs. A post-test only quasi-experimental study design was used to compare intervention and comparison districts. A total of 2,986 respondents were interviewed. Survey respondents were grouped into four socio-economic (SES) categories: low, medium-low, medium and high. Knowledge, access, ownership and use indicators are compared. Concentration index scores are calculated. Interactions between intervention status and SES help determine how different SES groups benefited from the intervention. Although overall use of nets remained relatively low, post-test data show that knowledge, access, ownership and use of mosquito nets was higher in intervention districts. A decline in SES inequity in access to nets occurred in intervention districts, resulting from a disproportionately greater increase in access among the low SES group. Declines in SES inequities in net ownership and use of nets were associated with the intervention. The largest increases in net ownership and use occurred among medium and high SES categories. Increasing access to nets among the poorest respondents in rural areas may not lead to increases in net use unless the price of nets is no longer a barrier to their purchase.

Control of Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in broilers by target-released butyric acid, fatty acids and essential oils.

PubMed

Timbermont, L; Lanckriet, A; Dewulf, J; Nollet, N; Schwarzer, K; Haesebrouck, F; Ducatelle, R; Van Immerseel, F

2010-04-01

The efficacy of target-released butyric acid, medium-chain fatty acids (C(6) to C(12) but mainly lauric acid) and essential oils (thymol, cinnamaldehyde, essential oil of eucalyptus) micro-encapsulated in a poly-sugar matrix to control necrotic enteritis was investigated. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the different additives were determined in vitro, showing that lauric acid, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde are very effective in inhibiting the growth of Clostridium perfringens. The in vivo effects were studied in two trials in an experimental necrotic enteritis model in broiler chickens. In the first trial, four groups of chickens were fed a diet supplemented with butyric acid, with essential oils, with butyric acid in combination with medium-chain fatty acids, or with butyric acid in combination with medium-chain fatty acids and essential oils. In all groups except for the group receiving only butyric acid, a significant decrease in the number of birds with necrotic lesions was found compared with the infected, untreated control group. In the second trial the same products were tested but at a higher concentration. An additional group was fed a diet supplemented with only medium-chain fatty acids. In all groups except for that receiving butyric acid in combination with medium-chain fatty acids and essential oils, a significant decrease in the number of birds with necrotic lesions was found compared with the infected, untreated control group. These results suggest that butyric acid, medium-chain fatty acids and/or essential oils may contribute to the prevention of necrotic enteritis in broilers.

Effect of nano-silver hydrogel coating film on deep partial thickness scald model of rabbit.

PubMed

Xi, Peng; Li, Yan; Ge, Xiaojin; Liu, Dandan; Miao, Mingsan

2018-05-01

Observing the effect of nano-silver hydrogel coating film on deep partial thickness scald model of rabbit. We prepared boiling water scalded rabbits with deep II degree scald models and applied high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film for different time and area. Then we compared the difference of burned paper weight before administration and after administration model burns, burn local skin irritation points infection, skin crusting and scabs from the time, and the impact of local skin tissue morphology. Rabbits deep II degree burn model successful modeling; on day 12, 18, high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film significantly reduced skin irritation of rabbits infected with the integral value ( P  < 0.01, P  < 0.05); high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film group significantly decreased skin irritation, infection integral value ( P  < 0.01, P  < 0.05); high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film significantly reduced film rabbits' scalded skin crusting time ( P  < 0.01), significantly shortened the rabbit skin burns from the scab time ( P  < 0.01), and significantly improved the treatment of skin diseases in rabbits scald model change ( P  < 0.01, P  < 0.05). The nano-silver hydrogel coating film on the deep partial thickness burns has a significant therapeutic effect; external use has a significant role in wound healing.

[Effect of Tongxie Yaofang on endogenous metabolites in serum of IBS model rats].

PubMed

Li, Kai; Kuang, Hai-Xue; Yin, Yue; Zhang, Jie-Yu; Wang, Zhi; Zhang, Qiu-Yue; Wang, Jian-Wei

2017-03-01

To evaluate the effect of Tongxie Yaofang on cardiac endogenous metabolism in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) rats by using metabolomics method, find its potential biomarkers, analyze the metabolic pathways, and explore the pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action and syndrome essence of syndrome model. Forty Wistar rats were used to establish IBS models, and then randomly divided into four groups： model control group and Tongxie Yaofang treatment groups (high, medium, low dose). Another 10 rats were used as normal group. The rats in Tongxie Yaofang-treated(low, medium and high dose) groups were orally administrated with Tongxie Yaofang extracts once a day for 2 weeks, respondingly with the doses of 0.203,0.406,0.812 g•mL⁻¹. The rats in normal group and model control group were given with equal volume of saline once a day for 2 weeks. On the 0 and 15th days, serum was collected and each sample extract was analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Eight potential biomarkers were identified and 8 major metabolic pathways were found to be related with IBS diseases neurotransmitter metabolism, inflammatory immunity, brain function and energy metabolism, etc. Tongxie Yaofang had certain pharmacological effects on IBS, and its mechanism may be related to serotonergic synapse, tryptophan metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and so on, which might be the biological basis of IBS liver-spleen deficiency syndrome. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Students' Critical Mathematical Thinking Skills and Character: Experiments for Junior High School Students through Realistic Mathematics Education Culture-Based

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palinussa, Anderson L.

2013-01-01

This paper presents the findings of a quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design and control group that aims to assess students' critical mathematical thinking skills and character through realistic mathematics education (RME) culture-based. Subjects of this study were 106 junior high school students from two low and medium schools level in…

High Level of Integration in Integrated Disease Management Leads to Higher Usage in the e-Vita Study: Self-Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Web-Based Platforms in a Parallel Cohort Design

PubMed Central

Verdijk, Noortje A; Kasteleyn, Marise J; Harmans, Lara M; Talboom, Irvin JSH; Numans, Mattijs E; Chavannes, Niels H

2017-01-01

Background Worldwide, nearly 3 million people die of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) every year. Integrated disease management (IDM) improves disease-specific quality of life and exercise capacity for people with COPD, but can also reduce hospital admissions and hospital days. Self-management of COPD through eHealth interventions has shown to be an effective method to improve the quality and efficiency of IDM in several settings, but it remains unknown which factors influence usage of eHealth and change in behavior of patients. Objective Our study, e-Vita COPD, compares different levels of integration of Web-based self-management platforms in IDM in three primary care settings. The main aim of this study is to analyze the factors that successfully promote the use of a self-management platform for COPD patients. Methods The e-Vita COPD study compares three different approaches to incorporating eHealth via Web-based self-management platforms into IDM of COPD using a parallel cohort design. Three groups integrated the platforms to different levels. In groups 1 (high integration) and 2 (medium integration), randomization was performed to two levels of personal assistance for patients (high and low assistance); in group 3 there was no integration into disease management (none integration). Every visit to the e-Vita and Zorgdraad COPD Web platforms was tracked objectively by collecting log data (sessions and services). At the first log-in, patients completed a baseline questionnaire. Baseline characteristics were automatically extracted from the log files including age, gender, education level, scores on the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), dyspnea scale (MRC), and quality of life questionnaire (EQ5D). To predict the use of the platforms, multiple linear regression analyses for the different independent variables were performed: integration in IDM (high, medium, none), personal assistance for the participants (high vs low), educational level, and self-efficacy level (General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSES]). All analyses were adjusted for age and gender. Results Of the 702 invited COPD patients, 215 (30.6%) registered to a platform. Of the 82 patients in group 1 (high integration IDM), 36 were in group 1A (personal assistance) and 46 in group 1B (low assistance). Of the 96 patients in group 2 (medium integration IDM), 44 were in group 2A (telephone assistance) and 52 in group 2B (low assistance). A total of 37 patients participated in group 3 (no integration IDM). In all, 107 users (49.8%) visited the platform at least once in the 15-month period. The mean number of sessions differed between the three groups (group 1: mean 10.5, SD 1.3; group 2: mean 8.8, SD 1.4; group 3: mean 3.7, SD 1.8; P=.01). The mean number of sessions differed between the high-assistance and low-assistance groups in groups 1 and 2 (high: mean 11.8, SD 1.3; low: mean 6.7, SD 1.4; F1,80=6.55, P=.01). High-assistance participants used more services (mean 45.4, SD 6.2) than low-assistance participants (mean 21.2, SD 6.8; F1,80=6.82, P=.01). No association was found between educational level and usage and between GSES and usage. Conclusions Use of a self-management platform is higher when participants receive adequate personal assistance about how to use the platform. Blended care, where digital health and usual care are integrated, will likely lead to increased use of the online program. Future research should provide additional insights into the preferences of different patient groups. Trial Registration Nederlands Trial Register NTR4098; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4098 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qO1hqiJ1) PMID:28566268

Architectural elements from Lower Proterozoic braid-delta and high-energy tidal flat deposits in the Magaliesberg Formation, Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksson, Patrick G.; Reczko, Boris F. F.; Jaco Boshoff, A.; Schreiber, Ute M.; Van der Neut, Markus; Snyman, Carel P.

1995-06-01

Three architectural elements are identified in the Lower Proterozoic Magaliesberg Formation (Pretoria Group, Transvaal Supergroup) of the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa: (1) medium- to coarse-grained sandstone sheets; (2) fine- to medium-grained sandstone sheets; and (3) mudrock elements. Both sandstone sheet elements are characterised by horizontal lamination and planar cross-bedding, with lesser trough cross-bedding, channel-fills and wave ripples, as well as minor desiccated mudrock partings, double-crested and flat-topped ripples. Due to the local unimodal palaeocurrent patterns in the medium- to coarse-grained sandstone sheets, they are interpreted as ephemeral braid-delta deposits, which were subjected to minor marine reworking. The predominantly bimodal to polymodal palaeocurrent trends in the fine- to medium-grained sandstone sheets are inferred to reflect high-energy macrotidal processes and more complete reworking of braid-delta sands. The suspension deposits of mudrocks point to either braid-delta channel abandonment, or uppermost tidal flat sedimentation. The depositional model comprises ephemeral braid-delta systems which debouched into a high-energy peritidal environment, around the margins of a shallow epeiric sea on the Kaapvaal craton. Braid-delta and tidal channel dynamics are inferred to have been similar. Fine material in the Magaliesberg Formation peritidal complexes indicates that extensive aeolian removal of clay does not seem applicable to this example of the early Proterozoic.

Influence of skin colour on diagnostic accuracy of the jaundice meter JM 103 in newborns.

PubMed

Samiee-Zafarghandy, S; Feberova, J; Williams, K; Yasseen, A S; Perkins, S L; Lemyre, B

2014-11-01

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the JM 103 as a screening tool for neonatal jaundice and explore differential effects based on skin colour. We prospectively compared the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) and serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements of newborns over a 3 month-period. Skin colour was assigned via reference colour swatches. Diagnostic measures of the TcB/TSB comparison were made and clinically relevant TcB cut-off values were determined for each skin colour group. 451 infants (51 light, 326 medium and 74 dark skin colour) were recruited. The association between TcB and TSB was high for all skin colours (rs>0.9). The Bland-Altman analysis showed an absolute mean difference between the two measures of 13.3±26.4 µmol/L with broad limits of agreement (-39.4-66.0 µmol/L), with TcB underestimating TSB in light and medium skin colours and overestimating in dark skin colour. Diagnostic measures were also consistently high across skin colours, with no clinically significant differences observed. The JM 103 is a useful screening tool to identify infants in need of serum bilirubin, regardless of skin colour. The effect of skin colour on the accuracy of this device at high levels of serum bilirubin could not be assessed fully due to small numbers in the light and dark groups. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Effect of hydrogen sulfide on inflammatory cytokines in acute myocardial ischemia injury in rats

PubMed Central

LIU, FANG; LIU, GUANG-JIE; LIU, NA; ZHANG, GANG; ZHANG, JIAN-XIN; LI, LAN-FANG

2015-01-01

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is believed to be involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes, and now it is recognized as the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide; however, the effects of H2S on inflammatory factors in acute myocardial ischemia injury in rats have not been clarified. In the present study, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) was used as the H2S donor. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham, ischemia, ischemia + low-dose (0.78 mg/kg) NaHS, ischemia + medium-dose (1.56 mg/kg) NaHS, ischemia + high-dose (3.12 mg/kg) NaHS and ischemia + propargylglycine (PPG) (30 mg/kg). The rats in each group were sacrificed 6 h after the surgery for sample collection. Compared with the ischemia group, the cardiac damage in the rats in the ischemia + NaHS groups was significantly reduced, particularly in the high-dose group; in the ischemia + PPG group, the myocardial injury was aggravated compared with that in the ischemia group. Compared with the ischemia group, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum of rats in the ischemia + medium- and high-dose NaHS groups were significantly reduced, and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) protein in the myocardial tissues of rats was significantly reduced. In the ischemia + PPG group, the TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in the serum were significantly increased, the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA was increased, although without a significant difference, and the expression of NF-κB was increased. The findings of the present study provide novel evidence for the dual effects of H2S on acute myocardial ischemia injury via the modulation of inflammatory factors. PMID:25667680

[Research of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits on serum lipids and liver protection effects in high-fat-diet rats].

PubMed

Song, Chunmei; Du, Juan; Ge, Hongjuan

2015-07-01

To study the effects o Hippophae rhamnoides fruits on serum lipids and liver protection in high-fat-diet rats. Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups,including control group, high lipid model group and Hippophae rhamnoides low-, medium- and high- dose groups,every group wastaken high-fat diet except control group. The rats in control group and high lipid group were lavaged with physiological saline. The doses of Hippophae rhamnoides in low, middle and high groups were determined based on the 1x, 5x, and 10x standard human doses (50 g/60 kg BW), respectively. The rat were orally given test sample respectively for 28 days, once a day. Observed the changes of serum lipids and hepatic tissues pathology. Compared with the control group, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in high-fat-diet rats. Compared with the high lipid group, Hippophae rhamnoides of different doses could significantly reduce the content of TG (P < 0.01). Hippophae rhamnoides reduced the tendency of TC and LDL-C in serum and reduced the fatty degeneration of liver cells. The Hippophae rhamnoides fruits can reduce the level of serum lipids and prevent the occurrence of fatty liver, can be used for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.

[Study of population profiles in relation to the level of suicide risk in France: Study "Mental health in the general population"].

PubMed

Chabaud, Francis; Debarre, Julie; Serazin, Céline; Bouet, Roland; Vaïva, Guillaume; Roelandt, Jean Luc

2010-01-01

Suicidal behaviour is a very important public health issue. The French study of mental health in the general population casts a whole new insight on this issue thanks to the size of the sample used, to its representative nature and to the variety of the collected data. This study aims at defining better the relationships between the factors of suicide risk within a noninstitutionalized adult population and more specifically between the socioeconomic and the psychopathological factors. The final aim is to help define the intervention strategies which should be developed in the context of prevention programs. The method used consists in estimating the suicide risk for each person included in the study by developing a standardized indicator. Six questions taken from the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) were used to define the four levels of suicide risks which compose this indicator. Next, this indicator was matched for the socioeconomic variables of the study as well as for the main psychopathological categories. A factor analysis of the numerous relations was then carried out. Its principle consisted in synthesizing the information contained in a great number of variables and individuals thanks to the mathematical projection of these features onto a graph. The variables which were retained for the analysis were those which presented the richest relationship with the main variable.(that is to say the level of suicide risk). The estimated prevalence rate of suicidal risk in the general population (with at least one positive answer) is 13.7% which can be divided into 9.7% of low risk, 2.1% of medium risk and 1.9% of high risk. The relationship between the presence of a psychopathology and a medium or high risk of suicide is quite significant. What is more, the presence of associated pathologies (comorbidities) increases the risk. The highest prevalence of risk is observed in psychotic and depressive disorders. However, suicide risk exists in some people who do not present any detected psychopathology : the statistical analysis reveals an excessive medium and high suicide risk in relation to a low family income, unemployment, separation and the 18 to 24 age group. The multidimensional analysis brings to light several specific aspects : the principal explanation shows a relationship between unfavourable socio economic status and the presence of suicide risk at a level which is not equal to zero. The second explanatory line defines the level of risk according to the principal psychopathological characteristics. These two lines define a plane which enables to differentiate low risk groups from medium risk groups and high risk groups. The latter consists mainly in isolated pathological factors or associated factors (comorbidities). The medium and high risk groups are composed mainly of the combination of the two variables. To conclude, these results - which are necessarily flimsy since they are based on epidemiological and statistical analysis - do however match up with the data of the epidemiologic literature in an interesting way and raise the question of an intervention and prevention strategy that would integrate better the medical factors and the socio economic aspects into its program. They should be completed by targeted forward clinical studies as well as by more precise epidemiological patterns. Copyright 2010 L’Encéphale. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.

Place matters: A longitudinal analysis measuring the association between neighbourhood walkability and walking by age group and population center size in Canada.

PubMed

Wasfi, Rania; Steinmetz-Wood, Madeleine; Kestens, Yan

2017-01-01

This study examined the influence of walkability on walking behaviour and assessed whether associations varied according to life-stage and population center (PC) size. Walkability scores were obtained for the six-digit postal codes of residential neighbourhoods of 11,200 Canadians, who participated in biennial assessments of the National Population Health Survey from 1994 to 2010. Participants were stratified by age-group. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the influence of cumulative exposure to neighborhood walkability on utilitarian and exercise walking by PC size and life-stage. Associations of neighbourhood walkability with utilitarian and exercise walking varied according to age-group and PC size. Exposure to high walkable neighborhoods was associated with utilitarian walking in younger and older adults in all PC sizes, except for older adults living in a medium PC. Living in a highly walkable neighborhood in a large PC was associated with walking for exercise in younger (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.20-1.67) and older adults (OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.51-2.89). Living in highly walkable neighbourhood in a medium PC was associated with walking for exercise in older adults (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.15-2.29). These results emphasize the need to consider the size and nature of every community, and the age-group of a population when implementing strategies to promote walking.

Place matters: A longitudinal analysis measuring the association between neighbourhood walkability and walking by age group and population center size in Canada

PubMed Central

Steinmetz-Wood, Madeleine; Kestens, Yan

2017-01-01

This study examined the influence of walkability on walking behaviour and assessed whether associations varied according to life-stage and population center (PC) size. Walkability scores were obtained for the six-digit postal codes of residential neighbourhoods of 11,200 Canadians, who participated in biennial assessments of the National Population Health Survey from 1994 to 2010. Participants were stratified by age-group. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the influence of cumulative exposure to neighborhood walkability on utilitarian and exercise walking by PC size and life-stage. Associations of neighbourhood walkability with utilitarian and exercise walking varied according to age-group and PC size. Exposure to high walkable neighborhoods was associated with utilitarian walking in younger and older adults in all PC sizes, except for older adults living in a medium PC. Living in a highly walkable neighborhood in a large PC was associated with walking for exercise in younger (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.20–1.67) and older adults (OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.51–2.89). Living in highly walkable neighbourhood in a medium PC was associated with walking for exercise in older adults (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.15–2.29). These results emphasize the need to consider the size and nature of every community, and the age-group of a population when implementing strategies to promote walking. PMID:29261706

[Experimental study on co-culture of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells and ganglia].

PubMed

Gu, Ling; Bu, Rong-fa; Wang, Dong-sheng; E, Ling-ling; Zhu, Guo-xiong

2012-01-01

To construct the co-culture models of salivarya denoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) cells and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of chickens and investigate the promotive effects of SACC on neural tissue. Glass-base culture dish was adopted to construct co-culture model of SACC-83 cells and DRG. SACC-83 cells were seeded in the medium pore with DRG around them. Outgrowth of neuronal processes was observed. Then DRG was cultured in the conditioned medium of SACC-83, with the groups of conditioned medium of MC3T3-E1 and HGF, the group of cell lysis buffer, the groups of serum-free medium and serum-plus medium as the controls. Outgrowth of neuronal processes was also recorded and compared with control groups. In the co-culture model of tumor and neuronal tissue, SACC-83 cells produced a suitable microenvironment in which neuronal processes remarkably grow. Neuronal processes of most DRG displayed growth tendency toward SACC. The group of conditioned medium from SACC-83 manifested obvious promotive effects on DRG. Co-culture model of tumor and neuronal tissue was successfully constructed, with which the promotive effects of tumor on outgrowth of neuronal processes could be observed. So hypothesized that SACC could secrete some neurotrophic factors to guide peripheral nerves gemmating and to trigger the cascade of the neural invasion in succession.

Epidemiology of Bone Fracture in Female Trauma Patients Based on Risks of Osteoporosis Assessed using the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians Score

PubMed Central

Rau, Cheng-Shyuan; Wu, Shao-Chun; Kuo, Pao-Jen; Chen, Yi-Chun; Chien, Peng-Chen; Hsieh, Hsiao-Yun

2017-01-01

Background: Osteoporotic fractures are defined as low-impact fractures resulting from low-level trauma. However, the exclusion of high-level trauma fractures may result in underestimation of the contribution of osteoporosis to fractures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the fracture patterns of female trauma patients with various risks of osteoporosis based on the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) score. Methods: According to the data retrieved from the Trauma Registry System of a Level I trauma center between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015, a total of 6707 patients aged ≥40 years and hospitalized for the treatment of traumatic bone fracture were categorized as high-risk (OSTA < −4, n = 1585), medium-risk (−1 ≥ OSTA ≥ −4, n = 1985), and low-risk (OSTA > −1, n = 3137) patients. Two-sided Pearson’s, chi-squared, or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare categorical data. Unpaired Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyze normally and non-normally distributed continuous data, respectively. Propensity-score matching in a 1:1 ratio was performed with injury mechanisms as adjusted variables to evaluate the effects of OSTA-related grouping on the fracture patterns. Results: High- and medium-risk patients were significantly older, had higher incidences of comorbidity, and were more frequently injured from a fall and bicycle accident than low-risk patients did. Compared to low-risk patients, high- and medium-risk patients had a higher injury severity and mortality. In the propensity-score matched population, the incidence of fractures was only different in the extremity regions between high- and low-risk patients as well as between medium- and low-risk patients. The incidences of femoral fractures were significantly higher in high-risk (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.73–4.24; p < 0.001) and medium-risk patients (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.24–1.54; p < 0.001) than in low-risk patients. In addition, high-risk patients had significantly lower odds of humeral, radial, patellar, and tibial fractures; however, such lower odds were not found in medium- risk than low-risk patients. Conclusions: The fracture patterns of female trauma patients with high- and medium-risk osteoporosis were different from that of low-risk patients exclusively in the extremity region. PMID:29137199

Effects of ultrashort gamete co-incubation time on porcine in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Almiñana, C; Gil, M A; Cuello, C; Parrilla, I; Roca, J; Vazquez, J M; Martinez, E A

2008-07-01

A reduction in co-incubation time has been suggested as an alternative method to reduce polyspermic fertilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short periods of gamete co-incubation during pig in vitro fertilization. A total of 2,833 in vitro matured oocytes were inseminated with thawed spermatozoa and coincubated for 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10 min and 6h. The oocytes from the 0.25-10 min groups were washed three times in modified Tris-buffered medium (mTBM) medium to remove spermatozoa not bound to the zona and transferred to the same medium (containing no spermatozoa) until 6h of co-incubation time were completed. After 6h, presumptive zygotes from each group were cultured in NCSU-23 medium for 12-15 h to assess fertilization parameters. After each period of co-incubation, 45-50 oocytes from each group were stained with Hoechst-33342 and the number of spermatozoa bound to the zona was counted. Although the number of zona bound spermatozoa increased (p<0.05) with the co-incubation time, no increase was observed in penetration rates among groups from 2 min to 6h of co-incubation time (ranging from 53.5+/-2.8 to 61.3+/-2.6%). Similarly, the efficiency of fertilization reached a maximum for the 2 min of co-incubation group with values ranging between 32.3+/-2.4 and 41.9+/-2.5%. The reduction of co-incubation time did not affect the monospermy rate (range: 71.3+/-3.4-80.2+/-3.8%) and the mean number of spermatozoa/oocyte (range: 1.2+/-0.4-1.4+/-0.5). These results show that, under our in vitro conditions, high penetration rate can be obtained with co-incubation times as short as 2 min, although monospermy could not be improved using this strategy.

Glucose endothelial cytotoxicity and protection by Dan Gua-Fang, a Chinese herb prescription in huVEC in hyperglycemia medium.

PubMed

Xian-pei, Heng; Ke-ji, Chen; Zheng-feng, Hong; Wei-dong, He; Ke-dan, Chu; Wen-lie, Chen; Xu-zheng, Chen; Hai-xia, Zheng; Ling, Chen; Liu-qing, Yang; Fang, Guo; Mao-long, Lin

2009-01-01

Low success rate of blood glucose in diabetes is an international problem. The endothelia cytotoxicity of hyperglycemia has been widely accepted. However, it has not been seen in reports of the value of concentration of high glucose beginning to produce cytotoxicity and the relationship between hyperglycemia and cytotoxicity as well as how to effectively prevent and control hyperglycemia cytotoxicity. Dan Gua prescription is an effective Chinese herb prescription for diabetic vascular complications. Dan Gua prescription was contained in Dan Gua liquor utilized in experiments. (1) The cytotoxicity experiment of Dan Gua was carried out with M199 medium whose glucose (Glu) was 5.55 mmol/l to seek for a suitable experimental concentration of Dan Gua. (2) The human vessel endotheliocyte was cultivated for 72 h with mediums containing glucose in different concentrations (Group G1 to Group G11, Glu: 5.5 to 99.9 mmol/l, respectively), and assayed an optical density (OD) value using the 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide method. (3) Experiment 2 was repeated. However, the medium of each group (Groups Y1 to Y11) contained Dan Gua liquor whose concentration was 1/300. There was a negative correlation between means of cell OD values and glucose concentrations (r=-.927, R(2)=.844), and it presented a notable linear correlation (y=0.681-0.002x). Based on the OD value of 5.5-mmol/l glucose concentration (group G1), when glucose concentration reached 22.2 mmol/l (G4), the difference in OD values has a statistical significance. OD values in Y1-Y11 were not less than that of G1. There is a notable linear correlation between the endothelial cytotoxicities of Glu and its concentrations. The spinodal point concentration of statistical significance of hyperglycemia cytotoxicity is 22.2 mmol/l; 1/300 Dan Gua can reverse the endothelia cytotoxicity in different concentrations of hyperglycemia.

Plant Microsomal Phospholipid Acyl Hydrolases Have Selectivities for Uncommon Fatty Acids.

PubMed Central

Stahl, U.; Banas, A.; Stymne, S.

1995-01-01

Developing endosperms and embryos accumulating triacylglycerols rich in caproyl (decanoyl) groups (i.e. developing embryos of Cuphea procumbens and Ulmus glabra) had microsomal acyl hydrolases with high selectivities toward phosphatidylcholine with this acyl group. Similarly, membranes from Euphorbia lagascae and Ricinus communis endosperms, which accumulate triacylglycerols with vernoleate (12-epoxy-octadeca-9-enoate) and ricinoleate (12-hydroxy-octadeca-9-enoate), respectively, had acyl hydrolases that selectively removed their respective oxygenated acyl group from the phospholipids. The activities toward phospholipid substrates with epoxy, hydroxy, and medium-chain acyl groups varied greatly between microsomal preparations from different plant species. Epoxidated and hydroxylated acyl groups in sn-1 and sn-2 positions of phosphatidylcholine and in sn-1-lysophosphatidylcholine were hydrolyzed to a similar extent, whereas the hydrolysis of caproyl groups was highly dependent on the positional localization. PMID:12228415

Plant Microsomal Phospholipid Acyl Hydrolases Have Selectivities for Uncommon Fatty Acids.

PubMed

Stahl, U.; Banas, A.; Stymne, S.

1995-03-01

Developing endosperms and embryos accumulating triacylglycerols rich in caproyl (decanoyl) groups (i.e. developing embryos of Cuphea procumbens and Ulmus glabra) had microsomal acyl hydrolases with high selectivities toward phosphatidylcholine with this acyl group. Similarly, membranes from Euphorbia lagascae and Ricinus communis endosperms, which accumulate triacylglycerols with vernoleate (12-epoxy-octadeca-9-enoate) and ricinoleate (12-hydroxy-octadeca-9-enoate), respectively, had acyl hydrolases that selectively removed their respective oxygenated acyl group from the phospholipids. The activities toward phospholipid substrates with epoxy, hydroxy, and medium-chain acyl groups varied greatly between microsomal preparations from different plant species. Epoxidated and hydroxylated acyl groups in sn-1 and sn-2 positions of phosphatidylcholine and in sn-1-lysophosphatidylcholine were hydrolyzed to a similar extent, whereas the hydrolysis of caproyl groups was highly dependent on the positional localization.

Attempting tobacco cessation--an oral physician's perspective.

PubMed

Pai, Anuradha; Prasad, Shesha

2012-01-01

Tobacco use is a global health care problem. Repetitive exposure to nicotine produces neuroadaptation resulting in nicotine dependence. Smoking is associated with a range of diseases, causing high levels of morbidity and mortality and is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, with more than 4.6 million smokers worldwide dying each year from smoking related illnesses. Stopping smoking has major health benefits. Quitting at any age provides both short and long term benefits. 45 patients attending the outpatient department at the Oxford Dental College, Bangalore, were randomly allocated to three groups of interventions namely placebo, counseling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Initially each one was assessed for carbon monoxide levels using a breath analyser (pico smokerlyser bedfont UK). They were followed up for six months and the carbon monoxide levels were again assessed using the same instrument. The paired t test was used to compare the results before and after the intervention. The scores before the initiation of intervention and after treatment were compared and all three interventions were found to be statistically significant after six months. It was noticed that patients with very low or low dependence followed by high dependence had good response in the placebo group (68% and 47.6% respectively), in the counseling group maximum response was seen in the medium followed by the very low group (61% and 59% respectively), and maximum response was seen in very high followed by the very low group with NRT (78.7% and 60.5% respectively). The inference that can be drawn from the present study is that non-invasive, non pharmacological methods like placebo and counseling are effective in low to medium groups, and NRT is effective with higher nicotine dependence.

Vanadium exposure-induced striatal learning and memory alterations in rats.

PubMed

Sun, Liping; Wang, Keyue; Li, Yan; Fan, Qiyuan; Zheng, Wei; Li, Hong

2017-09-01

Occupational and environmental exposure to vanadium has been associated with toxicities in reproductive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. The knowledge on whether and how vanadium exposure caused neurobehavioral changes remains incomplete. This study was designed to investigate the changes in learning and memory following drinking water exposure to vanadium, and to conduct the preliminary study on underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vanadium dissolved in drinking water at the concentration of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0g/L, as the control, low-, medium-, and high- dose groups, respectively, for 12 weeks. The results by the Morris water maze test showed that the time for the testing animal to find the platform in the high exposed group was increased by 82.9% and 49.7%, as compared to animals in control and low-dose groups (p<0.05). There were significantly fewer rats in the medium- and high- dose groups than in the control group who were capable of crossing the platform (p<0.05). Quantitation of vanadium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed a significant dose-dependent accumulation of vanadium in striatum (r=0.931, p<0.01). Histopathological examination further demonstrated a degenerative damage in vanadium-exposed striatum. Interestingly, with the increase of the dose of vanadium, the contents of neurotransmitter ACh, 5-HT and GABA in the striatum increased; however, the levels of Syn1 was significantly reduced in the exposed groups compared with controls (p<0.05). These data suggest that vanadium exposure apparently reduces the animals' learning ability. This could be due partly to vanadium's accumulation in striatum and the ensuing toxicity to striatal structure and synaptic plasticity. Further research is warranted for mechanistic understanding of vanadium-induced neurotoxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vanadium exposure-induced striatal learning and memory alterations in rats

PubMed Central

Sun, Liping; Wang, Keyue; Li, Yan; Fan, Qiyuan; Zheng, Wei; Li, Hong

2017-01-01

Occupational and environmental exposure to vanadium has been associated with toxicities in reproductive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. The knowledge on whether and how vanadium exposure caused neurobehavioral changes remains incomplete. This study was designed to investigate the changes in learning and memory following drinking water exposure to vanadium, and to conduct the preliminary study on underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vanadium dissolved in drinking water at the concentration of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/L, as the control, low-, medium-, and high- dose groups, respectively, for 12 weeks. The results by the Morris water maze test showed that the time for the testing animal to find the platform in the high exposed group was increased by 82.9% and 49.7%, as compared to animals in control and low-dose groups (p <0.05). There were significantly fewer rats in the medium- and high- dose groups than in the control group who were capable of crossing the platform (p <0.05). Quantitation of vanadium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed a significant dose-dependent accumulation of vanadium in striatum (r = 0.931, p <0.01). Histopathological examination further demonstrated a degenerative damage in vanadium-exposed striatum. Interestingly, with the increase of the dose of vanadium, the contents of neurotransmitter ACh, 5-HT and GABA in the striatum increased; however, the levels of Syn1 was significantly reduced in the exposed groups compared with controls (p <0.05). These data suggest that vanadium exposure apparently reduces the animals’ learning ability. This could be due partly to vanadium’s accumulation in striatum and the ensuing toxicity to striatal structure and synaptic plasticity. Further research is warranted for mechanistic understanding of vanadium-induced neurotoxicity. PMID:28625925

Elucidating the substrate specificities of acyl-lipid thioesterases from diverse plant taxa.

PubMed

Kalinger, Rebecca S; Pulsifer, Ian P; Rowland, Owen

2018-06-01

Acyl-ACP thioesterase enzymes, which cleave fatty acyl thioester bonds to release free fatty acids, contribute to much of the fatty acid diversity in plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a family of four single hot-dog fold domain, plastid-localized acyl-lipid thioesterases (AtALT1-4) generate medium-chain (C6-C14) fatty and β-keto fatty acids as secondary metabolites. These volatile products may serve to attract insect pollinators or deter predatory insects. Homologs of AtALT1-4 are present in all plant taxa, but are nearly all uncharacterized. Despite high sequence identity, AtALT1-4 generate different lipid products, suggesting that ALT homologs in other plants also have highly varied activities. We investigated the catalytic diversity of ALT-like thioesterases by screening the substrate specificities of 15 ALT homologs from monocots, eudicots, a lycophyte, a green microalga, and the ancient gymnosperm Gingko biloba, via expression in Escherichia coli. Overall, these enzymes had highly varied substrate preferences compared to one another and to AtALT1-4, and could be classified into four catalytic groups comprising members from diverse taxa. Group 1 ALTs primarily generated 14:1 β-keto fatty acids, Group 2 ALTs produced 6-10 carbon fatty/β-keto fatty acids, Group 3 ALTs predominantly produced 12-14 carbon fatty acids, and Group 4 ALTs mainly generated 16 carbon fatty acids. Enzymes in each group differed significantly in the quantities of lipids and types of minor products they generated in E. coli. Medium-chain fatty acids are used to manufacture insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, and ALT-like proteins are ideal candidates for metabolic engineering to produce specific fatty acids in significant quantities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Intrinsic Multi-Scale Dynamic Behaviors of Complex Financial Systems.

PubMed

Ouyang, Fang-Yan; Zheng, Bo; Jiang, Xiong-Fei

2015-01-01

The empirical mode decomposition is applied to analyze the intrinsic multi-scale dynamic behaviors of complex financial systems. In this approach, the time series of the price returns of each stock is decomposed into a small number of intrinsic mode functions, which represent the price motion from high frequency to low frequency. These intrinsic mode functions are then grouped into three modes, i.e., the fast mode, medium mode and slow mode. The probability distribution of returns and auto-correlation of volatilities for the fast and medium modes exhibit similar behaviors as those of the full time series, i.e., these characteristics are rather robust in multi time scale. However, the cross-correlation between individual stocks and the return-volatility correlation are time scale dependent. The structure of business sectors is mainly governed by the fast mode when returns are sampled at a couple of days, while by the medium mode when returns are sampled at dozens of days. More importantly, the leverage and anti-leverage effects are dominated by the medium mode.

Comparing yield and relative costs of WHO TB screening algorithms in selected risk groups among people aged 65 years and over in China, 2013

PubMed Central

Cheng, Jun; Zhao, Fei; Xia, Yinyin; Zhang, Hui; Wilkinson, Ewan; Das, Mrinalini; Li, Jie; Chen, Wei; Hu, Dongmei; Jeyashree, Kathiresan; Wang, Lixia

2017-01-01

Objective To calculate the yield and cost per diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) case for three World Health Organization screening algorithms and one using the Chinese National TB program (NTP) TB suspect definitions, using data from a TB prevalence survey of people aged 65 years and over in China, 2013. Methods This was an analytic study using data from the above survey. Risk groups were defined and the prevalence of new TB cases in each group calculated. Costs of each screening component were used to give indicative costs per case detected. Yield, number needed to screen (NNS) and cost per case were used to assess the algorithms. Findings The prevalence survey identified 172 new TB cases in 34,250 participants. Prevalence varied greatly in different groups, from 131/100,000 to 4651/ 100,000. Two groups were chosen to compare the algorithms. The medium-risk group (living in a rural area: men, or previous TB case, or close contact or a BMI <18.5, or tobacco user) had appreciably higher cost per case (USD 221, 298 and 963) in the three algorithms than the high-risk group (all previous TB cases, all close contacts). (USD 72, 108 and 309) but detected two to four times more TB cases in the population. Using a Chest x-ray as the initial screening tool in the medium risk group cost the most (USD 963), and detected 67% of all the new cases. Using the NTP definition of TB suspects made little difference. Conclusions To “End TB”, many more TB cases have to be identified. Screening only the highest risk groups identified under 14% of the undetected cases,. To “End TB”, medium risk groups will need to be screened. Using a CXR for initial screening results in a much higher yield, at what should be an acceptable cost. PMID:28594824

Fish meal extract bile esculin agar (FMBE) a selective medium for Bacteroides fragilis group.

PubMed

Beena, V K; Rao, S; Kotian, M; Shivananda, P G

1997-07-01

Fish meal extract bile esculin agar (FMBE) is prepared using Fish meal extract concentrate as the basal substance, for the selective isolation and presumptive identification of B.fragilis group. The efficiency of the medium was evaluated by growing stock cultures of B.fragilis groups as well as inoculating clinical specimens and comparing the results with Bacteroides bile esculin agar (BBE). All the 87 stock cultures of B.fragilis grew on FMBE and BBE. No other anaerobes tested grew on the medium. However 7 out of 65 neomycin resistant aerobes grew on the FMBE. From the 100 clinical samples, 62 strains of B. Fragilis group were recovered on FMBE and BBE, and 53 strains on supplemented BHIBA. The cost effectiveness, selectivity and the ability to detect esculin hydrolysis will enable FMBE as a suitable medium as comparable to that of BBE, if not superior.

Individual differences in strategic flight management and scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wickens, Christopher D.; Raby, Mireille

1991-01-01

A group of 30 instrument-rated pilots was made to fly simulator approaches to three airports under conditions of low, medium, and high workload conditions. An analysis is presently conducted of the difference in discrete task scheduling between the group of 10 highest and 10 lowest performing pilots in the sample; this categorization was based on the mean of various flight-profile measures. The two groups were found to differ from each other only in terms of the time when specific events were conducted, and of the optimality of scheduling for certain high-priority tasks. These results are assessed in view of the relative independence of task-management skills from aircraft-control skills.

[Total flavonoids from Astragalus complanatus attenuates lung injury following paraquat poisoning in rats through inhibiting excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhijian; Dong, Yaoyao; Li, Xiaoping; Peng, Libo

2014-06-01

To investigate the effect of total flavonoids from astragalus complanatus (FAC) on attenuating lung injury resulted from paraquat (PQ) poisoning by inhibiting excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in rat. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=8 in each group), including control group, model group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vehicle control group, and FAC in low, medium, and high dosage groups. The model was reproduced by giving PQ 80 mg/kg orally to induce lung injury. The rats in control group were treated with saline by gavage. The rats in DMSO group were given 10% DMSO 20 mL/kg by gavage 2 hours before intraperitoneal injection of PQ, and those in FAC low, medium and high dosage groups received 40, 80, 160 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) of FAC solution intraperitoneally after the PQ administration. The rats were sacrificed 72 hours after giving PQ, and the left lung tissue was harvested 72 hours after the reproduction of experimental model. The ratio of wet/dry weight (W/D) and total lung water content (TLW) were determined. The pathohistological changes of the left lung was observed under light microscope, and scored with alveolar damage index of quantitative assessment (IQA). The mRNA expressions of JNK and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the protein expression of JNK, phosphorylation-JNK (p-JNK), and GRP78 were determined by Western Blot. Compared with control group, the W/D ratio, TLW and IQA were increased significantly in model group and DMSO group, and the mRNA expressions of JNK and GRP78 and the protein expressions of JNK, p-JNK and GRP78 were markedly increased. Compared with the model group, the W/D ratio, TLW and IQA, and the expressions of JNK mRNA and p-JNK protein were significantly decreased in the FAC groups, especially in FAC high dosage group [W/D ratio: 3.0±0.3 vs. 5.5±0.5, TLW: 2.2±0.3 vs. 4.7±0.4, IQA: (15.4±3.0)% vs. (40.0±5.7)%, JNK mRNA: 0.21±0.08 vs. 0.82±0.27, p-JNK protein: 0.31±0.09 vs. 0.78±0.25, all P<0.01]. The mRNA expression of GRP78 and the protein expressions of JNK and GRP78 were highly expressed in FAC low, medium and high dosage groups, and there was no significant difference compared with those in model group (GRP78 mRNA: 0.54±0.18 vs. 0.74±0.20, JNK protein: 0.76±0.27 vs. 0.80±0.28, GRP78 protein: 0.51±0.18 vs. 0.69±0.21, all P>0.05). PQ induces excessive ERS in the lung tissue resulting in lung injury. FAC has a protective effect on lung against PQ injury, and it may be related with inhibition JNK pathway in ERS.

Should we perform an echocardiogram in hypertensive patients classified as having low and medium risk?

PubMed

Suárez, Carmen; Villar, José; Martel, Nieves; Extremera, Blas Gil; Suliman, Najaty; Campo, Carlos; Castellanos, Victoriano; Liébana, Antonio; Rodilla, Enrique; Nieto, Javier; Velasco, Olga; Ruilope, Luis M

2006-01-04

Left ventricular hypertrophy is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk and its detection contributes to risk stratification. However, echocardiography is not a routine procedure and electrocardiography (ECG) underestimates its prevalence. To evaluate the prevalence of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in low and medium risk non-treated hypertensive subjects, in order to find out the percentage of them who would be reclassified as high risk patients. Cross-sectional, multicenter study was performed in hospital located hypertension units. An echocardiogram was performed in 197 previously untreated hypertensive patients, > 18 years, classified as having low (61%) or medium (39%) risk, according to the OMS/ISH classification. The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy was considered if left ventricular mass index was > or = 134 or 110 g/m(2) in men and women, respectively (Devereux criteria). A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated to left ventricular hypertrophy. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was 23.9% (95% CI:17.9-29.9), 25.6% in men and 22.6% in women. In the low risk group its prevalence was 20.7% and in medium risk group 29.5%. Factors associated to left ventricular hypertrophy were: years since the diagnosis of hypertension, OR:1.1 (95% CI:1.003-1.227); systolic blood pressure, OR:1.08 (95% CI:1.029-1.138); diastolic blood pressure, OR:0.9 (95% CI:0.882-0.991); and family history of cardiovascular disease, OR:4.3 (95% CI:1.52-12.18). These findings underline the importance of performing an echocardiogram in low and high risk untreated hypertensive patients in which treatment would otherwise be delayed for even one year.

An open cohort study of bone metastasis incidence following surgery in breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Koizumi, Mitsuru; Yoshimoto, Masataka; Kasumi, Fujio; Iwase, Takuji

2010-07-21

To help design clinical trials of adjuvant bisphosphonate therapy for breast cancer, the temporal incidence of bone metastasis was investigated in a cohort of patients. We have tried to draw the criteria to use adjuvant bisphosphonate. Consecutive breast cancer patients undergoing surgery between 1988 and 1998 (5459 patients) were followed up regarding bone metastasis until December 2006. Patients' characteristics at the time of surgery were analyzed by Cox's method, with bone metastasis as events. Patient groups were assigned according to Cox's analysis, and were judged either to require the adjuvant bisphosphonate or not, using the tentative criteria: high risk (>3% person-year), medium risk (1-3%), and low risk (<1%). Bone metastasis incidence was constant between 1.0 and 2.8% per person-year more than 10 years. Non-invasive cancer was associated with a very low incidence of bone metastasis (1/436). Multivariate Cox's analysis indicated important factors for bone metastasis were tumor grade (T), nodal grade (pN), and histology. Because T and pN were important factors for bone metastasis prediction, subgroups were made by pTNM stage. Patients at stages IIIA, IIIB and IV had an incidence of >3% per person-year, patients with stage I <1% per person-year, and those with stages II were between 1 and 3%. Further analysis with histology in stage II patients showed that stage IIB with high risk histology also had a high incidence (3% person year), whereas stage IIA with medium risk histology were <1%. Bone metastasis incidence remained constant for many years. Using pN, T, and histopathology, patients could be classified into high, medium, and low risk groups.

Clinical significance of nutritional risk screening tool for hospitalised children with acute burn injuries: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Bang, Y K; Park, M K; Ju, Y S; Cho, K Y

2018-06-01

We assessed the nutritional risks among children hospitalised with acute burn injuries and their associated clinical outcomes using three nutritional risk screening (NRS) tools: Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONG KIDS ), Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) and Screening Tool for the Assessment for Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP). This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2015 to November 2016, in a regional burn centre. Patients were screened by two independent observers, using the three NRS tools. A total of 100 children aged 3 months to 16.5 years were included. STRONG KIDS identified 16% of patients as having high risk, with being identified 45% by PYMS and 44% by STAMP. After adjustment for confounding factors in multivariate regression analysis, patients in the high-risk group had significantly longer median (SD) lengths of stay [medium versus high risk: STRONG KIDS , 9.5 (6.6) versus 15.0 (24.2) days; PYMS, 8.5 (4.4) versus 13.0 (16.1) days; STAMP, 9.0 (5.7) versus 11.0 (17.4) days] and greater median (SD) weight loss [medium versus high risk: STRONG KIDS , 0.15 (0.8) versus -0.35 (0.8) kg; STAMP, 0.5 (0.7) versus 0 (0.1) kg] than patients in the medium-risk group (P < 0.05). The strengths of agreement in the nutritional risk classification between the two observers were good (κ for STRONG KIDS = 0.61; PYMS = 0.79; STAMP = 0.75) (P < 0.01). The STRONG KIDS , PYMS and STAMP tools could be useful and practical for determining which hospitalised children with acute burn injuries will need additional nutritional intervention. © 2017 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Resistance of Marine Bacterioneuston to Solar Radiation

PubMed Central

Agogué, Hélène; Joux, Fabien; Obernosterer, Ingrid; Lebaron, Philippe

2005-01-01

A total of 90 bacterial strains were isolated from the sea surface microlayer (i.e., bacterioneuston) and underlying waters (i.e., bacterioplankton) from two sites of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. The strains were identified by sequence analysis, and growth recovery was investigated after exposure to simulated solar radiation. Bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton isolates were subjected to six different exposure times, ranging from 0.5 to 7 h of simulated noontime solar radiation. Following exposure, the growth of each isolate was monitored, and different classes of resistance were determined according to the growth pattern. Large interspecific differences among the 90 marine isolates were observed. Medium and highly resistant strains accounted for 41% and 22% of the isolates, respectively, and only 16% were sensitive strains. Resistance to solar radiation was equally distributed within the bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton. Relative contributions to the highly resistant class were 43% for γ-proteobacteria and 14% and 8% for α-proteobacteria and the Cytophaga/Flavobacterium/Bacteroides (CFB) group, respectively. Within the γ-proteobacteria, the Pseudoalteromonas and Alteromonas genera appeared to be highly resistant to solar radiation. The majority of the CFB group (76%) had medium resistance. Our study further provides evidence that pigmented bacteria are not more resistant to solar radiation than nonpigmented bacteria. PMID:16151115

Effects of chromium picolinate on oxidative damage in primary piglet hepatocytes.

PubMed

Tan, Gao-Yi; Bi, Jin-Ming; Zhang, Min-Hong; Feng, Jing-Hai; Xie, Peng; Zheng, Shan-Shan

2008-12-01

Chromium picolinate is a popular nutritional supplement whose safety has been questioned because of the potential risk of oxidative DNA damage. To investigate this possibility, a dose-dependent study was performed in piglet hepatocyte cultures in which low (8 microM), medium (200 microM), and high (400 microM) doses of chromium picolinate were tested and compared to untreated controls. After 48 h incubation, there were no significant differences in the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, medium lactate dehydrogenase activity, and comet indicators between the three experimental groups and controls (p > 0.05). In the 8 microM-treated group, the intracellular malondialdehyde content was significantly decreased relative to controls (p < 0.05). All of the studied parameters showed a dose-dependent increase that was statistically significant between the low and high doses (p < 0.05). These results suggest that: (1) chromium picolinate may affect the oxidative status of piglet hepatocytes; (2) the appropriate dose (approximately physiological concentration) of chromium picolinate can inhibit lipid peroxidation, and (3) high doses of chromium picolinate have no significant effects on oxidative damage in piglet hepatocytes, but the existing evidence also imply that exposure to a higher dose appears to be unwarranted.

[Cynomorium songaricum improves sperm count and motility and serum testosterone level and promotes proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in oligoasthenospermia rats].

PubMed

Cao, Yi-Juan; Li, Zhen-Bei; Qi, Yu-Juan; Liu, Ying; Gu, Juan; Hu, Fang-Fang; Zhang, Wen-da; Hao, Lin; Hou, Jian-Quan; Han, Cong-Hui

2016-12-01

To investigate the effects of cynomorium songaricum (CS) decoction on the testis weight, serum testosterone level, and sperm parameters of rats with oligoasthenospermia (OAS), explore its action mechanism of improving the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonial cells, and provide some experimental and theoretical evidence for the development of new Chinese drugs for OAS. Thirty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups of equal number: blank control, model control, high-dose CS, medium-dose CS, and low-dose CS. OAS models were established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and, a month later, treated intragastrically with normal saline or CS at 2, 1, and 0.5 g per kg of the body weight per day, all for 4 weeks. Then, the testes of the animals were harvested to obtain the testicular weight, sperm concentration and motility, and the level of serum testosterone (T), detect the expressions of the transcription factor 1 (Oct4), Thy-1 cell surface antigen (Thy1), promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the testis tissue of the rats in the low-dose CS group by real-time PCR. The testis weights in the blank control, model control, high-dose CS, medium-dose CS, and low-dose CS groups were (1.52±0.06), (1.55±0.06), (1.43±0.30), (1.35±0.40) and (1.34±0.04) g, respectively, not significantly different in the blank and model controls from those in the CS groups (P>0.05). The visual field sperm count per 10 HP was significantly increased in the high-, medium-, and low-dose CS groups (202±20, 196±5 and 216±25) as compared with the blank and model controls (200±15 and 134±30) (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of the Oct4, Thy1, PLZF and GDNF genes were remarkably higher in the low-dose CS group than in the controls (P<0.05), but that of the C-kit gene showed no significant difference from the latter (P>0.05). The visual field sperm motility per 10 HP was markedly increased in the blank control (［52.1±5.5］%), model control (［38.1±2.5］%), high-dose CS (［59.1±9.5］%), medium-dose CS (［58.7±9.5］%), and low-dose CS (［49.6±1.0］%) groups, and so was the level of serum testosterone (［190±87.5］, ［82.5±25.8］, ［229±75.6］, ［331±86.7］ and ［185±82.4］ mmol/L), both remarkably higher in the CS groups than in the model controls (P<0.05) but with no statistically significant difference between the CS groups and the blank controls (P>0.05). CS can significantly improve sperm concentration, sperm motility and serum T level in OAS rats, probably by inducing the expression of GDNF in the rat Sertoli cells, promoting the proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonial cells, and enhancing spermatogenesis.

Longitudinal Examination of Aggression and Study Skills From Middle to High School: Implications for Dropout Prevention.

PubMed

Orpinas, Pamela; Raczynski, Katherine; Hsieh, Hsien-Lin; Nahapetyan, Lusine; Horne, Arthur M

2018-03-01

High school completion provides health and economic benefits. The purpose of this study is to describe dropout rates based on longitudinal trajectories of aggression and study skills using teacher ratings. The sample consisted of 620 randomly selected sixth graders. Every year from Grade 6 to 12, a teacher completed a nationally normed behavioral rating scale. We used latent class mixture modeling to identify the trajectories. Participants followed 3 trajectories of aggression (Low, Medium Desisting, and High Desisting) and 5 trajectories of study skills (Low, Average-Low, Decreasing, Increasing, and High). Over three-quarters of the sample were in stable trajectories of study skills over time. Most students in the High Desisting Aggression group were in the Low Study Skills group, and all students in the High Study Skills group were in the Low Aggression group. The overall dropout rate was 17%, but varied dramatically across combined aggression and study skills groups, ranging from 2% to 50%. The results highlight the importance of early prevention that combines academic enhancement and behavioral management for reducing school dropout. © 2018, American School Health Association.

Deep Chandra Observations of HCG 16. II. The Development of the Intra-group Medium in a Spiral-rich Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Sullivan, E.; Vrtilek, J. M.; David, L. P.; Giacintucci, S.; Zezas, A.; Ponman, T. J.; Mamon, G. A.; Nulsen, P.; Raychaudhury, S.

2014-10-01

We use a combination of deep Chandra X-ray observations and radio continuum imaging to investigate the origin and current state of the intra-group medium (IGM) in the spiral-rich compact group HCG 16. We confirm the presence of a faint (L X, bolo = 1.87+1.03-0.66×1041 erg s-1), low-temperature (0.30+0.07-0.05 keV) IGM extending throughout the ACIS-S3 field of view, with a ridge linking the four original group members and extending to the southeast, as suggested by previous ROSAT and XMM-Newton observations. This ridge contains 6.6+3.9-3.3× 109 M ⊙ of hot gas and is at least partly coincident with a large-scale {H} {I} tidal filament, indicating that the IGM in the inner part of the group is highly multi-phase. We present evidence that the group is not yet virialized, and show that gas has probably been transported from the starburst winds of NGC 838 and NGC 839 into the surrounding IGM. Considering the possible origin of the IGM, we argue that material ejected by galactic winds may have played a significant role, contributing 20%-40% of the observed hot gas in the system.

Improving students’ creative thinking skill through local material-based experiment (LMBE) on protein qualitative test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Supriyanti, F. M. T.; Halimatul, H. S.

2018-05-01

This study aims to enhance chemistry students’ creative thinking skills using material from local resources on protein qualitative test experiment (LMBE). In this study, a quasi experiment method using one group pretest-postest non-equivalen control group design was carried out on the effectiveness of local material-based experiment approach. The data was collected using the test consists of five assay test and student work sheet (LKM). The effectiveness of the local material-based experiment was tested by means of percentage of normalized gain and score percentage of students’ worksheet. Comparison of creative thinking skills pretest and postest scores showed that the implementation of local material- based experiment (LMBE) enhanced students’s creative thinking skills in experiment class with the value of normalized gain (=0,77) at high category, while in control class reached to =0,44 at medium category. In addition, the LKM shown the enhancements of all aspect of creative thinking skills, including fluency, flexibility, and elaboration skills with the score of in experiment class are 0.79; 0.75; and 0.87 at high category, respectively. In contrast, the only the elaboration skill of control group was improved at high category (=0.76), while fluency and flexibility indicators enhanced at medium category (=0.48 and 0.56, respectively).

Classification of individual well-being scores for the determination of adverse health and productivity outcomes in employee populations.

PubMed

Shi, Yuyan; Sears, Lindsay E; Coberley, Carter R; Pope, James E

2013-04-01

Adverse health and productivity outcomes have imposed a considerable economic burden on employers. To facilitate optimal worksite intervention designs tailored to differing employee risk levels, the authors established cutoff points for an Individual Well-Being Score (IWBS) based on a global measure of well-being. Cross-sectional associations between IWBS and adverse health and productivity outcomes, including high health care cost, emergency room visits, short-term disability days, absenteeism, presenteeism, low job performance ratings, and low intentions to stay with the employer, were studied in a sample of 11,702 employees from a large employer. Receiver operating characteristics curves were evaluated to detect a single optimal cutoff value of IWBS for predicting 2 or more adverse outcomes. More granular segmentation was achieved by computing relative risks of each adverse outcome from logistic regressions accounting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results showed strong and significant nonlinear associations between IWBS and health and productivity outcomes. An IWBS of 75 was found to be the optimal single cutoff point to discriminate 2 or more adverse outcomes. Logistic regression models found abrupt reductions of relative risk also clustered at IWBS cutoffs of 53, 66, and 88, in addition to 75, which segmented employees into high, high-medium, medium, low-medium, and low risk groups. To determine validity and generalizability, cutoff values were applied in a smaller employee population (N=1853) and confirmed significant differences between risk groups across health and productivity outcomes. The reported segmentation of IWBS into discrete cohorts based on risk of adverse health and productivity outcomes should facilitate well-being comparisons and worksite interventions.

Influence of stocking density on growth, body composition and energy budget of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in recirculating aquaculture systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Baoliang; Liu, Ying; Liu, Ziyi; Qiu, Denggao; Sun, Guoxiang; Li, Xian

2014-09-01

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were reared at four stocking densities—high density D 1 (final density ˜39 kg/m3), medium densities D 2 (˜29 kg/m3) and D 3 (˜19 kg/m3), and low density D 4 (˜12 kg/m3)—for 40 days to investigate the effect of stocking density on their growth performance, body composition and energy budgets. Stocking density did not significantly affect specific growth rate in terms of weight (SGRw) but did affect specific growth rate in terms of energy (SGRe). Stocking density significantly influenced the ration level (RLw and RLe), feed conversion ratio (FCRw and FCRe) and apparent digestibility rate (ADR). Ration level and FCRw tended to increase with increasing density. Fish at the highest density D 1 and lowest density D 4 showed lower FCRe and higher ADR than at medium densities. Stocking density significantly affected protein and energy contents of the body but did not affect its moisture, lipid, or ash contents. The expenditure of energy for metabolism in the low-density and high-density groups was lower than that in the medium-density groups. Stocking density affected energy utilization from the feces but had no effect on excretion rate. The greater energy allocation to growth at high density and low density may be attributed to reduced metabolic rate and increased apparent digestibility rate. These findings provide information that will assist selection of suitable stocking densities in the Atlantic-salmon-farming industry.

Purification and Properties of Streptococcal Competence Factor Isolated from Chemically Defined Medium

PubMed Central

Leonard, C. Gomez; Cole, Roger M.

1972-01-01

A procedure for the isolation and purification of competence factor produced in a defined medium by group H streptococci, strain Challis-6, is presented. Partial characterization and chemical analysis of the product are described. The procedure yields competence factor of high purity, as shown by homogeneity in electrofocusing, by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, and by chemical analysis. The data indicate that competence factor is a small, dialyzable, highly basic compound. It is free from lipids, phosphorus, and carbohydrates, and is colorless and thermoresistant. Its biological activity is destroyed by trypsin but not by deoxyribonuclease, ribonuclease, lipase, or lysozyme. Its high isoelectric point of above pH 11.0 suggests that competence factor may be a protamine or a polymer of basic amino acids. The possibility that a polyamine may be an integral part of the polypeptide molecule has not been excluded. PMID:5018023

Engineering the Frequency Spectrum of Bright Squeezed Vacuum via Group Velocity Dispersion in an SU(1,1) Interferometer.

PubMed

Lemieux, Samuel; Manceau, Mathieu; Sharapova, Polina R; Tikhonova, Olga V; Boyd, Robert W; Leuchs, Gerd; Chekhova, Maria V

2016-10-28

Bright squeezed vacuum, a promising tool for quantum information, can be generated by high-gain parametric down-conversion. However, its frequency and angular spectra are typically quite broad, which is undesirable for applications requiring single-mode radiation. We tailor the frequency spectrum of high-gain parametric down-conversion using an SU(1,1) interferometer consisting of two nonlinear crystals with a dispersive medium separating them. The dispersive medium allows us to select a narrow band of the frequency spectrum to be exponentially amplified by high-gain parametric amplification. The frequency spectrum is thereby narrowed from (56.5±0.1) to (1.22±0.02)  THz and, in doing so, the number of frequency modes is reduced from approximately 50 to 1.82±0.02. Moreover, this method provides control and flexibility over the spectrum of the generated light through the timing of the pump.

Efficiency of Castor Oil as a Storage Medium for Avulsed Teeth in Maintaining the Viability of Periodontal Ligament Cells.

PubMed

Nabavizadeh, Mohammadreza; Abbaszadegan, Abbas; Khodabakhsi, Afrooz; Ahzan, Shamseddin; Mehrabani, Davood

2018-03-01

Researchers always seek a new storage medium for avulsed teeth. Castor oil is a vegetable oil with several advantages such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, low toxicity, and glutathione preservation capability, low cost, and high availability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the capacity of castor oil as a new storage medium in preserving the viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells compared to Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and milk. Forty freshly extracted human teeth were divided into 3 experimental and 2 control groups. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed for 45 min in one of the following media; castor oil, HBSS, and milk. The positive and negative control groups were exposed to 0 min and 2 h of dry time respectively with no immersion in any storage medium. The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase and the number of viable PDL cells were counted. Data were analyzed using Kruskal- Wallis test. The percentage of viable cells treated with castor oil, HBSS and milk counted immediately after removal from these media were 46.93, 51.02 and 55.10 % respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that the value for castor oil was significantly lower than HBSS and milk ( p > 0.05). Within the parameters of this study, it appears that castor oil cannot be served as an ideal medium for storage of avulsed tooth. More investigations under in vivo conditions are required to justify the results of this study.

Short communication: Oxidative status and incidence of mastitis relative to blood α-tocopherol concentrations in the postpartum period in dairy cows.

PubMed

Politis, I; Theodorou, G; Lampidonis, A D; Kominakis, A; Baldi, A

2012-12-01

Vitamin E supplementation, when combined with high blood α-tocopherol (>6.25 μg/mL) at dry off, has been reported to unexpectedly increased the risk for clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Furthermore, higher levels of oxidative stress in the postpartum period were related to higher risk of mastitis. The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between various serum biomarkers of oxidative status, incidence of mastitis, and blood α-tocopherol concentrations at dry off and at calving. A total of 146 dairy cows from a commercial farm were used in an observational field study. All cows were supplemented with 3,000 and 50 IU/cow per day of all-rac-α-tocopherol during the dry period and lactation, respectively. Blood samples were collected at dry off and at calving. Serum was analyzed for α-tocopherol, levels of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM), thiol groups (SH), and ferric-reducing ability. Three α-tocopherol groups at calving were created: high (>3 μg/mL), medium (2-3 μg/mL), and low (<2 μg/mL). Three α-tocopherol groups at dry off were created: high (>6.25 μg/mL), medium (4.25-6.25 μg/mL), and low (<4.25 μg/mL). All cases of clinical mastitis that occurred during the dry period and the entire subsequent lactation were verified by a veterinarian. No differences were observed in the incidence of mastitis between the 3 α-tocopherol groups based on the serum levels at dry off. Incidence of mastitis was 4 times lower in the high and medium groups when compared with the corresponding value for the low-α-tocopherol group based on the serum levels at calving. Lower levels of ROM and SH at dry off and at calving were found in the group of cows with the highest α-tocopherol values at dry off when compared with the corresponding values in the low-α-tocopherol group. The ROM values at dry off but not at calving were lower in the group of cows with the highest α-tocopherol values at calving when compared with the corresponding values in the low-α-tocopherol group. No differences were observed in ferric-reducing ability values between the 3 α-tocopherol groups at dry off or calving. No differences were observed in all biomarkers of oxidative status between healthy cows and those with mastitis. Thus, blood α-tocopherol is inversely related to certain biomarkers of oxidative stress in the postpartum period and incidence of mastitis. However, reduction in the incidence of mastitis is not mediated through a reduction in the levels of various biomarkers of oxidative stress. Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measuring metacognitive ability based on science literacy in dynamic electricity topic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warni; Sunyono; Rosidin

2018-01-01

This study aims to produce an instrument of metacognition ability assessment based on science literacy on theoretically and empirically feasible dynamic electrical material. The feasibility of the assessment instrument includes theoretical validity on material, construction, and language aspects, as well as empirical validity, reliability, difficulty, distinguishing, and distractor indices. The development of assessment instruments refers to the Dick and Carey development model which includes the preliminary study stage, initial product development, validation and revision, and piloting. The instrument was tested to 32 students of class IX in SMP Negeri 20 Bandar Lampung, using the design of One Group Pretest-Postest Design. The result shows that the metacognition ability assessment instrument based on science literacy is feasible theoretically with theoretical validity percentage of 95.44% and empirical validity of 43.75% for the high category, 43.75% for the medium category, and 12.50 % for low category questions; Reliability of assessment instruments of 0.83 high categories; Difficulty level of difficult item is about 31.25% and medium category is equal to 68.75%. Item that has very good distinguishing power is 12.50%, 62.50% for good stage, and medium category is 25.00%; As well as the duplexing function on a matter of multiple choice is 80.00% including good category and 20.00% for medium category.

Joint Effects of Granule Size and Degree of Substitution on Octenylsuccinated Sweet Potato Starch Granules As Pickering Emulsion Stabilizers.

PubMed

Li, Jinfeng; Ye, Fayin; Lei, Lin; Zhou, Yun; Zhao, Guohua

2018-05-02

The granules of sweet potato starch were size fractionated into three portions with significantly different median diameters ( D 50 ) of 6.67 (small-sized), 11.54 (medium-sized), and 16.96 μm (large-sized), respectively. Each portion was hydrophobized at the mass-based degrees of substitution (DS m ) of approximately 0.0095 (low), 0.0160 (medium), and 0.0230 (high). The Pickering emulsion-stabilizing capacities of modified granules were tested, and the resultant emulsions were characterized. The joint effects of granule size and DS m on emulsifying capacity (EC) were investigated by response surface methodology. For small-, medium-, and large-sized fractions, their highest emulsifying capacities are comparable but, respectively, encountered at high (0.0225), medium (0.0158), and low (0.0095) DS m levels. The emulsion droplet size increased with granule size, and the number of freely scattered granules in emulsions decreased with DS m . In addition, the term of surface density of the octenyl succinic group (SD -OSG ) was first proposed for modified starch granules, and it was proved better than DS m in interpreting the emulsifying capacities of starch granules with varying sizes. The present results implied that, as the particulate stabilizers, the optimal DS m of modified starch granules is size specific.

Milk Production and Income over Feed Costs in Dairy Cows Fed Medium-roasted Soybean Meal and Corn Dried Distiller’s Grains with Solubles

PubMed Central

Thanh, Lam Phuoc; Suksombat, Wisitiporn

2015-01-01

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of feeding medium-roasted soybean meal (SBM) and corn dried distiller’s grains with solubles (CDDGS) in dairy cows on milk production and income over feed costs. A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted with 24 crossbred multiparous Holstein Friesian dairy cows in early- and mid-lactation. Four dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet without feed substitute (Control), 7.17% dry matter (DM) roasted SBM replaced for concentrate (R-SBM), 11.50% DM CDDGS replaced for concentrate (DDGS), and 3.58% DM roasted SBM plus 5.75% DM CDDGS replaced for concentrate (SB-DG). The roasted SBM was produced using a medium-heated treatment at 100°C for 180 min. Dry matter intake was not affected by feeding high rumen undegradable protein (RUP) sources, but the replacement of roasted SBM and CDDGS for concentrate significantly improved (p<0.001) RUP intake (0.90, 0.86, and 0.88 kg/d corresponding to R-SBM, DDGS, and SB-DG) compared to the control (0.61 kg/d). Feeding roasted SBM and CDDGS alone or in combination had no significant effect on milk composition of dairy cows (p>0.05), whereas milk yield was significantly increased by 3.08 kg/d in the SB-DG group relative to the control group (p<0.01). Net income was meaningfully increased (p<0.05) from 4th week post feeding, the SB-DG group reached the greatest net income ($3.48/head/d) while the control group had the lowest value ($2.60/head/d). In conclusion, the use of CDDGS alone or in combination with medium-roasted SBM as substitute for concentrate in lactating dairy cattle diet led to improved milk production and net income over feed costs without affecting total dry matter intake and milk composition, while feeding medium-roasted SBM seemed to show intermediate values in almost parameters. PMID:25656183

Serum metabolic changes in rats after intragastric administration of dextromethorphan.

PubMed

Bao, Shihui; Zhang, Jing; Lin, Zixia; Su, Ke; Mo, Jingjing; Hong, Lin; Qian, Shuyi; Chen, Lianguo; Sun, Fa; Wen, Congcong; Wu, Qing; Hu, Lufeng; Lin, Guanyang; Wang, Xianqin

2017-03-01

Dextromethorphan is recognized as a substance of abuse around the world. An estimated 3.1 million people between the ages of 12 and 25 years (5.3%) misused over-the-counter cough and cold medications in 2006. In this study, we developed a serum metabolomic method by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to evaluate the effect of abuse of dextromethorphan on rats. The dextromethorphan-treated rats were given 12, 24 and 48 mg/kg (low, medium, high) of dextromethorphan by intragastric administration each day for 3 days. Partial least squares-discriminate analysis revealed that intragastric administration of dextromethorphan induced metabolic perturbations. Compared with the control (healthy) group, the levels of propanoic acid, urea, heptafluorobutanoic acid, 2-hexyldecanoic acid and butanedioic acid of the low group decreased; levels of propanoic acid and heptafluorobutanoic acid of the medium group decreased, while that of benzoic acid increased; and levels of 2-hexyldecanoic acid, glycerol and butanedioic acid of the high group increased. These biomarkers are involved in the citric acid cycle, urea cycle, glycerolipid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle. The results indicate that the metabolomic method by GC-MS may be useful to elucidate abuse of dextromethorphan. According to the pathological changes in the liver at different dosages, dextromethorphan is not hepatotoxic after intragastric administration of 12, 24 and 48 mg/kg for 3 days. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The contribution of psychological factors to recovery after mild traumatic brain injury: is cluster analysis a useful approach?

PubMed

Snell, Deborah L; Surgenor, Lois J; Hay-Smith, E Jean C; Williman, Jonathan; Siegert, Richard J

2015-01-01

Outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) vary, with slow or incomplete recovery for a significant minority. This study examines whether groups of cases with shared psychological factors but with different injury outcomes could be identified using cluster analysis. This is a prospective observational study following 147 adults presenting to a hospital-based emergency department or concussion services in Christchurch, New Zealand. This study examined associations between baseline demographic, clinical, psychological variables (distress, injury beliefs and symptom burden) and outcome 6 months later. A two-step approach to cluster analysis was applied (Ward's method to identify clusters, K-means to refine results). Three meaningful clusters emerged (high-adapters, medium-adapters, low-adapters). Baseline cluster-group membership was significantly associated with outcomes over time. High-adapters appeared recovered by 6-weeks and medium-adapters revealed improvements by 6-months. The low-adapters continued to endorse many symptoms, negative recovery expectations and distress, being significantly at risk for poor outcome more than 6-months after injury (OR (good outcome) = 0.12; CI = 0.03-0.53; p < 0.01). Cluster analysis supported the notion that groups could be identified early post-injury based on psychological factors, with group membership associated with differing outcomes over time. Implications for clinical care providers regarding therapy targets and cases that may benefit from different intensities of intervention are discussed.

Multiphase contrast medium injection for optimization of computed tomographic coronary angiography.

PubMed

Budoff, Matthew Jay; Shinbane, Jerold S; Child, Janis; Carson, Sivi; Chau, Alex; Liu, Stephen H; Mao, SongShou

2006-02-01

Electron beam angiography is a minimally invasive imaging technique. Adequate vascular opacification throughout the study remains a critical issue for image quality. We hypothesized that vascular image opacification and uniformity of vascular enhancement between slices can be improved using multiphase contrast medium injection protocols. We enrolled 244 consecutive patients who were randomized to three different injection protocols: single-phase contrast medium injection (Group 1), dual-phase contrast medium injection with each phase at a different injection rate (Group 2), and a three-phase injection with two phases of contrast medium injection followed by a saline injection phase (Group 3). Parameters measured were aortic opacification based on Hounsfield units and uniformity of aortic enhancement at predetermined slices (locations from top [level 1] to base [level 60]). In Group 1, contrast opacification differed across seven predetermined locations (scan levels: 1st versus 60th, P < .05), demonstrating significant nonuniformity. In Group 2, there was more uniform vascular enhancement, with no significant differences between the first 50 slices (P > .05). In Group 3, there was greater uniformity of vascular enhancement and higher mean Hounsfield units value across all 60 images, from the aortic root to the base of the heart (P < .05). The three-phase injection protocol improved vascular opacification at the base of the heart, as well as uniformity of arterial enhancement throughout the study.

Identifying At-Risk Students in General Chemistry via Cluster Analysis of Affective Characteristics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Julia Y. K.; Bauer, Christopher F.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to identify academically at-risk students in first-semester general chemistry using affective characteristics via cluster analysis. Through the clustering of six preselected affective variables, three distinct affective groups were identified: low (at-risk), medium, and high. Students in the low affective group…

Low, medium and high heat tolerant strains of Listeria monocytogenes and increased heat stress resistance after exposure to sublethal heat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Listeria monocytogenes exhibits sophisticated adaptive mechanisms to counteract higher levels of lethal acid, heat, salt or oxidative stresses after pre-exposure to sublethal concentrations of homogenous stress. A group of 37 strains representing all 13 serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes with initi...

Negligible Impact of Ingested Microplastics on Tissue Concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Northern Fulmars off Coastal Norway.

PubMed

Herzke, Dorte; Anker-Nilssen, Tycho; Nøst, Therese Haugdahl; Götsch, Arntraut; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Signe; Langset, Magdalene; Fangel, Kirstin; Koelmans, Albert A

2016-02-16

The northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) is defined as an indicator species of plastic pollution by the Oslo-Paris Convention for the North-East Atlantic, but few data exist for fulmars from Norway. Moreover, the relationship between uptake of plastic and pollutants in seabirds is poorly understood. We analyzed samples of fulmars from Norwegian waters and compared the POP concentrations in their liver and muscle tissue with the corresponding concentrations in the loads of ingested plastic in their stomachs, grouped as "no", "medium" (0.01-0.21 g; 1-14 pieces of plastic), or "high" (0.11-0.59 g; 15-106 pieces of plastic). POP concentrations in the plastic did not differ significantly between the high and medium plastic ingestion group for sumPCBs, sumDDTs, and sumPBDEs. By combining correlations among POP concentrations, differences in tissue concentrations of POPs between plastic ingestion subgroups, fugacity calculations, and bioaccumulation modeling, we showed that plastic is more likely to act as a passive sampler than as a vector of POPs, thus reflecting the POP profiles of simultaneously ingested prey.

Tracing the Energetics of the Universe with Constellation-X: Example Scientific Investigations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornschemeier, Ann

2008-01-01

Constellation-X will enable us to trace the energetics of a broad range of astrophysical phenomena owing to its capabilities for high spectral resolution X-ray spectroscopy. The dominant baryonic component of galaxy clusters and groups resides in the X-ray bandpass, and the hot phase of the ISM in galaxies harbors the heavy metal production from previous generation of stars. This talk will focus on a few example science questions that are expected to be important during the Constellation-X era. These include the nature of the missing baryons expected to reside in the hot portion of the Warm Hot Intergalactic Medium, which Constellation-X will address via absorption spectroscopy studies of background AGN. We will also discuss spatially resolved spectroscopy of metal enrichment and the effects of turbulence in clusters & groups and of starburst galaxy winds which deposit energy & metals into the Intergalactic Medium.

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

Dispersion, controlled dispersion, and three applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradshaw, Douglas H.

Causality dictates that all physical media must be dispersive. (We will call a medium dispersive if its refractive index varies with frequency.) Ordinarily, strong dispersion is accompanied either by strong absorption or strong gain. However, over the past 15 years several groups have demonstrated that it is possible to have media that are both strongly dispersive and roughly transparent for some finite bandwidth. In these media, group and phase velocities may differ from each other by many orders of magnitude and even by sign. Relationships and intuitive models that are satisfactory when it is reasonable to neglect dispersion may then fail dramatically. In this dissertation we analyze three such cases of failure. Before looking at the specific cases, we review some basic ideas relating to dispersion. We review some of the geometric meanings of group velocity, touch on the relationship between group velocity and causality, and give some examples of techniques by which the group velocity may be manipulated. We describe the interplay between group velocity and energy density for non-absorbing dispersive media. We discuss the ideas of temporary absorption and emission as dictated by an instantaneous spectrum. We then apply these concepts in three specific areas. First, non-dispersive formulations for the momentum of light in a medium must be adjusted to account for dispersion. For over 100 years, there has been a gradual discussion of the proper form for the per-photon momentum. Two forms, each of which has experimental relevance in a 'dispersionless' medium, are the Abraham momentum, and the Minkowski momentum. If h is the angular frequency, n is the refractive index, h is Planck's constant, and c is the speed of light, then these reduce in a dispersionless medium to per-photon momenta of ho/(nc), and nho/c respectively. A simple generalization of the two momenta to dispersive media entails multiplying each per-photon momentum by n/ng, where ng is the group refractive index. The resulting forms are experimentally relevant for the case of the Abraham momentum, but not for the Minkowski momentum. We show how dispersion modulates the displacement of a sphere embedded in a dispersive medium by a pulse. Second, pulse transformation in a nonstationary medium is modulated by the presence of dispersion. Dispersion may enhance or mitigate the frequency response of a pulse to a changing refractive index, and if dispersion changes with time, the pulse bandwidth must change in a compensatory fashion. We introduce an explicit description of the kinetics of dispersive nonstationary inhomogeneous media. Using this description, we show how the group velocity can modulate the frequency response to a change in the refractive index and how Doppler shifts may become large in a dispersive medium as the velocity of the Doppler shifting surface approaches the group velocity. We explain a simple way to use existing technology to either compress or decompress a given pulse, changing its bandwidth and spatial extent by several orders of magnitude while otherwise preserving its envelope shape. We then introduce a dynamic descriptions of two simple media--one dispersive and one nondispersive. We compare the transformation of basic quantities like photon number, momentum density, and frequency by a temporal change in the refractive index in a specific non-dispersive medium to those wrought by a temporal change in the group refractive index in a specific dispersive medium. The differences between to media are fundamental and emphasize the salience of dispersion in the study of nonstationary media. Finally, we note that the nature of a single optical cavity quasimode depends on intracavity dispersion. We show that the quantum field noise associated with a single cavity mode may be modulated by dispersion. For a well-chosen mode in a high-Q cavity, this can amount to either an increase or a decrease in total vacuum field energy by several orders of magnitude. We focus on the "white light cavity," showing that the quantum noise of an ideal white light cavity diverges as the cavity finesse improves.

Identifying Frequent Users of an Urban Emergency Medical Service Using Descriptive Statistics and Regression Analyses.

PubMed

Norman, Chenelle; Mello, Michael; Choi, Bryan

2016-01-01

This retrospective cohort study provides a descriptive analysis of a population that frequently uses an urban emergency medical service (EMS) and identifies factors that contribute to use among all frequent users. For purposes of this study we divided frequent users into the following groups: low- frequent users (4 EMS transports in 2012), medium-frequent users (5 to 6 EMS transports in 2012), high-frequent users (7 to 10 EMS transports in 2012) and super-frequent users (11 or more EMS transports in 2012). Overall, we identified 539 individuals as frequent users. For all groups of EMS frequent users (i.e. low, medium, high and super) one or more hospital admissions, receiving a referral for follow-up care upon discharge, and having no insurance were found to be statistically significant with frequent EMS use (P<0.05). Within the diagnostic categories, 41.61% of super-frequent users had a diagnosis of "primarily substance abuse/misuse" and among low-frequent users a majority, 53.33%, were identified as having a "reoccurring (medical) diagnosis." Lastly, relative risk ratios for the highest group of users, super-frequent users, were 3.34 (95% CI [1.90-5.87]) for obtaining at least one referral for follow-up care, 13.67 (95% CI [5.60-33.34]) for having four or more hospital admissions and 5.95 (95% CI [1.80-19.63]) for having a diagnoses of primarily substance abuse/misuse. Findings from this study demonstrate that among low- and medium-frequent users a majority of patients are using EMS for reoccurring medical conditions. This could potentially be avoided with better care management. In addition, this study adds to the current literature that illustrates a strong correlation between substance abuse/misuse and high/super-frequent EMS use. For the subgroup analysis among individuals 65 years of age and older, we did not find any of the independent variables included in our model to be statistically significant with frequent EMS use.

Impact of risk factors on cardiovascular risk: a perspective on risk estimation in a Swiss population.

PubMed

Chrubasik, Sigrun A; Chrubasik, Cosima A; Piper, Jörg; Schulte-Moenting, Juergen; Erne, Paul

2015-01-01

In models and scores for estimating cardiovascular risk (CVR), the relative weightings given to blood pressure measurements (BPMs), and biometric and laboratory variables are such that even large differences in blood pressure lead to rather low differences in the resulting total risk when compared with other concurrent risk factors. We evaluated this phenomenon based on the PROCAM score, using BPMs made by volunteer subjects at home (HBPMs) and automated ambulatory BPMs (ABPMs) carried out in the same subjects. A total of 153 volunteers provided the data needed to estimate their CVR by means of the PROCAM formula. Differences (deltaCVR) between the risk estimated by entering the ABPM and that estimated with the HBPM were compared with the differences (deltaBPM) between the ABPM and the corresponding HBPM. In addition to the median values (= second quartile), the first and third quartiles of blood pressure profiles were also considered. PROCAM risk values were converted to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) risk values and all participants were assigned to the risk groups low, medium and high. Based on the PROCAM score, 132 participants had a low risk for suffering myocardial infarction, 16 a medium risk and 5 a high risk. The calculated ESC scores classified 125 participants into the low-risk group, 26 into the medium- and 2 into the high-risk group for death from a cardiovascular event. Mean ABPM tended to be higher than mean HBPM. Use of mean systolic ABPM or HBPM in the PROCAM formula had no major impact on the risk level. Our observations are in agreement with the rather low weighting of blood pressure as risk determinant in the PROCAM score. BPMs assessed with different methods had relatively little impact on estimation of cardiovascular risk in the given context of other important determinants. The risk calculations in our unselected population reflect the given classification of Switzerland as a so-called cardiovascular "low risk country".

Effect of donor/recipient body weight mismatch on patient and graft outcome in living-donor kidney transplantation.

PubMed

el-Agroudy, Amgad E; Hassan, Nabil A; Bakr, Mohamed A; Foda, Mohamed A; Shokeir, Ahmed A; Shehab el-Dein, Ahmed B

2003-01-01

There have been conflicting reports showing that kidneys from small donors may be at risk for graft loss if they are transplanted into large recipients. The aim of this work was to examine the donor/recipient body weight ratio (D/RBWR) on patient and graft outcome. During the period from January 1990 to January 2002, 856 kidney transplants were performed. Of these, 776 kidney transplant recipients were selected after exclusion of pediatric, second transplant patients and those with a body mass index of 35. All patients achieved a minimum follow-up of 1-year. According to D/RBWR, patients were divided into 3 groups: low (0.9), medium (0.91-1.2) and high (1.2). Data were collected on graft function, acute and chronic rejection, post-transplant complications, and 1- and 5-year graft and patient survival. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of chronic rejection, post-transplant hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the low group. The incidence and frequency of acute rejection episodes were nearly the same in the 3 groups. Graft function, estimated by serum creatinine at 1 year, was significantly lower in the low group. The 5-year graft and patient survival was 71, 80, 88 and 81, 85 and 92%, in the low, medium and high groups, respectively. We conclude that a low D/RBWR may contribute to inferior long-term renal allograft survival. The hyperfiltration hypothesis due to low nephron mass in the low D/RBWR group may explain these findings.

Effect of Bleaching Gel Viscosity on Tooth Whitening Efficacy and Pulp Chamber Penetration: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Kwon, S R; Pallavi, Fnu; Shi, Y; Oyoyo, U; Mohraz, A; Li, Y

Whitening efficacy has been related to hydrogen peroxide (HP) diffusion into tooth structure. However, little information is available relating rheological properties to whitening efficacy. The purpose was to evaluate the whitening efficacy and HP penetration level of a 10% HP gel at three different viscosities and to compare them to a strip delivery system. Extracted molars (n=120) were randomly assigned into five groups (n=24/ group): NC_MED (negative control; median): medium viscosity gel without HP; LOW: 10% HP gel (low viscosity experimental gel, Ultradent Products Inc); MED: 10% HP gel (medium viscosity experimental gel, Ultradent); HIGH: 10% HP gel (high viscosity gel, Ultradent); and CWS: Crest 3D Whitestrips 1-Hour Express (Procter & Gamble). All teeth were subjected to five 60-minute whitening sessions. Instrumental color measurements were performed at baseline (T 0 ), and 1-day after each application (T 1 -T 5 ), and 1-month after whitening (T 6 ). HP penetration was estimated with leucocrystal violet and horseradish peroxidase. A Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Bonferroni test were performed to assess the difference in tooth color change and HP penetration among the groups (α=0.05). Hydrogen peroxide penetration levels and overall color changes at T 6 were 0.24 μg/mL / 2.80; 0.48 μg/mL / 8.48; 0.44 μg/mL / 7.72; 0.35 μg/mL / 8.49; 0.36 μg/mL / 7.30 for groups NC, LOW, MED, HIGH, and CWS, respectively. There was a significant difference for HP penetration, while there was no significant difference among the four experimental groups for tooth color change. Rheological properties should be considered when developing new whitening formulations.

[Study on the relationship between renal apoptosis and expression of caspase protein in fluoride induced rat].

PubMed

Gao, Jiping; Song, Guohua; Liu, Maolin; Wang, Yu; Yang, Xia

2014-01-01

To study the relationship between death receptor pathway, mitochondrion pathway and fluoride-induced apoptosis of renal cell. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups (control, low-fluoride, medium-fluoride,and high-fluoride) and administered 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L of sodium fluoride, respectively, via drinking water for 120 days. The incidence of dental fluorosis were observed, the body weights and urine fluoride levels were measured. Apoptosis was detected by the Flow Cytometry (FCM). The expressions of protein of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Cyt C were detectedby immunohistoehemistry. The apoptosis rate in the fluoride exposed low does group,middle dose group and high dose group increased significantly as compared with control group. The average optical density value of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9 and Cyt C were higher in the fluoride exposed middle dose group and high dose group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Death receptor pathway and mitochondrion pathway may participate in the process of fluoride-induced apoptosis of renal cell.

Reasons for smoking cessation attempts among Japanese male smokers vary by nicotine dependence level: a cross-sectional study after the 2010 tobacco tax increase.

PubMed

Tanihara, Shinichi; Momose, Yoshito

2015-03-20

To examine the association between smoking cessation attempts during the previous 12 months, motivators to quit smoking and nicotine dependence levels among current male smokers after Japan's massive 2010 tobacco tax increase. Cross-sectional study. A self-reported questionnaire about smoking habits, nicotine dependence levels and factors identified as motivators to quit smoking was administered to 9378 employees working at a company located in Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan (as of 1 October 2011). A total of 2251 male current smokers 20-69 years old. Nicotine dependence level assessed by Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD), smoking cessation attempts during the previous 12 months and motivators for smoking cessation. The proportion of current smokers who had attempted to quit smoking within the previous 12 months was 40.6%. Nicotine dependence level of current smokers was negatively associated with cessation attempts during the previous 12 months. Motivators for smoking cessation differed by nicotine dependence levels. 'The rise in cigarette prices since October 2010' as a smoking cessation motivator increased significantly at the medium nicotine dependence level (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.90); however, this association was not statistically significant for individuals with high nicotine dependence (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.92). 'Feeling unhealthy' was significantly negatively associated for medium (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.65) and high (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.71) nicotine dependence levels. Trend associations assessed by assigning ordinal numbers to total FTCD score for those two motivators were statistically significant. The efficacy of smoking cessation strategies can be improved by considering the target group's nicotine dependence level. For smokers with medium and high nicotine dependence levels, more effective strategies aimed at encouraging smoking cessation, such as policy interventions including increasing tobacco taxes, are needed. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Elective single-embryo transfer: persuasive communication strategies can affect choice in a young British population.

PubMed

van den Akker, O B A; Purewal, S

2011-12-01

This study tested the effectiveness of the framing effect and fear appeals to inform young people about the risks of multiple births and the option of selecting elective single-embryo transfer (eSET). A non-patient student sample (age (mean±SD) 23±5.5 years; n=321) were randomly allocated to one of seven groups: (1) framing effect: (1a) gain and (1b) loss frame; (2) fear appeal: (2a) high, (2b) medium and (2c) low fear; or (3) a control group: (3a) education and (3b) non-education. The primary outcome measure was the Attitudes towards Single Embryo Transfer questionnaire, before exposure to the messages (time 1) and immediately afterwards (time 2). Results revealed participants in the high fear, medium fear and gain condition demonstrated the most positive and significant differences (P<0.001 to P<0.05) in their knowledge, hypothetical intentions and modest changes in attitudes towards eSET than the low fear, loss frame and education and non-education messages. The results demonstrate that the use of complex persuasive communication techniques on a student population to promote immediate and hypothetical eSET preferences is more successful at promoting eSET than merely reporting educational content. Future research should investigate its application in a clinical population. A multiple pregnancy is a health risk to both infant and mother following IVF treatment. The aims of this study were to test the effectiveness of two persuasive communication techniques (the framing effect and fear appeals) to inform young people about the risks of multiple births and the hypothetical option of selecting elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) (i.e., only one embryo is transferred to the uterus using IVF treatment). A total of 321 non-patient student sample (mean age 23) were randomly allocated to read a message from one of seven groups: (1) framing effect: (1a) gain and (1b) loss frame; (2) fear appeal: (2a) high, (2b) medium and (2c) low fear; or (3) a control group: education (3a) and (3b) non-education. Participants completed the Attitudes towards Single Embryo Transfer questionnaire, before exposure to the messages (time 1) and immediately afterwards (time 2). Results revealed that participants in the high fear, medium fear and gain condition demonstrated the most positive and significant differences in their knowledge, hypothetical intentions and modest changes in attitudes towards eSET than the low fear, loss frame and education and non-education messages. This study recommends that health promotion based on the framing effect and fear appeals should be tested in clinical (patient) samples in the future. Copyright © 2011 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effect of resveratrol on expression of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in gingival epithelial cells under high glucose environment].

PubMed

Lv, Jia-Shu; Jiang, Xue-Wei; Zhang, Yan; Zhen, Lei

2017-02-01

Through a study of the molecular mechanism of the effect of resveratrol(RSV) on expression of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in gingival epithelial cells under high glucose environment, the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of resveratrol on periodontitis in patients with diabetes mellitus was investigated. Gingival epithelial cells were cultured in vitro; according to the way of action, the cultured cells were divided into control group, high glucose group(HG) and HG+RSV group. The mRNA expression of TLR4 was detected by PCR; The third generation of gingival epithelial cells were pre-treated with or without RSV for 24 h under high glucose conditions, and subsequently treated with LPS at 100 ng/mL for 2 h. ELISA was used to detect the secretion of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF- alpha; the activation of TLR4 downstream signaling molecules NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and STAT3 was determined by Western blot. SPSS17.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RSV could reverse the increase of TLR4 level in gingival epithelial cells in high glucose medium.LPS markedly increased the expression and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in GECs cultured in high glucose medium, which was partly blocked in the presence of RSV. Furthermore, Western blot results showed that RSV significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of TLR4 downstream factors NF-κB p65, p38MAPK, and STAT3. RSV reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion in gingival epithelial cells, through negative regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway.

Trajectories of Marital Conflict Across the Life Course: Predictors and Interactions With Marital Happiness Trajectories

PubMed Central

Kamp Dush, Claire M.; Taylor, Miles G.

2011-01-01

Using typologies outlined by Gottman and Fitzpatrick as well as institutional and companionate models of marriage, the authors conducted a latent class analysis of marital conflict trajectories using 20 years of data from the Marital Instability Over the Life Course study. Respondents were in one of three groups: high, medium (around the mean), or low conflict. Several factors predicted conflict trajectory group membership; respondents who believed in lifelong marriage and shared decisions equally with their spouse were more likely to report low and less likely to report high conflict. The conflict trajectories were intersected with marital happiness trajectories to examine predictors of high and low quality marriages. A stronger belief in lifelong marriage, shared decision making, and husbands sharing a greater proportion of housework were associated with an increased likelihood of membership in a high happiness, low conflict marriage, and a decreased likelihood of a low marital happiness group. PMID:22328798

Is the Medium Really the Message? A Comparison of Face-to-Face, Telephone, and Internet Focus Group Venues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gothberg, June; Applegate, Brooks; Reeves, Patricia; Kohler, Paula; Thurston, Linda; Peterson, Lori

2013-01-01

With increased use of technology in qualitative research, it is important to understand unintended, unanticipated, and unobvious consequences to the data. Using a side-by-side comparison of face-to-face, telephone, and Internet with video focus groups, we examined the yield differences of focus group venue (medium) to the data (message) rendered…

[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.

Whole-breast irradiation: a subgroup analysis of criteria to stratify for prone position treatment

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

Ramella, Sara, E-mail: s.ramella@unicampus.it; Trodella, Lucio; Ippolito, Edy

2012-07-01

To select among breast cancer patients and according to breast volume size those who may benefit from 3D conformal radiotherapy after conservative surgery applied with prone-position technique. Thirty-eight patients with early-stage breast cancer were grouped according to the target volume (TV) measured in the supine position: small ({<=}400 mL), medium (400-700 mL), and large ({>=}700 ml). An ad-hoc designed and built device was used for prone set-up to displace the contralateral breast away from the tangential field borders. All patients underwent treatment planning computed tomography in both the supine and prone positions. Dosimetric data to explore dose distribution and volumemore » of normal tissue irradiated were calculated for each patient in both positions. Homogeneity index, hot spot areas, the maximum dose, and the lung constraints were significantly reduced in the prone position (p < 0.05). The maximum heart distance and the V{sub 5Gy} did not vary consistently in the 2 positions (p = 0.06 and p = 0.7, respectively). The number of necessary monitor units was significantly higher in the supine position (312 vs. 232, p < 0.0001). The subgroups analysis pointed out the advantage in lung sparing in all TV groups (small, medium and large) for all the evaluated dosimetric constraints (central lung distance, maximum lung distance, and V{sub 5Gy}, p < 0.0001). In the small TV group, a dose reduction in nontarget areas of 22% in the prone position was detected (p = 0.056); in the medium and high TV groups, the difference was of about -10% (p = NS). The decrease in hot spot areas in nontarget tissues was 73%, 47%, and 80% for small, medium, and large TVs in the prone position, respectively. Although prone breast radiotherapy is normally proposed in patients with breasts of large dimensions, this study gives evidence of dosimetric benefit in all patient subgroups irrespective of breast volume size.« less

Effects of increasing lysine on further processed product characteristics from immunologically castrated male pigs.

PubMed

Boler, D D; Clark, D L; Baer, A A; Meeuwse, D M; King, V L; McKeith, F K; Killefer, J

2011-07-01

The objective of this experiment was to determine if increasing lysine in the diets of immunologically castrated (IC) male pigs would affect further processed product characteristics when compared with physical castrates or entire males. Raw materials for this experiment were derived from a previous experiment evaluating carcass characteristics. Physical castrates, IC males, and entire males were assigned to 1 of 4 diet programs with increasing lysine in a step-down lysine inclusion program that culminated with the following concentrations in the late finishing diet: physical castrate with low lysine (0.7%), IC with low lysine (0.7%), IC with low/medium lysine (0.8%), IC with medium/high lysine (0.9%), IC with high lysine (1.0%), and entire with high lysine (1.0%). Bellies were injected with a cure solution to a target of 110% of original green weight, and weighed again to determine brine uptake. Hams were injected with same cure solution to a target of 130% of green weight. Cure solution was formulated for a finished product inclusion of 1.5% salt, 0.34% phosphate, 0.05% sodium erythorbate, 0.11% sugar, and 0.014% sodium nitrate. Physical castrates had thicker (3.77 cm) bellies (P<0.05) than all treatment groups, except IC males fed low/medium lysine (3.73 cm). Entire males (2.85 cm) had the thinnest (P<0.05) bellies of all treatment groups. There were no differences (P>0.05) in percentage brine uptake for cured bellies among IC males regardless of dietary lysine (range 9.93 to 10.67%). Cooked yield of cured bellies was not different (P>0.05) among physical castrates or IC males regardless of lysine inclusion. Cooked yield of cured bellies from entire males (95.12%) was less (P<0.05) than cooked yield for any other treatment group. Pumped weight differences of cured hams among treatment groups were similar to green weight differences, and there were no differences (P>0.05) among any treatment groups for pump uptake percentage. There were also no differences in cook loss percentages among any treatment group. Therefore, differences in cooked yield are a reflection of initial green weight. There were no differences (P>0.05) for protein fat-free values among any treatment groups. Therefore, it can be concluded, in this population of pigs, there were no differences in further processed product characteristics among physical castrates and IC males. © 2011 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.

Biodegradation of Trinitrotoluene (Alpha TNT) and Its Production Isomers

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-07-01

medium, suqgesting that some of the nitro groups may be released as nitrite. DO .ETn 1473 EDITION OF t NOV 6» IS OBSOLETE iMW- vr IJNWASS...nitrite in the medium and the formation of catechol, Tewfik and Evans (2) demonstrated the biodegradation of 3,5-dinitro-o- cresol via reduction of the 5... nitro group to an amino group which is then replaced by a hydroxyl group. After this the same series of reactions occur with the 3- nitro group

High-Pitch Coronary CT Angiography at 70 kVp Adopting a Protocol of Low Injection Speed and Low Volume of Contrast Medium

PubMed Central

Feng, Ruiqi; Tong, Jiajie; Liu, Xiaofei; Zhao, Yu

2017-01-01

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and image quality (IQ) of prospectively high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with low contrast medium injection rate at 70 kVp. Materials and Methods One hundred and four patients with suspected coronary artery disease (body mass index < 26 kg/m2, sinus rhythm and heart rate < 70 beats/min) were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. In group A and group B, 28 mL and 40 mL of 370 mgI/mL iodinated contrast media was administrated at a flow rate of 3.5 and 5 mL/s, respectively. CT values, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the proximal segments of coronary arteries and subjective IQ were evaluated. Results The CT values and noise in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (434–485 Hounsfield units [HU] vs. 772–851 HU, all p < 0.001; 17.8–22.3 vs. 23.3–26.4, all p < 0.005). The CNRs of the right coronary artery and left main artery showed no statistical difference between the two groups (42.1 ± 13.8 vs. 36.8 ± 16.0, p = 0.074; 38.7 ± 10.6 vs. 38.1 ± 17.0, p = 0.819). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in IQ scores (3.04 ± 0.75 vs. 3.0 ± 0.79, p = 0.526) and diagnostic ratio (96.1% [50/52] vs. 94.2% [49/52], p = 0.647). Conclusion Prospective high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp with 28 mL of contrast media and injection rate of 3.5 mL/s could provide diagnostic IQ for normal-weight patients with heart rate of < 70 beats/min. PMID:28860894

Relationship between plaque pH and different caries-associated variables in a group of adolescents with varying caries prevalence.

PubMed

Aranibar Quiroz, E M; Alstad, T; Campus, G; Birkhed, D; Lingström, P

2014-01-01

The pH response of the dental biofilm after a sugar challenge can be considered to mirror the acidogenic potential and thereby the caries risk of an individual. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between plaque pH and different caries variables in adolescents with varying caries prevalence. One hundred individuals, aged 14-15 years, were examined regarding different caries-related variables: (i) caries score (DSm, DSi, DSm + i, DTm), (ii) salivary secretion rate and buffer capacity, (iii) oral microflora of plaque and saliva, (iv) plaque amount, (v) plaque pH and (vi) dietary intake, oral hygiene habits and fluoride use. Plaque pH was assessed using the microtouch method before and after a 1-min mouthrinse with 10 ml 10% sucrose. Depending on the minimum pH, the participants were divided into three groups: low pH (≤5.3), medium pH (>5.3-6.3) and high pH (>6.3). Statistically significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.01) were found for initial caries (DSi) and combined manifest and initial caries (DSm + i). A statistically significant difference was also found in the log values for salivary lactobacilli (p = 0.02) within the three groups, and for the total number of bacteria in plaque (p = 0.04); for both variables, the low-pH group had the highest values. The only covariate significantly associated was the Cariogram score in the medium-pH group (p < 0.01) and the number of meals per day in the high-pH group (p = 0.02). To conclude, plaque pH measured by the microtouch method is a method that can be used for discriminating between individuals with varying caries prevalence.

SHYCD induces APE1/Ref-1 subcellular localization to regulate the p53-apoptosis signaling pathway in the prevention and treatment of acute on chronic liver failure

PubMed Central

Diao, Jianxin; Li, Haiye; Huang, Wei; Ma, Wenxiao; Dai, Huan; Liu, Yawei; Wang, Ming; Hua, He Yu; Ou, Jinying; Sun, Xiaomin; Sun, Xuegang; Yang, Yungao

2017-01-01

Background & Aims: San huang yin chi decoction(SHYCD) is derived from the yin chen hao decoction, a well-known and canonical Chinese medicine formula from the “Treatise on Febrile Diseases”. Over the past decade, SHYCD has been used to treat and prevent the liver cirrhosis and liver failure. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SHYCD for acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF) and explored its potential mechanism. an ACLF rat model, which induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) combined with D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide(LPS), was used and confirmed by B-ultrasound analysis. Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, SHYCD-H group, SHYCD-M group, SHYCD-L group, AGNHW group. Compared with the ACLF model group, High, medium, and low doses of SHYCD reduced ALT, AST, TBIL, NH3, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα expression levels in the serum, Shorten PT and INR time,and increased Fbg content in the whole blood, increased survival rate of the rats, improved liver pathological changes. APE1 / Ref-1 was mainly expressed in the nucleus, but the nucleus and cytoplasm were co-expressed after hepatocyte injury. SHYCD significantly downregulated APE1/Ref-1 expression in the cytoplasm. Increased APE1/Ref-1, Bcl-2, reduced p53, caspase-3, Bax, and Cyt-c in the total protein. Base on the results, we conclused that High, medium, and low doses of SHYCD could be applied in prevention and treatment of ACLF, and dose-dependent. The possible mechanism is to promote the APE1 / Ref-1 from the cytoplasm to the nuclear transfer, regulation of p53 apoptosis signal pathway prevention and treatment of ACLF. PMID:29156683

Effects of short-term and long-term treatment with medium- and long-chain triglycerides ketogenic diet on cortical spreading depression in young rats.

PubMed

de Almeida Rabello Oliveira, Marcela; da Rocha Ataíde, Terezinha; de Oliveira, Suzana Lima; de Melo Lucena, Ana Luíza; de Lira, Carla Emmanuela Pereira Rodrigues; Soares, Anderson Acioli; de Almeida, Clarissa Beatriz Santos; Ximenes-da-Silva, Adriana

2008-03-21

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat and low carbohydrate and protein diet. It is used in the clinical treatment of epilepsy, in order to decrease cerebral excitability. KD is usually composed by long-chain triglycerides (LCT) while medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) diet is beginning to be used in some clinical treatment of disorders of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme and long-chain fatty acid oxidation. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of medium- and long-chain KD on cerebral electrical activity, analyzing the propagation of the phenomenon of cortical spreading depression (CSD). Three groups of weaned rats (21 days old) received, for 7 weeks, either a control (AIN-93G diet), or a MCT-KD (rich in triheptanoin oil), or a LCT-KD (rich in soybean oil). They were compared to another three groups (21 days old) receiving the same diets for just 10 days. CSD propagation was evaluated just after ending the dietary treatments. Results showed that short-term KD treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the CSD velocity of propagation (control group: 4.02+/-1.04mm/min; MCT-KD: 0.81+/-1.46mm/min and LCT-KD: 2.26+/-0.41mm/min) compared to the control group. However, long-term treatment with both KDs had no effect on the CSD velocity (control group: 3.10+/-0.41mm/min, MCT-KD: 2.91+/-1.62mm/min, LCT-KD: 3.02+/-2.26mm/min) suggesting that both short-term KDs have a positive effect in decreasing brain cerebral excitability in young animals. These data show for the first time that triheptanoin has an effect on central nervous system.

Use of a vessel sealant device for cystic duct ligation in the dog.

PubMed

Marvel, Sarah; Monnet, Eric

2014-11-01

To compare a vessel sealant device to hemostatic clips for cystic duct ligation in a canine cadaveric model. Experimental. Hepatobiliary systems were collected from normal dogs. A microtip pressure transducer was inserted into the common bile duct and a 20-24 g intravenous catheter was placed in a hepatic duct. The cystic duct was ligated with 1 of 3 techniques: vessel sealant device (VSD), 10 mm medium Endoclips™, or 10 mm large Endoclips™ with 6 specimens in each group. Methylene blue was infused until failure, which was recorded as seal/clip failure or retrograde movement of methylene blue into the liver. Mean failure pressure of the medium endoclip group was significantly lower than the large endoclip group (P = .014). There was no difference between the failure pressure of the VSD group and the medium and large endoclip groups (P = .097, P = .34, respectively). Failure by leakage at the cut surface of the cystic duct occurred in 2 specimens in the medium endoclip group while all others failed by retrograde flow of the methylene blue through the hepatic ducts. The vessel sealant device appears comparable to large endoclips for closure of the cystic duct in an acute cadaveric model, while medium endoclips may not fully compress or span the diameter of a cystic duct in large breed dogs and leak at lower pressures. © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

[Effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on cerebral infarction volume and IL-1 beta in the brain tissue and sera of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model rats].

PubMed

Liu, Jun-Wei; Ren, Ye-Long; Liu, Xu-Ling; Xia, Hong-Lian; Zhang, Hui-Ling; Jin, Shen-Hui; Dai, Qin-Xue; Wang, Jun-Lu

2013-12-01

To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on cerebral infarction volume as well as IL-1 beta in the brain tissue and sera of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model rats. The I/R rat model was established by using thread according to Zea-Longa. SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the low dose ginsenoside Rb1 (20 mg/kg) group, the medium dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (40 mg/kg), and the high dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (80 mg/kg), 12 in each group. Rats in the sham-operation group only received middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) but without thread insertion. The MCAO model was prepared in the rest 4 groups, followed by MCAO2 h later. Ginsenoside Rb1 at each dose was peritoneally administrated to rats in corresponding groups immediately after cerebral ischemia. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the sham-operation group. Rats' cerebral infarction volume, integrals of neurologic defect degree, expression of IL-1 beta content in the brain tissue and sera were observed 24 h after 2-h cerebral I/R. In the model group, integrals of neurologic defect degree were improved (P < 0.01), IL-1 beta positive cells in the brain tissue increased and serum IL-1 beta content elevated (P < 0.05), when compared with the sham-operation group. In comparison of the model group, integrals of neurologic defect degree were lowered in the medium dose and high dose ginsenoside Rb1 groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The cerebral infarction volume was all shrunken in each ginsenoside Rb1 group, IL-1 beta positive cells in the brain tissue decreased, and IL-1 beta content in serum reduced (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the low dose ginsenoside Rb1 group, integrals of neurologic defect degree decreased, the cerebral infarction volume shrunken, and IL-1 beta content in serum reduced in the high dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Ginsenoside Rb1 (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) might effectively release local cerebral ischemia by down-regulating the IL-1 beta expression.

An X-Ray Atlas of Groups of Galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulchaey, John S.; Davis, David S.; Mushotzky, Richard F.; Burnstein, David

2003-01-01

A search was conducted for a hot intragroup medium in 10(exp 9) low-redshift galaxy groups observed with the ROSAT PSPC. Evidence for diffuse, extended X-ray emission is found in at least 61 groups. Approximately one-third of these detections have not been previously reported in the literature. Most of the groups are detected out to less than half of the virial radius with ROSAT. Although some spiral-rich groups do contain an intragroup medium, diffuse emission is restricted to groups that contain at least one early-type galaxy.

Trajectories of Delinquent Behaviour in Adolescence and Their Covariates: Relations with Initial and Time-Averaged Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiesner, Margit; Silbereisen, Rainer K.

2003-01-01

This longitudinal study examined individual, family, and peer covariates of distinctive trajectories of juvenile delinquency, using data from a community sample of 318 German adolescents (mean age at the first wave was 11.45 years). Latent growth mixture modelling analysis revealed four trajectory groups: high-level offenders, medium-level…

Do Parents Make a Difference to Children's Academic Achievement? Differences between Parents of Higher and Lower Achieving Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobs, Nicky; Harvey, David

2005-01-01

Differences in family factors in determining academic achievement were investigated by testing 432 parents in nine independent, coeducational Melbourne schools. Schools were ranked and categorized into three groups (high, medium and low), based on student achievement (ENTER) scores in their final year of secondary school and school improvement…

Analyses of Attribute Patterns of Creative Problem Solving Ability among Upper Elementary Students in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Chia-Yi

2010-01-01

The purpose of this research is to find the relationships among attributes of creative problem solving ability and their relationships with the Math Creative Problem Solving Ability. In addition, the attribute patterns of high, medium, and low mathematical creative groups were identified and compared. There were 409 fifth and sixth graders…

Classification of drugs with different risk profiles.

PubMed

Saedder, Eva Aggerholm; Brock, Birgitte; Nielsen, Lars Peter; Bonnerup, Dorthe Krogsgaard; Lisby, Marianne

2015-08-01

A risk stratification approach is needed to identify patients at high risk of medication errors and a resulting high need of medication review. The aim of this study was to perform risk stratification (distinguishing between low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk drugs) for drugs found to cause serious adverse reactions due to medication errors. The study employed a modified Delphi technique. Drugs from a systematic literature search were included into two rounds of a Delphi process. A panel of experts was asked to evaluate each identified drug's potential for harm and for clinically relevant drug-drug interactions on a scale from 1 (low risk) to 9 (high risk). A total of 36 experts were appointed to serve on the panel. Consensus was reached for 29/57 (51%) drugs or drug classes that cause harm, and for 32/57 (56%) of the drugs or drug classes that cause interactions. For the remaining drugs, a decision was made based on the median score. Two lists, one stating the drugs' potential for causing harm and the other stating clinically relevant drug-drug interactions, were stratified into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk drugs. Based on a modified Delphi technique, we created two lists of drugs stratified into a low-risk, a medium-risk and a high-risk group of clinically relevant interactions or risk of harm to patients. The lists could be incorporated into a risk-scoring tool that stratifies the performance of medication reviews according to patients' risk of experiencing adverse reactions. none. not relevant.

Effect of newborn bovine serum on cryopreservation of adult bovine testicular tissue.

PubMed

Wu, J Y; Sun, Y X; Wang, A B; Che, G Y; Hu, T J; Zhang, X M

2014-04-01

Bovine serum is widely used for cryopreservation of various cells and tissues. However, its cryoprotective effects on the cells and tissues are ambiguous and controversial. To test the effects of newborn calf serum (NCS) on cryopreservation of bovine testis tissue, NCS of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% (v/v) was added into minimum essential medium + 10% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)-based medium according to our previous report. Interestingly, the testicular cell viabilities and spermatogonia percentages from four groups were very close. The results indicated that an increase in the concentration of NCS in freezing medium to 20% has no significant effect on survival of both testicular cells and spermatogonia, and 10% DMSO-based freezing medium can maintain the testicular cell viability and spermatogonia percentage at a relatively high level (83.4 ± 0.7 and 56.5 ± 2.2 respectively). Taken together, NCS is dispensable for cryopreservation of adult bovine testis tissue. Our results provide an evidence for cutting down the costs in cryopreservation research of bovine testis tissue by reducing or giving up the use of serum. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Medium Effects on Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Nylon-3 Polymers against E. coli

PubMed Central

Choi, Heejun; Chakraborty, Saswata; Liu, Runhui; Gellman, Samuel H.; Weisshaar, James C.

2014-01-01

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against E. coli were measured for three nylon-3 polymers using Luria-Bertani broth (LB), brain-heart infusion broth (BHI), and a chemically defined complete medium (EZRDM). The polymers differ in the ratio of hydrophobic to cationic subunits. The cationic homopolymer is inert against E. coli in BHI and LB, but becomes highly potent in EZRDM. A mixed hydrophobic/cationic polymer with a hydrophobic t-butylbenzoyl group at its N-terminus is effective in BHI, but becomes more effective in EZRDM. Supplementation of EZRDM with the tryptic digest of casein (often found in LB) recapitulates the LB and BHI behavior. Additional evidence suggests that polyanionic peptides present in LB and BHI may form electrostatic complexes with cationic polymers, decreasing activity by diminishing binding to the anionic lipopolysaccharide layer of E. coli. In contrast, two natural antimicrobial peptides show no medium effects. Thus, the use of a chemically defined medium helps to reveal factors that influence antimicrobial potency of cationic polymers and functional differences between these polymers and evolved antimicrobial peptides. PMID:25153714

Intrinsic Multi-Scale Dynamic Behaviors of Complex Financial Systems

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Fang-Yan; Zheng, Bo; Jiang, Xiong-Fei

2015-01-01

The empirical mode decomposition is applied to analyze the intrinsic multi-scale dynamic behaviors of complex financial systems. In this approach, the time series of the price returns of each stock is decomposed into a small number of intrinsic mode functions, which represent the price motion from high frequency to low frequency. These intrinsic mode functions are then grouped into three modes, i.e., the fast mode, medium mode and slow mode. The probability distribution of returns and auto-correlation of volatilities for the fast and medium modes exhibit similar behaviors as those of the full time series, i.e., these characteristics are rather robust in multi time scale. However, the cross-correlation between individual stocks and the return-volatility correlation are time scale dependent. The structure of business sectors is mainly governed by the fast mode when returns are sampled at a couple of days, while by the medium mode when returns are sampled at dozens of days. More importantly, the leverage and anti-leverage effects are dominated by the medium mode. PMID:26427063

Cannabis use and cognitive function in first episode psychosis: differential effect of heavy use.

PubMed

Núñez, Christian; Ochoa, Susana; Huerta-Ramos, Elena; Baños, Iris; Barajas, Ana; Dolz, Montserrat; Sánchez, Bernardo; Del Cacho, Núria; Usall, Judith

2016-03-01

First episode patients and patients with schizophrenia exhibit increased rates of cannabis use compared to the general population. Contrary to what has been reported in studies with healthy people, most of the published studies so far have reported no impairments or even beneficial effects on neurocognition associated with cannabis consumption in psychotic patients. However, these studies did not address the effects of very high cannabis consumption. Our aim in this study was to assess the effects on neurocognition of medium and heavy cannabis consumption in first psychotic episode patients. A total of 74 patients were included in the study and assigned to three different groups according to their mean cannabis consumption during the last year (non-users, medium users, and heavy users). Participants were administered verbal memory and other neurocognitive tasks. Heavy cannabis users were significantly impaired in all the verbal memory measures with respect to non-users, including immediate (p = .026), short-term (p = .005), and long-term (p = .002) memory. There were no significant differences between medium and non-users. Moreover, non-users performed better than all cannabis users in the arithmetic task (p = .020). Heavy cannabis consumption was associated with more commission errors in the continuous performance task (CPT) (p = .008) and more time to complete trail making test A (TMT-A) (p = .008), compared to the group of medium users. Heavy cannabis consumption seems to impair verbal memory in first psychotic episode patients. Heavy users also perform worse than medium users in other neurocognitive tasks. Based on the results and the available evidence, a dose-related effect of cannabis consumption is suggested.

Structured medium and long chain triglycerides show short-term increases in fat oxidation, but no changes in adiposity in men.

PubMed

Roynette, Catherine E; Rudkowska, Iwona; Nakhasi, Dilip K; Jones, Peter J H

2008-05-01

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have been suggested as modulators of human energy expenditure (EE) and thus may influence total and regional body fat distribution. To investigate in overweight men the effects of structured medium and long chain triglycerides on EE, substrate oxidation and body adiposity, compared to extra virgin olive oil (OO). In a 6 week single-blind crossover study, 23 overweight men were randomly assigned to consume a standard high-fat diet of which 75% total fat was provided as either structured medium and long chain triglycerides referred to as structured oil (StO), or OO. EE and body composition were measured using indirect calorimetry and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, at weeks 1 and 6 of each phase. Body weight decreased (p<0.01) from baseline to end-point during consumption of both the StO (-1.46+/-0.4k g) and OO (-1.17+/-0.4 kg); however, no significant treatment differences were observed. There were no changes in body composition among treatment groups. No differences between diets for EE measurements were reported. Fat oxidation rates did not differ between oils, but were reduced (p<0.05) in the StO group between baseline (0.0020+/-0.0003 g/kg fat free mass per min) in comparison to after week 6 (0.0013+/-0.0001 g/kg fat free mass per min). No differences in carbohydrate oxidation rate were noted across diets or time. The present structured medium and long chain triglyceride oil increases short-term fat oxidation but fails to modulate body weight or adiposity through a change in EE.

Effect of Prepregnancy Alcohol Consumption on Postpartum Relationship Satisfaction and Divorce among Norwegian Mothers

PubMed Central

Mellingen, Sonja; Torsheim, Torbjørn; Thuen, Frode

2015-01-01

This study assessed the effect of prepregnancy level of alcohol use among mothers on relationship breakups with young children at 36 months after birth and the extent to which relationship satisfaction (RS) throughout the postpartum period could mediate any association between alcohol use and divorce. The data were part of the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, and analyses of the present article were based on a total of 69,117 mothers divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk consumption groups. All the three groups experienced a decrease in RS, but the largest effect was observed for the high-risk group. Mothers in this group had 55% higher odds for divorce as compared to the low-risk group. The findings supported a conceptual model whereby the effects of alcohol use on divorce were mediated through lowered RS. PMID:26740743

High-fat semielemental diet in the treatment of protracted diarrhea of infancy.

PubMed

Jirapinyo, P; Young, C; Srimaruta, N; Rossi, T M; Cardano, A; Lebenthal, E

1990-12-01

The capacity for greater fat absorption relative to carbohydrate absorption in protracted diarrhea of infancy was studied in a developed and a developing country (Buffalo, NY, and Bangkok, Thailand). Fifty patients with protracted diarrhea in the first year of life (defined as liquid stools of more than 20 mL/kg per day with more than a 14-day duration) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard semielemental diet (Pregestimil) or a high-fat semielemental diet that contained 40% more fat. The increased fat was largely in the form of medium-chain triglycerides, with the new diet providing 60% of the fat as medium-chain triglycerides compared with 40% in the standard diet. Tolerance to both diets was good in both studies. Both groups showed adequate weight gain and an improvement in anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The patients receiving the high-fat diet showed no initial weight loss, however, and their weight gain was initiated earlier. Cumulative weight gain was also higher in the group receiving the high-fat semielemental diet. Fecal fat analyses were performed after 1 week of therapy. There was no difference observed in the coefficient of fat absorption between the groups receiving the two formulas, indicating that infants with protracted diarrhea may be able to tolerate a higher fat intake than is normally provided. As carbohydrate intolerance is known to be a complicating factor when using semielemental enteral feeds for infants with protracted diarrhea, a higher-fat semielemental diet may be the most appropriate way to provide adequate caloric intake.

Effectiveness of intra-articular injection in wrist joints according to triamcinolone hexacetonide dose in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled double-blind study.

PubMed

Pereira, Daniele Freitas; Natour, Jamil; Machado, Natália Pereira; Furtado, Rita Nely Vilar

2015-02-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness in the medium term between low and high doses of triamcinolone hexacetonide used in intra-articular injection in medium-sized joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A randomized double-blind study was carried out in rheumatoid arthritis patients with wrist painful refractory synovitis. Sixty wrists were included and randomized to receive low dose (20 mg) or high dose (40 mg). The outcomes assessed in T0, T1, T4, T8, and T12 weeks were visual analog scale for pain and for swelling, chronic disease activity index, goniometry, simplified Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, and side effects. Baseline mean (standard deviation) values were pain visual analog scale of 6.1 (1.6) and 6.3 (1.7), P = 0.562; swelling visual analog scale of 5.9 and 6.4, P = 0.466; chronic disease activity index of 17.8 and 16.8, P = 0.366; and Health Assessment Questionnaire of 0.8 and 0.7, P = 0.238, in the high- and low-dose groups, respectively. Both groups improved pain and swelling assessed by the visual analog scale, P < 0.001, in the intragroup analysis. Chronic disease activity index, goniometry, and Health Assessment Questionnaire also improved equally over time in both groups in the intragroup analysis (P < 0.001, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). No serious side effects were detected. High and low triamcinolone hexacetonide doses had good effectiveness in wrist-blinded intra-articular injection of rheumatoid arthritis patients, without statistical difference between them.

Process for modifying the metal ion sorption capacity of a medium

DOEpatents

Lundquist, Susan H.

2002-01-01

A process for modifying a medium is disclosed that includes treating a medium having a metal ion sorption capacity with a solution that includes: A) an agent capable of forming a complex with metal ions; and B) ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, and combinations thereof, to create a medium having an increased capacity to sorb metal ions relative to the untreated medium.

Characterisation of Fecal Soap Fatty Acids, Calcium Contents, Bacterial Community and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Sprague Dawley Rats Fed with Different sn-2 Palmitic Triacylglycerols Diets.

PubMed

Wan, Jianchun; Hu, Songyou; Ni, Kefeng; Chang, Guifang; Sun, Xiangjun; Yu, Liangli

2016-01-01

The structure of dietary triacylglycerols is thought to influence fatty acid and calcium absorption, as well as intestinal microbiota population of the host. In the present study, we investigated the impact of palmitic acid (PA) esterified at the sn-2 position on absorption of fatty acid and calcium and composition of intestinal microorganisms in rats fed high-fat diets containing either low sn-2 PA (12.1%), medium sn-2 PA (40.4%) or high sn-2 PA (56.3%), respectively. Fecal fatty acid profiles in the soaps were measured by gas chromatography (GC), while fecal calcium concentration was detected by ICP-MS. The fecal microbial composition was assessed using a 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology and fecal short-chain fatty acids were detected by ion chromatograph. Dietary supplementation with a high sn-2 PA fat significantly reduced total fecal contents of fatty acids soap and calcium compared with the medium or low sn-2 PA fat groups. Diet supplementation with sn-2 PA fat did not change the entire profile of the gut microbiota community at phylum level and the difference at genera level also were minimal in the three treatment groups. However, high sn-2 PA fat diet could potentially improve total short-chain fatty acids content in the feces, suggesting that high dietary sn-2 PA fat might have a beneficial effect on host intestinal health.

Classification of Individual Well-Being Scores for the Determination of Adverse Health and Productivity Outcomes in Employee Populations

PubMed Central

Sears, Lindsay E.; Coberley, Carter R.; Pope, James E.

2013-01-01

Abstract Adverse health and productivity outcomes have imposed a considerable economic burden on employers. To facilitate optimal worksite intervention designs tailored to differing employee risk levels, the authors established cutoff points for an Individual Well-Being Score (IWBS) based on a global measure of well-being. Cross-sectional associations between IWBS and adverse health and productivity outcomes, including high health care cost, emergency room visits, short-term disability days, absenteeism, presenteeism, low job performance ratings, and low intentions to stay with the employer, were studied in a sample of 11,702 employees from a large employer. Receiver operating characteristics curves were evaluated to detect a single optimal cutoff value of IWBS for predicting 2 or more adverse outcomes. More granular segmentation was achieved by computing relative risks of each adverse outcome from logistic regressions accounting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results showed strong and significant nonlinear associations between IWBS and health and productivity outcomes. An IWBS of 75 was found to be the optimal single cutoff point to discriminate 2 or more adverse outcomes. Logistic regression models found abrupt reductions of relative risk also clustered at IWBS cutoffs of 53, 66, and 88, in addition to 75, which segmented employees into high, high-medium, medium, low-medium, and low risk groups. To determine validity and generalizability, cutoff values were applied in a smaller employee population (N=1853) and confirmed significant differences between risk groups across health and productivity outcomes. The reported segmentation of IWBS into discrete cohorts based on risk of adverse health and productivity outcomes should facilitate well-being comparisons and worksite interventions. (Population Health Management 2013;16:90–98) PMID:23013034

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

PubMed

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

2012-09-01

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

Influence of Zoledronic Acid on Atrial Electrophysiological Parameters and Electrocardiographic Measurements.

PubMed

Tisdale, James E; Allen, Matthew R; Overholser, Brian R; Jaynes, Heather A; Kovacs, Richard J

2015-06-01

Our objective was to determine effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on atrial electrophysiological parameters and electrocardiographic measurements. Ex vivo perfusion study: Isolated guinea pig hearts were perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) buffer with or without ZA 0.07 mg/kg/L (each n = 6). In ZA-perfused hearts, atrial action potential at 90% repolarization (APD90 ) decreased more from baseline than in controls (-23.2% ± -5.1% vs. -2.1% ± -8.1%, P < 0 .0001), as did APD30 (-28.8% ± -3.8% vs. -2.1% ± -2.1%, P < 0.0001). In vivo dose-response study: Guinea pigs underwent intraperitoneal injections every 2 weeks in 1 of 4 groups (each n = 8): ZA 0.007 mg/kg (low-dose), ZA 0.07 mg/kg (medium-dose), ZA 0.7 mg/kg (high-dose), or placebo. Hearts were excised at 8 weeks and perfused with modified K-H. Atrial effective refractory period (ERP) was lower with medium- and high-dose ZA versus placebo (P = 0.004). Atrial APD30 was lower with high-dose ZA versus placebo, low and medium doses (P < 0.001). Canine ECG study: Mature female beagles received intravenous ZA 0.067 mg/kg or saline (placebo; each n = 6) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. P wave dispersion was greater in the ZA group (7.7 ± 3.7 vs. 3.4 ± 2.6 ms, P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in P wave index, maximum or minimum P wave duration, or PR interval. ZA shortens left atrial APD and ERP and increases P wave dispersion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Treatment of a Textile Effluent from Dyeing with Cochineal Extracts Using Trametes versicolor Fungus

PubMed Central

Arroyo-Figueroa, Gabriela; Ruiz-Aguilar, Graciela M. L.; López-Martínez, Leticia; González-Sánchez, Guillermo; Cuevas-Rodríguez, Germán; Rodríguez-Vázquez, Refugio

2011-01-01

Trametes versicolor (Tv) fungus can degrade synthetic dyes that contain azo groups, anthraquinone, triphenylmethane polymers, and heterocyclic groups. However, no references have been found related to the degradation of natural dyes, such as the carminic acid that is contained in the cochineal extract. Experiments to determine the decolorization of the effluent used in the cotton dyeing process with cochineal extract by means of Tv fungus were done. Treatments to determine decolorization in the presence or absence of Kirk's medium, glucose, and fungus, with an addition of 50% (v v-1) of nonsterilized effluent were performed. Physicochemical characterization was performed at the start and end of the treatment. Degradation kinetics were determined. A direct relationship was found between the dry weight of fungi, pH, and the decolorization system, with higher decolorization at lower pH levels (pH ~4.3). High decolorization (81% ± 0.09; 88% ± 0.17; and 99% ± 0.04) for three of the eight treatments (Kirk's medium without glucose, Kirk's medium with glucose, and without medium with glucose, respectively) was found. Toxicity tests determined an increase in the initial effluent toxicity (7.33 TU) compared with the final treatment (47.73 TU) in a period of 11 days. For this system, a degradation sequence of the carminic acid structure present in the effluent by the Tv fungus is suggested, in which it is seen that metabolites still containing aromatic structures are generated. PMID:21552764

Treatment of a textile effluent from dyeing with cochineal extracts using Trametes versicolor fungus.

PubMed

Arroyo-Figueroa, Gabriela; Ruiz-Aguilar, Graciela M L; López-Martínez, Leticia; González-Sánchez, Guillermo; Cuevas-Rodríguez, Germán; Rodríguez-Vázquez, Refugio

2011-05-05

Trametes versicolor (Tv) fungus can degrade synthetic dyes that contain azo groups, anthraquinone, triphenylmethane polymers, and heterocyclic groups. However, no references have been found related to the degradation of natural dyes, such as the carminic acid that is contained in the cochineal extract. Experiments to determine the decolorization of the effluent used in the cotton dyeing process with cochineal extract by means of Tv fungus were done. Treatments to determine decolorization in the presence or absence of Kirk's medium, glucose, and fungus, with an addition of 50% (v v-1) of nonsterilized effluent were performed. Physicochemical characterization was performed at the start and end of the treatment. Degradation kinetics were determined. A direct relationship was found between the dry weight of fungi, pH, and the decolorization system, with higher decolorization at lower pH levels (pH ~4.3). High decolorization (81% ± 0.09; 88% ± 0.17; and 99% ± 0.04) for three of the eight treatments (Kirk's medium without glucose, Kirk's medium with glucose, and without medium with glucose, respectively) was found. Toxicity tests determined an increase in the initial effluent toxicity (7.33 TU) compared with the final treatment (47.73 TU) in a period of 11 days. For this system, a degradation sequence of the carminic acid structure present in the effluent by the Tv fungus is suggested, in which it is seen that metabolites still containing aromatic structures are generated.

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

Mulchaey, John S.; Kollmeier, Juna A.; Kasliwal, Mansi M., E-mail: mulchaey@obs.carnegiescience.edu

X-ray measurements suggest that the abundance of calcium in the intracluster medium is higher than can be explained using favored models for core-collapse and Type Ia supernovae alone. We investigate whether the ''calcium conundrum'' in the intracluster medium can be alleviated by including a contribution from the recently discovered subclass of supernovae known as calcium-rich gap transients. Although the calcium-rich gap transients make up only a small fraction of all supernovae events, we find that their high calcium yields are sufficient to reproduce the X-ray measurements found for nearby rich clusters. We find the χ{sup 2} goodness-of-fit metric improves frommore » 84 to 2 by including this new class. Moreover, calcium-rich supernovae preferentially occur in the outskirts of galaxies making it easier for the nucleosynthesis products of these events to be incorporated in the intracluster medium via ram-pressure stripping. The discovery of calcium-rich gap transients in clusters and groups far from any individual galaxy suggests that supernovae associated with intracluster stars may play an important role in enriching the intracluster medium. Calcium-rich gap transients may also help explain anomalous calcium abundances in many other astrophysical systems including individual stars in the Milky Way, the halos of nearby galaxies, and the circumgalactic medium. Our work highlights the importance of considering the diversity of supernovae types and corresponding yields when modeling the abundance of the intracluster medium and other gas reservoirs.« less

76 FR 61288 - Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee, Appliance Standards Subcommittee Negotiated...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-04

... Medium- and Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers AGENCY: Department of Energy, Office of Energy... Dry-Type Distribution Transformers and the second addressing Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers. The Liquid Immersed and Medium-Voltage Dry-Type Group (MV Group) and the Low-Voltage Dry-Type...

Unmasking materialistic depression as a mental health problem: its effect on depression and materialism in an African-United States undergraduate sample.

PubMed

Azibo, Daudi Ajani ya

2013-09-05

Misdiagnosis of African-U.S. persons is argued to be a built-in characteristic of Western-based assessment requiring augmentation with culture-focused input where possible. Regarding depression, materialistic depression is explained as an African-centered African-U.S. culture-focused construct of masked depression. Materialistic depression symptomatology is presented. Materialism orientation is postulated to necessarily be associated with materialistic depression. 144 undergraduates, 37 male (25.7%) and 107 female (74.3%), average age of 21 completed the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, the depression subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90-R, the materialism subscale of the Cultural Misorientation Scale, and the Materialistic Depression Quiz. Contrasting high versus lower scoring MDQ groups on both depression scores produced reliable t-tests (p<.017). One-way ANOVA on materialism scores with high, medium, low MDQ groups was reliable (p<.017). The sample precluded generalization to clinically depressed and non-college African-U.S. populations. Using the Materialistic Depression Quiz, high scorers versus medium and low scorers had greater depression scores on two depression measures and greater materialism scores. Materialistic depression appears a masked form of depression not to be overlooked. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SU-F-R-30: Interscanner Variability of Radiomics Features in Computed Tomography (CT) Using a Standard ACR Phantom

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

Shafiq ul Hassan, M; Zhang, G; Moros, E

2016-06-15

Purpose: A simple approach to investigate Interscanner variability of Radiomics features in computed tomography (CT) using a standard ACR phantom. Methods: The standard ACR phantom was scanned on CT scanners from three different manufacturers. Scanning parameters of 120 KVp, 200 mA were used while slice thickness of 3.0 mm on two scanners and 3.27 mm on third scanner was used. Three spherical regions of interest (ROI) from water, medium density and high density inserts were contoured. Ninety four Radiomics features were extracted using an in-house program. These features include shape (11), intensity (22), GLCM (26), GLZSM (11), RLM (11), andmore » NGTDM (5) and 8 fractal dimensions features. To evaluate the Interscanner variability across three scanners, a coefficient of variation (COV) is calculated for each feature group. Each group is further classified according to the COV- by calculating the percentage of features in each of the following categories: COV less than 2%, between 2 and 10% and greater than 10%. Results: For all feature groups, similar trend was observed for three different inserts. Shape features were the most robust for all scanners as expected. 70% of the shape features had COV <2%. For intensity feature group, 2% COV varied from 9 to 32% for three scanners. All features in four groups GLCM, GLZSM, RLM and NGTDM were found to have Interscanner variability ≥2%. The fractal dimensions dependence for medium and high density inserts were similar while it was different for water inserts. Conclusion: We concluded that even for similar scanning conditions, Interscanner variability across different scanners was significant. The texture features based on GLCM, GLZSM, RLM and NGTDM are highly scanner dependent. Since the inserts of the ACR Phantom are not heterogeneous in HU values suggests that matrix based 2nd order features are highly affected by variation in noise. Research partly funded by NIH/NCI R01CA190105-01.« less

Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field from Convective Air Warming System on Temperature Selection and Distance.

PubMed

Cho, Kwang Rae; Kim, Myoung-Hun; Ko, Myoung Jin; Jung, Jae Wook; Lee, Ki Hwa; Park, Yei-Heum; Kim, Yong Han; Kim, Ki Hoon; Kim, Jin Soo

2014-12-01

Hypothermia generates potentially severe complications in operating or recovery room. Forced air warmer is effective to maintain body temperature. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is harmful to human body and mainly produced by electronic equipment including convective air warming system. We investigated ELF-EMF from convective air warming device on various temperature selection and distance for guideline to protect medical personnel and patients. The intensity of ELF-EMF was measured as two-second interval for five minutes on various distance (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1meter) and temperature selection (high, medium, low and ambient). All of electrical devices were off including lamp, computer and air conditioner. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. P<0.05 was considered significant. Mean values of ELF-EMF on the distance of 30 cm were 18.63, 18.44, 18.23 and 17.92 milligauss (mG) respectively (high, medium, low and ambient temperature set). ELF-EMF of high temperature set was higher than data of medium, low and ambient set in all the distances. ELF-EMF from convective air warming system is higher in condition of more close location and higher temperature. ELF-EMF within thirty centimeters exceeds 2mG recommended by Swedish TCO guideline.

[The social vulnerability index regarding Medellín's disabled population].

PubMed

Cardona-Arango, Doris; Agudelo-Martínez, Alejandra; Restrepo-Molina, Lucas; Segura-Cardona, Angela M

2014-01-01

Constructing a social vulnerability index (SVI) for Medellín's disabled population during 2008 aimed at determining areas which were reducing opportunities for this population to use their tangible and intangible assets, thus impairing their quality of life. This descriptive cross-sectional study drew on a source of secondary information regarding people having some kind of limitation recorded in the Quality of Life Survey, 2008. Physical, human and social variables were grouped when constructing the SVI; the models were run in principal component analysis to determine their degree of vulnerability, defined by the number of negative factors identified (high category=4 or 5, medium=2 or 3 and low=1 or none). Such classification led to identifying non-causal relationships with demographic variables through Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests (5.0 % statistical significance level); multinomial logistic regression was used for calculating adjusted measures for epidemiological measurement, such as opportunity ratios and confidence intervals. A degree of medium vulnerability predominated in disabled people living in Medellín (60.3 %) followed by low vulnerability (28.7 %) and high vulnerability populations (11.0 %). The proposed ISV classified the city's communes according to high, medium or low vulnerability, supported by the use of statistical and spatial location techniques.

High Level of Integration in Integrated Disease Management Leads to Higher Usage in the e-Vita Study: Self-Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Web-Based Platforms in a Parallel Cohort Design.

PubMed

Talboom-Kamp, Esther Pwa; Verdijk, Noortje A; Kasteleyn, Marise J; Harmans, Lara M; Talboom, Irvin Jsh; Numans, Mattijs E; Chavannes, Niels H

2017-05-31

Worldwide, nearly 3 million people die of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) every year. Integrated disease management (IDM) improves disease-specific quality of life and exercise capacity for people with COPD, but can also reduce hospital admissions and hospital days. Self-management of COPD through eHealth interventions has shown to be an effective method to improve the quality and efficiency of IDM in several settings, but it remains unknown which factors influence usage of eHealth and change in behavior of patients. Our study, e-Vita COPD, compares different levels of integration of Web-based self-management platforms in IDM in three primary care settings. The main aim of this study is to analyze the factors that successfully promote the use of a self-management platform for COPD patients. The e-Vita COPD study compares three different approaches to incorporating eHealth via Web-based self-management platforms into IDM of COPD using a parallel cohort design. Three groups integrated the platforms to different levels. In groups 1 (high integration) and 2 (medium integration), randomization was performed to two levels of personal assistance for patients (high and low assistance); in group 3 there was no integration into disease management (none integration). Every visit to the e-Vita and Zorgdraad COPD Web platforms was tracked objectively by collecting log data (sessions and services). At the first log-in, patients completed a baseline questionnaire. Baseline characteristics were automatically extracted from the log files including age, gender, education level, scores on the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), dyspnea scale (MRC), and quality of life questionnaire (EQ5D). To predict the use of the platforms, multiple linear regression analyses for the different independent variables were performed: integration in IDM (high, medium, none), personal assistance for the participants (high vs low), educational level, and self-efficacy level (General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSES]). All analyses were adjusted for age and gender. Of the 702 invited COPD patients, 215 (30.6%) registered to a platform. Of the 82 patients in group 1 (high integration IDM), 36 were in group 1A (personal assistance) and 46 in group 1B (low assistance). Of the 96 patients in group 2 (medium integration IDM), 44 were in group 2A (telephone assistance) and 52 in group 2B (low assistance). A total of 37 patients participated in group 3 (no integration IDM). In all, 107 users (49.8%) visited the platform at least once in the 15-month period. The mean number of sessions differed between the three groups (group 1: mean 10.5, SD 1.3; group 2: mean 8.8, SD 1.4; group 3: mean 3.7, SD 1.8; P=.01). The mean number of sessions differed between the high-assistance and low-assistance groups in groups 1 and 2 (high: mean 11.8, SD 1.3; low: mean 6.7, SD 1.4; F1,80=6.55, P=.01). High-assistance participants used more services (mean 45.4, SD 6.2) than low-assistance participants (mean 21.2, SD 6.8; F1,80=6.82, P=.01). No association was found between educational level and usage and between GSES and usage. Use of a self-management platform is higher when participants receive adequate personal assistance about how to use the platform. Blended care, where digital health and usual care are integrated, will likely lead to increased use of the online program. Future research should provide additional insights into the preferences of different patient groups. Nederlands Trial Register NTR4098; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4098 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qO1hqiJ1). ©Esther PWA Talboom-Kamp, Noortje A Verdijk, Marise J Kasteleyn, Lara M Harmans, Irvin JSH Talboom, Mattijs E Numans, Niels H Chavannes. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 31.05.2017.

An investigation of the heat induced during ultrasonic post removal.

PubMed

Ettrich, Christopher A; Labossière, Paul E; Pitts, David L; Johnson, James D

2007-10-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for temperature increase along the external root surface during ultrasonic post removal in a simulated clinical environment. Thirty-seven extracted teeth were decoronated, instrumented, and then obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. Post spaces were prepared, followed by cementation of stainless steel posts. A simulated clinical environment was created by using a polymethylmethacrylate sheet with holes custom fitted for the extracted teeth and then suspended over a heated water bath. Two thermocouples were attached at 6 and 12 mm from the top of the post along the external root surface. Teeth were divided into 3 test groups, no coolant, air-cooled, and water-cooled. Temperature changes were recorded by using a Vishay 5000 Strain Smart system. Results demonstrated that a significant difference existed in the average heat rates between the upper and lower thermocouples for no coolant and water-cooled groups at the medium setting and the air-cooled group at the high setting. The average heat rates were significantly different between the 2 thermocouples for all 3 groups when comparing the 2 ultrasonic power settings. Results indicated that the average heat rate was less for the water-cooled group when using a medium power setting.

Biological soil crusts across disturbance–recovery scenarios: effect of grazing regime on community dynamics.

PubMed

Concostrina-Zubiri, L; Huber-Sannwald, E; Martínez, I; Flores Flores, J L; Reyes-Agüero, J A; Escude, A; Belnap, J

Grazing represents one of the most common disturbances in drylands worldwide, affecting both ecosystem structure and functioning. Despite the efforts to understand the nature and magnitude of grazing effects on ecosystem components and processes, contrasting results continue to arise. This is particularly remarkable for the biological soil crust (BSC) communities (i.e., cyanobacteria, lichens, and bryophytes), which play an important role in soil dynamics. Here we evaluated simultaneously the effect of grazing impact on BSC communities (resistance) and recovery after livestock exclusion (resilience) in a semiarid grassland of Central Mexico. In particular, we examined BSC species distribution, species richness, taxonomical group cover (i.e., cyanobacteria, lichen, bryophyte), and composition along a disturbance gradient with different grazing regimes (low, medium, high impact) and along a recovery gradient with differently aged livestock exclosures (short-, medium-, long-term exclusion). Differences in grazing impact and time of recovery from grazing both resulted in slight changes in species richness; however, there were pronounced shifts in species composition and group cover. We found we could distinguish four highly diverse and dynamic BSC species groups: (1) species with high resistance and resilience to grazing, (2) species with high resistance but low resilience, (3) species with low resistance but high resilience, and (4) species with low resistance and resilience. While disturbance resulted in a novel diversity configuration, which may profoundly affect ecosystem functioning, we observed that 10 years of disturbance removal did not lead to the ecosystem structure found after 27 years of recovery. These findings are an important contribution to our understanding of BCS dynamics from a species and community perspective placed in a land use change context.

Biological soil crusts across disturbance-recovery scenarios: effect of grazing regime on community dynamics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Concostrina-Zubiri, L.; Huber-Sannwald, E.; Martínez, I.; Flores Flores, J. L.; Reyes-Agüero, J. A.; Escudero, A.; Belnap, Jayne

2014-01-01

Grazing represents one of the most common disturbances in drylands worldwide, affecting both ecosystem structure and functioning. Despite the efforts to understand the nature and magnitude of grazing effects on ecosystem components and processes, contrasting results continue to arise. This is particularly remarkable for the biological soil crust (BSC) communities (i.e., cyanobacteria, lichens, and bryophytes), which play an important role in soil dynamics. Here we evaluated simultaneously the effect of grazing impact on BSC communities (resistance) and recovery after livestock exclusion (resilience) in a semiarid grassland of Central Mexico. In particular, we examined BSC species distribution, species richness, taxonomical group cover (i.e., cyanobacteria, lichen, bryophyte), and composition along a disturbance gradient with different grazing regimes (low, medium, high impact) and along a recovery gradient with differently aged livestock exclosures (short-, medium-, long-term exclusion). Differences in grazing impact and time of recovery from grazing both resulted in slight changes in species richness; however, there were pronounced shifts in species composition and group cover. We found we could distinguish four highly diverse and dynamic BSC species groups: (1) species with high resistance and resilience to grazing, (2) species with high resistance but low resilience, (3) species with low resistance but high resilience, and (4) species with low resistance and resilience. While disturbance resulted in a novel diversity configuration, which may profoundly affect ecosystem functioning, we observed that 10 years of disturbance removal did not lead to the ecosystem structure found after 27 years of recovery. These findings are an important contribution to our understanding of BCS dynamics from a species and community perspective placed in a land use change context.

Group II muscle afferents probably contribute to the medium latency soleus stretch reflex during walking in humans

PubMed Central

Grey, Michael J; Ladouceur, Michel; Andersen, Jacob B; Nielsen, Jens Bo; Sinkjær, Thomas

2001-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine which afferents contribute to the medium latency response of the soleus stretch reflex resulting from an unexpected perturbation during human walking. Fourteen healthy subjects walked on a treadmill at approximately 3.5 km h−1 with the left ankle attached to a portable stretching device. The soleus stretch reflex was elicited by applying small amplitude (∼8 deg) dorsiflexion perturbations 200 ms after heel contact. Short and medium latency responses were observed with latencies of 55 ± 5 and 78 ± 6 ms, respectively. The short latency response was velocity sensitive (P < 0.001), while the medium latency response was not (P = 0.725). Nerve cooling increased the delay of the medium latency component to a greater extent than that of the short latency component (P < 0.005). Ischaemia strongly decreased the short latency component (P = 0.004), whereas the medium latency component was unchanged (P = 0.437). Two hours after the ingestion of tizanidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist known to selectively depress the transmission in the group II afferent pathway, the medium latency reflex was strongly depressed (P = 0.007), whereas the short latency component was unchanged (P = 0.653). An ankle block with lidocaine hydrochloride was performed to suppress the cutaneous afferents of the foot and ankle. Neither the short (P = 0.453) nor medium (P = 0.310) latency reflexes were changed. Our results support the hypothesis that, during walking the medium latency component of the stretch reflex resulting from an unexpected perturbation is contributed to by group II muscle afferents. PMID:11483721

3D force/torque characterization of emergency cricothyroidotomy procedure using an instrumented scalpel.

PubMed

Ryason, Adam; Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh; Butler, Kathryn L; DeMoya, Marc; De, Suvranu

2016-08-01

Emergency Cricothyroidotomy (CCT) is a surgical procedure performed to secure a patient's airway. This high-stakes, but seldom-performed procedure is an ideal candidate for a virtual reality simulator to enhance physician training. For the first time, this study characterizes the force/torque characteristics of the cricothyroidotomy procedure, to guide development of a virtual reality CCT simulator for use in medical training. We analyze the upper force and torque thresholds experienced at the human-scalpel interface. We then group individual surgical cuts based on style of cut and cut medium and perform a regression analysis to create two models that allow us to predict the style of cut performed and the cut medium.

Refining insulin concentrations in culture medium containing growth factors BMP15 and GDF9: An in vitro study of the effects on follicle development of goats.

PubMed

Dipaz-Berrocal, D J; Sá, N A R; Guerreiro, D D; Celestino, J J H; Leiva-Revilla, J; Alves, B G; Alves, K A; Santos, R R; Cibin, F W S; Rodrigues, A P R; Figueiredo, J R

2017-10-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of two insulin concentrations (10ng/mL and 10μg/mL) combined or in the absence of BMP15 and/or GDF9, on the in vitro survival and development of preantral follicles of goat ovarian tissue. Ovarian slices from the same goat ovary pair were randomly assigned to a non-cultured control treatment or to be in vitro cultured for 1 or 7days in α-MEM containing 10ng/mL (Low) or 10μg/mL (High) of insulin in the absence or presence of BMP15 and/or GDF9. With the low insulin treatment, there was a greater percentage of normal follicles than with the high insulin treatment. The addition of BMP15 alone or in association with GDF9 to the medium containing low insulin resulted in a lesser percentage of normal follicles (P<0.05). The addition of BMP15 and GDF9 separately or in combination with the high insulin concentration enhanced the percentage of normal follicles. On day 7 of culture, the use of medium containing low insulin alone or high insulin supplemented with BMP15 and BMP15+GDF9 resulted in a greater percentage of secondary follicles than the non-cultured control, although follicles cultured with low insulin were smaller than those from the control group and had greater rates of oxidative stress. In conclusion, in the presence of physiological concentrations of insulin (10ng/mL), medium supplementation with GDF9 and BMP15 alone or in combination is unnecessary for normal follicle development in vitro. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of carbon dioxide exposure on intensively cultured rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss: Physiological responses and fillet attributes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Danley, M.L.; Kenney, P.B.; Mazik, P.M.; Kiser, R.; Hankins, J.A.

2005-01-01

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (261.6 ?? 24.7 g initial weight, mean ?? SEM) at 13.1 ?? 0.2 C were exposed for 94 d to one of three CO2 treatments: control (22.1 ?? 2.8 mg/L), medium (34.5 ?? 3.8 mg/L), or high (48.7 ?? 4.4 mg/L). Trout were checked daily for survival, and fish were sampled at 0, 28, 56, and 84 d for physiological responses, growth, and fillet quality assessments. Trout were also challenged to a 15-min crowding stress at 93 d to assess their ability to initiate a stress response during hypercapnia. Chronically exposed trout showed nearly 100% survival through 84 d exposure (1 of 1,500 fish died). Growth and physiological results showed that increasing elevated CO2 concentrations result in corresponding decreased growth rates and CO2-specific physiological parameters: The medium and high CO2 treatments had significantly slower growth and subsequently smaller fish by 84 d. Exposed trout also showed significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma chloride for medium and high CO2 treatments compared to the control from 28 through 84 d. Decreased growth and smaller fish in the medium and high CO2 treatments resulted in correspondingly smaller fresh and smoked fillet weights. Chronic CO2 exposure did not result in notable changes in ultimate muscle pH. Exposure to 15-min crowding stress at 93 d resulted in significant changes in hematocrit, plasma cortisol, glucose, and chloride for all treatment groups. CO2-specific changes were detected in hematocrit, plasma cortisol, and plasma chloride responses following the 15-min crowding stress. ?? Copyright by the World Aquaculture Society 2005.

Effects of leafy spurge infestation on grassland birds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scheiman, D.M.; Bollinger, E.K.; Johnson, D.H.

2003-01-01

Grassland bird populations are declining. Invasive plant species may be contributing to these declines by altering habitat quality. However, the effects of invasive plants on grassland birds are largely unknown. Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is an exotic, invasive weed in the northern Great Plains. We examined the effects of leafy spurge infestation on densities of breeding birds, nest-site selection, and nest success in grasslands on the Sheyenne National Grassland (SNG), North Dakota, USA, 1999-2000. We categorized spurge-infested grasslands into 3 groups (low, medium, high), based on the area covered by spurge patches. We surveyed 75 100-m-radius circular points (25 in each group), and searched for nests in 6 16-ha plots (2 in each group). Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) and savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) densities were lower on high-spurge points than on low- and medium-spurge points. Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) densities were not significantly different among spurge cover groups. Spurge cover did not appear to be an important factor in nest-site selection. However, western meadowlark nest success was positively associated with spurge cover. Vegetation structure is an important indicator of habitat quality and resource availability for grassland birds. Changes in vegetation structure caused by introduced plant species, such as spurge, can alter resource availability and hence affect bird community composition. Managers of spurge-infested grasslands should continue current spurge control measures to help prevent further declines in grassland habitat quality and grassland bird populations.

Feasibility of low-concentration iodinated contrast medium with lower-tube-voltage dual-source CT aortography using iterative reconstruction: comparison with automatic exposure control CT aortography.

PubMed

Shin, Hee Jeong; Kim, Song Soo; Lee, Jae-Hwan; Park, Jae-Hyeong; Jeong, Jin-Ok; Jin, Seon Ah; Shin, Byung Seok; Shin, Kyung-Sook; Ahn, Moonsang

2016-06-01

To evaluate the feasibility of low-concentration contrast medium (CM) for vascular enhancement, image quality, and radiation dose on computed tomography aortography (CTA) using a combined low-tube-voltage and iterative reconstruction (IR) technique. Ninety subjects underwent dual-source CT (DSCT) operating in dual-source, high-pitch mode. DSCT scans were performed using both high-concentration CM (Group A, n = 50; Iomeprol 400) and low-concentration CM (Group B, n = 40; Iodixanol 270). Group A was scanned using a reference tube potential of 120 kVp and 120 reference mAs under automatic exposure control with IR. Group B was scanned using low-tube-voltage (80 or 100 kVp if body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2)) at a fixed current of 150 mAs, along with IR. Images of the two groups were compared regarding attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), iodine load, and radiation dose in various locations of the CTA. In comparison between Group A and Group B, the average mean attenuation (454.73 ± 86.66 vs. 515.96 ± 101.55 HU), SNR (25.28 ± 4.34 vs. 31.29 ± 4.58), and CNR (21.83 ± 4.20 vs. 27.55 ± 4.81) on CTA in Group B showed significantly greater values and significantly lower image noise values (18.76 ± 2.19 vs. 17.48 ± 3.34) than those in Group A (all Ps < 0.05). Homogeneous contrast enhancement from the ascending thoracic aorta to the infrarenal abdominal aorta was significantly superior in Group B (P < 0.05). Low-concentration CM and a low-tube-voltage combination technique using IR is a feasible method, showing sufficient contrast enhancement and image quality.

Influence of embryo culture medium on incidence of ectopic pregnancy in in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Lin, Shengli; Li, Rong; Zheng, Xiaoying; Chi, Hongbin; Ren, Xiulian; Yang, Rui; Liu, Ping; Qiao, Jie

2015-12-01

To explore the effect of type of media used to culture embryos for IVF on the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP). Retrospective analysis. University-affiliated IVF center. The retrospective analysis involved 23,481 women who underwent IVF-ET cycles between 2011 and 2013. None. There was an association between EP and the culture medium. During 23,481 fresh transfer cycles, 364 patients were diagnosed with EP. The EP to clinical pregnancy rate was 3.01% in the G5 group, 3.89% in the G5 Plus group, and 4.04% in the Global group. The EP to clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the G5 Plus and Global groups than in the G5 group. After adjusting for confounding factors, the incidence of EP was significantly associated with the G5 Plus and Global media. Our results showed that there is an association between incidence of EP and the culture medium. The rates of EP to clinical pregnancy were significantly higher in the G5 Plus and Global media than in the G5 medium. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Liquid culture enhances diagnosis of patients with milder forms of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.

PubMed

Lee, H; Han, J-H; Park, H Y; Jeon, K; Huh, H J; Ki, C-S; Lee, N Y; Koh, W-J

2017-03-01

To evaluate the proportion and clinical characteristics of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease diagnosed based on positive culture results in liquid medium only. We reviewed the medical records of 978 patients diagnosed with NTM lung disease. All clinical samples were cultured in both solid and liquid media. Of the 978 patients, 111 (11.3%) were culture-positive in liquid medium only (liquid culture group), and 867 (88.7%) (solid culture group) on solid medium, regardless of the culture results in liquid medium. At the time of diagnosis, the liquid culture group was less likely than the solid culture group to have haemoptysis (11.7% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.04), positive sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli (14.4% vs. 50.2%, P < 0.001) or the fibrocavitary form of NTM lung disease (3.6% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.001). During the median follow-up period of 28.9 months (interquartile range 19.1-41.6), the proportion of patients requiring antibiotic treatment was lower in the liquid culture group than in the solid culture group (44.1% vs. 61.6%, P < 0.001). Liquid media culture is helpful in the diagnosis of patients with less severe forms of NTM lung disease.

Bone regeneration with a combination of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite silica gel, platelet-rich growth factor, and mesenchymal stem cells: a histologic study in rabbit calvaria.

PubMed

Behnia, Hossein; Khojasteh, Arash; Kiani, Mohammad Taghi; Khoshzaban, Ahad; Mashhadi Abbas, Fatemeh; Bashtar, Maryam; Dashti, Seyedeh Ghazaleh

2013-02-01

This study aimed to assess NanoBone as a carrier construct for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich growth factor (PRGF). In the calvarial bone of 8 mature New Zealand White male rabbits, four 8-mm defects were created. Each defect received one of the following treatments: Group 1, 0.2 mg Nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) granule + 2 mL culture medium; Group 2, 0.2 mg Nano-HA + 1 mL autologous PRGF + 2 mL acellular culture medium; Group 3, 0.2 mg Nano-HA + 2 mL culture medium containing 100,000 autogenous MSCs; Group 4, 0.2 mg Nano-HA + 2 mL culture medium containing 100,000 autogenous MSCs + 1 mL autologous PRGF. Histomorphometric analysis at 6 and 12 weeks demonstrated significantly higher bone formation in group 4 (29.45% and 44.55%, respectively) (P < .05). Bone formation in groups 1, 2, and 3 were as follows: 11.35% and 32.53%, 29.10% and 39.74%, and 25.82% and 39.11%, respectively. NanoBone with MSCs and PRGF seems to be an effective combination for bone regeneration in a rabbit calvaria model. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bridge Busters: The 397th Bombardment Group (Medium) and the B-26 Marauder in World War II

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

up largely of new pilots from the training pipeline, these established groups transitioned from flying other aircraft. Unfortunately, four fatal...The 322 BG became the first of four initial B-26 groups to join the Eighth AF’s Third Bombardment Wing. With its first aircraft arriving in England...AF refused the suggestion. Marauders continued in the medium bombing role.101 In October 1943, the AAF transferred all four B-26 groups in

Effects of FSH addition to an enriched medium containing insulin and EGF after long-term culture on functionality of equine ovarian biopsy tissue.

PubMed

Aguiar, F L N; Gastal, G D A; Ishak, G M; Gastal, M O; Teixeira, D I A; Feugang, J M; Figueiredo, J R; Gastal, E L

2017-09-01

The effect of FSH supplementation on an enriched cultured medium containing insulin (10 ng/mL) and EGF (50 ng/mL) was investigated on in vitro culture of equine ovarian biopsy tissue. Ovarian tissue fragments were collected from mares (n = 10) and distributed in the following treatments: noncultured control, cultured control, and cultured + FSH. Both treated groups were cultured for 7 or 15 days. The end points evaluated were: follicular morphology, estradiol levels in the culture medium, fluorescence intensity for TUNEL, EGFR and Ki-67 detection, and gene expression of GDF-9, BMP-15, and Cyclin-D2 in the ovarian tissue. After seven days of culture, medium supplemented with FSH had a similar (P > 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal follicles compared to the noncultured control group. Estradiol levels increased (P < 0.05) from Day 7 to Day 15 of culture for both treated groups. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for TUNEL and EGFR intensity between the noncultured control group and the treated groups after 15 days of culture. Ki-67 intensity did not differ (P > 0.05) between treated groups after 15 days of culture, but decreased (P < 0.05) when compared with the noncultured control group. Similar (P > 0.05) mRNA expression for GDF-9, BMP-15, and Cyclin-D2 was observed among all treatments after 15 days of culture. In conclusion, an enriched medium supplemented or not with FSH was able to maintain the functionality of equine ovarian biopsy tissue after a long-term in vitro culture. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Revealing H I gas in emission and absorption on pc to kpc scales in a galaxy at z ˜ 0.017

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, N.; Srianand, R.; Farnes, J. S.; Pidopryhora, Y.; Vivek, M.; Paragi, Z.; Noterdaeme, P.; Oosterloo, T.; Petitjean, P.

2018-05-01

We present a detailed study of the quasar-galaxy pair: J1243+4043-UGC 07904. The sight line of the background quasar ( zq = 1.5266) passes through a region of the galaxy (zg = 0.0169) at an impact parameter of 6.9 kpc with high metallicity (0.5 Z⊙) and negligible dust extinction. We detect H I 21-cm absorption from the foreground galaxy at arcsecond and milliarcsecond scales. For typical cold neutral medium (CNM) temperatures in the Milky Way, this 21-cm absorber can be classified as a damped Lyα absorber (DLA). We infer the harmonic mean spin temperature of the gas to be ˜400 K and for a simple two-phase medium we estimate the CNM fraction to be fCNM = 0.27. This is remarkably consistent with the CNM fraction observed in the Galaxy and less than that of high-redshift DLAs. The quasar exhibits a core-jet morphology on milliarcsecond scales, corresponding to an overall extent of ˜9 pc at zg. We show that the size of CNM absorbing clouds associated with the foreground galaxy is >5 pc and they may be part of cold gas structures that extend beyond ˜35 pc. Interestingly, the rotation measure of quasar J1243+4043 is higher than any other source in samples of quasars with high-z DLAs. However, we do not find any detectable differences in rotation measures and polarization fraction of sight lines with or without high-z (z ≥ 2) DLAs or low-z (z ≤ 0.3) 21-cm absorbers. Finally, the foreground galaxy UGC 07904 is also part of a galaxy group. We serendipitously detect H I 21-cm emission from four members of the group, and an ˜80 kpc long H I bridge connecting two of the other members. The latter, together with the properties of the group members, suggests that the group is a highly interactive environment.

Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and abdominal aortic aneurysm: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PubMed

Wang, Yunpeng; Shen, Guanghui; Wang, Haiyang; Yao, Ye; Sun, Qingfeng; Jing, Bao; Liu, Gaoyan; Wu, Jia; Yuan, Chao; Liu, Siqi; Liu, Xinyu; Li, Shiyong; Li, Haocheng

2017-12-01

To evaluate the association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) with the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched until 22 June 2016 using the keywords predictive factors, biomarkers, abdominal aortic aneurysm, prediction, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and hsCRP. Prospective studies, retrospective studies, and cohort studies were included. Twelve case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 8345 patients (1977 in the AAA group and 6368 in the control group). The pooled results showed that AAA patients had higher hsCRP value than the control group (difference in means = 1.827, 95% CI = 0.010 to 3.645, p = .049). Subgroup analysis found AAA patients with medium or small aortic diameter (<50 mm) had higher hsCRP plasma levels than the control group (difference in means = 1.301, 95% CI = 0.821 to 1.781, p < .001). In patients with large aortic diameter (≥50 mm), no difference was observed in hsCRP levels between the AAA and control groups (difference in means = 1.769, 95% CI = -1.387 to 4.925, p = .272). Multi-regression analysis found the difference in means of hsCRP plasma levels between AAA and control groups decreased as aortic diameter increased (slope = -0.04, p < .001), suggesting that hsCRP levels may be inversely associated with increasing aneurysm size. Our findings suggest that hsCRP levels may possibly be used as a diagnostic biomarker for AAA patients with medium or small aortic diameter but not for AAA patients with large aortic diameter. The correlation between serum hsCRP level and AAA aneurysm is not conclusive due to the small number of included articles and between-study heterogeneity.

Predicting complication risk in spine surgery: a prospective analysis of a novel risk assessment tool.

PubMed

Veeravagu, Anand; Li, Amy; Swinney, Christian; Tian, Lu; Moraff, Adrienne; Azad, Tej D; Cheng, Ivan; Alamin, Todd; Hu, Serena S; Anderson, Robert L; Shuer, Lawrence; Desai, Atman; Park, Jon; Olshen, Richard A; Ratliff, John K

2017-07-01

OBJECTIVE The ability to assess the risk of adverse events based on known patient factors and comorbidities would provide more effective preoperative risk stratification. Present risk assessment in spine surgery is limited. An adverse event prediction tool was developed to predict the risk of complications after spine surgery and tested on a prospective patient cohort. METHODS The spinal Risk Assessment Tool (RAT), a novel instrument for the assessment of risk for patients undergoing spine surgery that was developed based on an administrative claims database, was prospectively applied to 246 patients undergoing 257 spinal procedures over a 3-month period. Prospectively collected data were used to compare the RAT to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Surgical Risk Calculator. Study end point was occurrence and type of complication after spine surgery. RESULTS The authors identified 69 patients (73 procedures) who experienced a complication over the prospective study period. Cardiac complications were most common (10.2%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to compare complication outcomes using the different assessment tools. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis showed comparable predictive accuracy between the RAT and the ACS NSQIP calculator (0.670 [95% CI 0.60-0.74] in RAT, 0.669 [95% CI 0.60-0.74] in NSQIP). The CCI was not accurate in predicting complication occurrence (0.55 [95% CI 0.48-0.62]). The RAT produced mean probabilities of 34.6% for patients who had a complication and 24% for patients who did not (p = 0.0003). The generated predicted values were stratified into low, medium, and high rates. For the RAT, the predicted complication rate was 10.1% in the low-risk group (observed rate 12.8%), 21.9% in the medium-risk group (observed 31.8%), and 49.7% in the high-risk group (observed 41.2%). The ACS NSQIP calculator consistently produced complication predictions that underestimated complication occurrence: 3.4% in the low-risk group (observed 12.6%), 5.9% in the medium-risk group (observed 34.5%), and 12.5% in the high-risk group (observed 38.8%). The RAT was more accurate than the ACS NSQIP calculator (p = 0.0018). CONCLUSIONS While the RAT and ACS NSQIP calculator were both able to identify patients more likely to experience complications following spine surgery, both have substantial room for improvement. Risk stratification is feasible in spine surgery procedures; currently used measures have low accuracy.

Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation improves lung function in cystic fibrosis patients chronically colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a pilot cross-over study.

PubMed

Dingemans, Jozef; Eyns, Hanneke; Willekens, Julie; Monsieurs, Pieter; Van Houdt, Rob; Cornelis, Pierre; Malfroot, Anne; Crabbé, Aurélie

2018-06-01

High levels of shear stress can prevent and disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in vitro. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) could be used to introduce shear stress into the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to disrupt biofilms in vivo. We performed a first-of-its-kind pilot clinical study to evaluate short-term IPV therapy at medium (200 bursts per minute, bpm) and high frequency (400 bpm) as compared to autogenic drainage (AD) on lung function and the behavior of P. aeruginosa in the CF lung in four patients who are chronically colonized by P. aeruginosa. A significant difference between the three treatment groups was observed for both the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.05). More specifically, IPV at high frequency significantly increased FEV1 and FVC compared to AD (p < 0.05) and IPV at medium frequency (p < 0.001). IPV at high frequency enhanced the expression levels of P. aeruginosa planktonic marker genes, which was less pronounced with IPV at medium frequency or AD. In conclusion, IPV at high frequency could potentially alter the behavior of P. aeruginosa in the CF lung and improve lung function. The trail was retrospectively registered at the ISRCTN registry on 6 June 2013, under trial registration number ISRCTN75391385.

A Novel Method for Profiling and Quantifying Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Environmental Samples Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Negative Ionization High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Xia, Dan; Gao, Lirong; Zheng, Minghui; Tian, Qichang; Huang, Huiting; Qiao, Lin

2016-07-19

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are complex technical mixtures containing thousands of isomers. Analyzing CPs in environmental matrices is extremely challenging. CPs have broad, unresolved profiles when analyzed by one-dimensional gas chromatography (GC). Comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC) can separate CPs with a high degree of orthogonality. A novel method for simultaneously profiling and quantifying short- and medium-chain CPs, using GC×GC coupled with electron capture negative ionization high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry, was developed. The method allowed 48 CP formula congener groups to be analyzed highly selectively in one injection through accurate mass measurements of the [M - Cl](-) ions in full scan mode. The correlation coefficients (R(2)) for the linear calibration curves for different chlorine contents were 0.982 for short-chain CPs and 0.945 for medium-chain CPs. The method was successfully used to determine CPs in sediment and fish samples. By using this method, with enhanced chromatographic separation and high mass resolution, interferences between CP congeners and other organohalogen compounds, such as toxaphene, are minimized. New compounds, with the formulas C9H14Cl6 and C9H13Cl7, were found in sediment and biological samples for the first time. The method was shown to be a powerful tool for the analysis of CPs in environmental samples.

Early release of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) from neurons in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Translocation of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) from nucleus could trigger inflammation. Extracellular HMGB1 up-regulates inflammatory response in sepsis as a late mediator. However, little was known about its role in subarachnoid hemorrhage-inducible inflammation, especially in the early stage. This study aims to identify whether HMGB1 translocation occurred early after SAH and also to clarify the potential role of HMGB1 in brain injury following SAH. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group and SAH groups at 2 h, 12 h and on day 1, day 2. SAH groups suffered experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage by injection of 0.3 ml autoblood into the pre-chiasmatic cistern. Rats injected by recombinant HMGB1(rHMGB1) solution were divided into four groups according to different time points. Cultured neurons were assigned into control group and four hemoglobin (Hb) incubated groups. Mixed glial cells were cultured and stimulated in medium from neurons incubated by Hb. HMGB1 expression is measured by western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Downstream nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) subunit P65 and inflammatory factor Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured by western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. Brain injury was evaluated by cleaved caspase-3 staining. Results Our results demonstrated HMGB1 translocation occurred as early as 2 h after experimental SAH with mRNA and protein level increased. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results indicated cytosolic HMGB1 was mainly located in neurons while translocated HMGB1 could also be found in some microglia. After subarachnoid injection of rHMGB1, NF-κB, downstream inflammatory response and cleaved caspase-3 were up-regulated in the cortex compared to the saline control group. In-vitro, after Hb incubation, HMGB1 was also rapidly released from neurons to medium. Incubation with medium from neurons up-regulated IL-1β in mixed glial cells. This effect could be inhibited by HMGB1 specific inhibitor glycyrrhizic acid (GA) treatment. Conclusion HMGB1 was released from neurons early after SAH onset and might trigger inflammation as an upstream inflammatory mediator. Extracellular HMGB1 contributed to the brain injury after SAH. These results might have important implications during the administration of specific HMGB1 antagonists early in order to prevent or reduce inflammatory response following SAH. PMID:24924349

Free testosterone as marker of adaptation to medium-intensive exercise.

PubMed

Shkurnikov, M U; Donnikov, A E; Akimov, E B; Sakharov, D A; Tonevitsky, A G

2008-09-01

A 4-week study of adaptation reserves of the body was carried out during medium intensive exercise (medium intensive training: 60-80% threshold anaerobic metabolism). Two groups of athletes were singled out by the results of pulsometry analysis: with less than 20% work duration at the level above the 80% threshold anaerobic metabolism and with more than 20% work duration at the level above 80% threshold anaerobic metabolism. No appreciable differences between the concentrations of total testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol before and after exercise in the groups with different percentage of anaerobic work duration were detected. In group 1 the concentrations of free testosterone did not change throughout the period of observation in comparison with the levels before training. In group 2, the level of free testosterone increased in comparison with the basal level: from 0.61+/-0.12 nmol/liter at the end of week 1 to 0.98+/-0.11 nmol/liter at the end of week 4 (p<0.01). The results indicate that the level of free testosterone can be used for evaluating the degree of athlete's adaptation to medium intensive exercise.

[Cardiovascular risk factors in an Arab and Hispanic working population].

PubMed

Valdivielso, P; García, A; de Rus, I; Avila, J M; Andrade, R; Escolar, J L; González, P

1991-07-01

318 records of male workers, 169 Spanish and 149 Arab were retrospectively studied in 1987 at the "Gabinete de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo" (Council for Safety and Hygiene in the Workplace) in Ceuta in order to prove the hypothesis that 2 different ethnic groups living in the same geographic area have a non-equal distribution of cardiovascular risk factors. The Spanish group showed a higher prevalence in blood hypertension, diabetes, glucose intolerance, obesity and alcohol intake, compared to the Arab group. Smoking and high levels of seric cholesterol were similar in both groups, however, medium levels of seric cholesterol were lower in the Arab group. Family histories of cardiovascular disease were very rare in the latter mentioned group. These observations suggested a major predisposition to ischemic cardiopathy in the Spanish group.

Physics Instructional Resource Usage by High-, Medium-, and Low-Skilled MOOC Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balint, Trevor A.; Teodorescu, Raluca; Colvin, Kimberly; Choi, Youn-Jeng; Pritchard, David

2017-01-01

In this paper we examine how different types of participants in a physics Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) tend to use the existing course resources. We use data from the 2013 offering of the Massive Open Online Course 8.MReVx designed by the RELATE (REsearch in Learning Assessing and Tutoring Effectively) Group at the Massachusetts Institute of…

Social Success Skills: Black Male High School Students' Perspectives on Society and Their Media Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Degand, Darnel

2013-01-01

This dissertation's purpose was to better understand how messages received through different cultural mediums influences the development of social success skills. Black male students were chosen as the focal participants for this year-long study because they are included among the groups whose social success skills development are thought to…

Gas mixture for diffuse-discharge switch

DOEpatents

Christophorou, Loucas G.; Carter, James G.; Hunter, Scott R.

1984-01-01

Gaseous medium in a diffuse-discharge switch of a high-energy pulse generator is formed of argon combined with a compound selected from the group consisting of CF.sub.4, C.sub.2 F.sub.6, C.sub.3 F.sub.8, n-C.sub.4 F.sub.10, WF.sub.6, (CF.sub.3).sub.2 S and (CF.sub.3).sub.2 O.

University of California Criteria and Standards for New Campus Location and Site Selection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bechtel Corp., San Francisco, CA.

Changes in California public higher education policy by the legislature in 1960 and the Regents of the University of California in 1966 are incorporated in new criteria for the establishment of new campuses. Criteria are based upon three methods of grouping campus facilities: high, medium, and low density. All new campuses are to be general…

Gas mixture for diffuse-discharge switch

DOEpatents

Christophorou, L.G.; Carter, J.G.; Hunter, S.R.

1982-08-31

Gaseous medium in a diffuse-discharge switch of a high-energy pulse generator is formed of argon combined with a compound selected from the group consisting of CF/sub 4/, C/sub 2/F/sub 6/, C/sub 3/F/sub 8/, n-C/sub 4/F/sub 10/, WF/sub 6/, (CF/sub 3/)/sub 2/S and (CF/sub 3/)/sub 2/O.

Trajectories of Marital Conflict across the Life Course: Predictors and Interactions with Marital Happiness Trajectories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamp Dush, Claire M.; Taylor, Miles G.

2012-01-01

Using typologies outlined by Gottman and Fitzpatrick as well as institutional and companionate models of marriage, the authors conducted a latent class analysis of marital conflict trajectories using 20 years of data from the Marital Instability Over the Life Course study. Respondents were in one of three groups: high, medium (around the mean), or…

Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in biota from the European Arctic -- differences in homologue group patterns.

PubMed

Reth, Margot; Ciric, Anita; Christensen, Guttorm N; Heimstad, Eldbjørg S; Oehme, Michael

2006-08-15

Congener and homologue group patterns of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in biota can be influenced by different processes, but these are not well studied yet. Short- (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) were quantified in liver from Arctic char and seabirds (little auk and kittiwake) collected at Bear Island (European Arctic) as well as in cod from Iceland and Norway. CP concentrations were between 5 and 88 ng/g wet weight (ww) for SCCPs and between 5 and 55 ng/g ww for MCCPs with one exception of 370 ng/g measured in a liver sample from little auk. The SCCP homologue group patterns were compared with those of technical mixtures and of SCCPs present in cod liver from the Baltic Sea. The latter showed a more common SCCP homologue distribution (sum of C(11) and C(12)>60%) in contrast to cod liver from the Northwest of Europe, which had a high abundance of C(10) and C(12) congeners. Seabirds from Bear Island contained an equally distributed SCCP homologue group pattern. In Arctic char, the SCCP distribution was closer to technical products, but with a high proportion (average of 18.9%) of C(10) congeners. A comparison of C(10)/C(12) ratios confirmed the higher abundance of C(10) congeners in samples from higher latitudes. For the first time, MCCPs could be detected in Arctic samples. The average proportion of C(14) congeners was 65.8%. The C(14)/C(15) abundance ratio was similar to technical mixtures. High-chlorinated CPs (Cl(>7)) were also detectable. The average chlorine content of the SCCPs was 61.9% (59.0-63.3%), and that of the MCCPs 55.8% (54.5-57.4%).

Design and performance of mobile terminal for North American MSAT network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuji, Tsuyoshi; Tsuchiya, Makio; Isota, Yoji; Aoki, Katsuhiko

1995-01-01

The mobile terminal (MT), which can be selected for various applications, i.e. land mobile, transportable, fixed site, and maritime use, has been developed. Medium gain and high gain antennas are available. The MT can support circuit switched voice and data service. Additionally, cellular roaming service, net radio, and Group 3 facsimile services are optionally provided. A Mitsubishi handheld portable phone can be used as a stand-alone portable cellular-only phone or it can provide MSAT voice service when connected to MT. The MT which operates in L-band (1.5 GHz/1.6 GHz) satisfies equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) of 12.5 dBW minimum and G/T of -16 dB/K minimum for medium gain system and -12 dB/K for high gain system. The excellent performance of transmit phase noise and bit error rate is achieved by using new technologies.

Television experiment for Mariner Mars 1971

USGS Publications Warehouse

Masursky, H.; Batson, R.; Borgeson, W.; Carr, M.; McCauley, J.; Milton, D.; Wildey, R.; Wilhelms, D.; Murray, B.; Horowitz, N.; Leighton, R.; Sharp, R.; Thompson, W.; Briggs, G.; Chandeysson, P.; Shipley, E.; Sagan, C.; Pollack, J.; Lederberg, J.; Levinthal, E.; Hartmann, W.; McCord, T.; Smith, B.; Davies, M.; De Vaucouleurs, G.; Leovy, C.

1970-01-01

The Television Experiment objectives are to provide imaging data which will complement previously gathered data and extend our knowledge of Mars. The two types of investigations will be fixed-feature (for mapping) and variable-feature (for surface and atmospheric changes). Two cameras with a factor-of-ten difference in resolution will be used on each spacecraft for medium- and high-resolution imagery. Mapping of 70% of the planet's surface will be provided by medium-resolution imagery. Spot coverage of about 5% of the surface will be possible with the high-resolution imagery. The experiment's 5 Principal Investigators and 21 Co-Investigators are organized into a team. Scientific disciplines and technical task groups have been formed to provide the formulation of experiment requirements for mission planning and instrument development. It is expected that the team concept will continue through the operational and reporting phases of the Mariner Mars 1971 Project. ?? 1970.

Development of a technique for contrast radiographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract in ball pythons (Python regius).

PubMed

Banzato, Tommaso; Russo, Elisa; Finotti, Luca; Zotti, Alessandro

2012-07-01

To develop a technique for radiographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in ball pythons (Python regius). 10 ball python cadavers (5 males and 5 females) and 18 healthy adult ball pythons (10 males and 8 females). Live snakes were allocated to 3 groups (A, B, and C). A dose (25 mL/kg) of barium sulfate suspension at 3 concentrations (25%, 35%, and 45% [wt/vol]) was administered through an esophageal probe to snakes in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Each evaluation ended when all the contrast medium had reached the large intestine. Transit times through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine were recorded. Imaging quality was evaluated by 3 investigators who assigned a grading score on the basis of predetermined criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate differences in quality among the study groups. The esophagus and stomach had a consistent distribution pattern of contrast medium, whereas 3 distribution patterns of contrast medium were identified in the small intestine, regardless of barium concentration. Significant differences in imaging quality were detected among the 3 groups. Radiographic procedures were tolerated well by all snakes. The 35% concentration of contrast medium yielded the best imaging quality. Use of contrast medium for evaluation of the cranial portion of the gastrointestinal tract could be a reliable technique for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in ball pythons. However, results of this study may not translate to other snake species because of variables identified in this group of snakes.

Galaxy Groups in HST/COS-SDSS Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conway, Matthew; Hamill, Colin; Apala, Elizabeth; Scott, Jennifer

2018-01-01

We extend the results of a study of the sightlines of 45 low redshift quasars (0.06 < z < 0.85) observed by HST/COS that lie within the footprint of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We have used photometric data from the SDSS DR12, along with the known absorption characteristics of the intergalactic medium and circumgalactic medium, to identify the most probable galaxy matches to absorbers in the spectroscopic dataset. Here, we use an existing catalog of galaxy group candidates in the SDSS DR8 to identify galaxy groups within our HST/COS-SDSS fields that may show line of sight absorption due to an intergroup medium. To identify galaxy group candidates that lie within the impact parameter of our quasar fields (< 3 degrees), we calculate the angular separation between the quasar coordinates and the galaxy group centroid coordinates. We investigate differences in galaxy and absorber properties among the galaxy-absorber pairs likely arising in groups and those likely associated with individual field galaxies.

A follow-up study of neonatal interatrial shunt with echocardiography until twelve to fifteen months of age.

PubMed

Ho, Chi-Lin; Jan, Sheng-Ling; Lin, Ming-Chih; Fu, Yun-Ching

2008-12-01

To assess the incidence and natural history of full-term neonates with interatrial shunt (IAS). A follow-up study of 1389 neonates who received screening echocardiography between 2003 and 2006. Babies with IAS at 2 to 4 days of life underwent follow-up echocardiography at 2 to 4 months, 6 to 9 months and 12 to 15 months of age until closure of IAS. The ratio of IAS was 68.3% initially. No significant demographic differences were identified between infants with and without initial IAS. Among 949 neonates with initial IAS, 84.5% infants had a left-to-right interatrial shunt, 13.5% had bidirectional shunt and 2% had predominantly right-to-left shunt. The persistence rate of IAS at 12 to 15 months of age was 3.8% (44/1166). The initial size of IAS ranged from 1.2 to 7.7mm (4.3+/-1.1 mm) detected by color Doppler flow mapping and cases were divided into three groups: small (< or =5 mm), medium (5 to 8 mm) and large group (> or =8 mm). There were 74.6% infants in the small group and 25.4% in the medium group initially. The neonates in the initial small group would always see their IAS close or else they would remain in the small group. Those in the final medium and large size groups always came from the initial medium group. The late closure rate of IAS was 93.9% of infants with initial IAS. The closure curves of initial small and medium sized groups were significantly different, and their late closure rates were 95.1% and 90.4%, respectively. IAS was very common during early neonatal stage, but most cases would close after 1 year. The late closure rate of initial IAS was different if using a cutpoint of 5 mm.

Manure Refinement Affects Apple Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Structure: A Study in Sandy Soil

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qiang; Sun, Jian; Liu, Songzhong; Wei, Qinping

2013-01-01

We used DNA-based pyrosequencing to characterize the bacterial community structure of the sandy soil of an apple orchard with different manure ratios. Five manure percentages (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) were examined. More than 10,000 valid reads were obtained for each replicate. The communities were composed of five dominant groups (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes), of which Proteobacteria content gradually decreased from 41.38% to 37.29% as manure ratio increased from 0% to 25%, respectively. Redundancy analysis showed that 37 classes were highly correlated with manure ratio, 18 of which were positively correlated. Clustering revealed that the rhizosphere samples were grouped into three components: low manure (control, 5%) treatment, medium manure (10%, 15%) treatment and high manure (20%, 25%) treatment. Venn analysis of species types of these three groups revealed that the bacteria community difference was primarily reflected by quantity ratio rather than species variety. Although greater manure content led to higher soil organic matter content, the medium manure improved soil showed the highest urease activity and saccharase activity, while 5% to 20% manure ratio improvement also resulted in higher bacteria diversity than control and 25% manure ratio treatment. Our experimental results suggest that the use of a proper manure ratio results in significantly higher soil enzyme activity and different bacteria community patterns, whereas the use of excessive manure amounts has negative effect on soil quality. PMID:24155909

Outcomes of patients in clinical trials with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction among countries with different gross national incomes.

PubMed

Orlandini, Andrés; Díaz, Rafael; Wojdyla, Daniel; Pieper, Karen; Van de Werf, Frans; Granger, Christopher B; Harrington, Robert A; Boersma, Eric; Califf, Robert M; Armstrong, Paul; White, Harvey; Simes, John; Paolasso, Ernesto

2006-03-01

To evaluate whether there is an association between 30-day mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) included in clinical trials and country gross national income (GNI). A retrospective analysis of the databases of five randomized trials including 50 310 patients with STEMI (COBALT 7169, GIK-2 2931, HERO-2 17,089, ASSENT-2 17,005, and ASSENT-3 6116 patients) from 53 countries was performed. Countries were divided into three groups according to their GNI based on the World Bank data: low (less than 2900 US dollars), medium (between 2900 US dollars and 9000 US dollars), and high GNI (more than 9000 US dollars per capita). Baseline characteristics, in-hospital management variables, and 30-day outcomes were evaluated. A previously defined logistic regression model was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and to predict mortality. The observed mortality was higher than the predicted mortality in the low (12.1 vs. 11.8%) and in the medium income groups (9.4 vs. 7.9%), whereas it was lower in the high income group (4.9 vs. 5.6%). An inverse relationship between mortality and GNI was observed in STEMI clinical trials. Most of the variability in mortality can be explained by differences in baseline characteristics; however, after adjustment, lower income countries have higher mortality than the expected.

Adipocytes play an etiological role in the podocytopathy of high-fat diet-fed rats.

PubMed

Chen, Jinn-Yang; Jian, Deng-Yuan; Lien, Chih-Chan; Lin, Yu-Ting; Ting, Ching-Heng; Chen, Luen-Kui; Hsu, Ting-Chia; Huang, Hsuan-Min; Wu, Yu-Ting; Kuan, Tse-Ting; Chao, Yu-Wen; Wu, Liang-Yi; Huang, Seng-Wong; Juan, Chi-Chang

2016-11-01

Obesity is a risk factor that promotes progressive kidney disease. Studies have shown that an adipocytokine imbalance contributes to impaired renal function in humans and animals, but the underlying interplay between adipocytokines and renal injury remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms linking obesity to chronic kidney disease. We assessed renal function in high-fat (HF) diet-fed and normal diet-fed rats, and the effects of preadipocyte- and adipocyte-conditioned medium on cultured podocytes. HF diet-fed and normal diet-fed Sprague Dawley rats were used to analyze the changes in plasma BUN, creatinine, urine protein and renal histology. Additionally, podocytes were incubated with preadipocyte- or adipocyte-conditioned medium to investigate the effects on podocyte morphology and protein expression. In the HF diet group, 24 h urinary protein excretion (357.5 ± 64.2 mg/day vs 115.9 ± 12.4 mg/day, P < 0.05) and the urine protein/creatinine ratio were significantly higher (1.76 ± 0.22 vs 1.09 ± 0.15, P < 0.05), increased kidney weight (3.54 ± 0.04 g vs 3.38 ± 0.04 g, P < 0.05) and the glomerular volume and podocyte effacement increased by electron microscopy. Increased renal expression of desmin and decreased renal expression of CD2AP and nephrin were also seen in the HF diet group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that adipocyte-conditioned medium-treated podocytes showed increased desmin expression and decreased CD2AP and nephrin expression compared with that in preadipocyte-conditioned medium-treated controls (P < 0.05). These findings show that adipocyte-derived factor(s) can modulate renal function. Adipocyte-derived factors play an important role in obesity-related podocytopathy. © 2016 Society for Endocrinology.

Theropod Fauna from Southern Australia Indicates High Polar Diversity and Climate-Driven Dinosaur Provinciality

PubMed Central

Benson, Roger B. J.; Rich, Thomas H.; Vickers-Rich, Patricia; Hall, Mike

2012-01-01

The Early Cretaceous fauna of Victoria, Australia, provides unique data on the composition of high latitude southern hemisphere dinosaurs. We describe and review theropod dinosaur postcranial remains from the Aptian–Albian Otway and Strzelecki groups, based on at least 37 isolated bones, and more than 90 teeth from the Flat Rocks locality. Several specimens of medium- and large-bodied individuals (estimated up to ∼8.5 metres long) represent allosauroids. Tyrannosauroids are represented by elements indicating medium body sizes (∼3 metres long), likely including the holotype femur of Timimus hermani, and a single cervical vertebra represents a juvenile spinosaurid. Single specimens representing medium- and small-bodied theropods may be referrable to Ceratosauria, Ornithomimosauria, a basal coelurosaur, and at least three taxa within Maniraptora. Thus, nine theropod taxa may have been present. Alternatively, four distinct dorsal vertebrae indicate a minimum of four taxa. However, because most taxa are known from single bones, it is likely that small-bodied theropod diversity remains underestimated. The high abundance of allosauroids and basal coelurosaurs (including tyrannosauroids and possibly ornithomimosaurs), and the relative rarity of ceratosaurs, is strikingly dissimilar to penecontemporaneous dinosaur faunas of Africa and South America, which represent an arid, lower-latitude biome. Similarities between dinosaur faunas of Victoria and the northern continents concern the proportional representatation of higher clades, and may result from the prevailing temperate–polar climate of Australia, especially at high latitudes in Victoria, which is similar to the predominant warm–temperate climate of Laurasia, but distinct from the arid climate zone that covered extensive areas of Gondwana. Most dinosaur groups probably attained a near-cosmopolitan distribution in the Jurassic, prior to fragmentation of the Pangaean supercontinent, and some aspects of the hallmark ‘Gondwanan’ fauna of South America and Africa may therefore reflect climate-driven provinciality, not vicariant evolution driven by continental fragmentation. However, vicariance may still be detected at lower phylogenetic levels. PMID:22615916

Fabrication of Material and Devices for Very High Density Information Storage.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-11-24

IKawanishi, "Miagnetic anid opticeal propert I e of Co. I It substituted garnet films p~rep~ared by the lPE niethod and its ipplication to hlermtmt"Ile( i...medium. Highly Bi-substituted garnet films on glass and G( substrates were successfully RF sputtered and characterized by the group of M. Goni.1 The filns...writing due to the temperature dependence of the coercive force 11. Preparation of bismuth iron garnet films by ion bean sputtering onto GGG

Optically Addressed Nanostructures for High Density Data Storage

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-10-14

beam to sub-wavelength resolutions. X. Refereed Journal Publications I. M. D. Stenner , D. J. Gauthier, and M. A. Neifeld, "The speed of information in a...profiles for high-density optical data storage," Optics Communications, Vol.253, pp.56-69, 2005. 5. M. D. Stenner , D. J. Gauthier, and M. A. Neifeld, "Fast...causal information transmission in a medium with a slow group velocity," Physical Review Letters, Vol.94, February 2005. 6. M. D. Stenner , M. A

Outcomes and Costs of Residential Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Taiwan: A Comparative Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chou, Yueh-Ching; Lin, Li-Chan; Pu, Cheng-Yun; Lee, Wan-Ping; Chang, Shu-Chuan

2008-01-01

Background: The disability policy in Taiwan has traditionally emphasized residential care in large institutions and, more recently, medium-sized group homes. This paper compares the relative costs, services provided and outcomes between the traditional institutions, medium-sized group homes and new small-scale community living units that were…

Benchmarking life expectancy and cancer mortality: global comparison with cardiovascular disease 1981-2010

PubMed Central

Bray, Freddie; Beltrán-Sánchez, Hiram; Ginsburg, Ophira; Soneji, Samir; Soerjomataram, Isabelle

2017-01-01

Objective To quantify the impact of cancer (all cancers combined and major sites) compared with cardiovascular disease (CVD) on longevity worldwide during 1981-2010. Design Retrospective demographic analysis using aggregated data. Setting National civil registration systems in member states of the World Health Organization. Participants 52 populations with moderate to high quality data on cause specific mortality. Main outcome measures Disease specific contributions to changes in life expectancy in ages 40-84 (LE40-84) over time in populations grouped by two levels of Human Development Index (HDI) values. Results Declining CVD mortality rates during 1981-2010 contributed to, on average, over half of the gains in LE40-84; the corresponding gains were 2.3 (men) and 1.7 (women) years, and 0.5 (men) and 0.8 (women) years in very high and medium and high HDI populations, respectively. Declines in cancer mortality rates contributed to, on average, 20% of the gains in LE40-84, or 0.8 (men) and 0.5 (women) years in very high HDI populations, and to over 10% or 0.2 years (both sexes) in medium and high HDI populations. Declining lung cancer mortality rates brought about the largest LE40-84 gain in men in very high HDI populations (up to 0.7 years in the Netherlands), whereas in medium and high HDI populations its contribution was smaller yet still positive. Among women, declines in breast cancer mortality rates were largely responsible for the improvement in longevity, particularly among very high HDI populations (up to 0.3 years in the United Kingdom). In contrast, losses in LE40-84 were observed in many medium and high HDI populations as a result of increasing breast cancer mortality rates. Conclusions The control of CVD has led to substantial gains in LE40-84 worldwide. The inequality in improvement in longevity attributed to declining cancer mortality rates reflects inequities in implementation of cancer control, particularly in less resourced populations and in women. Global actions are needed to revitalize efforts for cancer control, with a specific focus on less resourced countries. PMID:28637656

A comparison of long-chain triglycerides and medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and tumour size in a cachexia model.

PubMed Central

Tisdale, M. J.; Brennan, R. A.

1988-01-01

A comparison has been made between the ability of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to prevent weight loss induced by the cachexia-inducing colon adenocarcinoma (MAC16) and to reduce tumour size. There was no difference in calorie consumption or nitrogen intake between the various groups. When compared with a normal control high carbohydrate, low fat diet, animals fed MCT showed a reduced weight loss and a marked reduction in tumour size. In contrast neither weight loss nor tumour size differed significantly from the controls in animals fed the LCT diet. An elevated plasma level of 3-hydroxybuturate was found only in the animals fed the MCT diets. Administration of LCT caused an increase in the plasma level of FFA, which was not observed in the MCT group. These results suggest that diets containing MCT would provide the best ketogenic regime to reverse the weight loss in cancer cachexia with a concomitant reduction in tumour size. PMID:3219268

Dissecting the structure of surface stabilizer on the dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in aqueous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Yong; Yu, Zongzhi; Zheng, Junping

2017-03-01

Dispersing inorganic nanoparticles in aqueous solutions is a key requirement for a great variety of products and processes, including carriers in drug delivery or fillers in polymers. To be highly functional in the final product, inorganic particles are required to be finely dispersed in nanoscale. In this study, silica was selected as a representative inorganic particle. Surface stabilizers with different chain length and charged group were designed to reveal the influence of electrostatic and van der Waals forces between silica and stabilizer on the dispersion of silica particles in aqueous medium. Results showed surface stabilizer with longer alkyl chain and charged group exerted best ability to deaggregate silica, leading to a hydrodynamic size of 51.1 nm. Surface stabilizer designing with rational structure is a promising solution for deagglomerating and reducing process time and energy. Giving the designability and adaptability of surface stabilizer, this method is of potential for dispersion of other inorganic nanoparticles.

ENGINEERING-GEOLOGY SITE APPRAISAL OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ege, J.R.; Griffitts, W.R.; Overstreet, W.C.

1985-01-01

The 7,700-km**2-area Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, is underlain by crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks of Precambrian age. Laterite caps many hills of Cretaceous rock, some hills of Precambrian rock, and crops out near stream banks in the east and northeast. The most conspicuous structural features are a broad 'J'-shaped fold traversing the eastern and central part of the Territory and a north-trending shear zone along the eastern boundary. The soils of the Territory are lateritic and belong to the SW-SP-SM (Unified Soil Classification System) groups covering Precambrian migmatites, gneisses and granites and the SC group covering Cretaceous sediments and Precambrian mica-rich schists. The engineering characteristics of the rocks are medium- to high-strength massive and gneissic rock, low-to medium-strength bedded rock, and low-strength foliated and sheared rock. An area of at least 800 km**2 is free from apparent geological hazards and should be suitable for construction of a capital city, its environs and supporting facilities.

Aminopropyl groups of the functionalized Mobil Crystalline Material 41 as a carrier for controlled diclofenac sodium and piroxicam delivery

PubMed Central

Khodaverdi, Elham; Ahmadi, Mina; Kamali, Hossein; Hadizadeh, Farzin

2017-01-01

Objective: Synthetic Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41) as a mesoporous material and functionalized MCM-41 using aminopropyl groups were studied in order to investigate their ability to encapsulate and to control the release of diclofenac sodium and piroxicam. Materials and Methods: MCM-41 was synthesized through sol–gel procedure and functionalized with aminopropyl groups. The physicochemical properties of MCM-41 were studied through particle size analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and carbon–hydrogen–nitrogen analysis. Diclofenac sodium and piroxicam were loaded into the MCM-41 matrix using the filtration and solvent evaporation methods. The drug-loading capacity was determined by ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Results: According to the results for pure drug release, >57% was released in the 1st h, but when these drugs were loaded into pure Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41) and functionalized MCM-41, the release into the simulated gastrointestinal medium was less, continuous, and slower. The release of piroxicam from functionalized MCM-41 was slower than that from MCM-41 in the simulated intestinal medium because of the formation of electrostatic bonds between piroxicam and the aminopropyl groups of the functionalized MCM-41. However, in the case of diclofenac sodium, there was no significant difference between pure MCM-41 and functionalized MCM-41. The difference between piroxicam and diclofenac sodium was due to the high solubility of diclofenac sodium in the intestinal medium (pH 6.8), which caused more rapid release from the matrixes than for piroxicam. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that, after functionalization of MCM-41, it could offer a good means of delivering controlled diclofenac sodium and piroxicam. PMID:29692976

Aminopropyl groups of the functionalized Mobil Crystalline Material 41 as a carrier for controlled diclofenac sodium and piroxicam delivery.

PubMed

Khodaverdi, Elham; Ahmadi, Mina; Kamali, Hossein; Hadizadeh, Farzin

2017-01-01

Synthetic Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41) as a mesoporous material and functionalized MCM-41 using aminopropyl groups were studied in order to investigate their ability to encapsulate and to control the release of diclofenac sodium and piroxicam. MCM-41 was synthesized through sol-gel procedure and functionalized with aminopropyl groups. The physicochemical properties of MCM-41 were studied through particle size analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen analysis. Diclofenac sodium and piroxicam were loaded into the MCM-41 matrix using the filtration and solvent evaporation methods. The drug-loading capacity was determined by ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. According to the results for pure drug release, >57% was released in the 1 st h, but when these drugs were loaded into pure Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41) and functionalized MCM-41, the release into the simulated gastrointestinal medium was less, continuous, and slower. The release of piroxicam from functionalized MCM-41 was slower than that from MCM-41 in the simulated intestinal medium because of the formation of electrostatic bonds between piroxicam and the aminopropyl groups of the functionalized MCM-41. However, in the case of diclofenac sodium, there was no significant difference between pure MCM-41 and functionalized MCM-41. The difference between piroxicam and diclofenac sodium was due to the high solubility of diclofenac sodium in the intestinal medium (pH 6.8), which caused more rapid release from the matrixes than for piroxicam. Our findings indicate that, after functionalization of MCM-41, it could offer a good means of delivering controlled diclofenac sodium and piroxicam.

Rapid screening of serum-free media for the growth of adherent Vero cells by using a small-scale and non-invasive tool.

PubMed

Petiot, Emma; Fournier, Frantz; Gény, Cécile; Pinton, Hervé; Marc, Annie

2010-03-01

The paper proposes a rapid screening method for a first step improvement of an animal component-free medium dedicated to the growth of the anchorage-dependent Vero cell line. A new, rapid, and non-invasive technique is presented to specifically monitor cultures of adherent cells in 96-well plates. The operating conditions of an image analyzer are adapted to take into account the decrease of cell size when the attached cell density increases. An experimental design is carried out to assess the influence of ten component groups in the original medium. Two groups including protein extracts, growth factor, insulin, glucose, and pyruvate show significant positive effects. The groups with vitamins and molecules related to nitrogenous bases display a less pronounced influence. The mixture of amino acids, B(1) vitamin, magnesium sulfate, and sodium phosphate as well as the couple sodium citrate and ferric chloride lead to a downward trend. The screening results are proved to be scalable in stirred cultures with cells on microcarriers. An improved serum-free medium, with some component groups being removed or added, can be rapidly formulated to reach respectively similar or 1.6 times higher cell density than in the original medium. The results from this global approach could be helpful to further focus experiments on identified medium components.

Phenotypic effects of subclinical paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in dairy cattle.

PubMed

Pritchard, Tracey C; Coffey, Mike P; Bond, Karen S; Hutchings, Mike R; Wall, Eileen

2017-01-01

The effect of subclinical paratuberculosis (or Johne's disease) risk status on performance, health, and fertility was studied in 58,096 UK Holstein-Friesian cows with 156,837 lactations across lactations 1 to 3. Low-, medium-, and high-risk group categories were allocated to cows determined by a minimum of 4 ELISA milk tests taken at any time during their lactating life. Lactation curves of daily milk, protein, and fat yields and protein and fat percentage, together with log e -transformed somatic cell count, were estimated using a random regression model to quantify differences between risk groups. The effect of subclinical paratuberculosis risk groups on fertility, lactation-average somatic cell count, and mastitis were analyzed using linear regression fitting risk group as a fixed effect. Milk yield losses associated with high-risk cows compared with low-risk cows in lactations 1, 2, and 3 for mean daily yield were 0.34, 1.05, and 1.61kg; likewise, accumulated 305-d yields were 103, 316, and 485kg, respectively. The total loss was 904kg over the first 3 lactations. Protein and fat yield losses associated with high-risk cows were significant, but primarily a feature of decreasing milk yield. Similar trends were observed for both test-day and lactation-average somatic cell count measures with higher somatic cell counts from medium- and high-risk cows compared with low-risk cows, and differences were in almost all cases significant. Likewise, mastitis incidence was significantly higher in high-risk cows compared with low-risk cows in lactations 2 and 3. Whereas the few significant differences between risk groups among fertility traits were inconsistent with no clear trend. These results are expected to be conservative, as some animals that were considered negative may become positive after the timeframe of this study, particularly if the animal was tested when relatively young. However, the magnitude of milk yield losses together with higher somatic cell counts and an increase in mastitis incidence should motivate farmers to implement the appropriate control measures to reduce the spread of the disease. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Population density predicts outcome from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Victoria, Australia.

PubMed

Nehme, Ziad; Andrew, Emily; Cameron, Peter A; Bray, Janet E; Bernard, Stephen A; Meredith, Ian T; Smith, Karen

2014-05-05

To examine the impact of population density on incidence and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Data were extracted from the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry for all adult OHCA cases of presumed cardiac aetiology attended by the emergency medical service (EMS) between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2011. Cases were allocated into one of five population density groups according to their statistical local area: very low density (≤ 10 people/km(2)), low density (11-200 people/km(2)), medium density (201-1000 people/km(2)), high density (1001-3000 people/km(2)), and very high density (> 3000 people/km(2)). Survival to hospital and survival to hospital discharge. The EMS attended 27 705 adult presumed cardiac OHCA cases across 204 Victorian regions. In 12 007 of these (43.3%), resuscitation was attempted by the EMS. Incidence was lower and arrest characteristics were consistently less favourable for lower population density groups. Survival outcomes, including return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital and survival to hospital discharge, were significantly poorer in less densely populated groups (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). When compared with very low density populations, the risk-adjusted odds ratios of surviving to hospital discharge were: low density, 1.88 (95% CI, 1.15-3.07); medium density, 2.49 (95% CI, 1.55-4.02); high density, 3.47 (95% CI, 2.20-5.48) and very high density, 4.32 (95% CI, 2.67-6.99). Population density is independently associated with survival after OHCA, and significant variation in the incidence and characteristics of these events are observed across the state.

Deep Chandra observations of HCG 16. II. The development of the intra-group medium in a spiral-rich group

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

O'Sullivan, E.; Vrtilek, J. M.; David, L. P.

2014-10-01

We use a combination of deep Chandra X-ray observations and radio continuum imaging to investigate the origin and current state of the intra-group medium (IGM) in the spiral-rich compact group HCG 16. We confirm the presence of a faint (L {sub X,} {sub bolo} = 1.87{sub −0.66}{sup +1.03}×10{sup 41} erg s{sup –1}), low-temperature (0.30{sub −0.05}{sup +0.07} keV) IGM extending throughout the ACIS-S3 field of view, with a ridge linking the four original group members and extending to the southeast, as suggested by previous ROSAT and XMM-Newton observations. This ridge contains 6.6{sub −3.3}{sup +3.9}× 10{sup 9} M {sub ☉} of hotmore » gas and is at least partly coincident with a large-scale H I tidal filament, indicating that the IGM in the inner part of the group is highly multi-phase. We present evidence that the group is not yet virialized, and show that gas has probably been transported from the starburst winds of NGC 838 and NGC 839 into the surrounding IGM. Considering the possible origin of the IGM, we argue that material ejected by galactic winds may have played a significant role, contributing 20%-40% of the observed hot gas in the system.« less

Anonymous authenticated communications

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

Beaver, Cheryl L; Schroeppel, Richard C; Snyder, Lillian A

2007-06-19

A method of performing electronic communications between members of a group wherein the communications are authenticated as being from a member of the group and have not been altered, comprising: generating a plurality of random numbers; distributing in a digital medium the plurality of random numbers to the members of the group; publishing a hash value of contents of the digital medium; distributing to the members of the group public-key-encrypted messages each containing a same token comprising a random number; and encrypting a message with a key generated from the token and the plurality of random numbers.

Comparison of the root canal debridement ability of two single file systems with a conventional multiple rotary system in long oval-shaped root canals: In vitro study.

PubMed

Khoshbin, Elham; Shokri, Abbas; Donyavi, Zakieh; Shahriari, Shahriar; Salehimehr, Golsa; Farhadian, Maryam; Kavandi, Zeinab

2017-08-01

This study sought to compare the root canal debridement ability of Neolix, Reciproc and ProTaper rotary systems in long oval-shaped root canals. Eighty five extracted single-rooted human teeth with long oval-shaped single root canals were selected and divided into three experimental groups(n=25) and one control group (n= 10). Root canals were filled with Vitapex radiopaque contrast medium and prepared with Neolix, Reciproc or ProTaper systems. The control group only received irrigation. Digital radiographs were obtained at baseline and postoperatively and subjected to digital subtraction. The percentage of reduction in contrast medium was quantified at 0-5 mm and 5-10 mm distances from the apex. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and t-test. The mean percentage of the contrast medium removed was not significantly different in the 0-5mm segment among the three groups ( P =0.6). In the 5-10mm segment a significant difference was found in this regard among the ProTaper and Reciproc groups ( P =0.02) and the highest mean percentage of contrast medium was removed by ProTaper. But, difference between ProTaper and Neolix as well as Neolix and Reciproc was not significant. In Neolix ( P =0.024) and Reciproc ( P =0.002) systems, the mean percentage of the contrast medium removed from the 0-5mm segment was significantly greater than that in 5-10mm segment; however, this difference was not significant in ProTaper group ( P =0.069). Neolix single-file system may be a suitable alternative to ProTaper multiple-file system in debridement of long oval shaped canals. Key words: Root Canal Preparation, Debridement, Root Canal Therapy.

The effect of dose reduction on the detection of anatomical structures on panoramic radiographs.

PubMed

Kaeppler, G; Dietz, K; Reinert, S

2006-07-01

The aim was to evaluate the effect of dose reduction on diagnostic accuracy using different screen-film combinations and digital techniques for panoramic radiography. Five observers assessed 201 pairs of panoramic radiographs (a total of 402 panoramic radiographs) taken with the Orthophos Plus (Sirona, Bensheim, Germany), for visualization of 11 anatomical structures on each side, using a 3-point scale -1, 0 and 1. Two radiographs of each patient were taken at two different times (conventional setting and setting with decreased dose, done by increasing tube potential settings or halving tube current). To compare the dose at different tube potential settings dose-length product was measured at the secondary collimator. Films with medium and regular intensifying screens (high and low tube potential settings) and storage phosphor plates (low tube potential setting, tube current setting equivalent to regular intensifying screen and halved) were compared. The five observers made 27 610 assessments. Intrarater agreement was expressed by Cohen's kappa coefficient. The results demonstrated an equivalence of regular screens (low tube potential setting) and medium screens (high and low tube potential settings). A significant difference existed between medium screens (low tube potential setting, mean score 0.92) and the group of regular film-screen combinations at high tube potential settings (mean score 0.89) and between all film-screen combinations and the digital system irrespective of exposure (mean score below 0.82). There were no significant differences between medium and regular screens (mean score 0.88 to 0.92) for assessment of the periodontal ligament space, but there was a significant difference compared with the digital system (mean score below 0.76). The kappa coefficient for intrarater agreement was moderate (0.55). New regular intensifying screens can replace medium screens at low tube potential settings. Digital panoramic radiographs should be taken at low tube potential levels with an exposure equivalent at least to a regular intensifying screen.

A Proactive Approach to High Risk Delirium Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Duque, Andres F; Post, Zachary D; Orozco, Fabio R; Lutz, Rex W; Ong, Alvin C

2018-04-01

Delirium is a common complication among elderly patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Its incidence has been reported from 4% to 53%. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services consider delirium following TJA a "never-event." The purpose of this study is to evaluate a simple perioperative protocol used to identify delirium risk patients and prevent its incidence following TJA. Our group developed a protocol to identify and prevent delirium in patients undergoing TJA. All patients were screened and scored in the preoperative assessment, on criteria such as age, history of forgetfulness, history of agitation or visual hallucinations, history of falls, history of postoperative confusion, and inability to perform higher brain functions. Patients were scored on performance in a simple mental examination. The patients were classified as low, medium, or high risk. Patients who were identified as high risk were enrolled in a delirium avoidance protocol that minimized narcotics and emphasized nursing involvement and fluids administration. Five of 7659 (0.065%) consecutive TJA patients from 2010 to 2015 developed delirium. A total of 422 patients were identified as high risk. All 5 patients who suffered delirium were within the high risk group. No low or medium risk patients suffered a delirium complication. Three (0.039%) patients suffered drug-induced delirium, 1 (0.013%) had delirium related to alcohol withdrawal, and 1 (0.013%) had delirium after a systemic infection. This protocol is effective in identifying patients at high delirium risk and diminishing the incidence of this complication by utilizing a simple screening tool and perioperative protocol. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determining of migraine prognosis using latent growth mixture models.

PubMed

Tasdelen, Bahar; Ozge, Aynur; Kaleagasi, Hakan; Erdogan, Semra; Mengi, Tufan

2011-04-01

This paper presents a retrospective study to classify patients into subtypes of the treatment according to baseline and longitudinally observed values considering heterogenity in migraine prognosis. In the classical prospective clinical studies, participants are classified with respect to baseline status and followed within a certain time period. However, latent growth mixture model is the most suitable method, which considers the population heterogenity and is not affected drop-outs if they are missing at random. Hence, we planned this comprehensive study to identify prognostic factors in migraine. The study data have been based on a 10-year computer-based follow-up data of Mersin University Headache Outpatient Department. The developmental trajectories within subgroups were described for the severity, frequency, and duration of headache separately and the probabilities of each subgroup were estimated by using latent growth mixture models. SAS PROC TRAJ procedures, semiparametric and group-based mixture modeling approach, were applied to define the developmental trajectories. While the three-group model for the severity (mild, moderate, severe) and frequency (low, medium, high) of headache appeared to be appropriate, the four-group model for the duration (low, medium, high, extremely high) was more suitable. The severity of headache increased in the patients with nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. The frequency of headache was especially related with increasing age and unilateral pain. Nausea and photophobia were also related with headache duration. Nausea, vomiting and photophobia were the most significant factors to identify developmental trajectories. The remission time was not the same for the severity, frequency, and duration of headache.

Interaction of fructose with other medium components to affect bioproduction of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikan, Vidyah; Kalil, Mohd. Sahaid; Shuib, Shuwahida; Hamid, Aidil Abdul

2018-04-01

Thraustochytrids are a group of marine fungus-like microheterotrophs of which some can accumulate considerable amounts of the high valued omega-3 oil, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this study, a local thraustochytrid isolate, Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1, was cultivated in a medium containing fructose as the major carbon source. The effects of this carbon source in interaction with yeast extract, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sea salt were studied using a software-based two level full factorial design. Results showed that fructose as a single factor, has significant positive effect on the volumetric DHA content of SW1. Similarly, its interaction with yeast extract has profound positive effect. However, interactions of fructose with MSG and sea salt were significant negative effects. These results indicate that manipulation of the concentration of fructose in the culture medium may serve as a simple and useful strategy to help achieve preferred amount of DHA.

Association of habitual high-fat intake and desire for protein and sweet food.

PubMed

Tatano, Hiroshi; Yamanaka-Okumura, Hisami; Zhou, Bei; Adachi, Chisaki; Kawakami, Yuka; Katayama, Takafumi; Masuda, Masashi; Takeda, Eiji; Taketani, Yutaka

2016-01-01

Reducing dietary calorie density (CD) is useful in body weight management. This study investigates the association between dietary habits and preferences for different CDs. We conducted a randomized crossover study of 232 healthy subjects who consumed packed lunch boxes containing a control, high-meat and low-rice, low-vegetable, medium-fat and low-vegetable, high-fat, and high-fat and low-vegetable meals over six sessions. The subjective levels of sensory properties were assessed over time using a visual analog scale and the area under the curve. Subjects were assessed for dietary habits using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) and were divided into two groups based on a daily fat energy ratio ≥ 25% (high fat [HF], n=116) and < 25% (normal, n=116) that was matched for age, body mass index, and sex ratio. Our findings indicate that the desire for sweetness was higher in the HF group than in the normal group, regardless of the meals consumed. Particularly, among the 500-kcal low-CD meals, a high-protein meal provided greater fullness and satisfaction and lower prospective consumption in the HF group than in the normal group. Therefore, our study demonstrates that postprandial appetite sensation is associated with dietary habits of fat intake. J. Med. Invest. 63: 241-247, August, 2016.

7 CFR 29.1162 - Leaf (B Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Specifications, and Tolerances B1L—Choice Quality Lemon Leaf Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil... percent. B2L—Fine Quality Lemon Leaf Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil, deep color.... B3L—Good Quality Lemon Leaf Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity...

7 CFR 29.1162 - Leaf (B Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Specifications, and Tolerances B1L—Choice Quality Lemon Leaf Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil... percent. B2L—Fine Quality Lemon Leaf Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, rich in oil, deep color.... B3L—Good Quality Lemon Leaf Ripe, firm leaf structure, medium body, oily, strong color intensity...

7 CFR 29.3154 - Tips (T Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... stalk. (See Rule 12.) Grades Grade names and specifications T3F Good Tan Tips. Medium body, mature to...″ in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. T4F Fair Tan Tips. Medium body..., and 20 percent injury tolerance. T5F Low Tan Tips. Medium body, mature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish...

7 CFR 29.3154 - Tips (T Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... stalk. (See Rule 12.) Grades Grade names and specifications T3F Good Tan Tips. Medium body, mature to...″ in length, 85 percent uniform, and 15 percent injury tolerance. T4F Fair Tan Tips. Medium body..., and 20 percent injury tolerance. T5F Low Tan Tips. Medium body, mature, firm, wrinkly, dingy finish...

Optimized achromatic phase-matching system and method

DOEpatents

Trebino, R.; DeLong, K.; Hayden, C.

1997-07-15

An optical system for efficiently directing a large bandwidth light (e.g., a femtosecond laser pulse) onto a nonlinear optical medium includes a plurality of optical elements for directing an input light pulse onto a nonlinear optical medium arranged such that the angle {theta}{sub in} which the light pulse directed onto the nonlinear optical medium is substantially independent of a position x of the light beam entering the optical system. The optical system is also constructed such that the group velocity dispersion of light pulses passing through the system can be tuned to a desired value including negative group velocity dispersion. 15 figs.

Optimized achromatic phase-matching system and method

DOEpatents

Trebino, Rick; DeLong, Ken; Hayden, Carl

1997-01-01

An optical system for efficiently directing a large bandwidth light (e.g., a femtosecond laser pulse) onto a nonlinear optical medium includes a plurality of optical elements for directing an input light pulse onto a nonlinear optical medium arranged such that the angle .theta..sub.in which the light pulse directed onto the nonlinear optical medium is substantially independent of a position x of the light beam entering the optical system. The optical system is also constructed such that the group velocity dispersion of light pulses passing through the system can be tuned to a desired value including negative group velocity dispersion.

Storytelling Slide Shows to Improve Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Knowledge and Self-Efficacy: Three-Year Results among Community Dwelling Older African Americans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bertera, Elizabeth M.

2014-01-01

This study combined the African American tradition of oral storytelling with the Hispanic medium of "Fotonovelas." A staggered pretest posttest control group design was used to evaluate four Storytelling Slide Shows on health that featured community members. A total of 212 participants were recruited for the intervention and 217 for the…

Intestinal absorption of calcium from calcium ascorbate in rats.

PubMed

Tsugawa, N; Yamabe, T; Takeuchi, A; Kamao, M; Nakagawa, K; Nishijima, K; Okano, T

1999-01-01

The intestinal absorption of calcium (Ca) from Ca ascorbate (Ca-AsA) was investigated in normal rats. Each animal was perorally administered either 5mg (low dose) or 10mg (high dose) of Ca in 1ml of distilled water as Ca-AsA, Ca carbonate (CaCO3), or Ca chloride (CaCl2), which were intrinsically labeled with 45Ca using 45CaCl2. The amount of radioactivity in plasma was measured periodically up to 34h after dosing, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the radioactivity in plasma. The time taken to reach the maximum 45Ca level (Tmax) did not differ among the three groups. The area under the plasma 45Ca level/time curve (AUCinfinity) value for the Ca-AsA group was significantly higher than those for the CaCO3 and the CaCl2 groups. The radioactivity at Tmax (Cmax) for the Ca-AsA group was significantly higher than those for the CaCO3 and the CaCl2 groups for the low dose, and comparable with or significantly higher than those for the CaCl2 and CaCO3 groups for the high dose. Similar results were observed for whole-body 45Ca retention. Radioactivity in the femur 34h after dosing was the highest in the Ca-AsA group and the lowest in the CaCO3 group. The rank order of solubility in water, the first fluid (pH 1.2, JP-1) of JPXIII disintegration medium, acetate buffer solution (pH 4.0), triethanolamine-malate buffer solution (pH 7.0) and ammonium chloride buffer solution (pH 10.0) at 37 degrees C was CaCl2 > Ca-AsA > CaCO3. In contrast, the rank order of the solubility in the second fluid (pH 6.8, JP-2) of JPXIII disintegration medium at 37 degrees C was Ca-AsA > CaCl2 > CaCO3. These results indicate that the absorbability of Ca from Ca-AsA is almost comparable with, or higher than, that from CaCl2 and significantly higher than that from CaCO3 because of its high degree of solubility in the intestine. Therefore, Ca-AsA would be useful as a Ca supplement with relatively high absorption from intestine.

Positive Attitude toward Healthy Eating Predicts Higher Diet Quality at All Cost Levels of Supermarkets☆

PubMed Central

Aggarwal, Anju; Monsivais, Pablo; Cook, Andrea J.; Drewnowski, Adam

2014-01-01

Shopping at low-cost supermarkets has been associated with higher obesity rates. This study examined whether attitudes toward healthy eating are independently associated with diet quality among shoppers at low-cost, medium-cost, and high-cost supermarkets. Data on socioeconomic status (SES), attitudes toward healthy eating, and supermarket choice were collected using a telephone survey of a representative sample of adult residents of King County, WA. Dietary intake data were based on a food frequency questionnaire. Thirteen supermarket chains were stratified into three categories: low, medium, and high cost, based on a market basket of 100 commonly eaten foods. Diet-quality measures were energy density, mean adequacy ratio, and total servings of fruits and vegetables. The analytical sample consisted of 963 adults. Multivariable regressions with robust standard error examined relations between diet quality, supermarket type, attitudes, and SES. Shopping at higher-cost supermarkets was associated with higher-quality diets. These associations persisted after adjusting for SES, but were eliminated after taking attitudinal measures into account. Supermarket shoppers with positive attitudes toward healthy eating had equally higher-quality diets, even if they shopped at low-, medium-, or high-cost supermarkets, independent of SES and other covariates. These findings imply that shopping at low-cost supermarkets does not prevent consumers from having high-quality diets, as long as they attach importance to good nutrition. Promoting nutrition-education strategies among supermarkets, particularly those catering to low-income groups, can help to improve diet quality. PMID:23916974

Culture media influenced laboratory outcomes but not neonatal birth weight in assisted reproductive technology.

PubMed

Yin, Tai-lang; Zhang, Yi; Li, Sai-jiao; Zhao, Meng; Ding, Jin-li; Xu, Wang-ming; Yang, Jing

2015-12-01

Whether the type of culture media utilized in assisted reproductive technology has impacts on laboratory outcomes and birth weight of newborns in in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was investigated. A total of 673 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI and giving birth to live singletons after fresh embryo transfer on day 3 from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2012 were included. Three types of culture media were used during this period: Quinn's Advantage (QA), Single Step Medium (SSM), and Continuous Single Culture medium (CSC). Fertilization rate (FR), normal fertilization rate (NFR), cleavage rate (CR), normal cleavage rate (NCR), good-quality embryo rate (GQER) and neonatal birth weight were compared using one-way ANOVA and χ (2) tests. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of culture media on laboratory outcomes and birth weight. In IVF cycles, GQER was significantly decreased in SSM medium group as compared with QA or CSC media groups (63.6% vs. 69.0% in QA; vs. 71.3% in CSC, P=0.011). In ICSI cycles, FR, NFR and CR were significantly lower in CSC medium group than in other two media groups. No significant difference was observed in neonatal birthweight among the three groups (P=0.759). Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed that the type of culture medium was correlated with FR, NFR, CR and GQER, but not with neonatal birth weight. The type of culture media had potential influences on laboratory outcomes but did not exhibit an impact on the birth weight of singletons in ART.

Findings from the Families on Track Intervention Pilot Trial for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Their Families.

PubMed

Petrenko, Christie L M; Pandolfino, Mary E; Robinson, Luther K

2017-07-01

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are at high risk for costly, debilitating mental health problems and secondary conditions, such as school disruption, trouble with the law, and substance use. The study objective was to pilot a multicomponent intervention designed to prevent secondary conditions in children with FASD and improve family adaptation. Thirty children with FASD or prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) (ages 4 to 8) and their primary caregivers were enrolled. Families were randomized to either the Families on Track Integrated Preventive Intervention or an active control of neuropsychological assessment and personalized community referrals. The 30-week intervention integrates scientifically validated bimonthly, in-home parent behavioral consultation, and weekly child skills groups. Outcomes measured at baseline and follow-up postintervention included intervention satisfaction, child emotional and behavioral functioning, child self-esteem, caregiver knowledge of FASD and advocacy, caregiver attitudes, use of targeted parenting practices, perceived family needs met, social support, and self-care. Data analysis emphasized calculation of effect sizes and was supplemented with analysis of variance techniques. Analyses indicated that families participating in the intervention reported high program satisfaction. Relative to comparison group outcomes, the intervention was associated with medium-to-large effects for child emotion regulation, self-esteem, and anxiety. Medium-sized improvements in disruptive behavior were observed for both groups. Medium and large effects were seen for important caregiver outcomes: knowledge of FASD and advocacy, attributions of behavior, use of antecedent strategies, parenting efficacy, family needs met, social support, and self-care. This pilot study yielded promising findings from the multicomponent Families on Track Integrated Preventive Intervention for child and caregiver outcomes. An important next step is to complete a randomized control trial of the Families on Track Program with a larger sample fully representative of this underserved clinical population with built-in study of implementation parameters. Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Development of biomarker panel to predict, prevent and create treatments tailored to the persons with human papillomavirus-induced cervical precancerous lesions

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Human papillomavirus (HPV) induce many cancer conditions and cause cervical cancer, second in frequency of malignant disease in women. The aim was to develop biomarker panel for HPV-induced cervical precancerous diseases in patients infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV). Material and methods The study involved 71 women with cervical precancerous diseases (mean age 26 ± 5 years) revealed by colposcopic, cytomorphological, and ultrasound signs which were assessed according to the following: first group, 44 patients infected with HPV; second group, 27 HPV-negative patients; and third group, 30 healthy patients (controls). In cervical specimen, we identified HPV DNA of different oncogenic risk types by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (JSC SPC ‘DiaprofMed’) were used for detecting antibodies to HSV1 and/or HSV2 and for determining the avidity index. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IFN-α, TNF-α, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), were studied by ELISA. Results In HPV-induced cervix precancerous diseases, we identified low-avidity IgG antibodies to HSV serum of 20 patients; in the serum of 17 patients, we identified average-avidity antibodies, and high-avidity antibodies were found in 2 patients only. In 14 HPV-negative patients, we found low-avidity IgG antibodies to HSV; in 10 patients, medium avidity. Patients with low-avidity IgG antibodies to herpes virus showed high and medium oncogenic risk HPV types and a decrease of IFN-γ compared to patients with medium-avidity IgG antibodies. Production of IFN-γ was suppressed also in HPV-negative patients with cervical precancers, but we found low- and medium-avidity IgG antibodies to herpes virus. In patients with low-avidity antibodies, we observed increased level of IL-10. Level of IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-4 did not change in patients of all groups, but TGF-β1 increased. Conclusions In HPV-positive patients, those with low-avidity IgG antibodies to HSV had immunosuppression, confirmed by increased TGF-β1 and violation of IFN-γ production. Therefore, in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and IgG antibodies to HSV, their avidity is an important diagnostic biomarker of HPV-induced precancerous cervical diseases. Low-avidity IgG antibodies may be an indication for treatment with immunomodulators and antiviral drugs. PMID:24386936

Randomized clinical trial of new intravenous lipid (SMOFlipid 20%) versus medium-chain triglycerides/long-chain triglycerides in adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

PubMed

Wu, Ming-Hsun; Wang, Ming-Yang; Yang, Chin-Yao; Kuo, Min-Liang; Lin, Ming-Tsan

2014-09-01

SMOFlipid 20% is intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) containing long-chain triglycerides (LCT), medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), olive oil, and fish oil as a mixed emulsion containing α-tocopherol. The aim was to assess the efficacy of this new ILE in gastrointestinal surgery compared with MCT/LCT. In this prospective study, 40 patients were randomized to SMOFlipid 20% or MCT/LCT (Lipovenoes 20%) group. Clinical and biochemistry data were collected. Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β1) and oxidative stress (ROS and superoxide) were measured. Thirty-five patients (17 males and 18 females) with a mean age of 57 years completed the study. The patients' demographic characteristics (age, gender, height, body weight, and BMI) were similar without significant differences between groups. The increment of triglyceride on day 6 from baseline was significantly lower in SMOFlipid group than in Lipovenoes MCT/LCT group. Inflammatory markers, as well as superoxide radical and total oxygen radical were not different between groups. Despite the comparable effect on inflammatory response, because of its well-balanced fatty acid pattern, relatively low n-6:n-3 ratio, and high vitamin E content, SMOFlipid had a better triglyceride-lowering effect as compared with MCT/LCT in adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. © 2013 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Effects of stocking density on growth performance, meat quality and tibia development of Pekin ducks.

PubMed

Zhang, Ya Ru; Zhang, Lu Shuang; Wang, Zhong; Liu, Yang; Li, Fu Huang; Yuan, Jian Min; Xia, Zhao Fei

2018-06-01

This study was performed to investigate the effects of stocking density on performance, meat quality and tibia development in Pekin ducks reared on a plastic wire floor. A total of 372 healthy, 21-day-old, male ducks with similar body weight (BW) were randomly allotted to stocking densities of five (low), eight (medium) and 11 (high) birds/m 2 . Each group had six replicates. Results showed that compared with the low density group, medium and high stocking density caused a decrease in final BW at 42 days old, and in average daily gain, European performance index (p < .01) and meat pH at 45 min postmortem (p < .001), and an increase of meat drip loss (p < .01). High stocking density resulted in an increase of feed/gain ratio (p < .001), but a decrease of tibia calcium (p < .01) and phosphorus content (p < .05). Meat color, shear force values, tibia size (weight, length, and width) and breaking strength were not significantly influenced by stocking density. In conclusion, stocking density over eight birds/m 2 negatively affects growth performance, but meat quality and tibia development are not dramatically influenced. Based on this study, the stocking density of male Pekin ducks should be adjusted between five and eight birds/m 2 . © 2018 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Thyroid axis disruption in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) exposed to the flame retardant β-tetrabromoethylcyclohexane (β-TBECH) via the diet.

PubMed

Park, Bradley J; Palace, Vince; Wautier, Kerry; Gemmill, Bonnie; Tomy, Gregg

2011-09-15

Tetrabromoethylcyclohexane (TBECH) is an additive brominated flame retardant used in domestic and industrial applications. It has been detected in wildlife, and there is early evidence that it is an endocrine disruptor. Whereas other brominated flame retardants with similar physicochemical properties have been shown to disrupt the thyroid axis, no such evaluation has been conducted for TBECH. To elucidate this, juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) were fed either a control diet or diets containing low, medium, or high doses of β-TBECH, the isomer most frequently detected in wildlife, for 56 days (uptake phase) followed by a control diet for an additional 77 days (depuration phase). Eight fish per treatment were lethally sampled on uptake days 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, and 56 and on depuration days 7, 21, 35, 49, and 77 to assess fish condition, circulating free and total triiodothyronine and thyroxine, and thyroid epithelial cell height. Although there was no effect on condition factor, there was a significant reduction in total plasma thyroxine in the high dose group and a significant increase in mean thyroid epithelial cell height in the low, medium, and high dose groups during the uptake phase, whereas there were no differences in the depuration phase. These results indicate that β-TBECH may modulate the thyroid axis in fish at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Critical reappraisal of embryo quality as a predictive parameter for pregnancy outcome: a pilot study.

PubMed

Campo, R; Binda, M M; Van Kerkhoven, G; Frederickx, V; Serneels, A; Roziers, P; Lopes, A S; Gordts, S; Puttemans, P; Gordts, S

2010-01-01

Pilot study to analyse the efficacy and embryo morphology using a new human embryo culture medium (GM501) versus the conventional used medium (ISM1). Over a four-month period, all patients at the Leuven Institute of Fertility and Embryology (LIFE) were -randomly allocated to have their embryos cultured in either the standard sequential culture medium ISM1 (control) or in a new universal medium (GM501) (study group). Primary outcome parameters were clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. The secondary outcome parameter was the correlation of embryo fragmentation rate with pregnancy outcome. We did not observe any differences between the ISM1 control group and GM501 study group with regard to fertilization, pregnancy, implantation rates, ongoing pregnancy, and babies born. The number of embryos with a minimal fragmentation rate (less than 30%) was significantly higher in the GM501 study group. Although a significant higher embryo fragmentation rate was seen in In vitro culture of embryos in GM501, pregnancy outcome results were comparable to those of embryos cultured in ISM1. According to our results the value of embryo morphological criteria as a parameter for pregnancy outcome should be examined and discussed again.

Participation and risk-taking behaviour in sports in children with haemophilia.

PubMed

Köiter, J; van Genderen, F R; Brons, P P T; Nijhuis-van der Sanden, M W G

2009-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate participation in sports activities and risk-taking behaviour in children with haemophilia and the relationship to personal and health related factors. Ninety-nine children (mean age 12.6 years) completed questionnaires regarding participation in sports and physical education, medication, health related quality of life, and perceived motor competence. Furthermore, weight, height, active range of motion, pain, and muscle strength were assessed. Based on a risk exposure factor (REF) we defined subgroups with low, medium, and high risk when participating in sport. Most children participate in sport five times a week (mean 140 min per week), and little absence during school sports was reported. In general, prophylaxis was not tailored to sport activities. Boys with haemophilia preferred other sports than their Dutch contemporaries. The top-5 being soccer, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and cardio-fitness for the former; soccer, gymnastics, tennis, hockey, and swimming for the latter. Significant differences between the low risk group and both other groups were found for sport intensity, total energy expenditure (EE) and average risk factor (ARF), however the medium and high-risk groups did not differ in ARF. REF and sport participation increased associated with increasing interest in athletic and motor activities. No significant differences were found between REF groups regarding age, Z-BMI, Z-AROM, Z-Muscle force, and the presence of painful joints. As in normal peers motivation to participate in sport depends upon the enthusiasm and interest, in children with haemophilia choice of sports differs, probably related to sport advice.

Protective effects of beef decoction rich in carnosine on cerebral ischemia injury by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

PubMed Central

Wang, Ai-Hong; Ma, Qian; Wang, Xin; Xu, Gui-Hua

2018-01-01

Inflammation has a role in the cerebral injury induced by ischemia and the present study aimed to determine the mechanism of the protective effect of beef decoction (BD) with carnosine against it. A rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was established using a suture method in the vehicle and each of the BD groups. In experiment 1, 72 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, vehicle and BD-treated group. Rats in the BD group were given 600 mg/kg BD by oral gavage for 1, 3 and 7 days. The sham and vehicle group rats received an equivalent amount of normal saline. In experiment 2, 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham-operated I, sham-operated II, vehicle, low-dose BD, medium-dose BD and high-dose BD group. Rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose BD groups were given BD at the dose of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, respectively, by oral gavage for 7 days. Rats in the sham-operated II group were given 600 mg/kg BD. Rats in the sham-operated I group and vehicle group were given the same volume of normal saline by oral gavage. The body weight, neurological deficits and infarct volume were recorded at 1, 3 and 7 days after the operation. Furthermore, the effect of different doses of BD on interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in peripheral blood was measured at 7 days. BD-treated rats showed less neurological deficits and a smaller infarct volume at 7 days. BD at 400 and 600 mg/kg significantly decreased the infarct volume in rats. At 600 mg/kg BD, a decline in IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and an increase in IL-4 expression was observed in the BD groups, while no difference in body weight and neurological dysfunction was detected. In conclusion, BD is a neuroprotective agent that may be used as a supplement treatment of ischemic stroke. PMID:29399121

Protective effects of beef decoction rich in carnosine on cerebral ischemia injury by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Ai-Hong; Ma, Qian; Wang, Xin; Xu, Gui-Hua

2018-02-01

Inflammation has a role in the cerebral injury induced by ischemia and the present study aimed to determine the mechanism of the protective effect of beef decoction (BD) with carnosine against it. A rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was established using a suture method in the vehicle and each of the BD groups. In experiment 1, 72 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham, vehicle and BD-treated group. Rats in the BD group were given 600 mg/kg BD by oral gavage for 1, 3 and 7 days. The sham and vehicle group rats received an equivalent amount of normal saline. In experiment 2, 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham-operated I, sham-operated II, vehicle, low-dose BD, medium-dose BD and high-dose BD group. Rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose BD groups were given BD at the dose of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, respectively, by oral gavage for 7 days. Rats in the sham-operated II group were given 600 mg/kg BD. Rats in the sham-operated I group and vehicle group were given the same volume of normal saline by oral gavage. The body weight, neurological deficits and infarct volume were recorded at 1, 3 and 7 days after the operation. Furthermore, the effect of different doses of BD on interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in peripheral blood was measured at 7 days. BD-treated rats showed less neurological deficits and a smaller infarct volume at 7 days. BD at 400 and 600 mg/kg significantly decreased the infarct volume in rats. At 600 mg/kg BD, a decline in IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and an increase in IL-4 expression was observed in the BD groups, while no difference in body weight and neurological dysfunction was detected. In conclusion, BD is a neuroprotective agent that may be used as a supplement treatment of ischemic stroke.

Radiation bronchitis and stenosis secondary to high dose rate endobronchial irradiation

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

Speiser, B.L.; Spratling, L.

The purpose of the study was to describe a new clinical entity observed in follow-up bronchoscopies in patients who were treated with high dose rate and medium dose rate remote afterloading brachytherapy of the tracheobronchial tree. Patients were treated by protocol with medium dose rate, 47 patients receiving 1000 cGy at a 5 mm depth times three fractions, high dose rate 144 patients receiving 1000 cGy at a 10 mm depth for three fractions and high dose rate 151 patients receiving cGy at a 10 mm depth for three fractions followed by bronchoscopy. Incidence of this entity was 9% formore » the first group, 12% for the second, and 13% for the third group. Reactions were grade 1 consisting of mild inflammatory response with a partial whitish circumferential membrane in an asymptomatic patient; grade 2, thicker complete white circumferential membrane with cough and/or obstructive problems requiring intervention; grade 3, severe inflammatory response with marked membranous exudate and mild fibrotic reaction; and grade 4 a predominant fibrotic reaction with progressive stenosis. Variables associated with a slightly increased incidence of radiation bronchitis and stenosis included: large cell carcinoma histology, curative intent, prior laser photoresection, and/or concurrent external radiation. Survival was the strongest predictor of the reaction. Radiation bronchitis and stenosis is a new clinical entity that must be identified in bronchial brachytherapy patients and treated appropriately. 23 refs., 3 figs., 7 tabs.« less

Hydrogen Infrastructure Testing and Research Facility Animation (Text

Science.gov Websites

. Medium pressure hydrogen is stored in tanks and then fed to the high pressure compressor. High pressure hydrogen is stored in tanks and then fed to either high pressure research projects in ESIF or to the the high pressure compressor. The medium pressure storage photo gallery includes two photos of medium

Cognitive remediation therapy for adolescent inpatients with severe and complex anorexia nervosa: A treatment trial.

PubMed

Harrison, Amy; Stavri, Pamela; Ormond, Lynn; McEnemy, Francine; Akyol, Dilan; Qureshi, Annum; Al-Khairulla, Hind

2018-05-01

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is a low-intensity treatment adjunct for individuals with severe and complex anorexia nervosa (AN) with difficulties in globally oriented, flexible thinking. Previously trialled in adults, this study investigated whether individual and group CRT was a feasible, acceptable, and beneficial treatment for 125 adolescent inpatients with severe and complex AN. Seventy patients (mean age = 15.22, SD = 1.44) received 10 sessions of individual CRT, and 55 patients (mean age = 14.89, SD = 1.74) received 10 sessions of group CRT. In individual CRT, 1 patient (1.43%) dropped out, and there were medium-sized improvements in bigger picture thinking and set-shifting, small to large-sized improvements in switching-related initiation and inhibition skills, and large-sized improvements in motivation to recover. Group CRT had higher dropout (9.09%; n = 5) and produced small-sized improvements in global information processing and medium-sized improvements in self-reported cognitive flexibility and high acceptability ratings. Data suggest that a randomised controlled trial for adolescents with AN is warranted. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

[A study on the expression of HSP70 in endothelial cells pretreated with ethanol and fluid shear stress].

PubMed

Yan, Hong-tao; Zhang, Yi; Liao, Ga; Zhang, Kui; Li, Bin; Wang, Ye; Liao, Zhi-gang

2006-07-01

To detect whether ethanol can affect the expression of HSP70 in endothelial cells under fluid shear stress. Ethanol at different concentrations was added to the culture medium of endothelial cells, EA. Hy926, which was treated statically or under 1Pa fluid shear stress. After the incubation of 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h, the expression of HSP70 was detected by immunohistochemical method(SP). In the control group, the expression of HSP70 was negative under static state, while it was positive under 1Pa fluid shear stress lasting 4 h even without ethanol. No statistic difference was found between the 50 mg/dL ethanol group and the control group with the same treatment time of fluid shear stress. HSP70 expression was found under static state with 150 mg/dL ethanol after 4 h or 300 mg/dL ethanol after 2 h respectively. The expression increased greatly under 1Pa fluid shear stress in the same ethanol concentrations. Medium to high ethanol concentration in coordination with fluid shear stress can strongly stimulates the expression of HSP70 by a kinetic mechanism of time-dependent.

Assessment of dietary intake using the healthy eating index during military training.

PubMed

Lutz, Laura J; Gaffney-Stomberg, Erin; Scisco, Jenna L; Cable, Sonya J; Karl, J Philip; Young, Andrew J; McClung, James P

2013-01-01

The objectives of this study were to use the healthy eating index (HEI) as a tool to characterize diet quality in Soldiers (n=135) during basic combat training (BCT), and to assess the effects of BCT on diet quality by comparing HEI scores before and after the training period. HEI scores were calculated from a 110-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Soldiers were then divided into tertiles (high, medium, and low) of diet quality based upon HEI scores at the start of BCT. No relationships between pre-BCT total HEI score and age, sex, racial background, or physical activity were observed. The odds of being a smoker were 4.75 times higher for those in the low HEI tertile and 3.03 times higher for those in the medium HEI tertile when compared to those in the high HEI tertile (95% CI, 1.67, 13.48 and 1.04, 8.82 respectively). Diet quality improved in the medium and low HEI tertiles over the course of BCT, as total HEI scores increased by 22% and 46% respectively (P<.05) with time in these groups. Although different at the start of BCT, HEI scores were similar between the medium and high HEI tertiles at the end of BCT. Study findings suggest that the BCT dining environment elicits positive changes in diet quality for Soldiers who enter military training with lower diet quality, and the HEI appears to be a useful tool to identify military personnel with lower diet quality at the start of training. This may provide the opportunity to target interventions such as diet counseling and education in an effort to improve Soldier health and performance.

Predictive role of stress echocardiography before carotid endarterectomy in patients with coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Galyfos, George; Tsioufis, Constantinos; Theodorou, Dimitris; Katsaragakis, Stilianos; Zografos, Georgios; Filis, Konstantinos

2015-07-01

Our aim was to examine the predictive value of preoperative stress echocardiography regarding early myocardial ischemia and late cardiac events after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing CEA were prospectively included in this study. All patients (n = 162) were classified into low, medium, and high cardiac risk group, according to preoperative stress echocardiography. Classification was based on the criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography. For all patients, cTnI was measured before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Postoperative cTnI values ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 ng/mL were classified as myocardial ischemia; values >0.5 ng/mL were classified as myocardial infarction. Cardiac damage was defined as either myocardial ischemia or infarction. No deaths, strokes, or symptomatic coronary events were observed during the early postoperative period. There were 112 low cardiac risk patients, 42 medium-risk patients, and 8 high-risk patients, according to stress echocardiography findings. Overall, there were 22 patients (14%) that increased their cTnI values postoperatively (12 of low cardiac risk and 10 of medium cardiac risk), and all of them were asymptomatic. None of the high-risk patients showed any troponin increase. Late cardiac events were associated with cTnI increase, although no high-risk patients showed any late event. Preoperative stress echocardiography does not seem to independently recognize patients in high risk for asymptomatic cardiac damage after CEA. Postoperative troponin elevation seems to be more predictive for late adverse cardiac events than preoperative stress echocardiography. © 2014, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of toothbrush bristle stiffness on nanohybrid surface roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zairani, O.; Irawan, B.; Damiyanti, M.

2017-08-01

The surface of a restoration can be affected by toothpaste containing abrasive agents and the stiffness of toothbrush bristles. Objective: To identify the effect of toothbrush bristle stiffness on nanohybrid surface roughness. Methods: Sixteen nanohybrid specimens were separated into two groups. The first group was brushed using soft-bristle toothbrushes, and the second group was brushed using medium-bristle toothbrushes. Media such as aqua bides was used for brushing in both groups. Brushing was done 3 times for 5 minutes. Surface roughness was measured initially and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes using a surface roughness tester. Results: The results, tested with One-Way ANOVA and Independent Samples t Test, demonstrated that after brushing for 15 minutes, the soft-bristle toothbrush group showed a significantly different value (p < 0.05) of nanohybrid surface roughness. The group using medium-bristle toothbrushes showed the value of nano hybrid surface roughness significant difference after brushing for 10 minutes. Conclusion: Roughness occurs more rapidly when brushing with medium-bristle tooth brushes than when brushing with soft-bristle toothbrushes.

Ability Group Configuration for the High School Physics Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zitnik, Scott

This research project looks to investigate the effectiveness of different ability grouping arrangements for the high school physics classroom. Students were first organized based on their academic aptitude in physics into three general groups of high, medium, and low achieving students. They were then divided into both groups of four and dyads that were constructed in one of four arrangements, namely: random, homogeneous, heterogeneous, or student choice. Data was collected based on their academic performance as well as survey responses regarding the group and dyad performance. Students worked in a rotation of these groups and dyads for a unit to measure student preference and introduce collaborative work formally to the classes. At this point it was evident that students preferred the student choice arrangement based on survey responses, yet the student choice survey responses also resulted in the lowest level of reliability when compared to all other grouping methods. For the next unit students were kept in either the random, homogeneous, or heterogeneous grouping arrangement for the entirety of the unit. At the conclusion of the second unit student achievement as well as survey responses were analyzed. As a result of this research there appears to be a slight student preference as well as academic benefit to homogeneous group and dyad arrangements for each of the three ability groups of students in the high school physics classroom when compared to random and heterogeneous grouping methods of academic group arrangement.

Assessment of renal vasoconstriction in vivo after intra-arterial administration of the isosmotic contrast medium iodixanol compared to the low-osmotic contrast medium iopamidol.

PubMed

Treitl, Marcus; Rupprecht, Harald; Wirth, Stefan; Korner, Markus; Reiser, Maximilian; Rieger, Johannes

2009-05-01

Low-osmotic contrast media (LOCM) such as iopamidol are known to increase the renal resistance index (RRI). The aim of our study was to evaluate in vivo the different effects of intra-arterial administration of LOCM in comparison to isosmotic contrast medium (IOCM) such as iodixanol on the human RRI. Twenty patients (16 males, 4 females; 66 years on average) with normal renal function (mean creatinine 1.0 mg/dl) had digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the abdominal and lower-limb arteries. Ten patients received LOCM, and 10 patients IOCM (150 ml on average, 20 ml/s). The RRI was assessed by an experienced nephrologist with duplex ultrasound from 15 min before until 30 min after the first injection with delays of 1-5 min. The basic value of the RRI and differential RRI were calculated. The basic value of the RRI was 0.69 in the LOCM group and 0.71 in the IOCM group. After LOCM a significant increase of the RRI to 0.73 on average (P < or = 0.001) 2 min after the first injection was found, whereas IOCM did not result in a significant change of the RRI (RRI remained 0.71 on average, P > or = 0.1). In the LOCM group, the RRI returned to the basic value after 30 min (+/-2.3 min). Intra-arterial administration of IOCM had no influence on renal vascular resistance as expressed by the RRI, unlike LOCM, which induced a highly significant increase of the RRI for up to 30 min.

Effects of overweight and obese body mass on motor planning and motor skills during obstacle crossing in children.

PubMed

Gill, Simone V; Hung, Ya-Ching

2014-01-01

Little is known about how obesity relates to motor planning and skills during functional tasks. We collected 3-D kinematics and kinetics as normal weight (n=10) and overweight/obese (n=12) children walked on flat ground and as they crossed low, medium, and high obstacles. We investigated if motor planning and motor skill impairments were evident during obstacle crossing. Baseline conditions showed no group differences (all ps>.05). Increased toe clearance was found on low obstacles (p=.01) for the overweight/obese group and on high obstacles (p=.01) for the normal weight group. With the crossing leg, the overweight/obese group had larger hip abduction angles (p=.01) and medial ground reaction forces (p=.006) on high obstacles and high anterior ground reaction forces on low obstacles (p=.001). With the trailing leg, overweight/obese children had higher vertical ground reaction forces on high obstacles (p=.005) and higher knee angles (p=.01) and anterior acceleration in the center of mass (p=.01) on low obstacles. These findings suggest that differences in motor planning and skills in overweight/obese children may be more apparent during functional activities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 29.3152 - Lugs or Cutters (C Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. C1F Choice Tan Lugs. Medium to thin... uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. C2F Fine Tan Lugs. Medium to thin body, ripe, open, smooth... injury tolerance. C3F Good Tan Lugs. Medium to thin body, ripe, open, even, clear finish, moderate color...

7 CFR 29.3152 - Lugs or Cutters (C Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... intensity, narrow, 70 percent uniform, and 30 percent injury tolerance. C1F Choice Tan Lugs. Medium to thin... uniform, and 5 percent injury tolerance. C2F Fine Tan Lugs. Medium to thin body, ripe, open, smooth... injury tolerance. C3F Good Tan Lugs. Medium to thin body, ripe, open, even, clear finish, moderate color...

Medium-chain triglyceride feeding in premature infants: effects on calcium and magnesium absorption.

PubMed

Tantibhedhyangkul, P; Hashim, S A

1978-04-01

The effect of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on the absorption of calcium and magnesium in premature infants was studied in 34 infants with birth weights lower than 2,000 gm. The infants were divided into three groups and fed three formulas similar in nutrient content except for the type of fat, as follows: group 1 (control): corn oil, oleo, and coconut oil (39:41:20); group 2: MCT, corn oil, and coconut oil (40:40:20); group 3: MCT and corn oil (80:20). The infants fed MCT-containing formulas absorbed significantly more calcium than the control group. Magnesium absorption was significantly increased in the 80% MCT group.

High Fragmentation Steel Production Process

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

J/ FTA c« ;« MO G SO KM s s P WS W-U Hi ; T 14 434 CASK G S3 K 11 ma WM MM MM ACTS 1 TC*4 U S7« ill GC 135 V M NTA «M FT...relative feed range 2nd digit -relative force range FMd 1 Very Low Fore* t 2 Low 2 3 Medium Low 3 4 Medium 4 5 Medium 5 6 Medium High 6 7 Medium

[Neuroprotective effect of curcumin to Aβ of double transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease].

PubMed

Feng, Hui-Li; Fan, Hui; Dang, Hui-Zi; Chen, Xiao-Pei; Ren, Ying; Yang, Jin-Duo; Wang, Peng-Wen

2014-10-01

To observe the changes in Aβ40, Aβ42 and ADDLs in brains of 3 month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice after six-month intervention with curcumin, in order to discuss the neuroprotective effect of curcumin. APPswe/PS1dE9dtg mice were randomly divided into the model group, the Rosiglitazone group (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and curcumin high (400 mg x kg9-1) x d(-1)), medium (200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and low (100 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) dosage groups, with C57/BL6J mice of the same age and the same background in the normal control group. After 6 months, the immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and the Western blot method were used to observe the changes in positive cell of Aβ40, Aβ42 and ADDLs in hippocampal CA1 area, their distribution and protein expressions. Both of the immunohistochemical staining and the Western blot method showed more positive cell of Aβ40, Aβ42 and ADDLs in hippocampal CA1 area and higher protein expressions in the model group than the normal group (P < 0.01). IHC showed a lower result in the Rosiglitazone group than the model group (P < 0.05), while Western blot showed a much lower result (P < 0.01). The number of Aβ40, Aβ42 and ADDLs positive cells and the protein expressions decreased in the curcumin high group, the medium group showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01), and the low dose group also showed reductions in the protein expressions of Aβ40 and Aβ42. The six-month intervention with curcumin can significantly reduce the expressions of hippocampal Aβ40, Aβ42 and ADDLs in brains of APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice. Whether curcumin can impact Aβ cascade reaction by down-regulating expressions of Aβ40, Aβ42 and ADDLs and show the neuroprotective effect needs further studies.

A predictive scoring system for insufficient liver hypertrophy after preoperative portal vein embolization.

PubMed

Watanabe, Nobuyuki; Yamamoto, Yusuke; Sugiura, Teiichi; Okamura, Yukiyasu; Ito, Takaaki; Ashida, Ryo; Aramaki, Takeshi; Uesaka, Katsuhiko

2018-05-01

The factors which affect hypertrophy of the future liver remnant after portal vein embolization remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical factors affecting the hypertrophy rate after portal vein embolization and to develop a scoring system predicting insufficient liver hypertrophy. The cases of a total of 152 patients who underwent portal vein embolization of the right portal branch between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. The score to predict insufficient (<25%) hypertrophy was established based on logistic regression analyses of the clinical parameters before portal vein embolization. After portal vein embolization, the future liver remnant volume, expressed as the median (range), significantly increased from 364 (151-801) mL, 33% (18%-54%), to 451 (242-866) mL, 42% (26%-65%). The median hypertrophy rate was 24% (-5% to 96%). A preoperative predictive scoring system for insufficient liver hypertrophy was constructed using the following 3 factors: an initial future liver remnant volume ≥35% (2 points), alkaline phosphatase ≥450 IU/dL (1 point), and cholinesterase <220 mg/dL (1 point). The constructed scoring system indicated the proportion of patients with insufficient liver hypertrophy (<25%) to be 6 out of 42 (14%) in the low-score group (0 points), 44 out of 77 (57%) in the medium-score group (1-2 points), and 30 out of 33 (91%) in the high-score group (3-4 points). The hypertrophy rate of future liver remnant was different among the 3 groups (low-score group, 38.9% [-2.4% to 81.4%]; medium-score group, 22.7% [-5.1% to 95.5%]; high-score group, 18.2% [2.4%-30.7%]) (P < .001). The constructed scoring system was able to stratify patients before portal vein embolization according to the possibility of developing insufficient liver hypertrophy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of treponeme species with atypical foot lesions in goats.

PubMed

Groenevelt, M; Anzuino, K; Langton, D A; Grogono-Thomas, R

2015-06-13

Five UK goat farms with high levels of lameness (prevalence 14-67 per cent) were investigated. On two farms (farms 1 and 2), the animals presented with typical footrot lesions. The remaining three farms (farms 3, 4 and 5) presented with infected lesions on the foot that did not resemble footrot. These lesions were observed to start from the white line or sole but the interdigital space was rarely affected. Swabs were processed by PCR to assess the presence of Dichelobacter nodosus and three specific treponeme groups (group 1: Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like, group 2: Treponema phagedenis-like and group 3: Treponema denticola/Treponema putidum-like) that are reported to be associated with bovine digital dermatitis and contagious ovine digital dermatitis. On farms 1 and 2, 85.7 per cent of samples were found to be positive for D nodosus while only 9.5 per cent were positive for treponeme groups 1, 2 and 3. In contrast, 5.3 per cent of samples from farms 3, 4 and 5 were positive for D nodosus, while 34.2, 68.4 and 36.8 per cent of samples from these farms tested positive for treponeme groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. T medium/T vincentii-like, T phagedenis-like and T denticola/T putidum-like treponemes were detected on foot lesions of lame goats suggesting that they have a role in the aetiology of this lameness, which has not previously been described in dairy goats. British Veterinary Association.

Mdivi-1, mitochondrial fission inhibitor, impairs developmental competence and mitochondrial function of embryos and cells in pigs

PubMed Central

YEON, Ji-Yeong; MIN, Sung-Hun; PARK, Hyo-Jin; KIM, Jin-Woo; LEE, Yong-Hee; PARK, Soo-Yong; JEONG, Pil-Soo; PARK, Humdai; LEE, Dong-Seok; KIM, Sun-Uk; CHANG, Kyu-Tae; KOO, Deog-Bon

2014-01-01

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo constant fusion/fission as well as activities orchestrated by large dynamin-related GTPases. These dynamic mitochondrial processes influence mitochondrial morphology, size and function. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mitochondrial fission inhibitor, mdivi-1, on developmental competence and mitochondrial function of porcine embryos and primary cells. Presumptive porcine embryos were cultured in PZM-3 medium supplemented with mdivi-1 (0, 10 and 50 μM) for 6 days. Porcine fibroblast cells were cultured in growth medium with mdivi-1 (0 and 50 μM) for 2 days. Our results showed that the rate of blastocyst production and cell growth in the mdivi-1 (50 μM) treated group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in the mdivi-1 (50 μM) treated group was increased relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Subsequent evaluation revealed that the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the apoptotic index were increased by mdivi-1 (50 μM) treatment (P < 0.05). Finally, the expression of mitochondrial fission-related protein (Drp 1) was lower in the embryos and cells in the mdivi-1-treated group than the control group. Taken together, these results indicate that mdivi-1 treatment may inhibit developmental competence and mitochondrial function in porcine embryos and primary cells. PMID:25501014

The Pattern of Gestational Weight Gain is Associated with Changes in Maternal Body Composition and Neonatal Size.

PubMed

Widen, Elizabeth M; Factor-Litvak, Pam R; Gallagher, Dympna; Paxton, Anne; Pierson, Richard N; Heymsfield, Steven B; Lederman, Sally A

2015-10-01

The pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) reflects general nutrient availability to support growing fetal and maternal compartments and may contribute to later health, but how it relates to changes in maternal body composition is unknown. We evaluated how the pattern of GWG related to changes in maternal body composition during pregnancy and infant size at birth. A prospective, multi-ethnic cohort of 156 pregnant women and their infants was studied in New York City. Prenatal weights were used to estimate total and rate (kg/week) of GWG by trimester. Linear regression models evaluated the association between trimester-specific GWG group (low, medium, high GWG) [total (low ≤25, high ≥75 percentile) or rate (defined by tertiles)] and infant weight, length and maternal body composition changes from 14 to 37 weeks, adjusting for covariates. Compared to the low gain group, medium/high rate of GWG in the second trimester and high rate of GWG in the third trimester were associated with larger gains in maternal fat mass (β range for fat Δ = 2.86-5.29 kg, all p < 0.01). For infant outcomes, high rate of GWG in the second trimester was associated with higher birth weight (β = 356 g, p = 0.001) and length (β = 0.85 cm, p = 0.002). First and third trimester GWG were not associated with neonatal size. The trimester specific pattern and rate of GWG reflect changes in maternal body fat and body water, and are associated with neonatal size, which supports the importance of monitoring trimester-specific GWG.

Notochordal cell conditioned medium stimulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward a young nucleus pulposus phenotype

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer promise for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair and regeneration because they are easily isolated and expanded, and can differentiate into several mesenchymal tissues. Notochordal (NC) cells contribute to IVD development, incorporate into the nucleus pulposus (NP), and stimulate mature disc cells. However, there have been no studies investigating the effects of NC cells on adult stem cell differentiation. The premise of this study is that IVD regeneration is more similar to IVD development than to IVD maintenance, and we hypothesize that soluble factors from NC cells differentiate MSCs to a phenotype characteristic of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells during development. The eventual clinical goal would be to isolate or chemically/recombinantly produce the active agent to induce the therapeutic effects, and to use it as either an injectable therapy for early intervention on disc disease, or in developing appropriately pre-differentiated MSC cells in a tissue engineered NP construct. Methods Human MSCs from bone marrow were expanded and pelleted to form high-density cultures. MSC pellets were exposed to either control medium (CM), chondrogenic medium (CM with dexamethasone and transforming growth factor, (TGF)-β3) or notochordal cell conditioned medium (NCCM). NCCM was prepared from NC cells maintained in serum free medium for four days. After seven days culture, MSC pellets were analyzed for appearance, biochemical composition (glycosaminoglycans and DNA), and gene expression profile (sox-9, collagen types-II and III, laminin-β1 and TIMP1(tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1)). Results Significantly higher glycosaminoglycan accumulation was seen in NCCM treated pellets than in CM or TGFβ groups. With NCCM treatment, increased gene expression of collagen III, and a trend of increasing expression of laminin-β1 and decreased expression of sox-9 and collagen II relative to the TGFβ group was observed. Conclusions Together, results suggest NCCM stimulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward a potentially NP-like phenotype with some characteristics of the developing IVD. PMID:20565707

Building the Hot Intra-Group Medium in Spiral-Rich Compact Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Sullivan, Ewan

2014-11-01

Galaxy groups provide a natural laboratory for investigating the formation of the hot intergalactic medium (IGM). While galaxy clusters gain most of their hot gas through accretion and gravitational shocks, in groups the processes of galaxy evolution (stripping, collisions, star formation) play an important role in the initial build up of the hot halo. We present Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of groups still in the process of forming their IGM, including the well known compact groups HCG 16 and Stephan's Quintet (HCG 92). We show that starburst winds and shock-heating of stripped HI provide important contributions of gas and metals to the IGM, and discuss the impact of gas stripping, enhanced star formation and nuclear activity in the group member galaxies.

Enhancing electron transport in molecular wires by insertion of a ferrocene center.

PubMed

Sun, Yan-Yan; Peng, Zheng-Lian; Hou, Rong; Liang, Jing-Hong; Zheng, Ju-Fang; Zhou, Xiao-Yi; Zhou, Xiao-Shun; Jin, Shan; Niu, Zhen-Jiang; Mao, Bing-Wei

2014-02-14

We have determined the conductance of alkane-linked ferrocene molecules with carboxylic acid anchoring groups using the STM break junction technique, and three sets of conductance values were found, i.e. high conductance (HC), medium conductance (MC) and low conductance (LC) values. The enhancing effect of the incorporated ferrocene on the electron transport in saturated alkane molecular wires is demonstrated by the increased conductance of the ferrocene molecules, attributed to the reduction of the tunneling barrier and the HOMO-LUMO gap induced by the insertion of ferrocene. Furthermore, the electron-withdrawing carbonyl group on the unconjugated backbone has little or no influence on single-molecule conductance. The current work provides a feasible approach for the design of high-performance molecular wires.

High peak-power kilohertz laser system employing single-stage multi-pass amplification

DOEpatents

Shan, Bing; Wang, Chun; Chang, Zenghu

2006-05-23

The present invention describes a technique for achieving high peak power output in a laser employing single-stage, multi-pass amplification. High gain is achieved by employing a very small "seed" beam diameter in gain medium, and maintaining the small beam diameter for multiple high-gain pre-amplification passes through a pumped gain medium, then leading the beam out of the amplifier cavity, changing the beam diameter and sending it back to the amplifier cavity for additional, high-power amplification passes through the gain medium. In these power amplification passes, the beam diameter in gain medium is increased and carefully matched to the pump laser's beam diameter for high efficiency extraction of energy from the pumped gain medium. A method of "grooming" the beam by means of a far-field spatial filter in the process of changing the beam size within the single-stage amplifier is also described.

Development of an attention-touch control for manual cervical distraction: a pilot randomized clinical trial for patients with neck pain.

PubMed

Gudavalli, M Ram; Salsbury, Stacie A; Vining, Robert D; Long, Cynthia R; Corber, Lance; Patwardhan, Avinash G; Goertz, Christine M

2015-06-05

Manual cervical distraction (MCD) is a traction-based therapy performed with a manual contact over the cervical region producing repeating cycles while patients lie prone. This study evaluated a traction force-based minimal intervention for use as an attention-touch control in clinical trials of MCD for patients with chronic neck pain. We conducted a mixed-methods, pilot randomized clinical trial in adults with chronic neck pain. Participants were allocated to three traction force ranges of MCD: low force/minimal intervention (0-20 N), medium force (21-50 N), or high force (51-100 N). Clinicians delivered five treatments over two weeks consisting of three sets of five cycles of MCD at the C5 vertebra and occiput. Traction forces were measured at each treatment. Patient-reported outcomes included a pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ), and adverse effects. A qualitative interview evaluated treatment group allocation perceptions. We randomized 48 participants, allocating an average of five each month. Forty-five participants completed the trial with three participants lost to follow-up. Most participants were women (65%) and white (92%) with a mean (SD) age of 46.8 (12.5) years. Mean traction force values were within the prescribed force ranges for each group at the C5 and occiput levels. Neck pain VAS demonstrated a benefit for high traction force MCD compared to the low force group [adjusted mean difference 15.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 29.7]. Participants in the medium traction force group demonstrated improvements in NDI compared to the low force group (adjusted mean difference 3.0; 95% CI 0.1 to 5.9), as did participants in the high traction force group (adjusted mean difference 2.7; 95% CI -0.1 to 5.6). CEQ favored the high force group. Most low force participants correctly identified their treatment allocation in the qualitative interview. No serious adverse events were documented. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a clinical trial protocol and the utility of a traction-based, minimal intervention as an attention-touch control for future efficacy trials of MCD for patients with neck pain. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01765751 (Registration Date 30 May 2012).

Storage Medium Affects the Surface Porosity of Dental Cements.

PubMed

Saghiri, M Ali; Shabani, Asal; Asatourian, Armen; Sheibani, Nader

2017-08-01

Calcium silicate-based cements physical properties is influenced by environmental changes. Here, we intended to evaluate the effect of storage medium on surface porosity of root Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine cement. A total of 40 polyethylene tubes were selected and divided into two groups: Group A (MTA) and Group B (Biodentine). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n=10). In subgroups A1 and B1, tubes were transferred to Distilled Water (DW), while samples of subgroup A2 and B2 were transferred to Synthetic Tissue Fluid (STF) as storage medium and samples were stored for three days. All specimens were then placed in a desiccator for 24 hours and then subject to surface porosity evaluation by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at ×500, ×1000, ×2000 and ×5000 magnifications. The number and the surface porosities were determined by Image J analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA at level of significance of p<0.05. The lowest surface porosity was observed in MTA samples stored in STF and the highest was in Biodentine samples stored in DW. Significant differences were noted between groups and subgroups of each group (p< 0.05). MTA samples stored in DW and STF showed significantly lower surface porosities compared to Biodentine samples (p < 0.05). Storage medium can drastically affect the surface porosity of tested calcium silicate-based cements. However, MTA showed lower surface porosity compared to Biodentine cement, which can result in lower microleakage in applied area.

Universities, SMEs and Social Capital: Can You Get Too Much of a Good Thing? An Illustrative Analysis of One University's Knowledge Exchange Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Ian

2016-01-01

This article explores a university knowledge exchange programme for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner-managers. Specifically, it considers why a programme designed to achieve growth in a group of SMEs through the creation of a network high in social capital may have become a constraint on the programme's effectiveness over a period of…

Virulence Genes of S. aureus from Dairy Cow Mastitis and Contagiousness Risk.

PubMed

Magro, Giada; Biffani, Stefano; Minozzi, Giulietta; Ehricht, Ralf; Monecke, Stefan; Luini, Mario; Piccinini, Renata

2017-06-21

Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) is a major agent of dairy cow intramammary infections: the different prevalences of mastitis reported might be related to a combination of S. aureus virulence factors beyond host factors. The present study considered 169 isolates from different Italian dairy herds that were classified into four groups based on the prevalence of S. aureus infection at the first testing: low prevalence (LP), medium-low (MLP), medium-high (MHP) and high (HP). We aimed to correlate the presence of virulence genes with the prevalence of intramammary infections in order to develop new strategies for the control of S. aureus mastitis. Microarray data were statistically evaluated using binary logistic regression and correspondence analysis to screen the risk factors and the relationship between prevalence group and gene. The analysis showed: (1) 24 genes at significant risk of being detected in all the herds with infection prevalence >5%, including genes belonging to microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs), immune evasion and serine proteases; and (2) a significant correlation coefficient between the genes interacting with the host immune response and HP isolates against LP ones. These results support the hypothesis that virulence factors, in addition to cow management, could be related to strain contagiousness, offering new insights into vaccine development.

Orion Landing Simulation Eight Soil Model Comparison

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mark, Stephen D.

2009-01-01

LS-DYNA finite element simulations of a rigid Orion Crew Module (CM) were used to investigate the CM impact behavior on eight different soil models. Ten different landing conditions, characterized by the combination of CM vertical and horizontal velocity, hang angle, and roll angle were simulated on the eight different soils. The CM center of gravity accelerations, pitch angle, kinetic energy, and soil contact forces were the outputs of interest. The simulation results are presented, with comparisons of the CM behavior on the different soils. The soils analyzed in this study can be roughly categorized as soft, medium, or hard, according to the CM accelerations that occur when landing on them. The soft group is comprised of the Carson Sink Wet soil and the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Low Density Dry Sand. The medium group includes Carson Sink Dry, the KSC High Density In-Situ Moisture Sand and High Density Flooded Sand, and Cuddeback B. The hard soils are Cuddeback A and the Gantry Unwashed Sand. The softer soils were found to produce lower peak accelerations, have more stable pitch behavior, and to be less sensitive to the landing conditions. This investigation found that the Cuddeback A soil produced the highest peak accelerations and worst stability conditions, and that the best landing performance was achieved on the KSC Low Density Dry Sand.

Prevention of edema, flight microangiopathy and venous thrombosis in long flights with elastic stockings. A randomized trial: The LONFLIT 4 Concorde Edema-SSL Study.

PubMed

Belcaro, Gianni; Cesarone, Maria Rosaria; Shah, Sandeep S G; Nicolaides, Andrew N; Geroulakos, George; Ippolito, Edmondo; Winford, Michelle; Lennox, Andrew; Pellegrini, Luciano; Brandolini, Rossella; Myers, Kenneth A; Simeone, Emilio; Bavera, Peter; Dugall, Mark; Di Renzo, Andrea; Moia, Marco

2002-01-01

The LONFLIT1/2 studies have established that in high-risk subjects after long (> 10 hours) flights the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is between 4% and 6%. The LONFLIT4 study has been planned to evaluate the control of edema and DVT in low-medium-risk subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate edema and its control with specific flight stockings, in long-haul flights. In the first part of the study 400 subjects at low-medium risk for DVT were contacted; 28 were excluded for several nonmedical problems; 372 were randomized into 2 groups to evaluate prophylaxis with stockings in 7-8-hour flights; the control group had no prophylaxis. Below-knee, Scholl, Flight Socks, producing 14-17 mm Hg of pressure at the ankle, were used in the treatment group. The occurrence of DVT was evaluated with high-resolution ultrasound scanning (femoral, popliteal, and tibial veins). Edema was assessed with a composite score based on parametric and nonparametric measurements. Part II: In this part of the study 285 subjects at low-medium risk for DVT were included and randomized into 2 groups to evaluate edema prophylaxis in 11-12-hour flights; the controls had no prophylaxis while the prevention group had below-knee, Scholl, Flight Socks (comparable to part I). Part 1: DVT evaluation. Of the 184 included subjects in the stockings group and 188 in the control group, 358 (96.2%) completed the study. Dropouts were due to compliance or connection problems. Age/sex distributions were comparable in the groups. Stockings Group: of 179 subjects (mean age 49; SD 7; M:F = 101:78), none had DVT or superficial thromboses. of 179 subjects (mean age 48.4; SD 7.3; M:F = 98:81), 4 (2.2%) had a DVT. There were also 2 superficial thromboses. In total, 3.35% (6) subjects had a thrombotic event. The difference (p<0.002) is significant. Intention-to-treat analysis detects 15 failures in the control group (9 lost + 6 thromboses) out of 188 subjects (7.9%) versus 5 subjects (2.7%) in the stockings group (p <0.05). All thrombotic events were observed in passengers sitting in nonaisle seats. The tolerability of the stockings was very good and there were no complaints or side effects. Thrombotic events were asymptomatic. No difference was observed in the distribution of events between men and women. The 3 women who had a thrombotic event were taking low-dose, oral contraceptives. Edema evaluation: The level of edema at inclusion was comparable in the 2 groups. After the flight there was a score of 6.7 (3.1) in controls; in the stockings group the score was 2.9 times lower (p<0.05). The control of edema with stockings was clear considering both parametric (circumference, volume) and nonparametric (analogue scale lines) data. Part II: DVT evaluation. Of the 285 included subjects, 271 (95%) completed the study. Dropouts were due to low compliance or connection problems. Age/sex distributions were comparable in the groups. Stockings Group: of 142 subjects (mean age 48; SD 8; M:F = 89:53), none had DVT or superficial thromboses. of 143 subjects (mean age 47; SD 8; M:F = 87:56), 3 had a popliteal DVT and 3 a superficial thrombosis. In total, 4.2% (6) subjects had a thrombotic event. The difference (p<0.02) between groups is significant. Intention-to-treat analysis detects 14 failures in the control group (8 lost + 6 thromboses = 9.7%) versus 6 (all lost = 4.2% in the stockings group) (p<0.05). Four of 6 events (3 DVT + 1 SVT) were observed in non-aisle seats. The tolerability of the stockings was very good. No difference was observed in the distribution of events between men and women. Edema evaluation: The level of edema at inclusion was comparable in the 2 groups. After the flight there was a score of 8.08 (2.9) in controls while in the stockings group the score was 2.56 (1.5) (p < 0.005). In conclusion. Scholl Flight Socks are very effective in controlling edema. Also this type of compression is effective in significantly reducing the incidence of DVT and thrombotic events in low-medium-risk subjects, in long-haul flights. Considering these observations, Flight Socks are effective in controlling edema and in reducing the incidence of DVT in low-medium-risk subjects, in long-haul flights (7-11 hours).

REVIEWS OF TOPICAL PROBLEMS The quark-gluon medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dremin, Igor M.; Leonidov, Andrei V.

2011-02-01

The properties of the quark-gluon medium observed in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions are discussed. The main experimental facts about these collisions are briefly described and compared with data about proton-proton collisions. Both microscopic and macroscopic approaches to their description are reviewed. The chromodynamics of the quark-gluon medium at high energies is mainly considered. The energy loss of partons moving in this medium is treated. The principal conclusion is that the medium possesses some collective properties which are crucial for understanding the experimental observations.

The effects of goal variation on adult physical activity behaviour.

PubMed

Moon, Dal-Hyun; Yun, Joonkoo; McNamee, Jeff

2016-10-01

The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of varying levels of goals on increasing daily steps and the frequency of goal achievement among middle-aged adults. Ninety-six adults participated in a randomised control study. Participants were randomly assigned to five different step goal groups: (1) Easy (n = 19), (2) Medium (n = 19), (3) Difficult (n = 19), (4) Do-your-best (n = 19), and (5) No goal (n = 20) based on previous research. The participants wore a pedometer and were asked to reach a pre-established goal during the experimental period. In order to examine the effectiveness of the goal difficulty, (a) an average number of steps taken by different goal conditions and (b) the number of days meeting the assigned goal were tested. A one-way ANCOVA revealed significant step count differences among goal groups. Post hoc analyses indicated that the change in step count in both the Medium and Difficult goal groups was significantly greater than the remaining groups. However, there was no significant difference between the medium and difficult goal conditions. In addition, a one-way ANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences in the frequency of goal achievement among the Easy, Medium, and Difficult goal groups. Results suggest that when promoting physical activity through increasing step counts, researchers and clinicians should design goals that are specific and challenging.

Geometry strategic competence of junior high school students based on sex difference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugraheni, Zahra; Budiyono, Slamet, Isnandar

2017-12-01

There are different structures of male and female brain as it caused the difference of spatial and mathematical ability. This study examined whether there was different geometry strategic competence between sexes. There were 60 students given scholastic task of geometry strategic competence. The score obtained was analyzed by using independent t-test to compare the mean value of score between two groups. To determine the natural differences in strategy use between sexes, the score obtained was classified into high, medium, and low level. Semi-structured interview was conducted to six students (3 girls and 3 boys) who represented each level as subjects. By quantitative analyzing, obtained that there was no different in geometry strategic competence between girl and boy. Further, by qualitative analyzing known that girl students had more positive attitude than boys toward mathematics problem in the low score level and had the same strategic competence with boys in the medium scorelevel. Then, in the high scorelevel, boy students were tend to use insight strategies to solve problems whereas girls likely to use algorithm strategies.

Fundamental Movement Skills among Iranian Primary School Children.

PubMed

Aalizadeh, Bahman; Mohamadzadeh, Hassan; Hosseini, Fatemeh Sadat

2014-12-01

To determine the relationship between anthropometric indicators, physical activity (PA) and socioeconomic status (SES) with fundamental movement skills (FMS) among Iranian male students. In this descriptive study, based on SES scores, 241 students (7-10 years) were randomly selected and classified in high, medium and low groups. All children were measured by 8 morphology anthropometric measures. In order to examine a subset of manipulative skills and to measure physical activity and socioeconomic status, Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD2) and, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used, respectively. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression. There was a significant positive correlation between SES and body mass index (BMI), while a significant negative correlation existed between PA and BMI. Object control skills were significantly correlated with height, foot length, forearm length, hand length and physical activity. Students with low socioeconomic status were more qualified in movements than other students who were in medium and high socioeconomic status. Therefore, parents need to encourage students to be more active in order to prevent obesity and to facilitate development of object control skills in high socioeconomic status.

Investigating cigarette affordability in 60 cities using the cigarette price‐daily income ratio

PubMed Central

Kan, Ming‐yue

2007-01-01

Objective To investigate cigarette affordability in 60 cities. Methods Affordability of cigarettes is defined as the ratio of the price of one pack of cigarettes to daily income (cigarette price‐daily income ratio: CPDIR). Daily income data were calculated using the mean of the seven occupations with the lowest daily wage, as listed in the 2006 Union Bank of Switzerland survey; cigarette prices in 2006 were sourced from the Economist Intelligence Unit. Results Cigarette affordability in most of the surveyed cities remains high. There is a tendency for cities with high income economies to have a high level of cigarette affordability. Most of the cities in Western Europe and South and North America have high cigarette affordability, whereas 66.7% of their counterparts in Eastern Europe have medium cigarette affordability. In Asia, all cities with high cigarette affordability belong to the group of upper middle to high income economies, except for the Philippines. In Africa, Johannesburg and Nairobi have high and medium levels of cigarette affordability, respectively. Conclusion Cigarette affordability for most of the sampled cities, especially those in high income economies, is high. There is room for increasing cigarette prices via tax increases. There is a risk that the increase in cigarette prices in newly emerging economies lags behind the high speed of economic growth being experiencing. Tax increases should be given high priority. PMID:18048622

Trajectories of dental anxiety in a birth cohort

PubMed Central

Thomson, W. M.; Broadbent, J. M.; Locker, D.; Poulton, R.

2010-01-01

Objective To examine predictors of dental anxiety trajectories in a longitudinal study of New Zealanders. Methods Prospective study of a complete birth cohort born in 1972/73 in Dunedin, New Zealand, with dental anxiety scale (DAS) scores and dental utilization determined at ages 15, 18, 26 and 32 years. Personality traits were assessed at a superfactor and (more fine-grained) subscale level via the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire at age 18 years. Group-based trajectory analysis was used to identify dental anxiety trajectories. Results DAS scores from at least three assessments were available for 828 participants. Six dental anxiety trajectories were observed: stable nonanxious low (39.6%); stable nonanxious medium (37.9%); recovery (1.6%); adult-onset anxious (7.7%); stable anxious (7.2%) and adolescent-onset anxious (5.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that males and those with higher DMFS at age 15 years were more likely to be in the stable nonanxious low trajectory group. Membership of the stable nonanxious medium group was predicted by the dental caries experience at age 15 years. Participants who had lost one or more teeth between ages 26 and 32 years had almost twice the relative risk for membership of the adult-onset anxious group. Personality traits predicted group membership. Specifically, high scorers (via median split) on the ‘stress reaction’ subscale had over twice the risk of being in the stable anxious group; low scorers on the traditionalism subscale were more likely to be members of the recovery trajectory group; and high scorers on the ‘social closeness’ subscale had half the risk of being in the stable anxious group. Dental caries experience at age 5 years was also a predictor for the stable anxious group. Membership of the late-adolescent-onset anxious group was predicted by higher dental caries experience by age 15 years, but none of the other predictors was significant. Conclusion Six discrete trajectories of dental anxiety have been observed. Some trajectories (totalling more than 90% of the cohort) had clear associations with external influences, but others were more strongly associated with characteristics such as personality traits. A mix of both influences was observed with only the stable anxious dental anxiety trajectory. PMID:19508269

7 CFR 29.3155 - Mixed (M Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Light Mixed. General quality of X3, C3, B3, T3, medium to tissuey body, light general color, under 20..., medium to tissuey body, light general color under 20 percent greenish, and 20 percent injury tolerance. M5F Low Light Mixed. General quality of X5, C5, B5, T5, medium to tissuey body, light general color...

7 CFR 29.3155 - Mixed (M Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Light Mixed. General quality of X3, C3, B3, T3, medium to tissuey body, light general color, under 20..., medium to tissuey body, light general color under 20 percent greenish, and 20 percent injury tolerance. M5F Low Light Mixed. General quality of X5, C5, B5, T5, medium to tissuey body, light general color...

7 CFR 29.3155 - Mixed (M Group).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Light Mixed. General quality of X3, C3, B3, T3, medium to tissuey body, light general color, under 20..., medium to tissuey body, light general color under 20 percent greenish, and 20 percent injury tolerance. M5F Low Light Mixed. General quality of X5, C5, B5, T5, medium to tissuey body, light general color...

Explaining variability in first grazing season heifer growth combining individually measured parasitological and clinical indicators with exposure to gastrointestinal nematode infection based on grazing management practice.

PubMed

Merlin, Aurélie; Chauvin, Alain; Madouasse, Aurélien; Froger, Sébastien; Bareille, Nathalie; Chartier, Christophe

2016-07-30

The objective of our study was to explain the variability of average daily weight gain (ADWG) due to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection for 291 non treated first grazing season (FGS) heifers, from 12 independent groups in the western part of France, by combining parasitological and clinical indicators at individual level and grazing management indicators at group level. Parasitological indicators were faecal egg count (FEC), anti Ostertagia ostertagi antibody level (Ostertagia ODR), and pepsinogen level. Clinical indicators were diarrhea score (DISCO) and breech soiling score (BSS). At group level, grazing management practice (GMP), based on three variables (supplementation, month of turnout, grazing season duration), was clustered into three categories reflecting low, medium or high exposure (EXP) to GIN. Depending on the groups, turnout was from mid-March to early July and housing was from mid-October to late November, with a FGS duration ranging from 4 to 8.4 months. At turnout, the mean age of heifers was 8 months (range: 6-16 months) and they weighed between 175 and 268kg. In each GMP category, FEC significantly decreased between the mid-season and the housing, while Ostertagia ODR and pepsinogen level increased gradually throughout the grazing season. In contrast, clinical indicators did not show any seasonal variation. In a multivariate linear model, 22% of the ADWG variability was significantly explained by two individual indicators (Ostertagia ODR: 12.6%, DISCO: 4.8%) and by the group indicator (GMP category: 4.8%). ADWG losses due to GIN exposure (Ostertagia ODR) were estimated up to 39kg per heifer for the overall grazing season. For groups within the low EXP category the difference between animals with low (<697g/day) or high (>697g/day) ADWG was explained by the clinical indicator DISCO. In contrast, for groups within the medium and high EXP categories this difference was explained by a parasitological indicator (Ostertagia ODR). This study highlighted the value of combining both grazing management (group level) and parasitological (individual level) indicators to assess the impact of GIN on ADWG of FGS heifers. As a result, this combination might allow a better discrimination of animals or groups that may be in need of treatment in a targeting selective treatment approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Shiitake Intake on Serum Lipids in Rats Fed Different High-Oil or High-Fat Diets.

PubMed

Asada, Norihiko; Kairiku, Rumi; Tobo, Mika; Ono, Akifumi

2018-04-27

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extract, eritadenine, has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, and its hypocholesterolemic actions are involved in the metabolism of methionine. However, the mechanisms by which eritadenine affects cholesterol metabolism in animals fed a high-fat diet containing different sources of lipids have not yet been elucidated in detail. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of shiitake supplementation on serum lipid concentrations in rats fed a diet including a high amount of a plant oil (HO [high oil] and HOS [high oil with shiitake] groups), animal fat (HF [high fat] and HFS [high fat with shiitake] groups), or MCT- (medium-chain triglyceride-) rich plant oil (HM [high MCT] and HMS [high MCT with shiitake] groups). Rats in the HOS, HFS, and HMS groups were fed shiitake. When rats were fed a diet containing shiitake, serum triglyceride, cholesterol levels, and LCAT (lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase) activities were lower in rats given MCT-rich plant oil than in those that consumed lard. The lipid type in the diet with shiitake also affected serum cholesterol levels and LCAT activities. The diet containing MCT-rich plant oil showed the greatest rates of decrease in all serum lipid profiles and LCAT activities. These results suggest that shiitake and MCT-rich plant oil work together to reduce lipid profiles and LCAT activity in serum.

Bioinformatics analysis of disordered proteins in prokaryotes.

PubMed

Pavlović-Lažetić, Gordana M; Mitić, Nenad S; Kovačević, Jovana J; Obradović, Zoran; Malkov, Saša N; Beljanski, Miloš V

2011-03-02

A significant number of proteins have been shown to be intrinsically disordered, meaning that they lack a fixed 3 D structure or contain regions that do not posses a well defined 3 D structure. It has also been proven that a protein's disorder content is related to its function. We have performed an exhaustive analysis and comparison of the disorder content of proteins from prokaryotic organisms (i.e., superkingdoms Archaea and Bacteria) with respect to functional categories they belong to, i.e., Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs) and groups of COGs-Cellular processes (Cp), Information storage and processing (Isp), Metabolism (Me) and Poorly characterized (Pc). We also analyzed the disorder content of proteins with respect to various genomic, metabolic and ecological characteristics of the organism they belong to. We used correlations and association rule mining in order to identify the most confident associations between specific modalities of the characteristics considered and disorder content. Bacteria are shown to have a somewhat higher level of protein disorder than archaea, except for proteins in the Me functional group. It is demonstrated that the Isp and Cp functional groups in particular (L-repair function and N-cell motility and secretion COGs of proteins in specific) possess the highest disorder content, while Me proteins, in general, posses the lowest. Disorder fractions have been confirmed to have the lowest level for the so-called order-promoting amino acids and the highest level for the so-called disorder promoters. For each pair of organism characteristics, specific modalities are identified with the maximum disorder proteins in the corresponding organisms, e.g., high genome size-high GC content organisms, facultative anaerobic-low GC content organisms, aerobic-high genome size organisms, etc. Maximum disorder in archaea is observed for high GC content-low genome size organisms, high GC content-facultative anaerobic or aquatic or mesophilic organisms, etc. Maximum disorder in bacteria is observed for high GC content-high genome size organisms, high genome size-aerobic organisms, etc. Some of the most reliable association rules mined establish relationships between high GC content and high protein disorder, medium GC content and both medium and low protein disorder, anaerobic organisms and medium protein disorder, Gammaproteobacteria and low protein disorder, etc. A web site Prokaryote Disorder Database has been designed and implemented at the address http://bioinfo.matf.bg.ac.rs/disorder, which contains complete results of the analysis of protein disorder performed for 296 prokaryotic completely sequenced genomes. Exhaustive disorder analysis has been performed by functional classes of proteins, for a larger dataset of prokaryotic organisms than previously done. Results obtained are well correlated to those previously published, with some extension in the range of disorder level and clear distinction between functional classes of proteins. Wide correlation and association analysis between protein disorder and genomic and ecological characteristics has been performed for the first time. The results obtained give insight into multi-relationships among the characteristics and protein disorder. Such analysis provides for better understanding of the evolutionary process and may be useful for taxon determination. The main drawback of the approach is the fact that the disorder considered has been predicted and not experimentally established.

Academic performance and comparative effectiveness of computer- and textbook-based self-instruction.

PubMed

Kurihara, Yukio; Kuramoto, Shu; Matsuura, Kimio; Miki, Yoichiro; Oda, Katsushi; Seo, Hiromi; Watabe, Teruaki; Qayumi, A Karim

2004-01-01

We intended to clarify the influence of student academic ability on the effectiveness of CAI, using data of a study to assess the effectiveness of a new type of CAI software, cyberPatient (CP), at Kochi Medical School (KMS). A total of 59 third-year students were randomly assigned to four groups: Group-1 used a textbook for self-instruction, Group-2 used CP, Group-3 used both types of learning materials, and Group-4 did not learn. Learning performance was evaluated by multiple-choice examination and OSCE. In order to clarify the influence of students' academic ability on the effectiveness of CAI, statistical analyses were conducted, assigning students as either high or medium or low performance students. High performance students from Group-1, -2 and -3 did not differ significantly in test performance after self-instruction. However, low performance students in Group-1 scored significantly lower than those in Group-2 and -3. All students in Group-2 and -3 reported that CP stimulated willingness to learn and assisted understanding. The present analysis suggested that effectiveness of CAI might be associated with the academic ability of students.

[Effect of tranilast on wound healing and administration time on scar hyperplasia of deep partial-thickness burn in mice].

PubMed

Hu, Zhenzhen; Chen, Bin; Li, Yang; Jiang, Wei; Wen, Lihong; Ji, Fukang; Yang, Xiao; Wang, Jinhuang; Liu, Dalie

2017-04-01

To investigate the effect of tranilast on wound healing and the mechanism of inhibiting scar hyperplasia in mice, and to study the relationship between the inhibiting ability of tranilast on scar hyperplasia and administration time. Sixty-six Kunming mice were selected to build deep II degree burn model, and were randomly divided into the control group (18 mice), the early intervention group (18 mice), the medium intervention group (18 mice), and the late intervention group (12 mice). The mice in the early intervention group, the medium-term intervention group, and the late intervention group were given tranilast 200 mg/(kg·d) by gastrogavage at immediate, 7 days, and 14 days after burn respectively, and the mice in the control group were managed with same amount of normal saline every day. The wound healing was observed regularly. At 14, 28, and 42 days in the early and medium intervention groups and at 28 and 42 days in the late intervention group, fresh tissues were taken from 6 mice to observe the shape of mast cells by toluidine blue staining, collagen content by Masson staining; the collagen type I and collagen type III content were measured to calculate the I/III collagen content ratio by immunohistochemistry method, the contents of transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β 1 ) and histamine were detected by ELISA; and the ultrastructure of fibroblasts was observed under transmission electron microscope. There was no significant difference in wound healing time between groups ( F =1.105, P =0.371). The mast cells number, collagen content, TGF-β 1 content, histamine content, and the I/III collagen content ratio in the early intervention group were significantly less than those in the other groups ( P <0.05). Significant difference was found in mast cells number, collagen content, and histamine content between control group and medium or late intervention group at the other time points ( P <0.05) except between control group and late intervention group at 42 days ( P >0.05). Compared with the control group, the activity of fibroblasts in the early intervention group was obviously inhibited, and the arrangement of the fibers was more regular; the fibroblast activity in the medium and late intervention groups was also inhibited obviously. Tranilast has no obvious effect on the wound healing time in mice. Tranilast intervention shows the inhibitory effect on the scar hyperplasia which can significantly reduce the number of mast cells, the content of histamine and TGF-β 1 , inhibit the ability of fibroblasts synthetic collagen and adjust the proportion of collagen synthesis. The immediate tranilast intervention may have the best inhibitory effect on scar hyperplasia.

Heat-resistant agent used for control sand of steam huff and puff heavy oil well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, F. S.; Liu, G. L.; Lu, Y. J.; Xiong, X. C.; Ma, J. H.; Su, H. M.

2018-01-01

Heat-resistant agent containing hydroxymethyl group was synthesized from coal tar, which has similar structure with phenolic resin and could improve the heat resistance of phenolic resin sand control agent. The results showed that the heat resistance of the sand control agent was improved by adding 10% to 30% heat-resistant agent, after 280°C high temperature treatment for 7d, the compressive strength of consolidated core was increased to more than 5MPa. The compressive strength of consolidation core was not decreased after immersion in formation water, crude oil, acid or alkaline medium, which showed good resistance to medium immersion. The sand control agent had small core damage and the core permeability damage ratio of sand control agent consolidation was only 18.7%.

FDG-PET/CT lymph node staging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophageal-gastric junction.

PubMed

Fencl, Pavel; Belohlavek, Otakar; Harustiak, Tomas; Zemanova, Milada

2016-11-01

The aim of the analysis was to assess the accuracy of various FDG-PET/CT parameters in staging lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this prospective study, 74 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophageal-gastric junction were examined by FDG-PET/CT in the course of their neoadjuvant chemotherapy given before surgical treatment. Data from the final FDG-PET/CT examinations were compared with the histology from the surgical specimens (gold standard). The accuracy was calculated for four FDG-PET/CT parameters: (1) hypermetabolic nodes, (2) large nodes, (3) large-and-medium large nodes, and (4) hypermetabolic or large nodes. In 74 patients, a total of 1540 lymph nodes were obtained by surgery, and these were grouped into 287 regions according to topographic origin. Five hundred and two nodes were imaged by FDG-PET/CT and were grouped into these same regions for comparison. In the analysis, (1) hypermetabolic nodes, (2) large nodes, (3) large-and-medium large nodes, and (4) hypermetabolic or large nodes identified metastases in particular regions with sensitivities of 11.6%, 2.9%, 21.7%, and 13.0%, respectively; specificity was 98.6%, 94.5%, 74.8%, and 93.6%, respectively. The best accuracy of 77.7% reached the parameter of hypermetabolic nodes. Accuracy decreased to 62.0% when also smaller nodes (medium-large) were taken for the parameter of metastases. FDG-PET/CT proved low sensitivity and high specificity. Low sensitivity was based on low detection rate (32.6%) when compared nodes imaged by FDG-PET/CT to nodes found by surgery, and in inability to detect micrometastases. Sensitivity increased when also medium-large LNs were taken for positive, but specificity and accuracy decreased.

Effect of hospital volume on processes of breast cancer care: A National Cancer Data Base study.

PubMed

Yen, Tina W F; Pezzin, Liliana E; Li, Jianing; Sparapani, Rodney; Laud, Purushuttom W; Nattinger, Ann B

2017-05-15

The purpose of this study was to examine variations in delivery of several breast cancer processes of care that are correlated with lower mortality and disease recurrence, and to determine the extent to which hospital volume explains this variation. Women who were diagnosed with stage I-III unilateral breast cancer between 2007 and 2011 were identified within the National Cancer Data Base. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to determine whether hospital volume was independently associated with each of 10 individual process of care measures addressing diagnosis and treatment, and 2 composite measures assessing appropriateness of systemic treatment (chemotherapy and hormonal therapy) and locoregional treatment (margin status and radiation therapy). Among 573,571 women treated at 1755 different hospitals, 38%, 51%, and 10% were treated at high-, medium-, and low-volume hospitals, respectively. On multivariate analysis controlling for patient sociodemographic characteristics, treatment year and geographic location, hospital volume was a significant predictor for cancer diagnosis by initial biopsy (medium volume: odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.25; high volume: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.14-1.49), negative surgical margins (medium volume: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06-1.24; high volume: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.13-1.44), and appropriate locoregional treatment (medium volume: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07-1.17; high volume: OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09-1.24). Diagnosis of breast cancer before initial surgery, negative surgical margins and appropriate use of radiation therapy may partially explain the volume-survival relationship. Dissemination of these processes of care to a broader group of hospitals could potentially improve the overall quality of care and outcomes of breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2017;123:957-66. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

75 FR 15632 - Proposed Amendment to and Establishment of Restricted Areas and Other Special Use Airspace...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-30

... restricted area is inadequate for training at medium to high altitudes. The restricted areas R-2402B and R...- 2402, at 30,000 feet MSL, is considered adequate for medium to high altitude weapons employment tactics... lateral maneuvering airspace needed to practice medium to high altitude standoff weapon delivery profiles...

The effect and biological mechanism of granular sludge size on performance of autotrophic nitrogen removal system.

PubMed

Ya-Juan, Xing; Jun-Yuan, Ji; Ping, Zheng; Lan, Wang; Abbas, Ghulam; Zhang, Jiqiang; Ru, Wang; Zhan-Fei, He

2018-05-31

The autotrophic process for nitrogen removal has attracted worldwide attention in the field of wastewater treatment, and the performance of this process is greatly influenced by the size of granular sludge particles present in the system. In this work, the granular sludge was divided into three groups, i.e. large size (> 1.2 mm), medium size (0.6-1.2 mm) and small size (< 0.6 mm). The medium granular sludge was observed to dominate at high volumetric nitrogen loading rates, while offering strong support for good performance. Its indispensable contribution was found to originate from improved settling velocity (0.84 ± 0.10 cm/s), high SOUR-A (specific oxygen uptake rate for ammonia oxidizing bacteria, 25.93 mg O 2 /g MLVSS/h), low SOUR-N (specific oxygen uptake rate for nitrite oxidizing bacteria, 3.39 mg O 2 /g MLVSS/h), and a reasonable microbial spatial distribution.

Archaeal abundance in post-mortem ruminal digesta may help predict methane emissions from beef cattle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, R. John; Rooke, John A.; Duthie, Carol-Anne; Hyslop, Jimmy J.; Ross, David W.; McKain, Nest; de Souza, Shirley Motta; Snelling, Timothy J.; Waterhouse, Anthony; Roehe, Rainer

2014-07-01

Methane produced from 35 Aberdeen-Angus and 33 Limousin cross steers was measured in respiration chambers. Each group was split to receive either a medium- or high-concentrate diet. Ruminal digesta samples were subsequently removed to investigate correlations between methane emissions and the rumen microbial community, as measured by qPCR of 16S or 18S rRNA genes. Diet had the greatest influence on methane emissions. The high-concentrate diet resulted in lower methane emissions (P < 0.001) than the medium-concentrate diet. Methane was correlated, irrespective of breed, with the abundance of archaea (R = 0.39), bacteria (-0.47), protozoa (0.45), Bacteroidetes (-0.37) and Clostridium Cluster XIVa (-0.35). The archaea:bacteria ratio provided a stronger correlation (0.49). A similar correlation was found with digesta samples taken 2-3 weeks later at slaughter. This finding could help enable greenhouse gas emissions of large animal cohorts to be predicted from samples taken conveniently in the abattoir.

[Effects of Loquat-Branch Dust Substitution on Ganoderma lucidum Cultivation in Its Main Active Components].

PubMed

Zhang, Ping; Chen, Feng; Lai, Teng-qiang; Jin, Ling-yun; Li, Ye

2015-12-01

To select the best Ganoderma lucidum cultivation medium of replacing sawdust into loquat-branch dust, in order to realize high output and high quality production of Ganoderma lucidum. Loquat-branch dust was added as substitution in Ganoderma lucidum cultivation, its effects on the biomass and the content of Ganoderma polysaccharides, triterpenoids and flavonoids were analyzed. By using loquat-branch dust in culture, Ganoderma lucidum grew well with normal fruiting body obtained and spores released. Compared with control group, the biological efficiency was increased by 11.34%, when the addition of the loquat-branch dust was 80%, while the amount of spore had little difference. When the addition of the loquat-branch dust was 90%, the content of Ganoderma polysaccharides and triterpenoids was increased by 32.29% and 30.58% respectively, while the efficiency of flavonoids had little difference. Using loquat-branch dust cultivation can improve the quality of Ganoderma lucidum. According to the comprehensive score, 80% loquat-branch dust is the most suitable cultivation medium.

Critical reappraisal of embryo quality as a predictive parameter for pregnancy outcome: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Campo, R.; Binda, M.M.; Van Kerkhoven, G.; Frederickx, V.; Serneels, A.; Roziers, P.; Lopes, A.S.; Gordts, S.; Puttemans, P.; Gordts, S.

2010-01-01

Aim of the study: Pilot study to analyse the efficacy and embryo morphology using a new human embryo culture medium (GM501) versus the conventional used medium (ISM1). Methods: Over a four-month period, all patients at the Leuven Institute of Fertility and Embryology (LIFE) were randomly allocated to have their embryos cultured in either the standard sequential culture medium ISM1 (control) or in a new universal medium (GM501) (study group). Primary outcome parameters were clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. The secondary outcome parameter was the correlation of embryo fragmentation rate with pregnancy outcome. Results: We did not observe any differences between the ISM1 control group and GM501 study group with regard to fertilization, pregnancy, implantation rates, ongoing pregnancy, and babies born. The number of embryos with a minimal fragmentation rate (less than 30%) was significantly higher in the GM501 study group. Conclusion: Although a significant higher embryo fragmentation rate was seen in In vitro culture of embryos in GM501, pregnancy outcome results were comparable to those of embryos cultured in ISM1. According to our results the value of embryo morphological criteria as a parameter for pregnancy outcome should be examined and discussed again. PMID:25009716

The Role of Star Formation in Radio-Loud Galaxy Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbst, Hanna; Wilcots, E.; Hess, K.

2010-01-01

X-ray observations have shown that additional non-gravitational processes are required to explain the heating of the intergalactic medium in galaxy groups. The two most likely processes are galactic outflows from starbursts and feedback from AGN. Here, we look at star formation as a possible additional heating mechanism in X-ray luminous groups such as NGC 741, NGC 1052, NGC 524, and NGC 1587. We report on the results of optical imaging of these groups carried out using the WIYN 3.5m telescope with a specific emphasis on measuring the star formation rates of the resident galaxies in each group and estimating the impact of that star formation on the thermodynamics of the intragroup medium.

Potentiation of Sodium Metabisulfite Toxicity by Propylene Glycol in Both in Vitro and in Vivo Systems.

PubMed

Yoo, Jean; Lim, Yeon-Mi; Kim, Haewon; Kim, Eun-Ji; Lee, Doo-Hee; Lee, Byeongwoo; Kim, Pilje; Yu, Seung Do; Kim, Hyun-Mi; Yoon, Byung-Il; Shim, Ilseob

2018-01-01

Many consumer products used in our daily lives result in inhalation exposure to a variety of chemicals, although the toxicities of the active ingredients are not well known; furthermore, simultaneous exposure to chemical mixtures occurs. Sodium metabisulfite (SM) and propylene glycol (PG) are used in a variety of products. Both the cytotoxicity and the sub-acute inhalation toxicity of each chemical and their mixtures were evaluated. Assays for cell viability, membrane damage, and lysosome damage demonstrated that SM over 100 μg/ml induced significant cytotoxicity; moreover, when PG, which was not cytotoxic, was mixed with SM, the cytotoxicity of the mixture was enhanced. Solutions of 1, 5, and 20% SM, each with 1% PG solution, were prepared, and the whole body of rats was exposed to aerosols of the mixture for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 1 (exposure group) or 7 days (recovery group) after termination of the exposure. The actual concentration of SM in the low-, medium-, and high-exposure groups was 3.91 ± 1.26, 35.73 ± 6.01, and 80.98 ± 5.47 mg/m 3 , respectively, and the actual concentration of PG in each group was 6.47 ± 1.25, 8.68 ± 0.6, and 8.84 ± 1.77 mg/m 3 . The repeated exposure to SM and PG caused specific clinical signs including nasal sound, sneeze, and eye irritation which were not found in SM single exposure. In addition, the body weight of treatment group rats decreased compared to that of the control group rats in a time-dependent manner. The total protein concentration and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased. Histopathological analysis of the lungs, liver, and nasal cavity was performed. Adverse effects were observed in the nasal cavity, with squamous cell metaplasia identified in the front of the nasal cavity in all high-exposure groups, which completely recovered 7 days after exposure was terminated. Whereas inhalation of SM for 2 weeks only reduced body weight in the high-dose group, inhalation of SM and PG mixtures for 2 weeks significantly decreased body weight and induced metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium into squamous cells in the medium- and high-dose groups. In conclusion, PG potentiated the toxicity of SM in human lung epithelial cells and the inhalation toxicity in rats.

The effect of nicotine and cotinine on human gingival fibroblasts attachment to root surfaces.

PubMed

Esfahrood, Zeinab Rezaei; Zamanian, Amirhosein; Torshabi, Maryam; Abrishami, Maryam

2015-09-01

Different compounds of smoking (e.g., nicotine and cotinine) are risk factors for various diseases such as oral cancer and periodontal diseases. Some studies reported the negative effects of nicotine on cell proliferation and differentiation. The present in vitro study assessed the effects of nicotine and cotinine (long-acting metabolite of nicotine) on the attachment and viability of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells to tooth root surfaces. A total of 70 teeth specimens were placed into 48-well culture plates and covered with HGF cell suspension, in complete Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium culture medium containing 1 nM, 1 μm, 1 mM, and 5 mM of nicotine and cotinine concentrations. Cellular attachment and viability measured using an MTT assay and a scanning electron microscope were used for cell morphological evaluation. After 24 h, low (nanomolar and micromolar) and high concentrations (millimolar) of nicotine and cotinine caused a significant reduction in the initial cell adhesion in comparison with the control group, but no significant difference was observed between the nicotine and the cotinine groups (p<0.05). Dentally attached cells with low concentrations of nicotine and cotinine proliferated 48 h after exposure, the same as the control group. However, dentally attached cells with high concentrations of nicotine and cotinine (especially 5 mM) did not proliferate 24 h after exposure (p<0.05). Low concentrations of nicotine and cotinine caused a reduction in the initial cell adhesion. However, no significant adverse effects on the proliferation of attached cells were seen in the longer period. High concentrations of nicotine and cotinine have adverse effects on the cell adhesion and proliferation of HGF cells.

Bon-EV: an improved multiple testing procedure for controlling false discovery rates.

PubMed

Li, Dongmei; Xie, Zidian; Zand, Martin; Fogg, Thomas; Dye, Timothy

2017-01-03

Stability of multiple testing procedures, defined as the standard deviation of total number of discoveries, can be used as an indicator of variability of multiple testing procedures. Improving stability of multiple testing procedures can help to increase the consistency of findings from replicated experiments. Benjamini-Hochberg's and Storey's q-value procedures are two commonly used multiple testing procedures for controlling false discoveries in genomic studies. Storey's q-value procedure has higher power and lower stability than Benjamini-Hochberg's procedure. To improve upon the stability of Storey's q-value procedure and maintain its high power in genomic data analysis, we propose a new multiple testing procedure, named Bon-EV, to control false discovery rate (FDR) based on Bonferroni's approach. Simulation studies show that our proposed Bon-EV procedure can maintain the high power of the Storey's q-value procedure and also result in better FDR control and higher stability than Storey's q-value procedure for samples of large size(30 in each group) and medium size (15 in each group) for either independent, somewhat correlated, or highly correlated test statistics. When sample size is small (5 in each group), our proposed Bon-EV procedure has performance between the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure and the Storey's q-value procedure. Examples using RNA-Seq data show that the Bon-EV procedure has higher stability than the Storey's q-value procedure while maintaining equivalent power, and higher power than the Benjamini-Hochberg's procedure. For medium or large sample sizes, the Bon-EV procedure has improved FDR control and stability compared with the Storey's q-value procedure and improved power compared with the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. The Bon-EV multiple testing procedure is available as the BonEV package in R for download at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=BonEV .

Mother's body mass index and food intake in school-aged children:  results of the GINIplus and the LISAplus studies.

PubMed

Pei, Z; Flexeder, C; Fuertes, E; Standl, M; Berdel, D; von Berg, A; Koletzko, S; Schaaf, B; Heinrich, J

2014-08-01

Mother's body mass index (BMI) is a strong predictor of child BMI. Whether mother's BMI correlates with child's food intake is unclear. We investigated associations between mother's BMI/overweight and child's food intake using data from two German birth cohorts. Food intakes from 3230 participants were derived from parent-completed food frequency questionnaires. Intakes of 11 food groups were categorized into three levels using group- and sex-specific tertile cutoffs. Mother's BMI and overweight were calculated on the basis of questionnaire data. Multinomial regression models assessed associations between a child's food intake and mother's BMI/overweight. Linear regression models assessed associations between a child's total energy intake and mother's BMI. Models were adjusted for study region, maternal education, child's age, sex, pubertal status and energy intake and the BMIs of the child and father. Mothers' BMI was associated with high meat intake in children (adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR (95% confidence interval))=1.06 (1.03; 1.09)). Mothers' overweight was associated with the meat intake (medium versus low RRR=1.30 (1.07; 1.59); high versus low RRR=1.50 (1.19; 1.89)) and egg intake (medium versus low RRR=1.24 (1.02; 1.50); high versus low RRR=1.30 (1.07; 1.60)) of children. There were no consistent associations for rest of the food groups. For every one-unit increase in mothers' BMI, the total energy intake in children increased by 9.2 kcal (3.7; 14.7). However, this effect was not significant after adjusting for children's BMI. Our results suggest that mother's BMI and mother's overweight are important correlates of a child's intake of energy, meat and eggs.

Developmental trajectories of bullying and social dominance in youth.

PubMed

Reijntjes, Albert; Vermande, Marjolijn; Goossens, Frits A; Olthof, Tjeert; van de Schoot, Rens; Aleva, Liesbeth; van der Meulen, Matty

2013-04-01

Bullying is increasingly conceptualized as strategic behavior motivated by a desire to gain social dominance in the peer group. Cross-sectional research has shown that relative to their peers bullies are higher in social dominance as indexed by resource control, and are often perceived as powerful and "cool." However, research examining the developmental relationship between bullying and resource control is lacking. The present longitudinal study fills this gap in the literature. Using a three wave design, participants (N=394) were followed from late childhood into early adolescence. Joint trajectory analyses were used to test whether groups with distinct developmental trajectories of bullying and resource control can be identified, and how these trajectories are related. For both bullying and resource control three groups emerged (high, medium, and low), indicating that bullies and social dominants do not constitute one homogeneous group. More intense bullying is associated with higher levels of social dominance. Being consistently high in bullying is almost synonymous with being consistently high in resource control, whereas the reverse is not the case. Findings suggest that high bullying leads to the attainment of high social dominance, and do not support the view that children high in social dominance engage in bullying to maintain their dominant position. This study further underscores the need for interventions targeting mechanisms by which the peer group assigns social dominance to bullies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Yoga as an adjunctive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

van der Kolk, Bessel A; Stone, Laura; West, Jennifer; Rhodes, Alison; Emerson, David; Suvak, Michael; Spinazzola, Joseph

2014-06-01

More than a third of the approximately 10 million women with histories of interpersonal violence in the United States develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently available treatments for this population have a high rate of incomplete response, in part because problems in affect and impulse regulation are major obstacles to resolving PTSD. This study explored the efficacy of yoga to increase affect tolerance and to decrease PTSD symptomatology. Sixty-four women with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD were randomly assigned to either trauma-informed yoga or supportive women's health education, each as a weekly 1-hour class for 10 weeks. Assessments were conducted at pretreatment, midtreatment, and posttreatment and included measures of DSM-IV PTSD, affect regulation, and depression. The study ran from 2008 through 2011. The primary outcome measure was the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). At the end of the study, 16 of 31 participants (52%) in the yoga group no longer met criteria for PTSD compared to 6 of 29 (21%) in the control group (n = 60, χ²₁ = 6.17, P = .013). Both groups exhibited significant decreases on the CAPS, with the decrease falling in the large effect size range for the yoga group (d = 1.07) and the medium to large effect size decrease for the control group (d = 0.66). Both the yoga (b = -9.21, t = -2.34, P = .02, d = -0.37) and control (b = -22.12, t = -3.39, P = .001, d = -0.54) groups exhibited significant decreases from pretreatment to the midtreatment assessment. However, a significant group × quadratic trend interaction (d = -0.34) showed that the pattern of change in Davidson Trauma Scale significantly differed across groups. The yoga group exhibited a significant medium effect size linear (d = -0.52) trend. In contrast, the control group exhibited only a significant medium effect size quadratic trend (d = 0.46) but did not exhibit a significant linear trend (d = -0.29). Thus, both groups exhibited significant decreases in PTSD symptoms during the first half of treatment, but these improvements were maintained in the yoga group, while the control group relapsed after its initial improvement. Yoga significantly reduced PTSD symptomatology, with effect sizes comparable to well-researched psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic approaches. Yoga may improve the functioning of traumatized individuals by helping them to tolerate physical and sensory experiences associated with fear and helplessness and to increase emotional awareness and affect tolerance. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00839813. © Copyright 2014 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

Positive attitude toward healthy eating predicts higher diet quality at all cost levels of supermarkets.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Anju; Monsivais, Pablo; Cook, Andrea J; Drewnowski, Adam

2014-02-01

Shopping at low-cost supermarkets has been associated with higher obesity rates. This study examined whether attitudes toward healthy eating are independently associated with diet quality among shoppers at low-cost, medium-cost, and high-cost supermarkets. Data on socioeconomic status (SES), attitudes toward healthy eating, and supermarket choice were collected using a telephone survey of a representative sample of adult residents of King County, WA. Dietary intake data were based on a food frequency questionnaire. Thirteen supermarket chains were stratified into three categories: low, medium, and high cost, based on a market basket of 100 commonly eaten foods. Diet-quality measures were energy density, mean adequacy ratio, and total servings of fruits and vegetables. The analytical sample consisted of 963 adults. Multivariable regressions with robust standard error examined relations between diet quality, supermarket type, attitudes, and SES. Shopping at higher-cost supermarkets was associated with higher-quality diets. These associations persisted after adjusting for SES, but were eliminated after taking attitudinal measures into account. Supermarket shoppers with positive attitudes toward healthy eating had equally higher-quality diets, even if they shopped at low-, medium-, or high-cost supermarkets, independent of SES and other covariates. These findings imply that shopping at low-cost supermarkets does not prevent consumers from having high-quality diets, as long as they attach importance to good nutrition. Promoting nutrition-education strategies among supermarkets, particularly those catering to low-income groups, can help to improve diet quality. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expression of the dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex in a model of neuropathic pain

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been related to the affective component of pain. Dopaminergic mesocortical circuits, including the ACC, are able to inhibit neuropathic nociception measured as autotomy behaviour. We determined the changes in dopamine D1 and D2 (D1R and D2R) receptor expression in the ACC (cg1 and cg2) in an animal model of neuropathic pain. The neuropathic group had noxious heat applied in the right hind paw followed 30 min. later by right sciatic denervation. Autotomy score (AS) was recorded for eight days and subsequently classified in low, medium and high AS groups. The control consisted of naïve animals. A semiquantitative RT-PCR procedure was done to determine mRNA levels for D1R and D2R in cg1 and cg2, and protein levels were measured by Western Blot. Results The results of D1R mRNA in cg1 showed a decrease in all groups. D2R mRNA levels in cg1 decreased in low AS and increased in medium and high AS. Regarding D1R in cg2, there was an increase in all groups. D2R expression levels in cg2 decreased in all groups. In cg1, the D2R mRNA correlated positively with autotomy behaviour. Protein levels of D2R in cg1 increased in all groups but to a higher degree in low AS. In cg2 D2R protein only decreased discretely. D1R protein was not found in either ACC region. Conclusions This is the first evidence of an increase of inhibitory dopaminergic receptor (D2R) mRNA and protein in cg1 in correlation with nociceptive behaviour in a neuropathic model of pain in the rat. PMID:22171983

Constructing a Database of Similar Exposure Groups: The Application of the Exporisq-HAP Database from 1995 to 2015.

PubMed

Petit, Pascal; Bicout, Dominique J; Persoons, Renaud; Bonneterre, Vincent; Barbeau, Damien; Maître, Anne

2017-05-01

Similar exposure groups (SEGs) are needed to reliably assess occupational exposures and health risks. However, the construction of SEGs can turn out to be rather challenging because of the multifactorial variability of exposures. The objective of this study is to put forward a semi-empirical approach developed to construct and implement a SEG database for exposure assessments. An occupational database of airborne levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was used as an illustrative and working example. The approach that was developed consisted of four steps. The first three steps addressed the construction and implementation of the occupational Exporisq-HAP database (E-HAP). E-HAP was structured into three hierarchical levels of exposure groups, each of which was based on exposure determinants, along 16 dimensions that represented the sampled PAHs. A fourth step was implemented to identify and generate SEGs using the geometric standard deviation (GSD) of PAH concentrations. E-HAP was restructured into 16 (for 16 sampled PAHs) 3 × 3 matrices: three hierarchical levels of description versus three degrees of dispersion, which included low (the SEG database: GSD ≤ 3), medium (3 < GSD ≤ 6), and high (GSD > 6). Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was the least dispersed particulate PAH with 41.5% of groups that could be considered as SEGs, 48.5% of groups of medium dispersion, and only 8% with high dispersion. These results were comparable for BaP, BaP equivalent toxic, or the sum of all carcinogenic PAHs but were different when individual gaseous PAHs or ∑PAHG were chosen. Within the framework of risk assessment, such an approach, based on groundwork studies, allows for both the construction of an SEG database and the identification of exposure groups that require improvements in either the description level or the homogeneity degree toward SEG. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Multi-scale investigation of shrub encroachment in southern Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aplin, Paul; Marston, Christopher; Wilkinson, David; Field, Richard; O'Regan, Hannah

2016-04-01

There is growing speculation that savannah environments throughout Africa have been subject to shrub encroachment in recent years, whereby grassland is lost to woody vegetation cover. Changes in the relative proportions of grassland and woodland are important in the context of conservation of savannah systems, with implications for faunal distributions, environmental management and tourism. Here, we focus on southern Kruger National Park, South Africa, and investigate whether or not shrub encroachment has occurred over the last decade and a half. We use a multi-scale approach, examining the complementarity of medium (e.g. Landsat TM and OLI) and fine (e.g. QuickBird and WorldView-2) spatial resolution satellite sensor imagery, supported by intensive field survey in 2002 and 2014. We employ semi-automated land cover classification, involving a hybrid unsupervised clustering approach with manual class grouping and checking, followed by change detection post-classification comparison analysis. The results show that shrub encroachment is indeed occurring, a finding evidenced through three fine resolution replicate images plus medium resolution imagery. The results also demonstrate the complementarity of medium and fine resolution imagery, though some thematic information must be sacrificed to maintain high medium resolution classification accuracy. Finally, the findings have broader implications for issues such as vegetation seasonality, spatial transferability and management practices.

Platelet-rich plasma for arthroscopic repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Jo, Chris Hyunchul; Shin, Ji Sun; Shin, Won Hyoung; Lee, Seung Yeon; Yoon, Kang Sup; Shin, Sue

2015-09-01

Two main questions about the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for regeneration purposes are its effect on the speed of healing and the quality of healing. Despite recent numerous studies, evidence is still lacking in this area, especially in a representative patient population with medium to large rotator cuff tears. To assess the efficacy of PRP augmentation on the speed and quality of healing in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for medium to large rotator cuff tears. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. A total of 74 patients scheduled for arthroscopic repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears were randomly assigned to undergo either PRP-augmented repair (PRP group) or conventional repair (conventional group). In the PRP group, 3 PRP gels (3 × 3 mL) were applied to each patient between the torn end and the greater tuberosity. The primary outcome was the Constant score at 3 months after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, overall satisfaction and function, functional scores, retear rate, and change in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the supraspinatus muscle. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the Constant score at 3 months (P > .05). The 2 groups had similar results on the VAS for pain, ROM, muscle strength, overall satisfaction and function, and other functional scores (all P > .05) except for the VAS for worst pain (P = .043). The retear rate of the PRP group (3.0%) was significantly lower than that of the conventional group (20.0%) (P = .032). The change in 1-year postoperative and immediately postoperative CSAs was significantly different between the 2 groups: -36.76 ± 45.31 mm(2) in the PRP group versus -67.47 ± 47.26 mm(2) in the conventional group (P = .014). Compared with repairs without PRP augmentation, the current PRP preparation and application methods for medium to large rotator cuff repairs significantly improved the quality, as evidenced by a decreased retear rate and increased CSA of the supraspinatus, but not the speed of healing. However, further studies may be needed to investigate the effects of PRP on the speed of healing without risking the quality. © 2015 The Author(s).

Turkish University Students' Perceptions about English Medium Instruction: Exploring Year Group, Gender and University Type as Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macaro, Ernesto; Akincioglu, Mustafa

2018-01-01

In Turkey, as in much of the rest of the non-Anglophone world, universities are offering an increasing number of courses through English Medium Instruction (EMI) rather than through the medium of the first language (L1) of the majority of the population. Previous research has explored teacher and student perceptions and attitudes towards EMI and…

Efficacy of Atorvastatin in Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in High-risk Patients Undergoing Angiography: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Syed, Maaz Hussain; Khandelwal, Prakash Narayan; Thawani, Vijay R; Katare, S S

2017-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin (ATN) 80 mg in the prevention of contrast medium- induced nephropathy (CIN) in high risk patients undergoing angiograph. This was a prospective, double-blind, two-arm, parallel group RCT. A total of 216 patients undergoing coronary angiography were screened, and 188 eligible patients were randomized to two treatment arms. Patients in Group A received tablet N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 1200 mg once daily, and patients in Group B received tablet atorvastatin 80 mg + NAC 1200 mg once daily, for 3 days before, and 2 days after angiography. A total of 160 patients completed the trial. Postprocedure, nine and two CIN cases were found in Group A and B, respectively. The mean change in serum creatinine was 0.086 ± 0.168 in Group A and 0.021 ± 0.083 in Group B, which was statistically significant ( P = 0.0289). Postprocedure, the estimated glomerular filteration rate was reduced by 19.52 in Group A and 13.55 in Group B ( P = 0.003). This trial indicates the positive role of statins in preventive strategy against CIN along with NAC.

Efficacy of Atorvastatin in Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in High-risk Patients Undergoing Angiography: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Syed, Maaz Hussain; Khandelwal, Prakash Narayan; Thawani, Vijay R.; Katare, S. S.

2017-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin (ATN) 80 mg in the prevention of contrast medium- induced nephropathy (CIN) in high risk patients undergoing angiograph. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, double-blind, two-arm, parallel group RCT. A total of 216 patients undergoing coronary angiography were screened, and 188 eligible patients were randomized to two treatment arms. Patients in Group A received tablet N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 1200 mg once daily, and patients in Group B received tablet atorvastatin 80 mg + NAC 1200 mg once daily, for 3 days before, and 2 days after angiography. Results: A total of 160 patients completed the trial. Postprocedure, nine and two CIN cases were found in Group A and B, respectively. The mean change in serum creatinine was 0.086 ± 0.168 in Group A and 0.021 ± 0.083 in Group B, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0289). Postprocedure, the estimated glomerular filteration rate was reduced by 19.52 in Group A and 13.55 in Group B (P = 0.003). Conclusion: This trial indicates the positive role of statins in preventive strategy against CIN along with NAC. PMID:28706398

Flow-Signature Analysis of Water Consumption in Nonresidential Building Water Networks Using High-Resolution and Medium-Resolution Smart Meter Data: Two Case Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clifford, Eoghan; Mulligan, Sean; Comer, Joanne; Hannon, Louise

2018-01-01

Real-time monitoring of water consumption activities can be an effective mechanism to achieve efficient water network management. This approach, largely enabled by the advent of smart metering technologies, is gradually being practiced in domestic and industrial contexts. In particular, identifying water consumption habits from flow-signatures, i.e., the specific end-usage patterns, is being investigated as a means for conservation in both the residential and nonresidential context. However, the quality of meter data is bivariate (dependent on number of meters and data temporal resolution) and as a result, planning a smart metering scheme is relatively difficult with no generic design approach available. In this study, a comprehensive medium-resolution to high-resolution smart metering program was implemented at two nonresidential trial sites to evaluate the effect of spatial and temporal data aggregation. It was found that medium-resolution water meter data were capable of exposing regular, continuous, peak use, and diurnal patterns which reflect group wide end-usage characteristics. The high-resolution meter data permitted flow-signature at a personal end-use level. Through this unique opportunity to observe water usage characteristics via flow-signature patterns, newly defined hydraulic-based design coefficients determined from Poisson rectangular pulse were developed to intuitively aid in the process of pattern discovery with implications for automated activity recognition applications. A smart meter classification and siting index was introduced which categorizes meter resolution in terms of their suitable application.

Recovery of insulin sensitivity and optimal body composition after rapid weight loss in obese dogs fed a high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet.

PubMed

André, A; Leriche, I; Chaix, G; Thorin, C; Burger, M; Nguyen, P

2017-06-01

This study investigated the effects of an experimental high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet (protein level, 46% metabolizable energy, ME). First, postprandial plasma glucose and insulin kinetics were determined in steady-state overweight/obese Beagle dogs (28%-41% excess body weight) for an experimental high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet (protein level, 46% ME) and a commercial high-carbohydrate medium-protein diet (protein level, 24%ME) in obese dogs. Secondly, all the dogs were included in a weight loss programme. They were fed the high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet, and the energy allocation was gradually reduced until they reached their optimal body weight. Insulin sensitivity and body composition were evaluated before and after weight loss using a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp and the deuterium oxide dilution technique respectively. For statistical analysis, linear mixed effect models were used with a significance level of 5%. Postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were substantially lower with the high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet than the high-carbohydrate medium-protein diet. These differences can be explained mainly by the difference in carbohydrate content between the two diets. Energy restriction (35% lower energy intake than in the obese state) resulted in a 2.23 ± 0.05% loss in body weight/week, and the dogs reached their optimal body weight in 12-16 weeks. Weight loss was associated with a significant increase in insulin sensitivity. The high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet allowed fat-free mass preservation despite a relatively high rate of weekly weight loss. The increase in insulin sensitivity indicated improved control of carbohydrate metabolism, possible due to weight loss and to the nature of the diet. Thus, a high-protein medium-carbohydrate diet is a good nutritional solution for managing the weight of overweight dogs. This diet may improve glycaemic control, which could be beneficial for preventing or managing impaired glucose tolerance in obese dogs and for safe and successful weight loss while preserving lean body mass. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The double switch for atrioventricular discordance.

PubMed

Brawn, William J

2005-01-01

Conventional surgery for atrioventricular discordance usually associated with ventricular arterial discordance leaves the morphologic right ventricle in the systemic circulation. Long-term follow-up results with this approach reveal a high incidence of right ventricular failure. The double switch procedure was introduced to restore the morphologic left ventricle to the systemic circulation. This operation is performed in two main ways: the atrial-arterial switch and the atrial switch plus Rastelli procedure. This double switch approach has been successful at least in the medium term in abolishing morphologic right ventricular failure and its associated tricuspid valve regurgitation. In the atrial-arterial switch group, there is an incidence of morphologic left ventricular dysfunction, sometimes associated with neoaortic valve regurgitation, and the minority of cases need aortic valve replacement. The long-term function of the morphologic left ventricle and the aortic valve need careful surveillance in the future. The atrial-Rastelli group of patients has not in the medium term shown evidence of ventricular dysfunction but will require change on a regular basis of their ventricular to pulmonary artery valved conduits.

Green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Hibiscus rosa sinensis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philip, Daizy

2010-03-01

Biological synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles of various shapes using the leaf extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis is reported. This is a simple, cost-effective, stable for long time and reproducible aqueous room temperature synthesis method to obtain a self-assembly of Au and Ag nanoparticles. The size and shape of Au nanoparticles are modulated by varying the ratio of metal salt and extract in the reaction medium. Variation of pH of the reaction medium gives silver nanoparticles of different shapes. The nanoparticles obtained are characterized by UV-vis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy. Crystalline nature of the nanoparticles in the fcc structure are confirmed by the peaks in the XRD pattern corresponding to (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0) and (3 1 1) planes, bright circular spots in the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and clear lattice fringes in the high-resolution TEM image. From FTIR spectra it is found that the Au nanoparticles are bound to amine groups and the Ag nanoparticles to carboxylate ion groups.

Effects of trauma and religiosity on self-esteem.

PubMed

Reiland, Sarah; Lauterbach, Dean

2008-06-01

Self-esteem is often lower among persons who have experienced trauma, but religiosity may ameliorate these psychological effects. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationships among religiosity, self-esteem, and childhood exposure to trauma, utilizing data from the National Comorbidity Survey, a large (N = 8,098) nationally representative population survey in the 48 contiguous states of the USA that assessed religious practices, self-esteem, and exposure to trauma. Exposure to trauma in childhood was assessed through self-report of presence or absence of childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Religiosity was assessed as the sum of responses to 4 self-report items (religious service attendance, use of religion for comfort and guidance, and importance of religion). Self-esteem was assessed on 9 self-report items adapted from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Analysis of variance compared scores for persons who reported exposure to childhood abuse and differed in the value they placed on various religious practices on self-esteem. Persons who reported physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect in childhood had significantly lower mean self-esteem than those who did not report these events. There was also a main effect for religiosity in a comparison of persons who reported childhood sexual abuse with those who reported none. The High Religiosity group had higher mean self-esteem than the Medium and Low Religiosity groups. There was a significant interaction as those who reported childhood sexual abuse had lower mean self-esteem than peers who reported none in the Low and Medium Religiosity groups. Mean self-esteem for those who reported childhood sexual abuse was comparable to that of those who reported none in the High Religiosity group.

Synthesis of enantiomerically pure, highly functionalized, medium-sized carbocycles from carbohydrates: formal total synthesis of (+)-calystegine b(2).

PubMed

Marco-Contelles, José; de Opazo, Elsa

2002-05-31

The free radical cyclization (FR) and the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction have been analyzed in order to develop new and original synthetic protocols for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure, highly functionalized, medium-sized carbocycles from carbohydrates. As a result, we report here for the first time examples of the 7-exo FR cyclization of acyclic radical precursors derived from sugars. This process appears to be extremely sensitive to the conformational mobility of the radical species in the transition state. The use of two isopropylidene groups blocking four of the total present hydroxyl groups and a good radical acceptor (as an alpha,beta-unsaturated ester) are mandatory conditions for a successful ring closure protocol. The RCM reaction by using Grubbs' catalyst on selected carbohydrate-derived precursors has afforded variable yields of the expected unsaturated cycloheptane or cycloctane derivatives. The synthesis of the cycloheptitols has been carried out in good yields, regardless of the absolute configuration at the different stereocenters and the nature of the O-functional groups bound in allylic positions to one of the double bonds implicated in the metathesis reaction. Conversely, in the cyclooctane synthesis, we have observed that the success of the reaction depends not only on the absolute configuration at the different stereocenters close to the double bonds but also on the nature of the O-protecting groups on these stereocenters. Finally, the RCM strategy has been used in an attempt to prepare natural (+)-calystegine B(2) from D-glucose. The synthesis of compound 92 from D-glucose constitutes a formal total synthesis of (+)-calystegine B(2), showing the importance of the steric hindrance in allylic positions for a successful RCM reaction.

Socio-economic and lifestyle parameters associated with diet quality of children and adolescents using classification and regression tree analysis: the DIATROFI study.

PubMed

Yannakoulia, Mary; Lykou, Anastasia; Kastorini, Christina Maria; Saranti Papasaranti, Eirini; Petralias, Athanassios; Veloudaki, Afroditi; Linos, Athena

2016-02-01

To explore factors affecting children's and adolescents' diet quality, in the framework of a food aid and promotion of healthy nutrition programme implemented in areas of low socio-economic status of Greece, during the current financial crisis. From a total of 162 schools participating in the programme during 2012-2013, we gathered 15 897 questionnaires recording sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle parameters and dietary habits of children and their families. As a measure of socio-economic status, the Family Affluence Scale (FAS) was used; whereas for the assessment of diet quality, the KIDMED score was computed. Associations between KIDMED and FAS, physical activity and socio-economic parameters were examined using regression and classification-regression tree analysis (CART). The higher the FAS score, the greater the percentage of children and adolescents who reported to consume, on a daily basis, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and breakfast (P<0·001). Results from CART showed that children and adolescents in the medium or high FAS groups had higher KIDMED score, compared with those in the low FAS group. For those in the low FAS group, KIDMED score is expected to increase by 12·4 % when they spend more than 0·25 h/week in sports activities. The respective threshold for the medium and high FAS groups is 1·75 h/week, while education of the mother and father affected KIDMED score significantly as well. Diet quality is strongly influenced by socio-economic parameters in children and adolescents living in economically disadvantaged areas of Greece, so that lower family affluence is associated with worse diet quality.