L-carnitine significantly decreased aging of rat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Mobarak, Halimeh; Fathi, Ezzatollah; Farahzadi, Raheleh; Zarghami, Nosratollah; Javanmardi, Sara

2017-03-01

Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to divide continuously and tissue regeneration potential during the transplantation. Aging and loss of cell survival, is one of the main problems in cell therapy. Since the production of free radicals in the aging process is effective, the use of antioxidant compounds can help in scavenging free radicals and prevent the aging of cells. The aim of this study is evaluate the effects of L-carnitine (LC) on proliferation and aging of rat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rADSC). rADSCs were isolated from inguinal region of 5 male Rattus rats. Oil red-O, alizarin red-S and toluidine blue staining were performed to evaluate the adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of rADSCs, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis was done for investigating the cell surface markers. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to determine the cell proliferation of rADSCs following exposure to different concentrations of LC. rADSCs aging was evaluated by beta-galactosidase staining. The results showed significant proliferation of rADSCs 48 h after treatment with concentrations of 0.2 mM LC. In addition, in the presence of 0.2 mM LC, rADSCs appeared to be growing faster than control group and 0.2 mM LC supplementation could significantly decrease the population doubling time and aging of rADSCs. It seems that LC would be a good antioxidant to improve lifespan of rADSCs due to the decrease in aging.

Rapid decrease of radar cross section of meteor head echo observed by the MU radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, T.; Nishio, M.; Sato, T.; Tsutsumi, S.; Tsuda, T.; Fushimi, K.

The meteor head echo observation using the MU (Middle and Upper atmosphere) radar (46.5M Hz, 1MW), Shigaraki, Japan, was carried out simultaneously with a high sensitive ICCD (Image-intensified CCD) camera observation in November 2001. The time records were synchronized using GPS satellite signals, in order to compare instantaneous radar and optical meteor magnitudes. 26 faint meteors were successfully observed simultaneously by both equipments. Detailed comparison of the time variation of radar echo intensity and absolute optical magnitude showed that the radar scattering cross section is likely to decrease rapidly by 5 - 20 dB without no corresponding magnitude variation in the optical data. From a simple modeling, we concluded that such decrease of RCS (radar cross section ) is probably due to the transition from overdense head echo to underd ense head echo.

Bundling of Reimbursement for Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement Resulted in Significantly Decreased Utilization between 2012 and 2014.

PubMed

Glocker, Roan J; TerBush, Matthew J; Hill, Elaine L; Guido, Joseph J; Doyle, Adam; Ellis, Jennifer L; Raman, Kathleen; Morrow, Gary R; Stoner, Michael C

2017-01-01

On January 1, 2012, reimbursement for inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) became bundled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This resulted in ICVF placement (CPT code 37191) now yielding 4.71 relative value units (RVUs), a decrease from 15.6 RVUs for placement and associated procedures (CPT codes 37620, 36010, 75825-26, 75940-26). Our hypothesis was that IVCF utilization would decrease in response to this change as other procedures had done once they had become bundled. Including data from 2010 to 2011 (before bundling) and 2012 to 2014 (after bundling), we utilized 5% inpatient, outpatient, and carrier files of Medicare limited data sets and analyzed IVCF utilization before and after bundling across specialty types, controlling for total diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (ICD-9 codes 453.xx and 415.xx, respectively) and placement location. In 2010 and 2011, the rates/10,000 DVT/PE diagnoses were 918 and 1,052, respectively (average 985). In 2012, 2013, and 2014, rates were 987, 877, and 605, respectively (average 823). Comparing each year individually, there is a significant difference (P < 0.0001) with 2012, 2013, and 2014 having lower rates of ICVF utilization. Comparing averages in the 2010-2011 and 2012-2014 groups, there is also a significant decrease in utilization after bundling (P < 0.0001). Following the bundling of reimbursement for IVCF placement, procedural utilization decreased significantly. More data from subsequent years will be needed to show if this decrease utilization continues to persist. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flavonol-rich dark cocoa significantly decreases plasma endothelin-1 and improves cognition in urban children.

PubMed

Calderón-Garcidueñas, Lilian; Mora-Tiscareño, Antonieta; Franco-Lira, Maricela; Cross, Janet V; Engle, Randall; Aragón-Flores, Mariana; Gómez-Garza, Gilberto; Jewells, Valerie; Medina-Cortina, Humberto; Solorio, Edelmira; Chao, Chih-Kai; Zhu, Hongtu; Mukherjee, Partha S; Ferreira-Azevedo, Lara; Torres-Jardón, Ricardo; D'Angiulli, Amedeo

2013-01-01

Air pollution exposures are linked to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, neuroinflammation and neuropathology in young urbanites. In particular, most Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) children exhibit subtle cognitive deficits, and neuropathology studies show 40% of them exhibiting frontal tau hyperphosphorylation and 51% amyloid-β diffuse plaques (compared to 0% in low pollution control children). We assessed whether a short cocoa intervention can be effective in decreasing plasma endothelin 1 (ET-1) and/or inflammatory mediators in MCMA children. Thirty gram of dark cocoa with 680 mg of total flavonols were given daily for 10.11 ± 3.4 days (range 9-24 days) to 18 children (10.55 years, SD = 1.45; 11F/7M). Key metabolite ratios in frontal white matter and in hippocampus pre and during cocoa intervention were quantified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. ET-1 significantly decreased after cocoa treatment (p = 0.0002). Fifteen children (83%) showed a marginally significant individual improvement in one or both of the applied simple short memory tasks. Endothelial dysfunction is a key feature of exposure to particulate matter (PM) and decreased endothelin-1 bioavailability is likely useful for brain function in the context of air pollution. Our findings suggest that cocoa interventions may be critical for early implementation of neuroprotection of highly exposed urban children. Multi-domain nutraceutical interventions could limit the risk for endothelial dysfunction, cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, cognitive deficits, structural volumetric detrimental brain effects, and the early development of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Flavonol-rich dark cocoa significantly decreases plasma endothelin-1 and improves cognition in urban children

PubMed Central

Calderón-Garcidueñas, Lilian; Mora-Tiscareño, Antonieta; Franco-Lira, Maricela; Cross, Janet V.; Engle, Randall; Aragón-Flores, Mariana; Gómez-Garza, Gilberto; Jewells, Valerie; Weili, Lin; Medina-Cortina, Humberto; Solorio, Edelmira; Chao, Chih-kai; Zhu, Hongtu; Mukherjee, Partha S.; Ferreira-Azevedo, Lara; Torres-Jardón, Ricardo; D'Angiulli, Amedeo

2013-01-01

Air pollution exposures are linked to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality, neuroinflammation and neuropathology in young urbanites. In particular, most Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) children exhibit subtle cognitive deficits, and neuropathology studies show 40% of them exhibiting frontal tau hyperphosphorylation and 51% amyloid-β diffuse plaques (compared to 0% in low pollution control children). We assessed whether a short cocoa intervention can be effective in decreasing plasma endothelin 1 (ET-1) and/or inflammatory mediators in MCMA children. Thirty gram of dark cocoa with 680 mg of total flavonols were given daily for 10.11 ± 3.4 days (range 9–24 days) to 18 children (10.55 years, SD = 1.45; 11F/7M). Key metabolite ratios in frontal white matter and in hippocampus pre and during cocoa intervention were quantified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. ET-1 significantly decreased after cocoa treatment (p = 0.0002). Fifteen children (83%) showed a marginally significant individual improvement in one or both of the applied simple short memory tasks. Endothelial dysfunction is a key feature of exposure to particulate matter (PM) and decreased endothelin-1 bioavailability is likely useful for brain function in the context of air pollution. Our findings suggest that cocoa interventions may be critical for early implementation of neuroprotection of highly exposed urban children. Multi-domain nutraceutical interventions could limit the risk for endothelial dysfunction, cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, cognitive deficits, structural volumetric detrimental brain effects, and the early development of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. PMID:23986703

Removal of the blue component of light significantly decreases retinal damage after high intensity exposure.

PubMed

Vicente-Tejedor, Javier; Marchena, Miguel; Ramírez, Laura; García-Ayuso, Diego; Gómez-Vicente, Violeta; Sánchez-Ramos, Celia; de la Villa, Pedro; Germain, Francisco

2018-01-01

Light causes damage to the retina (phototoxicity) and decreases photoreceptor responses to light. The most harmful component of visible light is the blue wavelength (400-500 nm). Different filters have been tested, but so far all of them allow passing a lot of this wavelength (70%). The aim of this work has been to prove that a filter that removes 94% of the blue component may protect the function and morphology of the retina significantly. Three experimental groups were designed. The first group was unexposed to light, the second one was exposed and the third one was exposed and protected by a blue-blocking filter. Light damage was induced in young albino mice (p30) by exposing them to white light of high intensity (5,000 lux) continuously for 7 days. Short wavelength light filters were used for light protection. The blue component was removed (94%) from the light source by our filter. Electroretinographical recordings were performed before and after light damage. Changes in retinal structure were studied using immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL labeling. Also, cells in the outer nuclear layer were counted and compared among the three different groups. Functional visual responses were significantly more conserved in protected animals (with the blue-blocking filter) than in unprotected animals. Also, retinal structure was better kept and photoreceptor survival was greater in protected animals, these differences were significant in central areas of the retina. Still, functional and morphological responses were significantly lower in protected than in unexposed groups. In conclusion, this blue-blocking filter decreases significantly photoreceptor damage after exposure to high intensity light. Actually, our eyes are exposed for a very long time to high levels of blue light (screens, artificial light LED, neons…). The potential damage caused by blue light can be palliated.

Decreasing but still significant facilitation effect of cold-season macrophytes on wetlands purification function during cold winter.

PubMed

Zou, Xiangxu; Zhang, Hui; Zuo, Jie; Wang, Penghe; Zhao, Dehua; An, Shuqing

2016-06-01

To identify the facilitation effect of a cool-season aquatic macrophyte (FEam) for use in effluent purification via constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) and to determine the possible pathways used during a winter period with an average temperature of less than 5 °C, pilot-scale CFWs were planted with the cold-season macrophyte Oenanthe clecumbens and were operated as batch systems. Although some leaves withered, the roots retained relatively high levels of activity during the winter, which had average air and water temperatures of 3.63 and 5.04 °C, respectively. The N and P removal efficiencies in CFWs decreased significantly in winter relative to those in late autumn. The presence of cool-season plants resulted in significant improvements in N and P removal, with a FEam of 15.23-25.86% in winter. Microbial N removal accounted for 71.57% of the total N removed in winter, and the decrease in plant uptake was the dominant factor in the wintertime decrease in N removal relative to that in late autumn. These results demonstrate the importance of cold-season plants in CFWs for the treatment of secondary effluent during cold winters.

Melatonin reverses the decreases in hippocampal protein serine/threonine kinases observed in an animal model of autism.

PubMed

Tian, Yun; Yabuki, Yasushi; Moriguchi, Shigeki; Fukunaga, Kohji; Mao, Pei-Jiang; Hong, Ling-Juan; Lu, Ying-Mei; Wang, Rui; Ahmed, Muhammad Masood; Liao, Mei-Hua; Huang, Ji-Yun; Zhang, Rui-Ting; Zhou, Tian-Yi; Long, Sen; Han, Feng

2014-01-01

Lower global cognitive function scores are a common symptom of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study investigates the effects of melatonin on hippocampal serine/threonine kinase signaling in an experimental ASD model. We found that chronic melatonin (1.0 or 5.0 mg/kg/day, 28 days) treatment significantly rescued valproic acid (VPA, 600 mg/kg)-induced decreases in CaMKII (Thr286), NMDAR1 (Ser896), and PKA (Thr197) phosphorylation in the hippocampus without affecting total protein levels. Compared with control rats, the immunostaining of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus revealed a decrease in immunolabeling intensity for phospho-CaMKII (Thr286) in the hippocampus of VPA-treated rats, which was ameliorated by chronic melatonin treatment. Consistent with the elevation of CaMKII/PKA/PKC phosphorylation observed in melatonin-treated rat, long-term potentiation (LTP) was enhanced after chronic melatonin (5.0 mg/kg) treatment, as reflected by extracellular field potential slopes that increased from 56 to 60 min (133.4 ± 3.9% of the baseline, P < 0.01 versus VPA-treated rats) following high-frequency stimulation (HFS) in hippocampal slices. Accordingly, melatonin treatment also significantly improved social behavioral deficits at postnatal day 50 in VPA-treated rats. Taken together, the increased phosphorylation of CaMKII/PKA/PKC signaling might contribute to the beneficial effects of melatonin on autism symptoms. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Astronaut observations from lunar orbit and their geologic significance.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Baz, F.; Worden, A. M.; Brand, V. D.

1972-01-01

To supplement orbital photography and other remotely sensed data, visual observations were made of 15 lunar surface targets during Apollo mission 15. Among the significant results are (1) characterization of the floor material of Tsiolkovsky as no darker than the average (Eratosthenian) mare material, and interpretration of the lineated unit on the crater rim as a rock avalanche; (2) identification of layers on the wall of the crater Picard, which is probably volcanic in origin, (3) explanation of the ray-excluded zone of the crater Proclus as the result of structurally controlled ray shadowing; (4) observation of cinder cones in the Littrow area with dark haloes that probably are composed of pyroclastic deposits; and (5) recognition that the termini of numerous sinuous rilles in Oceanus Procellarum are flooded with younger mare materials that may have covered older terminal deposits.

High time resolution observations of the drivers of Forbush decreases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, A. P.; Spence, H. E.; Blake, J. B.; Mulligan, T. L.; Shaul, D. N.

2008-12-01

The drivers of Forbush decreases in galactic cosmic ray (GCR) fluxes are thought to be magnetic turbulence in the sheath of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) and the closed magnetic field lines in the ICME itself. This model, however, is the result of studies utilizing hourly or longer time averaging. Such averaging can smooth over important correlations between variabilities in the GCR flux and those in the interplanetary medium. To test the validity of the current model of Forbush decreases, we analyze a number of Forbush decreases using high time resolution GCR data from the High Sensitivity Telescope (HIST) on Polar and the Spectrometer for INTEGRAL (SPI). We seek causal correlations between the onset of the decrease and structures in the solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field, as measured concurrently with ACE and/or Wind. We find evidence that planar magnetic structures in the sheath preceding the ICME may be a factor in driving the decrease in at least one event.

Decreased Fibronectin Production Significantly Contributes to Dysregulated Repair of Asthmatic Epithelium

PubMed Central

Kicic, Anthony; Hallstrand, Teal S.; Sutanto, Erika N.; Stevens, Paul T.; Kobor, Michael S.; Taplin, Christopher; Paré, Peter D.; Beyer, Richard P.; Stick, Stephen M.; Knight, Darryl A.

2010-01-01

Rationale: Damage to airway epithelium is followed by deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and migration of adjacent epithelial cells. We have shown that epithelial cells from children with asthma fail to heal a wound in vitro. Objectives: To determine whether dysregulated ECM production by the epithelium plays a role in aberrant repair in asthma. Methods: Airway epithelial cells (AEC) from children with asthma (n = 36), healthy atopic control subjects (n = 23), and healthy nonatopic control subjects (n = 53) were investigated by microarray, gene expression and silencing, transcript regulation analysis, and ability to close mechanical wounds. Measurements and Main Results: Time to repair a mechanical wound in vitro by AEC from healthy and atopic children was not significantly different and both were faster than AEC from children with asthma. Microarray analysis revealed differential expression of multiple gene sets associated with repair and remodeling in asthmatic AEC. Fibronectin (FN) was the only ECM component whose expression was significantly lower in asthmatic AEC. Expression differences were verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, and reduced FN expression persisted in asthmatic cells over passage. Silencing of FN expression in nonasthmatic AEC inhibited wound repair, whereas addition of FN to asthmatic AEC restored reparative capacity. Asthmatic AEC failed to synthesize FN in response to wounding or cytokine/growth factor stimulation. Exposure to 5′, 2′deoxyazacytidine had no effect on FN expression and subsequent analysis of the FN promoter did not show evidence of DNA methylation. Conclusions: These data show that the reduced capacity of asthmatic epithelial cells to secrete FN is an important contributor to the dysregulated AEC repair observed in these cells. PMID:20110557

Significant Variation of Post-critical SsPmp Amplitude as a Result of Variation in Near-surface Velocity: Observations from the Yellowknife Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferragut, G.; Liu, T.; Klemperer, S. L.

2017-12-01

In recent years Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS) emerged as a novel method to image the Moho, which uses the post-critical reflection P waves at the Moho generated by teleseismic S waves at the free surface near the receivers (SsPmp). However, observed SsPmp sometimes have significantly lower amplitude than predicted, raising doubts among the seismic community on the theoretical basis of the method. With over two decades of continuous digital broadband records and major subduction zones in the range of 30-50 degrees, the Yellowknife Array in northern Canada provides a rich opportunity for observation of post-critical SsPmp. We analyze S wave coda of events with epicenter distances of 30-50°, and pay special attention to earthquakes in a narrow azimuth range that ­­­encompasses the Kamchatka Peninsula. Among 21 events with strong direct S energy on the radial components, we observe significant variation of SsPmp energy. After associating the SsPmp energy with the virtual source location of each event, we observe a general trend of decreasing SsPmp energy from NE to SW. As the trend coincides with the transition from exposed basement of the Slave Craton to Paleozoic platform covered by Phanerozoic sediment, we interpret the decreasing SsPmp energy as a result of lower S velocity at the virtual sources, which reduces S-to-P reflection coefficients. We plan to include more events from the Aleutian Islands, the virtual sources of which are primarily located in the Paleozoic platform. This will allow us to further investigate the relationship between SsPmp amplitude and near-surface velocity.

[Preliminary study of clinical significance of decreased D(L)CO in patients with left ventricular heart failure].

PubMed

Tan, Xiao-yue; Sun, Xing-guo; Hu, Sheng-shou; Zhang, Jian; Huang, Jie; Chen, Zhi-gao; Ma, Li

2015-07-01

This study aimed to investigate the feature of D(L)CO (Diffusion Lung Capacity for Carbon Monoxide) in CHF (left ventricular heart failure) patients, underlying pathophysiological mechanism and clinical significance. We retrospectively studied the D(L)CO, pulmonary ventilation function, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and related clinical information in severer HF patients. Peak VO2 severely decreased to 34 ± 7 percentage of predicted(%pred) and anaerobic threshold to 48 ± 11%pred in all patients. D(L)CO moderately decreased to 63 ± 12%pred and there were 25 patients lower than 80%pred. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and TLC were 75 ± 14%pred, 71 ± 17%pred, 97 ± 11%pred, and 79 ± 13%pred, which indicated borderline or mild restrictive ventilatory dysfunction. The decrease of D(L)CO was more severe than those of TLC, FEV1 and FVC. For patients with severe CHF, cardiopulmonary exercise function is extremely limited, D(L)CO generally moderately declines and ventilation function is merely mildly limited. D(L)CO is the parameter for cardiopulmonary coupling, reflecting limitation of the cardiovascular dysfunction while without ventilatory limit.

Statewide ban on recreational fires resulted in a significant decrease in campfire-related summer burn center admissions.

PubMed

Hoang, David Manh; Reid, Dixie; Lentz, Christopher William

2013-01-01

Every summer, there is an increase in the number of burn injuries caused by accidents around campfires. Because of the prevalence of drought, high winds, and uncontrolled wild fires, a statewide ban on recreational fires was instituted in New Mexico from June to July 2011. We hypothesized that this legislation would have a significant impact on burn admissions caused by campfire-related injuries. A retrospective review of summer admissions to a state burn center was conducted to assess the effect of this ban on recreational fire injuries, and these data were compared with that of the previous summer when no ban was in effect. All burn admissions to a state burn center were reviewed from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2010 and 2011. Data collected included cause, % TBSA, age, days of hospitalization, intensive care unit days, and total surface area grafted. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed with Fisher exact test for dichotomous data and Mann-Whitney test for continuous data with significance at P < .05. There were 164 burn center admissions between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2010 (n = 82) and 2011 (n = 82). Compared with all summer burn center admissions, patients injured by campfires were younger (18 vs 37 years; P = .002) with smaller total surface area burns (3.2 vs 6.2%; P = .41) and had shorter lengths of stay (10-11 vs 6-7 days; P = .62). There was more than a 3-fold decrease in burn admissions due to recreational fires during the study period (n = 14 [17%] in 2010 and 4 [5%] in 2011; P = .02). This resulted in a decrease in the number of patient-days from 91 in 2010 to 25 in 2011. Half of the camp fire admissions required skin grafts to definitively close the wounds (6/14 in 2010 and 2/4 in 2011). Recreational fire bans targeted at controlling wildfires during conditions favoring rapid spread were associated with a 3- to 4-fold decrease in campfire-related burn admissions. Compared with a summer when no fire ban was in effect, the number of

Spatial evolution of 26-day recurrent galactic cosmic ray decreases: Correlated Ulysses COSPIN/KET and SOHO COSTEP observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heber, B.; Bothmer, V.; Droege, W.; Kunow, H.; Mueller-Mellin, R.; Posner, A.; Ferrando, P.; Raviart, A.; Paizis, C.; McComas, D.;

Development of the National Transplant Program Has Significantly Decreased but Not Ended Transplant Tourism in Montenegro.

PubMed

Ratkovic, M; Basic Jukic, N; Kastelan, Z; Radunovic, D; Kavaric, P; Brezak, J; Topalovic Grkovic, M; Hudolin, T; Prelevic, V

2018-06-01

Organ transplantation has prolonged and improved the lives of many patients around the world. However, a widespread shortage of donors remains the main factor that has led to organ trafficking and transplant tourism. To stop transplant tourism and to provide optimal treatment for its citizens with end-stage renal disease, Montenegro started performing renal transplantations in September 2012. Thirty-five transplantations have been performed since that time, 34 from living donors and only 1 from a deceased donor. This practice has significantly decreased but not ended transplant tourism in Montenegro. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A procedure for the significance testing of unmodeled errors in GNSS observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bofeng; Zhang, Zhetao; Shen, Yunzhong; Yang, Ling

2018-01-01

It is a crucial task to establish a precise mathematical model for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations in precise positioning. Due to the spatiotemporal complexity of, and limited knowledge on, systematic errors in GNSS observations, some residual systematic errors would inevitably remain even after corrected with empirical model and parameterization. These residual systematic errors are referred to as unmodeled errors. However, most of the existing studies mainly focus on handling the systematic errors that can be properly modeled and then simply ignore the unmodeled errors that may actually exist. To further improve the accuracy and reliability of GNSS applications, such unmodeled errors must be handled especially when they are significant. Therefore, a very first question is how to statistically validate the significance of unmodeled errors. In this research, we will propose a procedure to examine the significance of these unmodeled errors by the combined use of the hypothesis tests. With this testing procedure, three components of unmodeled errors, i.e., the nonstationary signal, stationary signal and white noise, are identified. The procedure is tested by using simulated data and real BeiDou datasets with varying error sources. The results show that the unmodeled errors can be discriminated by our procedure with approximately 90% confidence. The efficiency of the proposed procedure is further reassured by applying the time-domain Allan variance analysis and frequency-domain fast Fourier transform. In summary, the spatiotemporally correlated unmodeled errors are commonly existent in GNSS observations and mainly governed by the residual atmospheric biases and multipath. Their patterns may also be impacted by the receiver.

Treated domestic sewage irrigation significantly decreased the CH4, N2O and NH3 emissions from paddy fields with straw incorporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shanshan; Hou, Pengfu; Xue, Lihong; Wang, Shaohua; Yang, Linzhang

2017-11-01

Straw incorporation and domestic sewage irrigation have been recommended as an environmentally friendly agricultural practice and are widely used not only in China but also in other countries. The individual effects on yield and environmental impacts have been studied extensively, but the comprehensive effect when straw returning and domestic sewage irrigation are combined together has seldom been reported. This study was conducted to examine the effects of straw returning and domestic sewage irrigation on rice yields, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and ammonia (NH3) volatilization from paddy fields from 2015 to 2016. The results showed that the rice yield was not affected by the irrigation water sources and straw returning under the same total N input, which was similar in both years. Due to the rich N in the domestic sewage, domestic sewage irrigation could reduce approximately 45.2% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer input without yield loss. Compared to straw removal treatments, straw returning significantly increased the CH4 emissions by approximately 7-9-fold under domestic sewage irrigation and 13-14-fold under tap water irrigation. Straw returning also increased the N2O emissions under the two irrigation water types. In addition, the seasonal NH3 volatilization loss was significantly increased by 88.8% and 61.2% under straw returning compared to straw removal in 2015 and 2016, respectively. However, domestic sewage irrigation could decrease CH4 emissions by 24.5-26.6%, N2O emissions by 37.0-39.0% and seasonal NH3 volatilization loss by 27.2-28.3% under straw returning compared to tap water irrigation treatments. Global warming potentials (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensities (GHGI) were significantly increased with straw returning compared with those of straw removal, while they were decreased by domestic sewage irrigation under straw returning compared to tap water irrigation. Significant interactions between straw returning and domestic sewage irrigation on

Increased shell entropy as an explanation for observed decreased shell areal densities in OMEGA implosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffman, Nelson; Herrmann, Hans; Kim, Yongho

2014-10-01

A reduced ion-kinetic (RIK) model used in hydrodynamic simulations has had some success in explaining time- and space-averaged observables characterizing the fusion fuel in hot low-density ICF capsule implosions driven by 1-ns 60-beam laser pulses at OMEGA. But observables characterizing the capsule shell, e.g., the areal density of 12C in a plastic shell, have proved harder to explain. Recently we have found that assuming the shell has higher entropy than expected in a 1D laser-driven RIK simulation allows an explanation of the observed values of 12C areal density, and its dependence on initial shell thickness in a set of DT-filled plastic capsules. If, for example, a 15- μm CH shell implodes on an adiabat two to three times higher than predicted in a typical unmodified RIK simulation, the calculated burn-averaged shell areal density decreases from ~80 mg/cm2 in the unmodified simulation to the observed value of ~25 mg/cm2. We discuss possible mechanisms that could lead to increased entropy in such implosions. Research supported by U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396.

A single administration of methamphetamine to mice early in the light period decreases running wheel activity observed during the dark period

PubMed Central

Kitanaka, Nobue; Kitanaka, Junichi; Hall, F. Scott; Uhl, George R.; Watabe, Kaname; Kubo, Hitoshi; Takahashi, Hitoshi; Tatsuta, Tomohiro; Morita, Yoshio; Takemura, Motohiko

2014-01-01

Repeated intermittent administration of amphetamines acutely increases appetitive and consummatory aspects of motivated behaviors as well as general activity and exploratory behavior, including voluntary running wheel activity. Subsequently, if the drug is withdrawn, the frequency of these behaviors decrease, which is thought to be indicative of dysphoric symptoms associated with amphetamine withdrawal. Such decreases may be observed after chronic treatment or even after single drug administrations. In the present study, the effect of acute methamphetamine (METH) on running wheel activity, horizontal locomotion, appetitive behavior (food access), and consummatory behavior (food and water intake) was investigated in mice. A multi-configuration behavior apparatus designed to monitor the five behaviors was developed, where combined measures were recorded simultaneously. In the first experiment, naïve male ICR mice showed gradually increasing running wheel activity over three consecutive days after exposure to a running wheel, while mice without a running wheel showed gradually decreasing horizontal locomotion, consistent with running wheel activity being a positively motivated form of natural motor activity. In experiment 2, increased horizontal locomotion and food access, and decreased food intake, were observed for the initial 3 h after acute METH challenge. Subsequently, during the dark phase period decreased running wheel activity and horizontal locomotion were observed. The reductions in running wheel activity and horizontal locomotion may be indicative of reduced dopaminergic function, although it remains to be seen if these changes may be more pronounced after more prolonged METH treatments. PMID:22079320

Calbindins decreased after space flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sergeev, I. N.; Rhoten, W. B.; Carney, M. D.

1996-01-01

Exposure of the body to microgravity during space flight causes a series of well-documented changes in Ca2+ metabolism, yet the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to these changes are poorly understood. Calbindins, vitamin D-dependent Ca2+ binding proteins, are believed to have a significant role in maintaining cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, we used biochemical and immunocytochemical approaches to analyze the expression of calbindin-D28k and calbindin-D9k in kidneys, small intestine, and pancreas of rats flown for 9 d aboard the space shuttle. The effects of microgravity on calbindins in rats from space were compared with synchronous Animal Enclosure Module controls, modeled weightlessness animals (tail suspension), and their controls. Exposure to microgravity resulted in a significant and sustained decrease in calbindin-D28k content in the kidney and calbindin-D9k in the small intestine of flight animals, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Modeled weightlessness animals exhibited a similar decrease in calbindins by ELISA. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) in combination with quantitative computer image analysis was used to measure in situ the expression of calbindins in the kidney and the small intestine, and the expression of insulin in pancreas. There was a large decrease of immunoreactivity in renal distal tubular cell-associated calbindin-D28k and in intestinal absorptive cell-associated calbindin-D9k of space flight and modeled weightlessness animals compared with matched controls. No consistent difference in pancreatic insulin immunoreactivity between space flight, modeled weightlessness, and controls was observed. Regression analysis of results obtained by quantitative ICC and ELISA for space flight, modeled weightlessness animals, and their controls demonstrated a significant correlation. These findings after a short-term exposure to microgravity or modeled weightlessness suggest that a decreased expression of calbindins

Study of large Forbush decreases in cosmic-ray intensity observed during solar cycle 23 and 24

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Anand; Badruddin, B.

2016-07-01

Neutron monitors at different geomagnetic latitude and longitude of Earth measure the cosmic-ray intensity with high precision. Sudden decreases in cosmic-ray intensity within few hours and slow recovery to pre-decrease level within a few days (Forbush decreases) are observed in neutron monitor data. We identify large-amplitude Forbush decreases (FDs), using high counting rate neutron monitor data, that occurred during previous solar cycle 23 (1995-2009) and current solar cycle 24 (2010-2015). We then search for the solar sources and the interplanetary structures responsible for these decreases. We attempt to find the relative importance of various interplanetary plasma and field parameters and the physical mechanism(s) responsible for FDs of varying amplitudes. We analyze a number of interplanetary plasma and field parameters, during both the phases (main and recovery) of FDs. The interplanetary plasma and field data analyzed in this study are the solar-wind velocity, the interplanetary magnetic field, its fluctuations, interplanetary electric field and the time variation of interplanetary electric potential. For monitoring the changes in interplanetary plasma/field conditions during the development of FDs, we also utilize plasma density, temperature and plasma beta, dynamic pressure and Mach number during the passage of interplanetary structures responsible for FDs. In addition to their amplitude, we study the recovery of FDs in detail after determining the time constant during their recovery by exponential fit to the data. As the solar magnetic polarity reversed during the maximum phase of solar cycle 23 (in the year 2000), we study the differences in amplitude, time constant of recovery and plasma/field condition to search for the polarity dependent effects, if any, on the amplitude and recovery of FDs due to implication for the models suggested to explain the Forbush decrease phenomena. The implications of these results are discussed.

Decreasing reference evapotranspiration in a warming climate - A case of Changjiang (Yangtze) River catchment during 1970-2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, C. Y.; Gong, L. B.; Tong, J.; Chen, D. L.

2006-07-01

This study deals with temporal trends in the Penman-Monteith reference evapotranspiration estimated from standard meteorological observations, observed pan evaporation, and four related meteorological variables during 1970-2000 in the Yangtze River catchment. Relative contributions of the four meteorological variables to changes in the reference evapotranspiration are quantified. The results show that both the reference evapotranspiration and the pan evaporation have significant. decreasing trends in the upper, the middle as well as in the whole Changjiang (Yangtze) River catchment at the 5% significance level, while the air temperature shows a significant increasing trend. The decreasing trend detected in the reference evapotranspiration can be attributed to the significant decreasing trends in the net radiation and the wind speed.

Genetic sphingosine kinase 1 deficiency significantly decreases synovial inflammation and joint erosions in murine TNF-alpha-induced arthritis.

PubMed

Baker, DeAnna A; Barth, Jeremy; Chang, Raymond; Obeid, Lina M; Gilkeson, Gary S

2010-08-15

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is an enzyme that converts sphingosine to bioactive sphingosine-1-phosphate. Recent in vitro data suggest a potential role of SphK1 in TNF-alpha-mediated inflammation. Our aims in this study were to determine the in vivo significance of SphK1 in TNF-alpha-mediated chronic inflammation and to define which pathogenic mechanisms induced by TNF-alpha are SphK1 dependent. To pursue these aims, we studied the effect of SphK1 deficiency in an in vivo model of TNF-alpha-induced chronic inflammatory arthritis. Transgenic hTNF-alpha mice, which develop spontaneous inflammatory erosive arthritis beginning at 14-16 wk, were crossed with SphK1 null mice (SphK1(-/-)), on the C57BL6 genetic background. Beginning at 4 mo of age, hTNF/SphK1(-/-) mice had significantly less severe clinically evident paw swelling and deformity, less synovial and periarticular inflammation, and markedly decreased bone erosions as measured quantitatively through micro-CT images. Mechanistically, the mice lacking SphK1 had less articular cyclooxygenase 2 protein and fewer synovial Th17 cells than did hTNF/SphK1(+/+) littermates. Microarray analysis and real-time RT-PCR of the ankle synovial tissue demonstrated that hTNF/SphK1(-/-) mice had increased transcript levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 compared with hTNF/SphK1(+/+) mice, likely also contributing to the decreased inflammation in the SphK1-deficient mice. Finally, significantly fewer mature osteoclasts were detected in the ankle joints of hTNF/SphK1(-/-) mice compared with hTNF/SphK1(+/+) mice. These data indicate that SphK1 plays a key role in hTNF-alpha-induced inflammatory arthritis via impacting synovial inflammation and osteoclast number.

Decreased Callosal Thickness in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

PubMed Central

Luders, Eileen; Narr, Katherine L.; Hamilton, Liberty S.; Phillips, Owen R.; Thompson, Paul M.; Valle, Jessica S.; Del'Homme, Melissa; Strickland, Tony; McCracken, James T.; Toga, Arthur W.; Levitt, Jennifer G.

2009-01-01

Background Neuroimaging studies of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have revealed structural abnormalities in the brains of affected individuals. One of the most replicated alterations is a significantly smaller corpus callosum (CC), for which conflicting reports exist with respect to the affected callosal segments. Methods We applied novel surface-based geometrical modeling methods to establish the presence, direction, and exact location of callosal alterations in ADHD at high spatial resolution. For this purpose, we calculated the thickness of the CC at 100 equidistant midsagittal points in an age-matched male sample of 19 individuals with ADHD and 19 typically developing control subjects. Results In close agreement with many prior observations, the CC was shown to be significantly thinner in ADHD subjects in anterior and, particularly, posterior callosal sections. Covarying for intelligence did not significantly alter the observed ADHD effects. However, group differences were no longer present in anterior sections when covarying for brain volume and after excluding ADHD subjects comorbid for oppositional defiant disorder. Conclusions Decreased callosal thickness may be associated with fewer fibers or a decrease in the myelination of fibers connecting the parietal and prefrontal cortices. This might affect interhemispheric communication channels that are necessary to sustain attention or motor control, thus contributing to symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, or inattention, observed in ADHD. Future studies are necessary to determine whether callosal abnormalities reflect maturational delays or persist into adulthood. PMID:18842255

Ibuprofen therapy resulted in significantly decreased tissue bacillary loads and increased survival in a new murine experimental model of active tuberculosis.

PubMed

Vilaplana, Cristina; Marzo, Elena; Tapia, Gustavo; Diaz, Jorge; Garcia, Vanesa; Cardona, Pere-Joan

2013-07-15

C3HeB/FeJ mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis were used in an experimental animal model mimicking active tuberculosis in humans to evaluate the effect of antiinflammatory agents. No other treatment but ibuprofen was given, and it was administered when the animals' health started to deteriorate. Animals treated with ibuprofen had statistically significant decreases in the size and number of lung lesions, decreases in the bacillary load, and improvements in survival, compared with findings for untreated animals. Because antiinflammatory agents are already on the market, further clinical trials should be done to evaluate this effect in humans as soon as possible, to determine their suitability as coadjuvant tuberculosis treatment.

Fndc5 knockdown induced suppression of mitochondrial integrity and significantly decreased cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Nazem, Shima; Rabiee, Farzaneh; Ghaedi, Kamran; Babashah, Sadegh; Sadeghizadeh, Majid; Nasr-Esfahani, Mohammad Hossein

2018-06-01

Fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 protein (Fndc5) is a glycosylated protein with elevated expression in high energy demanded tissues as heart, brain, and muscle. It has been shown that upregulation of Fndc5 is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), which is known as a master regulator of mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Also, our group indicated that Fndc5 expression increases gradually during cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). In this paper, to clarify the importance of Fndc5 in cardiac differentiation, we south to knock down Fndc5 expression by generation a stably transduced mESC line that derives the expression of a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against Fndc5 gene following doxycycline (Dox) induction. Knock-down of Fndc5 demonstrated a considerable decrease in expression of cardiac progenitor and cardiomyocyte markers. Considering the fact that mitochondria play a crucial role in cardiac differentiation of ESCs, we investigated the role of Fndc5, as a downstream target of PGC1-α, on mitochondrial indices. Results showed that expression of nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes including PGC1-α, Atp5b, Ndufb5, and SOD2 significantly decreased. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and relative ATP content of cardiomyocytes decreased markedly with relative ROS level increase. Together, our results suggest that Fndc5 attenuates process of cardiac differentiation of mESCs which is associated with modulation of mitochondrial function and gene expression. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Decrease in the traumatic symptoms observed in child survivors within three years of the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

PubMed

Usami, Masahide; Iwadare, Yoshitaka; Watanabe, Kyota; Kodaira, Masaki; Ushijima, Hirokage; Tanaka, Tetsuya; Harada, Maiko; Tanaka, Hiromi; Sasaki, Yoshinori; Saito, Kazuhiko

2014-01-01

On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. The tsunami caused tremendous damage and traumatized several people, including children. The aim of this study was to assess changes in traumatic symptoms 8, 20, and 30 months of the 2011 tsunami. The study comprised three groups. Copies of the Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms for Children 15 items (PTSSC-15), a self-rating questionnaire on traumatic symptoms, were distributed to 12,524 children (8-month period), 12,193 children (20-month period), and 11,819 children (30-month period). An effective response of children 8 months, 20 months, and 30 month after the disaster was obtained in 11,639 (92.9%), 10,597 (86.9%), and 10,812 children (91.4%), respectively. We calculated the total score, PTSD subscale, and Depression subscale of PTSSC-15. We calculated the total score, PTSD subscale, and Depression subscale of PTSSC-15. The PTSSC-15 total score and PTSD subscale of children belonging to 1st-9th grade groups who were tested 30 and 20 months after the tsunami significantly decreased compared with those of children tested 8 months after the tsunami. The PTSSC-15 total score and PTSD subscale of children in 1st-9th grade groups tested after 30 months did not decrease significantly compared with those of children tested after 20 months. The PTSSC-15 Depression subscale and PTSD subscale of children in 1st-9th grade groups tested after 30 months significantly decreased compared with those of children tested 8 months after the tsunami. The PTSSC-15 Depression subscale of children in 1st-9th grade groups evaluated after 30 months significantly decreased compared with those of children evaluated after 20 months. This study demonstrates that the traumatic symptoms of children who survived the massive tsunami improved with time. Nonetheless, the traumatic symptoms, which in some cases did not improve with time.

Decrease in the Traumatic Symptoms Observed in Child Survivors within Three Years of the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

PubMed Central

Usami, Masahide; Iwadare, Yoshitaka; Watanabe, Kyota; Kodaira, Masaki; Ushijima, Hirokage; Tanaka, Tetsuya; Harada, Maiko; Tanaka, Hiromi; Sasaki, Yoshinori; Saito, Kazuhiko

2014-01-01

Background On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. The tsunami caused tremendous damage and traumatized several people, including children. The aim of this study was to assess changes in traumatic symptoms 8, 20, and 30 months of the 2011 tsunami. Methods The study comprised three groups. Copies of the Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms for Children 15 items (PTSSC-15), a self-rating questionnaire on traumatic symptoms, were distributed to 12,524 children (8-month period), 12,193 children (20-month period), and 11,819 children (30-month period). An effective response of children 8 months, 20 months, and 30 month after the disaster was obtained in 11,639 (92.9%), 10,597 (86.9%), and 10,812 children (91.4%), respectively. We calculated the total score, PTSD subscale, and Depression subscale of PTSSC-15. We calculated the total score, PTSD subscale, and Depression subscale of PTSSC-15. Results The PTSSC-15 total score and PTSD subscale of children belonging to 1st–9th grade groups who were tested 30 and 20 months after the tsunami significantly decreased compared with those of children tested 8 months after the tsunami. The PTSSC-15 total score and PTSD subscale of children in 1st–9th grade groups tested after 30 months did not decrease significantly compared with those of children tested after 20 months. The PTSSC-15 Depression subscale and PTSD subscale of children in 1st–9th grade groups tested after 30 months significantly decreased compared with those of children tested 8 months after the tsunami. The PTSSC-15 Depression subscale of children in 1st–9th grade groups evaluated after 30 months significantly decreased compared with those of children evaluated after 20 months. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the traumatic symptoms of children who survived the massive tsunami improved with time. Nonetheless, the traumatic symptoms, which in some cases did not improve with time. PMID:25340759

Dapagliflozin significantly reduced liver fat accumulation associated with a decrease in abdominal subcutaneous fat in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Kurinami, Noboru; Sugiyama, Seigo; Yoshida, Akira; Hieshima, Kunio; Miyamoto, Fumio; Kajiwara, Keizo; Jinnouch, Katsunori; Jinnouchi, Tomio; Jinnouchi, Hideaki

2018-05-31

We examined dapagliflozin-induced changes in liver fat accumulation. We prospectively recruited Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >7.0%]. Dapagliflozin (5 mg/day) or non-sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) was added to the patients' treatment regimen for 6 months. Changes in liver fat accumulation were assessed by the liver-to-spleen (L/S) attenuation ratio using abdominal computed tomography (CT). This study enrolled 55 Japanese T2DM patients. The L/S ratio significantly increased in the dapagliflozin group compared with the non-SGLT2i group. Abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area, total fat area assessed by abdominal CT, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase decreased significantly only in the dapagliflozin group. Changes in the L/S ratio showed a significant negative relationship with changes in abdominal SFA, ALT, and non-esterified fatty acid. In sub-group analyses of non-insulin users, hepatic insulin extraction was assessed by the plasma C-peptide-to-insulin ratio, which was significantly increased in the dapagliflozin group but not in the non-SGLT2i group. In patients with inadequately controlled T2DM, additional dapagliflozin-treatment significantly reduced the liver fat accumulation associated with a decrease in abdominal SFA. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decreasing photobleaching by silver island films: application to muscle⋆

PubMed Central

Muthu, P.; Gryczynski, I.; Gryczynski, Z.; Talent, J.; Akopova, I.; Jain, K.; Borejdo, J.

2007-01-01

Recently it has become possible to study interactions between proteins at the level of single molecules. This requires collecting data from an extremely small volume, small enough to contain one molecule—typically of the order of attoliters (10−18 L). Collection of data from such a small volume with sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio requires that the rate of photon detection per molecule be high. This calls for a large illuminating light flux, which in turn leads to rapid photobleaching of the fluorophores that are labeling the proteins. To decrease photobleaching, we measured fluorescence from a sample placed on coverslips coated with silver island films (SIF). SIF reduce photobleaching because they enhance fluorescence brightness and significantly decrease fluorescence lifetime. Increase in the brightness effectively decreases photobleaching because illumination can be attenuated to obtain the same fluorescence intensity. Decrease of lifetime decreases photobleaching because short lifetime minimizes the probability of oxygen attack while the fluorophore is in the excited state. The decrease of photobleaching was demonstrated in skeletal muscle. Myofibrils were labeled lightly with rhodamine–phalloidin, placed on coverslips coated with SIF, illuminated by total internal reflection, and observed through a confocal aperture. We show that SIF causes the intensity of phalloidin fluorescence to increase 4- to 5- fold and its fluorescence lifetime to decrease on average 23-fold. As a consequence, the rate of photobleaching of four or five molecules of actin of a myofibril on Olympus coverslips coated with SIF decreased at least 30-fold in comparison with photobleaching on an uncoated coverslip. Significant decrease of photobleaching makes the measurement of signal from a single cross-bridge of contracting muscle feasible. PMID:17531183

Decadal Record of Satellite Carbon Monoxide Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worden, Helen; Deeter, Merritt; Frankenberg, Christian; George, Maya; Nichitiu, Florian; Worden, John; Aben, Ilse; Bowman, Kevin; Clerbaux, Cathy; Coheur, Pierre-Francois; de Laat, Jos; Warner, Juying; Drummond, James; Edwards, David; Gille, John; Hurtmans, Daniel; Ming, Luo; Martinez-Alonso, Sara; Massie, Steven; Pfister, Gabriele

2013-04-01

Atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) distributions are controlled by anthropogenic emissions, biomass burning, chemical production, transport and oxidation by reaction with the hydroxyl radical (OH). Quantifying trends in CO is therefore important for understanding changes related to all of these contributions. Here we present a comprehensive record of satellite observations from 2000 through 2011 of total column CO using the available measurements from nadir-viewing thermal infrared instruments: MOPITT, AIRS, TES and IASI. We examine trends for CO in the Northern and Southern hemispheres along with regional trends for E. China, E. USA, Europe and India. Measurement and sampling methods for each of the instruments are discussed, and we show diagnostics for systematic errors in MOPITT trends. We find that all the satellite observations are consistent with a modest decreasing trend around -1%/year in total column CO over the Northern hemisphere for this time period. Decreasing trends in total CO column are observed for the United States, Europe and E. China with more than 2σ significance. For India, the trend is also decreasing, but smaller in magnitude and less significant. Decreasing trends in surface CO have also been observed from measurements in the U.S. and Europe. Although less information is available for surface CO in China, there is a decreasing trend reported for Beijing. Some of the interannual variability in the observations can be explained by global fire emissions, and there may be some evidence of the global financial crisis in late 2008 to early 2009. But the overall decrease needs further study to understand the implications for changes in anthropogenic emissions.

Forbush Decrease events in Lunar Radiation Environment observed by the LRO/CRaTER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, J.; Oh, S.; Yi, Y.; Kim, E.; Lee, J.; Spence, H. E.

2012-12-01

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) launched on June 16, 2009 has six experiments including of the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) onboard. The CRaTER instrument characterizes the radiation environment to be experienced by humans during future lunar missions. The CRaTER instrument measures the effects of ionizing energy loss in matter specifically in silicon solid-state detectors due to penetrating solar energetic protons (SEP) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) after interactions with tissue-equivalent plastic (TEP), a synthetic analog of human tissue. The CRaTER instrument houses a compact and highly precise microdosimeter. It measures dose rates below one micro-Rad/sec in lunar radiation environment. Forbush decrease (FD) event is the sudden decrease of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) flux. The FD event is considered to be caused by exclusion of GCR due to intense interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) structures of interplanetary shock (IP) sheath region and/or the interplanetary coronal mass ejection (CME) following the IP shocks as a shock driver. We use the data of cosmic ray flux and dose rates observed by the CRaTER instrument. We also use the CME list of STEREO SECCHI inner, outer coronagraph and the IMF (Interplanetary CME) data of the ACE/MAG instrument. We examine the origins and the characteristics of the FD-like events in lunar radiation environment. We also compare these events with the FD events on the Earth. We find that whenever the FD events are recorded at ground Neutron Monitor stations, the FD-like events also occur on the lunar environments. The flux variation amplitude of FD-like events on the Moon is approximately two times larger than that of FD events on the Earth. We compare time profiles of GCR flux with of the dose rate of FD-like events in the lunar environment. We figure out that the distinct FD-like events correspond to dose rate events in the CRaTER on lunar environment during the event period.

Chemical Feedback From Decreasing Carbon Monoxide Emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaubert, B.; Worden, H. M.; Arellano, A. F. J.; Emmons, L. K.; Tilmes, S.; Barré, J.; Martinez Alonso, S.; Vitt, F.; Anderson, J. L.; Alkemade, F.; Houweling, S.; Edwards, D. P.

2017-10-01

Understanding changes in the burden and growth rate of atmospheric methane (CH4) has been the focus of several recent studies but still lacks scientific consensus. Here we investigate the role of decreasing anthropogenic carbon monoxide (CO) emissions since 2002 on hydroxyl radical (OH) sinks and tropospheric CH4 loss. We quantify this impact by contrasting two model simulations for 2002-2013: (1) a Measurement of the Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) CO reanalysis and (2) a Control-Run without CO assimilation. These simulations are performed with the Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry of the Community Earth System Model fully coupled chemistry climate model with prescribed CH4 surface concentrations. The assimilation of MOPITT observations constrains the global CO burden, which significantly decreased over this period by 20%. We find that this decrease results to (a) increase in CO chemical production, (b) higher CH4 oxidation by OH, and (c) 8% shorter CH4 lifetime. We elucidate this coupling by a surrogate mechanism for CO-OH-CH4 that is quantified from the full chemistry simulations.

Observations of Academic Instruction for Students with Significant Intellectual Disability: Three States, Thirty-Nine Classrooms, One View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Restorff, Diane E.; Abery, Brian H.

2013-01-01

As part of the validation process for alternate assessments, 39 classroom observations were conducted to gather data about current practices in providing academic instruction to students with significant intellectual disability. Using a standardized protocol, data were gathered using direct instructional observation, an Individualized Education…

Decreasing handoff-related care failures in children's hospitals.

PubMed

Bigham, Michael T; Logsdon, Tina R; Manicone, Paul E; Landrigan, Christopher P; Hayes, Leslie W; Randall, Kelly H; Grover, Purva; Collins, Susan B; Ramirez, Dana E; O'Guin, Crystal D; Williams, Catherine I; Warnick, Robin J; Sharek, Paul J

2014-08-01

Patient handoffs in health care require transfer of information, responsibility, and authority between providers. Suboptimal patient handoffs pose a serious safety risk. Studies demonstrating the impact of improved patient handoffs on care failures are lacking. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multihospital collaborative designed to decrease handoff-related care failures. Twenty-three children's hospitals participated in a quality improvement collaborative aimed at reducing handoff-related care failures. The improvement was guided by evidence-based recommendations regarding handoff intent and content, standardized handoff tools/methods, and clear transition of responsibility. Hospitals tailored handoff elements to locally important handoff types. Handoff-related care failures were compared between baseline and 3 intervention periods. Secondary outcomes measured compliance to specific change package elements and balancing measure of staff satisfaction. Twenty-three children's hospitals evaluated 7864 handoffs over the 12-month study period. Handoff-related care failures decreased from baseline (25.8%) to the final intervention period (7.9%) (P < .05). Significant improvement was observed in every handoff type studied. Compliance to change package elements improved (achieving a common understanding about the patient from 86% to 96% [P < .05]; clear transition of responsibility from 92% to 96% [P < .05]; and minimized interruptions and distractions from 84% to 90% [P < .05]) as did overall satisfaction with the handoff (from 55% to 70% [P < .05]). Implementation of a standardized evidence-based handoff process across 23 children's hospitals resulted in a significant decrease in handoff-related care failures, observed over all handoff types. Compliance to critical components of the handoff process improved, as did provider satisfaction. Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Significant inconsistency of vegetation carbon density in CMIP5 Earth system models against observational data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xia; Hoffman, Forrest M.; Iversen, Colleen M.; Yin, Yunhe; Kumar, Jitendra; Ma, Chun; Xu, Xiaofeng

2017-09-01

Earth system models (ESMs) have been widely used for projecting global vegetation carbon dynamics, yet how well ESMs performed for simulating vegetation carbon density remains untested. We compiled observational data of vegetation carbon density from literature and existing data sets to evaluate nine ESMs at site, biome, latitude, and global scales. Three variables—root (including fine and coarse roots), total vegetation carbon density, and the root:total vegetation carbon ratios (R/T ratios), were chosen for ESM evaluation. ESM models performed well in simulating the spatial distribution of carbon densities in root (r = 0.71) and total vegetation (r = 0.62). However, ESM models had significant biases in simulating absolute carbon densities in root and total vegetation biomass across the majority of land ecosystems, especially in tropical and arctic ecosystems. Particularly, ESMs significantly overestimated carbon density in root (183%) and total vegetation biomass (167%) in climate zones of 10°S-10°N. Substantial discrepancies between modeled and observed R/T ratios were found: the R/T ratios from ESMs were relatively constant, approximately 0.2 across all ecosystems, along latitudinal gradients, and in tropic, temperate, and arctic climatic zones, which was significantly different from the observed large variations in the R/T ratios (0.1-0.8). There were substantial inconsistencies between ESM-derived carbon density in root and total vegetation biomass and the R/T ratio at multiple scales, indicating urgent needs for model improvements on carbon allocation algorithms and more intensive field campaigns targeting carbon density in all key vegetation components.

Effect of decreasing temperature on the strobilation of Aurelia sp.1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yan; Yu, Zhigang; Zhen, Yu; Wang, Guoshan; Wang, Xungong; Mi, Tiezhu

2018-03-01

The worldwide proliferation of marine jellyfish has become a crucial ecological and social issue, and as a cosmopolitan species, Aurelia spp. have received increasing scientific attentions. In the present study, the responses of strobilation in Aurelia sp.1 to decreasing temperature were illuminated through the expression levels of the retinoid x receptor (RxR) gene and the gene encoding a secreted protein, CL390. We observed that a higher final temperature decreased the strobilation prophase and strobilation interphase periods, and the growth rate of the strobilae ratio increased with increasing CL390 gene expression. The ratio of strobilae at 12°C was highest, and the strobilae showed the higher releasing ratios at both 12°C and 16°C compared with those at 4°C and 8°C. Furthermore, more ephyrae were released at the higher final temperature. Additionally, up-regulation and down-regulation of the CL390 gene were observed in response to the four decreasing temperatures. Although the four CL390 gene transcript levels increased more significantly than the transcript levels of the RxR gene, similar trends were observed in both genes.

Decrease in cortisol reverses human hippocampal atrophy following treatment of Cushing's disease.

PubMed

Starkman, M N; Giordani, B; Gebarski, S S; Berent, S; Schork, M A; Schteingart, D E

1999-12-15

Decreased hippocampal volume is observed in patients with Cushing's syndrome and other conditions associated with elevated cortisol levels, stress, or both. Reversibility of hippocampal neuronal atrophy resulting from stress occurs in animals. Our study investigated the potential for reversibility of human hippocampal atrophy. The study included 22 patients with Cushing's disease. Magnetic resonance brain imaging was performed prior to transsphenoidal microadenomectomy and again after treatment. Following treatment, hippocampal formation volume (HFV) increased by up to 10%. The mean percent change (3.2 +/- 2.5) was significantly greater (p < .04) than that of the comparison structure, caudate head volume (1.5 +/- 3.4). Increase in HFV was significantly associated with magnitude of decrease in urinary free cortisol (r = -.61, p < .01). This relationship strengthened after adjustments for age, duration of disease, and months elapsed since surgery (r = -.70, p < .001). There was no significant correlation between caudate head volume change and magnitude of cortisol decrease. Changes in human HFV associated with sustained hypercortisolemia are reversible, at least in part, once cortisol levels decrease. While many brain regions are likely affected by hypercortisolemia, the human hippocampus exhibits increased sensitivity to cortisol, affecting both volume loss and recovery.

Exercise decreases the risk of metabolic syndrome in elderly females.

PubMed

Kemmler, Wolfgang; Von Stengel, Simon; Engelke, Klaus; Kalender, Willi A

2009-02-01

To determine the effect of exercise based on a multiple purpose, high-intensity philosophy on parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older females with the MetS. Thirty-two women (68.7 +/- 3.4 yr) with the MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) took part in the exercise training (EG), and 33 females (69.5 +/- 4.3 yr) also with MetS served as control group (CG). Beside the diagnostic tools of the MetS (waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure, and glucose), corresponding anthropometric parameters, total cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined. After 12 months of exercise, significant effects were observed for total body fat [EG: -1287 g vs CG: +484 g; P = 0.001; confidence interval (CI) = -2787 to -744 g], trunk fat (-1070 vs -203 g; P = 0.005; CI = -1460 to -274 g), hip circumference (-2.1 vs +1.0 cm; P = 0.001; CI = -4.8 to -1.3 cm), triglycerides: (-24.1 vs -0.3 mg dL(-1); P = 0.021; CI = -43.9 to -3.7 mg dL(-1)), total cholesterol: (-19.8 vs +0.2 mg dL(-1); P = 0.008; CI = -34.6 to -5.5 mg dL(-1)), and HDL-C: (+3.8 vs -0.2 mg dL(-1); P = 0.036; CI = 0.3 to 7.6 mg dL(-1)). Waist circumference slightly decreased in both groups (EG: -0.7% vs CG: -0.6%; P = 0.94). Resting systolic (-7.1 vs -6.4 mm Hg; P = 0.84) and diastolic (-8.0 vs -+9.8 mm Hg; P = 0.39) blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups. Changes of glucose and hsCRP did not significantly vary between groups (glucose: +0.7 vs +1.0 mg dL(-1), P = 0.88; hsCRP: -0.68 vs -0.50 mg L(-1), P = 0.36). The number of criteria of the MetS significantly decreased in the EG (4.13-3.66) and slightly decreased in the CG (4.12-3.97); however, significant time group interactions were not observed (P = 0.15; CI = -0.74 to 0.12). Our multipurpose exercise program significantly affects most parameters of the MetS in elderly women.

Iopanoic acid-induced decrease of circulating T3 causes a significant increase in GH responsiveness to GH releasing hormone in thyrotoxic patients.

PubMed

Ramos-Dias, J C; Lengyel, A M

1999-10-01

Thyroid hormones participate in GH synthesis and secretion, and an impaired GH response to many pharmacological stimuli, including GH releasing hormone (GHRH), has been found in thyrotoxicosis. Although the mechanisms involved in this process have not been fully elucidated, there is evidence that thyroid hormones could act at both hypothalamic and pituitary levels. There are no data in the literature about the effect of an acute reduction of circulating T3 levels on GH secretion in hyperthyroidism. The GH responsiveness to GHRH was therefore evaluated in a group of hyperthyroid patients during short-term treatment with iopanoic acid. Iopanoic acid is a compound that induces a rapid decrease in serum T3 levels, mainly by inhibition of peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. To the authors' knowledge, there is no evidence of a direct effect of iopanoic acid on GH secretion. Hyperthyroid patients were submitted to a GHRH test (100 microg, i.v.) before (day 0), and on days 4, 7 and 15 after oral treatment with iopanoic acid (3 g every 3 days) and propylthiouracil (200 mg every 8 h). A group of normal control subjects was also submitted to a single GHRH test (100 microg, i.v.). Nine patients with thyrotoxicosis (eight women, one man), with a mean age of 34 years, were studied. All patients had high serum levels of total T3 and total T4, and suppressed TSH levels. None of them had taken any medication for at least 3 months before the study. The patients were compared with a group of nine control subjects (five women, four men) with a mean age of 31 years. GH and TSH were measured by immunofluorometric assays. Total T3, total T4 and IGF-I were determined by radioimmunoassay. Albumin levels were measured by a colorimetric method. Iopanoic acid induced a rapid and maintained decrease in serum T3 concentrations, with a significant reduction on days 4, 7 and 15 compared with pre-treatment values. In hyperthyroidism, peak GH levels (mean +/- SE mU/l) after GHRH were significantly

Relationships among nocturnal jaw muscle activities, decreased esophageal pH, and sleep positions.

PubMed

Miyawaki, Shouichi; Tanimoto, Yuko; Araki, Yoshiko; Katayama, Akira; Imai, Mikako; Takano-Yamamoto, Teruko

2004-11-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among nocturnal jaw muscle activities, decreased esophageal pH, and sleep positions. Twelve adult volunteers, including 4 bruxism patients, participated in this study. Portable pH monitoring, electromyography of the temporal muscle, and audio-video recordings were conducted during the night in the subjects' homes. Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) episodes were observed most frequently, with single short-burst episodes the second most frequent. The frequencies of RMMA, single short-burst, and clenching episodes were significantly higher during decreased esophageal pH episodes than those during other times. Both the electromyography and the decreased esophageal pH episodes were most frequently observed in the supine position. These results suggest that most jaw muscle activities, ie, RMMA, single short-burst, and clenching episodes, occur in relation to gastroesophageal reflux mainly in the supine position.

Decreased precision contributes to the hypoxic thermoregulatory response in lizards.

PubMed

Cadena, Viviana; Tattersall, Glenn J

2009-01-01

The decrease in body temperature (T(b)) observed in most vertebrate classes in response to hypoxia has been attributed to a regulated decrease in set-point, protecting organs against tissue death due to oxygen depletion. Hypoxia, however, imparts particular challenges to metabolic function which may, in turn, affect thermoregulation. In ectotherms, where thermoregulation is mainly behavioural, stressors that influence the propensity to move and respond to temperature gradients are expected to have an impact on thermoregulatory control. Using low oxygen as a potent stressor, we evaluated the variability and level of thermoregulation of inland bearded dragons. To examine the source of thermoregulatory variability, we studied their behaviour in an electronically controlled temperature-choice shuttle box, a constant temperature dual-choice shuttle box, and a linear thermal gradient. A significant increase in the size of the T(b) range was observed at the lowest oxygen concentration (4% O(2)), reflecting a decrease in thermoregulatory precision in the temperature-choice shuttle box. This was also accompanied by a drop of approximately 2-4 degrees C in T(b), the drop being greatest in situations where T(b) must be actively defended. Situations that force the lizards to continually choose temperatures, rather than passively remain at a given temperature, lead to an increase in the variability in the manifested T(b), which is further exaggerated in hypoxia. This study reveals that a decrease in thermoregulatory precision caused by a diminished propensity to move or effect appropriate thermoregulatory responses may be a contributing component in the lowering of selected body temperatures observed in many hypoxic ectotherms.

Observing the operational significance of discord consumption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Mile; Chrzanowski, Helen M.; Assad, Syed M.; Symul, Thomas; Modi, Kavan; Ralph, Timothy C.; Vedral, Vlatko; Lam, Ping Koy

2012-09-01

Coherent interactions that generate negligible entanglement can still exhibit unique quantum behaviour. This observation has motivated a search beyond entanglement for a complete description of all quantum correlations. Quantum discord is a promising candidate. Here, we demonstrate that under certain measurement constraints, discord between bipartite systems can be consumed to encode information that can only be accessed by coherent quantum interactions. The inability to access this information by any other means allows us to use discord to directly quantify this `quantum advantage'. We experimentally encode information within the discordant correlations of two separable Gaussian states. The amount of extra information recovered by coherent interaction is quantified and directly linked with the discord consumed during encoding. No entanglement exists at any point of this experiment. Thus we introduce and demonstrate an operational method to use discord as a physical resource.

Decreased function of survival motor neuron protein impairs endocytic pathways

PubMed Central

Dimitriadi, Maria; Derdowski, Aaron; Kalloo, Geetika; Maginnis, Melissa S.; O’Hern, Patrick; Bliska, Bryn; Sorkaç, Altar; Nguyen, Ken C. Q.; Cook, Steven J.; Poulogiannis, George; Atwood, Walter J.; Hall, David H.; Hart, Anne C.

2016-01-01

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by depletion of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, with 1 in 40 Caucasians being heterozygous for a disease allele. SMN is critical for the assembly of numerous ribonucleoprotein complexes, yet it is still unclear how reduced SMN levels affect motor neuron function. Here, we examined the impact of SMN depletion in Caenorhabditis elegans and found that decreased function of the SMN ortholog SMN-1 perturbed endocytic pathways at motor neuron synapses and in other tissues. Diminished SMN-1 levels caused defects in C. elegans neuromuscular function, and smn-1 genetic interactions were consistent with an endocytic defect. Changes were observed in synaptic endocytic proteins when SMN-1 levels decreased. At the ultrastructural level, defects were observed in endosomal compartments, including significantly fewer docked synaptic vesicles. Finally, endocytosis-dependent infection by JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) was reduced in human cells with decreased SMN levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that SMN depletion causes defects in endosomal trafficking that impair synaptic function, even in the absence of motor neuron cell death. PMID:27402754

Decreased function of survival motor neuron protein impairs endocytic pathways.

PubMed

Dimitriadi, Maria; Derdowski, Aaron; Kalloo, Geetika; Maginnis, Melissa S; O'Hern, Patrick; Bliska, Bryn; Sorkaç, Altar; Nguyen, Ken C Q; Cook, Steven J; Poulogiannis, George; Atwood, Walter J; Hall, David H; Hart, Anne C

2016-07-26

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by depletion of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, with 1 in 40 Caucasians being heterozygous for a disease allele. SMN is critical for the assembly of numerous ribonucleoprotein complexes, yet it is still unclear how reduced SMN levels affect motor neuron function. Here, we examined the impact of SMN depletion in Caenorhabditis elegans and found that decreased function of the SMN ortholog SMN-1 perturbed endocytic pathways at motor neuron synapses and in other tissues. Diminished SMN-1 levels caused defects in C. elegans neuromuscular function, and smn-1 genetic interactions were consistent with an endocytic defect. Changes were observed in synaptic endocytic proteins when SMN-1 levels decreased. At the ultrastructural level, defects were observed in endosomal compartments, including significantly fewer docked synaptic vesicles. Finally, endocytosis-dependent infection by JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) was reduced in human cells with decreased SMN levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that SMN depletion causes defects in endosomal trafficking that impair synaptic function, even in the absence of motor neuron cell death.

A decreasing trend in fall-related hip fracture incidence in Victoria, Australia.

PubMed

Cassell, E; Clapperton, A

2013-01-01

In Victoria, Australia, the age-standardised incidence of fall-related hip fracture hospitalisations decreased significantly by 25% over the period 1998/1999-2008/2009. Significant decreases in fall-related hip fractures were observed in males and females, across all 5-year age groups, in Australian-born and overseas-born Victorians, in all socio-economic quintiles and in community-dwelling older people. The study aim was to investigate trends in the incidence of fall-related and hip fracture hospitalisations among Victorians aged 65 years and older overall and by age, gender, country of birth, socio-economic status (SES) and location of the event (home, residential care institution, etc.) over the 11-year period 1998/1999 to 2008/2009. Annual counts and age-standardised rates for fall-related hospitalisations among people aged 65 years and older were estimated using Victorian hospital admissions data. The statistical significance of changes in trends over time were analysed using a log-linear regression model of the rate data assuming a Poisson distribution of cases. Although the age-standardised incidence of fall-related hospitalisations increased significantly by 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9% to 18%) in Victoria, the age-standardised incidence of fall-related hip fracture hospitalisations decreased from 600/100,000 in 1998/1999 to 467/100,000 in 2008/2009 - an estimated overall reduction of 25% (95% CI, -29% to -22%). By contrast, the age-standardised incidence of fall-related hospitalisations for fractures at other body sites either increased significantly or showed no significant change. Significant decreases in fall-related hip fractures were observed in both males and females, across all 5-year age groups, in both Australian-born and overseas-born Victorians, in all socio-economic quintiles and in community-dwelling older people but not in people living in residential care facilities. Despite the downward trend in the age-standardised incidence of

Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice

PubMed Central

Melin, Vanessa E.; Potineni, Haritha; Hunt, Patricia; Griswold, Jodi; Siems, Bill; Werre, Stephen R.; Hrubec, Terry C.

2014-01-01

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are antimicrobial disinfectants commonly used in commercial and household settings. Extensive use of QACs results in ubiquitous human exposure, yet reproductive toxicity has not been evaluated. Decreased reproductive performance in laboratory mice coincided with the introduction of a disinfectant containing both alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC). QACs were detected in caging material over a period of several months following cessation of disinfectant use. Breeding pairs exposed for six months to a QAC disinfectant exhibited decreases in fertility and fecundity: increased time to first litter, longer pregnancy intervals, fewer pups per litter and fewer pregnancies. Significant morbidity in near term dams was also observed. In summary, exposure to a common QAC disinfectant mixture significantly impaired reproductive health in mice. This study illustrates the importance of assessing mixture toxicity of commonly used products whose components have only been evaluated individually. PMID:25483128

Decreased Movement Path Tortuosity Is Associated With Improved Functional Status in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Kearns, William D; Scott, Steven; Fozard, James L; Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina; Jasiewicz, Jan M

2016-01-01

To determine if movement path tortuosity in everyday ambulation decreases in Veterans being treated in a residential setting for traumatic brain injury. Elevated path tortuosity is observed in assisted living facility residents with cognitive impairment and at risk for falls, and tortuosity may decrease over the course of cognitive rehabilitation received by the Veterans. If observed, decreased tortuosity may be linked to improved clinical outcomes. Longitudinal observational study without random assignment. Veterans Affairs Medical Center inpatient residential polytrauma treatment facility. Twenty-two Veterans enrolled in a postacute predischarge residential polytrauma treatment facility. None, observation-only. Mayo-Portland Adaptability Index-4, and movement path tortuosity measured by Fractal Dimension (Fractal D). Fractal D was obtained continuously from an indoor movement tracking system primarily used to provide machine-generated prompts and reminders to facilitate activities of daily living. Patients were deemed "responders" (N = 10) if a significant linear decline in Fractal D occurred over the course of treatment, or nonresponders (N = 12) if no significant decline was observed. Responders had lower discharge Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory scores (mean = 32.6, SD = 9.53) than non-responders (mean = 39.5, SD = 6.02) (F = 2.07, df = 20, P = .05). Responders and nonresponders did not differ on initial injury severity or other demographic measures. Fractal D, a relatively simple measure of movement path tortuosity can be linked to functional recovery from traumatic brain injury.

Decreased NAA in gray matter is correlated with decreased availability of acetate in white matter in postmortem multiple sclerosis cortex.

PubMed

Li, S; Clements, R; Sulak, M; Gregory, R; Freeman, E; McDonough, J

2013-11-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which leads to progressive neurological disability. Our previous studies have demonstrated mitochondrial involvement in MS cortical pathology and others have documented decreased levels of the neuronal mitochondrial metabolite N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the MS brain. While NAA is synthesized in neurons, it is broken down in oligodendrocytes into aspartate and acetate. The resulting acetate is incorporated into myelin lipids, linking neuronal mitochondrial function to oligodendrocyte-mediated elaboration of myelin lipids in the CNS. In the present study we show that treating human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with the electron transport chain inhibitor antimycin A decreased levels of NAA as measured by HPLC. To better understand the significance of the relationship between mitochondrial function and levels of NAA and its breakdown product acetate on MS pathology we then quantitated the levels of NAA and acetate in MS and control postmortem tissue blocks. Regardless of lesion status, we observed that levels of NAA were decreased 25 and 32 % in gray matter from parietal and motor cortex in MS, respectively, compared to controls. Acetate levels in adjacent white matter mirrored these decreases as evidenced by the 36 and 45 % reduction in acetate obtained from parietal and motor cortices. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced NAA levels in neurons may result in compromised myelination by oligodendrocytes due to decreased availability of acetate necessary for the synthesis of myelin lipids.

[Significance of vitamin K (VK) administration in patients under chemotherapy during postoperative fasting period].

PubMed

Ojiro, M; Takenoshita, M; Toshinaga, T; Shimazu, H

1992-01-01

Recently coagulopathy caused by vitamin K (VK) deficiency following antibiotic therapy in malnourished patients has been reported. We studied on the same problem particularly in patients under chemotherapy during postoperative fasting period. For this purpose, prothrombin time (PT), vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (Factor II (F-II), VII (F-VII) and protein C), PIVKA-II (PK-II) and plasma level of VK in two groups of patients with or without VK administration were measured in esophageal cancer patients. In the group with VK, VK2 were given intravenously everyday. In the group without VK, PT prolonged and F-II decreased from the seventh postoperative day, especially on the 14th day significantly. Although F-VII and protein C decreased on the first day and returned subsequently on the seventh day, no significance was observed between two groups. PK-II increased clearly in the group without VK from the seventh day, whereas no significant changes were observed in the group with VK. The plasma level of VK1 decreased in both groups, but VK2, especially MK-4, was high in the group with VK.

Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Prader-Willi Syndrome: Comparison With Obese Subjects

PubMed Central

Butler, Merlin G.; Haber, Lawrence; Mernaugh, Ray; Carlson, Michael G.; Price, Ron; Feurer, Irene D.

2016-01-01

Bone density, anthropometric data, and markers of bone turnover were collected on 21 subjects diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and compared with 9 subjects with obesity of unknown cause. In addition, urinary N-telopeptide levels were obtained in all subjects. N-telopeptides are the peptide fragments of type I collagen, the major bone matrix material. During periods of active bone degradation or high bone turnover, high levels of N-telopeptides are excreted in the urine. However, no significant difference was detected in the urinary N-telopeptide levels when corrected for creatinine excretion (raw or transformed data) between our subjects with obesity or PWS and the observed effect size of the between-group difference was small. Although N-telopeptide levels were higher but not significantly different in the subjects with PWS compared with obese controls, the subjects with PWS had significantly decreased total bone and spine mineral density and total bone mineral content (all P < 0.001). No differences in N- telopeptide levels or bone mineral density were observed between subjects with PWS and chromosome 15q deletion or maternal disomy. Thus, decreased bone mineral density in subjects with PWS may relate to the lack of depositing bone mineral during growth when bones are becoming more dense (e.g., during adolescence), possibly because of decreased production of sex or growth hormones and/or long-standing hypotonia. It may not be caused by loss, or active degradation, of bone matrix measurable by the methods described in this study further supporting the possible need for hormone therapy during adolescence. PMID:11745993

The National Emissions Inventory Significantly Overestimates NOx Emissions: Analysis of CMAQ and in situ observations from DISCOVER-AQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, D. C.; Dickerson, R. R.; Loughner, C.

2013-12-01

NOx and CO not only adversely impact human health, but they, along with associated VOCs, are also important precursors for O3 formation. While ambient NOx and CO concentrations have decreased dramatically over the past 10-20 years, O3 has remained a more recalcitrant problem, particularly in the Baltimore/Washington region. Reduction of O3 production requires that emissions inventories, such as the National Emissions Inventory (NEI), accurately capture total emissions of CO and NOx while also correctly apportioning them among different sectors. Previous evaluations of the NEI paint different pictures of its accuracy, with assertions that it overestimates either one or both of CO and NOx from anywhere between 25 percent to a factor of 2. These conflicting claims warrant further investigation. In this study, measurements of NOx and CO taken aboard the NOAA P3B airplane during the 2011 DISCOVER-AQ field campaign were used to determine the NOx/CO emissions ratio at 6 locations in the Washington/Baltimore region. An average molar emissions ratio of 12.8 × 1.2 CO/NOx was found by calculating the change in CO over the change in NOx from vertical concentration profiles in the planetary boundary layer. Ratios showed little variation with location. Observed values were approximately a factor of 1.35 - 1.75 times greater than that predicted by the annual, countywide emissions ratio from the 2008 NEI. When compared to a temporalized, gridded version of the inventory processed by SMOKE, ratio observations were greater than that predicted by inventories by up to a factor of 2. Comparison of the in situ measurements and remotely sensed observations from MOPITT of CO to the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model agree within 10-35 percent, with the model higher on average. Measurements of NOy by two separate analytical techniques, on the other hand, show that CMAQ consistently and significantly overestimates NOy concentrations. Combined with the CO observations, this

Investigation of distributor vane jets to decrease the unsteady load on hydro turbine runner blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, B. J.; Cimbala, J. M.; Wouden, A. M.

2012-11-01

As the runner blades of a Francis hydroturbine pass though the wakes created from the wicket gates, they experience a significant change in absolute velocity, flow angle, and pressure. The concept of adding jets to the trailing edge of the wicket gates is proposed as a method for reducing the dynamic load on the hydroturbine runner blades. Computational experiments show a decrease in velocity variation experienced by the runner blade with the addition of the jets. The decrease in velocity variation resulted in a 43% decrease in global torque variation at the runner passing frequency. However, an increased variation was observed at the wicket gate passing frequency. Also, a 5.7% increase in average global torque was observed with the addition of blowing from the trailing-edge of the wicket gates.

Decrease in body surface temperature before parturition in ewes.

PubMed

Nabenishi, Hisashi; Yamazaki, Atusi

2017-04-21

This study investigated the correlation between the body surface temperature (BST) and core body temperature of ewes and changes in BST during the prepartum stage in pregnant ewes. Four non-pregnant adult ewes were used in the first experiment. The BST of the upper neck, vaginal temperature (VT), and ambient temperature (AT) were measured every 10 min for seven days and analyzed for correlations. The mean (± SD) BST and VT of ewes during the study period were 35.4 ± 1.7°C and 39.1 ± 0.4°C, respectively, with a correlation of r = 0.62, P < 0.001. This finding suggested that the BST was associated with core body temperature in ewes. In the subsequent experiment, seven pregnant ewes in their third trimester were used to evaluate changes in BST measured at the upper neck 72 h before parturition. The mean BST at -24-0 h (0 h = time of parturition) was significantly lower than that at -72- -48 h and -48- -24 h (P < 0.05). The BST tended to decrease toward parturition; all BST measurements at -16- -3 h were significantly lower than those at -72 h (P < 0.05). A clear circadian rhythm in the BST was observed at two days and the day before parturition and an unclear circadian rhythm was observed on the day of parturition. Therefore, these findings indicate that the BST also decreases before parturition, as do vaginal and rectal temperatures.

Precursors of the Forbush Decrease on 2006 December 14 Observed with the Global Muon Detector Network (GMDN)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fushishita, A.; Kuwabara, T.; Kato, C.; Yasue, S.; Bieber, J. W.; Evenson, P.; Da Silva, M. R.; Dal Lago, A.; Schuch, N. J.; Tokumaru, M.; Duldig, M. L.; Humble, J. E.; Sabbah, I.; Jassar, H. K. Al; Sharma, M. M.; Munakata, K.

2010-06-01

We analyze the precursor of a Forbush decrease (FD) observed with the Global Muon Detector Network on 2006 December 14. An intense geomagnetic storm is also recorded during this FD with the peak Kp index of 8+. By using the "two-dimensional map" of the cosmic ray intensity produced after removing the contribution from the diurnal anisotropy, we succeed in extracting clear signatures of the precursor. A striking feature of this event is that a weak loss-cone (LC) signature is first recorded more than a day prior to the storm sudden commencement (SSC) onset. This suggests that the LC precursor appeared only 7 hr after the coronal mass ejection eruption from the Sun, when the interplanetary (IP) shock driven by the interplanetary coronal mass ejection was located at 0.4 AU from the Sun. We find the precursor being successively observed with multiple detectors in the network according to the Earth's spin and confirmed that the precursor continuously exists in space. The long lead time (15.6 hr) of this precursor which is almost twice the typical value indicates that the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was more quiet in this event than a typical power spectrum assumed for the IMF turbulence. The amplitude (-6.45%) of the LC anisotropy at the SSC onset is more than twice the FD size, indicating that the maximum intensity depression behind the IP shock is much larger than the FD size recorded at the Earth in this event. We also find the excess intensity from the sunward IMF direction clearly observed during ~10 hr preceding the SSC onset. It is shown that this excess intensity is consistent with the measurement of the particles accelerated by the head-on collisions with the approaching shock. This is the first detailed observation of the precursor due to the shock reflected particles with muon detectors.

The significance of microwave observations for the planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Pater, Imke

1991-01-01

A review of radio observations of the giant and terrestrial planets is presented, together with a discussion as to how our understanding of the planets' surfaces, atmospheres and magnetospheres has improved with help of these data. Giant planet atmospheres. The radio spectra and resolved images of the four giant planets are compared. Jupiter and Saturn are very much alike: NH3 gas is depleted compared to what would be expected for a solar nitrogen abundance by a factor of ~5 at P <= 1-2 bar, and enhanced by ~1.5 at P > 2 bar on Jupiter and by 3-4 at P > 4-5 bar on Saturn. Bright bands across the planetary disks imply a latitudinal variation in the precise ammonia abundance. Uranus and Neptune are very different from the former two planets, in that they exhibit a depletion of NH3 gas by about two orders of magnitude over a large altitude range in the atmosphere. Uranus shows a large pole-to-equator gradient in brightness temperature. The loss of NH3 gas in all four planetary atmospheres is most likely due to the formation of NH4SH. This requires the H,S abundance in Jupiter and Saturn to be enhanced by a factor of 6-7 and 10-15 respectively above the solar value, and in Uranus and Neptune by over two orders of magnitude. The NH3 and H2S abundances derived from radio data support the "core-instability" models on planetary formation by Pollack and Bodenheimer [1989]. The latitudinal variation in the NH3 abundance on the planets suggests differences in the location of the NH4SH cloud layers and hence the dynamics of the planets. Jupiter's synchrotron radiation. Radio observations of Jupiter's synchrotron radiation have led to a detailed model of Jupiter's inner magnetosphere with electron distributions. The satellites Thebe and Amalthea cause the electrons to be confined to the magnetic equatorial plane. Energy degradation of the electrons by dust in Jupiter's ring harden the electron spectrum considerably. A "hot spot" in Jupiter's radiation belts can partly be

Effectiveness of Tai-Chi for decreasing acute pain in fibromyalgia patients.

PubMed

Segura-Jiménez, V; Romero-Zurita, A; Carbonell-Baeza, A; Aparicio, V A; Ruiz, J R; Delgado-Fernández, M

2014-05-01

Tai-Chi has shown benefits in physical and psychological outcomes in diverse populations. We aimed to determine the changes elicited by a Tai-Chi program (12 and 24 weeks) in acute pain (before vs. after session) in fibromyalgia patients. We also assessed the cumulative changes in pain brought about by a Tai-Chi program. Thirty-six patients (29 women) with fibromyalgia participated in a low-moderate intensity Tai-Chi program for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). Twenty-eight patients (27 women) continued the program for an additional 12 weeks (i. e., 24 weeks). We assessed pain by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after each single session (i. e., 72 sessions). We observed significant immediate changes (P-values from 0.037 to 0.0001) with an approximately 12% mean decrease of acute pain in the comparison of VAS-values before and after each session (72 sessions in total), with the exception of 4 sessions. We observed significant changes in cumulative pain pre-session (95% CI=-0.019; -0.014; P<0.001) and cumulative pain post-session (95% CI=-0.021; -0.015; P<0.001) along the 24-week intervention only. In conclusion, a low-moderate intensity Tai-Chi program for 12 weeks (3 times/week) decreased levels of acute pain in fibromyalgia patients. A longer period is necessary (e. g. 24 weeks) for observing cumulative changes in pain. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Defected red blood cell membranes and direct correlation with the uraemic milieu: the connection with the decreased red blood cell lifespan observed in haemodialysis patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamopoulos, D.; Grapsa, E.; Manios, E.; Gogola, V.; Bakirtzi, N.

2012-12-01

Together with impaired production of erythropoietin and iron deficiency, the decreased lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs) is a main factor contributing to the chronic anaemia observed in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Atomic force microscopy is employed in this work to thoroughly survey the membrane of intact RBCs (iRBCs) of HD patients in comparison to those of healthy donors, aiming to obtain direct information on the structural status of RBCs that can be related to their decreased lifespan. We observed that the iRBC membrane of the HD patients is overpopulated with extended circular defects, termed ‘orifices’, that have typical dimension ranging between 0.2 and 1.0 μm. The ‘orifice’ index—that is, the mean population of ‘orifices’ per top membrane surface—exhibits a pronounced relative increase of order 54 ± 12% for the HD patients as compared to healthy donors. Interestingly, for the HD patients, the ‘orifice’ index, which relates to the structural status of the RBC membrane, correlates strongly with urea concentration, which is a basic index of the uraemic milieu. Thus, these results indicate that the uraemic milieu downgrades the structural status of the RBC membrane, possibly triggering biochemical processes that result in their premature elimination from the circulation. This process could decrease the lifespan of RBCs, as observed in HD patients.

Decreased NAA in Gray Matter is Correlated with Decreased Availability of Acetate in White Matter in Postmortem Multiple Sclerosis Cortex

PubMed Central

Li, S.; Clements, R.; Sulak, M.; Gregory, R.; Freeman, E.; McDonough, J.

2013-01-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which leads to progressive neurological disability. Our previous studies have demonstrated mitochondrial involvement in MS cortical pathology and others have documented decreased levels of the neuronal mitochondrial metabolite N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the MS brain. While NAA is synthesized in neurons, it is broken down in oligodendrocytes into aspartate and acetate. The resulting acetate is incorporated into myelin lipids, linking neuronal mitochondrial function to oligodendrocyte-mediated elaboration of myelin lipids in the CNS. In the present study we show that treating human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with the electron transport chain inhibitor antimycin A decreased levels of NAA as measured by HPLC. To better understand the significance of the relationship between mitochondrial function and levels of NAA and its breakdown product acetate on MS pathology we then quantitated the levels of NAA and acetate in MS and control postmortem tissue blocks. Regardless of lesion status, we observed that levels of NAA were decreased 25 and 32 % in gray matter from parietal and motor cortex in MS, respectively, compared to controls. Acetate levels in adjacent white matter mirrored these decreases as evidenced by the 36 and 45 % reduction in acetate obtained from parietal and motor cortices. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced NAA levels in neurons may result in compromised myelination by oligodendrocytes due to decreased availability of acetate necessary for the synthesis of myelin lipids. PMID:24078261

Image enhancement filters significantly improve reading performance for low vision observers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawton, T. B.

1992-01-01

As people age, so do their photoreceptors; many photoreceptors in central vision stop functioning when a person reaches their late sixties or early seventies. Low vision observers with losses in central vision, those with age-related maculopathies, were studied. Low vision observers no longer see high spatial frequencies, being unable to resolve fine edge detail. We developed image enhancement filters to compensate for the low vision observer's losses in contrast sensitivity to intermediate and high spatial frequencies. The filters work by boosting the amplitude of the less visible intermediate spatial frequencies. The lower spatial frequencies. These image enhancement filters not only reduce the magnification needed for reading by up to 70 percent, but they also increase the observer's reading speed by 2-4 times. A summary of this research is presented.

Decrease in tropospheric O3 levels in the Northern Hemisphere observed by IASI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wespes, Catherine; Hurtmans, Daniel; Clerbaux, Cathy; Boynard, Anne; Coheur, Pierre-François

2018-05-01

In this study, we describe the recent changes in the tropospheric ozone (O3) columns measured by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), onboard the Metop satellite, during the first 9 years of operation (January 2008 to May 2017). Using appropriate multivariate regression methods, we differentiate significant linear trends from other sources of O3 variations captured by IASI. The geographical patterns of the adjusted O3 trends are provided and discussed on the global scale. Given the large contribution of the natural variability in comparison with that of the trend (25-85 % vs. 15-50 %, respectively) to the total O3 variations, we estimate that additional years of IASI measurements are generally required to detect the estimated O3 trends with high precision. Globally, additional 6 months to 6 years of measurements, depending on the regions and the seasons, are needed to detect a trend of |5| DU decade-1. An exception is interestingly found during summer at mid- and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere (NH; ˜ 40 to ˜ 75° N), where the large absolute fitted trend values (˜ |0.5| DU yr-1 on average) combined with the small model residuals (˜ 10 %) allow for detection of a band-like pattern of significant negative trends. Despite no consensus in terms of tropospheric O3 trends having been reached from the available independent datasets (UV or IR satellites, O3 sondes, aircrafts, ground-based measurements, etc.) for the reasons that are discussed in the text, this finding is consistent with the reported decrease in O3 precursor emissions in recent years, especially in Europe and USA. The influence of continental pollution on that latitudinal band is further investigated and supported by the analysis of the O3-CO relationship (in terms of correlation coefficient, regression slope and covariance) that we found to be the strongest at northern midlatitudes in summer.

Trps1 deficiency inhibits the morphogenesis of secondary hair follicles via decreased Noggin expression

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

Sun, Yujing; Nakanishi, Masako; Sato, Fuyuki

Highlights: • The number of secondary hair follicles is reduced by half in Trps1 KO embryonic skin compared to wild-type skin. • Noggin expression is significantly decreased and BMP signaling is promoted in Trps1 KO embryonic skin. • Treatment with a Noggin or BMP inhibitor rescued the decreased number of hair follicles in Trps1 KO skin graft cultures. • Cell proliferation and apoptosis of the epidermis were normalized by Noggin treatment. - Abstract: A representative phenotype of patients with tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is sparse hair. To understand the developmental defects of these patient’s hair follicles, we analyzed the development ofmore » hair follicles histologically and biochemically using Trps1 deficient (KO) mice. First, we compared the numbers of primary hair follicles in wild-type (WT) and KO embryos at different developmental stages. No differences were observed in the E14.5 skins of WT and KO mice. However, at later time points, KO fetal skin failed to properly develop secondary hair follicles, and the number of secondary hair follicles present in E18.5 KO skin was approximately half compared to that of WT skin. Sonic hedgehog expression was significantly decreased in E17.5 KO skin, whereas no changes were observed in Eda/Edar expression in E14.5 or E17.5 skins. In addition, Noggin expression was significantly decreased in E14.5 and E17.5 KO skin compared to WT skin. In parallel with the suppression of Noggin expression, BMP signaling was promoted in the epidermal cells of KO skins compared to WT skins as determined by immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. The reduced number of secondary hair follicles was restored in skin graft cultures treated with a Noggin and BMP inhibitor. Furthermore, decreased cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis in KO skin was rescued by Noggin treatment. Taken together, we conclude that hair follicle development in Trps1 KO embryos is impaired directly or indirectly by decreased

An observational study of the universal use of octenidine to decrease nosocomial bloodstream infections and MDR organisms.

PubMed

Gastmeier, Petra; Kämpf, Klaus-Peter; Behnke, Michael; Geffers, Christine; Schwab, Frank

2016-09-01

To investigate the effect of universal decolonization with octenidine on the incidence of ICU-acquired bloodstream infections (BSI) and MDR organisms (MDRO). A system-wide change in practice was performed in the ICUs of a university hospital with three campuses (eight medical ICUs and nine surgical ICUs). All ICUs had a general admission screening strategy for MRSA with subsequent isolation in the 12 month baseline period, which was stopped. After a wash-in period of 1 month, decolonization of the nose with octenidine nasal gel and octenidine wash cloths was introduced. The endpoints were ICU-acquired BSI and ICU-acquired MDRO isolates from clinical cultures. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was used to assess the effect of intervention. A total of 29 532 ICU patients (16 677 surgical and 12 855 medical) were included in the study. The baseline incidence density of ICU-acquired BSI was 5.1 per 1000 patient days and the baseline ICU-acquired MRSA rate was 0.97 per 1000 patient days. Whereas no significant effect on either outcome was found in surgical ICUs, we identified a significant effect on ICU-acquired BSI for the intervention in medical ICUs by means of multivariate analysis (incidence rate ratio 0.78; 95% CI 0.65-0.94). In addition, the intervention was also effective in decreasing ICU-acquired MRSA in medical ICUs (incidence rate ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.41-0.82). No effect on ICU-acquired VRE and Gram-negative MDRO was found. System change was successful by decreasing infection rates in medical ICUs and improving the management in all ICUs. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Decreasing GABA function within the medial prefrontal cortex or basolateral amygdala decreases sociability.

PubMed

Paine, Tracie A; Swedlow, Nathan; Swetschinski, Lucien

2017-01-15

Decreased sociability is a symptom of psychiatric conditions including autism-spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Both of these conditions are associated with decreases in GABA function, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA); structures that are components of the social brain. Here, we determined if decreasing GABA transmission within either the PFC or the BLA decreases social behavior. Rats were implanted with cannulae aimed at either the medial PFC or the BLA and then were tested on up to 4 behavioral tests following bilateral infusions of 0.5μl bicuculline methiodide (BMI, a GABA A receptor antagonist) at doses of 0, 25, or 50ng/μl. Rats were tested in the social interaction test, the social preference test, the sucrose preference test and for locomotor activity (BLA infusions only). Intra-BLA or PFC BMI infusions decreased the amount of time and the number of social interactions in the social interaction test. Further, in the social preference test, rats infused with 50ng BMI no longer exhibited a preference to explore a social over a non-social stimulus. The change in sociability was not due to a change in reward processing or locomotor behavior. Decreasing GABA transmission in either the medial PFC or BLA decreased sociability. Thus, changes in GABA signaling observed in conditions such as autism or schizophrenia may mediate the social withdrawal characteristic of these conditions. Moreover, they suggest that social withdrawal may be treated by drugs that potentiate GABA transmission. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Weight loss decreases self-reported appetite and alters food preferences in overweight and obese adults: Observational data from the DiOGenes study.

PubMed

Andriessen, Charlotte; Christensen, Pia; Vestergaard Nielsen, Lone; Ritz, Christian; Astrup, Arne; Meinert Larsen, Thomas; Martinez, J Alfredo; Saris, Wim H M; van Baak, Marleen A; Papadaki, Angeliki; Kunesova, Marie; Jebb, Susan; Blundell, John; Lawton, Clare; Raben, Anne

2018-06-01

People with obesity often struggle to maintain their weight loss after a weight loss period. Furthermore, the effect of weight loss on appetite and food preferences remains unclear. Hence this study investigated the effect of weight loss on subjective appetite and food preferences in healthy, overweight and obese volunteers. A subgroup of adult participants (n = 123) from the Diet Obesity and Genes (DiOGenes) study (subgroup A) was recruited from across six European countries. Participants lost ≥8% of initial body weight during an 8-week low calorie diet (LCD). Subjective appetite and food preferences were measured before and after the LCD, in response to a standardized meal test, using visual analogue rating scales (VAS) and the Leeds Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). After the LCD, participants reported increased fullness (p < 0.05), decreased desire to eat (p < 0.05) and decreased prospective consumption (p < 0.05) after consuming the test meal. An interaction effect (visit x time) was found for hunger ratings (p < 0.05). Area under the curve (AUC) for hunger, desire to eat and prospective consumption was decreased by 18.1%, 20.2% and 21.1% respectively whereas AUC for fullness increased by 13.9%. Preference for low-energy products measured by the Food Preference Checklist (FPC) decreased by 1.9% before the test meal and by 13.5% after the test meal (p < 0.05). High-carbohydrate and high-fat preference decreased by 11.4% and 16.2% before the test meal and by 17.4% and 22.7% after the meal (p < 0.05). No other effects were observed. These results suggest that LCD induced weight loss decreases the appetite perceptions of overweight volunteers whilst decreasing their preference for high-fat-, high-carbohydrate-, and low-energy products. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decrease in body surface temperature before parturition in ewes

PubMed Central

NABENISHI, Hisashi; YAMAZAKI, Atusi

2017-01-01

This study investigated the correlation between the body surface temperature (BST) and core body temperature of ewes and changes in BST during the prepartum stage in pregnant ewes. Four non-pregnant adult ewes were used in the first experiment. The BST of the upper neck, vaginal temperature (VT), and ambient temperature (AT) were measured every 10 min for seven days and analyzed for correlations. The mean (± SD) BST and VT of ewes during the study period were 35.4 ± 1.7°C and 39.1 ± 0.4°C, respectively, with a correlation of r = 0.62, P < 0.001. This finding suggested that the BST was associated with core body temperature in ewes. In the subsequent experiment, seven pregnant ewes in their third trimester were used to evaluate changes in BST measured at the upper neck 72 h before parturition. The mean BST at –24–0 h (0 h = time of parturition) was significantly lower than that at –72– –48 h and –48– –24 h (P < 0.05). The BST tended to decrease toward parturition; all BST measurements at –16– –3 h were significantly lower than those at –72 h (P < 0.05). A clear circadian rhythm in the BST was observed at two days and the day before parturition and an unclear circadian rhythm was observed on the day of parturition. Therefore, these findings indicate that the BST also decreases before parturition, as do vaginal and rectal temperatures. PMID:28163263

[Clinical and pathological significance of carotid siphon calcification observed on bone condition of brain CT].

PubMed

Matsumoto, Hideyuki; Hamaguchi, Hirotoshi; Nakayama, Takahiro; Oda, Tetsuya; Ikagawa, Takashi; Imafuku, Ichiro

2008-02-01

On plain brain computed tomography (CT), it is difficult to evaluate stenosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) because ICA is surrounded by structures, even though we can observe calcification of carotid siphon in some patients by using bone condition. However the pathologic significance has not been well known. We studied the pathologic significance of carotid siphon calcification observed on bone condition of brain CT. A total of 112 patients who were diagnosed or suspected as cerebrovascular diseases were registered. We classified the calcification into four levels (none, mild, moderate, severe) based on the degree of calcification. Then we compared it with the degree of stenosis of carotid siphon seen on brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and with max intima-medial thickness (IMT) from common carotid artery (CCA) to ICA on carotid ultrasonography. The mean +/- standard deviation of max IMT to none, mild, moderate and severe in the degree of calcification were 1.03 +/- 0.64 (0.4-2.8), 1.65 +/- 0.83 (0.5-4.1), 2.03 +/- 0.83 (0.8-4.1) and 2.81 +/- 1.15 (0.7-6.5) mm, respectively. The calcification on brain CT significantly correlated with the degree of stenosis on brain MRA and with max IMT on carotid ultrasonography. The calcification of carotid siphon on bone condition of brain CT correlated with stenosis of the same portion and atherosclerosis of CCA bifurcation. Recently, on DICOM viewer, clinicians can convert plain condition into bone condition on brain CT due to popularization of PACS. We should pay attention to calcification of carotid siphon in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular diseases because we can estimate the atherosclerosis of both carotid siphon and CCA bifurcation easily and immediately.

Decreasing burned children's pain behavior: impacting the trauma of hydrotherapy.

PubMed Central

Kelley, M L; Jarvie, G J; Middlebrook, J L; McNeer, M F; Drabman, R S

1984-01-01

We evaluated the effects of cartoon viewing with the use of a star feedback chart on two burned children's pain behavior during their physical therapy sessions. In addition, the degree to which the observational data corresponded with physical therapists' and mothers' ratings of the children's pain, fear, and cooperativeness was examined. Using a reversal single-subject design, the results showed that the children's pain behavior substantially decreased during experimental treatment sessions compared to their baseline levels. The rating scale data indicated that the physical therapist's and mother's rating of pain, anxiety, and cooperativeness were all correlated significantly with the observational data (p less than .05). The contributions of respondent and operant conditioning to the occurrence and treatment of pain behavior in burned children are discussed. PMID:6735948

In Vivo Rodent Models of Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Decreased Use.

PubMed

Cho, Su Han; Kim, Jang Hoe; Song, Wook

2016-03-01

Skeletal muscle possesses plasticity and adaptability to external and internal physiological changes. Due to these characteristics, skeletal muscle shows dramatic changes depending on its response to stimuli such as physical activity, nutritional changes, disease status, and environmental changes. Modulation of the rate of protein synthesis/degradation plays an important role in atrophic responses. The purpose of this review is to describe different features of skeletal muscle adaptation with various models of deceased use. In this review, four models were addressed: immobilization, spinal cord transection, hindlimb unloading, and aging. Immobilization is a form of decreased use in which skeletal muscle shows electrical activity, tension development, and motion. These results differ by muscle group. Spinal cord transection was selected to simulate spinal cord injury. Similar to the immobilization model, dramatic atrophy occurs in addition to fiber type conversion in this model. Despite the fact that electromyography shows unremarkable changes in muscle after hindlimb unloading, decreased muscle mass and contractile force are observed. Lastly, aging significantly decreases the numbers of muscle fibers and motor units. Skeletal muscle responses to decreased use include decreased strength, decreased fiber numbers, and fiber type transformation. These four models demonstrated different changes in the skeletal muscle. This review elucidates the different skeletal muscle adaptations in these four decreased use animal models and encourages further studies.

Decreased NK-Cell Cytotoxicity after Short Flights on the Space Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehta, Satish K.; Grimm, Elizabeth A.; Smid, Christine; Kaur, Indreshpal; Feeback, Daniel L.; Pierson, Duane L.

2000-01-01

Cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cell surface marker expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 11 U.S. astronauts on two different missions were determined before and after 9 or 10 days of spaceflight aboard the space shuttle. Blood samples were collected 10 and 3 days before launch, within 3 hours after landing, and 3 days after landing. All PBMC preparations were cryopreserved and analyzed simultaneously in a 4-hour cytotoxicity "Cr-release assay using NK-sensitive K-562 target cells. Compared to preflight values, NK-cell cytotoxicity (corrected for lymphopenia observed on landing day) was significantly decreased at landing (P < 0.0125). It then apparently began to recover and approached preflight values by 3 days after landing. Consistent with decreased NK-cell cytotoxicity, significant increases from preflight values were found in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone at landing. Plasma and urinary cortisol levels did not change significantly from preflight values. Expression of major lymphocyte surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD56), determined by flow cytometric analysis, revealed no consistent phenotypic changes in relative percent of NK or other lymphoid cells after 10 days of spaceflight.

Decreased responsiveness following lithium discontinuation in bipolar disorder: A naturalistic observation study.

PubMed

Cakir, Sibel; Yazıcı, Olcay; Post, Robert M

2017-01-01

Lithium is a cornerstone in treatment of bipolar disorder. Findings are conflicting as to whether acquired unresponsiveness occurs following the discontinuation. Retrospective life chart data were evaluated to investigate the incidence of loss of response. Sixty-five patients chosen from a larger cohort, followed with prospective life charts, who discontinued lithium and had a second lithium treatment. Patients who had at least 2 mood episodes when they were drug naïve to describe the natural frequency of illness and 3 mood episodes before the discontinuation were included. The type of response was defined as excellent, partial, or poor according to mirror design method. Eighteen of 65 patients (27.6%) had a decreased response to lithium following its discontinuation. Nine of these patients (13.8%) were unresponsive and nine patients (13.8%) had attenuated response to second lithium treatment. The mean time of discontinuation was longer in the patients who show decreased response (245.8+268.2 vs. 117.9+149.8 days, p=.01). Those who had episode recurrences during the discontinuation were more likely to show reduced responsiveness upon re-treatment. After discontinuation of lithium treatment, more than a quarter of the patients showed an attenuated response or unresponsiveness, and initial partial responders more likely to show unresponsiveness than excellent responders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epinephrine and left atrial and left ventricular diastolic function decrease in normal subjects.

PubMed

Fuenmayor, Abdel J; Solórzano, Moisés I; Gómez, Luisangelly

2016-10-01

We assessed the effect of epinephrine over left atrial and left ventricular diastolic function in subjects without structural heart disease. Twenty-seven, 34.6±17.2year-old patients without structural heart disease were included. Intravenous epinephrine (50 to 100ng/kg/min) was infused. Left atrial and ventricular functions were evaluated by means of echocardiography before and during the epinephrine infusion. No complications were observed. Significant increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure were recorded. Both left atrial (minimal and maximal) volumes increased but increase in the minimal volume was more pronounced, and the ejection fraction diminished. Left atrial expansion index decreased and the fraction of left ventricular inflow volume resulting from atrial contraction increased. Two patients displayed abnormal left ventricular diastolic function. During epinephrine infusion, E/A and e' decreased, and isovolumetric relaxation time increased. In this group of young adults without structural heart disease, epinephrine infusion was safe, did not produce any complications, and induced a small but significant decrease in left atrial function and left ventricular diastolic function. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia is associated with decreases in cerebral oxygen saturation as assessed by NIRS: an observational study.

PubMed

Fassoulaki, Argyro; Paraskeva, Anteia; Tsaroucha, Athanasia

2014-03-01

To investigate the effect of spinal anesthesia on cerebral rSO2 during elective cesarean delivery (CD). Thirty-four women scheduled for elective CD under spinal anesthesia were recruited. In the operating room rSO2 of the left and right frontal area and right thigh was recorded using three disposable sensors. A combination of 1.8-2.0 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine plus 10 μg of fentanyl were injected intrathecally. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, SpO2 as well as rSO2 of the left and right forehead areas and right thigh were recorded before, 5, 10, and 25 to 50 minutes after spinal injection, after uterine incision and placenta delivery, and analyzed with ANOVA repeated measures. The study was approved by the Aretaieio Hospital Institutional Review Board and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT01669135). The rSO2 left and right frontal area values decreased significantly from baseline (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001 respectively), with most remarkable decreases 5 and 10 minutes after spinal injection, from 65 (SD 8.7)% to 56 (SD 9.3)% and 56 (SD 9.5)% (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001) for the left and from 63 (SD 7.7)% to 55 (SD 9.3)% and 56 (SD 8.9)% (p=0,0001 and p=0.0001) for the right frontal area respectively. The rSO2 right thigh values increased significantly during the study period (p=0.0001). Contribution of extracranial circulation to the rSO2, lack of PaCO2 and cardiac output measurements. Women undergoing CD under spinal anesthesia may present decreases in cerebral rSO2. The clinical impact of these results remains to be determined.

Decreased cardiopulmonary baroreflex sensitivity in Chagas' heart disease.

PubMed

Consolim-Colombo, F M; Filho, J A; Lopes, H F; Sobrinho, C R; Otto, M E; Riccio, G M; Mady, C; Krieger, E M

2000-12-01

No study has been performed on reflexes originating from receptors in the heart that might be involved in the pathological lesions of Chagas' heart disease. Our study was undertaken to analyze the role of cardiopulmonary reflex on cardiovascular control in Chagas' disease. We studied 14 patients with Chagas' disease without heart failure and 12 healthy matched volunteers. Central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, forearm blood flow, and forearm vascular resistance were recorded during deactivation of cardiopulmonary receptors. By reducing central venous pressure by applying -10 and -15 mm Hg of negative pressure to the lower body, we observed (a) a similar decrease of central venous pressure in both groups; (b) a marked increase in forearm vascular resistance in the control group but a blunted increase in the Chagas' group; and (c) no significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate. To analyze cardiopulmonary and arterial receptors, we applied -40 mm Hg of lower-body negative pressure. As a consequence, (a) central venous pressure decreased similarly in both groups; (b) blood pressure was maintained in the control group, whereas in patients with Chagas' disease, a decrease in systolic and mean arterial pressure occurred; (c) heart rate increased in both groups; and (d) forearm vascular resistance increased significantly and similarly in both groups. Unloading of receptors with low levels of lower-body negative pressure did not increase forearm vascular resistance in patients with Chagas' disease, which suggests that the reflex mediated by cardiopulmonary receptors is impaired in patients with Chagas' disease without heart failure. Overall control of circulation appears to be compromised because patients did not maintain blood pressure under high levels of lower-body negative pressure.

Time variation analysis of the daily Forbush decrease indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Sankar Narayan; Ghosh, Koushik; Panja, Subhash Chandra

2011-08-01

In the present paper we have analyzed the daily Forbush decrease indices from January 1, 1967 to December 31, 2003. First filtering the time series by Simple Exponential Smoothing, we have applied Scargle Method of Periodogram on the processed time series in order to search for its time variation. Study exhibits periodicities around 174, 245, 261, 321, 452, 510, 571, 584, 662, 703, 735, 741, 767, 774, 820, 970, 1062, 1082, 1489, 1715, 2317, 2577, 2768, 3241 and 10630 days with confidence levels higher than 90%. Some of these periods are significantly similar to the observed periodicities of other solar activities, like solar filament activity, solar electron flare occurrence, solar-flare rate, solar proton events, solar neutrino flux, solar irradiance, cosmic ray intensity and flare, spectrum of the sunspot, solar wind, southern coronal hole area and solar cycle, which may suggest that the Forbush decrease behaves similarly to these solar activities and these activities may have a common origin.

Loss of calreticulin function decreases NFκB activity by stabilizing IκB protein.

PubMed

Massaeli, Hamid; Jalali, Shahrzad; Viswanathan, Divya; Mesaeli, Nasrin

2014-11-01

Transcription factor NFκB is activated by several processes including inflammation, endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) stress, increase in Akt signaling and enhanced proteasomal degradation. Calreticulin (CRT) is an ER Ca(2+)-binding chaperone that regulates many cellular processes. Gene-targeted deletion of CRT has been shown to induce ER stress that is accompanied with a significant increase in the proteasome activity. Loss of CRT function increases the resistance of CRT-deficient (crt-/-) cells to UV- and drug-induced apoptosis. Based on these reports we hypothesized that loss of CRT will activate NFκB signaling thus contributing to enhanced resistance to apoptosis. In contrast to our hypothesis, we observed a significant decrease in the basal transcriptional activity of NFκB in CRT-deficient cells. Treatment with lipopolysaccharide failed to increase the transcriptional activity of NFκB in the crt-/- cells to the same level as in the wt cells. Our data illustrate that the mechanism of decreased NFκB activity in CRT-deficient cells is mediated by a significant increase in IκB protein expression. Furthermore, we showed a significant increase in protein phosphatase 2A activity inhibition which resulted in decreased IκBα protein level in CRT-deficient cells. Based on our data we concluded that loss of CRT increases the stability of IκB protein thus reducing NFκB activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Epigallocatechin gallate induces a hepatospecific decrease in the CYP3A expression level by altering intestinal flora.

PubMed

Ikarashi, Nobutomo; Ogawa, Sosuke; Hirobe, Ryuta; Kon, Risako; Kusunoki, Yoshiki; Yamashita, Marin; Mizukami, Nanaho; Kaneko, Miho; Wakui, Nobuyuki; Machida, Yoshiaki; Sugiyama, Kiyoshi

2017-03-30

In previous studies, we showed that a high-dose intake of green tea polyphenol (GP) induced a hepatospecific decrease in the expression and activity of the drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). In this study, we examined whether this decrease in CYP3A expression is induced by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is the main component of GP. After a diet containing 1.5% EGCG was given to mice, the hepatic CYP3A expression was measured. The level of intestinal bacteria of Clostridium spp., the concentration of lithocholic acid (LCA) in the feces, and the level of the translocation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) to the nucleus in the liver were examined. A decrease in the CYP3A expression level was observed beginning on the second day of the treatment with EGCG. The level of translocation of PXR to the nucleus was significantly lower in the EGCG group. The fecal level of LCA was clearly decreased by the EGCG treatment. The level of intestinal bacteria of Clostridium spp. was also decreased by the EGCG treatment. It is clear that the hepatospecific decrease in the CYP3A expression level observed after a high-dose intake of GP was caused by EGCG. Because EGCG, which is not absorbed from the intestine, causes a decrease in the level of LCA-producing bacteria in the colon, the level of LCA in the liver decreases, resulting in a decrease in the nuclear translocation of PXR, which in turn leads to the observed decrease in the expression level of CYP3A. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Significant Impacts of Increasing Aridity on the Arid Soil Microbiome.

PubMed

Neilson, Julia W; Califf, Katy; Cardona, Cesar; Copeland, Audrey; van Treuren, Will; Josephson, Karen L; Knight, Rob; Gilbert, Jack A; Quade, Jay; Caporaso, J Gregory; Maier, Raina M

2017-01-01

Global deserts occupy one-third of the Earth's surface and contribute significantly to organic carbon storage, a process at risk in dryland ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to climate-driven ecosystem degradation. The forces controlling desert ecosystem degradation rates are poorly understood, particularly with respect to the relevance of the arid-soil microbiome. Here we document correlations between increasing aridity and soil bacterial and archaeal microbiome composition along arid to hyperarid transects traversing the Atacama Desert, Chile. A meta-analysis reveals that Atacama soil microbiomes exhibit a gradient in composition, are distinct from a broad cross-section of nondesert soils, and yet are similar to three deserts from different continents. Community richness and diversity were significantly positively correlated with soil relative humidity (SoilRH). Phylogenetic composition was strongly correlated with SoilRH, temperature, and electrical conductivity. The strongest and most significant correlations between SoilRH and phylum relative abundance were observed for Acidobacteria , Proteobacteria , Planctomycetes , Verrucomicrobia , and Euryarchaeota (Spearman's rank correlation [ r s ] = >0.81; false-discovery rate [ q ] = ≤0.005), characterized by 10- to 300-fold decreases in the relative abundance of each taxon. In addition, network analysis revealed a deterioration in the density of significant associations between taxa along the arid to hyperarid gradient, a pattern that may compromise the resilience of hyperarid communities because they lack properties associated with communities that are more integrated. In summary, results suggest that arid-soil microbiome stability is sensitive to aridity as demonstrated by decreased community connectivity associated with the transition from the arid class to the hyperarid class and the significant correlations observed between soilRH and both diversity and the relative abundances of key microbial phyla

Sonic Hedgehog Protein Is Decreased and Penile Morphology Is Altered in Prostatectomy and Diabetic Patients

PubMed Central

Angeloni, Nicholas L.; Bond, Christopher W.; McVary, Kevin T.; Podlasek, Carol A.

2013-01-01

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a debilitating medical condition and current treatments are ineffective in patients with cavernous nerve (CN) injury, due to penile remodeling and apoptosis. A critical regulator of penile smooth muscle and apoptosis is the secreted protein sonic hedgehog (SHH). SHH protein is decreased in rat prostatectomy and diabetic ED models, SHH inhibition in the penis induces apoptosis and ED, and SHH treatment at the time of CN injury suppresses smooth muscle apoptosis and promotes regeneration of erectile function. Thus SHH treatment has significant translational potential as an ED therapy if similar mechanisms underlie ED development in patients. In this study we quantify SHH protein and morphological changes in corpora cavernosal tissue of control, prostatectomy and diabetic patients and hypothesize that decreased SHH protein is an underlying cause of ED development in prostatectomy and diabetic patients. Our results show significantly decreased SHH protein in prostatectomy and diabetic penis. Morphological remodelling of the penis, including significantly increased apoptotic index and decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, accompanies declining SHH. SHH signaling is active in human penis and is altered in a parallel manner to previous observations in the rat. These results suggest that SHH has significant potential to be developed as an ED therapy in prostatectomy and diabetic patients. The increased apoptotic index long after initial injury is suggestive of ongoing remodeling that may be clinically manipulatable. PMID:23967143

First Intrinsic Anisotropy Observations With the Cosmic Background Imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padin, S.; Cartwright, J. K.; Mason, B. S.; Pearson, T. J.; Readhead, A. C. S.; Shepherd, M. C.; Sievers, J.; Udomprasert, P. S.; Holzapfel, W. L.; Myers, S. T.;

Decreasing radiation exposure on pediatric portable chest radiographs.

PubMed

Hawking, Nancy G; Sharp, Ted D

2013-01-01

To determine whether additional shielding designed for pediatric patients during portable chest exams that ascertain endotracheal tube placement would significantly decrease the amount of scatter radiation. Children aged 24 months or younger were intubated and received daily morning chest radiographs to determine endotracheal tube placement. For each measurement, the amount of scatter radiation decreased by more than 20% from a nonshielded exposure to a shielded exposure. There was a significant decrease in scatter radiation when using the lead shielding device along with appropriate collimation vs appropriate collimation alone. These results suggest that applying additional shielding to appropriately collimated chest radiographs could significantly reduce scatter radiation and therefore the overall dose to young children.

Decreased head circumference velocity as related to developmental deficit in infancy.

PubMed

Tal, Galit; Cohen, Ayala; Habib, Sonia; Tirosh, Emanuel

2012-11-01

We evaluated the significance of head circumference growth velocity as related to developmental deficits during infancy. Head circumferences, lengths, and developmental diagnoses were retrieved in a standard manner at ≥ 2 time points from 437 infants with developmental deficits, and 3909 normally developing infants. Infants' ages ranged from 1-24 months, with final diagnoses ascertained at age 24 months. Increased velocity during the first 2 months in typical infants was evident in the study group during the period 2-4 months. A differential head circumference growth velocity was observed, and infants diagnosed with motor delay presented decreased velocity between ages 2-4 months, compared with infants receiving other nonmotor developmental diagnoses. These differences remained after controlling for birth weight and length. No significant sex effect was evident. Infants with developmental deficits demonstrate delayed acceleration of head circumference velocity, compared with typical infants in the first 2 months. Infants with motor delay manifest decreased velocity, compared with infants presenting other developmental deficits. These differences may be related to delayed white matter maturation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Significant decrease of saturation index in erythrocytes membrane from subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

PubMed

Notarnicola, Maria; Caruso, Maria Gabriella; Tutino, Valeria; Bonfiglio, Caterina; Cozzolongo, Raffaele; Giannuzzi, Vito; De Nunzio, Valentina; De Leonardis, Giampiero; Abbrescia, Daniela I; Franco, Isabella; Intini, Vincenza; Mirizzi, Antonella; Osella, Alberto R

2017-08-23

The lipidomic profiling of erythrocyte membranes is expected to provide a peculiar scenario at molecular level of metabolic and nutritional pathways which may influence the lipid balance and the adaptation and homeostasis of the organism. Considering that lipid accumulation in the cell is important in promoting tissue inflammation, the purpose of this study is to analyze the fatty acid profile in red blood cell membranes of patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), in order to identify and validate membrane profiles possibly associated with the degree of hepatic damage. This work presents data obtained at baseline from 101 subjects that participated to a nutritional trial (registration number: NCT02347696) enrolling consecutive subjects with NAFLD. Diagnosis of liver steatosis was performed by using vibration-controlled elastography implemented on FibroScan. Fatty acids, extracted from phospholipids of erythrocyte membranes, were quantified by gas chromatography method. The subjects with severe NAFLD showed a significant decrease of the ratio of stearic acid to oleic acid (saturation index, SI) compared to controls, 1.281 ± 0.31 vs 1.5 ± 0.29, respectively. Low levels of SI in red blood cell membranes, inversely associated with degree of liver damage, suggest that an impairment of circulating cell membrane structure can reflect modifications that take place in the liver. Subjects with severe NAFLDalso showed higher levels of elongase 5 enzymatic activity, evaluated as vaccenic acid to palmitoleic acid ratio. Starting from these evidences, our findings show the importance of lipidomic approach in the diagnosis and the staging of NAFLD.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs and Growth: An Italian Prospective Observational Study

PubMed Central

Germinario, Elena A.P.; Arcieri, Romano; Bonati, Maurizio; Zuddas, Alessandro; Masi, Gabriele; Vella, Stefano; Chiarotti, Flavia

2013-01-01

Abstract Objective This study was conducted to assess the long-term effect of methylphenidate (MPH) or atomoxetine (ATX) on growth in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug-naïve children. Design The study was an observational, post-marketing, fourth phase study. Methods Data on height and weight were collected at baseline and every 6 months up to 24 months. Results Both ATX and MPH lead to decreased height gain (assessed by means of z-scores); the effect was significantly higher for ATX than for MPH. At any time, height z-score decrease in the ATX group was higher than the corresponding decrease observed in the MPH group, but the difference was significantly relevant only during the first year of treatment. An increment of average weight was observed both in patients treated with MPH and in those treated with ATX. However, using Tanner's percentile, a subset of patients showed a degree of growth lower than expected. This negative effect was significantly higher for ATX than for MPH. Conclusions We conclude that ADHD drugs show a negative effect on linear growth in children in middle term. Such effect appears more evident for ATX than for MPH. PMID:24024538

Quercetin increased bioavailability and decreased methylation of green tea polyphenols in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

Wang, Piwen; Heber, David; Henning, Susanne M.

2013-01-01

The extensive methylation of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) in vivo may limit their chemopreventive potential. We investigated whether quercetin, a natural inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs), will differentially increase the intracellular concentration and decrease the methylation of GTPs in different cancer cell lines. Intrinsic COMT activity was lowest in lung cancer A549 cells, intermediate in kidney 786-O cells and highest in liver HepG2 cells. Quercetin increased the cellular absorption of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) four-fold in A549 cells with a decreased methylation rate from 63% to 19%, 2-fold in 786-O cells with a decreased methylation from 97% to 56%, while no significant effect was observed in HepG2 cells. The combination significantly decreased the activity and protein expression of COMT and decreased the protein expression of MRP1 compared to individual treatments. The combination exhibited the strongest increase in antiproliferation in A549 cells, an intermediate effect in 786-O cells and lowest effect in HepG2 cells. The effect of quercetin on bioavailability and metabolism of GTPs was confirmed in vivo. SCID mice were administered brewed green tea (GT) and a diet supplemented with 0.4% quercetin alone or in combination for 2 weeks. We observed a 2 to 3-fold increase of total and non-methylated EGCG in lung and kidney and a trend to increase in liver. In summary, combining quercetin with GT provides a promising approach to enhance the chemoprevention of GT. Responses of different cancers to the combination may vary by tissue depending on the intrinsic COMT and MRP activity. PMID:22438067

Decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence over China during the past 50 years.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinghong; Ni, Xiang; Zhang, Fuqing

2017-02-17

Understanding the trend of localized severe weather under the changing climate is of great significance but remains challenging which is at least partially due to the lack of persistent and homogeneous severe weather observations at climate scales while the detailed physical processes of severe weather cannot be resolved in global climate models. Based on continuous and coherent severe weather reports from over 500 manned stations, for the first time, this study shows a significant decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence across China during the past five decades. The total number of severe weather days that have either thunderstorm, hail and/or damaging wind decrease about 50% from 1961 to 2010. It is further shown that the reduction in severe weather occurrences correlates strongly with the weakening of East Asian summer monsoon which is the primary source of moisture and dynamic forcing conducive for warm-season severe weather over China.

Decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence over China during the past 50 years

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qinghong; Ni, Xiang; Zhang, Fuqing

2017-01-01

Understanding the trend of localized severe weather under the changing climate is of great significance but remains challenging which is at least partially due to the lack of persistent and homogeneous severe weather observations at climate scales while the detailed physical processes of severe weather cannot be resolved in global climate models. Based on continuous and coherent severe weather reports from over 500 manned stations, for the first time, this study shows a significant decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence across China during the past five decades. The total number of severe weather days that have either thunderstorm, hail and/or damaging wind decrease about 50% from 1961 to 2010. It is further shown that the reduction in severe weather occurrences correlates strongly with the weakening of East Asian summer monsoon which is the primary source of moisture and dynamic forcing conducive for warm-season severe weather over China. PMID:28211465

Decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence over China during the past 50 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qinghong; Ni, Xiang; Zhang, Fuqing

2017-04-01

Understanding the trend of localized severe weather under the changing climate is of great significance but remains challenging which is at least partially due to the lack of persistent and homogeneous severe weather observations at climate scales while the detailed physical processes of severe weather cannot be resolved in global climate models. Based on continuous and coherent severe weather reports from over 500 manned stations, for the first time, this study shows a significant decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence across China during the past five decades. The total number of severe weather days that have either thunderstorm, hail and/or damaging wind decrease about 50% from 1961 to 2010. It is further shown that the reduction in severe weather occurrences correlates strongly with the weakening of East Asian summer monsoon which is the primary source of moisture and dynamic forcing conducive for warm-season severe weather over China.

Decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence over China during the past 50 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qinghong; Ni, Xiang; Zhang, Fuqing

2017-02-01

Understanding the trend of localized severe weather under the changing climate is of great significance but remains challenging which is at least partially due to the lack of persistent and homogeneous severe weather observations at climate scales while the detailed physical processes of severe weather cannot be resolved in global climate models. Based on continuous and coherent severe weather reports from over 500 manned stations, for the first time, this study shows a significant decreasing trend in severe weather occurrence across China during the past five decades. The total number of severe weather days that have either thunderstorm, hail and/or damaging wind decrease about 50% from 1961 to 2010. It is further shown that the reduction in severe weather occurrences correlates strongly with the weakening of East Asian summer monsoon which is the primary source of moisture and dynamic forcing conducive for warm-season severe weather over China.

Combined exposure to low doses of pesticides causes decreased birth weights in rats.

PubMed

Hass, Ulla; Christiansen, Sofie; Axelstad, Marta; Scholze, Martin; Boberg, Julie

2017-09-01

Decreased birth weight is a common effect of many pesticides in reproductive toxicity studies, but there are no empirical data on how pesticides act in combination on this endpoint. We hypothesized that a mixture of six pesticides (cyromazine, MCPB, pirimicarb, quinoclamine, thiram, and ziram) would decrease birth weight, and that these mixture effects could be predicted by the Dose Addition model. Data for the predictions were obtained from the Draft Assessment Reports of the individual pesticides. A mixture of equi-effective doses of these pesticides was tested in two studies in Wistar rats, showing mixture effects in good agreement with the additivity predictions. Significantly lower birth weights were observed when compounds were present at individual doses below their no-observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs). These results emphasize the need for cumulative risk assessment of pesticides to avoid potentially serious impact of mixed exposure on prenatal development and pregnancy in humans. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implications of ocean acidification in the Pacific Arctic: Experimental responses of three Arctic bivalves to decreased pH and food availability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goethel, Christina L.; Grebmeier, Jacqueline M.; Cooper, Lee W.; Miller, Thomas J.

2017-10-01

Recent sea ice retreat and seawater warming in the Pacific Arctic are physical changes that are impacting arctic biological communities. Recently, ocean acidification from increases in anthropogenic CO2 has been identified as an additional stressor, particularly to calcifying organisms like bivalves. These bivalves are common prey items for benthivorous predators such as Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), and diving seaducks, such as Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri). We investigated the effects of decreased pH and food availability on growth (% change in length and wet weight and allometric growth characterizations) and oxygen consumption (mg/L/hour) of three common Arctic bivalves, Macoma calcarea, Astarte montagui, and Astarte borealis. Two sets of experiments were run for seven and eleven weeks, exposing the bivalves to control (8.05 ± 0.02 and 8.19 ± 0.003, respectively) and acidified (7.76 ± 0.01 and 7.86 ± 0.01, respectively) pH treatments. Length, weight, and oxygen consumption were not significantly different among the varying treatments after the seven-week exposure and only one significant effect of decreased pH and one significant effect of decreased food availability were observed after the end of the eleven-week exposure. Specifically, shells of A. borealis displayed a decrease in length in response to decreased pH and M. calcarea showed a decrease in length in response to limited food. The negative effects of pH observed in the experiments on growth and oxygen consumption were small, suggesting that at least two of these species are generally resilient to decreasing pH.

Barnacle geese achieve significant energetic savings by changing posture.

PubMed

Tickle, Peter G; Nudds, Robert L; Codd, Jonathan R

2012-01-01

Here we report the resting metabolic rate in barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) and provide evidence for the significant energetic effect of posture. Under laboratory conditions flow-through respirometry together with synchronous recording of behaviour enabled a calculation of how metabolic rate varies with posture. Our principal finding is that standing bipedally incurs a 25% increase in metabolic rate compared to birds sitting on the ground. In addition to the expected decrease in energy consumption of hindlimb postural muscles when sitting, we hypothesise that a change in breathing mechanics represents one potential mechanism for at least part of the observed difference in energetic cost. Due to the significant effect of posture, future studies of resting metabolic rates need to take into account and/or report differences in posture.

Helioseismic observations at Stanford, 1977-1986

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henning, H. M.; Scherrer, P. H.

1986-01-01

Observations of low degree modes of solar oscillations were made at the Wilcox Solar Observatory for more than a decade. The set of observations from 1977 through 1986 are reexamined. The stability of the p-mode frequencies for modes of degree l=2-5 in each year is tested. A marginally significant trend of a decrease in p-mode frequencies of 0.06 microHz per year is found. The continuity of the observed signal at 160.01 minutes are also examined. It was found that the previously reported phase stability is no longer present. However, due to uncertainties in calibration, the reality of the reported signal can not be excluded.

Gemfibrozil Concentrations are Significantly Decreased in the Presence of Lopinavir/ritonavir

PubMed Central

Busse, Kristin H.; Hadigan, Colleen; Chairez, Cheryl; Alfaro, Raul M.; Formentini, Elizabeth; Kovacs, Joseph A.; Penzak, Scott R.

2009-01-01

Objective: To determine the influence of a two-week course of lopinavir-ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of the triglyceride-lowering agent, gemfibrozil. Methods: The study was conducted as an open label, single-sequence pharmacokinetic study in healthy human volunteers. Gemfibrozil pharmacokinetic parameter values were compared using a students t test after a single 600 mg dose was administered to healthy volunteers before, and after two weeks of lopinavir-ritonavir (400/100 mg) twice daily. Results: Fifteen healthy volunteers (8 males) completed the study. All study drugs were generally well-tolerated and no subjects withdrew participation. The geometric mean ratio (GMR, 90% CI) for gemfibrozil area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) after 14 days of lopinavir-ritonavir compared to baseline was 0.59 (0.52, 0.67) (P < 0.001). All 15 study subjects experienced a reduction in gemfibrozil AUC0-∞ after lopinavir-ritonavir (range: −6% to −74%). The GMRs for gemfibrozil apparent oral clearance (Cl/F) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were 1.69 (1.41, 1.97) and 0.67 (0.49, 0.86) after 14 days of lopinavir-ritonavir versus baseline, respectively (P < 0.0001 and 0.01, respectively). Gemfibrozil elimination half-life did not change after lopinavir-ritonavir administration (P = 0.60). Conclusion: Lopinavir/ritonavir significantly reduced the systemic exposure of gemfibrozil by reducing gemfibrozil absorption. Clinicians treating HIV-infected patients with hypertriglyceridemia should be aware of this drug interaction. PMID:19648824

Gemfibrozil concentrations are significantly decreased in the presence of lopinavir-ritonavir.

PubMed

Busse, Kristin H; Hadigan, Colleen; Chairez, Cheryl; Alfaro, Raul M; Formentini, Elizabeth; Kovacs, Joseph A; Penzak, Scott R

2009-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a 2-week course of lopinavir-ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of the triglyceride-lowering agent, gemfibrozil. The study was conducted as an open label, single-sequence pharmacokinetic study in healthy human volunteers. Gemfibrozil pharmacokinetic parameter values were compared using a Student t test after a single 600-mg dose was administered to healthy volunteers before and after 2 weeks of lopinavir-ritonavir (400/100 mg) twice daily. Fifteen healthy volunteers (eight males) completed the study. All study drugs were generally well tolerated and no subjects withdrew participation. The geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) for gemfibrozil area under the plasma concentration-time curve after 14 days of lopinavir-ritonavir compared with baseline was 0.59 (0.52, 0.67) (P < 0.001). All 15 study subjects experienced a reduction in gemfibrozil area under the plasma concentration-time curve after lopinavir-ritonavir (range, -6% to -74%). The geometric mean ratios for gemfibrozil apparent oral clearance and maximum concentration were 1.69 (1.41, 1.97) and 0.67 (0.49, 0.86) after 14 days of lopinavir-ritonavir versus baseline, respectively (P < 0.0001 and 0.01, respectively). Gemfibrozil elimination half-life did not change after lopinavir-ritonavir administration (P = 0.60). Lopinavir-ritonavir significantly reduced the systemic exposure of gemfibrozil by reducing gemfibrozil absorption. Clinicians treating HIV-infected patients with hypertriglyceridemia should be aware of this drug interaction.

Association of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Decreased Immunosuppressive Potential of the IgG Glycome

PubMed Central

Vučković, Frano; Krištić, Jasminka; Gudelj, Ivan; Teruel, Maria; Keser, Toma; Pezer, Marija; Pučić‐Baković, Maja; Štambuk, Jerko; Trbojević‐Akmačić, Irena; Barrios, Clara; Pavić, Tamara; Menni, Cristina; Wang, Youxin; Zhou, Yong; Cui, Liufu; Song, Haicheng; Zeng, Qiang; Guo, Xiuhua; Pons‐Estel, Bernardo A.; McKeigue, Paul; Leslie Patrick, Alan; Gornik, Olga; Spector, Tim D.; Harjaček, Miroslav; Molokhia, Mariam; Wang, Wei; Lauc, Gordan

2015-01-01

Objective Glycans attached to the Fc portion of IgG are important modulators of IgG effector functions. Interindividual differences in IgG glycome composition are large and they associate strongly with different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. IKZF1, HLA–DQ2A/B, and BACH2 genetic loci that affect IgG glycome composition show pleiotropy with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), indicating a potentially causative role of aberrant IgG glycosylation in SLE. We undertook this large multicenter case–control study to determine whether SLE is associated with altered IgG glycosylation. Methods Using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography analysis of released glycans, we analyzed the composition of the IgG glycome in 261 SLE patients and 247 matched controls of Latin American Mestizo origin (the discovery cohort) and in 2 independent replication cohorts of different ethnicity (108 SLE patients and 193 controls from Trinidad, and 106 SLE patients and 105 controls from China). Results Multiple statistically significant differences in IgG glycome composition were observed between patients and controls. The most significant changes included decreased galactosylation and sialylation of IgG (which regulate proinflammatory and antiinflammatory actions of IgG) as well as decreased core fucose and increased bisecting N‐acetylglucosamine (which affect antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity). Conclusion The IgG glycome in SLE patients is significantly altered in a way that decreases immunosuppressive action of circulating immunoglobulins. The magnitude of observed changes is associated with the intensity of the disease, indicating that aberrant IgG glycome composition or changes in IgG glycosylation may be an important molecular mechanism in SLE. PMID:26200652

Decreased sodium:potassium ratios in cats: 49 cases.

PubMed

Bell, Rory; Mellor, Dominic J; Ramsey, Ian; Knottenbelt, Clare

2005-06-01

Sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratios are often reported in feline biochemical panels, although the importance of this measurement has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to document the range of feline disease states associated with a decreased Na:K ratio, to determine the prevalence of this biochemical abnormality in a referral hospital population, and to identify any particular disease that was more likely to have a decreased Na:K ratio. A group of 49 cats with decreased Na:K ratios was compared with a group of 50 cats with normal Na:K ratios that were randomly selected from the same hospital population. Twelve of the 49 cats (24.5%) had gastrointestinal disease, 10 (20.4%) had urinary disease, 8 (16.3%) had endocrine disease, 8 (16.3%) had cardiorespiratory disease, and 5 (10.0%) had diseases affecting other body systems. Six (12.2%) had artifactually decreased Na:K ratios. No cat was identified with hypoadrenocorticism. Statistical analysis revealed that, although none of these disease states was significantly over- or under-represented in the affected group, a significantly higher proportion of cats with decreased Na:K ratio had body cavity effusions (P = .025). Serum potassium concentrations were significantly higher in the affected group (P < .0001), but there was no significant difference in mean sodium concentration between the 2 groups. Decreased Na:K ratios frequently occur in cats with diseases other than hypoadrenocorticism, including cats with effusions. These findings should be considered when evaluating cats with this biochemical abnormality.

Significance of beating observed in earthquake responses of buildings

USGS Publications Warehouse

Çelebi, Mehmet; Ghahari, S. F.; Taciroglu, E.

2016-01-01

The beating phenomenon observed in the recorded responses of a tall building in Japan and another in the U.S. are examined in this paper. Beating is a periodic vibrational behavior caused by distinctive coupling between translational and torsional modes that typically have close frequencies. Beating is prominent in the prolonged resonant responses of lightly damped structures. Resonances caused by site effects also contribute to accentuating the beating effect. Spectral analyses and system identification techniques are used herein to quantify the periods and amplitudes of the beating effects from the strong motion recordings of the two buildings. Quantification of beating effects is a first step towards determining remedial actions to improve resilient building performance to strong earthquake induced shaking.

Stable Nighttime Light Decreased in Protected Area of California: Findings from DMSP-OLS Observations and the Importance for Protected Area Policy Making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, S.; Gillespie, T. W.

2016-12-01

Stable nighttime light, an indicator of persisting human activity and light pollution is a well-recognized disturbance to the wilderness of protected areas (PAs). Mostly supported by in situ observations, very limited studies of light pollution for PAs focused at a regional level and on a continuous time span to support policy making effectively. DMSP-OLS stable nighttime series provide continuous observation of nightlight and have been widely applied in studies focusing on human activities. In this study, we employed inter-calibrated DMSP-OLS nightlight series from 1992 to 2012 to evaluate the change of intensity and extension of stable nighttime light inside California PAs. We observed a decrease of stable nighttime light and a shrinkage in spatial extent in PAs located in all ecoregions from 1992 to 2012, especially before 2004. Such decrease and shrinkage occurred mostly in southern California and the Bay Area where mega metropolitan clusters locate. The successful application of protecting strategies in PAs and the improved technologies of lighting may contribute to the relieving of light pollution in PAs. However, the stable nighttime light slightly increased since 2004, when there was limited room for stricter protective regulations and the pressure from population growth persisted. Population density explained most spatial distribution of nightlight in years with census tract level demographic data available, except PAs with the highest wilderness such as Sierra Nevada Mts. We anticipate to improve the models with the newest remote sensing nighttime product from NASA Suomi-NPP and annually updated demographic data from American Community Survey at census tract level in the future to provide a cost-effective evaluation on protecting strategies. Such evaluation will support land managers of PAs and local policy-makers for modification and proposal of policies.

Decrease in Switches to 'Unsafe' Proton Pump Inhibitors After Communications About Interactions with Clopidogrel.

PubMed

Kruik-Kollöffel, Willemien J; van der Palen, Job; van Herk-Sukel, Myrthe P P; Kruik, H Joost; Movig, Kris L L

2017-08-01

In 2009 and 2010 medicines regulatory agencies published official safety statements regarding the concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel. We wanted to investigate a change in prescription behaviour in prevalent gastroprotective drug users (2008-2011). Data on drug use were retrieved from the Out-patient Pharmacy Database of the PHARMO Database Network. We used interrupted time series analyses (ITS) to estimate the impact of each safety statement on the number of gastroprotective drug switches around the start of clopidogrel and during clopidogrel use. After the first statement (June 2009), significantly fewer patients switched from another proton pump inhibitor to (es)omeprazole (-14.9%; 95% CI -22.6 to -7.3) at the moment they started clopidogrel compared to the period prior to this statement. After the adjusted statement in February 2010, the switch percentage to (es)omeprazole decreased further (-4.5%; 95% CI -8.1 to -0.9). We observed a temporary increase in switches from proton pump inhibitors to histamine 2-receptor antagonists after the first statement; the decrease in the reverse switch was statistically significant (-23.0%; 95% CI -43.1 to -2.9). With ITS, we were able to demonstrate a decrease in switches from other proton pump inhibitors to (es)omeprazole and an increase of the reverse switch to almost 100%. We observed a partial and temporary switch to histamine 2-receptor antagonists. This effect of safety statements was shown for gastroprotective drug switches around the start of clopidogrel treatment.

Cooking decreases observed perfluorinated compound concentrations in fish.

PubMed

Del Gobbo, Liana; Tittlemier, Sheryl; Diamond, Miriam; Pepper, Karen; Tague, Brett; Yeudall, Fiona; Vanderlinden, Loren

2008-08-27

Dietary intake is a major route of exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Although fish and seafood contribute significantly to total dietary exposure to these compounds, there is uncertainty with respect to the effect of cooking on PFC concentrations in these foods. Eighteen fish species purchased from markets in Toronto, Mississauga, and Ottawa, Canada were analyzed for perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSAs)-based fluorochemicals and perfluorinated acids (PFAs) in raw and cooked (baked, boiled, fried) samples. Of 17 analytes, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was detected most frequently; concentrations ranged from 0.21 to 1.68 ng/g ww in raw and cooked samples. PFOSAs were detected only in scallops at concentrations ranging from 0.20 ng/g ww to 0.76 ng/g ww. Total concentrations of PFAs in samples were 0.21 to 9.20 ng/g ww, respectively, consistent with previous studies. All cooking methods reduced PFA concentrations. Baking appeared to be the most effective cooking method; after baking samples for 15 min at 163 C (325 degrees F), PFAs were not detected in any of the samples. The margin of exposures (MOE) between the toxicological points of reference and the dietary intake of perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) and PFOS in fish and seafood muscle tissue were greater than 4 orders of magnitude. This indicates that reducing consumption of fish muscle tissue is not warranted on the basis of PFC exposure concerns at the reported levels of contamination, even for high fish consuming populations.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty leads to significant biomechanical changes in the remaining rotator cuff.

PubMed

Herrmann, Sebastian; König, Christian; Heller, Markus; Perka, Carsten; Greiner, Stefan

2011-08-16

After reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) external and internal rotation will often remain restricted. A postoperative alteration of the biomechanics in the remaining cuff is discussed as a contributing factor to these functional deficits. In this study, muscle moment arms as well as origin-to-insertion distance (OID) were calculated using three-dimensional models of the shoulder derived from CT scans of seven cadaveric specimens. Moment arms for humeral rotation are significantly smaller for the cranial segments of SSC and all segments of TMIN in abduction angles of 30 degrees and above (p ≤ 0.05). Abduction moment arms were significantly decreased for all segments (p ≤ 0.002). OID was significantly smaller for all muscles at the 15 degree position (p ≤ 0.005), apart from the cranial SSC segment. Reduced rotational moment arms in conjunction with the decrease of OID may be a possible explanation for the clinically observed impaired external and internal rotation.

Using lean methodology to decrease wasted RN time in seeking supplies in emergency departments.

PubMed

Richardson, David M; Rupp, Valerie A; Long, Kayla R; Urquhart, Megan C; Ricart, Erin; Newcomb, Lindsay R; Myers, Paul J; Kane, Bryan G

2014-11-01

Timely stocking of essential supplies in an emergency department (ED) is crucial to efficient and effective patient care. The objective of this study was to decrease wasted nursing time in obtaining needed supplies in an ED through the use of Lean process controls. As part of a Lean project, the team conducted a "before and after" prospective observation study of ED nurses seeking supplies. Nurses were observed for an entire shift for the time spent outside the patient room obtaining supplies at baseline and after implementation of a point-of-use storage system. Before implementation, nurses were leaving patient rooms a median of 11 times per 8-hour shift (interquartile range [IQR], 8 times per 8-hour shift) and 10 times per 12-hour shift (IQR, 23 times per 12-hour shift). After implementation of the new system, the numbers decreased to 2.5 per 8-hour shift (IQR, 2 per 8-hour shift) and 1 per 12-hour shift (IQR, 1 per 12-hour shift). A redesigned process including a standardized stocking system significantly decreases the number of searches by nurses for supplies.

Significance of preoperatively observed detrusor overactivity as a predictor of continence status early after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

PubMed Central

Yanagiuchi, Akihiro; Miyake, Hideaki; Tanaka, Kazushi; Fujisawa, Masato

2014-01-01

Several recent studies have reported the involvement of bladder dysfunction in the delayed recovery of urinary continence following radical prostatectomy (RP). The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of detrusor overactivity (DO) as a predictor of the early continence status following robot-assisted RP (RARP). This study included 84 consecutive patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP. Urodynamic studies, including filling cystometry, pressure flow study, electromyogram of the external urethral sphincter and urethral pressure profile, were performed in these patients before surgery. Urinary continence was defined as the use of either no or one pad per day as a precaution only. DO was preoperatively observed in 30 patients (35.7%), and 55 (65.5%) and 34 (40.5%) were judged to be incontinent 1 and 3 months after RARP, respectively. At both 1 and 3 months after RARP, the incidences of incontinence in patients with DO were significantly higher than in those without DO. Of several demographic and urodynamic parameters, univariate analyses identified DO and maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) as significant predictors of the continence status at both 1 and 3 months after RARP. Furthermore, DO and MUCP appeared to be independently associated with the continence at both 1 and 3 months after RARP on multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that preoperatively observed DO could be a significant predictor of urinary incontinence early after RARP; therefore, it is recommended to perform urodynamic studies for patients who are scheduled to undergo RARP in order to comprehensively evaluate their preoperative vesicourethral functions. PMID:25038181

Estimation of plasma lipids and its significance on histopathological grades in oral cancer: Prognostic significance an original research.

PubMed

Sherubin, Eugenia J; Kannan, Karthiga S; Kumar, Dhineksh N; Joseph, Isaac

2013-01-01

Alterations in the lipid profile have long been associated with various cancers because lipids play a key role in maintenance of cell integrity. This study was to estimate the plasma lipid levels in patients with oral cancer and to correlate the values with the histopathological grades. The study group included 50 patients with oral cancer aged between 20 and 60 years who had visited the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology during the period of September 2005 to July 2007. After the histotopathological confirmation, their plasma lipid levels were estimated using auto analyzer and the data was statistically analyzed. The study revealed a significant decrease in the total plasma lipid levels in patients with oral cancer in comparison with the standard values. Comparing the plasma lipid levels with the histopathological grades, we observed a significant variation in the levels of total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The variation in the levels of plasma cholesterol and other lipid constituents in patients with cancer might be due to their increased utilization by neoplastic cells for new membrane biosynthesis. This study was an attempt to estimate the plasma lipids in oral cancer patients and its significance on histopathological grades. We observed a relationship between lower plasma lipids and oral cancer. The result of our study strongly warrants an in-depth research with larger samples and a longer follow-up to consider the low plasma lipid status in oral cancer patients as a useful indicator to assess the course and prognosis of the disease.

Whole-body heating decreases skin vascular response to low orthostatic stress in the lower extremities.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Fumio; Nakayama, Yoshiro; Sone, Ryoko

2006-04-01

To elucidate the influence of heat stress on cutaneous vascular response in the lower extremities during orthostatic stress, a head-up tilt (HUT) test at angles of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees for 4 min each was conducted under normothermic control conditions followed by whole-body heat stress produced by a hot water-perfused suit in healthy volunteers. Skin blood flows (SkBF) in the forearm, thigh, and calf were monitored using laser-Doppler flowmetry throughout the experiment. Furthermore, to elucidate the effects of increased core and local skin temperatures on the local vascular response in calf skin under increasing orthostatic stress, the thigh was occluded at 20, 30, 50, 70, and 80 mmHg with a cuff in both the normothermic condition and the whole-body or local heating condition. Significant decreases in forearm SkBF during HUT were observed at an angle of 60 degrees during normothermia and at 30 degrees or more during heating. SkBF in the thigh and calf was decreased significantly by HUT at 15 degrees and above during normothermia, and there was no significant reduction of SkBF in these sites during HUT at the lower angles (15 degrees -45 degrees ) during whole-body heating. Significant decreases of calf SkBF were observed at cuff pressures of 20 mmHg and above during normothermia and of 30 mmHg and above during whole-body and local heating, respectively. These results suggest that SkBF in the lower extremities shows a marked reduction compared with the upper extremities during low orthostatic stress in normothermia, and the enhanced skin vasoconstrictor response in the lower extremities is diminished by both whole-body and local heat stress.

Decreasing patient identification band errors by standardizing processes.

PubMed

Walley, Susan Chu; Berger, Stephanie; Harris, Yolanda; Gallizzi, Gina; Hayes, Leslie

2013-04-01

Patient identification (ID) bands are an essential component in patient ID. Quality improvement methodology has been applied as a model to reduce ID band errors although previous studies have not addressed standardization of ID bands. Our specific aim was to decrease ID band errors by 50% in a 12-month period. The Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) quality improvement model was the framework for this study. ID bands at a tertiary care pediatric hospital were audited from January 2011 to January 2012 with continued audits to June 2012 to confirm the new process was in control. After analysis, the major improvement strategy implemented was standardization of styles of ID bands and labels. Additional interventions included educational initiatives regarding the new ID band processes and disseminating institutional and nursing unit data. A total of 4556 ID bands were audited with a preimprovement ID band error average rate of 9.2%. Significant variation in the ID band process was observed, including styles of ID bands. Interventions were focused on standardization of the ID band and labels. The ID band error rate improved to 5.2% in 9 months (95% confidence interval: 2.5-5.5; P < .001) and was maintained for 8 months. Standardization of ID bands and labels in conjunction with other interventions resulted in a statistical decrease in ID band error rates. This decrease in ID band error rates was maintained over the subsequent 8 months.

Histological Observation of the Retinacula of Weitbrecht and Its Clinical Significance: A cadaveric study.

PubMed

Dou, Bang; Mei, Jiong; Wang, Zhiyuan; Ni, Ming; Jia, Guangyao; Liu, Shiwei

2018-01-01

The retinacular arteries provide major supply to the femoral head, their injuries may lead to the femoral head necrosis (FHN) in femoral neck fractures. Although the femoral neck fracture was seriously displaced in some patients, FHN did not occur, which suggests that the blood supply is not fully blocked. This study was aimed to find the association between the structure of the retinacula of Weitbrecht and the mechanism of protecting retinacular arteries from being injured. Fourteen formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens (in 28 hips) with no significant vascular disease were observed. The retinacula were cut longitudinally and then cut into three parts: medial, middle, and lateral. These specimens were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and improved Masson Trichrome stain. The microstructure and tightness of the retinacula fixed to the bone and the distribution of vessels were examined under a stereoscope, an optical microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. The microstructure and compactness in each part of retinacula were different, and the tightness of the fibers of the retinacula fixed to the bone in each part were different. A particular structure which resembled a Sandwich panels was observed, and it may be an effective mechanism of protecting retinacular arteries. The Sandwich panels structure existed generally in the retinacula of Weitbrecht, and this sandwich panelture may play very important role in protecting the retinaculum artery from being injured, which show the importance of protecting the retinacular artery in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

Comparison of three distinct clean air suits to decrease the bacterial load in the operating room: an observational study.

PubMed

Kasina, Piotr; Tammelin, Ann; Blomfeldt, Anne-Marie; Ljungqvist, Bengt; Reinmüller, Berit; Ottosson, Carin

2016-01-01

Lowering air-borne bacteria counts in the operating room is essential in prevention of surgical site infections in orthopaedic joint replacement surgery. This is mainly achieved by decreasing bacteria counts through dilution, with appropriate ventilation and by limiting the bacteria carrying skin particles, predominantly shed by the personnel. The aim of this study was to investigate if a single use polypropylene clothing system or a reusable polyester clothing system could offer similar air quality in the operating room as a mobile laminar airflow device-assisted reusable cotton/polyester clothing system. Prospective observational study design, comparing the performance of three Clean Air Suits by measuring Colony Forming Units (CFU)/m(3) of air during elective hip and knee arthroplasties, performed at a large university-affiliated hospital. The amount of CFU/m(3) of air was measured during 37 operations of which 13 were performed with staff dressed in scrub suits made of a reusable mixed material (69 % cotton, 30 % polyester, 1 % carbon fibre) accompanied by two mobile laminar airflow units. During 24 procedures no mobile laminar airflow units were used, 13 with staff using a reusable olefin fabric clothing (woven polypropylene) and 11 with staff dressed in single-use suits (non-woven spunbonded polypropylene). Air from the operating field was sampled through a filter, by a Sartorius MD8, and bacterial colonies were counted after incubation. There were 6-8 measurements from each procedure, in total 244 measurements. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney U-test. The single-use polypropylene suit reduced the amount of CFU/m(3) to a significantly lower level than both other clothing systems. Single-use polypropylene clothing systems can replace mobile laminar airflow unit-assisted reusable mixed material-clothing systems. Measurements in standardized laboratory settings can only serve as guidelines as environments in real operation settings present a

Barnacle Geese Achieve Significant Energetic Savings by Changing Posture

PubMed Central

Tickle, Peter G.; Nudds, Robert L.; Codd, Jonathan R.

2012-01-01

Here we report the resting metabolic rate in barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) and provide evidence for the significant energetic effect of posture. Under laboratory conditions flow-through respirometry together with synchronous recording of behaviour enabled a calculation of how metabolic rate varies with posture. Our principal finding is that standing bipedally incurs a 25% increase in metabolic rate compared to birds sitting on the ground. In addition to the expected decrease in energy consumption of hindlimb postural muscles when sitting, we hypothesise that a change in breathing mechanics represents one potential mechanism for at least part of the observed difference in energetic cost. Due to the significant effect of posture, future studies of resting metabolic rates need to take into account and/or report differences in posture. PMID:23071672

A possible mechanism for the decrease in serum thyroxine level by phenobarbital in rodents

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

Kato, Yoshihisa, E-mail: kato@kph.bunri-u.ac.jp; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Haraguchi, Koichi

2010-12-15

Effects of phenobarbital (PB) on the levels of serum thyroid hormones such as total thyroxine (T{sub 4}) and triiodothyronine were examined in male mice, hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs. One day after the final administration of PB (80 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, once daily for 4 days), significant decreases in the levels of the serum total T{sub 4} and free T{sub 4} occurred in mice, hamsters, and rats, while a significant decrease in the level of serum triiodothyronine was observed in hamsters and rats among the animals examined. In addition, a significant decrease in the level of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone was observedmore » in only hamsters among the rodents examined. Significant increases in the level and activity of hepatic T{sub 4}-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A) after the PB administration occurred in mice, hamsters, and rats, while the increase in the amount of biliary [{sup 125}I]T{sub 4}-glucuronide after an intravenous injection of [{sup 125}I]T{sub 4} to the PB-pretreated animals occurred only in rats. In mice, rats, and hamsters, but not guinea pigs, PB pretreatment promoted the clearance of [{sup 125}I]T{sub 4} from the serum, led to a significant increase in the steady-state distribution volumes of [{sup 125}I]T{sub 4}, and raised the concentration ratio (Kp value) of the liver to serum and the liver distribution of [{sup 125}I]T{sub 4}. The present findings indicate that the PB-mediated decreases in the serum T{sub 4} level in mice, hamsters, and rats, but not guinea pigs, occur mainly through an increase in the accumulation level of T{sub 4} in the liver.« less

Early HIV Diagnosis Leads to Significantly Decreased Costs in the First 2 Years of HIV Care in an Urban Charity Hospital in New Orleans.

PubMed

Halperin, Jason; Katz, Morgan; Pathmanathan, Ishani; Myers, Leann; Van Sickels, Nicholas; Seal, Paula Sereebutra; Richey, Lauren E

We undertook a retrospective cohort study of patients with a positive HIV test in the emergency department who were then linked to care. Inpatient, outpatient, and emergency costs were collected for the first 2 years after HIV diagnosis. Fifty-six patients met the inclusion criteria; they were predominantly uninsured (73%) and African American (89%). The median total cost for a newly diagnosed patient over the first 2 years was US$36 808, driven predominantly by outpatient costs of US$17 512. Median inpatient and total costs were significantly different between the lowest (<200 cells/mm 3 ) and highest (>499 cells/mm 3 ) CD4 count categories (US$21 878 vs US$6607, P <.05; US$61 378 vs US$18 837, P <.05, respectively). Total costs were significantly different between viral load categories <100 000 HIV-RNA copies/mL and ≥100 000 HIV-RNA copies/mL (US$28 219 vs US$49 482, P <.05). Costs were significantly lower among patients diagnosed earlier in their disease. Decreased cost is another factor supporting early diagnosis and linkage to care for patients with HIV.

Decreasing the Use of Damage Control Laparotomy in Trauma: A Quality Improvement Project.

PubMed

Harvin, John A; Kao, Lillian S; Liang, Mike K; Adams, Sasha D; McNutt, Michelle K; Love, Joseph D; Moore, Laura J; Wade, Charles E; Cotton, Bryan A; Holcomb, John B

2017-08-01

Our institution has published damage control laparotomy (DCL) rates of 30% and documented the substantial morbidity associated with the open abdomen. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to decrease the rate of DCL at a busy, Level I trauma center in the US. A prospective cohort of all emergent trauma laparotomies from November 2013 to October 2015 (QI group) was followed. The QI intervention was multifaceted and included audit and feedback for every DCL case. Morbidity and mortality of the QI patients were compared with those from a published control (control group: emergent laparotomy from January 2011 to October 2013). A significant decrease was observed immediately on beginning the QI project, from a 39% DCL rate in the control period to 23% in the QI group (p < 0.001). This decrease was sustained over the 2-year study period. There were no differences in demographics, Injury Severity Score, or transfusions between the groups. No differences organ/space infection (control 16% vs QI 12%; p = 0.15), fascial dehiscence (6% vs 8%; p = 0.20), unplanned relaparotomy (11% vs 10%; p = 0.58), or mortality (9% vs 10%; p = 0.69) were observed. The reduction in use resulted in a decrease of 68 DCLs over the 2-year period. There was a further reduction in the rate of DCL to 17% after completion of the QI project. A QI initiative rapidly changed the use of DCL and improved quality of care by decreasing resource use without an increase morbidity or mortality. This decrease was sustained during the QI period and further improved upon after its completion. Copyright © 2017 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Paeoniflorin improves cardiac function and decreases adverse postinfarction left ventricular remodeling in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Chen, Hengwen; Dong, Yan; He, Xuanhui; Li, Jun; Wang, Jie

2018-01-01

Paeoniflorin (PF) is the active component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. This study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the improvement and mechanism of the PF on ventricular remodeling in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, AMI model was established by ligating the anterior descending coronary artery in Wistar rats. After 4 weeks gavage of PF, the apparent signs and the left ventricle weight index of Wistar rats were observed. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. Changes in cardiac morphology were observed by pathologic examination, and apoptosis was observed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) interleukin-10 (IL-10) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot method were applied to detect Caspase-3 and Caspase-9. Compared with the model control, the survival conditions of rats in all treatment groups were generally improved after PF treatment. LVEF was significantly increased, and both left ventricular end-diastolic inner diameter and left ventricular end-systolic inner diameter were significantly reduced. Moreover, pathologic examination showed that the myocardium degeneration of the rats treated with PF was decreased, including neater arrangement, more complete myofilament, more uniform gap and less interstitial collagen fibers. Furthermore, the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes was significantly improved. The ultrastructure was clear, and the arrangement of myofilament was more regular. Also, the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 was inhibited, and apoptosis was obviously reduced in the PF treatment groups. BNP, TNF-α and IL-6 were also decreased and IL-10 was increased in the treated rats. PF could significantly improve the LVEF of rats. It

Decreased Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Concentrations during Military Training

PubMed Central

Nibuya, Masashi; Ishida, Toru; Yamamoto, Tetsuo; Mukai, Yasuo; Mitani, Keiji; Tsumatori, Gentaro; Scott, Daniel; Shimizu, Kunio

2014-01-01

Decreased concentrations of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum BDNF have been proposed to be a state marker of depression and a biological indicator of loaded psychosocial stress. Stress evaluations of participants in military mission are critically important and appropriate objective biological parameters that evaluate stress are needed. In military circumstances, there are several problems to adopt plasma BDNF concentration as a stress biomarker. First, in addition to psychosocial stress, military missions inevitably involve physical exercise that increases plasma BDNF concentrations. Second, most participants in the mission do not have adequate quality or quantity of sleep, and sleep deprivation has also been reported to increase plasma BDNF concentration. We evaluated plasma BDNF concentrations in 52 participants on a 9-week military mission. The present study revealed that plasma BDNF concentration significantly decreased despite elevated serum enzymes that escaped from muscle and decreased quantity and quality of sleep, as detected by a wearable watch-type sensor. In addition, we observed a significant decrease in plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the mission. VEGF is also neurotrophic and its expression in the brain has been reported to be up-regulated by antidepressive treatments and down-regulated by stress. This is the first report of decreased plasma VEGF concentrations by stress. We conclude that decreased plasma concentrations of neurotrophins can be candidates for mental stress indicators in actual stressful environments that include physical exercise and limited sleep. PMID:24586790

Model sensitivity studies of the decrease in atmospheric carbon tetrachloride

DOE PAGES

Chipperfield, Martyn P.; Liang, Qing; Rigby, Matthew; ...

2016-12-20

biases between observational datasets. For example, surface observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network are larger than from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) network but have shown a steeper decreasing trend over the past 2 decades. The observed differences imply a difference in emissions which is significant relative to uncertainties in the magnitudes of the CCl 4 sinks.« less

Model sensitivity studies of the decrease in atmospheric carbon tetrachloride

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

Chipperfield, Martyn P.; Liang, Qing; Rigby, Matthew

biases between observational datasets. For example, surface observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network are larger than from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) network but have shown a steeper decreasing trend over the past 2 decades. The observed differences imply a difference in emissions which is significant relative to uncertainties in the magnitudes of the CCl 4 sinks.« less

A dose-up of ursodeoxycholic acid decreases transaminases in hepatitis C patients

PubMed Central

Sato, Shuichi; Miyake, Tatsuya; Tobita, Hiroshi; Oshima, Naoki; Ishine, Junichi; Hanaoka, Takuya; Amano, Yuji; Kinoshita, Yoshikazu

2009-01-01

AIM: To examine whether a dose-up to 900 mg of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) decreases transaminases in hepatitis C patients. METHODS: From January to December 2007, patients with chronic hepatitis C or compensated liver cirrhosis with hepatitis C virus (HCV) (43-80 years old) showing positive serum HCV-RNA who had already taken 600 mg/d of UDCA were recruited into this study. Blood parameters were examined at 4, 8 and 24 wk after increasing the dose of oral UDCA from 600 to 900 mg/d. RESULTS: Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were significantly decreased following the administration of 900 mg/d as compared to 600 mg/d. The decrease in ALT from immediately before the dose-up of UDCA to 8 wk after the dose-up was 14.3 IU/L, while that for AST was 10.5 IU/L and for GGT was 9.8 IU/L. Platelet count tended to increase after the dose-up of UDCA, although it did not show a statistically significant level (P = 0.05). Minor adverse events were observed in 3 cases, although no drop-outs from the study occurred. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of 900 mg/d of UDCA was more effective than 600 mg/d for reducing ALT, AST, and GGT levels in patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease. PMID:19522030

Observer performance assessment of JPEG-compressed high-resolution chest images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Good, Walter F.; Maitz, Glenn S.; King, Jill L.; Gennari, Rose C.; Gur, David

1999-05-01

The JPEG compression algorithm was tested on a set of 529 chest radiographs that had been digitized at a spatial resolution of 100 micrometer and contrast sensitivity of 12 bits. Images were compressed using five fixed 'psychovisual' quantization tables which produced average compression ratios in the range 15:1 to 61:1, and were then printed onto film. Six experienced radiologists read all cases from the laser printed film, in each of the five compressed modes as well as in the non-compressed mode. For comparison purposes, observers also read the same cases with reduced pixel resolutions of 200 micrometer and 400 micrometer. The specific task involved detecting masses, pneumothoraces, interstitial disease, alveolar infiltrates and rib fractures. Over the range of compression ratios tested, for images digitized at 100 micrometer, we were unable to demonstrate any statistically significant decrease (p greater than 0.05) in observer performance as measured by ROC techniques. However, the observers' subjective assessments of image quality did decrease significantly as image resolution was reduced and suggested a decreasing, but nonsignificant, trend as the compression ratio was increased. The seeming discrepancy between our failure to detect a reduction in observer performance, and other published studies, is likely due to: (1) the higher resolution at which we digitized our images; (2) the higher signal-to-noise ratio of our digitized films versus typical CR images; and (3) our particular choice of an optimized quantization scheme.

Functional Significance of VEGFR-2 on Ovarian Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Spannuth, Whitney A.; Nick, Alpa M.; Jennings, Nicholas B.; Armaiz-Pena, Guillermo N.; Mangala, Lingegowda S.; Danes, Christopher G.; Lin, Yvonne G.; Merritt, William M.; Thaker, Premal H.; Kamat, Aparna A.; Han, Liz Y.; Tonra, James R.; Coleman, Robert L.; Ellis, Lee M.; Sood, Anil K.

2009-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) has recently been discovered on ovarian cancer cells, but its functional significance is unknown and is the focus of the current study. By protein analysis, A2780-par and HeyA8 ovarian cancer cell lines expressed VEGFR-1 and HeyA8 and SKOV3ip1 expressed VEGFR-2. By in situ hybridization (ISH), 85% of human ovarian cancer specimens showed moderate to high VEGFR-2 expression while only 15% showed moderate to high VEGFR-1 expression. By immunofluorescence, little or no VEGFR-2 was detected in normal ovarian surface epithelial cells, whereas expression was detected in 75% of invasive ovarian cancer specimens. To differentiate between the effects of tumor versus host expression of VEGFR, nude mice were injected with SKOV3ip1 cells and treated with either human VEGFR-2 specific antibody (1121B), murine VEGFR-2 specific antibody (DC101), or the combination. Treatment with 1121B reduced SKOV3ip1 cell migration by 68% (p < 0.01) and invasion by 72% (p < 0.01), but exposure to VEGFR-1 antibody had no effect. Treatment with 1121B effectively blocked VEGF-induced phosphorylation of p130Cas. In vivo, treatment with either DC101 or 1121B significantly reduced tumor growth alone and in combination in the SKOV3ip1 and A2774 models. Decreased tumor burden after treatment with DC101 or 1121B correlated with increased tumor cell apoptosis, decreased proliferative index, and decreased microvessel density. These effects were significantly greater in the combination group (p<0.001). We show functionally active VEGFR-2 is present on most ovarian cancer cells. The observed anti-tumor activity of VEGF-targeted therapies may be mediated by both anti-angiogenic and direct anti-tumor effects. PMID:19058181

Dexamethasone treatment decreases replication of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in Epithelioma papulosum cyprini cells.

PubMed

Kim, Min Sun; Lee, Su Jin; Choi, Seung Hyuk; Kang, Yue Jai; Kim, Ki Hong

2017-05-01

The expression of Mx1 in EPC cells after treatment with poly(I:C) or infection with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) was significantly suppressed by treatment with dexamethasone. However, the titer of VHSV did not increase but instead decreased after dexamethasone treatment. This suggests that dexamethasone not only downregulates type I IFN but also affects certain factors that are necessary for VHSV replication. An important effect of HSP90 on replication of RNA viruses and downregulation of HSP90 by glucocorticoids have been reported. In this study, dexamethasone downregulated HSP90α expression in EPC cells that were stimulated with poly(I:C) or infected with VHSV. Furthermore, cells treated with an HSP90 inhibitor, geldanamycin, showed significantly decreased titers of VHSV, suggesting that HSP90 may be an important host component involved in VHSV replication, and HSP90 inhibition might be one of the causes for the observed reduction in viral titer caused by dexamethasone treatment.

The male contraceptive regimen of testosterone and levonorgestrel significantly increases lean mass in healthy young men in 4 weeks, but attenuates a decrease in fat mass induced by testosterone alone.

PubMed

Herbst, Karen L; Anawalt, Bradley D; Amory, John K; Matsumoto, Alvin M; Bremner, William J

2003-03-01

In hypogonadal men, testosterone (T) in replacement dosages is known to increase fat-free mass (lean mass) and decrease fat mass. In young eugonadal men, similar dosages of T increase lean mass, but much higher dosages of T are required to decrease total body fat mass. Current T-based male hormonal contraceptive regimens include a second agent, such as a progestin, to maximize inhibition of pituitary gonadotropins and improve efficacy. To study the effect of such combinations on body composition, we randomized healthy, young, eugonadal men into four combinations of exogenous T and the progestin, levonorgestrel (LNG): 1) 100 mg T enanthate, im, weekly plus 125 micro g LNG, orally, daily (T+LNG); 2) T plus placebo LNG (T alone); 3) placebo T plus LNG (LNG alone); and 4) placebo T plus placebo LNG (placebo). We then analyzed body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry after 4 and 8 wk of treatment. T+LNG significantly increased total lean mass after 4 and 8 wk of treatment (3.5 +/- 0.9% and 4.2 +/- 1.2%, respectively; P < 0.05) and truncal lean mass after 4 and 8 wk of treatment (4.7 +/- 0.9% and 5.0 +/- 0.9%, respectively; P < 0.05) compared with baseline and placebo. T alone also increased total and truncal lean mass significantly compared with placebo after 4 wk of treatment, but not compared with baseline (3.3 +/- 1.4% and 3.2 +/- 2.3%, respectively; P < 0.05 vs. placebo), suggesting an additive effect of T and LNG to increase lean mass. Fat mass significantly decreased in the abdomen in men administered T alone compared with LNG alone (-4.9 +/- 2.8%; P < 0.05). Fat mass significantly increased in the abdomen with LNG alone (4.1 +/- 1.0%; P < 0.05) compared with baseline and was unchanged with the combination of T+LNG, suggesting that LNG attenuates the decrease in fat mass seen with T alone. There was no change in weight or body mass index in any group during the study. This study shows that in young eugonadal men 1) T alone rapidly increases lean mass

Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase decreases elevated levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and apoptotic cell death in ocular hypertensive rats

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

Aslan, Mutay, E-mail: mutayaslan@akdeniz.edu.tr; Basaranlar, Goksun; Unal, Mustafa

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and excessive nitric oxide production via induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuronal retinal cell death in ocular hypertension. Neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase)/ceramide pathway can regulate NOS2 expression, hence this study determined the role of selective neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) inhibition on retinal NOS2 levels, ER stress, apoptosis and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in a rat model of elevated intraocular pressure (EIOP). NOS2 expression and retinal protein nitration were significantly greater in EIOP and significantly decreased with N-SMase inhibition. A significant increase was observed in retinal ER stress markers pPERK,more » CHOP and GRP78 in EIOP, which were not significantly altered by N-SMase inhibition. Retinal TUNEL staining showed increased apoptosis in all EIOP groups; however N-SMase inhibition significantly decreased the percent of apoptotic cells in EIOP. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities were significantly increased in EIOP and returned to baseline levels following N-SMase inhibition. Latencies of all VEP components were significantly prolonged in EIOP and shortened following N-SMase inhibition. Data confirm the role of nitrative injury in EIOP and highlight the protective effect of N-SMase inhibition in EIOP via down-regulation of NOS2 levels and nitrative stress. - Highlights: • Inhibition of N-SMase decreases NOS2 levels in ocular hypertension. • Inhibition of N-SMase decreases protein nitration in ocular hypertension. • Inhibition of N-SMase decreases caspase activation in ocular hypertension. • Inhibition of N-SMase decreases apoptosis in ocular hypertension.« less

Distraction decreases prefrontal oxygenation: A NIRS study.

PubMed

Ozawa, Sachiyo; Hiraki, Kazuo

2017-04-01

When near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used to measure emotion-related cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes in the prefrontal cortex regions, the functional distinction of CBF changes is often difficult because NIRS is unable to measure neural activity in deeper brain regions that play major roles in emotional processing. The CBF changes could represent cognitive control of emotion and emotional responses to emotional materials. Supposing that emotion-related CBF changes in the prefrontal cortex regions during distraction are emotional responses, we examined whether oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) decreases. Attention-demanding tasks cause blood flow decreases, and we thus compared the effects of visually paced tapping with different tempos, on distraction. The results showed that the oxyHb level induced by emotional stimulation decreased with fast-tempo tapping significantly more than slow-tempo tapping in ventral medial prefrontal cortex regions. Moreover, a Global-Local task following tapping showed significantly greater local-minus-global response time (RT) difference scores in the fast- and mid-tempo condition compared with those in the slow-tempo, suggesting an increased attentional focus, and decreased negative emotion. The overall findings indicate that oxyHb changes in a relatively long distraction task, as measured by NIRS, are associated with emotional responses, and oxyHb can be decreased by successfully performing attention-demanding distraction tasks. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decrease in coccolithophore calcification and CO2 since the middle Miocene.

PubMed

Bolton, Clara T; Hernández-Sánchez, María T; Fuertes, Miguel-Ángel; González-Lemos, Saúl; Abrevaya, Lorena; Mendez-Vicente, Ana; Flores, José-Abel; Probert, Ian; Giosan, Liviu; Johnson, Joel; Stoll, Heather M

2016-01-14

Marine algae are instrumental in carbon cycling and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) regulation. One group, coccolithophores, uses carbon to photosynthesize and to calcify, covering their cells with chalk platelets (coccoliths). How ocean acidification influences coccolithophore calcification is strongly debated, and the effects of carbonate chemistry changes in the geological past are poorly understood. This paper relates degree of coccolith calcification to cellular calcification, and presents the first records of size-normalized coccolith thickness spanning the last 14 Myr from tropical oceans. Degree of calcification was highest in the low-pH, high-CO2 Miocene ocean, but decreased significantly between 6 and 4 Myr ago. Based on this and concurrent trends in a new alkenone ɛp record, we propose that decreasing CO2 partly drove the observed trend via reduced cellular bicarbonate allocation to calcification. This trend reversed in the late Pleistocene despite low CO2, suggesting an additional regulator of calcification such as alkalinity.

Decrease in coccolithophore calcification and CO2 since the middle Miocene

PubMed Central

Bolton, Clara T.; Hernández-Sánchez, María T.; Fuertes, Miguel-Ángel; González-Lemos, Saúl; Abrevaya, Lorena; Mendez-Vicente, Ana; Flores, José-Abel; Probert, Ian; Giosan, Liviu; Johnson, Joel; Stoll, Heather M.

2016-01-01

Marine algae are instrumental in carbon cycling and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) regulation. One group, coccolithophores, uses carbon to photosynthesize and to calcify, covering their cells with chalk platelets (coccoliths). How ocean acidification influences coccolithophore calcification is strongly debated, and the effects of carbonate chemistry changes in the geological past are poorly understood. This paper relates degree of coccolith calcification to cellular calcification, and presents the first records of size-normalized coccolith thickness spanning the last 14 Myr from tropical oceans. Degree of calcification was highest in the low-pH, high-CO2 Miocene ocean, but decreased significantly between 6 and 4 Myr ago. Based on this and concurrent trends in a new alkenone ɛp record, we propose that decreasing CO2 partly drove the observed trend via reduced cellular bicarbonate allocation to calcification. This trend reversed in the late Pleistocene despite low CO2, suggesting an additional regulator of calcification such as alkalinity. PMID:26762469

Continuous millennial decrease of the Earth's magnetic axial dipole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poletti, Wilbor; Biggin, Andrew J.; Trindade, Ricardo I. F.; Hartmann, Gelvam A.; Terra-Nova, Filipe

2018-01-01

Since the establishment of direct estimations of the Earth's magnetic field intensity in the first half of the nineteenth century, a continuous decay of the axial dipole component has been observed and variously speculated to be linked to an imminent reversal of the geomagnetic field. Furthermore, indirect estimations from anthropologically made materials and volcanic derivatives suggest that this decrease began significantly earlier than direct measurements have been available. Here, we carefully reassess the available archaeointensity dataset for the last two millennia, and show a good correspondence between direct (observatory/satellite) and indirect (archaeomagnetic) estimates of the axial dipole moment creating, in effect, a proxy to expand our analysis back in time. Our results suggest a continuous linear decay as the most parsimonious long-term description of the axial dipole variation for the last millennium. We thus suggest that a break in the symmetry of axial dipole moment advective sources occurred approximately 1100 years earlier than previously described. In addition, based on the observed dipole secular variation timescale, we speculate that the weakening of the axial dipole may end soon.

Exhaled breath condensate pH decreases following oral glucose tolerance test.

PubMed

Bikov, Andras; Pako, Judit; Montvai, David; Kovacs, Dorottya; Koller, Zsofia; Losonczy, Gyorgy; Horvath, Ildiko

2015-12-15

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH is a widely measured non-invasive marker of airway acidity. However, some methodological aspects have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on EBC pH in attempt to better standardize its measurement. Seventeen healthy subjects (24  ±  2 years, 6 men, 11 women) participated in the study. EBC collection and capillary blood glucose measurements were performed before as well as 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after a standardized OGTT test. The rate of respiratory droplet dilution and pH were evaluated in EBC. Blood glucose significantly increased at 30 min and maintained elevation after 60 and 120 min following OGTT. Compared to baseline (7.99  ±  0.25) EBC pH significantly decreased immediately after OGTT (7.41  ±  0.47); this drop sustained over 30 (7.44  ±  0.72) and 60 min (7.62  ±  0.44) without a significant difference at 120 min (7.78  ±  0.26). No change was observed in the rate of respiratory droplet dilution. There was no relationship between blood glucose and EBC pH values. Sugar intake may significantly decrease EBC pH. This effect needs to be considered when performing EBC pH studies. Further experiments are also warranted to investigate the effect of diet on other exhaled biomarkers.

Origin of the anomalous decrease in the apparent density of polymer gels observed by multi-echo reflection ultrasound spectroscopy.

PubMed

Takeda, Kohsuke; Norisuye, Tomohisa; Tran-Cong-Miyata, Qui

2013-07-01

Multi-echo reflection ultrasound spectroscopy (MERUS), which enables one to simultaneously evaluate the attenuation coefficient α, the sound velocity v and the density ρ, has been developed for measurements of elastic moduli. In the present study, the technique was further developed to analyze systems undergoing gelation where an unphysical decrease in the apparent density was previously observed after polymerization. The main reason for this problem was that the shrinkage accompanying the gelation led to a small gap between the cell wall and the sample, resulting in the superposition of the reflected signals which were not separable into individual components. By taking into account the multiply reflecting echoes at the interface of the gap, the corrected densities were systematically obtained and compared with the results for the floating test. The present technique opens a new route to simultaneously evaluate the three parameters α, v and ρ and also the sample thickness for solid thin films. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protein Kinase Activity Decreases with Higher Braak Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology

PubMed Central

Rosenberger, Andrea F.N.; Hilhorst, Riet; Coart, Elisabeth; García Barrado, Leandro; Naji, Faris; Rozemuller, Annemieke J.M.; van der Flier, Wiesje M.; Scheltens, Philip; Hoozemans, Jeroen J.M.; van der Vies, Saskia M.

2015-01-01

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by a long pre-clinical phase (20–30 years), during which significant brain pathology manifests itself. Disease mechanisms associated with pathological hallmarks remain elusive. Most processes associated with AD pathogenesis, such as inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and hyper-phosphorylation of tau are dependent on protein kinase activity. The objective of this study was to determine the involvement of protein kinases in AD pathogenesis. Protein kinase activity was determined in postmortem hippocampal brain tissue of 60 patients at various stages of AD and 40 non-demented controls (Braak stages 0-VI) using a peptide-based microarray platform. We observed an overall decrease of protein kinase activity that correlated with disease progression. The phosphorylation of 96.7% of the serine/threonine peptides and 37.5% of the tyrosine peptides on the microarray decreased significantly with increased Braak stage (p-value <0.01). Decreased activity was evident at pre-clinical stages of AD pathology (Braak I-II). Increased phosphorylation was not observed for any peptide. STRING analysis in combination with pathway analysis and identification of kinases responsible for peptide phosphorylation showed the interactions between well-known proteins in AD pathology, including the Ephrin-receptor A1 (EphA1), a risk gene for AD, and sarcoma tyrosine kinase (Src), which is involved in memory formation. Additionally, kinases that have not previously been associated with AD were identified, e.g., protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6/BRK), feline sarcoma oncogene kinase (FES), and fyn-associated tyrosine kinase (FRK). The identified protein kinases are new biomarkers and potential drug targets for early (pre-clinical) intervention. PMID:26519433

Nattokinase decreases plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in human subjects.

PubMed

Hsia, Chien-Hsun; Shen, Ming-Ching; Lin, Jen-Shiou; Wen, Yao-Ke; Hwang, Kai-Lin; Cham, Thau-Ming; Yang, Nae-Cherng

2009-03-01

Nattokinase, a serine proteinase from Bacillus subtilis, is considered to be one of the most active functional ingredients found in natto. In this study, we hypothesized that nattokinase could reduce certain factors of blood clotting and lipids that are associated with an increase risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, an open-label, self-controlled clinical trial was conducted on subjects of the following groups: healthy volunteers (Healthy Group), patients with cardiovascular risk factors (Cardiovascular Group), and patients undergoing dialysis (Dialysis Group). All subjects ingested 2 capsules of nattokinase (2000 fibrinolysis units per capsule) daily orally for 2 months. The laboratory measurements were performed on the screening visit and, subsequently, regularly after the initiation of the study. The intent-to-treat analysis was performed on all 45 enrolled subjects. By use of mixed model analysis, a significant time effect, but not group effect, was observed in the change from baseline of fibrinogen (P = .003), factor VII (P < .001), and factor VIII (P < .001), suggesting that the plasma levels of the 3 coagulation factors continuously declined during intake; also, the extents of decrease were similar between groups. After 2 months of administration, fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII decreased 9%, 14%, and 17%, respectively, for the Healthy Group; 7%, 13%, and 19%, respectively, for the Cardiovascular Group; and 10%, 7%, and 19%, respectively, for the Dialysis Group, whereas blood lipids were unaffected by nattokinase. No significant changes of uric acid or notable adverse events were observed in any of the subjects. In summary, this study showed that oral administration of nattokinase could be considered as a CVD nutraceutical by decreasing plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII.

Warm Parenting Associated with Decreasing or Stable Child BMI during Treatment.

PubMed

Rhee, Kyung E; Jelalian, Elissa; Boutelle, Kerri; Dickstein, Susan; Seifer, Ronald; Wing, Rena

2016-04-01

While authoritative parenting, which includes high levels of warmth and behavioral control, has been associated with lower risk of obesity, little is known about how general parenting impacts child weight loss during treatment. Our goal was to examine the relationship between several general parenting dimensions and 'decreasing /stable' child BMI during a 16-week family-based behavioral weight control program. Forty-four overweight parent-child dyads (child age 8 to 12 years) enrolled in the program. Families were videotaped at baseline eating dinner in their home. Using the General Parenting Observational Scale (GPOS), meals were coded for several general parenting dimensions. Primary outcome was percent of children whose BMI 'decreased or stayed the same.' Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between general parenting and decreasing/stable child BMI. Forty families (91%) completed the program. Children had a mean BMI change of -0.40 (SD 1.57), which corresponds to a -0.15 (SD 0.20) change in BMI z-score (BMI-Z); 75% of children had decreasing/stable BMI. In the unadjusted models, lower parent BMI, higher parent education, and higher levels of parental warmth were significantly associated with decreasing/stable child BMI. In the multivariable model, only higher level of warmth was associated with increased odds of decreasing/stable child BMI (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.62). Baseline parental warmth may influence a child's ability to lower/maintain BMI during a standard family-based behavioral weight control program. Efforts to increase parent displays of warmth and emotional support towards their overweight child may help to increase the likelihood of treatment success.

[Decreased anthropometric indicators of adiposity in school children as an indicator of the nutritional transition in Mexico].

PubMed

Salazar-Preciado, Laura Leticia; Larrosa-Haro, Alfredo; Chávez-Palencia, Clío; Lizárraga-Corona, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

The aim of this paper was to estimate the adiposity trend in children from a public elementary school in Guadalajara, Mexico, between 2007 and 2011. Comparative study of two samples taken transversely in 1432 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. Z-score of BMI and anthropometric indicators of arm adiposity (triceps skinfold, fat area and arm fat index) were calculated. Reference standards of the 2007-WHO and Frisancho were used. Analysis: Chi-square and Student t test. Adiposity decreased significantly in children with normal weight (arm fat area Z-score -0.3 SD) overweight and obesity (arm fat area and index -0.4 and -0.3 z-scores respectively). An increase in the prevalence of subjects with normal weight and thinness and a decrease of overweight (4.6, -2.0 and -2.9 percentage points respectively) was observed. Obesity prevalence remained unchanged. Decrease of adiposity in overweight and obese children, reduction in the prevalence of thinness and overweight and the increase in the proportion of subjects with normal weight was observed during the study period. These data probably reflect the nutritional transition in Mexico.

Decreasing Nitrogen Fertilizer Input Had Little Effect on Microbial Communities in Three Types of Soils

PubMed Central

Yu, Hailing; Gao, Qiang; Shao, Zeqiang; Ying, Anning; Sun, Yuyang; Liu, Jingwei; Mao, Wei; Zhang, Bin

2016-01-01

In this study, we examined the influence of different nitrogen (N) application rates (0, 168, 240, 270 and 312 kg N ha-1) on soil properties, maize (Zea mays L.) yields and microbial communities of three types of soils (clay, alluvial and sandy soils). Phospholipid fatty acid analysis was used to characterize soil microbial communities. Results indicated that N fertilization significantly decreased microbial biomass in both clay and sandy soils regardless of application rate. These decreases were more likely a result of soil pH decreases induced by N fertilization, especially in the sandy soils. This is supported by structural equation modeling and redundancy analysis results. Nitrogen fertilization also led to significant changes in soil microbial community composition. However, the change differences were gradually dismissed with increase in N application rate. We also observed that N fertilization increased maize yields to the same level regardless of application rate. This suggests that farmers could apply N fertilizers at a lower rate (i.e. 168 kg N ha-1), which could achieve high maize yield on one hand while maintain soil microbial functions on the other hand. PMID:26992097

The toxicity and decreased concentration of aflatoxin B in natural lactic acid fermented maize meal.

PubMed

Mokoena, M P; Chelule, P K; Gqaleni, N

2006-04-01

Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) is a mycotoxin which is known to frequently contaminate poorly stored food products destined for human consumption. This study was carried out to investigate the potential activity of lactic acid fermentation in reducing AFB(1) level in fermented maize meal products. Maize meal was spiked with 60 mug g(-1) AFB(1) and fermented, with or without starter culture, for 4 days at 25 degrees C. Unbound AFB(1) in solution and the pH of the media were monitored daily. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of unbound AFB(1) was observed (75% in the fourth day). Simultaneously, a progressive decrease in the pH of the media from 6.5 to 3.1 was also observed. AFB(1) was below the detection limit in commercial fermented porridge (amahewu) samples. Cytotoxicity tests on AFB(1)-spiked fermented extracts showed that those with a starter culture were comparatively less toxic (30-36%) than those with no added starter culture (24-30%). However, this difference was not significant (P > 0.05). These results indicate that lactic acid fermentation can significantly reduce the concentration of AFB(1) in maize to trace levels. However, the safety of fermented products has not been well studied, as the mechanism of AFB(1) removal is not well understood. Natural fermentation may potentially reduce exposure to natural toxins occurring in food.

“Decrease in television viewing predicts lower BMI at one year follow up in adolescents but not adults”

PubMed Central

French, Simone A.; Mitchell, Nathan R.; Hannan, Peter J.

2012-01-01

Objective To examine associations between television viewing, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, eating out, physical activity and body weight change over 1 year. Design Secondary data analysis from randomized intervention trial. Setting Households in the community. Participants Adults (n=153) and adolescents (n=72) from the same households. Intervention(s) Households were randomized to a home-based obesity prevention intervention or to a no-intervention control group for a one-year period. Main Outcome Measure(s) Self-reported television viewing hours, diet and physical activity. Body mass index computed from measured weight and height (primary outcome measure). Analysis Mixed-model regression. Results Among adolescents, a significant prospective association was observed between decreases in television viewing hours and lower BMI z-score at one year follow-up (decreased TV hours: BMI z-score mean = 0.65; no change or increase TV hrs: BMI zscore = 0.92; p < .02). No significant prospective associations were observed among adults. Conclusions and Implications Reducing television viewing may be an effective strategy to prevent excess weight gain among adolescents. PMID:22591582

Addition of perfluorocarbons to alginate hydrogels significantly impacts molecular transport and fracture stress.

PubMed

White, Joseph C; Stoppel, Whitney L; Roberts, Susan C; Bhatia, Surita R

2013-02-01

Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are used in biomaterial formulations to increase oxygen (O(2) ) tension and create a homogeneous O(2) environment in three-dimensional tissue constructs. It is unclear how PFCs affect mechanical and transport properties of the scaffold, which are critical for robustness, intracellular signaling, protein transport, and overall device efficacy. In this study, we investigate composite alginate hydrogels containing a perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) emulsion stabilized with Pluronic(®) F68 (F68). We demonstrate that PFC addition significantly affects biomaterial properties and performance. Solution and hydrogel mechanical properties and transport of representative hydrophilic (riboflavin), hydrophobic (methyl and ethyl paraben), and protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) solutes were compared in alginate/F68 composite hydrogels with or without PFOB. Our results indicate that mechanical properties of the alginate/F68/PFOB hydrogels are not significantly affected under small strains, but a significant decrease fracture stress is observed. The effective diffusivity D(eff) of hydrophobic small molecules decreases with PFOB emulsion addition, yet the D(eff) of hydrophilic small molecules remained unaffected. For BSA, the D(eff) increased and the loading capacity decreased with PFOB emulsion addition. Thus, a trade-off between the desired increased O(2) supply provided by PFCs and the mechanical weakening and change in transport of cellular signals must be carefully considered in the design of biomaterials containing PFCs. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increased calcium deposits and decreased Ca2+ -ATPase in erythrocytes of ascitic broiler chickens.

PubMed

Li, Kai; Zhao, Lihong; Geng, Guangrui; Ma, Liqin; Dong, Shishan; Xu, Tong; Wang, Jianlin; Wang, Huiyu; Tian, Yong; Qiao, Jian

2011-06-01

The decrease of erythrocyte deformability may be one of the predisposing factors for pulmonary hypertension and ascites in broiler chickens. In mammals, the cytoplasmic calcium is a major regulator of erythrocyte deformability. In this study, the erythrocyte deformability was measured, and the precise locations of Ca2+ and Ca2+ -ATPase in the erythrocytes were investigated in chickens with ascites syndrome induced by low ambient temperature. The results showed that ascitic broilers had higher filtration index of erythrocyte compared with control groups, indicating a decrease in erythrocyte deformability in ascitic broilers. The more calcium deposits were observed in the erythrocytes of ascitic broilers compared with those of the age-matched control birds. The Ca2+ -ATPase reactive grains were significantly decreased on the erythrocyte membranes of ascitic broilers. Our data suggest that accumulation of intracellular calcium and inhibition of Ca2+ -ATPase might be important factors for the reduced deformability of the erythrocytes of ascitic broilers. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bone mineral density is decreased in fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Upala, Sikarin; Yong, Wai Chung; Sanguankeo, Anawin

2017-04-01

Previous studies have shown that fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is associated with low level of physical activity and exercise, which may lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. However, studies of bone mineral density (BMD) in fibromyalgia have shown conflicting results. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better characterize the association between FMS and BMD. A comprehensive search of the databases MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed from inception through May 2016. The inclusion criterion was the observational studies' assessment of the association between fibromyalgia and bone mineral density in adult subjects. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pooled mean difference (MD) of BMD at each site and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method. The between-study heterogeneity of effect size was quantified using the Q statistic and I 2 . Data were extracted from four observational studies involving 680 subjects. At lumbar spine (L2-L4), BMD is significantly decreased in patients with FMS compared with controls with pooled MD of -0.02 (95% CI -0.03 to -0.01, P value = 0.003, I 2  = 0%) (Fig. 1). At femoral neck, BMD is not significantly decreased in patients with FMS compared with controls with pooled MD of 0.01 (95% CI -0.02 to 0.01, P value = 0.23, I 2  = 0%) (Fig. 2). In this meta-analysis, we observe that BMD at lumbar spine is decreased in FMS compared with normal individuals. Patients with FMS should be assessed for risk of osteoporosis. Fig. 1 Forest plot of bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, for patients with and without fibromyalgia syndrome. CI-confidence interval Fig. 2 Forest plot of bone mineral density at the femoral neck, for patients with and without fibromyalgia

Prognostic Significance of Tumor Necrosis in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Atanasov, Georgi; Schierle, Katrin; Hau, Hans-Michael; Dietel, Corinna; Krenzien, Felix; Brandl, Andreas; Wiltberger, Georg; Englisch, Julianna Paulina; Robson, Simon C; Reutzel-Selke, Anja; Pascher, Andreas; Jonas, Sven; Pratschke, Johann; Benzing, Christian; Schmelzle, Moritz

2017-02-01

Tumor necrosis and peritumoral fibrosis have both been suggested to have a prognostic value in selected solid tumors. However, little is known regarding their influence on tumor progression and prognosis in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). Surgically resected tumor specimens of HC (n = 47) were analyzed for formation of necrosis and extent of peritumoral fibrosis. Tumor necrosis and grade of fibrosis were assessed histologically and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, tumor recurrence, and patients' survival. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis and a stepwise multivariable Cox regression model were applied. Mild peritumoral fibrosis was evident in 12 tumor samples, moderate peritumoral fibrosis in 20, and high-grade fibrosis in 15. Necrosis was evident in 19 of 47 tumor samples. Patients with tumors characterized by necrosis showed a significantly decreased 5-year recurrence-free survival (37.9 vs. 25.7 %; p < .05) and a significantly decreased 5-year overall survival (42.6 vs. 12.4 %; p < .05), when compared with patients with tumors showing no necrosis. R status, tumor recurrence, and tumor necrosis were of prognostic value in the univariate analysis (all p < .05). Multivariate survival analysis confirmed tumor necrosis (p = .038) as the only independent prognostic variable. The assessment of tumor necrosis appears as a valuable additional prognostic tool in routine histopathological evaluation of HC. These observations might have implications for monitoring and more individualized multimodal therapeutic strategies.

Decreased expression of ten-eleven translocation 1 protein is associated with some clinicopathological features in gastric cancer.

PubMed

Frycz, Bartosz Adam; Murawa, Dawid; Borejsza-Wysocki, Maciej; Marciniak, Ryszard; Murawa, Paweł; Drews, Michał; Kołodziejczak, Anna; Tomela, Katarzyna; Jagodziński, Paweł Piotr

2014-03-01

A decrease in ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) transcript and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels has recently been demonstrated in primary gastric cancer (GC). However, little is known about TET1 protein levels in gastric tumoral and nontumoral tissue. Therefore, using reverse transcription, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis, we determined the TET1 transcript and protein levels in tumoral and nontumoral tissue from 38 patients with GC. We also assessed the association between the decrease in TET1 transcript and protein levels and some clinicopathological features in primary GC. We found significantly decreased levels of TET1 transcript (P=0.0023) and protein (P=0.00024) in primary tumoral tissues as compared to nontumoral tissues in patients with GC. Moreover, we also observed significantly lower amounts of TET1 transcript (P=0.03) and protein (P=0.00018) in tumoral tissues in patients aged>60. We also found significant lowered TET1 protein levels in male patients (P=0.0014), stomach (P=0.044) and cardia (P=0.013) tumor localization, T3 depth of invasion (P=0.019), N1 (P=0.012) and N3 lymph node metastasis (P=0.013) and G3 histological grade (P=0.0012). There were also significant decreases in TET1 transcript levels in female patients (P=0.042), intestinal histological types (P=0.0079) and T4 depth of invasion (P=0.037). Our results demonstrated that a decrease in TET1 transcript and protein levels is associated with some clinicopathological features in GC. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Odors generated from the Maillard reaction affect autonomic nervous activity and decrease blood pressure through the olfactory system.

PubMed

Zhou, Lanxi; Ohata, Motoko; Owashi, Chisato; Nagai, Katsuya; Yokoyama, Issei; Arihara, Keizo

2018-02-01

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of rats decreases significantly following exposure to the odor generated from the Maillard reaction of protein digests with xylose. This study identified active odorants that affect blood pressure and demonstrated the mechanism of action. Among the four potent odorants that contribute most to the odor of the Maillard reaction sample, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DMHF) and 5-methyl-2-pyrazinemethanol (MPM) decreased SBP significantly. The earliest decrease in blood pressure was observed 5 min after exposure to DMHF. Application of zinc sulfate to the nasal cavity eliminated the effect. Furthermore, gastric vagal (parasympathetic) nerve activity was elevated and renal sympathetic nerve activity was lowered after exposure to DMHF. It is indicated that DMHF affects blood pressure through the olfactory system, and the mechanism for the effect of DMHF on blood pressure involves the autonomic nervous system. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Model Sensitivity Studies of the Decrease in Atmospheric Carbon Tetrachloride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chipperfield, Martyn P.; Liang, Qing; Rigby, Matt; Hossaini, Ryan; Montzka, Stephen A.; Dhomse, Sandip; Feng, Wuhu; Prinn, Ronald G.; Weiss, Ray F.; Harth, Christina M.;

Model sensitivity studies of the decrease in atmospheric carbon tetrachloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chipperfield, Martyn P.; Liang, Qing; Rigby, Matthew; Hossaini, Ryan; Montzka, Stephen A.; Dhomse, Sandip; Feng, Wuhu; Prinn, Ronald G.; Weiss, Ray F.; Harth, Christina M.; Salameh, Peter K.; Mühle, Jens; O'Doherty, Simon; Young, Dickon; Simmonds, Peter G.; Krummel, Paul B.; Fraser, Paul J.; Steele, L. Paul; Happell, James D.; Rhew, Robert C.; Butler, James; Yvon-Lewis, Shari A.; Hall, Bradley; Nance, David; Moore, Fred; Miller, Ben R.; Elkins, James W.; Harrison, Jeremy J.; Boone, Chris D.; Atlas, Elliot L.; Mahieu, Emmanuel

2016-12-01

datasets. For example, surface observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network are larger than from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) network but have shown a steeper decreasing trend over the past 2 decades. These differences imply a difference in emissions which is significant relative to uncertainties in the magnitudes of the CCl4 sinks.

Bioerosion by euendoliths decreases in phosphate-enriched skeletons of living corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godinot, C.; Tribollet, A.; Grover, R.; Ferrier-Pagès, C.

2012-03-01

While the role of microboring organisms, or euendoliths, is relatively well known in dead coral skeletons, their function in live corals remains poorly understood. They are suggested to behave like ectosymbionts or parasites, impacting their host health. However, the species composition of microboring communities, their abundance and dynamics in live corals under various environmental conditions have never been explored. Here, the effect of phosphate enrichment on boring microorganisms in live corals was tested for the first time. S. pistillata nubbins were exposed to 3 different treatments (phosphate enrichments of 0, 0.5 and 2.5 μmol l-1) during 15 weeks. After 15 weeks of phosphate enrichment, petrographic thin sections were prepared for observation with light microscopy, and additional samples were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Euendoliths comprised mainly autotrophic Ostreobium sp. filaments. Rare filaments of heterotrophic fungi were also observed. Filaments were densely distributed in the central part of nubbins, and less abundant towards the apex. Unexpectedly, there was a visible reduction of filaments abundance in the most recently-calcified apical part of phosphate-enriched nubbins. The overall abundance of euendoliths significantly decreased, from 9.12 ± 1.09% of the skeletal surface area in unenriched corals, to 5.81 ± 0.77% and 5.27 ± 0.34% in 0.5 and 2.5 μmol l-1-phosphate enriched corals respectively. SEM observations confirmed this decrease. Recent studies have shown that phosphate enrichment increases coral skeletal growth and metabolic rates, while it decreases skeletal density and resilience to mechanical stress. We thus hypothesize that increased skeletal growth in the presence of phosphate enrichment occurred too fast for an effective euendolith colonization. They could not keep up with coral growth, so they became diluted in the apex areas as nubbins grew with phosphate enrichment. The possible advantages and

MDMA in adolescent male rats: decreased serotonin in the amygdala and behavioral effects in the elevated plus-maze test.

PubMed

Faria, Raquel; Magalhães, Ana; Monteiro, Pedro R R; Gomes-Da-Silva, Joana; Amélia Tavares, Maria; Summavielle, Teresa

2006-08-01

Long-term behavioral consequences of the neurotoxicity produced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the adolescent rat are still mostly unknown. Here, adolescent male rats (postnatal day 45 PND [45]) were exposed to 10 mg/kg of MDMA, intraperitoneally, every 2 h for 6 h. Controls were given 0.9% saline in the same protocol. Ten days after exposure, the behavioral effects of MDMA were assessed in the elevated plus-maze (n = 6 per group). After behavioral testing, animals were sacrificed and the amygdalae were dissected and processed for HPLC determination of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and metabolites. Results showed a significant decrease in the 5-HT content (P < 0.05), but no significant alterations in DA or its metabolites. Behavioral observation in the elevated plus-maze showed a decreased number of entries in the unprotected arms (P < 0.05), which were correlated to the number of entries and time spent in the central platform. Rearing was also decreased (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in head dips, grooming, or number of entries in the protected arms of the apparatus. Therefore, we conclude that, as in the adult rat, exposure to MDMA in the adolescent rat is associated to long-term depletion of the 5-HT content and increased anxiety-like behavior.

Changes in the Physical Environment of the Inner Coma of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with Decreasing Heliocentric Distance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodewits, D.; Lara, L. M.; A'Hearn, M. F.; La Forgia, F.; Gicquel, A.; Kovacs, G.; Knollenberg, J.; Lazzarin, M.; Lin, Z.-Y.; Shi, X.; Snodgrass, C.; Tubiana, C.; Sierks, H.; Barbieri, C.; Lamy, P. L.; Rodrigo, R.; Koschny, D.; Rickman, H.; Keller, H. U.; Barucci, M. A.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Bertini, I.; Boudreault, S.; Cremonese, G.; Da Deppo, V.; Davidsson, B.; Debei, S.; De Cecco, M.; Fornasier, S.; Fulle, M.; Groussin, O.; Gutiérrez, P. J.; Güttler, C.; Hviid, S. F.; Ip, W.-H.; Jorda, L.; Kramm, J.-R.; Kührt, E.; Küppers, M.; López-Moreno, J. J.; Marzari, F.; Naletto, G.; Oklay, N.; Thomas, N.; Toth, I.; Vincent, J.-B.

2016-11-01

The Wide Angle Camera of the OSIRIS instrument on board the Rosetta spacecraft is equipped with several narrow-band filters that are centered on the emission lines and bands of various fragment species. These are used to determine the evolution of the production and spatial distribution of the gas in the inner coma of comet 67P with time and heliocentric distance, here between 2.6 and 1.3 au pre-perihelion. Our observations indicate that the emission observed in the OH, O I, CN, NH, and NH2 filters is mostly produced by dissociative electron impact excitation of different parent species. We conclude that CO2 rather than H2O is a significant source of the [O I] 630 nm emission. A strong plume-like feature observed in the CN and O I filters is present throughout our observations. This plume is not present in OH emission and indicates a local enhancement of the CO2/H2O ratio by as much as a factor of 3. We observed a sudden decrease in intensity levels after 2015 March, which we attribute to decreased electron temperatures in the first few kilometers above the surface of the nucleus.

Subtle alternating electrocardiographic morphology as an indicator of decreased cardiac electrical stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. M.; Blue, B.; Clancy, E.; Valeri, C. R.; Cohen, R. J.

1985-01-01

Observations from finite-element computer models, together with analytic developments based on percolation theory have suggested that subtle fluctuations of ECG morphology might serve as an indicator diminished cardiac electrical stability. With fixed-rate atrial pacing in canines, we have previously observed a pattern of alternation in T wave energy which correlated with cardiac electrical stability. We report here on a series of 20 canine experiments in which cardiac electrical stability (measured via Ventricular Fibrillation Threshold determination) was compared to a non-degenerate, multidimensional measurement of the degree of alternating activity present in the ECG complex morphology. The decrease in cardiac electrical stability brought on by both coronary artery occlusion and systemic hypothermia was consistently accompanied by subtle alternation in ECG morphology, with the absolute degree of alternating activity being significantly (negatively) correlated with cardiac electrical stability.

Significant inconsistency of vegetation carbon density in CMIP5 Earth system models against observational data: Vegetation Carbon Density in ESMs

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

Song, Xia; Hoffman, Forrest M.; Iversen, Colleen M.

Earth system models (ESMs) have been widely used for projecting global vegetation carbon dynamics, yet how well ESMs performed for simulating vegetation carbon density remains untested. Here we have compiled observational data of vegetation carbon density from literature and existing data sets to evaluate nine ESMs at site, biome, latitude, and global scales. Three variables—root (including fine and coarse roots), total vegetation carbon density, and the root:total vegetation carbon ratios (R/T ratios), were chosen for ESM evaluation. ESM models performed well in simulating the spatial distribution of carbon densities in root (r = 0.71) and total vegetation (r = 0.62).more » However, ESM models had significant biases in simulating absolute carbon densities in root and total vegetation biomass across the majority of land ecosystems, especially in tropical and arctic ecosystems. Particularly, ESMs significantly overestimated carbon density in root (183%) and total vegetation biomass (167%) in climate zones of 10°S–10°N. Substantial discrepancies between modeled and observed R/T ratios were found: the R/T ratios from ESMs were relatively constant, approximately 0.2 across all ecosystems, along latitudinal gradients, and in tropic, temperate, and arctic climatic zones, which was significantly different from the observed large variations in the R/T ratios (0.1–0.8). There were substantial inconsistencies between ESM-derived carbon density in root and total vegetation biomass and the R/T ratio at multiple scales, indicating urgent needs for model improvements on carbon allocation algorithms and more intensive field campaigns targeting carbon density in all key vegetation components.« less

Significant inconsistency of vegetation carbon density in CMIP5 Earth system models against observational data: Vegetation Carbon Density in ESMs

DOE PAGES

Song, Xia; Hoffman, Forrest M.; Iversen, Colleen M.; ...

2017-09-09

Earth system models (ESMs) have been widely used for projecting global vegetation carbon dynamics, yet how well ESMs performed for simulating vegetation carbon density remains untested. Here we have compiled observational data of vegetation carbon density from literature and existing data sets to evaluate nine ESMs at site, biome, latitude, and global scales. Three variables—root (including fine and coarse roots), total vegetation carbon density, and the root:total vegetation carbon ratios (R/T ratios), were chosen for ESM evaluation. ESM models performed well in simulating the spatial distribution of carbon densities in root (r = 0.71) and total vegetation (r = 0.62).more » However, ESM models had significant biases in simulating absolute carbon densities in root and total vegetation biomass across the majority of land ecosystems, especially in tropical and arctic ecosystems. Particularly, ESMs significantly overestimated carbon density in root (183%) and total vegetation biomass (167%) in climate zones of 10°S–10°N. Substantial discrepancies between modeled and observed R/T ratios were found: the R/T ratios from ESMs were relatively constant, approximately 0.2 across all ecosystems, along latitudinal gradients, and in tropic, temperate, and arctic climatic zones, which was significantly different from the observed large variations in the R/T ratios (0.1–0.8). There were substantial inconsistencies between ESM-derived carbon density in root and total vegetation biomass and the R/T ratio at multiple scales, indicating urgent needs for model improvements on carbon allocation algorithms and more intensive field campaigns targeting carbon density in all key vegetation components.« less

Gustatory Dysfunction and Decreased Number of Fungiform Taste Buds in Patients With Chronic Otitis Media With Cholesteatoma.

PubMed

Saito, Takehisa; Ito, Tetsufumi; Ito, Yumi; Yamada, Takechiyo; Okamoto, Masayuki; Manabe, Yasuhiro

2016-09-01

To compare the number of fungiform taste buds among patients with chronic otitis media (COM), those with pars flaccida retraction type cholesteatoma, and those with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma in combination with gustatory function. Thirty-seven patients with COM, 22 patients with pars flaccida retraction type cholesteatoma, and 17 patients with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma were included. An average of 10 fungiform papillae (FP) per patient in the midlateral region of the tongue were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy in vivo, and the average number of taste buds were counted. Just before the observation of FP, electrogustometry (EGM) was performed to evaluate gustatory function. A significant decrease of the average number of fungiform taste buds and significant elevation of EGM thresholds were clarified in the pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma group but not in the COM or pars flaccida type cholesteatoma group. It was suggested that some neurotoxic cytokines produced by cholesteatoma tissue might affect the CTN morphology, resulting in a decreased number of fungiform taste buds and elevation of EGM threshold in patients with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma. © The Author(s) 2016.

Exploring Shamanic Journeying: Repetitive Drumming with Shamanic Instructions Induces Specific Subjective Experiences but No Larger Cortisol Decrease than Instrumental Meditation Music

PubMed Central

Gingras, Bruno; Pohler, Gerald; Fitch, W. Tecumseh

2014-01-01

Exposure to repetitive drumming combined with instructions for shamanic journeying has been associated with physiological and therapeutic effects, such as an increase in salivary immunoglobulin A. In order to assess whether the combination of repetitive drumming and shamanic instructions is specifically associated with these effects, we compared the effect of listening to either repetitive drumming or instrumental meditation music for 15 minutes on salivary cortisol concentration and on self-reported physiological and psychological states. For each musical style, two groups of participants were exposed to two conditions: instructions for shamanic journeying or relaxation instructions. A total of 39 participants (24 females) inexperienced in shamanic journeying completed the experiment. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before and after exposure to music. In addition, participants filled out a mood questionnaire before and after the experiment and completed a post experiment questionnaire on their experiences. A significant decrease in the concentration in salivary cortisol was observed across all musical styles and instructions, indicating that exposure to 15 minutes of either repetitive drumming or instrumental meditation music, while lying down, was sufficient to induce a decrease in cortisol levels. However, no differences were observed across conditions. Significant differences in reported emotional states and subjective experiences were observed between the groups. Notably, participants exposed to repetitive drumming combined with shamanic instructions reported experiencing heaviness, decreased heart rate, and dreamlike experiences significantly more often than participants exposed to repetitive drumming combined with relaxation instructions. Our findings suggest that the subjective effects specifically attributed to repetitive drumming and shamanic journeying may not be reflected in differential endocrine responses. PMID:24999623

Significant decrease of broth viscosity and glucose consumption in erythromycin fermentation by dynamic regulation of ammonium sulfate and phosphate.

PubMed

Chen, Yong; Wang, Zejian; Chu, Ju; Zhuang, Yingping; Zhang, Siliang; Yu, Xiaoguang

2013-04-01

In this study, the effects of nitrogen sources on broth viscosity and glucose consumption in erythromycin fermentation were investigated. By controlling ammonium sulfate concentration, broth viscosity and glucose consumption were decreased by 18.2% and 61.6%, respectively, whereas erythromycin biosynthesis was little affected. Furthermore, erythromycin A production was increased by 8.7% still with characteristics of low broth viscosity and glucose consumption through the rational regulations of phosphate salt, soybean meal and ammonium sulfate. It was found that ammonium sulfate could effectively control proteinase activity, which was correlated with the utilization of soybean meal as well as cell growth. The pollets formation contributed much to the decrease of broth viscosity. The accumulation of extracellular propionate and succinate under the new regulation strategy indicated that higher propanol consumption might increase the concentration of methylmalonyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA and thus could increase the flux leading to erythromycin A. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fitness of RNA virus decreased by Muller's ratchet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Lin

1990-11-01

WHY sex exists remains an unsolved problem in biology1-3. If mutations are on the average deleterious, a high mutation rate can account for the evolution of sex4. One form of this mutational hypothesis is Muller's ratchet5,6. If the mutation rate is high, mutation-free individuals become rare and they can be lost by genetic drift in small populations. In asexual populations, as Muller5 noted, the loss is irreversible and the load of deleterious mutations increases in a ratchet-like manner with the successive loss of the least-mutated individuals. Sex can be advantageous because it increases the fitness of sexual populations by re-creating mutation-free individuals from mutated individuals and stops (or slows) Muller's ratchet. Although Muller's ratchet is an appealing hypothesis, it has been investigated and documented experimentally in only one group of organisms-ciliated protozoa2. I initiated a study to examine the role of Muller's ratchet on the evolution of sex in RNA viruses and report here a significant decrease in fitness due to Muller's ratchet in 20 lineages of the RNA bacteriophage Φ6. These results show that deleterious mutations are generated at a sufficiently high rate to advance Muller's ratchet in an RNA virus and that beneficial, backward and compensatory mutations cannot stop the ratchet in the observed range of fitness decrease.

Reduction mammoplasty improves body posture and decreases the perception of pain

PubMed Central

Goulart, Remi; Detanico, Daniele; Vasconcellos, Roberta Pires; Schütz, Gustavo Ricardo; dos Santos, Saray Giovana

2013-01-01

Women with hypertrophic breasts often experience body pain and posture problems, which tend to be reduced or even eliminated after reduction mammoplasty. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of reduction mammoplasty on anthropometric variables, body posture and pain in women with breast hypertrophy. Eleven women (mean [± SD] age 31.3±10.4 years) participated in the present study. Anthropometric variables, body posture and pain perception were evaluated pretest, and 60 (post60) and 90 (post90) days after reduction mammoplasty. Commercially available posture analysis software was used to analyze the following variables: acromial horizontal alignment (AHA), angle between acromial and anterior superior iliac spines (A-AAIS), vertical alignment of right (R) and left (L) trunk (VAT), vertical alignment of R and L body (VAB) and horizontal alignment of R and L pelvis (HAP). Descriptive statistics and ANOVA for repeated measures were used, and effect sizes (ES) were measured; the level of significance was set at P<0.05. There were no significant differences in anthropometric variables among the assessments. Only HAP-R showed a significant decrease; however, when analyzed, ES, VAT- L and HAP- L in post60, and VAT-R, VAT-L, HAP-R, HAP-L and VAB-L in post90 showed large ES after mammoplasty (ES>0.70). There were significant reductions in pain at post60 and post90 in the neck, cervical spine, back, shoulder and arm (P<0.05). Following mammoplasty, an improvement in body posture, primarily in the alignment of shoulders, trunk and pelvis, and a decrease in pain in the upper limbs and spine, were observed. PMID:24431933

Control of fast elbow movement: a study of electromyographic patterns during movements against unexpectedly decreased inertial load.

PubMed

Latash, M L

1994-01-01

Predictions of three models of single-joint motor control were compared with experimental observations of the changes in electromyographic (EMG) patterns during fast voluntary movements against an unexpectedly reduced inertial load. The subjects performed elbow flexions over 40 degrees "as fast as possible" in two series. During the first series, an approximately 40% decrease in inertia, simulated by a torque-motor, might occur unpredictably on half of the trials (unloaded trials). During the second series, all the trials were unloaded. The major findings are: (1) no differences in the antagonist burst latency in unexpectedly unloaded and unperturbed trials; (2) a decrease in the antagonist latency during expected unloadings; (3) a small, statistically non significant decrease in the first agonist burst EMG integral; and (4) a larger, statistically significant increase in the antagonist burst EMG integral in unexpectedly unloaded trials as compared to unperturbed trials. The data are in good correspondence with a version of the equilibrium-point hypothesis that assumes central programming of the beginning of the antagonist burst and incorporates the possibility of reflex-induced changes in EMG amplitudes.

A climatologically significant aerosol longwave indirect effect in the Arctic.

PubMed

Lubin, Dan; Vogelmann, Andrew M

2006-01-26

The warming of Arctic climate and decreases in sea ice thickness and extent observed over recent decades are believed to result from increased direct greenhouse gas forcing, changes in atmospheric dynamics having anthropogenic origin, and important positive reinforcements including ice-albedo and cloud-radiation feedbacks. The importance of cloud-radiation interactions is being investigated through advanced instrumentation deployed in the high Arctic since 1997 (refs 7, 8). These studies have established that clouds, via the dominance of longwave radiation, exert a net warming on the Arctic climate system throughout most of the year, except briefly during the summer. The Arctic region also experiences significant periodic influxes of anthropogenic aerosols, which originate from the industrial regions in lower latitudes. Here we use multisensor radiometric data to show that enhanced aerosol concentrations alter the microphysical properties of Arctic clouds, in a process known as the 'first indirect' effect. Under frequently occurring cloud types we find that this leads to an increase of an average 3.4 watts per square metre in the surface longwave fluxes. This is comparable to a warming effect from established greenhouse gases and implies that the observed longwave enhancement is climatologically significant.

On the secular decrease in the semimajor axis of Lageos orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubincam, D. P.

1980-01-01

The semimajor axis of the Lageos orbit is decreasing secularly at the rate of -1.1 mm/day due to an unknown force. Nine possible mechanisms are investigated. Five of the mechanisms, resonance with the Earth's gravitational field, gravitational radiation, the Poynting-Robertson effect, transfer of spin angular momentum to the orbital angular momentum, and drag from near Earth dust are ruled out because they are too small to require unacceptable assumptions to account for the observed rate. Three other mechanisms, the Yarkovsky effect, the Schach effect, and terrestrial radiation pressure could possibly give the proper order of magnitude for the decay rate, but the characteristic signatures of these perturbations do not agree with the observed secular decrease. Atmospheric drag from a combination of charged and neutral particles is the most likely cause for the orbital decay. This mechanism explains at least 71 percent of the observed rate of decrease of the semimajor axis.

No significant brain volume decreases or increases in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and above average intelligence: a voxel-based morphometric study.

PubMed

Riedel, Andreas; Maier, Simon; Ulbrich, Melanie; Biscaldi, Monica; Ebert, Dieter; Fangmeier, Thomas; Perlov, Evgeniy; Tebartz van Elst, Ludger

2014-08-30

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly being recognized as an important issue in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy. High intelligence indicates overall good brain functioning and might thus present a particularly good opportunity to study possible cerebral correlates of core autistic features in terms of impaired social cognition, communication skills, the need for routines, and circumscribed interests. Anatomical MRI data sets for 30 highly intelligent patients with high-functioning autism and 30 pairwise-matched control subjects were acquired and analyzed with voxel-based morphometry. The gray matter volume of the pairwise-matched patients and the controls did not differ significantly. When correcting for total brain volume influences, the patients with ASD exhibited smaller left superior frontal volumes on a trend level. Heterogeneous volumetric findings in earlier studies might partly be explained by study samples biased by a high inclusion rate of secondary forms of ASD, which often go along with neuronal abnormalities. Including only patients with high IQ scores might have decreased the influence of secondary forms of ASD and might explain the absence of significant volumetric differences between the patients and the controls in this study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decreased femoral arterial flow during simulated microgravity in the rat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roer, Robert D.; Dillaman, Richard M.

1994-01-01

To determine whether the blood supply to the hindlimbs of rats is altered by the tail-suspension model of weightlessness, rats were chronically instrumented for the measurement of femoral artery flow. Ultrasonic transit-time flow probes were implanted into 8-wk-old Wistar-Furth rats under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia, and, after 24 h of recovery, flow was measured in the normal ambulatory posture. Next, rats were suspended and flow was measured immediately and then daily over the next 4-7 days. Rats were subsequently returned to normal posture, and flow was monitored daily for 1-3 days. Mean arterial flow decreased immediately on the rats being suspensed and continued to decrease until a new steady state of approximately 60% of control values was attained at 5 days. On the rats returning to normal posture, flow increased to levels observed before suspension. Quantile-quantile plots of blood flow data revealed a decrease in flow during both systole and diastole. The observed decrease in hindlimb blood flow during suspension suggests a possible role in the etiology of muscular atrophy and bone loss in microgravity.

Triclosan Decreases Rat Thyroxine: Mode-of-Action, Developmental Susceptibility and Human Relevance

EPA Science Inventory

Triclosan (TCS) decreases serum thyroxine (T4) in the rat. In vivo and in vitro approaches were used to address three uncertainties: by what mode-of-action (MOA) does TCS decrease T4; does TCS decrease T4 developmentally; and, are effects observed in rats relevant to humans? To t...

Thalidomide has a significant effect in patients with thalassemia intermedia.

PubMed

Li, YunShuan; Ren, Quan; Zhou, Yali; Li, Pingping; Lin, Wanhua; Yin, Xiaolin

2018-01-01

To investigate the effect of thalidomide in patients with thalassemia intermedia. We observed the effect of thalidomide in seven patients with thalassemia intermedia requiring blood transfusion. Four of the patients were transfusion-independent, and three patients were transfusion-dependent. For the four transfusion-independent patients, hemoglobin concentration increased significantly (≥2 g/dl) in three and moderately (1-2 g/dl) in one. After 3 months of treatment, hemoglobin concentration increased 3.2 ± 1.2 g/dl compared to pretreatment. Among the three transfusion-dependent patients, transfusion was terminated after one month of treatment in one patient and decreased >50% in the other two patients, accompanied by an increase in the average hemoglobin concentration. Thalidomide had a significant effect in patients with thalassemia intermedia. Further studies of a larger scale and more rigorous design are warranted.

Decrease in oral bioavailability of ciclosporin by intravenous pulse of methylprednisolone succinate in rats.

PubMed

Konishi, Hiroki; Sumi, Masaki; Shibata, Nobuhito; Takada, Kanji; Minouchi, Tokuzo; Yamaji, Akira

2004-10-01

We examined the effects of high-dose methylprednisolone on the bioavailability of orally administered ciclosporin in rats. To emulate the clinical protocol of methylprednisolone pulse therapy, methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPS), a prodrug of methylprednisolone, was intravenously administered as repeated doses (66.3 mg kg(-1)) for 3 days. The area under the blood ciclosporin concentration versus time curve after oral administration was significantly reduced by 60% by pulse treatment with MPS. Based on our previous finding that the total body clearance of ciclosporin was reduced by about 20% by the same methylprednisolone pulse protocol, the extent of reduction in the oral bioavailability of ciclosporin was estimated to be approximately 50%, indicating a drug interaction between high-dose methylprednisolone and orally administered ciclosporin, which affected the absorption process. In rats treated with MPS, an in-situ efflux experiment using rhodamine-123 demonstrated that the reverse transport function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the small intestine was significantly enhanced, although there was no significant increase in the intestinal microsomal activity of triazolam alpha- and 4-hydroxylation, metabolic probes for CYP3A. In addition, a significant decrease was observed in the amount of secreted bile acids serving as an enhancer of gastrointestinal absorption of ciclosporin in MPS treatment. To directly estimate the absorptive capacity, an in-situ absorption test was conducted using a closed-loop of small intestine in control and MPS-treated rats. Intestinal absorption of ciclosporin was significantly decreased, not only in the absence of bile flow but also by treatment with MPS, which well reflected the change in the in-vivo pharmacokinetic behaviour of ciclosporin after methylprednisolone pulsing. These results demonstrate that bioavailability of ciclosporin is markedly reduced by MPS pulse treatment, and the mechanism of this interaction was confirmed to

miR-379 Regulates Cyclin B1 Expression and Is Decreased in Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Khan, Sonja; Brougham, Cathy L.; Ryan, James; Sahrudin, Arisha; O’Neill, Gregory; Wall, Deirdre; Curran, Catherine; Newell, John; Kerin, Michael J.; Dwyer, Roisin M.

2013-01-01

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that control gene expression post-transcriptionally, and are known to be altered in many diseases including breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the relevance of miR-379 in breast cancer. miR-379 expression was quantified in clinical samples including tissues from breast cancer patients (n=103), healthy controls (n=30) and patients with benign breast disease (n=35). The level of miR-379 and its putative target Cyclin B1 were investigated on all breast tissue specimens by RQ-PCR. Potential relationships with gene expression and patient clinicopathological details were also determined. The effect of miR-379 on Cyclin B1 protein expression and function was investigated using western blot, immunohistochemistry and proliferation assays respectively. Finally, the levels of circulating miR-379 were determined in whole blood from patients with breast cancer (n=40) and healthy controls (n=34). The level of miR-379 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer (Mean(SEM) 1.9 (0.09) Log10 Relative Quantity (RQ)) compared to normal breast tissues (2.6 (0.16) Log10 RQ, p<0.01). miR-379 was also found to decrease significantly with increasing tumour stage. A significant negative correlation was determined between miR-379 and Cyclin B1 (r=-0.31, p<0.001). Functional assays revealed reduced proliferation (p<0.05) and decreased Cyclin B1 protein levels following transfection of breast cancer cells with miR-379. Circulating miR-379 was not significantly dysregulated in patients with breast cancer compared to healthy controls (p=0.42). This data presents miR-379 as a novel regulator of Cyclin B1 expression, with significant loss of the miRNA observed in breast tumours. PMID:23874748

Warm Parenting Associated with Decreasing or Stable Child BMI during Treatment

PubMed Central

Jelalian, Elissa; Boutelle, Kerri; Dickstein, Susan; Seifer, Ronald; Wing, Rena

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: While authoritative parenting, which includes high levels of warmth and behavioral control, has been associated with lower risk of obesity, little is known about how general parenting impacts child weight loss during treatment. Our goal was to examine the relationship between several general parenting dimensions and ‘decreasing /stable’ child BMI during a 16-week family-based behavioral weight control program. Methods: Forty-four overweight parent-child dyads (child age 8 to 12 years) enrolled in the program. Families were videotaped at baseline eating dinner in their home. Using the General Parenting Observational Scale (GPOS), meals were coded for several general parenting dimensions. Primary outcome was percent of children whose BMI ‘decreased or stayed the same.’ Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between general parenting and decreasing/stable child BMI. Results: Forty families (91%) completed the program. Children had a mean BMI change of −0.40 (SD 1.57), which corresponds to a −0.15 (SD 0.20) change in BMI z-score (BMI-Z); 75% of children had decreasing/stable BMI. In the unadjusted models, lower parent BMI, higher parent education, and higher levels of parental warmth were significantly associated with decreasing/stable child BMI. In the multivariable model, only higher level of warmth was associated with increased odds of decreasing/stable child BMI (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.62). Conclusions: Baseline parental warmth may influence a child's ability to lower/maintain BMI during a standard family-based behavioral weight control program. Efforts to increase parent displays of warmth and emotional support towards their overweight child may help to increase the likelihood of treatment success. PMID:26895374

Does treatment of paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder decrease asthma medication use?

PubMed

Kramer, Scott; deSilva, Brad; Forrest, L Arick; Matrka, Laura

2017-07-01

To determine whether diagnosis and treatment of paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder (PVFMD) leads to decreased asthma medication use. Secondary objectives include determining initial rate of asthma medication use, characterizing symptom improvement, and correlating with pulmonary function testing (PFT). Prospective observational study. Patients newly diagnosed with PVFMD at a single institution were recruited to participate. Medication questionnaires were completed at the initial visit, at the first return visit for therapy, and at 6 months. PFTs were reviewed when available. Sixty-six patients were recruited; the study was closed early because findings reached significance. Fifty-six patients (85%) were taking asthma medication at presentation. Forty-four patients presented with PFTs, and two-thirds were normal. Forty-two patients completed follow-up questionnaires; 79% decreased asthma medication use (P < .001), and 82% reported symptom improvement. Seventy-seven percent of patients participated in therapy and 23% did not, with equal rates of decrease in asthma medication use between these groups. Outcomes did not vary based on PFT pattern (i.e., obstructive vs. nonobstructive, P = .75). Diagnosis and treatment of PVFMD lead to a decline in asthma medication use. This decrease occurred alongside symptom improvement and irrespective of PFT findings. Use of asthma medication in this patient population is high, at 85%. 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1531-1537, 2017. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

A new urease-inhibiting formulation decreases ammonia volatilization and improves maize nitrogen utilization in North China Plain

PubMed Central

Li, Qianqian; Cui, Xiaoqing; Liu, Xuejun; Roelcke, Marco; Pasda, Gregor; Zerulla, Wolfram; Wissemeier, Alexander H.; Chen, Xinping; Goulding, Keith; Zhang, Fusuo

2017-01-01

Overuse of urea, low nitrogen (N) utilization, and large N losses are common in maize production in North China Plain (NCP). To solve these problems, we conducted two field experiments at Shangzhuang and Quzhou in NCP to test the ability of a newly developed urease inhibitor product Limus® to decrease NH3 volatilization from urea applied to maize. Grain yield, apparent N recovery efficiency (REN) and N balance when using urea applied with or without Limus were also measured over two maize growing seasons. Cumulative NH3 loss in the two weeks following urea application without Limus ranged from 9–108 kg N ha−1, while Limus addition significantly decreased NH3 loss by a mean of 84%. Urea with Limus did not significantly increase maize yields (P < 0.05) compared with urea alone. However, a significant 11–17% improvement in REN with Limus was observed at QZ. The use of urea-N plus Limus would permit a reduction in N applications of 55–60% compared to farmers’ practice and/or further 20% N saving compared with optimized urea-N rate (150 kg N ha−1, based on N requirement by target yield of 7.5 t ha−1), and would achieve the same maize yields but with significantly decreased NH3 loss and increased N utilization. PMID:28272451

A new urease-inhibiting formulation decreases ammonia volatilization and improves maize nitrogen utilization in North China Plain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qianqian; Cui, Xiaoqing; Liu, Xuejun; Roelcke, Marco; Pasda, Gregor; Zerulla, Wolfram; Wissemeier, Alexander H.; Chen, Xinping; Goulding, Keith; Zhang, Fusuo

2017-03-01

Overuse of urea, low nitrogen (N) utilization, and large N losses are common in maize production in North China Plain (NCP). To solve these problems, we conducted two field experiments at Shangzhuang and Quzhou in NCP to test the ability of a newly developed urease inhibitor product Limus® to decrease NH3 volatilization from urea applied to maize. Grain yield, apparent N recovery efficiency (REN) and N balance when using urea applied with or without Limus were also measured over two maize growing seasons. Cumulative NH3 loss in the two weeks following urea application without Limus ranged from 9-108 kg N ha-1, while Limus addition significantly decreased NH3 loss by a mean of 84%. Urea with Limus did not significantly increase maize yields (P < 0.05) compared with urea alone. However, a significant 11-17% improvement in REN with Limus was observed at QZ. The use of urea-N plus Limus would permit a reduction in N applications of 55-60% compared to farmers’ practice and/or further 20% N saving compared with optimized urea-N rate (150 kg N ha-1, based on N requirement by target yield of 7.5 t ha-1), and would achieve the same maize yields but with significantly decreased NH3 loss and increased N utilization.

TNT, RDX, and HMX decrease earthworm (Eisenia andrei) life-cycle responses in a spiked natural forest soil.

PubMed

Robidoux, P Y; Hawari, J; Bardai, G; Paquet, L; Ampleman, G; Thiboutot, S; Sunahara, G I

2002-11-01

Sublethal and chronic toxicities of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) on earthworm Eisenia andrei in a sandy forest soil were assessed. Various reproduction parameters of fecundity (total and hatched number of cocoons, number of juveniles, and their biomass) were significantly decreased by TNT (> or = 58.8 +/- 5.1 mg/kg dry soil), RDX (> or = 46.7 +/- 2.6 mg/kg), and HMX (> or = 15.6 +/- 4.6 mg/kg). These effects occurred at much lower concentrations than those reported earlier using artificial soil preparations. Growth of adults was significantly decreased in the TNT-spiked natural soils at 136.2 +/- 25.6 mg/kg dry soil, the highest concentration having no significant mortality. In contrast, survival and growth were not significantly reduced at relatively high measured concentrations of RDX (167.3 mg/kg) and HMX (711.0 mg/kg). Although TNT, RDX, and HMX share a common life-cycle response ( i.e., decreased juvenile counts), a number of differences related to other reproduction parameters (e.g., productivity of cocoons) was observed. These results indicate that the tested explosives do not support a common mechanism of toxicity, at least in the earthworm, probably due to differences in their physical-chemical properties as well as metabolites formed during exposure.

Decreased brain glucose utilization in patients with Cushing's disease.

PubMed

Brunetti, A; Fulham, M J; Aloj, L; De Souza, B; Nieman, L; Oldfield, E H; Di Chiro, G

1998-05-01

Glucocorticoid hormones affect glucose use in different tissues, and the results of several experimental studies have suggested that glucocorticoids have a central action on cerebral metabolism. PET, using the radiotracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), permits the measurement of cerebral glucose metabolism. To investigate whether cerebral glucose metabolism would be altered in patients with increased plasma glucocorticoid levels, we analyzed the FDG PET studies that were done on 13 patients with Cushing's disease and compared the results with those obtained in 13 age-matched normal control subjects. A second FDG PET scan was performed on 4 patients after surgical removal of the pituitary adenoma. Patients with Cushing's disease had a significant reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism compared with normal controls. In the patients on whom a second PET scan was performed, there was a trend toward increased glucose metabolism on the second scan when comparing pre- and postsurgery values for each patient. We suggest that the decreased cerebral glucose metabolism we observed in Cushing's disease is attributable to increased glucocorticoid levels, and we speculate that abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism might contribute to the cognitive and psychiatric abnormalities that are frequently observed in patients with Cushing's disease.

Decrease of peritoneal inflammatory CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+) lymphocytes and apoptosis of eosinophils in a murine Taenia crassiceps infection.

PubMed

Zepeda, Nadia; Solano, Sandra; Copitin, Natalia; Fernández, Ana María; Hernández, Lilián; Tato, Patricia; Molinari, José L

2010-10-01

After an intraperitoneal infection of mice with Taenia crassiceps metacestodes, peritoneal inflammatory cells labeled with fluoresceinated MoAb anti-mouse were analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis was studied by annexin A/PI, TUNEL assays, DNA laddering, caspase-3 activity, and electron microscopy. An important continuous decrease of CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocytes, and an increase of eosinophils and macrophages throughout the observation time were found. Apoptosis of eosinophils was quantified during the observation period with a peak at 6 days post-infection (67.27%). In an additional experiment at 12 days post-infection using TUNEL staining, a high level of apoptosis of eosinophil (92.3%) and a significant decrease of CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ lymphocytes were confirmed. Caspase-3 activity in peritoneal fluid, peritoneal cells' DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis of eosinophils and monocytes were found. The dramatic decrease of peritoneal inflammatory T and B cells and the high level of apoptosis of inflammatory eosinophils induced in mice by infection with T. crassiceps cysticerci may be important factors of the immunosuppression observed in cysticercosis.

Decreased expression of the vitamin D receptor in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

PubMed

Yan, Xiaoting; Wang, Liqin; Yan, Chunfang; Zhang, Xinwen; Hui, Lingyun; Sheng, Qiu; Xue, Mingzhan; Yu, Xuewen

2016-09-15

The multiple functions of vitamin D3 have stimulated interest in the role that this vitamin may play during pregnancy. The present study investigated the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in women during the first trimester of pregnancy in order to determine whether VDR is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Forty women at 7-10 weeks gestation with RPL and 40 women of similar gestational age with a healthy pregnancy were recruited. VDR mRNA and protein in chorionic villi and decidua were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The serum levels of VDR were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Women with RPL had a significantly weaker expression of VDR mRNA in villi and decidual tissues compared with the control women (both p < 0.0001). Western blot analysis showed an approximately 46% decrease in VDR expression in villi and a 52% decrease in decidua in the RPL vs. the controls. Serum VDR levels were also significantly lower in the RPL group than in the control group (p = 0.003). Compared with the controls, immunohistochemical and CLSM analysis revealed significantly lower VDR expression in villous cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells, as well as in decidual glandular epithelial and stromal cells (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, these observations show that women with RPL have lower levels of VDR expression in chorionic villi, decidua and serum compared with normal pregnant women, suggesting that decreased VDR expression in the first trimester pregnancy may be associated with RPL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

GC protein-derived macrophage-activating factor decreases α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase levels in advanced cancer patients.

PubMed

Thyer, Lynda; Ward, Emma; Smith, Rodney; Branca, Jacopo Jv; Morucci, Gabriele; Gulisano, Massimo; Noakes, David; Eslinger, Robert; Pacini, Stefania

2013-08-01

α- N -acetylgalactosaminidase (nagalase) accumulates in the serum of cancer patients and its activity correlates with tumor burden, aggressiveness and clinical disease progression. The administration of GC protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) to cancer patients with elevated levels of nagalase has been associated with a decrease of serum nagalase activity and with significant clinical benefits. Here, we report the results of the administration of GcMAF to a heterogeneous cohort of patients with histologically diverse, advanced neoplasms, generally considered as "incurable" diseases. In most cases, GcMAF therapy was initiated at late stages of tumor progression. As this is an open-label, non-controlled, retrospective analysis, caution must be employed when establishing cause-effect relationships between the administration GcMAF and disease outcome. However, the response to GcMAF was generally robust and some trends emerged. All patients (n = 20) presented with elevated serum nagalase activity, well above normal values. All patients but one showed a significant decrease of serum nagalase activity upon weekly GcMAF injections. Decreased nagalase activity was associated with improved clinical conditions and no adverse side effects were reported. The observations reported here confirm and extend previous results and pave the way to further studies aimed at assessing the precise role and indications for GcMAF-based anticancer immunotherapy.

Laser-only Adaptive Optics Achieves Significant Image Quality Gains Compared to Seeing-limited Observations over the Entire Sky

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Ward S.; Law, Nicholas M.; Ziegler, Carl A.; Baranec, Christoph; Riddle, Reed

2018-02-01

Adaptive optics laser guide-star systems perform atmospheric correction of stellar wavefronts in two parts: stellar tip-tilt and high-spatial-order laser correction. The requirement of a sufficiently bright guide star in the field-of-view to correct tip-tilt limits sky coverage. In this paper, we show an improvement to effective seeing without the need for nearby bright stars, enabling full sky coverage by performing only laser-assisted wavefront correction. We used Robo-AO, the first robotic AO system, to comprehensively demonstrate this laser-only correction. We analyze observations from four years of efficient robotic operation covering 15000 targets and 42000 observations, each realizing different seeing conditions. Using an autoguider (or a post-processing software equivalent) and the laser to improve effective seeing independent of the brightness of a target, Robo-AO observations show a 39% ± 19% improvement to effective FWHM, without any tip-tilt correction. We also demonstrate that 50% encircled energy performance without tip-tilt correction remains comparable to diffraction-limited, standard Robo-AO performance. Faint-target science programs primarily limited by 50% encircled energy (e.g., those employing integral field spectrographs placed behind the AO system) may see significant benefits to sky coverage from employing laser-only AO.

Social Branding to Decrease Smoking Among Young Adults in Bars

PubMed Central

Lee, Youn Ok; Hong, Juliette; Neilands, Torsten B.; Jordan, Jeffrey W.; Glantz, Stanton A.

2014-01-01

Objectives. We evaluated a Social Branding antitobacco intervention for “hipster” young adults that was implemented between 2008 and 2011 in San Diego, California. Methods. We conducted repeated cross-sectional surveys of random samples of young adults going to bars at baseline and over a 3-year follow-up. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate changes in daily smoking, nondaily smoking, and binge drinking, controlling for demographic characteristics, alcohol use, advertising receptivity, trend sensitivity, and tobacco-related attitudes. Results. During the intervention, current (past 30 day) smoking decreased from 57% (baseline) to 48% (at follow-up 3; P = .002), and daily smoking decreased from 22% to 15% (P < .001). There were significant interactions between hipster affiliation and alcohol use on smoking. Among hipster binge drinkers, the odds of daily smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30, 0.63) and nondaily smoking (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.42, 0.77) decreased significantly at follow-up 3. Binge drinking also decreased significantly at follow-up 3 (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.78). Conclusions. Social Branding campaigns are a promising strategy to decrease smoking in young adult bar patrons. PMID:24524502

Social branding to decrease smoking among young adults in bars.

PubMed

Ling, Pamela M; Lee, Youn Ok; Hong, Juliette; Neilands, Torsten B; Jordan, Jeffrey W; Glantz, Stanton A

2014-04-01

We evaluated a Social Branding antitobacco intervention for "hipster" young adults that was implemented between 2008 and 2011 in San Diego, California. We conducted repeated cross-sectional surveys of random samples of young adults going to bars at baseline and over a 3-year follow-up. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate changes in daily smoking, nondaily smoking, and binge drinking, controlling for demographic characteristics, alcohol use, advertising receptivity, trend sensitivity, and tobacco-related attitudes. During the intervention, current (past 30 day) smoking decreased from 57% (baseline) to 48% (at follow-up 3; P = .002), and daily smoking decreased from 22% to 15% (P < .001). There were significant interactions between hipster affiliation and alcohol use on smoking. Among hipster binge drinkers, the odds of daily smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30, 0.63) and nondaily smoking (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.42, 0.77) decreased significantly at follow-up 3. Binge drinking also decreased significantly at follow-up 3 (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.78). Social Branding campaigns are a promising strategy to decrease smoking in young adult bar patrons.

Biofilm Growth Increases Phosphorylcholine Content and Decreases Potency of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Endotoxins

PubMed Central

West-Barnette, Shayla; Rockel, Andrea; Swords, W. Edward

2006-01-01

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) is a common respiratory commensal and opportunistic pathogen. NTHI is normally contained within the airways by host innate defenses that include recognition of bacterial endotoxins by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). NTHI produces lipooligosaccharide (LOS) endotoxins which lack polymeric O side chains and which may contain host glycolipids. We recently showed that NTHI biofilms contain variants with sialylated LOS glycoforms that are essential to biofilm formation. In this study, we show that NTHI forms biofilms on epithelial cell layers. Confocal analysis revealed that sialylated variants were distributed throughout the biofilm, while variants expressing phosphorylcholine (PCho) were found within the biofilm. Consistent with this observation, PCho content of LOS purified from NTHI biofilms was increased compared to LOS from planktonic cultures. Hypothesizing that the observed changes in endotoxin composition could affect bioactivity, we compared inflammatory responses to NTHI LOS purified from biofilm and planktonic cultures. Our results show that endotoxins from biofilms induced weaker host innate responses. While we observed a minimal effect of sialylation on LOS bioactivity, there was a significant decrease in bioactivity associated with PCho substitutions. We thus conclude that biofilm growth increases the proportion of PCho+ variants in an NTHI population, resulting in a net decrease in LOS bioactivity. Thus, in addition to their well-documented resistance phenotypes, our data show that biofilm communities of NTHI bacteria contain variants that evoke less potent host responses. PMID:16495557

Volcanism, Cold Temperature, and Paucity of Sunspot Observing Days (1818-1858): A Connection?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Robert M.

1998-01-01

significance); thus. years of fewer sunspot observing days in the historical record seem to indicate years of probable cooler clime, while years (if many sunspot observing days seem to indicate years of probable warmer clime (and Vice versa). Presuming this relationship to be real, one infers that the observed decrease in the number of observing days near 1830 (i.e., during "the lost record years" of 1825 to 1833) provides a strong indication that temperatures at Armagh (and, perhaps, most of Europe, as well) were correspondingly cooler. If true, then, the inferred cooling may have resulted from the eruption of Kliuchevsoi(Russia; 56 deg. N) in 1829.

Soya phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein, decrease apolipoprotein B secretion from HepG2 cells through multiple mechanisms.

PubMed Central

Borradaile, Nica M; de Dreu, Linda E; Wilcox, Lisa J; Edwards, Jane Y; Huff, Murray W

2002-01-01

Diets containing the soya-derived phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein, decrease plasma cholesterol in humans and experimental animals. The mechanisms responsible for the hypocholesterolaemic effects of these isoflavones are unknown. The present study was conducted to determine if genistein and daidzein regulate hepatocyte cholesterol metabolism and apolipoprotein (apo) B secretion in cultured human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. ApoB secretion was decreased dose-dependently by up to 63% and 71% by genistein and daidzein (100 microM; P<0.0001) respectively. In contrast, no effect on apoAI secretion was observed. Cellular cholesterol synthesis was inhibited 41% by genistein (100 microM; P<0.005) and 18% by daidzein (100 microM; P<0.05), which was associated with significant increases in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase mRNA. Cellular cholesterol esterification was decreased 56% by genistein (100 microM; P<0.04) and 29% by daidzein (100 microM; P<0.04); however, mRNA levels for acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) 1 and ACAT2 were unaffected. At 100 microM, both isoflavones equally inhibited the activities of both forms of ACAT in cells transfected with either ACAT1 or ACAT2. Genistein (100 microM) and daidzein (100 microM) significantly decreased the activity of microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein (MTP) by 30% and 24% respectively, and significantly decreased MTP mRNA levels by 35% and 55%. Both isoflavones increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor mRNA levels by 3- to 6-fold (100 microM; P<0.03) and significantly increased the binding, uptake and degradation of (125)I-labelled LDL, suggesting that enhanced reuptake of newly secreted apoB-containing lipoproteins contributed to the net decrease in apoB secretion. These results indicate that genistein and daidzein inhibit hepatocyte apoB secretion through several mechanisms, including inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and esterification, inhibition of MTP activity and expression and

Trend Estimates of AERONET-Observed and Model-Simulated AOTs Between 1993 and 2013

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, J.; Pozzer, A.; Chang, D. Y.; Lelieveld, J.; Kim, J.; Kim, M.; Lee, Y. G.; Koo, J.-H.; Lee, J.; Moon, K. J.

2015-01-01

Recently, temporal changes in Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) have been investigated based on model simulations, satellite and ground-based observations. Most AOT trend studies used monthly or annual arithmetic means that discard details of the generally right-skewed AOT distributions. Potentially, such results can be biased by extreme values (including outliers). This study additionally uses percentiles (i.e., the lowest 5%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 95% of the monthly cumulative distributions fitted to Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET)-observed and ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC)-model simulated AOTs) that are less affected by outliers caused by measurement error, cloud contamination and occasional extreme aerosol events. Since the limited statistical representativeness of monthly percentiles and means can lead to bias, this study adopts the number of observations as a weighting factor, which improves the statistical robustness of trend estimates. By analyzing the aerosol composition of AERONET-observed and EMAC-simulated AOTs in selected regions of interest, we distinguish the dominant aerosol types and investigate the causes of regional AOT trends. The simulated and observed trends are generally consistent with a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.89) and small bias (slope+/-2(sigma) = 0.75 +/- 0.19). A significant decrease in EMAC-decomposed AOTs by water-soluble compounds and black carbon is found over the USA and the EU due to environmental regulation. In particular, a clear reversal in the AERONET AOT trend percentiles is found over the USA, probably related to the AOT diurnal cycle and the frequency of wildfires. In most of the selected regions of interest, EMAC-simulated trends are mainly attributed to the significant changes of the dominant aerosols; e.g., significant decrease in sea salt and water soluble compounds over Central America, increase in dust over Northern Africa and Middle East, and decrease in black carbon and organic carbon over

On the Decrease of the Oceanic Drag Coefficient in High Winds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donelan, Mark A.

2018-02-01

The sheltering coefficient - prefixing Jeffreys' concept of the exponential wave growth rate at a gas-liquid interface - is shown to be Reynolds number dependent from laboratory measurements of waves and Reynolds stresses. There are two turbulent flow regimes: wind speed range of 2.5 to 30 m/s where the drag coefficients increase with wind speed, and wind speed range of 30 to 50 m/s where sheltering/drag coefficients decrease/saturate with wind speed. By comparing model calculations of drag coefficients - using a fixed sheltering coefficient - with ocean observations over a wind speed range of 1 to 50 m/s a similar Reynolds number dependence of the oceanic sheltering coefficient is revealed. In consequence the drag coefficient is a function of Reynolds number and wave age, and not just wind speed as frequently assumed. The resulting decreasing drag coefficient above 30 m/s is shown to be critical in explaining the rapid intensification so prominent in the climatology of Atlantic hurricanes. The Reynolds number dependence of the sheltering coefficient, when employed in coupled models, should lead to significant improvements in the prediction of intensification and decay of tropical cyclones. A calculation of curvature at the wave crest suggests that at wind speeds above 56.15 m/s all waves-breaking or not-induce steady flow separation leading to a minimum in the drag coefficient. This is further evidence of the veracity of the observations of the oceanic drag coefficient at high winds.

Ethanol specifically decreases peroxisome proliferator activated receptor beta in B12 oligodendrocyte-like cells.

PubMed

Leisewitz, Andrea V; Jung, Juan E; Perez-Alzola, Patricia; Fuenzalida, Karen M; Roth, Alejandro; Inestrosa, Nibaldo C; Bronfman, Miguel

2003-04-01

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that control important genes involved in lipid metabolism. Their role in nerve cells is uncertain, although anomalous myelination of the corpus callosum has been described in the PPARbeta-null mouse, and abnormalities of this tissue have been documented in fetal alcohol syndrome in humans. We report here that ethanol treatment of B12 oligodendrocyte-like cells induces a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of PPARbeta, with no effect on PPARalpha or PPARgamma. The effect on PPARbeta is seen as an increase in mRNA degradation, as assessed by run-off assays, due to a significant decrease in PPARbeta mRNA half-life, with no observed changes in intracellular localization. Our results suggest a possible link between PPARbeta function and ethanol-induced abnormal myelination in oligodendrocytes.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) decreases male rat fertility in vivo.

PubMed

Tahtamouni, Lubna H; Alqurna, Noor M; Al-Hudhud, Mariam Y; Al-Hajj, Hameed A

2011-04-26

Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg. is commonly used in Jordan folk medicine for the treatment of panophthalmitis, chronic constipation, and diabetes. In addition, herbalists prescribe the aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale to enhance male's fertility. The current work was undertaken to investigate the validity and/or invalidity of the aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale on enhancing the reproductive activity in male rat. Thirty three adult male rats were divided into three groups. Experimental groups received the aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale orally for 60 days in two different sublethal doses; 1/10 LD(50) as high dose and 1/20 LD(50) as low dose, whereas the control group received distilled water. The administration of the aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale resulted in a significant decrease in testis weight in the two experimental groups in comparison to the control group but had no effect on body or organ weight. The extract of this plant caused a decrease of the following in the two experimental groups, compared to the control group: sperm count, motility and normal morphology, pregnancy rate and diameter and wall thickness of seminiferous tubules. Also, distortion of morphology of the seminiferous tubules and arrest in spermatogenesis was observed in the experimental groups. In addition, the percentage of sperm with damaged chromatin integrity was significantly higher in the two experimental groups. From the present study, we can conclude that the aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale acts as an anti-fertility agent rather than a fertility booster as prescribed by Jordanian herbalists. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lifestyle decreases risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

PubMed

Slavícek, Jaroslav; Kittnar, Otomar; Fraser, Gary E; Medová, Eva; Konecná, Jana; Zizka, Robert; Dohnalová, Alena; Novák, Vladimir

2008-12-01

The morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases is high in the developed countries. The lifestyle changes are capable to decrease it by 50%. The aim of the present study was to measure the parameters of some risk factors before and after a one-week NEW START rehabilitative retreat. 1349 volunteers, 320 men, 1029 woman, mean age 51 +/- 14.5 (SD) years participated in 30 rehabilitative retreats from 1999-2006 in the Czech Republic, using a low-fat, low-energy, lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet and exercise, in a stress-free environment. Body weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, heart rate, serum cholesterol and blood glucose were measured. Body weight decreased in 1223 measured persons from 71.2 +/- 14.38 (SD) to 70.6 +/- 14.02 kg (p<0.0001), BMI (1,046 measured persons) from 25.1 +/- 4.60 (SD) to 24.8+4.49 (SD) kg/m2 (p<0.0001), systolic blood pressure (1,218 persons) from 129.8 +/- 23.02 (SD) to 123.8 +/- 21.52 (SD) mmHg (p<0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (1210 persons) from 79.8 +/- 12.7 (SD) to 77.5 +/- 11.6 (SD) mmHg (p<0.0001), serum cholesterol (998 persons) from 4.86 +/- 0.95 (SD) to 4.32 +/- 0.77 (SD) mmol (p<0.0001), blood glucose (544 persons) from 4.31 +/- 1.59 (SD) to 3.88 +/- 1.33 (SD) mmol (p<0.0001). Heart rate was not significantly decreased. The parameters were lower in lacto-ovo vegetarians and Seventh-day Adventists than in controls who never observed the diet and avail the lifestyle programs. The parameters were nonsignificantly changed one year after finishing the retreat in the sample of 68 persons showing the positive effect of retreats. Our results showed, that the intake of a low-fat, low-energy diet, over the course of one week in a stress-free environment, had positive impact on the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Observations of a large Dent disease cohort.

PubMed

Blanchard, Anne; Curis, Emmanuel; Guyon-Roger, Tiphaine; Kahila, Diana; Treard, Cyrielle; Baudouin, Véronique; Bérard, Etienne; Champion, Gérard; Cochat, Pierre; Dubourg, Julie; de la Faille, Renaud; Devuyst, Olivier; Deschenes, Georges; Fischbach, Michel; Harambat, Jérôme; Houillier, Pascal; Karras, Alexandre; Knebelmann, Bertrand; Lavocat, Marie-Pierre; Loirat, Chantal; Merieau, Elodie; Niaudet, Patrick; Nobili, François; Novo, Robert; Salomon, Rémi; Ulinski, Tim; Jeunemaître, Xavier; Vargas-Poussou, Rosa

2016-08-01

Dent disease classically combines low-molecular-weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria with nephrocalcinosis, and renal failure. Nephrotic range proteinuria, normal calciuria, and hypokalemia have been rarely reported. It is unknown whether the changes in phenotype observed over time are explained by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or whether there is any phenotype-genotype relationship. To answer this we retrospectively analyzed data from 109 male patients with CLCN5 mutations (Dent-1) and 9 patients with mutation of the OCRL gene (Dent-2). In Dent-1 disease, the estimated GFR decreased with age, by 1.0 to 1.6 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)/yr in the absence and presence of nephrocalcinosis, respectively, with no significant difference. Median values of low-molecular-weight proteinuria were in the nephrotic range and remained at the same level even in late renal disease. End-stage renal disease occurred in 12 patients, at a median age of 40 years. Hypercalciuria decreased with glomerular filtration and was absent in 40% of the patients under 30 and 85% of those over the age of 30. Hypophosphatemia did not resolve with age and calcitriol concentrations were in the upper normal range. Kalemia decreased with age, with half of the patients over the age of 18 presenting with hypokalemia. Thus, no phenotype/genotype correlation was observed in this cohort of patients with Dent disease. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CHANGES IN THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE INNER COMA OF 67P/CHURYUMOV–GERASIMENKO WITH DECREASING HELIOCENTRIC DISTANCE

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

Bodewits, D.; A’Hearn, M. F.; Lara, L. M.

2016-11-01

The Wide Angle Camera of the OSIRIS instrument on board the Rosetta spacecraft is equipped with several narrow-band filters that are centered on the emission lines and bands of various fragment species. These are used to determine the evolution of the production and spatial distribution of the gas in the inner coma of comet 67P with time and heliocentric distance, here between 2.6 and 1.3 au pre-perihelion. Our observations indicate that the emission observed in the OH, O i, CN, NH, and NH{sub 2} filters is mostly produced by dissociative electron impact excitation of different parent species. We conclude thatmore » CO{sub 2} rather than H{sub 2}O is a significant source of the [O i] 630 nm emission. A strong plume-like feature observed in the CN and O i filters is present throughout our observations. This plume is not present in OH emission and indicates a local enhancement of the CO{sub 2}/H{sub 2}O ratio by as much as a factor of 3. We observed a sudden decrease in intensity levels after 2015 March, which we attribute to decreased electron temperatures in the first few kilometers above the surface of the nucleus.« less

Significantly Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels After Epicardial Clipping of the Left Atrial Appendage.

PubMed

Verberkmoes, Niels J; Akca, Ferdi; Vandevenne, Ann-Sofie; Jacobs, Luuk; Soliman Hamad, Mohamed A; van Straten, Albert H M

Besides mechanical and anatomical changes of the left atrium, epicardial closure of the left atrial appendage has also possible homeostatic effects. The aim of this study was to assess whether epicardial clipping of the left atrial appendage has different biochemical effects compared with complete removal of the left atrial appendage. Eighty-two patients were included and underwent a totally thoracoscopic AF ablation procedure. As part of the procedure, the left atrial appendage was excluded with an epicardial clip (n = 57) or the left atrial appendage was fully amputated with an endoscopic vascular stapler (n = 25). From all patients' preprocedural and postprocedural blood pressure, electrolytes and inflammatory parameters were collected. The mean age and left atrial volume index were comparable between the epicardial clip and stapler group (64 ± 8 years vs. 60 ± 9 years, P = non-significant; 44 ± 15 mL/m vs. 40 ± 13 mL/m, P = non-significant). Patients receiving left atrial appendage clipping had significantly elevated C-reactive protein levels compared with patients who had left atrial appendage stapling at the second, third, and fourth postoperative day (225 ± 84 mg/L vs. 149 ± 76 mg/L, P = 0.002, 244 ± 78 vs. 167 ± 76, P = 0.004, 190 ± 74 vs. 105 ± 48, P < 0.001, respectively). Patients had a significant decrease in sodium levels, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure at 24 and 72 hours after left atrial appendage closure. However, this was comparable for both the left atrial appendage clipping and stapling group. Increased activation of the inflammatory response was observed after left atrial appendage clipping compared with left atrial appendage stapling. Furthermore, a significant decrease in blood pressure was observed after surgical removal of the left atrial appendage. Whether the inflammatory response affects the outcome of arrhythmia surgery needs to be further evaluated.

Interatrial septum pacing decreases atrial dyssynchrony on strain rate imaging compared with right atrial appendage pacing.

PubMed

Yasuoka, Yoshinori; Abe, Haruhiko; Umekawa, Seiko; Katsuki, Keiko; Tanaka, Norio; Araki, Ryo; Imanaka, Takahiro; Matsutera, Ryo; Morisawa, Daisuke; Kitada, Hirokazu; Hattori, Susumu; Noda, Yoshiki; Adachi, Hidenori; Sasaki, Tatsuya; Miyatake, Kunio

2011-03-01

Interatrial septum pacing (IAS-P) decreases atrial conduction delay compared with right atrial appendage pacing (RAA-P). We evaluate the atrial contraction with strain rate of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) during sinus activation or with IAS-P or RAA-P. Fifty-two patients with permanent pacemaker for sinus node disease were enrolled in the study. Twenty-three subjects were with IAS-P and 29 with RAA-P. The time from end-diastole to peak end-diastolic strain rate was measured and corrected with RR interval on electrocardiogram. It was defined as the time from end-diastole to peak end-diastolic strain rate (TSRc), and the balance between maximum and minimum TSRc at three sites (ΔTSRc) was compared during sinus activation and with pacing rhythm in each group. There were no significant differences observed in general characteristics and standard echocardiographic parameters except the duration of pacing P wave between the two groups. The duration was significantly shorter in the IAS-P group compared with the RAA-P group (95 ± 34 vs 138 ± 41; P = 0.001). TSRc was significantly different between sinus activation and pacing rhythm (36.3 ± 35.7 vs 61.6 ± 36.3; P = 0.003) in the RAA-P group, whereas no significant differences were observed in the IAS-P group (25.4 ± 12.1 vs 27.7 ± 14.7; NS). During the follow-up (mean 2.4 ± 0.7 years), the incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) conversion to permanent AF was not significantly different between the two groups. IAS-P decreased the contraction delay on atrial TDI compared to RAA-P; however, it did not contribute to the reduction of AF incidence in the present study. ©2010, The Authors. Journal compilation ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Verification of German methane emission inventories and their recent changes based on atmospheric observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, Ingeborg; Glatzel-Mattheier, Holger; Marik, Thomas; Cuntz, Matthias; Schmidt, Martina; Worthy, Douglas E.

1999-02-01

Continuous methane concentration records and stable isotope observations measured in the suburbs of Heidelberg, Germany, are presented. While δ13C-CH4 shows a significant trend of -0.14‰ per year, toward more depleted values, no trend is observed in the concentration data. Comparison of the Heidelberg records with clean air observations in the North Atlantic at Izaña station (Tenerife) allows the determination of the continental methane excess at Heidelberg, decreasing by 20% from 190 ppb in 1992 to 150 ppb in 1997. The isotope ratio which is associated with this continental methane pileup in the Heidelberg catchment area shows a significant trend to more depleted values from δ13Csource = -47.4 ± 1.2‰ in 1992 to -52.9 ± 0.4‰ in 1995/1996, pointing to a significant change in the methane source mix. Total methane emissions in the Heidelberg catchment area are estimated using the 222radon (222Rn) tracer method: from the correlations of half-hourly 222Rn and CH4 mixing ratios from 1995 to 1997, and the mean 222Rn exhalation rate from typical soils in the Rhine valley, a mean methane flux of 0.24 ± 0.5 g CH4 km-2 s-1 is derived. For the Heidelberg catchment area with an estimated radius of approximately 150 km, Core Inventories Air 1990 (CORINAIR90) emission estimates yield a flux of 0.47 g CH4 km-2 s-1, which is about 40% higher than the 222Rn-derived number if extrapolated to 1990. The discrepancy can be explained by overestimated emissions from waste management in the CORINAIR90 statistical assessment. The observed decrease in total emissions can be accounted for by decreasing contributions from fossil sources (mainly coal mining) and from cattle breeding. This finding is also supported by the observed decrease in mean source isotopic signatures.

Stronger cortisol response to acute psychosocial stress is correlated with larger decrease in temporal sensitivity

PubMed Central

Yao, Zhuxi; Jiang, Caihong; Zhang, Kan; Wu, Jianhui

2016-01-01

As a fundamental dimension of cognition and behavior, time perception has been found to be sensitive to stress. However, how one’s time perception changes with responses to stress is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between stress-induced cortisol response and time perception. A group of 40 healthy young male adults performed a temporal bisection task before and after the Trier Social Stress Test for a stress condition. A control group of 27 male participants completed the same time perception task without stress induction. In the temporal bisection task, participants were first presented with short (400 ms) and long (1,600 ms) visual signals serving as anchor durations and then required to judge whether the intermediate probe durations were more similar to the short or the long anchor. The bisection point and Weber ratio were calculated and indicated the subjective duration and the temporal sensitivity, respectively. Data showed that participants in the stress group had significantly increased salivary cortisol levels, heart rates, and negative affects compared with those in the control group. The results did not show significant group differences for the subjective duration or the temporal sensitivity. However, the results showed a significant positive correlation between stress-induced cortisol responses and decreases in temporal sensitivity indexed by increases in the Weber ratio. This correlation was not observed for the control group. Changes in subjective duration indexed by temporal bisection points were not correlated with cortisol reactivity in both the groups. In conclusion, the present study found that although no significant change was observed in time perception after an acute stressor on the group-level comparison (i.e., stress vs. nonstress group), individuals with stronger cortisol responses to stress showed a larger decrease in temporal sensitivity. This finding may provide insight into the understanding of

P53 Is Involved in a Three-Dimensional Architecture-Mediated Decrease in Chemosensitivity in Colon Cancer.

PubMed

He, Jianming; Liang, Xi; Luo, Fen; Chen, Xuedan; Xu, Xueqing; Wang, Fengchao; Zhang, Zhenping

2016-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) culture models represent a better approximation of solid tumor tissue architecture, especially cell adhesion, in vivo than two-dimensional (2D) cultures do. Here, we explored the role of architecture in chemosensitivity to platinum in colon cancer. Under the 3D culture condition, colon cancer cells formed multicellular spheroids, consisting of layers of cells. 3D cultures displayed significantly decreased sensitivity to platinum compared with 2D cultures. Platinum increased p53 in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. There was no detectable difference in basal p53 levels between 3D cultures and 2D cultures but cisplatin induced less p53 in both HCT116 3D cultures and LoVo 3D cultures. It was not due to cisplatin concentration because cisplatin induced similar γ-H2AX in 3D vs 2D. Knockdown of p53 significantly decreased sensitivity to platinum in 3D cultures. Knockdown of p53 decreased cleaved caspase 3 and apoptosis induced by cisplatin. These findings indicate that 3D architecture confers decreased chemosensitivity to platinum and p53 is involved in the mechanism. Knockdown of p53 decreased cisplatin's induction of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) activation, whereas inhibition of JNK1/2 activation increased chemosensitivity. Inhibition of p38 activation decreased cisplatin's induction of p53, but no difference in p38 activation by cisplatin was observed between 2D cultures and 3D cultures. Taken together, our results suggest that p53 is involved in a 3D architecture-mediated decrease in chemosensitivity to platinum in colon cancer. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (JNK1/2 and p38) do not play a dominant role in the mechanism.

Hydrocarbon Contamination Decreases Mating Success in a Marine Planktonic Copepod

PubMed Central

Seuront, Laurent

2011-01-01

The mating behavior and the mating success of copepods rely on chemoreception to locate and track a sexual partner. However, the potential impact of the water-soluble fraction of hydrocarbons on these aspects of copepod reproduction has never been tested despite the widely acknowledged acute chemosensory abilities of copepods. I examined whether three concentrations of the water-soluble fraction of diesel oil (0.01%, 0.1% and 1%) impacts (i) the swimming behavior of both adult males and females of the widespread calanoid copepod Temora longcornis, and (ii) the ability of males to locate, track and mate with females. The three concentrations of the water-soluble fraction of diesel oil (WSF) significantly and non-significantly affect female and male swimming velocities, respectively. In contrast, both the complexity of male and female swimming paths significantly decreased with increasing WSF concentrations, hence suggesting a sex-specific sensitivity to WSF contaminated seawater. In addition, the three WSF concentrations impacted both T. longicornis mating behavior and mating success. Specifically, the ability of males to detect female pheromone trails, to accurately follow trails and to successfully track a female significantly decreased with increasing WSF concentrations. This led to a significant decrease in contact and capture rates from control to WSF contaminated seawater. These results indicate that hydrocarbon contamination of seawater decreases the ability of male copepods to detect and track a female, hence suggest an overall impact on population fitness and dynamics. PMID:22053187

Decrease in tobacco use among Brazilian students: a possible consequence of the ban on cigarette advertising?

PubMed

Galduróz, José Carlos F; Fonseca, Arilton Martins; Noto, Ana Regina; Carlini, E A

2007-06-01

In 2000, cigarette advertising was banned from the Brazilian media [LEI N degrees 10.167, de 27 de dezembro de dezembro. (2000). http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Leis/L10167.htm]. Nevertheless, not enough surveys have been carried out to measure the impact of the prohibition. The objective of the present survey was to compare the use of tobacco by primary and secondary school students in 1997 and 2004, that is, before and after the ban on tobacco advertising in Brazil. Two surveys were conducted (in 1997 and 2004) using the same methodology, with a target population of primary (from the fifth grade on) and secondary public schools in ten different Brazilian capitals. The sampling was done by conglomerates, stratified, and obtained in two stages. In total, 15,501 students were surveyed in 1997, and 21,712 in 2004. The questionnaire was adapted from an instrument developed by WHO, anonymous, self-administered, and applied collectively in the classroom. In a comparison of the two surveys (1997 and 2004) tobacco lifetime use (used any psychotropic drug at least once in their life) decreased significantly in seven out of ten capitals surveyed. The 11-12 year old age group experienced the largest decrease in tobacco lifetime use. There was a decrease in lifetime use for males in nine capitals, and in eight capitals for females. A decrease was also observed in heavy tobacco use also in eight capitals. In conclusion there was a significant decrease in tobacco consumption among the surveyed students, suggesting that the decrease is related to changes in public policy in Brazil over the surveyed period.

Quercetin Decreases Insulin Resistance in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rat Model by Improving Inflammatory Microenvironment.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenzhi; Zhai, Dongxia; Zhang, Danying; Bai, Lingling; Yao, Ruipin; Yu, Jin; Cheng, Wen; Yu, Chaoqin

2017-05-01

Insulin resistance (IR) is a clinical feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Quercetin, derived from Chinese medicinal herbs such as hawthorn, has been proven practical in the management of IR in diabetes. However, whether quercetin could decrease IR in PCOS is unknown. This study aims to observe the therapeutic effect of quercetin on IR in a PCOS rat model and explore the underlying mechanism. An IR PCOS rat model was established by subcutaneous injection with dehydroepiandrosterone. The body weight, estrous cycle, and ovary morphology of the quercetin-treated rats were observed. Serum inflammatory cytokines were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In ovarian tissues, the expression of key genes involved in the inflammatory signaling pathway was detected through Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, or immunohistochemistry. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was also observed by immunofluorescence. The estrous cycle recovery rate of the insulin-resistant PCOS model after quercetin treatment was 58.33%. Quercetin significantly reduced the levels of blood insulin, interleukin 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α. Quercetin also significantly decreased the granulosa cell nuclear translocation of NF-κB in the insulin-resistant PCOS rat model. The treatment inhibited the expression of inflammation-related genes, including the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunit p22phox, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and Toll-like receptor 4, in ovarian tissue. Quercetin improved IR and demonstrated a favorable therapeutic effect on the PCOS rats. The underlying mechanism of quercetin potentially involves the inhibition of the Toll-like receptor/NF-κB signaling pathway and the improvement in the inflammatory microenvironment of the ovarian tissue of the PCOS rat model.

Global Lightning Response to Forbush Decreases in Short-term

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, H.; Wu, Q.; Wang, C.

2017-12-01

During the past three decades, particular scientific attention has been drawn to the potential link between solar activities and global climate change. How the sun modulates the climate has always been controversial. There are three relatively widely accepted mechanisms illustrating this process: the total solar irradiance (TSI), the solar ultraviolet radiation (SUR), and the space weather mechanisms. As for space weather mechanism, the sun influences the microphysical process in cloud by modulating the cosmic ray flux and thus changes the cloud cover, which finally affects the earth's radiation balance. Unfortunately, the lack of related observations and some opposite research results make this mechanism rather debatable. In order to provide possible evidence for space weather mechanism, we study the influence of Forbush decreases (FDs) of galactic cosmic ray on global lightning activities, which to some extent represents the basic process of cosmic ray-atmospheric coupling. We use the daily lightning counts from 1998 to 2014 observed by LIS sensor aboard the TRMM satellite. Considering the "diurnal distribution" (occurring more in the afternoon than in the morning) and the "seasonal distribution" (occurring more in summer than in winter) of lightning activities as well as the 49-day precession of TRMM satellite, the daily lightning counts show an intricate periodic fluctuation. We propose a 3-step approach - latitude zone limitation, orbit branch selection and local time normalization - to eliminate it. As for FDs, we select them by checking the hourly neutron counts variation of each month of 17 years obtained from the Oulu Cosmic Ray Station. During the selection, we choose the FDs which are "strong" (decrease more than 6%) and "standard" (strongly decrease in a few hours to one day and gradually recover in about one week) to diminish the meteorological influence and other possible disturbance. For both case study and temporal superposition of several cases

Increased Tau Phosphorylation and Tau Truncation, and Decreased Synaptophysin Levels in Mutant BRI2/Tau Transgenic Mice

PubMed Central

Garringer, Holly J.; Murrell, Jill; Sammeta, Neeraja; Gnezda, Anita; Ghetti, Bernardino; Vidal, Ruben

2013-01-01

Familial Danish dementia (FDD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a 10-nucleotide duplication-insertion in the BRI2 gene. FDD is clinically characterized by loss of vision, hearing impairment, cerebellar ataxia and dementia. The main neuropathologic findings in FDD are the deposition of Danish amyloid (ADan) and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Here we investigated tau accumulation and truncation in double transgenic (Tg-FDD-Tau) mice generated by crossing transgenic mice expressing human Danish mutant BRI2 (Tg-FDD) with mice expressing human 4-repeat mutant Tau-P301S (Tg-Tau). Compared to Tg-Tau mice, we observed a significant enhancement of tau deposition in Tg-FDD-Tau mice. In addition, a significant increase in tau cleaved at aspartic acid (Asp) 421 was observed in Tg-FDD-Tau mice. Tg-FDD-Tau mice also showed a significant decrease in synaptophysin levels, occurring before widespread deposition of fibrillar ADan and tau can be observed. Thus, the presence of soluble ADan/mutant BRI2 can lead to significant changes in tau metabolism and synaptic dysfunction. Our data provide new in vivo insights into the pathogenesis of FDD and the pathogenic pathway(s) by which amyloidogenic peptides, regardless of their primary amino acid sequence, can cause neurodegeneration. PMID:23418567

Increased tau phosphorylation and tau truncation, and decreased synaptophysin levels in mutant BRI2/tau transgenic mice.

PubMed

Garringer, Holly J; Murrell, Jill; Sammeta, Neeraja; Gnezda, Anita; Ghetti, Bernardino; Vidal, Ruben

2013-01-01

Familial Danish dementia (FDD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a 10-nucleotide duplication-insertion in the BRI(2) gene. FDD is clinically characterized by loss of vision, hearing impairment, cerebellar ataxia and dementia. The main neuropathologic findings in FDD are the deposition of Danish amyloid (ADan) and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Here we investigated tau accumulation and truncation in double transgenic (Tg-FDD-Tau) mice generated by crossing transgenic mice expressing human Danish mutant BRI(2) (Tg-FDD) with mice expressing human 4-repeat mutant Tau-P301S (Tg-Tau). Compared to Tg-Tau mice, we observed a significant enhancement of tau deposition in Tg-FDD-Tau mice. In addition, a significant increase in tau cleaved at aspartic acid (Asp) 421 was observed in Tg-FDD-Tau mice. Tg-FDD-Tau mice also showed a significant decrease in synaptophysin levels, occurring before widespread deposition of fibrillar ADan and tau can be observed. Thus, the presence of soluble ADan/mutant BRI(2) can lead to significant changes in tau metabolism and synaptic dysfunction. Our data provide new in vivo insights into the pathogenesis of FDD and the pathogenic pathway(s) by which amyloidogenic peptides, regardless of their primary amino acid sequence, can cause neurodegeneration.

Tacrolimus interaction with nafcillin resulting in significant decreases in tacrolimus concentrations: A case report.

PubMed

Wungwattana, Minkey; Savic, Marizela

2017-04-01

Tacrolimus (TAC) is subject to many drug interactions as a result of its metabolism primarily via CYP450 isoenzyme 3A4. Numerous case reports of TAC and CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors have been described including antimicrobials, calcium channel antagonists, and antiepileptic drugs. We present the case of a 13-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis and a history of liver transplantation, where subtherapeutic TAC concentrations were suspected to be a result of concomitant TAC and nafcillin (NAF) therapy. The observed drug interaction occurred on two separate hospital admissions, during both of which the patient exhibited therapeutic TAC concentrations prior to exposure to NAF, a CYP3A4 inducer. Upon discontinuation of NAF, TAC concentrations recovered in both instances. This case represents a drug-drug interaction between TAC and NAF that has not previously been reported to our knowledge. Despite the lack of existing reports of interaction between these two agents, this case highlights the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring and assessing for any potential drug-drug or drug-food interactions in patients receiving TAC therapy. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

29 CFR 778.321 - Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... COMPENSATION Special Problems Reduction in Workweek Schedule with No Change in Pay § 778.321 Decrease in hours without decreasing pay—general. Since the regular rate of pay is the average hourly rate at which an... 29 Labor 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general. 778.321...

29 CFR 778.321 - Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... COMPENSATION Special Problems Reduction in Workweek Schedule with No Change in Pay § 778.321 Decrease in hours without decreasing pay—general. Since the regular rate of pay is the average hourly rate at which an... 29 Labor 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general. 778.321...

Cosmological ensemble and directional averages of observables

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

Bonvin, Camille; Clarkson, Chris; Durrer, Ruth

We show that at second order, ensemble averages of observables and directional averages do not commute due to gravitational lensing—observing the same thing in many directions over the sky is not the same as taking an ensemble average. In principle this non-commutativity is significant for a variety of quantities that we often use as observables and can lead to a bias in parameter estimation. We derive the relation between the ensemble average and the directional average of an observable, at second order in perturbation theory. We discuss the relevance of these two types of averages for making predictions of cosmologicalmore » observables, focusing on observables related to distances and magnitudes. In particular, we show that the ensemble average of the distance in a given observed direction is increased by gravitational lensing, whereas the directional average of the distance is decreased. For a generic observable, there exists a particular function of the observable that is not affected by second-order lensing perturbations. We also show that standard areas have an advantage over standard rulers, and we discuss the subtleties involved in averaging in the case of supernova observations.« less

Analysis of the Complex Forbush Decreases of June 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lara, A.; Santiago, A.

2016-12-01

We investigated the sudden increase of the counting rates observed by muon telescopes during the main phase of the June 20, 2015 Forbush decrease. We analyzed the probability that this peak was caused by a shock reacceleration of solar energetic particles accelerated by the solar flare occurred on June 22, 2015. To study this event, we used ground level cosmic ray detectors, GOES proton intensities, observations of the geomagnetic activity index (Dst) and interplanetary magnetic field data observed by ACE and WIND spacecraft available from the OMNI database.

Significant Correlation Between the Infant Gut Microbiome and Rotavirus Vaccine Response in Rural Ghana

PubMed Central

Harris, Vanessa C.; Armah, George; Fuentes, Susana; Korpela, Katri E.; Parashar, Umesh; Victor, John C.; Tate, Jacqueline; de Weerth, Carolina; Giaquinto, Carlo; Wiersinga, Willem Joost; Lewis, Kristen D. C.; de Vos, Willem M.

2017-01-01

Background. Rotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of diarrhea-related death in children worldwide and 95% of RV-associated deaths occur in Africa and Asia where RV vaccines (RVVs) have lower efficacy. We hypothesize that differences in intestinal microbiome composition correlate with the decreased RVV efficacy observed in poor settings. Methods. We conducted a nested, case-control study comparing prevaccination, fecal microbiome compositions between 6-week old, matched RVV responders and nonresponders in rural Ghana. These infants' microbiomes were then compared with 154 age-matched, healthy Dutch infants' microbiomes, assumed to be RVV responders. Fecal microbiome analysis was performed in all groups using the Human Intestinal Tract Chip. Results. We analyzed findings in 78 Ghanaian infants, including 39 RVV responder and nonresponder pairs. The overall microbiome composition was significantly different between RVV responders and nonresponders (FDR, 0.12), and Ghanaian responders were more similar to Dutch infants than nonresponders (P = .002). RVV response correlated with an increased abundance of Streptococcus bovis and a decreased abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum in comparisons between both Ghanaian RVV responders and nonresponders (FDR, 0.008 vs 0.003) and Dutch infants and Ghanaian nonresponders (FDR, 0.002 vs 0.009). Conclusions. The intestinal microbiome composition correlates significantly with RVV immunogenicity and may contribute to the diminished RVV immunogenicity observed in developing countries. PMID:27803175

Frequency of EBV associated classical Hodgkin lymphoma decreases over a 54-year period in a Brazilian population.

PubMed

Campos, Antonio Hugo Jose Froes Marques; Moreira, Adriana; Ribeiro, Karina Braga; Paes, Roberto Pinto; Zerbini, Maria Claudia; Aldred, Vera; de Souza, Carmino Antonio; Neto, Cristovam Scapulatempo; Soares, Fernando Augusto; Vassallo, Jose

2018-01-30

The epidemiology of classical Hodgkin lymphoma varies significantly in populations with different socioeconomic conditions. Among other changes, improvement in such conditions leads to a reduction in the association with EBV infection and predominance of the nodular sclerosis subtype. This study provides an overview of the epidemiology of 817 cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in five reference hospitals of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, over 54 years (1954-2008). The cases were distributed in 3 periods (1954-1979; 1980-1999; and 2000-2008). EBV-positive cases decreased from 87% to 46%. In children and adolescents (<15 years) and in young adults (15-45 years), EBV-positive cases decreased respectively from 96% to 64%, and from 85% to 32%. The percentage of male patients declined from 80% to 58%. In older patients (>45 years), the decrease in EBV infection was not significant. Nodular Sclerosis was the most common subtype in all periods. These results support the hypothesis that, in the Brazilian State of Sao Paulo, classical Hodgkin lymphoma has changed and now shows characteristics consistent with Pattern III observed in populations that experienced a similar socioeconomic transition.

Decreased external skeletal robustness in schoolchildren--a global trend? Ten year comparison of Russian and German data.

PubMed

Rietsch, Katrin; Godina, Elena; Scheffler, Christiane

2013-01-01

Obesity and a reduced physical activity are global developments. Physical activity affects the external skeletal robustness which decreased in German children. It was assumed that the negative trend of decreased external skeletal robustness can be found in other countries. Therefore anthropometric data of Russian and German children from the years 2000 and 2010 were compared. Russian (2000/2010 n = 1023/268) and German (2000/2010 n = 2103/1750) children aged 6-10 years were investigated. Height, BMI and external skeletal robustness (Frame-Index) were examined and compared for the years and the countries. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney-Test. Comparison 2010 and 2000: In Russian children BMI was significantly higher; boys were significantly taller and exhibited a decreased Frame-Index (p = .002) in 2010. German boys showed significantly higher BMI in 2010. In both sexes Frame-Index (p = .001) was reduced in 2010. Comparison Russian and German children in 2000: BMI, height and Frame-Index were different between Russian and German children. German children were significantly taller but exhibited a lower Frame-Index (p<.001). Even German girls showed a significantly higher BMI. Comparison Russian and German children in 2010: BMI and Frame-Index were different. Russian children displayed a higher Frame-Index (p<.001) compared with Germans. In Russian children BMI has increased in recent years. Frame-Index is still higher in Russian children compared with Germans however in Russian boys Frame-Index is reduced. This trend and the physical activity should be observed in the future.

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

PubMed

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

2011-11-01

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

Decreased serum L-arginine and L-citrulline levels in major depression.

PubMed

Hess, S; Baker, G; Gyenes, G; Tsuyuki, R; Newman, S; Le Melledo, Jean-Michel

2017-11-01

It has been suggested that endothelial dysfunction caused by a decreased endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the consistently observed increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in physically healthy patients suffering from major depression (MD). NO is a gas synthesized from Larginine (a conditionally essential amino acid) and oxygen by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The end products of NO production include both NO and L-citrulline. NO is rapidly reduced to the anions nitrite and nitrate, classically referred to as NO metabolites. Their measurement has been used as a surrogate measurement for endothelial NO production. We and others have shown decreased levels of NO metabolites in the serum of MD patients. The mechanism of this decreased production of NO by the endothelium has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to assess serum levels of L-arginine and L-citrulline in patients with MD. Levels of L-arginine and L-citrulline were measured in 35 unmedicated physically healthy MD patients and 36 healthy controls (HCs). L-arginine and L-citrulline concentrations were significantly lower in MD patients than in healthy controls (L-arginine, 73.54 + 21.53 μmol/L and 84.89 + 25.16, p = 0.04 μmol/L and L-citrulline 31.58 + 6.05 μmol/L and 35.19 + 6.85 μmol/L, p = 0.03, respectively). The decrease in L-arginine levels in MD patients is a possible explanation for the decrease in NO metabolites in MD patients and therefore may contribute, through endothelial dysfunction, to the increased CV risk associated with MD.

Global significance of a sub-Moho boundary layer (SMBL) deduced from high-resolution seismic observations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fuchs, K.; Tittgemeyer, M.; Ryberg, T.; Wenzel, F.; Mooney, W.

2002-01-01

We infer the fine structure of a sub-Moho boundary layer (SMBL) at the top of the lithospheric mantle from high-resolution seismic observations of Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (PNE) on superlong-range profiles in Russia. Densely recorded seismograms permit recognition of previously unknown features of teleseismic propagation of the well known Pn and Sn phases, such as a band of incoherent, scattered, high-frequency seismic energy, developing consistently from station to station, apparent velocities of sub-Moho material, and high-frequency energy to distances of more than 3000 km with a coda band, incoherent at 10 km spacing and yet consistently observed to the end of the profiles. Estimates of the other key elements of the SMBL were obtained by finite difference calculations of wave propagation in elastic 2D models from a systematic grid search through parameter space. The SMBL consists of randomly distributed, mild velocity fluctuations of 2% or schlieren of high aspect ratios (???40) with long horizontal extent (???20 km) and therefore as thin as 0.5 km only; SMBL thickness is 60-100 km. It is suggested that the SMBL is of global significance as the physical base of the platewide observed high-frequency phases Pn and Sn. It is shown that wave propagation in the SMBL waveguide is insensitive to the background velocity distribution on which its schlieren are superimposed. This explains why the Pn and Sn phases traverse geological provinces of various age, heat flow, crustal thickness, and tectonic regimes. Their propagation appears to be independent of age. temperature, pressure, and stress. Dynamic stretching of mantle material during subduction or flow, possibly combined with chemical differentiation have to be considered as scale-forming processes in the upper mantle. However, it is difficult to distinguish with the present sets of Pn/Sn array data whether (and also where) the boundary layer is a frozen-in feature of paleo-processes or whether it is a response to

Site-Specific Fat-1 Knock-In Enables Significant Decrease of n-6PUFAs/n-3PUFAs Ratio in Pigs

PubMed Central

Li, Mengjing; Ouyang, Hongsheng; Yuan, Hongming; Li, Jianing; Xie, Zicong; Wang, Kankan; Yu, Tingting; Liu, Minghao; Chen, Xue; Tang, Xiaochun; Jiao, Huping; Pang, Daxin

2018-01-01

The fat-1 gene from Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a fatty acid desaturase which was widely studied due to its beneficial function of converting n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFAs) to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs). To date, many fat-1 transgenic animals have been generated to study disease pathogenesis or improve meat quality. However, all of them were generated using a random integration method with variable transgene expression levels and the introduction of selectable marker genes often raise biosafety concern. To this end, we aimed to generate marker-free fat-1 transgenic pigs in a site-specific manner. The Rosa26 locus, first found in mouse embryonic stem cells, has become one of the most common sites for inserting transgenes due to its safe and ubiquitous expression. In our study, the fat-1 gene was inserted into porcine Rosa 26 (pRosa26) locus via Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system. The Southern blot analysis of our knock-in pigs indicated a single copy of the fat-1 gene at the pRosa26 locus. Furthermore, this single-copy fat-1 gene supported satisfactory expression in a variety of tissues in F1 generation pigs. Importantly, the gas chromatography analysis indicated that these fat-1 knock-in pigs exhibited a significant increase in the level of n-3PUFAs, leading to an obvious decrease in the n-6PUFAs/n-3PUFAs ratio from 9.36 to 2.12 (***P < 0.0001). Altogether, our fat-1 knock-in pigs hold great promise for improving the nutritional value of pork and serving as an animal model to investigate therapeutic effects of n-3PUFAs on various diseases. PMID:29563188

Site-Specific Fat-1 Knock-In Enables Significant Decrease of n-6PUFAs/n-3PUFAs Ratio in Pigs.

PubMed

Li, Mengjing; Ouyang, Hongsheng; Yuan, Hongming; Li, Jianing; Xie, Zicong; Wang, Kankan; Yu, Tingting; Liu, Minghao; Chen, Xue; Tang, Xiaochun; Jiao, Huping; Pang, Daxin

2018-05-04

The fat-1 gene from Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a fatty acid desaturase which was widely studied due to its beneficial function of converting n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFAs) to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs). To date, many fat-1 transgenic animals have been generated to study disease pathogenesis or improve meat quality. However, all of them were generated using a random integration method with variable transgene expression levels and the introduction of selectable marker genes often raise biosafety concern. To this end, we aimed to generate marker-free fat-1 transgenic pigs in a site-specific manner. The Rosa26 locus, first found in mouse embryonic stem cells, has become one of the most common sites for inserting transgenes due to its safe and ubiquitous expression. In our study, the fat-1 gene was inserted into porcine Rosa 26 (pRosa26) locus via Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system. The Southern blot analysis of our knock-in pigs indicated a single copy of the fat-1 gene at the pRosa26 locus. Furthermore, this single-copy fat-1 gene supported satisfactory expression in a variety of tissues in F1 generation pigs. Importantly, the gas chromatography analysis indicated that these fat-1 knock-in pigs exhibited a significant increase in the level of n-3PUFAs, leading to an obvious decrease in the n-6PUFAs/n-3PUFAs ratio from 9.36 to 2.12 (*** P < 0.0001). Altogether, our fat-1 knock-in pigs hold great promise for improving the nutritional value of pork and serving as an animal model to investigate therapeutic effects of n-3PUFAs on various diseases. Copyright © 2018 Li et al.

Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial

PubMed Central

Griffiths, Roland R; Johnson, Matthew W; Carducci, Michael A; Umbricht, Annie; Richards, William A; Richards, Brian D; Cosimano, Mary P; Klinedinst, Margaret A

2016-01-01

Cancer patients often develop chronic, clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Previous studies suggest that psilocybin may decrease depression and anxiety in cancer patients. The effects of psilocybin were studied in 51 cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. This randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial investigated the effects of a very low (placebo-like) dose (1 or 3 mg/70 kg) vs. a high dose (22 or 30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin administered in counterbalanced sequence with 5 weeks between sessions and a 6-month follow-up. Instructions to participants and staff minimized expectancy effects. Participants, staff, and community observers rated participant moods, attitudes, and behaviors throughout the study. High-dose psilocybin produced large decreases in clinician- and self-rated measures of depressed mood and anxiety, along with increases in quality of life, life meaning, and optimism, and decreases in death anxiety. At 6-month follow-up, these changes were sustained, with about 80% of participants continuing to show clinically significant decreases in depressed mood and anxiety. Participants attributed improvements in attitudes about life/self, mood, relationships, and spirituality to the high-dose experience, with >80% endorsing moderately or greater increased well-being/life satisfaction. Community observer ratings showed corresponding changes. Mystical-type psilocybin experience on session day mediated the effect of psilocybin dose on therapeutic outcomes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00465595 PMID:27909165

Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial.

PubMed

Griffiths, Roland R; Johnson, Matthew W; Carducci, Michael A; Umbricht, Annie; Richards, William A; Richards, Brian D; Cosimano, Mary P; Klinedinst, Margaret A

2016-12-01

Cancer patients often develop chronic, clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Previous studies suggest that psilocybin may decrease depression and anxiety in cancer patients. The effects of psilocybin were studied in 51 cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. This randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial investigated the effects of a very low (placebo-like) dose (1 or 3 mg/70 kg) vs. a high dose (22 or 30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin administered in counterbalanced sequence with 5 weeks between sessions and a 6-month follow-up. Instructions to participants and staff minimized expectancy effects. Participants, staff, and community observers rated participant moods, attitudes, and behaviors throughout the study. High-dose psilocybin produced large decreases in clinician- and self-rated measures of depressed mood and anxiety, along with increases in quality of life, life meaning, and optimism, and decreases in death anxiety. At 6-month follow-up, these changes were sustained, with about 80% of participants continuing to show clinically significant decreases in depressed mood and anxiety. Participants attributed improvements in attitudes about life/self, mood, relationships, and spirituality to the high-dose experience, with >80% endorsing moderately or greater increased well-being/life satisfaction. Community observer ratings showed corresponding changes. Mystical-type psilocybin experience on session day mediated the effect of psilocybin dose on therapeutic outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00465595. © The Author(s) 2016.

Density increment and decreased survival of rat red blood cells induced by cadmium

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

Kunimoto, M.; Miura, T.

1986-01-01

Male Wistar rats were injected with CdCl/sub 2/ subcutaneously to examine in vivo effects of Cd on density and survival of red blood cells. During the 7 days after administration of 1.0 mg Cd/kg, the following sequence of events occurred: (1) a progressive increase in the amount of more dense red blood cells concomitant with a decrease in that of light red blood cells from the first to the third day; (2) an increase in the spleen weight at the third day; (3) a decrease in the hematocrit value and an increase in the amount of light red blood cellsmore » at the fifth day; and (4) a recovery of the hematocrit value at the seventh day. Five days after administration, the hematocrit value decreased in a dose-dependent mode and the decrease was significant at the 1% level at 1.0 and 1.5 mg Cd/kg. A highly significant splenomegaly was also observed at 0.5 to 1.5 mg Cd/kg. In order to label red blood cells in vivo, (/sup 3/H) diisopropylfluorophosphate ((/sup 3/H)DFP) was injected into rats. At Day 11, Cd at either 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg was administered to (/sup 3/H)DFP-prelabeled animals. Cd administration accelerated /sup 3/H-labeled red cell clearance from the blood. Six days after Cd administration, the radioactivity of red blood cells was 76 and 68% of the control at 0.5 and 1.0 mg Cd/kg, respectively. In vitro treatment of rat red density and accelerated in vivo clearance of red blood cells from the recipient circulation. These results show that Cd at low dose can cause anemia by increasing red cell density and by accelerating red cell sequestration, presumably in the spleen.« less

Dietary overload lithium decreases the adipogenesis in abdominal adipose tissue of broiler chickens.

PubMed

Bai, Shiping; Pan, Shuqin; Zhang, Keying; Ding, Xuemei; Wang, Jianping; Zeng, Qiufeng; Xuan, Yue; Su, Zuowei

2017-01-01

To investigate the toxic effects of dietary overload lithium on the adipogenesis in adipose tissue of chicken and the role of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) in this process, one-day-old male chicks were fed with the basal diet added with 0 (control) or 100mg lithium/kg diet from lithium chloride (overload lithium) for 35days. Abdominal adipose tissue and hypothalamus were collected at day 6, 14, and 35. As a percentage of body weight, abdominal fat decreased (p<0.001) at day 6, 14, and 35, and feed intake and body weight gain decreased during day 7-14, and day 15-35 in overload lithium treated broilers as compared to control. Adipocyte diameter and DNA content in abdominal adipose tissue were significantly lower in overload-lithium treatment than control at day 35, although no significant differences were observed at day 6 and 14. Dietary overload lithium decreased (p<0.01) transcriptional expression of preadipocyte proliferation makers ki-67 (KI67), microtubule-associated protein homolog (TPX2), and topoisomerase 2-alpha (TOP2A), and preadipocyte differentiation transcriptional factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α mRNA abundance in abdominal adipose tissue. In hypothalamus, dietary overload lithium influenced (p<0.001) NPY, and NPY receptor (NPYR) 6 mRNA abundance at day 6 and 14, but not at day 35. In conclusion, dietary overload lithium decreased the adipogenesis in abdominal adipose tissue of chicken, which was accompanied by depressing transcriptional expression of adipogenesis-associated factors. Hypothalamic NPY had a potential role in the adipogenesis in abdominal adipose tissue of broilers with a short-term overload lithium treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Respiratory muscle strength is not decreased in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Urell, Charlotte; Emtner, Margareta; Hedenstrom, Hans; Westerdahl, Elisabeth

2016-03-31

Postoperative pulmonary impairments are significant complications after cardiac surgery. Decreased respiratory muscle strength could be one reason for impaired lung function in the postoperative period. The primary aim of this study was to describe respiratory muscle strength before and two months after cardiac surgery. A secondary aim was to describe possible associations between respiratory muscle strength and lung function. In this prospective observational study 36 adult cardiac surgery patients (67 ± 10 years) were studied. Respiratory muscle strength and lung function were measured before and two months after surgery. Pre- and postoperative respiratory muscle strength was in accordance with predicted values; MIP was 78 ± 24 cmH2O preoperatively and 73 ± 22 cmH2O at two months follow-up (p = 0.19). MEP was 122 ± 33 cmH2O preoperatively and 115 ± 38 cmH2O at two months follow-up (p = 0.18). Preoperative lung function was in accordance with predicted values, but was significantly decreased postoperatively. At two-months follow-up there was a moderate correlation between MIP and FEV1 (r = 0.43, p = 0.009). Respiratory muscle strength was not impaired, either before or two months after cardiac surgery. The reason for postoperative lung function alteration is not yet known. Interventions aimed at restore an optimal postoperative lung function should focus on other interventions then respiratory muscle strength training.

Hopelessness is associated with decreased heart rate variability during championship chess games.

PubMed

Schwarz, Alfons M; Schächinger, Hartmut; Adler, Rolf H; Goetz, Stefan M

2003-01-01

Clinical observations suggest that negative affects such as helplessness/hopelessness (HE/HO) may induce autonomic duration; affects were assessed for every move after reconstruction of the games. In all games compiled, 18 situation of intense confidence/optimism and 20 of intense helplessness/hopelessness were observed. Intense affects of HE/HO were associated with decreasing HF-HRV (Fisher exact test, p =.003), increasing "nervousness" (p =.0005), decreasing "optimism" (p =.0005), and decreasing "calmness" (p =.0005). Investigation of championship chess game players with an ELO strength > or = 2300 in a natural field setting revealed increasing HE/HO being associated with reduced HF-HRV suggestive of vagal withdrawal. Thus, our data may help link negative mood states, autonomic nervous system disturbances, and cardiac events.

Echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial changes observed after closure of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs.

PubMed

Hamabe, L; Kim, S; Yoshiyuki, R; Fukayama, T; Nakata, T M; Fukushima, R; Tanaka, R

2015-01-01

Closure of PDA can be associated with echocardiographic changes including deterioration of LV systolic function. Although PDA is commonly encountered in dogs, few comprehensive reports of echocardiographic changes in dogs with PDA closure are available. To evaluate the short-term echocardiographic changes observed after PDA closure in dogs using strain analysis. Seventeen client-owned dogs with left-to-right PDA. Echocardiographic evaluations, including standard echocardiography and two-dimensional tissue tracking (2DTT), were performed before and within 3 days of PDA closure. Preclosure examination showed LV and left atrial dilatation indicating volume overload as a result of PDA. Closure of PDA resulted in significant reduction of LVIDd (<.0001) and LA/Ao (0.01) without change in LVIDs, suggestive of decreased preload. Postclosure LV systolic dysfunction was observed with significant decreased in FS (<.0001) and strain values (P = .0039 for radial strains, P = .0005 for circumferential strains). Additionally, significant LV dyssynchrony (P = .0162) was observed after closure of PDA. Closure of PDA resulted in decreased preload as a result of alleviation of LV volume overload, which in turn caused transient deterioration of LV systolic function. Additionally, this study demonstrated that strain analysis is load dependent. Therefore, care should be taken when interpreting strain measurements as an indicator of LV systolic function. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

ELF alternating magnetic field decreases reproduction by DNA damage induction.

PubMed

Panagopoulos, Dimitris J; Karabarbounis, Andreas; Lioliousis, Constantinos

2013-11-01

In the present experiments, the effect of 50-Hz alternating magnetic field on Drosophila melanogaster reproduction was studied. Newly eclosed insects were separated into identical groups of ten males and ten females and exposed to three different intensities of the ELF magnetic field (1, 11, and 21 G) continuously during the first 5 days of their adult lives. The reproductive capacity was assessed by the number of F1 pupae according to a well-defined protocol of ours. The magnetic field was found to decrease reproduction by up to 4.3%. The effect increased with increasing field intensities. The decline in reproductive capacity was found to be due to severe DNA damage (DNA fragmentation) and consequent cell death induction in the reproductive cells as determined by the TUNEL assay applied during early and mid-oogenesis (from germarium to stage 10) where physiological apoptosis does not occur. The increase in DNA damage was more significant than the corresponding decrease in reproductive capacity (up to ~7.5%). The TUNEL-positive signal denoting DNA fragmentation was observed exclusively at the two most sensitive developmental stages of oogenesis: the early and mid-oogenesis checkpoints (i.e. region 2a/2b of the germarium and stages 7-8 just before the onset of vitellogenesis)-in contrast to exposure to microwave radiation of earlier work of ours in which the DNA fragmentation was induced at all developmental stages of early and mid-oogenesis. Moreover, the TUNEL-positive signal was observed in all three types of egg chamber cells, mainly in the nurse and follicle cells and also in the oocyte, in agreement with the microwave exposure of our earlier works. According to previous reports, cell death induction in the oocyte was observed only in the case of microwave exposure and not after exposure to other stress factors as toxic chemicals or food deprivation. Now it is also observed for the first time after ELF magnetic field exposure. Finally, in contrast to microwave

Epidural morphine and detomidine decreases postoperative hindlimb lameness in horses after bilateral stifle arthroscopy.

PubMed

Goodrich, Laurie R; Nixon, Alan J; Fubini, Susan L; Ducharme, Norm G; Fortier, Lisa A; Warnick, Lorin D; Ludders, John W

2002-01-01

To determine whether preoperative epidural administration of morphine and detomidine would decrease postoperative lameness after bilateral stifle arthroscopy in horses. Prospective clinical controlled study. Eight adult horses that had bilateral arthroscopic procedures, including drilling of cartilage and subchondral bone within the femoropatellar joints. Horses were randomly separated into 2 groups. Preoperatively, 4 horses were administered a combination of epidural morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and detomidine (30 microg/kg), and 4 horses were administered an equivalent volume of epidural saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. Postoperative pain was assessed using 6 video recordings made at hourly intervals of each horse at a walk. Assessments began 1 hour after recovery from anesthesia. The recordings were scrambled out of sequence and evaluated by 3 observers, unaware of treatment groups, who scored lameness from 0 to 4. Lameness scores of the 2 groups of horses were compared using a Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Heart and respiratory rates were also measured at each hourly interval and compared between groups using a repeated-measures ANOVA; statistical significance was set at P <.05. Preoperative administration of epidural morphine and detomidine significantly decreased lameness and heart rates after bilateral stifle arthroscopy. The greatest decrease was detected at hours 1 and 2 after recovery from anesthesia. We conclude that horses undergoing a painful arthroscopic procedure of the stifle joint benefit from the administration of preoperative epidural morphine and detomidine. Preoperative epidural administration of detomidine and morphine may be useful in decreasing postoperative pain after stifle arthroscopy as well as pain associated with other painful disorders involving the stifle joint, such as septic arthritis and trauma. Copyright 2002 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons

GC protein-derived macrophage-activating factor decreases α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase levels in advanced cancer patients

PubMed Central

Thyer, Lynda; Ward, Emma; Smith, Rodney; Branca, Jacopo JV; Morucci, Gabriele; Gulisano, Massimo; Noakes, David; Eslinger, Robert; Pacini, Stefania

2013-01-01

α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (nagalase) accumulates in the serum of cancer patients and its activity correlates with tumor burden, aggressiveness and clinical disease progression. The administration of GC protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) to cancer patients with elevated levels of nagalase has been associated with a decrease of serum nagalase activity and with significant clinical benefits. Here, we report the results of the administration of GcMAF to a heterogeneous cohort of patients with histologically diverse, advanced neoplasms, generally considered as “incurable” diseases. In most cases, GcMAF therapy was initiated at late stages of tumor progression. As this is an open-label, non-controlled, retrospective analysis, caution must be employed when establishing cause-effect relationships between the administration GcMAF and disease outcome. However, the response to GcMAF was generally robust and some trends emerged. All patients (n = 20) presented with elevated serum nagalase activity, well above normal values. All patients but one showed a significant decrease of serum nagalase activity upon weekly GcMAF injections. Decreased nagalase activity was associated with improved clinical conditions and no adverse side effects were reported. The observations reported here confirm and extend previous results and pave the way to further studies aimed at assessing the precise role and indications for GcMAF-based anticancer immunotherapy. PMID:24179708

Pivagabine decreases stress-related hormone secretion in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.

PubMed

Genazzani, A D; Stomati, M; Bersi, C; Luisi, S; Fedalti, M; Santuz, M; Esposito, G; Petraglia, F; Genazzani, A R

2000-09-01

Stress-induced neuroendocrine activities influence the regulation of endocrine glands and axes. Weight loss-related hypothalamic amenorrhea is a typical stress-induced physiopathological condition. It is characterized by increased adrenal cortex activation and by reduced GH, LH, FSH and gonadal steroid hormone levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of pivagabine, a neurotropic drug (1800 mg/day for 7 days) or placebo administration on ACTH, cortisol, GH, LH, FSH and PRL plasma levels in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea related to weight loss. Hormonal parameters and the pulsatile release of cortisol (6-hour pulsatility, sampling every 10 minutes) were evaluated before and after 7 days of treatment. Pivagabine administration significantly reduced mean plasma ACTH (from 21.7+/-1.7 to 15.4+/-1.2 pg/ml, p<0.05) and cortisol levels (from 12.2+/-0.7 to 9.7+/-0.7 ng/ml, p<0.05) and increased GH levels (from 1.4+/-0.5 to 3.0+/-0.9 ng/ml, p<0.05). A significant reduction of cortisol pulse amplitude was observed (p<0.01) while no change in pulse frequency occurred. No changes were observed in placebo-treated subjects. LH, FSH and PRL levels were not modified by placebo or pivagabine administration. In conclusion, in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea related to weight loss pivagabine induced a significant decrease of cortisol secretion and an increase of GH release by pivagabine administration, suggesting that this drug exerts a specific neuroendocrine modulatory role.

Genetic myostatin decrease in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy model does not significantly affect the ubiquitin proteasome system despite enhancing the severity of disease.

PubMed

Cotten, Steven W; Kornegay, Joe N; Bogan, Daniel J; Wadosky, Kristine M; Patterson, Cam; Willis, Monte S

2013-01-01

Recent studies suggest that inhibiting the protein myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, may improve outcomes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by enhancing muscle mass. When the dystrophin-deficient golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog was bred with whippets having a heterozygous mutation for the myostatin gene, affected GRMD dogs with decreased myostatin (GRippets) demonstrated an accelerated physical decline compared to related affected GRMD dogs with full myostatin. To examine the role of the ubiquitin proteasome and calpain systems in this accelerated decline, we determined the expression of the muscle ubiquitin ligases MuRF1, Atrogin-1, RNF25, RNF11, and CHIP: the proteasome subunits PSMA6, PSMB4, and PSME1: and calpain 1/2 by real time PCR in the cranial sartorius and vastus lateralis muscles in control, affected GRMD, and GRippet dogs. While individual affected GRMD and GRippet dogs contributed to an increased variability seen in ubiquitin ligase expression, neither group was significantly different from the control group. The affected GRMD dogs demonstrated significant increases in caspase-like and trypsin-like activity in the cranial sartorius; however, all three proteasome activities in the GRippet muscles did not differ from controls. Increased variability in calpain 1 and calpain 2 expression and activity in the affected GRMD and GRippet groups were identified, but no statistical differences from the control group were seen. These studies suggest a role of myostatin in the disease progression of GRMD, which does not significantly involve key components of the ubiquitin proteasome and calpain systems involved in the protein quality control of sarcomere and other structural skeletal muscle proteins.

Detection of significant variation in acoustic output of an electromagnetic lithotriptor.

PubMed

Pishchalnikov, Yuri A; McAteer, James A; Vonderhaar, R Jason; Pishchalnikova, Irina V; Williams, James C; Evan, Andrew P

2006-11-01

We describe the observation of significant instability in the output of an electromagnetic lithotriptor. This instability had a form that was not detected by routine assessment, but rather was observed only by collecting many consecutive shock waves in nonstop regimen. A Dornier DoLi-50 lithotriptor used exclusively for basic research was tested and approved by the regional technician. This assessment included hydrophone measures at select power levels with the collection of about 25 shock waves per setting. Subsequent laboratory characterization used a fiberoptic hydrophone and storage oscilloscope for data acquisition. Waveforms were collected nonstop for hundreds of pulses. Output was typically stable for greater than 1,000 shock waves but substantial fluctuations in acoustic pressures were also observed. For example, output at power level 3 (mean peak positive acoustic pressure +/- SD normally 44 +/- 2 MPa) increased dramatically to greater than 50 MPa or decreased significantly to approximately 30 MPa for hundreds of shock waves. The cause of instability was eventually traced to a faulty lithotriptor power supply. Instability in lithotriptor acoustic output can occur and it may not be detected by routine assessment. Collecting waveforms in a nonstop regimen dramatically increases sampling size, improving the detection of instability. Had the instability that we observed occurred during patient treatment, the energy delivered may well have exceeded the planned dose. Since the potential for adverse effects in lithotripsy increases as the dose is increased, it would be valuable to develop ways to better monitor the acoustic output of lithotriptors.

[Effects of ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula on patients with decreased ovarian reserve function].

PubMed

Jiang, Duosheng; Zhang, Yingchun; Wu, Xiaolan; Wang, Yanming; Fan, Qiangfang; Wu, Song

2017-10-12

To compare the efficacy differences between ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula and Bushen Huoxue formula alone on patients with decreased ovarian reserve function. Fifty patients of decreased ovarian reserve function were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each one. The patients in the observation group were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula; the moxibustion was given for 1.5 h, once every seven days, and no treatment was given during menstrual period. The patients in the control group were treated with Bushen Huoxue formula. One-month treatment was taken as one treatment course, and totally three courses were given. The change of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E 2 ), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. After treatment, the FSH, FSH/LH and RI were significantly lowered, but the E 2 , AFC, PSV were significantly increased in the two groups (all P <0.05); the FSH, FSH/LH and E 2 in the observation group were lower and AFC was higher than those in the control group (all P <0.05). The ginger-separated moxibustion at Baliao points combined with Bushen Huoxue formula are superior to Bushen Huoxue formula alone in improving ovarian reserve function.

Drag reducing polymers decrease hepatic injury and metastases after liver ischemia-reperfusion

PubMed Central

Yazdani, Hamza O.; Sud, Vikas; Goswami, Julie; Loughran, Patricia; Huang, Hai; Simmons, Richard L.; Tsung, Allan

2017-01-01

Introduction Surgery, a crucial therapeutic modality in the treatment of solid tumors, can induce sterile inflammatory processes which can result in metastatic progression. Liver ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, an inevitable consequence of hepatic resection of metastases, has been shown to foster hepatic capture of circulating cancer cells and accelerate metastatic growth. Efforts to reduce these negative consequences have not been thoroughly investigated. Drag reducing polymers (DRPs) are blood-soluble macromolecules that can, in nanomolar concentrations, increase tissue perfusion, decrease vascular resistance and decrease near-wall microvascular concentration of neutrophils and platelets thereby possibly reducing the inflammatory microenvironment. We hypothesize that DRP can potentially be used to ameliorate metastatic capture of tumor cells and tumor growth within the I/R liver. Methods Experiments were performed utilizing a segmental ischemia model of mice livers. Five days prior or immediately prior to ischemia, murine colon adenocarcinoma cells (MC38) were injected into the spleen. DRP (polyethylene oxide) or a control of low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol without drag reducing properties were administered intraperitoneally at the onset of reperfusion. Results After three weeks from I/R, we observed that liver I/R resulted in an increased ability to capture and foster growth of circulating tumor cells; in addition, the growth of pre-existing micrometastases was accelerated three weeks later. These effects were significantly curtailed when mice were treated with DRPs at the time of I/R. Mechanistic investigations in vivo indicated that DRPs protected the livers from I/R injury as evidenced by significant decreases in hepatocellular damage, neutrophil recruitment into the liver, formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, deposition of platelets, formation of microthrombi within the liver sinusoids and release of inflammatory cytokines

Urea Amendment Decreases Microbial Diversity and Selects for Specific Nitrifying Strains in Eight Contrasting Agricultural Soils

PubMed Central

Staley, Christopher; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence; Wang, Ping; Kaiser, Thomas; Venterea, Rodney T.; Sadowsky, Michael J.

2018-01-01

Application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers, predominantly as urea, is a major source of reactive N in the environment, with wide ranging effects including increased greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere and aquatic eutrophication. The soil microbial community is the principal driver of soil N cycling; thus, improved understanding of microbial community responses to urea addition has widespread implications. We used next-generation amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize bacterial and archaeal communities in eight contrasting agricultural soil types amended with 0, 100, or 500 μg N g-1 of urea and incubated for 21 days. We hypothesized that urea amendment would have common, direct effects on the abundance and diversity of members of the microbial community associated with nitrification, across all soils, and would further affect the broader heterotrophic community resulting in decreased diversity and variation in abundances of specific taxa. Significant (P < 0.001) differences in bacterial community diversity and composition were observed by site, but amendment with only the greatest urea concentration significantly decreased Shannon indices. Expansion in the abundances of members of the families Microbacteriaceae, Chitinophagaceae, Comamonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, and Nitrosomonadaceae were also consistently observed among all soils (linear discriminant analysis score ≥ 3.0). Analysis of nitrifier genera revealed diverse, soil-specific distributions of oligotypes (strains), but few were correlated with nitrification gene abundances that were reported in a previous study. Our results suggest that the majority of the bacterial and archaeal community are likely unassociated with N cycling, but are significantly negatively impacted by urea application. Furthermore, these results reveal that amendment with high concentrations of urea may reduce nitrifier diversity, favoring specific strains, specifically those within the nitrifying genera

Is tenofovir involved in hypophosphatemia and decrease of tubular phosphate reabsorption in HIV-positive adults?

PubMed

Badiou, Stéphanie; De Boever, Corinne Merle; Terrier, Nathalie; Baillat, Vincent; Cristol, Jean-Paul; Reynes, Jacques

2006-05-01

Tubulopathy with hypophosphatemia have been observed in HIV-positive patients receiving a tenofovir-containing regimen. However, the real incidence and prevalence of hypophosphatemia and their relation to tubular reabsorption disorders in tenofovir-treated patients remain uncertain. The aim of our study was to explore the effect of tenofovir on phosphatemia and on tubular phosphate reabsorption. In a first transversal study, 145 HIV-positive adults (44+/-9 years) receiving tenofovir 300 mg daily with a mean exposure of 11+/-9 months were included. In a second prospective study, 29 HIV-positive antiretroviral experienced adults (44+/-10 years) were evaluated before introduction of tenofovir 300 mg daily (M0) and at 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6), thereafter. Phosphate, creatinine, glucose and protein levels were determined in plasma and urine. The ratio of maximal reabsorption capacity (TmPO4)/glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined by using the normogramm of Walton and Bijvoet. In the transversal study, 26% of patients had hypophosphatemia (<0.84 mmol/l) while 47% of patients had a decreased TmPO4/GFR (<0.8 mmol/l). In the prospective study, baseline prevalence of hypophosphatemia (<0.84 mmol/l) and decreased TmPO4/GFR (<0.8mmol/l) was 31 and 41%, respectively. Three and 6 months after starting tenofovir, there is no significant change in mean phosphate levels (M0:0.91 mmol/l, M3:0.97 mmol/l, M6:0.98 mmol/l) and mean TmPO4/GFR (M0:0.80 mmol/l, M3:0.88 mmol/l, M6:0.84 mmol/l). Moreover, prevalence of hypophosphatemia (M3:28%, M6:28%) and decreased TmPO4/GFR (M3:41%, M6:45%) remained stable. Hypophosphatemia linked to a decreased proximal tubular reabsorption was frequently observed in HIV-positive adults independently of the use of tenofovir. In this preliminary study, no worsening effect on phosphatemia and tubular phosphate reabsorption was observed 6 months after introduction of tenofovir in treatment experienced patients.

Bardoxolone Methyl Decreases Megalin and Activates Nrf2 in the Kidney

PubMed Central

Chertow, Glenn M.; Hebbar, Sudarshan; Vaziri, Nosratola D.; Ward, Keith W.; Meyer, Colin J.

2012-01-01

Inflammation and oxidative stress are hallmarks and mediators of the progression of CKD. Bardoxolone methyl, a potent activator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)–mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response, increases estimated GFR and decreases BUN, serum phosphorus, and uric acid concentrations in patients with moderate to severe CKD. However, it also increases albuminuria, which is associated with inflammation and disease progression. Therefore, we investigated whether this bardoxolone methyl–induced albuminuria may result from the downregulation of megalin, a protein involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and lipid-bound proteins. Administration of bardoxolone methyl to cynomolgus monkeys significantly decreased the protein expression of renal tubular megalin, which inversely correlated with the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Moreover, daily oral administration of bardoxolone methyl to monkeys for 1 year did not lead to any adverse effects on renal histopathologic findings but did reduce serum creatinine and BUN, as observed in patients with CKD. Finally, the bardoxolone methyl–induced decrease in megalin corresponded with pharmacologic induction of renal Nrf2 targets, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 enzyme activity and glutathione content. This result indicates that Nrf2 may have a role in megalin regulation. In conclusion, these data suggest that the increase in albuminuria that accompanies bardoxolone methyl administration may result, at least in part, from reduced expression of megalin, which seems to occur without adverse effects and with strong induction of Nrf2 targets. PMID:22859857

Bardoxolone methyl decreases megalin and activates nrf2 in the kidney.

PubMed

Reisman, Scott A; Chertow, Glenn M; Hebbar, Sudarshan; Vaziri, Nosratola D; Ward, Keith W; Meyer, Colin J

2012-10-01

Inflammation and oxidative stress are hallmarks and mediators of the progression of CKD. Bardoxolone methyl, a potent activator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response, increases estimated GFR and decreases BUN, serum phosphorus, and uric acid concentrations in patients with moderate to severe CKD. However, it also increases albuminuria, which is associated with inflammation and disease progression. Therefore, we investigated whether this bardoxolone methyl-induced albuminuria may result from the downregulation of megalin, a protein involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and lipid-bound proteins. Administration of bardoxolone methyl to cynomolgus monkeys significantly decreased the protein expression of renal tubular megalin, which inversely correlated with the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Moreover, daily oral administration of bardoxolone methyl to monkeys for 1 year did not lead to any adverse effects on renal histopathologic findings but did reduce serum creatinine and BUN, as observed in patients with CKD. Finally, the bardoxolone methyl-induced decrease in megalin corresponded with pharmacologic induction of renal Nrf2 targets, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 enzyme activity and glutathione content. This result indicates that Nrf2 may have a role in megalin regulation. In conclusion, these data suggest that the increase in albuminuria that accompanies bardoxolone methyl administration may result, at least in part, from reduced expression of megalin, which seems to occur without adverse effects and with strong induction of Nrf2 targets.

Roller massage decreases spinal excitability to the soleus.

PubMed

Young, James D; Spence, Alyssa-Joy; Behm, David G

2018-04-01

Roller massage (RM) interventions have shown acute increases in range of motion (ROM) and pain pressure threshold (PPT). It is unclear whether the RM-induced increases can be attributed to changes in neural or muscle responses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of altered afferent input via application of RM on spinal excitability, as measured with the Hoffmann (H-) reflex. A randomized within-subjects design was used. Three 30-s bouts of RM were implemented on a rested, nonexercised, injury-free muscle with 30 s of rest between bouts. The researcher applied RM to the plantar flexors at three intensities of pain: high, moderate, and sham. Measures included normalized M-wave and H-reflex peak-to-peak amplitudes before, during, and up to 3 min postintervention. M-wave and H-reflex measures were highly reliable. RM resulted in significant decreases in soleus H-reflex amplitudes. High-intensity, moderate-intensity, and sham conditions decreased soleus H-reflex amplitudes by 58%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. H-reflexes induced with high-intensity rolling discomfort or pain were significantly lower than moderate and sham conditions. The effects were transient in nature, with an immediate return to baseline following RM. This is the first evidence of RM-induced modulation of spinal excitability. The intensity-dependent response observed indicates that rolling pressure or pain perception may play a role in modulation of the inhibition. Roller massage-induced neural modulation of spinal excitability may explain previously reported increases in ROM and PPT. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent evidence indicates that the benefits of foam rolling and roller massage are primarily accrued through neural mechanisms. The present study attempts to determine the neuromuscular response to roller massage interventions. We provide strong evidence of roller massage-induced neural modulation of spinal excitability to the soleus. It is plausible that reflex inhibition may explain

Correlates of individual differences in compensatory nicotine self-administration in rats following a decrease in nicotine unit dose

PubMed Central

Harris, Andrew C.; Pentel, Paul R.; LeSage, Mark G.

2013-01-01

Rationale The ability of tobacco harm reduction strategies to produce significant reductions in toxin exposure is limited by compensatory increases in smoking behavior. Characterizing factors contributing to the marked individual variability in compensation may be useful for understanding this phenomenon and assessing the feasibility of harm reduction interventions. Objective To use an animal model of human compensatory smoking that involves a decrease in unit dose supporting nicotine self-administration (NSA) to examine potential contributors to individual differences in compensation. Methods Rats were trained for NSA during daily 23 hr sessions at a unit dose of 0.06 mg/kg/inf until responding was stable. The unit dose was then reduced to 0.03 mg/kg/inf for at least 10 sessions. Following reacquisition of NSA at the training dose and extinction, single-dose nicotine pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Results Decreases in nicotine intake following dose reduction were proportionally less than the decrease in unit dose, indicating partial compensation. Compensatory increases in infusion rates were observed across the course of the 23 hr sessions. The magnitude of compensation differed considerably between rats. Rats exhibiting the highest baseline infusion rates exhibited the lowest levels of compensation. Nicotine pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly correlated with compensation. Infusion rates immediately returned to pre-reduction levels when baseline conditions were restored. Conclusions These findings provide initial insights into correlates of individual differences in compensation following a reduction in nicotine unit dose. The present assay may be useful for characterizing mechanisms and potential consequences of the marked individual differences in compensatory smoking observed in humans. PMID:19475400

An anthocyanin rich strawberry extract induces apoptosis and ROS while decreases glycolysis and fibrosis in human uterine leiomyoma cells.

PubMed

Islam, Md Soriful; Giampieri, Francesca; Janjusevic, Milijana; Gasparrini, Massimiliano; Forbes-Hernandez, Tamara Y; Mazzoni, Luca; Greco, Stefania; Giannubilo, Stefano Raffaele; Ciavattini, Andrea; Mezzetti, Bruno; Capocasa, Franco; Castellucci, Mario; Battino, Maurizio; Ciarmela, Pasquapina

2017-04-04

Uterine leiomyomas are highly prevalent benign tumors in reproductive aged women. Unfortunately, medical treatments are still limited and no preventive therapies have been developed. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of strawberry extract on uterine leiomyoma cells. Leiomyoma and myometrial cells were treated with strawberry (cultivar Alba) extract (250 μg/ml) for 48 h to measure apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative phosphorylation (OCR, oxygen consumption rate) and glycolysis (ECAR, extracellular acidification rate) as well as fibrosis associated gene and/or protein expression. In leiomyoma cells, strawberry increased the percentage of apoptotic and dead cells. Strawberry significantly increased ROS concentration in leiomyoma cells, while decreased it in myometrial cells. After strawberry treatment, leiomyoma cells showed a significant decreased rate of ECAR, while OCR was unchanged in both myometrial and leiomyoma cells. Strawberry significantly decreased collagen1A1, fibronectin and versican mRNA expression in leiomyoma cells. The reduced protein expression of fibronectin was observed by strawberry extract in leiomyoma cells as well. Furthermore, strawberry was able to reduce activin A induced fibronectin, collagen1A1, and versican as well as activin A and PAI-1 mRNA expression in leiomyoma cells. This study suggests that strawberry can be developed as therapeutic and/or preventive agent for uterine leiomyomas.

Mitochondrial matrix metalloproteinase activation decreases myocyte contractility in hyperhomocysteinemia.

PubMed

Moshal, Karni S; Tipparaju, Srinivas M; Vacek, Thomas P; Kumar, Munish; Singh, Mahavir; Frank, Iluiana E; Patibandla, Phani K; Tyagi, Neetu; Rai, Jayesh; Metreveli, Naira; Rodriguez, Walter E; Tseng, Michael T; Tyagi, Suresh C

2008-08-01

Cardiomyocyte N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-1 (NMDA-R1) activation induces mitochondrial dysfunction. Matrix metalloproteinase protease (MMP) induction is a negative regulator of mitochondrial function. Elevated levels of homocysteine [hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY)] activate latent MMPs and causes myocardial contractile abnormalities. HHCY is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that HHCY activates myocyte mitochondrial MMP (mtMMP), induces mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), and causes contractile dysfunction by agonizing NMDA-R1. The C57BL/6J mice were administered homocystinemia (1.8 g/l) in drinking water to induce HHCY. NMDA-R1 expression was detected by Western blot and confocal microscopy. Localization of MMP-9 in the mitochondria was determined using confocal microscopy. Ultrastructural analysis of the isolated myocyte was determined by electron microscopy. Mitochondrial permeability was measured by a decrease in light absorbance at 540 nm using the spectrophotometer. The effect of MK-801 (NMDA-R1 inhibitor), GM-6001 (MMP inhibitor), and cyclosporine A (MPT inhibitor) on myocyte contractility and calcium transients was evaluated using the IonOptix video edge track detection system and fura 2-AM. Our results demonstrate that HHCY activated the mtMMP-9 and caused MPT by agonizing NMDA-R1. A significant decrease in percent cell shortening, maximal rate of contraction (-dL/dt), and maximal rate of relaxation (+dL/dt) was observed in HHCY. The decay of calcium transient amplitude was faster in the wild type compared with HHCY. Furthermore, the HHCY-induced decrease in percent cell shortening, -dL/dt, and +dL/dt was attenuated in the mice treated with MK-801, GM-6001, and cyclosporin A. We conclude that HHCY activates mtMMP-9 and induces MPT, leading to myocyte mechanical dysfunction by agonizing NMDA-R1.

Low Temperature Development Induces a Specific Decrease in trans-Delta-Hexadecenoic Acid Content which Influences LHCII Organization.

PubMed

Huner, N P; Krol, M; Williams, J P; Maissan, E; Low, P S; Roberts, D; Thompson, J E

1987-05-01

Lipid and fatty acid analyses were performed on whole leaf extracts and isolated thylakoids from winter rye (Secale cereale L. cv Puma) grown at 5 degrees C cold-hardened rye (RH) and 20 degrees C nonhardened rye (RNH). Although no significant change in total lipid content was observed, growth at low, cold-hardening temperature resulted in a specific 67% (thylakoids) to 74% (whole leaves) decrease in the trans-Delta(3)-hexadecenoic acid (trans-16:1) level associated with phosphatidyldiacylglycerol (PG). Electron spin resonance and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated no significant difference in the fluidity of RH and RNH thylakoids. Separation of chlorophyll-protein complexes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the ratio of oligomeric light harvesting complex:monomeric light harvesting complex (LHCII(1):LHCII(3)) was 2-fold higher in RNH than RH thylakoids. The ratio of CP1a:CP1 was also 1.5-fold higher in RNH than RH thylakoids. Analyses of winter rye grown at 20, 15, 10, and 5 degrees C indicated that both, the trans-16:1 acid levels in PG and the LHCII(1):LHCII(3) decreased concomitantly with a decrease in growth temperature. Above 40 degrees C, differential scanning calorimetry of RNH thylakoids indicated the presence of five major endotherms (47, 60, 67, 73, and 86 degrees C). Although the general features of the temperature transitions observed above 40 degrees C in RH thylakoids were similar to those observed for RNH thylakoids, the transitions at 60 and 73 degrees C were resolved as inflections only and RH thylakoids exhibited transitions at 45 and 84 degrees C which were 2 degrees C lower than those observed in RNH thylakoids. Since polypeptide and lipid compositions of RH and RNH thylakoids were very similar, we suggest that these differences reflect alterations in thylakoid membrane organization. Specifically, it is suggested that low developmental temperature modulates LHCII organization such that

A Model Assessment of Satellite Observed Trends in Polar Sea Ice Extents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vinnikov, Konstantin Y.; Cavalieri, Donald J.; Parkinson, Claire L.

2005-01-01

For more than three decades now, satellite passive microwave observations have been used to monitor polar sea ice. Here we utilize sea ice extent trends determined from primarily satellite data for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres for the period 1972(73)-2004 and compare them with results from simulations by eleven climate models. In the Northern Hemisphere, observations show a statistically significant decrease of sea ice extent and an acceleration of sea ice retreat during the past three decades. However, from the modeled natural variability of sea ice extents in control simulations, we conclude that the acceleration is not statistically significant and should not be extrapolated into the future. Observations and model simulations show that the time scale of climate variability in sea ice extent in the Southern Hemisphere is much larger than in the Northern Hemisphere and that the Southern Hemisphere sea ice extent trends are not statistically significant.

The incidence and significance of accidental hypothermia in major trauma--a prospective observational study.

PubMed

Ireland, Sharyn; Endacott, Ruth; Cameron, Peter; Fitzgerald, Mark; Paul, Eldho

2011-03-01

Serious sequelae have been associated with injured patients who are hypothermic (<35°C) including coagulopathy, acidosis, decreased myocardial contractility and risk of mortality. Establish the incidence of accidental hypothermia in major trauma patients and identify causative factors. Prospective identification and subsequent review of 732 medical records of major trauma patients presenting to an Adult Major Trauma Centre was undertaken between January and December 2008. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. Significant and clinically relevant variables from univariate analysis were entered into multivariate models to evaluate determinants for hypothermia and for death. Goodness of fit was determined with the use of the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. Overall mortality was 9.15%. The incidence of hypothermia was 13.25%. The mortality of patients with hypothermia was 29.9% with a threefold independent risk of death: OR (CI 95%) 3.44 (1.48-7.99), P = 0.04. Independent determinants for hypothermia were pre-hospital intubation: OR (CI 95%) 5.18 (2.77-9.71), P < 0.001, Injury Severity Score (ISS): 1.04 (1.01-1.06), P = 0.01, Arrival Systolic Blood Pressure (ASBP) < 100 mm Hg: 3.04 (1.24-7.44), P = 0.02, and winter time: 1.84 (1.06-3.21), P = 0.03. Of the 87 hypothermic patients who had repeat temperatures recorded in the Emergency Department, 77 (88.51%) patients had a temperature greater than the recorded arrival temperature. There was no change in recorded temperature for four (4.60%) patients, whereas six (6.90%) patients were colder at Emergency Department discharge. Seriously injured patients with accidental hypothermia have a higher mortality independent of measured risk factors. For patients with multiple injuries a coordinated effort by paramedics, nurses and doctors is required to focus efforts toward early resolution of hypothermia aiming to achieve a temperature >35 °C. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All

A Mirror Therapy-Based Action Observation Protocol to Improve Motor Learning After Stroke.

PubMed

Harmsen, Wouter J; Bussmann, Johannes B J; Selles, Ruud W; Hurkmans, Henri L P; Ribbers, Gerard M

2015-07-01

Mirror therapy is a priming technique to improve motor function of the affected arm after stroke. To investigate whether a mirror therapy-based action observation (AO) protocol contributes to motor learning of the affected arm after stroke. A total of 37 participants in the chronic stage after stroke were randomly allocated to the AO or control observation (CO) group. Participants were instructed to perform an upper-arm reaching task as fast and as fluently as possible. All participants trained the upper-arm reaching task with their affected arm alternated with either AO or CO. Participants in the AO group observed mirrored video tapes of reaching movements performed by their unaffected arm, whereas participants in the CO group observed static photographs of landscapes. The experimental condition effect was investigated by evaluating the primary outcome measure: movement time (in seconds) of the reaching movement, measured by accelerometry. Movement time decreased significantly in both groups: 18.3% in the AO and 9.1% in the CO group. Decrease in movement time was significantly more in the AO compared with the CO group (mean difference = 0.14 s; 95% confidence interval = 0.02, 0.26; P = .026). The present study showed that a mirror therapy-based AO protocol contributes to motor learning after stroke. © The Author(s) 2014.

Significant Correlation Between the Infant Gut Microbiome and Rotavirus Vaccine Response in Rural Ghana.

PubMed

Harris, Vanessa C; Armah, George; Fuentes, Susana; Korpela, Katri E; Parashar, Umesh; Victor, John C; Tate, Jacqueline; de Weerth, Carolina; Giaquinto, Carlo; Wiersinga, Willem Joost; Lewis, Kristen D C; de Vos, Willem M

2017-01-01

 Rotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of diarrhea-related death in children worldwide and 95% of RV-associated deaths occur in Africa and Asia where RV vaccines (RVVs) have lower efficacy. We hypothesize that differences in intestinal microbiome composition correlate with the decreased RVV efficacy observed in poor settings.  We conducted a nested, case-control study comparing prevaccination, fecal microbiome compositions between 6-week old, matched RVV responders and nonresponders in rural Ghana. These infants' microbiomes were then compared with 154 age-matched, healthy Dutch infants' microbiomes, assumed to be RVV responders. Fecal microbiome analysis was performed in all groups using the Human Intestinal Tract Chip.  We analyzed findings in 78 Ghanaian infants, including 39 RVV responder and nonresponder pairs. The overall microbiome composition was significantly different between RVV responders and nonresponders (FDR, 0.12), and Ghanaian responders were more similar to Dutch infants than nonresponders (P = .002). RVV response correlated with an increased abundance of Streptococcus bovis and a decreased abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum in comparisons between both Ghanaian RVV responders and nonresponders (FDR, 0.008 vs 0.003) and Dutch infants and Ghanaian nonresponders (FDR, 0.002 vs 0.009).  The intestinal microbiome composition correlates significantly with RVV immunogenicity and may contribute to the diminished RVV immunogenicity observed in developing countries. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Lifestyle Decreases Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases

PubMed Central

Slavíček, Jaroslav; Kittnar, Otomar; Fraser, Gary E.; Medová, Eva; Konečná, Jana; Žižka, Robert; Dohnalová, Alena; Novák, Vladimír

2009-01-01

Summary The morbidity and mortality of the cardiovascular diseases is high in the developed countries. The lifestyle changes are capable to decrease it by 50%. The aim of the present study was to measure the parameters of some risk factors before and after a one-week NEW START rehabilitative retreat. 1,349 volunteers, 320 men, 1,029 woman, mean age 51±14.5 (SD) years participated in 30 rehabilitative retreats from 1999–2006 in the Czech Republic, using a low-fat, low-energy, lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet and exercise, in a stress-free environment. Body weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, heart rate, serum cholesterol and blood glucose were measured. Body weight decreased in 1,223 measured persons from 71.2±14.38 (SD) to 70.6±14.02 kg (p<0.0001), BMI (1,046 measured persons) from 25.1±4.60 (SD) to 24.8±4.49 (SD) kg/m2 (p<0.0001), systolic blood pressure (1,218 persons) from 129.8±23.02 (SD) to 123.8±21.52 (SD) mmHg (p<0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (1,210 persons) from 79.8±12.7 (SD) to 77.5±11.6 (SD) mmHg (p<0.0001), serum cholesterol (998 persons) from 4.86±0.95 (SD) to 4.32±0.77 (SD) mmol (p<0.0001), blood glucose (544 persons) from 4.31±1.59 (SD) to 3.88±1.33 (SD) mmol (p<0.0001). Heart rate was not significantly decreased. The parameters were lower in lacto-ovo vegetarians and Seventh-day Adventists than in controls who never observed the diet and avail the lifestyle programs. The parameters were nonsignificantly changed one year after finishing the retreat in the sample of 68 persons showing the positive effect of retreats. Our results showed, that the intake of a low-fat, low-energy diet, over the course of one week in a stress-free environment, had positive impact on the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. PMID:19256282

A decrease in nasal CO2 stimulates breathing in the tegu lizard.

PubMed

Coates, E L; Furilla, R A; Ballam, G O; Bartlett, D

1991-10-01

Tegu lizards decrease ventilatory frequency (f) when constant CO2, as low as 0.4%, is delivered to the nasal cavities. In contrast, CO2, as high as 6%, pulsed into the nasal cavities during the expiratory phase of the breathing cycle does not alter f. The purpose of the present study was to investigate further the effect of nasal CO2 pattern on f in tegu lizards. Specifically, we tested: (1) whether f was affected by CO2 delivered to the nasal cavities during the inspiratory phase of the breathing cycle, and (2) whether pulsed decreases in nasal CO2 from 4% to 2% and from 4% to 0% would remove the f inhibition caused by constant nasal CO2. Ventilation was measured using a pneumotachograph and pressure transducer in-line with an endotracheal T-tube inserted through the glottis. CO2 was delivered to the nasal cavities through small tubes inserted into the external nares. Ventilatory frequency was not significantly altered when 4% CO2 was pulsed into the nasal cavities during inspiration. Dropping the CO2 in the nasal cavities from 4% to 0% at either 15 cycles/min (0.25 Hz) or for one cycle stimulated breathing. There was no significant difference between the f response to a drop in CO2 from 4% to 0% and that to a drop in CO2 from 4% to 2%. The failure to link the phasic CO2 ventilatory response to a phase in the respiratory cycle indicates that the nasal CO2 receptors do not participate in the breath-by-breath regulation of breathing in these lizards. The observation that small decreases in nasal CO2 abolished the f inhibition caused by constant nasal CO2 provides further evidence for the ability of the nasal CO2 receptors to distinguish between pulsed and constant CO2.

[Variation trend and significance of adult tonsil size and tongue position].

PubMed

Bin, X; Zhou, Y

2016-08-05

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the changing trend and significance of adult tonsil size and tongue position by observing adults in different age groups. Method: Oropharyngeal cavities of 1 060 adults who undergoing health examination and had no history of tonsil surgery were observed. Friedman tongue position (FTP) and tonsil size (TS) were scored according to Friedman's criteria and results were statistic analyzed to evaluate their changing law and significance. Result: Mean FTP scores increased with age significantly（ P <0.01）; FTP score in male was lower than that in female（ P <0.01）. TS score significantly decreased with age（ P <0.05）.The average score of TS had no statistical significance in different gender. Although there was no statistical significance, total score of FTP show an increasing trend with age（ P >0.05）;Total scores of FTP were different between sexes（male 4.12±0.67，female 4.23±0.68， P <0.05）.BMI was not found to be statistically different when FTP scores, TS scores and total scores changed ( P >0.05); but it showed an increasing trend with age（ P <0.01）. Conclusion: Width of pharyngeal cavity in normal adults is always kept in certain stability, while it proves to be narrower in obese people. TS score and FTP score, which appear the opposite trend with age, can be thought as a major factor to keep a stable width of oral pharyngeal cavity. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Ecological and evolutionary significance of genomic GC content diversity in monocots

PubMed Central

Šmarda, Petr; Bureš, Petr; Horová, Lucie; Leitch, Ilia J.; Mucina, Ladislav; Pacini, Ettore; Tichý, Lubomír; Grulich, Vít; Rotreklová, Olga

2014-01-01

Genomic DNA base composition (GC content) is predicted to significantly affect genome functioning and species ecology. Although several hypotheses have been put forward to address the biological impact of GC content variation in microbial and vertebrate organisms, the biological significance of GC content diversity in plants remains unclear because of a lack of sufficiently robust genomic data. Using flow cytometry, we report genomic GC contents for 239 species representing 70 of 78 monocot families and compare them with genomic characters, a suite of life history traits and climatic niche data using phylogeny-based statistics. GC content of monocots varied between 33.6% and 48.9%, with several groups exceeding the GC content known for any other vascular plant group, highlighting their unusual genome architecture and organization. GC content showed a quadratic relationship with genome size, with the decreases in GC content in larger genomes possibly being a consequence of the higher biochemical costs of GC base synthesis. Dramatic decreases in GC content were observed in species with holocentric chromosomes, whereas increased GC content was documented in species able to grow in seasonally cold and/or dry climates, possibly indicating an advantage of GC-rich DNA during cell freezing and desiccation. We also show that genomic adaptations associated with changing GC content might have played a significant role in the evolution of the Earth’s contemporary biota, such as the rise of grass-dominated biomes during the mid-Tertiary. One of the major selective advantages of GC-rich DNA is hypothesized to be facilitating more complex gene regulation. PMID:25225383

Functional significance of the pattern of renal sympathetic nerve activation.

PubMed

Dibona, G F; Sawin, L L

1999-08-01

To assess the renal functional significance of the pattern of renal sympathetic nerve activation, computer-generated stimulus patterns (delivered at constant integrated voltage) were applied to the decentralized renal sympathetic nerve bundle and renal hemodynamic and excretory responses determined in anesthetized rats. When delivered at the same integrated voltage, stimulus patterns resembling those observed in in vivo multifiber recordings of renal sympathetic nerve activity (diamond-wave patterns) produced greater renal vasoconstrictor responses than conventional square-wave patterns. Within diamond-wave patterns, increasing integrated voltage by increasing amplitude produced twofold greater renal vasoconstrictor responses than by increasing duration. With similar integrated voltages that were subthreshold for renal vasoconstriction, neither diamond- nor square-wave pattern altered glomerular filtration rate, whereas diamond- but not square-wave pattern reversibly decreased urinary sodium excretion by 25 +/- 3%. At the same number of pulses per second, intermittent stimulation produced faster and greater renal vasoconstriction than continuous stimulation. At the same number of pulses per second, increases in rest period during intermittent stimulation proportionally augmented the renal vasoconstrictor response compared with that observed with continuous stimulation; the maximum augmentation of 55% occurred at a rest period of 500 ms. These results indicate that the pattern of renal sympathetic nerve stimulation (activity) significantly influences the rapidity, magnitude, and selectivity of the renal vascular and tubular responses.

Changing perception: facial reanimation surgery improves attractiveness and decreases negative facial perception.

PubMed

Dey, Jacob K; Ishii, Masaru; Boahene, Kofi D O; Byrne, Patrick J; Ishii, Lisa E

2014-01-01

Determine the effect of facial reanimation surgery on observer-graded attractiveness and negative facial perception of patients with facial paralysis. Randomized controlled experiment. Ninety observers viewed images of paralyzed faces, smiling and in repose, before and after reanimation surgery, as well as normal comparison faces. Observers rated the attractiveness of each face and characterized the paralyzed faces by rating severity, disfigured/bothersome, and importance to repair. Iterated factor analysis indicated these highly correlated variables measure a common domain, so they were combined to create the disfigured, important to repair, bothersome, severity (DIBS) factor score. Mixed effects linear regression determined the effect of facial reanimation surgery on attractiveness and DIBS score. Facial paralysis induces an attractiveness penalty of 2.51 on a 10-point scale for faces in repose and 3.38 for smiling faces. Mixed effects linear regression showed that reanimation surgery improved attractiveness for faces both in repose and smiling by 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67, 1.01) and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.42) respectively. Planned hypothesis tests confirmed statistically significant differences in attractiveness ratings between postoperative and normal faces, indicating attractiveness was not completely normalized. Regression analysis also showed that reanimation surgery decreased DIBS by 0.807 (95% CI: 0.704, 0.911) for faces in repose and 0.989 (95% CI: 0.886, 1.093), an entire standard deviation, for smiling faces. Facial reanimation surgery increases attractiveness and decreases negative facial perception of patients with facial paralysis. These data emphasize the need to optimize reanimation surgery to restore not only function, but also symmetry and cosmesis to improve facial perception and patient quality of life. © 2013 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Latitudinally dependent Trimpi effects: Modeling and observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clilverd, Mark A.; Yeo, Richard F.; Nunn, David; Smith, Andy J.

1999-09-01

Modeling studies show that the exclusion of the propagating VLF wave from the ionospheric region results in the decline of Trimpi magnitude with patch altitude. In large models such as Long Wave Propagation Capability (LWPC) this exclusion does not occur inherently in the code, and high-altitude precipitation modeling can produce results that are not consistent with observations from ground-based experiments. The introduction to LWPC of realistic wave attenuation of the height gain functions in the ionosphere solves these computational problems. This work presents the first modeling of (Born) Trimpi scattering at long ranges, taking into account global inhomogeneities and continuous mode conversion along all paths, by employing the full conductivity perturbation matrix. The application of the more realistic height gain functions allows the prediction of decreasing Trimpi activity with increasing latitude, primarily through the mechanism of excluding the VLF wave from regions of high conductivity and scattering efficiency. Ground-based observations from Faraday and Rothera, Antarctica, in September and October 1995 of Trimpi occurring on the NPM (Hawaii) path provide data that are consistent with these predictions. Latitudinal variations in Trimpi occurrence near L=2.5, with a significant decrease of about 70% occurrence between L=2.4 and L=2.8, have been observed at higher L shell resolution than in previous studies (i.e., 2

Nitrate decreases ruminal methane production with slight changes to ruminal methanogen composition of nitrate-adapted steers.

PubMed

Zhao, Liping; Meng, Qingxiang; Li, Yan; Wu, Hao; Huo, Yunlong; Zhang, Xinzhuang; Zhou, Zhenming

2018-03-20

This study was conducted to examine effects of nitrate on ruminal methane production, methanogen abundance, and composition. Six rumen-fistulated Limousin×Jinnan steers were fed diets supplemented with either 0% (0NR), 1% (1NR), or 2% (2NR) nitrate (dry matter basis) regimens in succession. Rumen fluid was taken after two-week adaptation for evaluation of in vitro methane production, methanogen abundance, and composition measurements. Results showed that nitrate significantly decreased in vitro ruminal methane production at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h (P < 0.01; P < 0.01; P = 0.01). The 1NR and 2NR regimens numerically reduced the methanogen population by 4.47% and 25.82% respectively. However, there was no significant difference observed between treatments. The alpha and beta diversity of the methanogen community was not significantly changed by nitrate either. However, the relative abundance of the methanogen genera was greatly changed. Methanosphaera (P L  = 0.0033) and Methanimicrococcus (P L  = 0.0113) abundance increased linearly commensurate with increasing nitration levels, while Methanoplanus abundance was significantly decreased (P L  = 0.0013). The population of Methanoculleus, the least frequently identified genus in this study, exhibited quadratic growth from 0% to 2% when nitrate was added (P Q  = 0.0140). Correlation analysis found that methane reduction was significantly related to Methanobrevibacter and Methanoplanus abundance, and negatively correlated with Methanosphaera and Methanimicrococcus abundance.

Healthy lifestyle and decreasing risk of heart failure in women: the Women's Health Initiative observational study.

PubMed

Agha, Golareh; Loucks, Eric B; Tinker, Lesley F; Waring, Molly E; Michaud, Dominique S; Foraker, Randi E; Li, Wenjun; Martin, Lisa W; Greenland, Philip; Manson, JoAnn E; Eaton, Charles B

2014-10-28

The impact of a healthy lifestyle on risk of heart failure (HF) is not well known. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a combination of lifestyle factors on incident HF and to further investigate whether weighting each lifestyle factor has additional impact. Participants were 84,537 post-menopausal women from the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) observational study, free of self-reported HF at baseline. A healthy lifestyle score (HL score) was created wherein women received 1 point for each healthy criterion met: high-scoring Alternative Healthy Eating Index, physically active, healthy body mass index, and currently not smoking. A weighted score (wHL score) was also created in which each lifestyle factor was weighted according to its independent magnitude of effect on HF. The incidence of hospitalized HF was determined by trained adjudicators using standardized methodology. There were 1,826 HF cases over a mean follow-up of 11 years. HL score was strongly associated with risk of HF (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.49 [95% CI: 0.38 to 0.62], 0.36 [95% CI: 0.28 to 0.46], 0.24 [95% CI: 0.19 to 0.31], and 0.23 [95% CI: 0.17 to 0.30] for HL score of 1, 2, 3, and 4 vs. 0, respectively). The HL score and wHL score were similarly associated with HF risk (HR: 0.46 [95% CI: 0.41 to 0.52] for HL score; HR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.42 to 0.55] for wHL score, comparing the highest tertile to the lowest). The HL score was also strongly associated with HF risk among women without antecedent coronary heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension. An increasingly healthy lifestyle was associated with decreasing HF risk among post-menopausal women, even in the absence of antecedent coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Weighting the lifestyle factors had minimal impact. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A 1-Diopter Vertical Prism Induces a Decrease of Head Rotation: A Pilot Investigation.

PubMed

Matheron, Eric; Zandi, Ava; Wang, Danping; Kapoula, Zoï

2016-01-01

Clinical studies in non-specific chronic arthralgia and back pain seem to indicate an association between vertical heterophoria (VH - latent vertical retinal misalignment) and asymmetrical head rotation. Such clinical observations suggest a link between VH and head rotation, but this was never tested. The purpose of this study was to simulate a VH in healthy subjects and examine its influence on the amplitude of active head rotation during 3D motion capture in upright stance. Subjects were asked to rotate their head three times from the straight ahead position and then to the right, back to straight ahead, to the left, and back to the straight ahead again. Three randomized conditions were run: normal viewing, with a 1-diopter prism base down on the dominant eye, or the non-dominant eye. The most important finding is that the experimental VH whichever the eye with the prism induces a significant decrease in the mean angle of head rotation compared to the normal viewing condition. This decrease was significant for rotation to the left. We suggest that the prism-induced VH modifies the reference posture and thereby affects head rotation; further studies are needed to confirm this effect and to extend to other types of dynamic activities.

The response of soil solution chemistry in European forests to decreasing acid deposition.

PubMed

Johnson, James; Graf Pannatier, Elisabeth; Carnicelli, Stefano; Cecchini, Guia; Clarke, Nicholas; Cools, Nathalie; Hansen, Karin; Meesenburg, Henning; Nieminen, Tiina M; Pihl-Karlsson, Gunilla; Titeux, Hugues; Vanguelova, Elena; Verstraeten, Arne; Vesterdal, Lars; Waldner, Peter; Jonard, Mathieu

2018-03-31

Acid deposition arising from sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) emissions from fossil fuel combustion and agriculture has contributed to the acidification of terrestrial ecosystems in many regions globally. However, in Europe and North America, S deposition has greatly decreased in recent decades due to emissions controls. In this study, we assessed the response of soil solution chemistry in mineral horizons of European forests to these changes. Trends in pH, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), major ions, total aluminium (Al tot ) and dissolved organic carbon were determined for the period 1995-2012. Plots with at least 10 years of observations from the ICP Forests monitoring network were used. Trends were assessed for the upper mineral soil (10-20 cm, 104 plots) and subsoil (40-80 cm, 162 plots). There was a large decrease in the concentration of sulphate (SO42-) in soil solution; over a 10-year period (2000-2010), SO42- decreased by 52% at 10-20 cm and 40% at 40-80 cm. Nitrate was unchanged at 10-20 cm but decreased at 40-80 cm. The decrease in acid anions was accompanied by a large and significant decrease in the concentration of the nutrient base cations: calcium, magnesium and potassium (Bc = Ca 2+  + Mg 2+  + K + ) and Al tot over the entire dataset. The response of soil solution acidity was nonuniform. At 10-20 cm, ANC increased in acid-sensitive soils (base saturation ≤10%) indicating a recovery, but ANC decreased in soils with base saturation >10%. At 40-80 cm, ANC remained unchanged in acid-sensitive soils (base saturation ≤20%, pHCaCl2 ≤ 4.5) and decreased in better-buffered soils (base saturation >20%, pHCaCl2 > 4.5). In addition, the molar ratio of Bc to Al tot either did not change or decreased. The results suggest a long-time lag between emission abatement and changes in soil solution acidity and underline the importance of long-term monitoring in evaluating ecosystem response to decreases in deposition. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract modulates CHOP/GADD153 to promote androgen receptor degradation and decreases xenograft tumor growth.

PubMed

Petiwala, Sakina M; Berhe, Saba; Li, Gongbo; Puthenveetil, Angela G; Rahman, Ozair; Nonn, Larisa; Johnson, Jeremy J

2014-01-01

The Mediterranean diet has long been attributed to preventing or delaying the onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and various solid organ cancers. In this particular study, a rosemary extract standardized to carnosic acid was evaluated for its potential in disrupting the endoplasmic reticulum machinery to decrease the viability of prostate cancer cells and promote degradation of the androgen receptor. Two human prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and LNCaP, and prostate epithelial cells procured from two different patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were treated with standardized rosemary extract and evaluated by flow cytometry, MTT, BrdU, Western blot and fluorescent microscopy. A significant modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins was observed in cancer cells while normal prostate epithelial cells did not undergo endoplasmic reticulum stress. This biphasic response suggests that standardized rosemary extract may preferentially target cancer cells as opposed to "normal" cells. Furthermore, we observed standardized rosemary extract to decrease androgen receptor expression that appears to be regulated by the expression of CHOP/GADD153. Using a xenograft tumor model we observed standardized rosemary extract when given orally to significantly suppress tumor growth by 46% compared to mice not receiving standardized rosemary extract. In the last several years regulatory governing bodies (e.g. European Union) have approved standardized rosemary extracts as food preservatives. These results are especially significant as it is becoming more likely that individuals will be receiving standardized rosemary extracts that are a part of a natural preservative system in various food preparations. Taken a step further, it is possible that the potential benefits that are often associated with a "Mediterranean Diet" in the future may begin to extend beyond the Mediterranean diet as more of the population is consuming standardized rosemary extracts.

Solar radius determination from SODISM/PICARD and HMI/SDO observations of the decrease of the spectral solar radiance during the 2012 June Venus transit

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

Hauchecorne, A.; Meftah, M.; Irbah, A.

On 2012 June 5-6, the transit of Venus provided a rare opportunity to determine the radius of the Sun using solar imagers observing a well-defined object, namely, the planet and its atmosphere, partially occulting the Sun. A new method has been developed to estimate the solar radius during a planetary transit. It is based on the estimation of the spectral solar radiance decrease in a region around the contact between the planet and the Sun at the beginning of the ingress and at the end of the egress. The extrapolation to zero of the radiance decrease versus the Sun-to-Venus apparentmore » angular distance allows estimation of the solar radius at the time of first and fourth contacts. This method presents the advantage of being almost independent on the plate scale, the distortion, the refraction by the planetary atmosphere, and on the point-spread function of the imager. It has been applied to two space solar visible imagers, SODISM/PICARD and HMI/SDO. The found results are mutually consistent, despite their different error budgets: 959.''85 ± 0.''19 (1σ) for SODISM at 607.1 nm and 959.''90 ± 0.''06 (1σ) for HMI at 617.3 nm.« less

Decreasing Malpractice Claims by Reducing Preventable Perinatal Harm.

PubMed

Riley, William; Meredith, Les W; Price, Rebecca; Miller, Kristi K; Begun, James W; McCullough, Mac; Davis, Stanley

2016-12-01

To evaluate the association of improved patient safety practices with medical malpractice claims and costs in the perinatal units of acute care hospitals. Malpractice and harm data from participating hospitals; litigation records and medical malpractice claims data from American Excess Insurance Exchange, RRG, whose data are managed by Premier Insurance Management Services, Inc. (owned by Premier Inc., a health care improvement company). A quasi-experimental prospective design to compare baseline and postintervention data. Statistical significance tests for differences were performed using chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and t-test. Claims data were collected and evaluated by experienced senior claims managers through on-site claim audits to evaluate claim frequency, severity, and financial information. Data were provided to the analyzing institution through confidentiality contracts. There is a significant reduction in the number of perinatal malpractice claims paid, losses paid, and indemnity payments (43.9 percent, 77.6 percent, and 84.6 percent, respectively) following interventions to improve perinatal patient safety and reduce perinatal harm. This compares with no significant reductions in the nonperinatal claims in the same hospitals during the same time period. The number of perinatal malpractice claims and dollar amount of claims payments decreased significantly in the participating hospitals, while there was no significant decrease in nonperinatal malpractice claims activity in the same hospitals. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Brain glycogen decreases during prolonged exercise

PubMed Central

Matsui, Takashi; Soya, Shingo; Okamoto, Masahiro; Ichitani, Yukio; Kawanaka, Kentaro; Soya, Hideaki

2011-01-01

Abstract Brain glycogen could be a critical energy source for brain activity when the glucose supply from the blood is inadequate (hypoglycaemia). Although untested, it is hypothesized that during prolonged exhaustive exercise that induces hypoglycaemia and muscular glycogen depletion, the resultant hypoglycaemia may cause a decrease in brain glycogen. Here, we tested this hypothesis and also investigated the possible involvement of brain monoamines with the reduced levels of brain glycogen. For this purpose, we exercised male Wistar rats on a treadmill for different durations (30–120 min) at moderate intensity (20 m min−1) and measured their brain glycogen levels using high-power microwave irradiation (10 kW). At the end of 30 and 60 min of running, the brain glycogen levels remained unchanged from resting levels, but liver and muscle glycogen decreased. After 120 min of running, the glycogen levels decreased significantly by ∼37–60% in five discrete brain loci (the cerebellum 60%, cortex 48%, hippocampus 43%, brainstem 37% and hypothalamus 34%) compared to those of the sedentary control. The brain glycogen levels in all five regions after running were positively correlated with the respective blood and brain glucose levels. Further, in the cortex, the levels of methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), potential involved in degradation of the brain glycogen, increased during prolonged exercise and negatively correlated with the glycogen levels. These results support the hypothesis that brain glycogen could decrease with prolonged exhaustive exercise. Increased monoamines together with hypoglycaemia should be associated with the development of decreased brain glycogen, suggesting a new clue towards the understanding of central fatigue during prolonged exercise. PMID:21521757

Neck ligament strength is decreased following whiplash trauma

PubMed Central

Tominaga, Yasuhiro; Ndu, Anthony B; Coe, Marcus P; Valenson, Arnold J; Ivancic, Paul C; Ito, Shigeki; Rubin, Wolfgang; Panjabi, Manohar M

2006-01-01

Background Previous clinical studies have documented successful neck pain relief in whiplash patients using nerve block and radiofrequency ablation of facet joint afferents, including capsular ligament nerves. No previous study has documented injuries to the neck ligaments as determined by altered dynamic mechanical properties due to whiplash. The goal of the present study was to determine the dynamic mechanical properties of whiplash-exposed human cervical spine ligaments. Additionally, the present data were compared to previously reported control data. The ligaments included the anterior and posterior longitudinal, capsular, and interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, middle-third disc, and ligamentum flavum. Methods A total of 98 bone-ligament-bone specimens (C2–C3 to C7-T1) were prepared from six cervical spines following 3.5, 5, 6.5, and 8 g rear impacts and pre- and post-impact flexibility testing. The specimens were elongated to failure at a peak rate of 725 (SD 95) mm/s. Failure force, elongation, and energy absorbed, as well as stiffness were determined. The mechanical properties were statistically compared among ligaments, and to the control data (significance level: P < 0.05; trend: P < 0.1). The average physiological ligament elongation was determined using a mathematical model. Results For all whiplash-exposed ligaments, the average failure elongation exceeded the average physiological elongation. The highest average failure force of 204.6 N was observed in the ligamentum flavum, significantly greater than in middle-third disc and interspinous and supraspinous ligaments. The highest average failure elongation of 4.9 mm was observed in the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, significantly greater than in the anterior longitudinal ligament, middle-third disc, and ligamentum flavum. The average energy absorbed ranged from 0.04 J by the middle-third disc to 0.44 J by the capsular ligament. The ligamentum flavum was the stiffest ligament, while the

Mice deficient in PKCbeta and apolipoprotein E display decreased atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Harja, Evis; Chang, Jong Sun; Lu, Yan; Leitges, Michael; Zou, Yu Shan; Schmidt, Ann Marie; Yan, Shi-Fang

2009-04-01

Endothelial activation is a central initiating event in atheroma formation. Evidence from our laboratory and others has demonstrated links between activation of early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and atherosclerosis and also has demonstrated that activated protein kinase C (PKC) betaII is a critical upstream regulator of Egr-1 in response to vascular stress. We tested the role of PKCbeta in regulating key events linked to atherosclerosis and show that the aortas of apoE(-/-) mice display an age-dependent increase in PKCbetaII antigen in membranous fractions vs. C57BL/6 animals with a approximately 2-fold increase at age 6 wk and a approximately 4.5-fold increase at age 24 wk. Consistent with important roles for PKCbeta in atherosclerosis, a significant decrease in atherosclerotic lesion area was evident in PKCbeta(-/-)/apoE(-/-) vs. apoE(-/-) mice by approximately 5-fold, in parallel with significantly reduced vascular transcripts for Egr-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 antigen and activity vs. apoE(-/-) mice. Significant reduction in atherosclerosis of approximately 2-fold was observed in apoE(-/-) mice fed ruboxistaurin chow (PKCbeta inhibitor) vs. vehicle. In primary murine and human aortic endothelial cells, the PKCbeta-JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway importantly contributes to oxLDL-mediated induction of MMP2 expression. Blockade of PKCbeta may be beneficial in mitigating endothelial perturbation and atherosclerosis.

Rheinanthrone, a metabolite of sennoside A, triggers macrophage activation to decrease aquaporin-3 expression in the colon, causing the laxative effect of rhubarb extract.

PubMed

Kon, Risako; Ikarashi, Nobutomo; Nagoya, Chika; Takayama, Tomoko; Kusunoki, Yoshiki; Ishii, Makoto; Ueda, Harumi; Ochiai, Wataru; Machida, Yoshiaki; Sugita, Kazuyuki; Sugiyama, Kiyoshi

2014-02-27

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is expressed in mucosal epithelial cells in the colon and is important for regulating fecal water content. We examined the role of AQP3 in the laxative effect of rhubarb extract. After orally administering rhubarb extract or its major component (sennoside A) to rats, the fecal water content, AQP3 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations in the colon were examined. The mechanism by which sennoside A decreases the expression of AQP3 was examined using the human colon cancer HT-29 cells and macrophage-derived Raw264.7 cells. During diarrhea by rhubarb extract administration, the PGE2 levels in the colon increased while the AQP3 expression significantly decreased. Similar changes were also observed when sennoside A was administered. When sennoside A or its metabolites, rheinanthrone and rhein were added to Raw264.7 cells, a significant increase in the PGE2 concentration was observed only in cells treated with rheinanthrone. Fifteen minutes after adding PGE2 to the HT-29 cells, the AQP3 expression decreased to approximately 40% of the control. When pretreated with indomethacin, sennoside A neither decreased the AQP3 expression nor induced diarrhea. Sennoside A may decrease AQP3 expression in the colon to inhibit water transport from the luminal to the vascular side, leading to a laxative effect. The decreases in the levels of AQP3 are caused by rheinanthrone, which is a metabolite of sennoside A, this metabolite activates the macrophages in the colon and increases the secretion of PGE2; PGE2 acts as a paracrine factor and decreases AQP3 expression in colon mucosal epithelial cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced glutamatergic and decreased GABAergic synaptic appositions to GnRH neurons on proestrus in the rat: modulatory effect of aging.

PubMed

Khan, Mohammad; De Sevilla, Liesl; Mahesh, Virendra B; Brann, Darrell W

2010-04-14

Previous work by our lab and others has implicated glutamate as a major excitatory signal to gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, with gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) serving as a potential major inhibitory signal. However, it is unknown whether GABAergic and/or glutamatergic synaptic appositions to GnRH neurons changes on the day of the proestrous LH surge or is affected by aging. To examine this question, synaptic terminal appositions on GnRH neurons for VGAT (vesicular GABA transporter) and VGLUT2 (vesicular glutamate transporter-2), markers of GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic terminals, respectively, was examined by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopic analysis in young and middle-aged diestrous and proestrous rats. The results show that in young proestrous rats at the time of LH surge, we observed reciprocal changes in the VGAT and VGLUT2 positive terminals apposing GnRH neurons, where VGAT terminal appositions were decreased and VGLUT2 terminal appositions were significantly increased, as compared to young diestrus control animals. Interestingly, in middle-aged cycling animals this divergent modulation of VGAT and VGLUT2 terminal apposition was greatly impaired, as no significant differences were observed between VGAT and VGLUT2 terminals apposing GnRH neurons at proestrous. However, the density of VGAT and VGLUT2 terminals apposing GnRH neurons were both significantly increased in the middle-aged animals. In conclusion, there is an increase in glutamatergic and decrease in GABAergic synaptic terminal appositions on GnRH neurons on proestrus in young animals, which may serve to facilitate activation of GnRH neurons. In contrast, middle-aged diestrous and proestrous animals show a significant increase in both VGAT and VGLUT synaptic terminal appositions on GnRH neurons as compared to young animals, and the cycle-related change in these appositions between diestrus and proestrus that is observed in young animals is lost.

Decreased NURR1 gene expression in patients with Parkinson’s disease

PubMed Central

Le, Weidong; Pan, Tianhong; Huang, Maosheng; Xu, Pingyi; Xie, Wenjie; Zhu, Wen; Zhang, Xiong; Deng, Hao; Jankovic, Joseph

2008-01-01

NURR1 is a transcription factor essential for the development, survival, and functional maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons and NURR1 is a potential susceptibility gene for Parkinson’s disease (PD). To determine whether NURR1 gene expression is altered in patients with PD we measured its expression in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in 278 patients with PD, 166 healthy controls (HC), and 256 neurological disease controls (NDC) by quantitative real-time PCR. NURR1 gene expression was significantly decreased in patients with PD (particularly those with family history of PD) as compared with HC (p < 0.01) and also as compared with NDC (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in NURR1 gene expression among PD patients with or without anti-PD medications. When adjusted for gender, age, and ethnicity, lower levels of NURR1 gene expression were associated with significantly increased risk for PD in women, in patients 60 years old or older, and in patients of Caucasian origin. The observed reduction in PBL NURR1 gene expression indicates possible systemic involvement in PD, and the finding may help identify individuals with PD and other disorders associated with impaired central DAergic system. PMID:18684475

Causes and consequences of decreasing atmospheric organic aerosol in the United States.

PubMed

Ridley, D A; Heald, C L; Ridley, K J; Kroll, J H

2018-01-09

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and is a leading source of premature mortality globally. Organic aerosol contributes a significant fraction of PM in the United States. Here, using surface observations between 1990 and 2012, we show that organic carbon has declined dramatically across the entire United States by 25-50%; accounting for more than 30% of the US-wide decline in PM. The decline is in contrast with the increasing organic aerosol due to wildfires and no clear trend in biogenic emissions. By developing a carbonaceous emissions database for the United States, we show that at least two-thirds of the decline in organic aerosol can be explained by changes in anthropogenic emissions, primarily from vehicle emissions and residential fuel burning. We estimate that the decrease in anthropogenic organic aerosol is responsible for averting 180,000 (117,000-389,000) premature deaths between 1990 and 2012. The unexpected decrease in organic aerosol, likely a consequence of the implementation of Clean Air Act Amendments, results in 84,000 (30,000-164,000) more lives saved than anticipated by the EPA between 2000 and 2010.

Causes and consequences of decreasing atmospheric organic aerosol in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridley, D. A.; Heald, C. L.; Ridley, K. J.; Kroll, J. H.

2018-01-01

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and is a leading source of premature mortality globally. Organic aerosol contributes a significant fraction of PM in the United States. Here, using surface observations between 1990 and 2012, we show that organic carbon has declined dramatically across the entire United States by 25–50%; accounting for more than 30% of the US-wide decline in PM. The decline is in contrast with the increasing organic aerosol due to wildfires and no clear trend in biogenic emissions. By developing a carbonaceous emissions database for the United States, we show that at least two-thirds of the decline in organic aerosol can be explained by changes in anthropogenic emissions, primarily from vehicle emissions and residential fuel burning. We estimate that the decrease in anthropogenic organic aerosol is responsible for averting 180,000 (117,000–389,000) premature deaths between 1990 and 2012. The unexpected decrease in organic aerosol, likely a consequence of the implementation of Clean Air Act Amendments, results in 84,000 (30,000–164,000) more lives saved than anticipated by the EPA between 2000 and 2010.

Decrease in gamma-band activity tracks sequence learning

PubMed Central

Madhavan, Radhika; Millman, Daniel; Tang, Hanlin; Crone, Nathan E.; Lenz, Fredrick A.; Tierney, Travis S.; Madsen, Joseph R.; Kreiman, Gabriel; Anderson, William S.

2015-01-01

Learning novel sequences constitutes an example of declarative memory formation, involving conscious recall of temporal events. Performance in sequence learning tasks improves with repetition and involves forming temporal associations over scales of seconds to minutes. To further understand the neural circuits underlying declarative sequence learning over trials, we tracked changes in intracranial field potentials (IFPs) recorded from 1142 electrodes implanted throughout temporal and frontal cortical areas in 14 human subjects, while they learned the temporal-order of multiple sequences of images over trials through repeated recall. We observed an increase in power in the gamma frequency band (30–100 Hz) in the recall phase, particularly in areas within the temporal lobe including the parahippocampal gyrus. The degree of this gamma power enhancement decreased over trials with improved sequence recall. Modulation of gamma power was directly correlated with the improvement in recall performance. When presenting new sequences, gamma power was reset to high values and decreased again after learning. These observations suggest that signals in the gamma frequency band may play a more prominent role during the early steps of the learning process rather than during the maintenance of memory traces. PMID:25653598

Fropofol decreases force development in cardiac muscle.

PubMed

Ren, Xianfeng; Schmidt, William; Huang, Yiyuan; Lu, Haisong; Liu, Wenjie; Bu, Weiming; Eckenhoff, Roderic; Cammarato, Anthony; Gao, Wei Dong

2018-03-09

Supranormal contractile properties are frequently associated with cardiac diseases. Anesthetic agents, including propofol, can depress myocardial contraction. We tested the hypothesis that fropofol, a propofol derivative, reduces force development in cardiac muscles via inhibition of cross-bridge cycling and may therefore have therapeutic potential. Force and intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) transients of rat trabecular muscles were determined. Myofilament ATPase, actin-activated myosin ATPase, and velocity of actin filaments propelled by myosin were also measured. Fropofol dose dependently decreased force without altering [Ca 2+ ] i in normal and pressure-induced hypertrophied-hypercontractile muscles. Similarly, fropofol depressed maximum Ca 2+ -activated force ( F max ) and increased the [Ca 2+ ] i required for 50% activation at steady-state (Ca 50 ) without affecting the Hill coefficient in both intact and skinned cardiac fibers. The drug also depressed cardiac myofibrillar and actin-activated myosin ATPase activity. In vitro actin sliding velocity was significantly reduced when fropofol was introduced during rigor binding of cross-bridges. The data suggest that the depressing effects of fropofol on cardiac contractility are likely to be related to direct targeting of actomyosin interactions. From a clinical standpoint, these findings are particularly significant, given that fropofol is a nonanesthetic small molecule that decreases myocardial contractility specifically and thus may be useful in the treatment of hypercontractile cardiac disorders.-Ren, X., Schmidt, W., Huang, Y., Lu, H., Liu, W., Bu, W., Eckenhoff, R., Cammarato, A., Gao, W. D. Fropofol decreases force development in cardiac muscle.

Decreased cerebellar-cerebral connectivity contributes to complex task performance

PubMed Central

Knops, André

2016-01-01

The cerebellum's role in nonmotor processes is now well accepted, but cerebellar interaction with cerebral targets is not well understood. Complex cognitive tasks activate cerebellar, parietal, and frontal regions, but the effective connectivity between these regions has never been tested. To this end, we used psycho-physiological interactions (PPI) analysis to test connectivity changes of cerebellar and parietal seed regions in complex (2-digit by 1-digit multiplication, e.g., 12 × 3) vs. simple (1-digit by 1-digit multiplication, e.g., 4 × 3) task conditions (“complex − simple”). For cerebellar seed regions (lobule VI, hemisphere and vermis), we found significantly decreased cerebellar-parietal, cerebellar-cingulate, and cerebellar-frontal connectivity in complex multiplication. For parietal seed regions (PFcm, PFop, PFm) we found significantly increased parietal-parietal and parietal-frontal connectivity in complex multiplication. These results suggest that decreased cerebellar-cerebral connectivity contributes to complex task performance. Interestingly, BOLD activity contrasts revealed partially overlapping parietal areas of increased BOLD activity but decreased cerebellar-parietal PPI connectivity. PMID:27334957

Decreased in vitro fertility in male rats exposed to fluoride-induced oxidative stress damage and mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss.

PubMed

Izquierdo-Vega, Jeannett A; Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Manuel; Del Razo, Luz María

2008-08-01

Fluorosis, caused by drinking water contamination with inorganic fluoride, is a public health problem in many areas around the world. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of environmentally relevant doses of fluoride on in vitro fertilization (IVF) capacity of spermatozoa, and its relationship to spermatozoa mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). Male Wistar rats were administered at 5 mg fluoride/kg body mass/24 h, or deionized water orally for 8 weeks. We evaluated several spermatozoa parameters in treated and untreated rats: i) standard quality analysis, ii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, iii) the generation of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), iv) lipid peroxidation concentration, v) ultrastructural analyses of spermatozoa using transmission electron microscopy, vi) DeltaPsi(m), vii) acrosome reaction, and viii) IVF capability. Spermatozoa from fluoride-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease in SOD activity (~33%), accompanied with a significant increase in the generation of O(2)() (~40%), a significant decrease in DeltaPsi(m) (~33%), and a significant increase in lipid peroxidation concentration (~50%), relative to spermatozoa from the control group. Consistent with this finding, spermatozoa from fluoride-treated rats exhibited altered plasmatic membrane. In addition, the percentage of fluoride-treated spermatozoa capable of undergoing the acrosome reaction was decreased relative to control spermatozoa (34 vs. 55%), while the percentage fluoride-treated spermatozoa capable of oocyte fertilization was also significantly lower than the control group (13 vs. 71%). These observations suggest that subchronic exposure to fluoride causes oxidative stress damage and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, resulting in reduced fertility.

A decrease of regulatory T cells and altered expression of NK receptors are observed in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

PubMed

Yentur, Sibel P; Gurses, Candan; Demirbilek, Veysi; Adin-Cinar, Suzan; Kuru, Umit; Uysal, Serap; Yapici, Zuhal; Yilmaz, Gülden; Cokar, Ozlem; Onal, Emel; Gökyigit, Aysen; Saruhan-Direskeneli, Güher

2014-12-01

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is caused by a persistent measles virus infection. Regulatory mechanisms can be responsible for a failure of immunosurveillance in children with SSPE. In this study, peripheral blood cells of 71 patients with SSPE and 57 children with other diseases were compared phenotypically. The proportions of CD4(+), CD8(+) T, and NK cells were homogenous, whereas total CD3(+) T and Treg (CD4(+)CD25(+)CD152(+)) cells were decreased in patients with SSPE. The proportion of CD8(+) T cells expressing the inhibitory NKG2A(+) receptor was also decreased (1.7% ± 1.7% vs. 2.6% ± 1.9%, p = 0.007) in patients with SSPE, whereas the proportion of NK cells expressing activating NKG2C was increased compared with the control group (30.0% ± 17.3% vs. 22.2% ± 17.0%, p = 0.039). The decrease in the number of cells with regulatory phenotype, the lower presence of the inhibitory NK receptors on CD8(+) cells, and higher activating NK receptors on NK cells in SSPE indicate an upregulation of these cell types that favors their response. This state of active immune response may be caused by chronic stimulation of viral antigens leading to altered regulatory pathways.

Long-term decrease in calbindin-D28K expression in the hippocampus of epileptic rats following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

PubMed Central

Carter, Dawn S.; Harrison, Anne J.; Falenski, Katherine W.; Blair, Robert E.; DeLorenzo, Robert J.

2010-01-01

Summary Acquired epilepsy (AE) is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures and long-term changes that occur in surviving neurons following an injury such as status epilepticus (SE). Long-lasting alterations in hippocampal Ca2+ homeostasis have been observed in both in vivo and in vitro models of AE. One major regulator of Ca2+ homeostasis is the neuronal calcium binding protein, calbindin-D28k that serves to buffer and transport Ca2+ ions. This study evaluated the expression of hippocampal calbindin levels in the rat pilocarpine model of AE. Calbindin protein expression was reduced over 50% in the hippocampus in epileptic animals. This decrease was observed in the pyramidal layer of CA1, stratum lucidum of CA3, hilus, and stratum granulosum and stratum moleculare of the dentate gyrus when corrected for cell loss. Furthermore, calbindin levels in individual neurons were also significantly reduced. In addition, the expression of calbindin mRNA was decreased in epileptic animals. Time course studies demonstrated that decreased calbindin expression was initially present 1 month following pilocarpine-induced SE and lasted for up to 2 years after the initial episode of SE. The results indicate that calbindin is essentially permanently decreased in the hippocampus in AE. This decrease in hippocampal calbindin may be a major contributing factor underlying some of the plasticity changes that occur in epileptogenesis and contribute to the alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis associated with AE. PMID:18394865

Urine output - decreased

MedlinePlus

... this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003147.htm Urine output - decreased To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Decreased urine output means that you produce less urine than ...

Loss of Bmal1 decreases oocyte fertilization, early embryo development and implantation potential in female mice.

PubMed

Xu, Jian; Li, Yan; Wang, Yizi; Xu, Yanwen; Zhou, Canquan

2016-10-01

Biological clock genes expressed in reproductive tissues play important roles in maintaining the normal functions of reproductive system. However, disruption of female circadian rhythm on oocyte fertilization, preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst implantation potential is still unclear. In this study, ovulation, in vivo and in vitro oocyte fertilization, embryo development, implantation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ovary and oviduct were studied in female Bmal1+/+ and Bmal1-/- mice. The number of naturally ovulated oocyte in Bmal1-/- mice decreased (5.2 ± 0.8 vs 7.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.001), with an increasing abnormal oocyte ratio (20.4 ± 3.5 vs 11.7 ± 2.0%, P = 0.001) after superovulation. Significantly lower fertilization rate and obtained blastocyst number were observed in Bmal1-/- female mice either mated with wild-type in vivo or fertilized by sperm from wild-type male mice in vitro (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, in vitro fertilization rate of oocytes derived from Bmal1-/- increased significantly compared with in vivo study (P < 0.01). After transferring blastocysts derived from Bmal1+/+ and Bmal1-/- female mice to pseudopregnant mice, the implantation sites of the latter decreased 5 days later (8.0 ± 0.8 vs 5.3 ± 1.0, P = 0.005). The intracellular ROS levels in the ovary on proestrus day and in the oviduct on metestrus day increased significantly in Bmal1-/- mice compared with that of Bmal1+/+ mice. Deletion of the core biological clock gene Bmal1 significantly decreases oocyte fertilization rate, early embryo development and implantation potential in female mice, and these may be possibly caused by excess ROS levels generated in ovary and oviduct.

Influence of container adsorption upon observed pyrethroid toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Hyalella azteca

PubMed Central

Wheelock, Craig E.; Miller, Jeff L.; Miller, Mike J.; Phillips, Bryn M.; Gee, Shirley J.; Tjeerdema, Ronald S.; Hammock, Bruce D.

2006-01-01

Pyrethroid insecticides are known for their potential toxicity to aquatic invertebrates and many fish species. A significant problem in the study of pyrethroid toxicity is their extreme hydrophobicity. They can adsorb to test container surfaces and many studies, therefore, report pyrethroid levels as nominal water concentrations. In this study, pyrethroid adsorption to sampling and test containers was measured and several container treatments were examined for their ability to decrease pyrethroid adsorption. None of the chemical treatments were successful at preventing pyrethroid loss from aqueous samples, but vortexing of containers served to resuspend pyrethroids. The effects of the observed adsorption on Ceriodaphnia dubia and Hyalella azteca permethrin toxicity were examined. Species-specific results showed a time-dependent decrease in toxicity following pyrethroid adsorption to test containers for C. dubia, but not for H. azteca. These results demonstrate that pyrethroid adsorption to containers can significantly affect the observed outcome in toxicity-testing and serves as a caution for researchers and testing laboratories. PMID:15951033

Decreased long- and short-range functional connectivity at rest in drug-naive major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Guo, Wenbin; Liu, Feng; Chen, Jindong; Wu, Renrong; Zhang, Zhikun; Yu, Miaoyu; Xue, Zhimin; Zhao, Jingping

2016-08-01

Abnormal functional connectivity has been observed in major depressive disorder. Anatomical distance may affect functional connectivity in patients with major depressive disorder. However, whether and how anatomical distance affects functional connectivity at rest remains unclear in drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder. Forty-four patients with major depressive disorder, as well as 44 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls, underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Regional functional connectivity strength was calculated for each voxel in the whole brain, which was further divided into short- and long-range functional connectivity strength. The patients showed decreased long-range positive functional connectivity strength in the right inferior parietal lobule, as well as decreased short-range positive functional connectivity strength in the right insula and right superior temporal gyrus relative to those of the controls. No significant correlations existed between abnormal functional connectivity strength and the clinical variables of the patients. The findings revealed that anatomical distance decreases long- and short-range functional connectivity strength in patients with major depressive disorder, which may underlie the neurobiology of major depressive disorder. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2015.

Early decreased TLR2 expression on monocytes is associated with their reduced phagocytic activity and impaired maturation in a porcine polytrauma model

PubMed Central

Schimunek, Lukas; Serve, Rafael; Teuben, Michel P. J.; Störmann, Philipp; Auner, Birgit; Woschek, Mathias; Pfeifer, Roman; Horst, Klemens; Simon, Tim-P.; Kalbitz, Miriam; Sturm, Ramona; Pape, Hans-C.; Hildebrand, Frank; Marzi, Ingo

2017-01-01

In their post-traumatic course, trauma patients suffering from multiple injuries have a high risk for immune dysregulation, which may contribute to post-injury complications and late mortality. Monocytes as specific effector cells of the innate immunity play a crucial role in inflammation. Using their Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), notably Toll-Like Receptors (TLR), the monocytes recognize pathogens and/or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and organize their clearance. TLR2 is the major receptor for particles of gram-positive bacteria, and initiates their phagocytosis. Here, we investigated the phagocytizing capability of monocytes in a long-term porcine severe trauma model (polytrauma, PT) with regard to their TLR2 expression. Polytrauma consisted of femur fracture, unilateral lung contusion, liver laceration, hemorrhagic shock with subsequent resuscitation and surgical fracture fixation. After induction of PT, peripheral blood was withdrawn before (-1 h) and directly after trauma (0 h), as well as 3.5 h, 5.5 h, 24 h and 72 h later. CD14+ monocytes were identified and the expression levels of H(S)LA-DR and TLR2 were investigated by flow cytometry. Additionally, the phagocytizing activity of monocytes by applying S. aureus particles labelled with pHrodo fluorescent reagent was also assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, blood samples from 10 healthy pigs were exposed to a TLR2-neutralizing antibody and subsequently to S. aureus particles. Using flow cytometry, phagocytizing activity was determined. P below 0.05 was considered significant. The number of CD14+ monocytes of all circulating leukocytes remained constant during the observational time period, while the percentage of CD14+H(S)LA-DR+ monocytes significantly decreased directly, 3.5 h and 5.5 h after trauma. The percentage of TLR2+ expressing cells out of all monocytes significantly decreased directly, 3.5 h and 5.5 h after trauma. The percentage of phagocytizing monocytes decreased

Use of injectable promethazine to decrease symptom scores of Space Motion Sickness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beck, B. G.; Nicogossian, A. E.

1992-01-01

Space motion sickness (SMS) has been a problem affecting approximately 74 percent of first time shuttle flyers. Promethazine injections have been used for 29 cases of SMS to decrease the severity of their illness. Although reported to be effective in reducing symptoms in 27 of the 29 cases, there has been no proof of its efficacy. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical debriefs examining the symptom scores for nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and stomach awareness were performed. Each symptom is rated on a mild = 1, moderate = 2, severe = 3 system for each flight day. Crewmember scores for the first three flight days on an initial flight in which injectable promethazine had not been used were compared to scores in a later flight in which the promethazine was utilized. Scores were also compared in a similar group of crewmembers who did not use promethazine. Results: There was a decrease in median scores for all symptoms except nausea, however, it was significant (p = 0.14) only for the vomiting scores. This significant decrease was not seen in the control group. Conclusions: Injectable promethazine has been associated with a significant decrease in vomiting compared to earlier flights in which injectable promethazine was not used.

Enoxacin decreases the clearance of theophylline in man.

PubMed Central

Wijnands, W J; Vree, T B; Van Herwaarden, C L

1985-01-01

In patients treated concurrently with theophylline and enoxacin, a new broad-spectrum antibacterial agent of the quinolone class, unexpectedly high plasma theophylline concentrations were measured. In part I of this study, daily plasma theophylline concentrations were measured in 14 patients. The mean +/- s.d. theophylline concentrations increased from 8.5 +/- 2.8 micrograms ml-1 prior to enoxacin to a maximum of 21.7 +/- 7.8 micrograms ml-1 during coadministration. In part II, six of these patients received aminophylline intravenously at a constant infusion rate and under controlled conditions. Plasma theophylline concentrations rose from 8.4 +/- 2.4 micrograms ml-1 prior to enoxacin treatment to 15.0 +/- 5.1 micrograms ml-1 at day 3 of coadministration (P less than 0.005). Plasma protein-binding and renal clearance of theophylline remained unchanged, whereas total body clearance of theophylline significantly decreased (P less than 0.005). From these observations it is concluded that the rise of plasma theophylline concentrations is caused by a reduced metabolic clearance of theophylline. If concomitant use of both drugs is necessary, monitoring of plasma theophylline concentration and adjustment of the theophylline dose is recommended. PMID:3867394

An anthocyanin rich strawberry extract induces apoptosis and ROS while decreases glycolysis and fibrosis in human uterine leiomyoma cells

PubMed Central

Janjusevic, Milijana; Gasparrini, Massimiliano; Forbes-Hernandez, Tamara Y.; Mazzoni, Luca; Greco, Stefania; Giannubilo, Stefano Raffaele; Ciavattini, Andrea; Mezzetti, Bruno; Capocasa, Franco; Castellucci, Mario; Battino, Maurizio; Ciarmela, Pasquapina

2017-01-01

Uterine leiomyomas are highly prevalent benign tumors in reproductive aged women. Unfortunately, medical treatments are still limited and no preventive therapies have been developed. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of strawberry extract on uterine leiomyoma cells. Leiomyoma and myometrial cells were treated with strawberry (cultivar Alba) extract (250 μg/ml) for 48 h to measure apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative phosphorylation (OCR, oxygen consumption rate) and glycolysis (ECAR, extracellular acidification rate) as well as fibrosis associated gene and/or protein expression. In leiomyoma cells, strawberry increased the percentage of apoptotic and dead cells. Strawberry significantly increased ROS concentration in leiomyoma cells, while decreased it in myometrial cells. After strawberry treatment, leiomyoma cells showed a significant decreased rate of ECAR, while OCR was unchanged in both myometrial and leiomyoma cells. Strawberry significantly decreased collagen1A1, fibronectin and versican mRNA expression in leiomyoma cells. The reduced protein expression of fibronectin was observed by strawberry extract in leiomyoma cells as well. Furthermore, strawberry was able to reduce activin A induced fibronectin, collagen1A1, and versican as well as activin A and PAI-1 mRNA expression in leiomyoma cells. This study suggests that strawberry can be developed as therapeutic and/or preventive agent for uterine leiomyomas. PMID:28212568

Fault Zone Permeability Decrease Following Large Earthquakes in a Hydrothermal System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zheming; Zhang, Shouchuan; Yan, Rui; Wang, Guangcai

2018-02-01

Seismic wave shaking-induced permeability enhancement in the shallow crust has been widely observed. Permeability decrease, however, is seldom reported. In this study, we document coseismic discharge and temperature decrease in a hot spring following the 1996 Lijiang Mw 7.0 and the 2004 Mw 9.0 earthquakes in the Balazhang geothermal field. We use three different models to constrain the permeability change and the mechanism of coseismic discharge decrease, and we use an end-member mixing model for the coseismic temperature change. Our results show that the earthquake-induced permeability decrease in the fault zone reduced the recharge from deep hot water, which may be the mechanism that explains the coseismic discharge and temperature responses. The changes in the hot spring response reflect the dynamic changes in the hydrothermal system; in the future, the earthquake-induced permeability decrease should be considered when discussing controls on permeability.

Habitual fish consumption does not prevent a decrease in LCPUFA status in pregnant women (the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study).

PubMed

Bonham, M P; Duffy, E M; Wallace, J M W; Robson, P J; Myers, G J; Davidson, P W; Clarkson, T W; Shamlaye, C F; Strain, J J

2008-06-01

Information on the status of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in pregnancy and breast milk in very high fish-eating populations is limited. The aim of this study was to examine dietary intake and changes in fatty acid status in a population of pregnant women in the Republic of Seychelles. Serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) decreased significantly between 28-week gestation and delivery (n=196). DHA status did not correlate significantly with length of gestation and was not associated with self-reported fish intake, which was high at 527 g/week. In breast milk, the ratio of DHA to arachidonic acid (AA) was consistent with those observed in other high fish-eating populations. Overall the data suggest that high exposure to LCPUFAs from habitual fish consumption does not prevent the documented decrease in LCPUFA status in pregnancy that occurs as a result of foetal accretion in the third trimester of pregnancy.

BOLD repetition decreases in object-responsive ventral visual areas depend on spatial attention.

PubMed

Eger, E; Henson, R N A; Driver, J; Dolan, R J

2004-08-01

Functional imaging studies of priming-related repetition phenomena have become widely used to study neural object representation. Although blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) repetition decreases can sometimes be observed without awareness of repetition, any role for spatial attention in BOLD repetition effects remains largely unknown. We used fMRI in 13 healthy subjects to test whether BOLD repetition decreases for repeated objects in ventral visual cortices depend on allocation of spatial attention to the prime. Subjects performed a size-judgment task on a probe object that had been attended or ignored in a preceding prime display of 2 lateralized objects. Reaction times showed faster responses when the probe was the same object as the attended prime, independent of the view tested (identical vs. mirror image). No behavioral effect was evident from unattended primes. BOLD repetition decreases for attended primes were found in lateral occipital and fusiform regions bilaterally, which generalized across identical and mirror-image repeats. No repetition decreases were observed for ignored primes. Our results suggest a critical role for attention in achieving visual representations of objects that lead to both BOLD signal decreases and behavioral priming on repeated presentation.

Traumatic brain injury decreases serotonin transporter expression in the rat cerebrum.

PubMed

Abe, Keiichi; Shimada, Ryo; Okada, Yoshikazu; Kibayashi, Kazuhiko

2016-04-01

An association has been postulated between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression. The serotonin transporter (SERT) regulates the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and represents a molecular target for antidepressants. We hypothesized that SERT expression in the brain changes following TBI. We performed immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis for mRNA and western blot analysis for protein to examine the time-dependent changes in SERT expression in the cerebrum during the first 14 days after TBI, using a controlled cortical impact model in rats. SERT immunoreactivity in neuronal fibres within the area adjacent to the cortical contusion decreased 1 to 14 days after injury. Significantly decreased SERT mRNA and protein expression were noted in the area adjacent to the cortical contusion 7 days after injury. There were no significant changes in SERT expression in the cingulum of the injured brain. The findings of this study indicate that TBI decreases SERT expression in the cerebral cortex. The decreased levels of SERT expression after TBI may result in decreased serotonin neurotransmission in the brain and indicate a possible relationship with depression following TBI.

Peripheral magnetic stimulation to decrease spasticity in cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Flamand, Véronique H; Beaulieu, Louis-David; Nadeau, Line; Schneider, Cyril

2012-11-01

Muscle spasticity in pediatric cerebral palsy limits movement and disrupts motor performance, thus its reduction is important in rehabilitation to optimize functional motor development. Our pilot study used repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation, because this emerging technology influences spinal and cerebral synaptic transmission, and its antispastic effects were reported in adult neurologic populations. We tested whether five sessions of tibial and common peroneal nerve stimulation exerted acute and long-term effects on spasticity of the ankle plantar flexor muscles in five spastic diparetic children (mean age, 8 years and 3 months; standard deviation, 1 year and 10 months). Muscle resistance to fast stretching was measured with a manual dynamometer as a spasticity indicator. A progressive decrease was observed for the more impaired leg, reaching significance at the third session. This sustained reduction of spasticity may reflect that the peripheral stimulation improved the controls over the spinal circuitry. It thus suggests that a massive stimulation-induced recruitment of sensory afferents may be able to influence central nervous system plasticity in pediatric cerebral palsy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decreased runoff response to precipitation, Little Missouri River Basin, northern Great Plains, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Griffin, Eleanor R.; Friedman, Jonathan M.

2017-01-01

High variability in precipitation and streamflow in the semiarid northern Great Plains causes large uncertainty in water availability. This uncertainty is compounded by potential effects of future climate change. We examined historical variability in annual and growing season precipitation, temperature, and streamflow within the Little Missouri River Basin and identified differences in the runoff response to precipitation for the period 1976-2012 compared to 1939-1975 (n = 37 years in both cases). Computed mean values for the second half of the record showed little change (<5%) in annual or growing season precipitation, but average annual runoff at the basin outlet decreased by 22%, with 66% of the reduction in flow occurring during the growing season. Our results show a statistically significant (p < 0.10) 27% decrease in the annual runoff response to precipitation (runoff ratio). Surface-water withdrawals for various uses appear to account for <12% of the reduction in average annual flow volume, and we found no published or reported evidence of substantial flow reduction caused by groundwater pumping in this basin. Results of our analysis suggest that increases in monthly average maximum and minimum temperatures, including >1°C increases in January through March, are the dominant driver of the observed decrease in runoff response to precipitation in the Little Missouri River Basin.

Decreased Stress Levels in Nurses: A Benefit of Quiet Time.

PubMed

Riemer, Heather C; Mates, Joanna; Ryan, Linda; Schleder, Bonnie J

2015-09-01

The benefits of quiet time, a therapeutic method of improving the health care environment, have been evaluated in patients, but only a few studies have examined the effects of quiet time on intensive care nurses. To evaluate the effects of implementing quiet time in a medical-surgical intensive care unit on levels of light, noise, and nurses' stress. Quiet time consisted of turning down the unit lights for a designated time. Levels of light, noise, and nurses' stress were measured. Nurses' stress levels were measured by using a 100-point visual analog scale; unit noise, by using a digital sound level meter (model 407736, Extech Instruments); and unit light, by using an illumination light meter (model 615, Huygen Corporation). Measurements were obtained 30 minutes before and 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after implementation of quiet time. Analysis of variance and comparisons of means indicated that both light levels and nurses' stress levels were significantly decreased after quiet time (both P < .001). Noise levels were also decreased after quiet time, but the decrease was not significant (P = .08). Use of quiet time resulted in decreased light levels and decreased stress levels among nurses. Quiet time is an easily performed energy-saving intervention to promote a healthy work environment. ©2015 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

[Effects of Fluoxetine on Nogo Expression and Collagen Production with Decrease of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Rats with Right Ventricular Failure.

PubMed

Ran, Xun; Zhao, Jian-Xun; Nie, Hu; Chen, Yu-Cheng

2016-11-01

To investigate the effect of fluoxetine on neurite growth inhibitor (Nogo) expession and collagen production of cardiac tissue in rats with right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Thirty one male SD rats were randomly divided into the treatment group,right heart failure group and normal control group.The rats in the treatment group and right heart failure group received intrapertioneal injection of monocrotaline (MCT,60 mg/kg) to induce pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.After 21 days,the rats in treatment group were given fluoxetine of 10 mg/(kg×d) by gavage per day for 21 days,the rats in the other two groups were given saline.HE staining was used to observe the pulmonary artery and right ventricular myocardial tissue in rats.The collagen formation in right ventricular myocardium was observed by Masson staining.The expressions of Nogo-A, Nogo-B ,type1collagen and type 3 collagen mRNA in myocardium were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,while the semi quantitative measurement of Nogo protein level was detected by Western blot. After the intervention of fluoxetine,pulmonary artery stenosis was significantly reduced,myocardial tissue lesion decreased,collagen synthesis decreased in right ventricular myocardium.RT-PCR showed that mRNA of Nogo-A decreased,and mRNA of Nogo-B increased ( P <0.05).Western blot showed that the expression of Nogo-A protein decreased,while Nogo-B1 protein expression increased ( P <0.05),Nogo-B2 expression was not significantly changed ( P >0.05). Nogo may affect the collagen synthesis in right heart failure,and partly involved in myocardial fibrosis.

Kyphoplasty increases vertebral height, decreases both pain score and opiate requirements while improving functional status.

PubMed

Tolba, Reda; Bolash, Robert B; Shroll, Joshua; Costandi, Shrif; Dalton, Jarrod E; Sanghvi, Chirag; Mekhail, Nagy

2014-03-01

Vertebral compression fractures can result from advanced osteoporosis, or less commonly from metastatic or traumatic insults to the vertebral column, and result in disabling pain and decreased functional capacity. Various vertebral augmentation options including kyphoplasty aim at preventing the sequelae of pain and immobility that can develop as the result of the vertebral fractures. The mechanism for pain relief following kyphoplasty is not entirely understood, and the restoration of a portion of the lost vertebral height is a subject of debate. We retrospectively reviewed radiographic imaging, pain relief, analgesic intake and functional outcomes in 67 consecutive patients who underwent single- or multilevel kyphoplasty with the primary goal of quantifying the restoration of lost vertebral height. We observed a mean of 45% of the lost vertebral height restored postprocedurally. Secondarily, kyphoplasty was associated with significant decreases in pain scores, daily morphine consumption and improvement in patient-reported functional measures. © 2013 World Institute of Pain.

Ipragliflozin Improves Glycemic Control and Decreases Body Fat in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Kawata, Takehiro; Iizuka, Takashi; Iemitsu, Kotaro; Takihata, Masahiro; Takai, Masahiko; Nakajima, Shigeru; Minami, Nobuaki; Umezawa, Shinichi; Kanamori, Akira; Takeda, Hiroshi; Ito, Shogo; Kikuchi, Taisuke; Amemiya, Hikaru; Kaneshiro, Mizuki; Mokubo, Atsuko; Takuma, Tetsuo; Machimura, Hideo; Tanaka, Keiji; Asakura, Taro; Kubota, Akira; Aoyanagi, Sachio; Hoshino, Kazuhiko; Ishikawa, Masashi; Matsuzawa, Yoko; Obana, Mitsuo; Sasai, Nobuo; Kaneshige, Hideaki; Minagawa, Fuyuki; Saito, Tatsuya; Shinoda, Kazuaki; Miyakawa, Masaaki; Tanaka, Yasushi; Terauchi, Yasuo; Matsuba, Ikuro

2017-07-01

Ipragliflozin, a sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor, was administered to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for 24 weeks to evaluate its effect on glycemic control and body composition. This was an investigator-initiated multicenter prospective intervention study in which ipragliflozin (50 mg) was administered once daily and glycemic control, blood pressure, body weight (BW), body composition (measured by a biological impedance method), the lipid profile, and adverse events were evaluated after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment. Efficacy and safety up to 24 weeks of ipragliflozin therapy were analyzed in 367 patients and 451 patients, respectively. Hemoglobin A1c decreased significantly from 8.07% at the start of ipragliflozin therapy to 7.26% in week 24 (P < 0.001). Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly reduced by ipragliflozin. In week 24, there were significant decreases from baseline in BW (-2.6 kg), waist circumference (-2.9 cm), and body fat mass (-1.9 kg) (P < 0.001). The body water mass and mineral mass were decreased significantly by 0.5 and by 0.1 kg, respectively (P < 0.001), whereas the protein mass did not change significantly. Intracellular water mass did not change significantly, whereas extracellular water mass showed a significant decrease of 0.5 kg (P < 0.001). Muscle mass did not change in the upper and lower limbs, but that of the trunk decreased significantly (P < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the fasting triglyceride level and a significant increase in fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was unchanged. Adverse events occurred in 23.5% of the patients, with a high frequency of genital infections, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (3.1%) and genital pruritus (1.8%). Adverse drug reactions were noted in 13.7% of the patients. Administration of ipragliflozin for 24 weeks improved glycemic control and decreased BW. Reduction of body fat

Recovery of decreased bone mineral mass after lower-limb fractures in adolescents.

PubMed

Ceroni, Dimitri; Martin, Xavier E; Delhumeau, Cécile; Farpour-Lambert, Nathalie J; De Coulon, Geraldo; Dubois-Ferrière, Victor; Rizzoli, René

2013-06-05

Loss of bone mineral mass, muscle atrophy, and functional limitations are predictable consequences of immobilization and subsequent weight-bearing restriction due to leg or ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to prospectively determine whether decreased bone mineral mass following lower-limb fractures recovers at follow-up durations of six and eighteen months in adolescents. In the present study, we included fifty adolescents who underwent cast immobilization for a leg or ankle fracture. Dual x-ray absorptiometry scans of four different sites (total hip, femoral neck, entire lower limb, and calcaneus) were performed at the time of the fracture, at cast removal, and at follow-ups of six and eighteen months. Patients with fractures were paired with healthy controls according to sex, age, and ethnicity. Dual x-ray absorptiometry values were compared between groups and between injured and non-injured legs in adolescents with fractures. Among those with fractures, lower-limb bone mineral variables were significantly lower at the injured side compared with the non-injured side at cast removal, with differences ranging from 6.2% to 31.7% (p < 0.0001). Similarly, injured adolescents had significantly lower bone mineral values at the level of the injured lower limb compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). At the six-month follow-up, there were still significant residual differences between injured and non-injured legs in adolescents with fractures (p < 0.0001). However, a significant residual difference between healthy controls and injured adolescents was present only for femoral neck bone mineral density (p = 0.011). At the eighteen-month follow-up, no significant difference was observed at any lower-limb site. Bone mineral loss following a fracture of the lower limb in adolescents is highly significant and affects the lower limb both proximal to and distal to the fracture site. In contrast to observations in adults, a rapid bone mass reversal occurs

Does precision decrease with set size?

PubMed Central

Mazyar, Helga; van den Berg, Ronald; Ma, Wei Ji

2012-01-01

The brain encodes visual information with limited precision. Contradictory evidence exists as to whether the precision with which an item is encoded depends on the number of stimuli in a display (set size). Some studies have found evidence that precision decreases with set size, but others have reported constant precision. These groups of studies differed in two ways. The studies that reported a decrease used displays with heterogeneous stimuli and tasks with a short-term memory component, while the ones that reported constancy used homogeneous stimuli and tasks that did not require short-term memory. To disentangle the effects of heterogeneity and short-memory involvement, we conducted two main experiments. In Experiment 1, stimuli were heterogeneous, and we compared a condition in which target identity was revealed before the stimulus display with one in which it was revealed afterward. In Experiment 2, target identity was fixed, and we compared heterogeneous and homogeneous distractor conditions. In both experiments, we compared an optimal-observer model in which precision is constant with set size with one in which it depends on set size. We found that precision decreases with set size when the distractors are heterogeneous, regardless of whether short-term memory is involved, but not when it is homogeneous. This suggests that heterogeneity, not short-term memory, is the critical factor. In addition, we found that precision exhibits variability across items and trials, which may partly be caused by attentional fluctuations. PMID:22685337

Satellite observations of the impact of weak volcanic activity on marine clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gassó, Santiago

2008-07-01

Because emissions from weak volcanic eruptions tend to remain in the low troposphere, they may have a significant radiative impact through the indirect effect on clouds. However, this type of volcanic activity is underreported and its global impact has been assessed only by model simulations constrained with very limited observations. First observations of the impact of high-latitude active volcanoes on marine boundary layer clouds are reported here. These observations were made using a combination of standard derived products and visible images from the MODIS, AMSR-E and GOES detectors. Two distinctive effects are identified. When there is an existing boundary layer cloud deck, an increase in cloud brightness and a decrease in both cloud effective radius and liquid water content were observed immediately downwind of the volcanoes. The visible appearance of these "volcano tracks" resembles the effect of man-made ship tracks. When synoptic conditions favor low cloudiness, the volcano plume (or volcano cloud) increases significantly the cloud cover downwind. The volcano cloud can extend for hundreds of kilometers until mixing with background clouds. Unlike violent eruptions, the volcano clouds reported here (the Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific and the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic) have retrieved microphysical properties similar to those observed in ship tracks. However, when comparing the volcano clouds from these two regions, liquid water content can decrease, increase or remain unchanged with respect to nearby unperturbed clouds. These differences suggest that composition at the source, type of eruption and meteorological conditions influence the evolution of the cloud.

Decreased bone mineral density in experimental myasthenia gravis in C57BL/6 mice.

PubMed

Oshima, Minako; Iida-Klein, Akiko; Maruta, Takahiro; Deitiker, Philip R; Atassi, M Zouhair

2017-09-01

Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), an animal model of myasthenia gravis (MG), can be induced in C57BL/6 (B6, H-2  b ) mice by 2-3 injections with Torpedo californica AChR (tAChR) in complete Freund's adjuvant. Some EAMG mice exhibit weight loss with muscle weakness. The loss in body weight, which is closely associated with bone structure, is particularly evident in EAMG mice with severe muscle weakness. However, the relationship between muscle weakness and bone loss in EAMG has not been studied before. Recent investigations on bone have shed light on association of bone health and immunological states. It is possible that muscle weakness in EAMG developed by anti-tAChR immune responses might accompany bone loss. We determined whether reduced muscle strength associates with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in EAMG mice. EAMG was induced by two injections at 4-week interval of tAChR and adjuvants in two different age groups. The first tAChR injection was either at age 8 weeks or at 15 weeks. We measured BMD at three skeletal sites, including femur, tibia, and lumbar vertebrae, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Among these bone areas, femur of EAMG mice in both age groups showed a significant decrease in BMD compared to control adjuvant-injected and to non-immunized mice. Reduction in BMD in induced EAMG at a later-age appears to parallel the severity of the disease. The results indicate that anti-tAChR autoimmune response alone can reduce bone density in EAMG mice. BMD reduction was also observed in adjuvant-injected mice in comparison to normal un-injected mice, suggesting that BMD decrease can occur even when muscle activity is normal. Decreased BMD observed in both tAChR-injected and adjuvant-injected mice groups were discussed in relation to innate immunity and bone-related immunology involving activated T cells and tumour necrosis factor-related cytokines that trigger osteoclastogenesis and bone loss.

Decreased frequency and function of circulating plasmocytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in hepatitis B virus infected humans.

PubMed

Duan, Xue-Zhang; Wang, Min; Li, Han-Wei; Zhuang, Hui; Xu, Dongping; Wang, Fu-Sheng

2004-11-01

The Type 2 precursor plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) represent the most important cell type in antiviral innate immunity. To understand the function of pDC during hepatitis B virus infection, the frequency and function of circulating pDC were analyzed by flow cytometric analysis, and IFN-alpha secretion of total PBMCs was determined by ELISA assay in 25 healthy subjects and 116 patients at various stages of chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB). The number of circulating pDC was found to be significantly lower in patients with CHB and associated liver cirrhosis (LC). The ability of PBMCs to secrete IFN-alpha also decreased significantly. There was a corresponding decrease of circulating NK cells and CD8+ T cells. We observed that lamuvidine antiviral therapy restored the number of circulating pDC and there was a reversal of pDC frequency with the control of HBV replication in chronic HBV patients, indicating these subjects are unlikely to be totally immunocompromised. The decrease of pDC was found to be related to nosocomial infections in LC patients. Our results suggest that CHB patients probably have a quantitative and qualitative impairment of circulating pDC or NK cells, which may be associated with HBV persistent infection as well as the nosocomial infections that arise in LC patients.

Does des-acyl ghrelin improve glycemic control in obese diabetic subjects by decreasing acylated ghrelin levels?

PubMed

Özcan, Behiye; Neggers, Sebastian J C M M; Miller, Anne Reifel; Yang, Hsiu-Chiung; Lucaites, Virginia; Abribat, Thierry; Allas, Soraya; Huisman, Martin; Visser, Jenny A; Themmen, Axel P N; Sijbrands, Eric J G; Delhanty, Patric J D; van der Lely, Aart Jan

2014-06-01

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a continuous overnight infusion of des-acyl ghrelin (DAG) on acylated ghrelin (AG) levels and glucose and insulin responses to a standard breakfast meal (SBM) in eight overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, in the same patients and two additional subjects, the effects of DAG infusion on AG concentrations and insulin sensitivity during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) were assessed. A double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study design was implemented, using overnight continuous infusions of 3 and 10  μg DAG/kg per h and placebo to study the effects on a SBM. During a HEC, we studied the insulin sensitivity. We observed that, compared with placebo, overnight DAG administration significantly decreased postprandial glucose levels, both during continuous glucose monitoring and at peak serum glucose levels. The degree of improvement in glycemia was correlated with baseline plasma AG concentrations. Concurrently, DAG infusion significantly decreased fasting and postprandial AG levels. During the HEC, 2.5  h of DAG infusion markedly decreased AG levels, and the M-index, a measure of insulin sensitivity, was significantly improved in the six subjects in whom we were able to attain steady-state euglycemia. DAG administration was not accompanied by many side effects when compared with placebo. DAG administration improves glycemic control in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes through the suppression of AG levels. DAG is a good candidate for the development of compounds in the treatment of metabolic disorders or other conditions with a disturbed AG:DAG ratio, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus or Prader-Willi syndrome. © 2014 European Society of Endocrinology.

Local CD34-positive capillaries decrease in mouse models of kidney disease associating with the severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions.

PubMed

Masum, Md Abdul; Ichii, Osamu; Elewa, Yaser Hosny Ali; Nakamura, Teppei; Kon, Yasuhiro

2017-09-04

The renal vasculature plays important roles in both homeostasis and pathology. In this study, we examined pathological changes in the renal microvascular in mouse models of kidney diseases. Glomerular lesions (GLs) in autoimmune disease-prone male BXSB/MpJ-Yaa (Yaa) mice and tubulointerstitial lesions (TILs) in male C57BL/6 mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) for 7 days were studied. Collected kidneys were examined using histopathological techniques. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test (P < 0.05) was performed to compare healthy controls and the experimental mice. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare three or more groups, and multiple comparisons were performed using Scheffe's method when significant differences were observed (P < 0.05). Yaa mice developed severe autoimmune glomerulonephritis, and the number of CD34 + glomerular capillaries decreased significantly in GLs compared to that in control mice. However, UUO-treated mice showed severe TILs only, and CD34 + tubulointerstitial capillaries were decreased significantly in TILs with the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared to those in untreated control kidneys. Infiltrations of B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages increased significantly in the respective lesions of both disease models (P < 0.05). In observations of vascular corrosion casts by scanning electron microscopy and of microfil rubber-perfused thick kidney sections by fluorescence microscopy, segmental absences of capillaries were observed in the GLs and TILs of Yaa and UUO-treated mice, respectively. Further, transmission electron microscopy revealed capillary endothelial injury in the respective lesions of both models. The numbers of CD34 + glomerular and tubulointerstitial capillaries were negatively correlated with all examined parameters in GLs (P < 0.05) and TILs (P < 0.01), respectively. From the analysis of mouse models, we identified inverse pathological correlations between the number of

A decrease in intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels is associated with higher mortality in prevalent hemodialysis patients

PubMed Central

Villa-Bellosta, Ricardo; Rodriguez-Osorio, Laura; Mas, Sebastian; Abadi, Younes; Rubert, Mercedes; de la Piedra, Concepción; Gracia-Iguacel, Carolina; Mahillo, Ignacio; Ortiz, Alberto; Egido, Jesús; González-Parra, Emilio

2017-01-01

Background The mortality of dialysis patients is 10- to 100-fold higher than in the general population. Baseline serum PTH levels, and more recently, changes in serum PTH levels (ΔPTH) over time, have been associated to mortality in dialysis patients. Methods We explored the relationship between ΔPTH over 1 year with mortality over the next year in a prospective cohort of 115 prevalent hemodialysis patients from a single center that had median baseline iPTH levels within guideline recommendations. Results Median baseline iPTH levels were 205 (116.5, 400) pg/ml. ΔiPTH between baseline and 1 year was 85.2 ± 57.1 pg/ml. During the second year of follow-up, 27 patients died. ΔiPTH was significantly higher in patients who survived (+157.30 ± 25.82 pg/ml) than in those who died (+39.03 ± 60.95 pg/ml), while baseline iPTH values were not significantly different. The highest mortality (48%) was observed in patients with a decrease in ΔiPTH (ΔiPTH quartile 1, negative ΔiPTH) and the lowest (12%) mortality in quartile 3 ΔiPTH (ΔiPTH increase 101–300 pg/ml). In a logistic regression model, ΔiPTH was associated with mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.998 (95% CI 0.996–0999, p = 0.038). In multivariable analysis, mortality risk was 73% and 88% lower for patients with ΔiPTH 0–100 pg/ml and 101–300 pg/ml, respectively, than for those with a decrease in ΔiPTH. In patients with a decrease in ΔiPTH, the OR for death was 4.131 (1.515–11.27)(p = 0.006). Conclusions In prevalent hemodialysis patients with median baseline iPTH values within the guideline recommended range, a decrease in ΔiPTH was associated with higher mortality. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms and therapeutic implications of this observation that challenges current clinical practice. PMID:28339474

Decreasing Fires in Mediterranean Europe

PubMed Central

Turco, Marco; Bedia, Joaquín; Di Liberto, Fabrizio; Fiorucci, Paolo; von Hardenberg, Jost; Koutsias, Nikos; Llasat, Maria-Carmen; Xystrakis, Fotios; Provenzale, Antonello

2016-01-01

Forest fires are a serious environmental hazard in southern Europe. Quantitative assessment of recent trends in fire statistics is important for assessing the possible shifts induced by climate and other environmental/socioeconomic changes in this area. Here we analyse recent fire trends in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and Greece, building on a homogenized fire database integrating official fire statistics provided by several national/EU agencies. During the period 1985-2011, the total annual burned area (BA) displayed a general decreasing trend, with the exception of Portugal, where a heterogeneous signal was found. Considering all countries globally, we found that BA decreased by about 3020 km2 over the 27-year-long study period (i.e. about -66% of the mean historical value). These results are consistent with those obtained on longer time scales when data were available, also yielding predominantly negative trends in Spain and France (1974-2011) and a mixed trend in Portugal (1980-2011). Similar overall results were found for the annual number of fires (NF), which globally decreased by about 12600 in the study period (about -59%), except for Spain where, excluding the provinces along the Mediterranean coast, an upward trend was found for the longer period. We argue that the negative trends can be explained, at least in part, by an increased effort in fire management and prevention after the big fires of the 1980’s, while positive trends may be related to recent socioeconomic transformations leading to more hazardous landscape configurations, as well as to the observed warming of recent decades. We stress the importance of fire data homogenization prior to analysis, in order to alleviate spurious effects associated with non-stationarities in the data due to temporal variations in fire detection efforts. PMID:26982584

Decreasing Fires in Mediterranean Europe.

PubMed

Turco, Marco; Bedia, Joaquín; Di Liberto, Fabrizio; Fiorucci, Paolo; von Hardenberg, Jost; Koutsias, Nikos; Llasat, Maria-Carmen; Xystrakis, Fotios; Provenzale, Antonello

2016-01-01

Forest fires are a serious environmental hazard in southern Europe. Quantitative assessment of recent trends in fire statistics is important for assessing the possible shifts induced by climate and other environmental/socioeconomic changes in this area. Here we analyse recent fire trends in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and Greece, building on a homogenized fire database integrating official fire statistics provided by several national/EU agencies. During the period 1985-2011, the total annual burned area (BA) displayed a general decreasing trend, with the exception of Portugal, where a heterogeneous signal was found. Considering all countries globally, we found that BA decreased by about 3020 km2 over the 27-year-long study period (i.e. about -66% of the mean historical value). These results are consistent with those obtained on longer time scales when data were available, also yielding predominantly negative trends in Spain and France (1974-2011) and a mixed trend in Portugal (1980-2011). Similar overall results were found for the annual number of fires (NF), which globally decreased by about 12600 in the study period (about -59%), except for Spain where, excluding the provinces along the Mediterranean coast, an upward trend was found for the longer period. We argue that the negative trends can be explained, at least in part, by an increased effort in fire management and prevention after the big fires of the 1980's, while positive trends may be related to recent socioeconomic transformations leading to more hazardous landscape configurations, as well as to the observed warming of recent decades. We stress the importance of fire data homogenization prior to analysis, in order to alleviate spurious effects associated with non-stationarities in the data due to temporal variations in fire detection efforts.

The significance of HIV 'blips' in resource-limited settings: is it the same? analysis of the treat Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) and the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD).

PubMed

Kanapathipillai, Rupa; McManus, Hamish; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Lim, Poh Lian; Templeton, David J; Law, Matthew; Woolley, Ian

2014-01-01

Magnitude and frequency of HIV viral load blips in resource-limited settings, has not previously been assessed. This study was undertaken in a cohort from a high income country (Australia) known as AHOD (Australian HIV Observational Database) and another cohort from a mixture of Asian countries of varying national income per capita, TAHOD (TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database). Blips were defined as detectable VL (≥ 50 copies/mL) preceded and followed by undetectable VL (<50 copies/mL). Virological failure (VF) was defined as two consecutive VL ≥50 copies/ml. Cox proportional hazard models of time to first VF after entry, were developed. 5040 patients (AHOD n = 2597 and TAHOD n = 2521) were included; 910 (18%) of patients experienced blips. 744 (21%) and 166 (11%) of high- and middle/low-income participants, respectively, experienced blips ever. 711 (14%) experienced blips prior to virological failure. 559 (16%) and 152 (10%) of high- and middle/low-income participants, respectively, experienced blips prior to virological failure. VL testing occurred at a median frequency of 175 and 91 days in middle/low- and high-income sites, respectively. Longer time to VF occurred in middle/low income sites, compared with high-income sites (adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) 0.41; p<0.001), adjusted for year of first cART, Hepatitis C co-infection, cART regimen, and prior blips. Prior blips were not a significant predictor of VF in univariate analysis (AHR 0.97, p = 0.82). Differing magnitudes of blips were not significant in univariate analyses as predictors of virological failure (p = 0.360 for blip 50-≤1000, p = 0.309 for blip 50-≤400 and p = 0.300 for blip 50-≤200). 209 of 866 (24%) patients were switched to an alternate regimen in the setting of a blip. Despite a lower proportion of blips occurring in low/middle-income settings, no significant difference was found between settings. Nonetheless, a substantial number of participants were switched

Changing Emergence of Shigella Sero-Groups in Bangladesh: Observation from Four Different Diarrheal Disease Hospitals

PubMed Central

Das, Sumon Kumar; Ahmed, Shahnawaz; Ferdous, Farzana; Farzana, Fahmida Dil; Chisti, Mohammod Jobayer; Leung, Daniel T.; Malek, Mohammad Abdul; Talukder, Kaisar Ali; Bardhan, Pradip Kumar; Salam, Mohammed Abdus; Faruque, Abu Syed Golam; Raqib, Rubhana

2013-01-01

Background Shigellosis continues to be a public health challenge for developing countries, including Bangladesh. The aim of the study is to demonstrate recent changes in Shigella sero-groups and their geographical diversity. Methods Data were extracted from data archive of four diarrheal disease surveillance systems. A 2% sub sample from urban Dhaka Hospital (2008–2011; n = 10,650), and 10% from urban Mirpur Treatment Centre (2009–2011; n = 3,585), were enrolled systematically; whereas, all patients coming from the Health and Demographic Surveillance System area in rural Matlab (2008–2011; n = 6,399) and rural Mirzapur (2010–2011; n = 2,812) were included irrespective of age, sex, and disease severity. A fresh stool specimen was collected for identification of Shigella spp. Of them, 315 (3%) were positive for Shigella in Dhaka, 490 (8%) from Matlab, 109 (3%) from Mirpur and 369 (13%) from Mirzapur and considered as analyzable sample size. Results Among all Shigella isolates regardless of age, significant decreases in percentage of S. flexneri over time was observed in Mirpur (55→29%; p value of χ2-for trend = 0.019) and Mirzapur (59→47%; p = 0.025). A non-significant decrease was also seen in Dhaka (58→48%), while in Matlab there was a non-significant increase (73→81%). Similar patterns were observed among under-5 children at all sites. Emergence of S. sonnei was found in Dhaka (8→25%; p<0.001) and Mirpur (10→33%; p = 0.015), whereas it decreased in Mirzapur (32→23%; p = 0.056). The emergence of S. boydii was seen in all ages in Mirzapur [(3→28%; p<0.001); (3→27%; p<0.001)]. On the other hand, we saw non-significant percent reductions in S. boydii in Dhaka [overall (25→16%); under-5 (16→9%)]. Decreasing rates of Shigella dysenteriae were observed in Matlab, Mirpur and Mirzapur; whereas, in Dhaka it remained unchanged. Conclusion and Significance Emergence of S. sonnei and S. boydii as important

Greenland surface albedo changes in July 1981-2012 from satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Tao; Liang, Shunlin; Yu, Yunyue; Wang, Dongdong; Gao, Feng; Liu, Qiang

2013-12-01

Significant melting events over Greenland have been observed over the past few decades. This study presents an analysis of surface albedo change over Greenland using a 32-year consistent satellite albedo product from the global land surface satellite (GLASS) project together with ground measurements. Results show a general decreasing trend of surface albedo from 1981 to 2012 (-0.009 ± 0.002 decade-1, p < 0.01). However, a large decrease has occurred since 2000 (-0.028 ± 0.008 decade-1, p < 0.01) with most significant decreases at elevations between 1000 and 1500 m (-0.055 decade-1, p < 0.01) which may be associated with surface temperature increases. The surface radiative forcing from albedo changes is 2.73 W m-2 decade-1 and 3.06 W m-2 decade-1 under full-sky and clear-sky conditions, respectively, which indicates that surface albedo changes are likely to have a larger impact on the surface shortwave radiation budget than that caused by changes in the atmosphere over Greenland. A comparison made between satellite albedo products and data output from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) general circulation models (GCMs) shows that most of the CMIP5 models do not detect the significantly decreasing trends of albedo in recent decades. This suggests that more efforts are needed to improve our understanding and simulation of climate change at high latitudes.

Analysis of the Arctic system for freshwater cycle intensification: Observations and expectations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rawlins, M.A.; Steele, M.; Holland, M.M.; Adam, J.C.; Cherry, J.E.; Francis, J.A.; Groisman, P.Y.; Hinzman, L.D.; Huntington, T.G.; Kane, D.L.; Kimball, J.S.; Kwok, R.; Lammers, R.B.; Lee, C.M.; Lettenmaier, D.P.; McDonald, K.C.; Podest, E.; Pundsack, J.W.; Rudels, B.; Serreze, Mark C.; Shiklomanov, A.; Skagseth, O.; Troy, T.J.; Vorosmarty, C.J.; Wensnahan, M.; Wood, E.F.; Woodgate, R.; Yang, D.; Zhang, K.; Zhang, T.

2010-01-01

Hydrologic cycle intensification is an expected manifestation of a warming climate. Although positive trends in several global average quantities have been reported, no previous studies have documented broad intensification across elements of the Arctic freshwater cycle (FWC). In this study, the authors examine the character and quantitative significance of changes in annual precipitation, evapotranspiration, and river discharge across the terrestrial pan-Arctic over the past several decades from observations and a suite of coupled general circulation models (GCMs). Trends in freshwater flux and storage derived from observations across the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas are also described. With few exceptions, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and river discharge fluxes from observations and the GCMs exhibit positive trends. Significant positive trends above the 90% confidence level, however, are not present for all of the observations. Greater confidence in the GCM trends arises through lower interannual variability relative to trend magnitude. Put another way, intrinsic variability in the observations tends to limit confidence in trend robustness. Ocean fluxes are less certain, primarily because of the lack of long-term observations. Where available, salinity and volume flux data suggest some decrease in saltwater inflow to the Barents Sea (i.e., a decrease in freshwater outflow) in recent decades. A decline in freshwater storage across the central Arctic Ocean and suggestions that large-scale circulation plays a dominant role in freshwater trends raise questions as to whether Arctic Ocean freshwater flows are intensifying. Although oceanic fluxes of freshwater are highly variable and consistent trends are difficult to verify, the other components of the Arctic FWC do show consistent positive trends over recent decades. The broad-scale increases provide evidence that the Arctic FWC is experiencing intensification. Efforts that aim to develop an adequate

Meal Effects Confound Attempts to Counteract Rabeprazole-Induced Hypochlorhydria Decreases in Atazanavir Absorption.

PubMed

Faber, Kathleen Panter; Wu, Hsin-Fang; Yago, Marc R; Xu, Xiaohui; Kadiyala, Pathanjali; Frassetto, Lynda A; Benet, Leslie Z

2017-03-01

Clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions exist between gastric acid-reducing agents and certain weakly basic drugs that rely on acidic environments for optimal oral absorption. In this study, we examine whether the administration of betaine hydrochloride under fed conditions can enhance the absorption of atazanavir, an HIV-1 protease inhibitor, during pharmacologically-induced hypochlorhydria. In this randomized, single-dose, 3 period, crossover study healthy volunteers received ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (atazanavir/ritonavir 300/100 mg) alone, following pretreatment with the proton pump inhibitor rabeprazole (20 mg twice daily), and with 1500 mg of betaine HCl after rabeprazole pretreatment. Atazanavir was administered with a light meal and gastric pH was monitored using the Heidelberg Capsule. Pretreatment with rabeprazole resulted in significant reductions in atazanavir C max (p < 0.01) and AUC 0-last (p < 0.001) (71 and 70%, respectively), and modest decreases in ritonavir C max and AUC last (p < 0.01) (40% and 41%, respectively). The addition of betaine HCl restored 13% of ATV C max and 12% of AUC last lost due to rabeprazole. The co-administration of rabeprazole with atazanavir resulted in significant decreases in atazanavir exposure. The addition of betaine HCl did not sufficiently mitigate the loss of ATV exposure observed during RAB-induced hypochlorhydria. Meal effects lead to a marked difference in the outcome of betaine HCl on atazanavir exposure than we previously reported for dasatanib under fasting conditions.

Decreased levels of serum omentin-1 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Yin, Jian; Hou, Peng; Wu, Zhiqiang; Nie, Yanxiao

2015-01-10

Inflammation is involved in the mechanism of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Omentin, a newly discovered adipokine, is thought to play an anti-inflammatory role. This study aimed to determine whether serum levels of omentin-1 are associated with the presence and disease activity of IBD. This study consisted of 192 patients with IBD: 100 with Crohn's disease [CD], 92 with ulcerative colitis [UC], and 104 healthy subjects. Serum levels of omentin-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum omentin-1 levels were significantly decreased in CD and UC patients compared with healthy controls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that serum omentin-1 levels were inversely associated with the presence of CD and UC. Active CD and UC patients both had significantly decreased levels of serum omentin-1 compared with inactive CD and UC patients. In both CD and UC patients, serum omentin-1 levels were significantly associated with decreased levels of body mass index (BMI) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Decreased serum omentin-1 levels could be considered as an independent predicting marker of the presence and disease activity of IBD.

Cancer cachexia decreases specific force and accelerates fatigue in limb muscle

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

Roberts, B.M.; Frye, G.S.; Ahn, B.

Highlights: •C-26 cancer cachexia causes a significant decrease in limb muscle absolute force. •C-26 cancer cachexia causes a significant decrease in limb muscle specific force. •C-26 cancer cachexia decreases fatigue resistance in the soleus muscle. •C-26 cancer cachexia prolongs time to peak twitch tension in limb muscle. •C-26 cancer cachexia prolongs one half twitch relaxation time in limb muscle. -- Abstract: Cancer cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome that is characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and weakness, which compromises physical function, reduces quality of life, and ultimately can lead to mortality. Experimental models of cancer cachexia havemore » recapitulated this skeletal muscle atrophy and consequent decline in muscle force generating capacity. However, more recently, we provided evidence that during severe cancer cachexia muscle weakness in the diaphragm muscle cannot be entirely accounted for by the muscle atrophy. This indicates that muscle weakness is not just a consequence of muscle atrophy but that there is also significant contractile dysfunction. The current study aimed to determine whether contractile dysfunction is also present in limb muscles during severe Colon-26 (C26) carcinoma cachexia by studying the glycolytic extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle and the oxidative soleus muscle, which has an activity pattern that more closely resembles the diaphragm. Severe C-26 cancer cachexia caused significant muscle fiber atrophy and a reduction in maximum absolute force in both the EDL and soleus muscles. However, normalization to muscle cross sectional area further demonstrated a 13% decrease in maximum isometric specific force in the EDL and an even greater decrease (17%) in maximum isometric specific force in the soleus. Time to peak tension and half relaxation time were also significantly slowed in both the EDL and the solei from C-26 mice compared to controls. Since, in addition to postural control, the

Variations in the GCR Flux Associated with Heliospheric Transient Structures Near the August 20, 2006 Forbush Decrease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulligan, T.; Blake, J.; Spence, H. E.; Jordan, A. P.; Shaul, D.; Quenby, J.

2007-12-01

On August 20, 2006 a Forbush decrease observed at Polar in the Earth's magnetosphere was also seen at the INTEGRAL spacecraft outside the magnetosphere during a very active time in the solar wind. Data from Polar HIST and from INTEGRAL's Ge detector saturation rate (GEDSAT), which measures the GCR background with a threshold of ~200 MeV, show similar, short-period GCR variations in and around the Forbush decrease. The solar wind magnetic field and plasma conditions during this time reveals three interplanetary shocks present in the days leading up to and including the Forbush decrease. The first two shocks are driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and the last one by a high-speed stream. However, the solar wind following these shocks and during the Forbush decrease is not particularly geoeffective. The Forbush decrease, which begins at ~1200 UT on August 20, 2006 is the largest intensity change during this active time, but there are many others on a variety of timescales. Looking at more than 14 consecutive hours of INTEGRAL and Polar data on August 21, 2006 shows great similarities in the time history of the measurements made aboard the two satellites coupled with differences that must be due to GCR variability on a scale size of the order or less than their separation distance. Despite the spacecraft separation of over 25 Re, many of the larger intensity fluctuations remain identical at both satellites. Autocorrelation and power spectral analyses have shown these are not ar-n processes and that these fluctuations are statistically significant. Such analyses can be done with high confidence because both detectors aboard Polar and INTEGRAL have large geometric factors that generate high count rates on the order of 1000 particles per spin, ensuring rigorous, statistically significant samples.

Low Temperature Development Induces a Specific Decrease in trans-Δ3-Hexadecenoic Acid Content which Influences LHCII Organization 1

PubMed Central

Huner, Norman P. A.; Krol, Marianna; Williams, John P.; Maissan, Ellen; Low, Phillip S.; Roberts, Dane; Thompson, John E.

1987-01-01

Lipid and fatty acid analyses were performed on whole leaf extracts and isolated thylakoids from winter rye (Secale cereale L. cv Puma) grown at 5°C cold-hardened rye (RH) and 20°C nonhardened rye (RNH). Although no significant change in total lipid content was observed, growth at low, cold-hardening temperature resulted in a specific 67% (thylakoids) to 74% (whole leaves) decrease in the trans-Δ3-hexadecenoic acid (trans-16:1) level associated with phosphatidyldiacylglycerol (PG). Electron spin resonance and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated no significant difference in the fluidity of RH and RNH thylakoids. Separation of chlorophyll-protein complexes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the ratio of oligomeric light harvesting complex:monomeric light harvesting complex (LHCII1:LHCII3) was 2-fold higher in RNH than RH thylakoids. The ratio of CP1a:CP1 was also 1.5-fold higher in RNH than RH thylakoids. Analyses of winter rye grown at 20, 15, 10, and 5°C indicated that both, the trans-16:1 acid levels in PG and the LHCII1:LHCII3 decreased concomitantly with a decrease in growth temperature. Above 40°C, differential scanning calorimetry of RNH thylakoids indicated the presence of five major endotherms (47, 60, 67, 73, and 86°C). Although the general features of the temperature transitions observed above 40°C in RH thylakoids were similar to those observed for RNH thylakoids, the transitions at 60 and 73°C were resolved as inflections only and RH thylakoids exhibited transitions at 45 and 84°C which were 2°C lower than those observed in RNH thylakoids. Since polypeptide and lipid compositions of RH and RNH thylakoids were very similar, we suggest that these differences reflect alterations in thylakoid membrane organization. Specifically, it is suggested that low developmental temperature modulates LHCII organization such that oligomeric LHCII predominates in RNH thylakoids whereas a monomeric or an

Experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease results in decreased hepatic uptake transporter expression and function in rats

PubMed Central

Fisher, Craig D.; Lickteig, Andrew J.; Augustine, Lisa M.; Oude Elferink, Ronald P.J.; Besselsen, David G.; Erickson, Robert P.; Cherrington, Nathan J.

2009-01-01

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of diagnoses ranging from simple fatty liver (SFL), to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to determine the effect of moderate and severe NAFLD on hepatic transporter expression and function in vivo. Rats were fed a high-fat diet (SFL model) or a methionine-choline-deficient diet (NASH model) for eight weeks. Hepatic uptake transporter function was determined by bromosulfophthalein (BSP) disposition. Transporter expression was determined by branched DNA signal amplification assay and western blotting; inflammation was identified by immunostaining of liver slices for interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). MC- rats showed significant retention of BSP in the plasma when compared to control rats. Hepatic NTCP, OATP1a1, 1a4, 1b2 and 2b1; and OAT 2 and 3 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in high-fat and MC- diet rats when compared to control. Protein expression of OATP1a1 was significantly decreased in high-fat animals, while OATP1a1 and OATP1b2 expression was significantly lower in MC- rats when compared to control. Liver tissue from high-fat and MC- rats stained positive for IL-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to decrease expression of NTCP, OATP and OAT transporters, suggesting a plausible mechanism for the observed transporter alterations. These data suggest that different stages of NAFLD result in altered hepatic uptake transporter expression that can lead to a functional impairment of xenobiotic uptake from the blood. Furthermore, NAFLD may alter the plasma retention time of clinically relevant drugs that are reliant on these transporters and may increase the potential drug toxicity. PMID:19358839

Serotonin Decreases the Gain of Visual Responses in Awake Macaque V1.

PubMed

Seillier, Lenka; Lorenz, Corinna; Kawaguchi, Katsuhisa; Ott, Torben; Nieder, Andreas; Pourriahi, Paria; Nienborg, Hendrikje

2017-11-22

Serotonin, an important neuromodulator in the brain, is implicated in affective and cognitive functions. However, its role even for basic cortical processes is controversial. For example, in the mammalian primary visual cortex (V1), heterogenous serotonergic modulation has been observed in anesthetized animals. Here, we combined extracellular single-unit recordings with iontophoresis in awake animals. We examined the role of serotonin on well-defined tuning properties (orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and size) in V1 of two male macaque monkeys. We find that in the awake macaque the modulatory effect of serotonin is surprisingly uniform: it causes a mainly multiplicative decrease of the visual responses and a slight increase in the stimulus-selective response latency. Moreover, serotonin neither systematically changes the selectivity or variability of the response, nor the interneuronal correlation unexplained by the stimulus ("noise-correlation"). The modulation by serotonin has qualitative similarities with that for a decrease in stimulus contrast, but differs quantitatively from decreasing contrast. It can be captured by a simple additive change to a threshold-linear spiking nonlinearity. Together, our results show that serotonin is well suited to control the response gain of neurons in V1 depending on the animal's behavioral or motivational context, complementing other known state-dependent gain-control mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Serotonin is an important neuromodulator in the brain and a major target for drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, surprisingly little is known about how it shapes information processing in sensory areas. Here we examined the serotonergic modulation of visual processing in the primary visual cortex of awake behaving macaque monkeys. We found that serotonin mainly decreased the gain of the visual responses, without systematically changing their selectivity, variability, or covariability. This

Serotonin Decreases the Gain of Visual Responses in Awake Macaque V1

PubMed Central

Seillier, Lenka; Lorenz, Corinna; Kawaguchi, Katsuhisa; Ott, Torben; Pourriahi, Paria

2017-01-01

Serotonin, an important neuromodulator in the brain, is implicated in affective and cognitive functions. However, its role even for basic cortical processes is controversial. For example, in the mammalian primary visual cortex (V1), heterogenous serotonergic modulation has been observed in anesthetized animals. Here, we combined extracellular single-unit recordings with iontophoresis in awake animals. We examined the role of serotonin on well-defined tuning properties (orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and size) in V1 of two male macaque monkeys. We find that in the awake macaque the modulatory effect of serotonin is surprisingly uniform: it causes a mainly multiplicative decrease of the visual responses and a slight increase in the stimulus-selective response latency. Moreover, serotonin neither systematically changes the selectivity or variability of the response, nor the interneuronal correlation unexplained by the stimulus (“noise-correlation”). The modulation by serotonin has qualitative similarities with that for a decrease in stimulus contrast, but differs quantitatively from decreasing contrast. It can be captured by a simple additive change to a threshold-linear spiking nonlinearity. Together, our results show that serotonin is well suited to control the response gain of neurons in V1 depending on the animal's behavioral or motivational context, complementing other known state-dependent gain-control mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Serotonin is an important neuromodulator in the brain and a major target for drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, surprisingly little is known about how it shapes information processing in sensory areas. Here we examined the serotonergic modulation of visual processing in the primary visual cortex of awake behaving macaque monkeys. We found that serotonin mainly decreased the gain of the visual responses, without systematically changing their selectivity, variability, or covariability. This

Mouse allergen exposure and decreased risk of allergic rhinitis in school-aged children.

PubMed

Jacobs, Tammy S; Forno, Erick; Brehm, John M; Acosta-Pérez, Edna; Han, Yueh-Ying; Blatter, Joshua; Thorne, Peter; Metwali, Nervana; Colón-Semidey, Angel; Alvarez, María; Canino, Glorisa; Celedón, Juan C

2014-12-01

Little is known about exposure to mouse allergen (Mus m 1) and allergic rhinitis (AR). To evaluate the association between mouse allergen exposure and AR in children. We examined the relation between mouse allergen level in house dust and AR in 511 children aged 6 to 14 years in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Study participants were chosen from randomly selected households using a multistage probability sample design. The study protocol included questionnaires, allergy skin testing, and collection of blood and dust samples. AR was defined as current rhinitis symptoms and skin test reactivity to at least one allergen. In the multivariate analyses, mouse allergen level was associated with a 25% decreased odds of AR in participating children (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.92). Although endotoxin and mouse allergen levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.184, P < .001), the observed inverse association between Mus m 1 and AR was not explained by levels of endotoxin or other markers of microbial or fungal exposure (peptidoglycan and glucan). Mouse allergen exposure is associated with decreased odds of AR in Puerto Rican school-aged children. Copyright © 2014 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Habitual fish consumption does not prevent a decrease in LCPUFA status in pregnant women (the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study)

PubMed Central

Bonham, M.P.; Duffy, E.M.; Wallace, J.M.W.; Robson, P.J.; Myers, G.J; Davidson, P.W.; Clarkson, T.W.; Shamlaye, C.F; Strain., J.J.

2008-01-01

SUMMARY Information on the status of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in pregnancy and breast milk in very high fish eating populations is limited. The aim of this study was to examine dietary intake and changes in fatty acid status in a population of pregnant women in the Republic of Seychelles. Serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) decreased significantly between 28 weeks gestation and delivery (n=196). DHA status did not correlate significantly with length of gestation and was not associated with self reported fish intake which was high at 527 g/wk. In breast milk, the ratio of DHA to arachidonic acid (AA) was consistent with those observed in other high fish eating populations. Overall the data suggest that high exposure to LCPUFAs from habitual fish consumption does not prevent the documented decrease in LCPUFA status in pregnancy that occurs as a result of fetal accretion in the third trimester of pregnancy. PMID:18585023

Cellular telephone use during free-living walking significantly reduces average walking speed.

PubMed

Barkley, Jacob E; Lepp, Andrew

2016-03-31

Cellular telephone (cell phone) use decreases walking speed in controlled laboratory experiments and there is an inverse relationship between free-living walking speed and heart failure risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of cell phone use on walking speed in a free-living environment. Subjects (n = 1142) were randomly observed walking on a 50 m University campus walkway. The time it took each subject to walk 50 m was recorded and subjects were coded into categories: cell phone held to the ear (talking, n = 95), holding and looking at the cell phone (texting, n = 118), not visibly using the cell phone (no use, n = 929). Subjects took significantly (p < 0.001) longer traversing the walkway when talking (39.3 s) and texting (37.9 s) versus no use (35.3 s). As was the case with the previous laboratory experiments, cell phone use significantly reduces average speed during free-living walking.

Approximate Bayesian Computation in the estimation of the parameters of the Forbush decrease model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wawrzynczak, A.; Kopka, P.

2017-12-01

Realistic modeling of the complicated phenomena as Forbush decrease of the galactic cosmic ray intensity is a quite challenging task. One aspect is a numerical solution of the Fokker-Planck equation in five-dimensional space (three spatial variables, the time and particles energy). The second difficulty arises from a lack of detailed knowledge about the spatial and time profiles of the parameters responsible for the creation of the Forbush decrease. Among these parameters, the central role plays a diffusion coefficient. Assessment of the correctness of the proposed model can be done only by comparison of the model output with the experimental observations of the galactic cosmic ray intensity. We apply the Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) methodology to match the Forbush decrease model to experimental data. The ABC method is becoming increasing exploited for dynamic complex problems in which the likelihood function is costly to compute. The main idea of all ABC methods is to accept samples as an approximate posterior draw if its associated modeled data are close enough to the observed one. In this paper, we present application of the Sequential Monte Carlo Approximate Bayesian Computation algorithm scanning the space of the diffusion coefficient parameters. The proposed algorithm is adopted to create the model of the Forbush decrease observed by the neutron monitors at the Earth in March 2002. The model of the Forbush decrease is based on the stochastic approach to the solution of the Fokker-Planck equation.

Tinnitus retraining therapy for patients with tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance.

PubMed

Jastreboff, Pawel J; Jastreboff, Margaret M

2003-04-01

Our experience has revealed the following: (1) TRT is applicable for all types of tinnitus, as well as for decreased sound tolerance, with significant improvement of tinnitus occurring in over 80% of the cases, and at least equal success rate for decreased sound tolerance. (2) TRT can provide cure for decreased sound tolerance. (3) TRT does not require frequent clinic visits and has no side effects; however, (4) Special training of health providers involved in this treatment is required for this treatment to be effective.

Chronic Corticosterone Exposure Increases Expression and Decreases Deoxyribonucleic Acid Methylation of Fkbp5 in Mice

PubMed Central

Lee, Richard S.; Tamashiro, Kellie L. K.; Yang, Xiaoju; Purcell, Ryan H.; Harvey, Amelia; Willour, Virginia L.; Huo, Yuqing; Rongione, Michael; Wand, Gary S.; Potash, James B.

2010-01-01

There is evidence for hypercortisolemia playing a role in the generation of psychiatric symptoms and for epigenetic variation within hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis genes mediating behavioral changes. We tested the hypothesis that expression changes would be induced in Fkbp5 and other HPA axis genes by chronic exposure to corticosterone and that these changes would occur through the epigenetic mechanism of loss or gain of DNA methylation (DNAm). We administered corticosterone (CORT) to C57BL/6J mice via their drinking water for 4 wk and tested for behavioral and physiological changes and changes in gene expression levels using RNA extracted from hippocampus, hypothalamus, and blood for the following HPA genes: Fkbp5, Nr3c1, Hsp90, Crh, and Crhr1. The CORT mice exhibited anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test. Chronic exposure to CORT also caused a significant decrease in the hippocampal and blood mRNA levels of Nr3c1 and a decrease in Hsp90 in blood and caused an increase in Fkbp5 for all tissues. Differences were seen in Fkbp5 methylation in hippocampus and hypothalamus. To isolate a single-cell type, we followed up with an HT-22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line exposed to CORT. After 7 d, we observed a 2.4-fold increase in Fkbp5 expression and a decrease in DNAm. In the CORT-treated mice, we also observed changes in blood DNAm in Fkbp5. Our results suggest DNAm plays a role in mediating effects of glucocorticoid exposure on Fkbp5 function, with potential consequences for behavior. PMID:20668026

Individuals with sickle cell disease have a significantly greater vasoconstriction response to thermal pain than controls and have significant vasoconstriction in response to anticipation of pain.

PubMed

Khaleel, Maha; Puliyel, Mammen; Shah, Payal; Sunwoo, John; Kato, Roberta M; Chalacheva, Patjanaporn; Thuptimdang, Wanwara; Detterich, Jon; Wood, John C; Tsao, Jennie; Zeltzer, Lonnie; Sposto, Richard; Khoo, Michael C K; Coates, Thomas D

2017-11-01

The painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) that characterize sickle cell disease (SCD) progress over hours from the asymptomatic steady-state. SCD patients report that VOC can be triggered by stress, cold exposure, and, pain itself. We anticipated that pain could cause neural-mediated vasoconstriction, decreasing regional blood flow and promoting entrapment of sickle cells in the microvasculature. Therefore, we measured microvascular blood flow in the fingers of both hands using plethysmography and laser-Doppler flowmetry while applying a series of painful thermal stimuli on the right forearm in 23 SCD patients and 25 controls. Heat pain applied to one arm caused bilateral decrease in microvascular perfusion. The vasoconstriction response started before administration of the thermal pain stimulus in all subjects, suggesting that pain anticipation also causes significant vasoconstriction. The time delay between thermal pain application and global vasoconstriction ranged from 5 to 15.5 seconds and increased with age (P < .01). Although subjective measures, pain threshold and pain tolerance were not different between SCD subjects and controls, but the vaso-reactivity index characterizing the microvascular blood flow response to painful stimuli was significantly higher in SCD patients (P = .0028). This global vasoconstriction increases microvascular transit time, and may promote entrapment of sickle cells in the microvasculature, making vaso-occlusion more likely. The rapidity of the global vasoconstriction response indicates a neural origin that may play a part in the transition from steady-state to VOC, and may also contribute to the variability in VOC frequency observed in SCD patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Natural and Anthropogenic Aerosol Trends from Satellite and Surface Observations and Model Simulations over the North Atlantic Ocean from 2002 to 2012

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jongeward, Andrew R.; Li, Zhanqing; He, Hao; Xiong, Xiaoxiong

2016-01-01

Aerosols contribute to Earths radiative budget both directly and indirectly, and large uncertainties remain in quantifying aerosol effects on climate. Variability in aerosol distribution and properties, as might result from changing emissions and transport processes, must be characterized. In this study, variations in aerosol loading across the eastern seaboard of theUnited States and theNorthAtlanticOcean during 2002 to 2012 are analyzed to examine the impacts of anthropogenic emission control measures using monthly mean data from MODIS, AERONET, and IMPROVE observations and Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model simulation.MODIS observes a statistically significant negative trend in aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the midlatitudes (-0.030 decade(sup-1)). Correlation analyses with surface AOD from AERONET sites in the upwind region combined with trend analysis from GOCART component AOD confirm that the observed decrease in the midlatitudes is chiefly associated with anthropogenic aerosols that exhibit significant negative trends from the eastern U.S. coast extending over the western North Atlantic. Additional analysis of IMPROVE surface PM(sub 2.5) observations demonstrates statistically significant negative trends in the anthropogenic components with decreasing mass concentrations over the eastern United States. Finally, a seasonal analysis of observational datasets is performed. The negative trend seen by MODIS is strongest during spring (MAM) and summer (JJA) months. This is supported by AERONET seasonal trends and is identified from IMPROVE seasonal trends as resulting from ammonium sulfate decreases during these seasons.

Exploring the determinants of secular decreases in dental caries among Korean children.

PubMed

Lee, Hye-Ju; Han, Dong-Hun

2015-08-01

The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of sealant and water fluoridation to the time trends in dental caries from 2003 to 2010. Data were from three waves of the Korean National Oral Health Surveys between 2003 and 2010, including a total of 23 059 children (11 889 boys and 11 170 girls) aged 8, 10, and 12 years. The impacts of sealant and water fluoridation on dental caries were obtained by logistic regression for each age group of children. The contributions of sealant and water fluoridation to the time trends in the prevalence of dental caries were examined by a series of logistic regression models, and changes in the adjusted odds ratios for each survey year were also calculated. Over the past 7 years, the prevalence of dental caries decreased dramatically. Although sealant had a significant impact on dental caries in each survey year, remarkable decreases in dental caries from 2003 to 2010 were not explained by the secular changes in the dental sealant or water fluoridation factor. We observed important population declines in dental caries in Korea in children aged 8-12 years; however, the likely causes for these secular trends remain to be determined. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dietary protein decreases exercise endurance through rapamycin-sensitive suppression of muscle mitochondria.

PubMed

Mitsuishi, Masanori; Miyashita, Kazutoshi; Muraki, Ayako; Tamaki, Masanori; Tanaka, Kumiko; Itoh, Hiroshi

2013-10-01

Loss of physical performance is linked not only to decreased activity in daily life but also to increased onset of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. A high-protein diet is recommended for aged individuals in order to preserve muscle mass; however, the regulation of muscle mitochondria by dietary protein has not been clarified. We investigated the long-term effects of a high-protein diet on muscle properties, focusing especially on muscle mitochondria. Mice were fed a high-protein diet from the age of 8 wk and examined for mitochondrial properties and exercise endurance at the ages of 20 and 50 wk. Compared with normal chow, a high-protein diet significantly decreased the amount of muscle mitochondria, mitochondrial activity, and running distance at 50 wk, although it increased muscle mass and grip power. Inhibition of TORC1-dependent signal pathways by rapamycin from 8 wk suppressed the decline in mitochondria and exercise endurance observed when mice were fed the high-protein diet in association with preserved AMPK activity. Collectively, these findings suggest a role for dietary protein as a suppressor of muscle mitochondria and indicate that the age-associated decline in exercise endurance might be accelerated by excessive dietary protein through rapamycin-sensitive suppression of muscle mitochondria.

Crossover of Microscopic Dynamics in Metallic Supercooled Liquid Observed by NMR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yue; Li, Lilong

2004-03-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used to characterize local atomic motions in the glassy and supercooled liquid states of the bulk metallic glass system Pd_43Ni_10Cu_27P_20. It is shown that NMR is very effective in detecting local motions such as vibrations in metallic systems. The temperature dependence of the Knight shift reveals that certain local atomic motion decreases rapidly below a crossover temperature T_c. Above Tc as well as below the glass transition temperature Tg the mean-squared amplitude of local motions is shown to depend linearly on the temperature. The observed rapid decrease below Tc cannot be explained by heterogeneity effects. It reveals that qualitative changes of microscopic properties in the supercooled liquid take place at temperatures significantly above T_g. The observed phenomenon can be explained in terms of a rapid disappearance of certain local motions below Tc as suggested by the mode-coupling theory.

Spatio-temporal observations of tertiary ozone maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sofieva, V. F.; Kyrölä, E.; Verronen, P. T.; Seppälä, A.; Tamminen, J.; Marsh, D. R.; Smith, A. K.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Hauchecorne, A.; Dalaudier, F.; Fussen, D.; Vanhellemont, F.; Fanton D'Andon, O.; Barrot, G.; Guirlet, M.; Fehr, T.; Saavedra, L.

2009-03-01

We present spatio-temporal distributions of tertiary ozone maximum (TOM), based on GOMOS (Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars) ozone measurements in 2002-2006. The tertiary ozone maximum is typically observed in the high-latitude winter mesosphere at altitude ~72 km. Although the explanation for this phenomenon has been found recently - low concentrations of odd-hydrogen cause the subsequent decrease in odd-oxygen losses - models have had significant deviations from existing observations until recently. Good coverage of polar night regions by GOMOS data has allowed for the first time obtaining spatial and temporal observational distributions of night-time ozone mixing ratio in the mesosphere. The distributions obtained from GOMOS data have specific features, which are variable from year to year. In particular, due to a long lifetime of ozone in polar night conditions, the downward transport of polar air by the meridional circulation is clearly observed in the tertiary ozone maximum time series. Although the maximum tertiary ozone mixing ratio is achieved close to the polar night terminator (as predicted by the theory), TOM can be observed also at very high latitudes, not only in the beginning and at the end, but also in the middle of winter. We have compared the observational spatio-temporal distributions of tertiary ozone maximum with that obtained using WACCM (Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model) and found that the specific features are reproduced satisfactorily by the model. Since ozone in the mesosphere is very sensitive to HOx concentrations, energetic particle precipitation can significantly modify the shape of the ozone profiles. In particular, GOMOS observations have shown that the tertiary ozone maximum was temporarily destroyed during the January 2005 and December 2006 solar proton events as a result of the HOx enhancement from the increased ionization.

Investigations of Forbush decreases in the PAMELA experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lagoida, I. A.; Voronov, S. A.; Mikhailov, V. V.

2017-01-01

A phenomenon in cosmic ray physics now called Forbush decrease (FD), or Forbush effect was discovered by S. Forbush in 1937 [1], it is a sudden decrease of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) intensity near the Earth. However, despite of the long term investigations the nature of this phenomenon is still not completely understood. Today this effect is studied mostly by the neutron monitors and muon hodoscopes, which are located on the Earth’s surface. But these monitors can detect only products of GCR interaction with the Earth atmosphere. Satellite detectors allow to obtain more accurate information about the characteristics of FD. Examples of FDs registered by the PAMELA telescope and observed with Oulu neutron monitor are presented. About 10 events with amplitude more than 3% have been registered from 2006 till 2016 with the PAMELA experiment.

Human immunodeficiency virus coinfection with hepatitis B virus leads to a decrease in extracellular and intracellular hepatitis B antigen.

PubMed

Pan, Wei; Wu, Zuoqiao; Wu, Shuwen; Guo, Deyin; Gong, Xiaoyan; Po, Tien

2015-04-01

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection could cause severe liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver failure in HIV-positive individuals. The available data from clinical studies suggest that HIV infection modulates the HBV-specific T cell response. However, the virological and molecular aspects of HIV-HBV coinfection are currently poorly understood due to the lack of appropriate model systems. In this study, the effect of HIV infection on the life cycle of HBV was explored using an in vitro model system. The present data show that the extracellular and intracellular hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg) decrease significantly in HepG2 cells cotransfected with HIV NL4-3 and pHBV1.3 as compared to those cells transfected only with pHBV1.3. Moreover, a significant decrease in HBV DNA and mRNA expression was also observed in the cotransfected cells. HIV Rev protein, an RNA-bound regulatory protein, could significantly decrease the expression levels of extracellular and intracellular HBsAg and HBeAg by mediating the expression of HBV mRNA in cells cotransfected with plasmids containing HIV-1 Rev and pHBV1.3. Further experiments demonstrate that HIV Rev manipulated neither the promoters of HBV nor the nuclear export of HBV mRNA. These results from the in vitro model system might provide clues to further understand the rapid progression of liver disease in HIV-HBV-coinfected patients.

Physically scarce (vs. enriched) environments decrease the ability to tell lies successfully.

PubMed

Ten Brinke, Leanne; Khambatta, Poruz; Carney, Dana R

2015-10-01

The successful detection of deception is of critical importance to adaptive social relationships and organizations, and perhaps even national security. However, research in forensic, legal, and social psychology demonstrates that people are generally very successful deceivers. The goal of the current research was to test an intervention with the potential to decrease the likelihood of successful deception. We applied findings in the architectural, engineering, and environmental sciences that has demonstrated that enriched environments (vs. scarce ones) promote the experience of comfort, positive emotion, feelings of power and control, and increase productivity. We hypothesized that sparse, impoverished, scarcely endowed environments (vs. enriched ones) would decrease the ability to lie successfully by making liars feel uncomfortable and powerless. Study 1 examined archival footage of an international sample of criminal suspects (N = 59), including innocent relatives (n = 33) and convicted murderers (n = 26) emotionally pleading to the public for the return of a missing person. Liars in scarce environments (vs. enriched) were significantly more likely to reveal their lies through behavioral cues to deception. Study 2 (N = 79) demonstrated that the discomfort and subsequent powerlessness caused by scarce (vs. enriched) environments lead people to reveal behavioral cues to deception. Liars in scarce environments also experienced greater neuroendocrine stress reactivity and were more accurately detected by a sample of 66 naïve observers (Study 3). Taken together, data suggest that scarce environments increase difficulty, and decrease success, of deception. Further, we make available videotaped stimuli of Study 2 liars and truth-tellers. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Exogenous auxin represses soybean seed germination through decreasing the gibberellin/abscisic acid (GA/ABA) ratio.

PubMed

Shuai, Haiwei; Meng, Yongjie; Luo, Xiaofeng; Chen, Feng; Zhou, Wenguan; Dai, Yujia; Qi, Ying; Du, Junbo; Yang, Feng; Liu, Jiang; Yang, Wenyu; Shu, Kai

2017-10-03

Auxin is an important phytohormone which mediates diverse development processes in plants. Published research has demonstrated that auxin induces seed dormancy. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effect of auxin on seed germination need further investigation, especially the relationship between auxins and both abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs), the latter two phytohormones being the key regulators of seed germination. Here we report that exogenous auxin treatment represses soybean seed germination by enhancing ABA biosynthesis, while impairing GA biogenesis, and finally decreasing GA 1 /ABA and GA 4 /ABA ratios. Microscope observation showed that auxin treatment delayed rupture of the soybean seed coat and radicle protrusion. qPCR assay revealed that transcription of the genes involved in ABA biosynthetic pathway was up-regulated by application of auxin, while expression of genes involved in GA biosynthetic pathway was down-regulated. Accordingly, further phytohormone quantification shows that auxin significantly increased ABA content, whereas the active GA 1 and GA 4 levels were decreased, resulting insignificant decreases in the ratiosGA 1 /ABA and GA 4 /ABA.Consistent with this, ABA biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone reversed the delayed-germination phenotype associated with auxin treatment, while paclobutrazol, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor, inhibited soybean seed germination. Altogether, exogenous auxin represses soybean seed germination by mediating ABA and GA biosynthesis.

Psychological Stress Can Be Decreased by Traditional Thai Massage.

PubMed

Sripongngam, Thanarat; Eungpinichpong, Wichai; Sirivongs, Dhavee; Kanpittaya, Jaturat; Tangvoraphonkchai, Kamonwan; Chanaboon, Sutin

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on psychological stress and heart rate variability (HRV). Thirty healthy participants were randomly allocated in two groups, a TTM group (n = 15) who received a 1-hour session with moderate pressure of whole body TTM or a control group (n=15) who rested on the bedfor 1 hour All ofthem were given a 10-minute mental arithmetic test to induce psychological stress after which they received a 1-hour session of TTM or bed rest. Psychological stress and HR V were measured at baseline and immediately after mental arithmetic test, and immediately after TTM or bed rest. The studyfound that psychological stress was signficantly increased (p<0.05) after mental arithmetic test in both groups. Comparison on these measures between immediately after mental arithmetic test and after TTM or bed rest revealed that psychological stress was significantly decreased (p<0.05) and HR Vwas significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups. Root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and low frequency were significantly increased (p<0.05) only in the TTM group. However; all of these measures were found without significant difference when groups were compared. TTM and bed rest could decrease psychological stress and HRV

Decreased frontal lobe phosphocreatine levels in methamphetamine users

PubMed Central

Sung, Young-Hoon; Yurgelun-Todd, Deborah A.; Shi, Xian-Feng; Kondo, Douglas G.; Lundberg, Kelly J.; McGlade, Erin C.; Hellem, Tracy L.; Huber, Rebekah S.; Fiedler, Kristen K.; Harrell, Renee E.; Nickerson, Bethany R.; Kim, Seong-Eun; Jeong, Eun-Kee; Renshaw, Perry F.

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND Mitochondria-related mechanisms have been suggested to mediate methamphetamine (METH) toxicity. However, changes in brain energetics associated with highenergy phosphate metabolism have not been investigated in METH users. Phosphorus-31 (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to evaluate changes in mitochondrial high energy phosphates, including phosphocreatine (PCr) and β-nucleoside triphosphate (β-NTP, primarily ATP in brain) levels. We hypothesized that METH users would have decreased high-energy PCr levels in the frontal gray matter. METHODS Study participants consisted of 51 METH (age=32.8±6.7) and 23 healthy comparison (age=31.1±7.5) subjects. High-energy phosphate metabolite levels were compared between the groups and potential gender differences were explored. RESULTS METH users had lower ratios of PCr to total pool of exchangeable phosphate (PCr/TPP) in the frontal lobe as compared to the healthy subjects (p=0.001). The lower PCr levels in METH subjects were significantly associated with lifetime amount of METH use (p=0.003). A sub-analysis for gender differences revealed that female METH users, who had lower daily amounts (1.1±1.0 gram) of METH use than males (1.4±1.7 gram), had significantly lower PCr/TPP ratios than male METH users, controlling for the amount of METH use (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that METH compromises frontal lobe high-energy phosphate metabolism in a dose-responsive manner. Our findings also suggest that the abnormality in frontal lobe high-energy phosphate metabolism might be more prominent in female than in male METH users. This is significant as decreased PCr levels have been associated with depressive symptoms, and poor responses to antidepressant treatment have been reported in those with decreased PCr levels. PMID:23084413

Observed surface wind speed declining induced by urbanization in East China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhengquan; Song, Lili; Ma, Hao; Xiao, Jingjing; Wang, Kuo; Chen, Lian

2018-02-01

Monthly wind data from 506 meteorological stations and ERA-Interim reanalysis during 1991-2015, are used to examine the surface wind trend over East China. Furthermore, combining the urbanization information derived from the DMSP/OLS nighttime light data during 1992-2013, the effects of urbanization on surface wind change are investigated by applying the observation minus reanalysis (OMR) method. The results show that the observed surface wind speed over East China is distinctly weakening with a rate of -0.16 m s-1 deca-1 during 1991-2015, while ERA-Interim wind speed does not have significant decreasing or increasing trend in the same period. The observed surface wind declining is mainly attributed to underlying surface changes of stations observational areas that were mostly induced by the urbanization in East China. Moreover, the wind declining intensity is closely related to the urbanization rhythms. The OMR annual surface wind speeds of Rhythm-VS, Rhythm-S, Rhythm-M, Rhythm-F and Rhythm-VF, have decreasing trends with the rates of -0.02 to -0.09, -0.16 to -0.26, -0.22 to -0.30, -0.26 to -0.36 and -0.33 to -0.51 m s-1 deca-1, respectively. The faster urbanization rhythm is, the stronger wind speed weakening presents. Additionally urban expansion is another factor resulted in the observed surface wind declining.

A longitudinal study of medicaid coverage for tobacco dependence treatments in Massachusetts and associated decreases in hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease.

PubMed

Land, Thomas; Rigotti, Nancy A; Levy, Douglas E; Paskowsky, Mark; Warner, Donna; Kwass, Jo-Ann; Wetherell, Leann; Keithly, Lois

2010-12-07

Insurance coverage of tobacco cessation medications increases their use and reduces smoking prevalence in a population. However, uncertainty about the impact of this coverage on health care utilization and costs is a barrier to the broader adoption of this policy, especially by publicly funded state Medicaid insurance programs. Whether a publicly funded tobacco cessation benefit leads to decreased medical claims for tobacco-related diseases has not been studied. We examined the experience of Massachusetts, whose Medicaid program adopted comprehensive coverage of tobacco cessation medications in July 2006. Over 75,000 Medicaid subscribers used the benefit in the first 2.5 years. On the basis of earlier secondary survey work, it was estimated that smoking prevalence declined among subscribers by 10% during this period. Using claims data, we compared the probability of hospitalization prior to use of the tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy benefit with the probability of hospitalization after benefit use among Massachusetts Medicaid beneficiaries, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, seasonality, influenza cases, and the implementation of the statewide smoke-free air law using generalized estimating equations. Statistically significant annualized declines of 46% (95% confidence interval 2%-70%) and 49% (95% confidence interval 6%-72%) were observed in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction and other acute coronary heart disease diagnoses, respectively. There were no significant decreases in hospitalizations rates for respiratory diagnoses or seven other diagnostic groups evaluated. Among Massachusetts Medicaid subscribers, use of a comprehensive tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy benefit was associated with a significant decrease in claims for hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary heart disease, but no significant change in hospital claims for other diagnoses. For low-income smokers, removing the barriers to the use of

A Longitudinal Study of Medicaid Coverage for Tobacco Dependence Treatments in Massachusetts and Associated Decreases in Hospitalizations for Cardiovascular Disease

PubMed Central

Land, Thomas; Rigotti, Nancy A.; Levy, Douglas E.; Paskowsky, Mark; Warner, Donna; Kwass, Jo-Ann; Wetherell, LeAnn; Keithly, Lois

2010-01-01

Background Insurance coverage of tobacco cessation medications increases their use and reduces smoking prevalence in a population. However, uncertainty about the impact of this coverage on health care utilization and costs is a barrier to the broader adoption of this policy, especially by publicly funded state Medicaid insurance programs. Whether a publicly funded tobacco cessation benefit leads to decreased medical claims for tobacco-related diseases has not been studied. We examined the experience of Massachusetts, whose Medicaid program adopted comprehensive coverage of tobacco cessation medications in July 2006. Over 75,000 Medicaid subscribers used the benefit in the first 2.5 years. On the basis of earlier secondary survey work, it was estimated that smoking prevalence declined among subscribers by 10% during this period. Methods and Findings Using claims data, we compared the probability of hospitalization prior to use of the tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy benefit with the probability of hospitalization after benefit use among Massachusetts Medicaid beneficiaries, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, seasonality, influenza cases, and the implementation of the statewide smoke-free air law using generalized estimating equations. Statistically significant annualized declines of 46% (95% confidence interval 2%–70%) and 49% (95% confidence interval 6%–72%) were observed in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction and other acute coronary heart disease diagnoses, respectively. There were no significant decreases in hospitalizations rates for respiratory diagnoses or seven other diagnostic groups evaluated. Conclusions Among Massachusetts Medicaid subscribers, use of a comprehensive tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy benefit was associated with a significant decrease in claims for hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary heart disease, but no significant change in hospital claims for other diagnoses. For low

Progressive decrease of melatonin production over consecutive days of simulated night work.

PubMed

Dumont, Marie; Paquet, Jean

2014-12-01

decrease was larger in women using oral contraceptives. There was no difference between the three groups, and the magnitude of the decrease in melatonin production for nighttime and for the 24 h was not associated with the magnitude of the absolute circadian phase shift. As light intensity was relatively low and because the decrease in melatonin production was progressive, direct suppression by nighttime light exposure was probably not a significant factor. However, according to previous experimental observations, the decrease in melatonin production most likely reflects the circadian disruption associated with the process of re-entrainment. It remains to be determined whether reduced melatonin production can be harmful by itself, but long-term and repeated circadian disruption most probably is.

[Atorvastatin improves reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by decreasing serum uric acid level].

PubMed

Yan, Ling; Ye, Lu; Wang, Kun; Zhou, Jie; Zhu, Chunjia

2016-05-25

Objective: To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on reflow in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its relation to serum uric acid levels. Methods: One hundred and fourteen STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups:55 cases received oral atorvastatin 20 mg before PCI (routine dose group) and 59 cases received oral atorvastatin 80 mg before PCI (high dose group). According to the initial serum uric acid level, patients in two groups were further divided into normal uric acid subgroup and hyperuricemia subgroup. The changes of uric acid level and coronary artery blood flow after PCI were observed. Correlations between the decrease of uric acid, the dose of atorvastatin and the blood flow of coronary artery after PCI were analyzed. Results: Serum uric acid levels were decreased after treatment in both groups (all P <0.05), and patients with hyperuricemia showed more significant decrease in serum uric acid level ( P <0.05). Compared with the routine dose group, serum uric acid level in patients with hyperuricemia decreased more significantly in the high dose group ( P <0.05), but no significant difference was observed between patients with normal serum uric acid levels in two groups ( P >0.05). Among 114 patients, there were 19 cases without reflow after PCI (16.7%). In the routine dose group, there were 12 patients without reflow, in which 3 had normal uric acid and 9 had high uric acid levels ( P <0.01). In the high dose group, there were 7 patients without reflow, in which 2 had normal uric acid and 5 had high uric acid ( P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that hyperuricemia was one of independent risk factors for no-reflow after PCI ( OR =1.01, 95% CI :1.01-1.11, P <0.01). The incidence of no-flow after PCI in the routine dose group was 21.8% (12/55), and that in the high dose group was 11.9% (7/59) ( P <0

Sixteen weeks of resistance training can decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome in healthy postmenopausal women

PubMed Central

Conceição, Miguel Soares; Bonganha, Valéria; Vechin, Felipe Cassaro; de Barros Berton, Ricardo Paes; Lixandrão, Manoel Emílio; Nogueira, Felipe Romano Damas; de Souza, Giovana Vergínia; Chacon-Mikahil, Mara Patricia Traina; Libardi, Cleiton Augusto

2013-01-01

Background The postmenopausal phase has been considered an aggravating factor for developing metabolic syndrome. Notwithstanding, no studies have as yet investigated the effects of resistance training on metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify whether resistance training could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Methods Twenty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a resistance training protocol (n = 10, 53.40 ± 3.95 years, 64.58 ± 9.22 kg) or a control group (n = 10, 53.0 ± 5.7 years, 64.03 ± 5.03 kg). In the resistance training protocol, ten exercises were performed, with 3 × 8−10 maximal repetitions three times per week, and the load was increased every week. Two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate specific metabolic syndrome Z-score, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, waist circumference, blood pressure, strength, and body composition. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results The main results demonstrated a significant decrease of metabolic syndrome Z-score when the postmenopausal women performed resistance training (P = 0.0162). Moreover, we observed decreases in fasting blood glucose for the resistance training group (P = 0.001), and also significant improvements in lean body mass (P = 0.042, 2.46%), reduction of body fat percentage (P = 0.001, −6.75%) and noticeable increases in muscle strength after resistance training to leg press (P = 0.004, 41.29%) and bench press (P = 0.0001, 27.23%). Conclusion It was concluded that resistance training performed three times a week may reduce the metabolic syndrome Z-score with concomitant decreases in fasting blood glucose, improvements in body composition, and muscle strength in postmenopausal women. PMID:24072967

Disrupted resting-state brain network properties in obesity: decreased global and putaminal cortico-striatal network efficiency.

PubMed

Baek, K; Morris, L S; Kundu, P; Voon, V

2017-03-01

The efficient organization and communication of brain networks underlie cognitive processing and their disruption can lead to pathological behaviours. Few studies have focused on whole-brain networks in obesity and binge eating disorder (BED). Here we used multi-echo resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) along with a data-driven graph theory approach to assess brain network characteristics in obesity and BED. Multi-echo rsfMRI scans were collected from 40 obese subjects (including 20 BED patients) and 40 healthy controls and denoised using multi-echo independent component analysis (ME-ICA). We constructed a whole-brain functional connectivity matrix with normalized correlation coefficients between regional mean blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals from 90 brain regions in the Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas. We computed global and regional network properties in the binarized connectivity matrices with an edge density of 5%-25%. We also verified our findings using a separate parcellation, the Harvard-Oxford atlas parcellated into 470 regions. Obese subjects exhibited significantly reduced global and local network efficiency as well as decreased modularity compared with healthy controls, showing disruption in small-world and modular network structures. In regional metrics, the putamen, pallidum and thalamus exhibited significantly decreased nodal degree and efficiency in obese subjects. Obese subjects also showed decreased connectivity of cortico-striatal/cortico-thalamic networks associated with putaminal and cortical motor regions. These findings were significant with ME-ICA with limited group differences observed with conventional denoising or single-echo analysis. Using this data-driven analysis of multi-echo rsfMRI data, we found disruption in global network properties and motor cortico-striatal networks in obesity consistent with habit formation theories. Our findings highlight the role of network properties in

Noise stimulation decreases the concentration of norepinephrine in the rat cochlea.

PubMed

Vicente-Torres, M A; Gil-Loyzaga, P

1999-05-14

The present study was designed to analyze, by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the effect of acoustic stimulation on the cochlear concentration of norepinephrine (NE). Independently of the rat strain (Long-Evans or Wistar strains), NE concentration decreased about 18% when animals were exposed to white noise (90 dB SPL for 1 h). The same decrease was observed in animals perfused by aortic pathway to remove the blood, indicating that this decrease corresponds exclusively to a neurophysiological process. In fact, these findings could indicate that noise stimulation is involved in the NE release from sympathetic fibers innervating the cochlea. This likely release of NE supports that sympathetic fibers play a functional role in cochleae exposed to noisy situations.

Decrease in Prostate Cancer Testing Following the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendations.

PubMed

Li, Jun; Berkowitz, Zahava; Hall, Ingrid J

2015-01-01

To assess changes of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing following recent US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) prostate cancer screening recommendations using 2005 to 2013 National Health Interview Survey data. We calculated the percentage of PSA testing among men ≥40 years by age group and age-adjusted race for each survey year. Differences between years were assessed with linear contrasts after combining all years' data. The overall percentage of PSA testing was highest in 2008 and decreased significantly in 2013. Compared with 2008, each age group had significantly lower screening percentages in 2013, especially men ≥75 years old (-14.0% points; P < .001). Both men aged 50 to 74 and men aged ≥75 had significantly lower percentages in 2013 than in 2010. For white and black men, the PSA testing percentages were highest in 2008 and decreased significantly in 2013. Only white men had a significantly lower percentage in 2013 than in 2010. Significant declines in PSA testing from 2008 to 2013 in men ≥75 years old may reflect the impact of the 2008 USPSTF recommendations. While the cause of the decreases in PSA testing between 2010 and 2013 among men aged 50 to 74 years old and white men is unknown, the decreases may suggest the early effects of the 2012 recommendations. © Copyright 2015 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Glutamate and aspartate are decreased in the skin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ono, S.; Yamauchi, M.

1992-01-01

We measured the levels of amino acids in biopsied skin from eight patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and seven controls. The most conspicuous changes in ALS patients were as follows. First, the contents of the acidic amino acids glutamate and aspartate were significantly decreased in ALS, and were negatively and significantly associated with the duration of illness. Second, the levels of the collagen-associated amino acids hydroxyproline, proline, glycine, alanine, and hydroxylysine were significantly decreased in ALS, and correlated inversely with the duration of illness. These results suggest that there are abnormalities of acidic amino acids and collagen-associated amino acids in the skin of patients with ALS. These changes may underlie the pathogenesis of ALS.

Decreased Mitochondrial Pyruvate Transport Activity in the Diabetic Heart

PubMed Central

Vadvalkar, Shraddha S.; Matsuzaki, Satoshi; Eyster, Craig A.; Giorgione, Jennifer R.; Bockus, Lee B.; Kinter, Caroline S.; Kinter, Michael

2017-01-01

Alterations in mitochondrial function contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy. We have previously shown that heart mitochondrial proteins are hyperacetylated in OVE26 mice, a transgenic model of type 1 diabetes. However, the universality of this modification and its functional consequences are not well established. In this study, we demonstrate that Akita type 1 diabetic mice exhibit hyperacetylation. Functionally, isolated Akita heart mitochondria have significantly impaired maximal (state 3) respiration with physiological pyruvate (0.1 mm) but not with 1.0 mm pyruvate. In contrast, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity is significantly decreased regardless of the pyruvate concentration. We found that there is a 70% decrease in the rate of pyruvate transport in Akita heart mitochondria but no decrease in the mitochondrial pyruvate carriers 1 and 2 (MPC1 and MPC2). The potential role of hyperacetylation in mediating this impaired pyruvate uptake was examined. The treatment of control mitochondria with the acetylating agent acetic anhydride inhibits pyruvate uptake and pyruvate-supported respiration in a similar manner to the pyruvate transport inhibitor α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate. A mass spectrometry selective reactive monitoring assay was developed and used to determine that acetylation of lysines 19 and 26 of MPC2 is enhanced in Akita heart mitochondria. Expression of a double acetylation mimic of MPC2 (K19Q/K26Q) in H9c2 cells was sufficient to decrease the maximal cellular oxygen consumption rate. This study supports the conclusion that deficient pyruvate transport activity, mediated in part by acetylation of MPC2, is a contributor to metabolic inflexibility in the diabetic heart. PMID:28154187

Real-time observational evidence of changing Asian dust morphology with the mixing of heavy anthropogenic pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, X.; Uno, I.; Wang, Z.; Nishizawa, T.; Sugimoto, N.; Yamamoto, S.; Kobayashi, H.; Sun, Y.; Fu, P.; Tang, X.; Wang, Z.

2017-12-01

Natural mineral dust and heavy anthropogenic pollution and its complex interactions cause significant environmental problems in East Asia. Due to restrictions of observing technique, real-time morphological change in Asian dust particles owing to coating process of anthropogenic pollutants is still statistically unclear. Here, we first used a newly developed, single-particle polarization detector and quantitatively investigate the evolution of the polarization property of backscattering light reflected from dust particle as they were mixing with anthropogenic pollutants in North China. The decrease in observed depolarization ratio is mainly attributed to the decrease of aspect ratio of the dust particles as a result of continuous coating processes. Hygroscopic growth of Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) on the surface of the dust particles played a vital role, particularly when they are stagnant in the polluted region with high RH conditions. Reliable statistics highlight the significant importance of internally mixed, `quasi-spherical' Asian dust particles, which markedly act as cloud condensation nuclei and exert regional climate change.

Real-time observational evidence of changing Asian dust morphology with the mixing of heavy anthropogenic pollution.

PubMed

Pan, Xiaole; Uno, Itsushi; Wang, Zhe; Nishizawa, Tomoaki; Sugimoto, Nobuo; Yamamoto, Shigekazu; Kobayashi, Hiroshi; Sun, Yele; Fu, Pingqing; Tang, Xiao; Wang, Zifa

2017-03-23

Natural mineral dust and heavy anthropogenic pollution and its complex interactions cause significant environmental problems in East Asia. Due to restrictions of observing technique, real-time morphological change in Asian dust particles owing to coating process of anthropogenic pollutants is still statistically unclear. Here, we first used a newly developed, single-particle polarization detector and quantitatively investigate the evolution of the polarization property of backscattering light reflected from dust particle as they were mixing with anthropogenic pollutants in North China. The decrease in observed depolarization ratio is mainly attributed to the decrease of aspect ratio of the dust particles as a result of continuous coating processes. Hygroscopic growth of Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ) on the surface of the dust particles played a vital role, particularly when they are stagnant in the polluted region with high RH conditions. Reliable statistics highlight the significant importance of internally mixed, 'quasi-spherical' Asian dust particles, which markedly act as cloud condensation nuclei and exert regional climate change.

Acidification of the gill cells of the shore crab Carcinus mediterraneus: Its physiological significance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucu, Č.; Siebers, D.

1995-03-01

In a preparation of isolated gills of the shore crab Carcinus mediterraneus perfused with dilute sea water (pH 8.1, 200 mM Na+) which was identical to the bathing solution of the gill, acidification of the collected perfusate was observed. Acidification was not affected by 10-4 M EIPA (5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]amiloride), a strong inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchange. However, in the presence of 10-4 M acetazolamide, acidification was greatly blocked. The significant decrease of the acid load of the perfusate is considered to be a result of inhibition of the branchial intracellular carbonic anhydrase catalyzing the formation of H+ ions.

Manipulation of dietary methionine+cysteine and threonine in broilers significantly decreases environmental nitrogen excretion.

PubMed

Donato, D C Z; Sakomura, N K; Silva, E P; Troni, A R; Vargas, L; Guagnoni, M A N; Meda, B

2016-06-01

The intensification of livestock have increased the emission of pollutants to the environment, leading to a growing interest in seeking strategies that minimise these emissions. Studies have shown that it is possible to manipulate diets by reducing CP levels and thus reducing nitrogen (N) excretion, without compromising performance. However, there is no knowledge of any study that has focused on reducing N excretion and relating this reduction to individual amino acids. This study investigated the effect of dietary methionine+cysteine (MC) and threonine (THR), the two most limiting amino acids for broiler production, on nitrogen excretion (NE) and nitrogen deposition (ND) and determined the efficiency of utilisation of both amino acids for protein deposition. Six trials were conducted to measure the NE and ND in broiler chickens during three rearing phases in response to dietary amino acid. The efficiency of utilisation of the amino acids was calculated by linear regression of body protein deposition and the amino acid intake. Despite the differences between sexes and phases, the efficiency of utilisation was the same, being 0.60 and 0.59 for MC and THR, respectively. The rate of NE behaved exponentially, increasing with amino acid intake, and can exceed 50% of N intake, being higher than ND. On average, for a reduction in intake of each unit of MC or THR (mg) there is a reduction of 0.5% of NE. Although this reduction seems low, considering that it corresponds to changes in one amino acid only, the impact on a large scale would be significant. Knowledge of how animals respond to NE and ND/protein deposition according to amino acid dietary content may represent new efforts towards reducing the impact on environment.

Decreased expression of class III β-tubulin is associated with unfavourable prognosis in patients with malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Shimizu, Akira; Kaira, Kyoichi; Yasuda, Masahito; Asao, Takayuki; Ishikawa, Osamu

2016-02-01

Class III β-tubulin (TUBB3) has been recognized as being associated with resistance to taxane-based regimens in several cancers. However, little is known about the clinicopathological significance of TUBB3 expression in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic significance of TUBB3 expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma. A total of 106 patients with surgically resected cutaneous malignant melanoma were assessed. Tumour sections were immunohistochemically stained for TUBB3, Ki-67 and microvessel density with CD34. TUBB3 was highly expressed in 80% (85/106) of patients. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the high expression of TUBB3 and any variables. On univariate analysis, ulceration, disease stage, TUBB3 and CD34 revealed a significant relationship with overall survival and progression-free survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed that a low TUBB3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The decreased expression of TUBB3 could be a significant marker for predicting unfavourable prognosis in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Sivelestat sodium hydrate attenuates acute lung injury by decreasing systemic inflammation in a rat model of severe burns.

PubMed

Xiao, X-G; Zu, H-G; Li, Q-G; Huang, P

2016-01-01

Patients with severe burns often develop acute lung injury (ALI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) often complicates with ALI. Sivelestat sodium hydrate is an effective drug against ALI. However, the mechanisms of this beneficial effect are still poorly understood. In the current study, we evaluate the effects of sivelestat sodium hydrate on systemic and local inflammatory parameters (neutrophil elastase [NE], interleukin [IL]-8, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] 2 and 9) in a rat model of severe burns and ALI. And to analyze the correlations between expression of NE and IL-8 and acute lung injury. 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 3 groups: normal control group, severe burns injury group and severe burns treated with sivelestat sodium hydrate group (SSI). The lung water content and PaO2 were detected in each group. Pathological manifestations in each group were observed for pathology scoring in SD rats with acute lung injury. ELISA was used for detecting expression of NE and IL-8 in serum and BAL specimens of SD rats in each group. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of NE and IL-8 in lung tissues of each group. Western blotting was used for detecting protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in lung tissues of each group. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. The PaO2 was significantly increased after sivelestat sodium hydrate intravenous injection. Pathological score and water content of lung tissue were significantly decreased in SSI group compared with severe burns injury group, slightly higher than that normal control group. NE and IL-8 levels significantly decreased in serum, BAL and lung tissue specimens after sivelestat sodium hydrate intravenous injection; Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly up-regulated in severe burns group and showed no significantly changed after sivelestat sodium hydrate intravenous injection. In a rat model of severe burns and ALI, administration of sivelestat sodium hydrate improved

Dural afferents express acid-sensing ion channels: a role for decreased meningeal pH in migraine headache.

PubMed

Yan, Jin; Edelmayer, Rebecca M; Wei, Xiaomei; De Felice, Milena; Porreca, Frank; Dussor, Gregory

2011-01-01

Migraine headache is one of the most common neurological disorders. The pathological conditions that directly initiate afferent pain signaling are poorly understood. In trigeminal neurons retrogradely labeled from the cranial meninges, we have recorded pH-evoked currents using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Approximately 80% of dural-afferent neurons responded to a pH 6.0 application with a rapidly activating and rapidly desensitizing ASIC-like current that often exceeded 20nA in amplitude. Inward currents were observed in response to a wide range of pH values and 30% of the neurons exhibited inward currents at pH 7.1. These currents led to action potentials in 53%, 30% and 7% of the dural afferents at pH 6.8, 6.9 and 7.0, respectively. Small decreases in extracellular pH were also able to generate sustained window currents and sustained membrane depolarizations. Amiloride, a non-specific blocker of ASIC channels, inhibited the peak currents evoked upon application of decreased pH while no inhibition was observed upon application of TRPV1 antagonists. The desensitization time constant of pH 6.0-evoked currents in the majority of dural afferents was less than 500ms which is consistent with that reported for ASIC3 homomeric or heteromeric channels. Finally, application of pH 5.0 synthetic-interstitial fluid to the dura produced significant decreases in facial and hind-paw withdrawal threshold, an effect blocked by amiloride but not TRPV1 antagonists, suggesting that ASIC activation produces migraine-related behavior in vivo. These data provide a cellular mechanism by which decreased pH in the meninges following ischemic or inflammatory events directly excites afferent pain-sensing neurons potentially contributing to migraine headache. Copyright © 2010 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decrease in neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit and PSD-93 transcript levels in the male mouse MPG after cavernous nerve injury or explant culture.

PubMed

Girard, Beatrice M; Merriam, Laura A; Tompkins, John D; Vizzard, Margaret A; Parsons, Rodney L

2013-11-15

Quantitative real-time PCR was used to test whether cavernous nerve injury leads to a decrease in major pelvic ganglia (MPG) neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subunit and postsynaptic density (PSD)-93 transcript levels. Subunits α3, β4, and α7, commonly expressed in the MPG, were selected for analysis. After 72 h in explant culture, MPG transcript levels for α3, β4, α7, and PSD-93 were significantly depressed. Three days after cavernous nerve axotomy or crush in vivo, transcript levels for α3, β4, and PSD-93, but not for α7, were significantly depressed. Three days after dissection of the cavernous nerve free of underlying tissue and application of a 5-mm lateral stretch (manipulation), transcript levels for α3 and PSD-93 were also significantly decreased. Seven days after all three surgical procedures, α3 transcript levels remained depressed, but PSD-93 transcript levels were still decreased only after axotomy or nerve crush. At 30 days postsurgery, transcript levels for the nAChR subunits and PSD-93 had recovered. ACh-induced currents were significantly smaller in MPG neurons dissociated from 3-day explant cultured ganglia than from those recorded in neurons dissociated from acutely isolated ganglia; this observation provides direct evidence showing that a decrease in nAChR function was coincident with a decrease in nAChR subunit transcript levels. We conclude that a downregulation of nAChR subunit and PSD-93 expression after cavernous nerve injury, or even manipulation, could interrupt synaptic transmission within the MPG and thus contribute to the loss of neural control of urogenital organs after pelvic surgeries.

Alcohol Intake and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

PubMed

Hong, Seung-Hee; Myung, Seung-Kwon; Kim, Hyeon Suk

2017-04-01

The purpose of this study was to assess whether alcohol intake is associated with the risk of thyroid cancer by a meta-analysis of observational studies. We searched PubMed and EMBASE in June of 2015 to locate eligible studies. We included observational studies such as cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies reporting odd ratios (ORs) or relative risk (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 33 observational studies with two cross-sectional studies, 20 case-controls studies, and 11 cohort studies, which involved a total of 7,725 thyroid cancer patients and 3,113,679 participants without thyroid cancer in the final analysis. In the fixed-effect model meta-analysis of all 33 studies, we found that alcohol intake was consistently associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer (OR or RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.83; I 2 =38.6%). In the subgroup meta-analysis by type of study, alcohol intake also decreased the risk of thyroid cancer in both case-control studies (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.92; I 2 =29.5%; n=20) and cohort studies (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.82; I 2 =0%; n=11). Moreover, subgroup meta-analyses by type of thyroid cancer, gender, amount of alcohol consumed, and methodological quality of study showed that alcohol intake was significantly associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer. The current meta-analysis of observational studies found that, unlike most of other types of cancer, alcohol intake decreased the risk of thyroid cancer.

Alcohol Intake and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

PubMed Central

Hong, Seung-Hee; Myung, Seung-Kwon; Kim, Hyeon Suk

2017-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess whether alcohol intake is associated with the risk of thyroid cancer by a meta-analysis of observational studies. Materials and Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE in June of 2015 to locate eligible studies. We included observational studies such as cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies reporting odd ratios (ORs) or relative risk (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We included 33 observational studies with two cross-sectional studies, 20 case-controls studies, and 11 cohort studies, which involved a total of 7,725 thyroid cancer patients and 3,113,679 participants without thyroid cancer in the final analysis. In the fixed-effect model meta-analysis of all 33 studies, we found that alcohol intake was consistently associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer (OR or RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.83; I2=38.6%). In the subgroup meta-analysis by type of study, alcohol intake also decreased the risk of thyroid cancer in both case-control studies (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.92; I2=29.5%; n=20) and cohort studies (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.82; I2=0%; n=11). Moreover, subgroup meta-analyses by type of thyroid cancer, gender, amount of alcohol consumed, and methodological quality of study showed that alcohol intake was significantly associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer. Conclusion The current meta-analysis of observational studies found that, unlike most of other types of cancer, alcohol intake decreased the risk of thyroid cancer. PMID:27456949

Southern hemisphere observations of a long-term decrease in F region altitude and thermospheric wind providing possible evidence for global thermospheric cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, M. J.; Jenkins, B.; Rodgers, G. A.

1998-09-01

F region peak heights, derived from ionospheric scaled parameters through 38-year data series from both Argentine Islands (65°S, 64°W) and Port Stanley (52°S, 58°W) have been analyzed for signatures of secular change. Long-term changes in altitude, which vary with month and time of day, were found at both sites. The results can be interpreted either as a constant decrease in altitude combined with a decreasing thermospheric wind effect or as a constant decrease in altitude which is altitude-dependent. Both interpretations leave inconsistencies when the results from the two sites are compared. The estimated long-term decrease in altitude is of a similar order of magnitude to that which has been predicted to result in the thermosphere from anthropogenic change related to greenhouse gases. Other possibilities should not, however, be ruled out.

Appetite - decreased

MedlinePlus

Loss of appetite; Decreased appetite; Anorexia ... Any illness can reduce appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured. Loss of appetite can cause weight ...

The negative ecological impacts of a globally introduced species decrease with time since introduction.

PubMed

Závorka, Libor; Buoro, Mathieu; Cucherousset, Julien

2018-05-25

While there is a long-history of biological invasions and their ecological impacts have been widely demonstrated across taxa and ecosystems, our knowledge on the temporal dynamic of these impacts remains extremely limited. Using a meta-analytic approach, we investigated how the ecological impacts of non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta), a model species with a 170-year long and well-documented history of intentional introductions across the globe, vary with time since introduction. We first observed significant negative ecological impacts immediately after the species introduction. Second, we found that the negative ecological impacts decrease with time since introduction and that the average ecological impacts become non-significant more than one century after introduction. This pattern was consistent across other ecological contexts (i.e. geographical location, levels of biological organisation, and methodological approach). However, overall negative ecological impacts were more pronounced at the individual and population levels and in experimental studies. While the mechanisms leading to this decrease remain to be determined, our results indicate that rapid response of native organisms (e.g. adaptation, but also local extinction) may play an important role in this dynamic. Changes in native species traits and local extinction can have important conservation implications. Therefore, we argue that the decline of the negative ecological impacts over time should not be used as an argument to neglect the negative impacts of biological invasions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prognostic value of decreased FOXP1 protein expression in various tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Xiao, Jian; He, Bixiu; Zou, Yong; Chen, Xi; Lu, Xiaoxiao; Xie, Mingxuan; Li, Wei; He, Shuya; You, Shaojin; Chen, Qiong

2016-01-01

The prognostic value of forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) protein expression in tumors remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases to identify eligible studies. In total, we analyzed 22 articles that examined 9 tumor types and included 2468 patients. Overall, decreased expression of FOXP1 protein was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) in lymphoma patients (HR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.30–0.48, p < 0.001). In patients with solid tumors, decreased FOXP1 expression correlated with unfavorable OS (HR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.18–2.83, p = 0.007). However, when FOXP1 protein expression was nuclear, decreased expression was also associated with favorable OS (HR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32–0.86, p = 0.011). Furthermore, decreased FOXP1 expression resulted in the best OS in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas (HR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.11–0.59, p = 0.001), but the worst OS was observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (HR = 3.11, 95%CI: 1.87–5.17, p < 0.001). In addition, decreased FOXP1 expression was significantly correlated with an unfavorable relapse-free survival (RFS) in breast cancer patients (HR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.33–2.80, p = 0.001). PMID:27457567

Child posture and shoulder belt fit during extended night-time traveling: an in-transit observational study.

PubMed

Forman, Jason L; Segui-Gomez, Maria; Ash, Joseph H; Lopez-Valdes, Francisco J

2011-01-01

Understanding pediatric occupant postures can help researchers indentify injury risk factors, and provide information for prospective injury prediction. This study sought to observe lateral head positions and shoulder belt fit among older child automobile occupants during a scenario likely to result in sleeping - extended travel during the night. An observational, volunteer, in-transit study was performed with 30 pediatric rear-seat passengers, ages 7 to 14. Each was restrained by a three-point seatbelt and was driven for seventy-five minutes at night. Ten subjects used a high-back booster seat, ten used a low-back booster seat, and ten used none (based on the subject height and weight). The subjects were recorded with a low-light video camera, and one frame was analyzed per each minute of video. The high-back booster group exhibited a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the mean frequency of poor shoulder belt fit compared to the no-booster and low-back booster groups. The high-back booster group also exhibited statistically significant decreases in the 90(th) percentile of the absolute value of the relative lateral motion of the head. The low-back booster group did not result in statistically significant decreases in poor shoulder belt fit or lateral head motion compared to the no-booster group. These results are consistent with the presence of large lateral supports of the high-back booster which provided support to the head while sleeping, reducing voluntary lateral occupant motion and improving shoulder belt fit. Future work includes examining lap belt fit in-transit, and examining the effects of these observations on predicted injury risk.

Child Posture and Shoulder Belt Fit During Extended Night-Time Traveling: An In-Transit Observational Study.

PubMed Central

Forman, Jason L.; Segui-Gomez, Maria; Ash, Joseph H.; Lopez-Valdes, Francisco J.

2011-01-01

Understanding pediatric occupant postures can help researchers indentify injury risk factors, and provide information for prospective injury prediction. This study sought to observe lateral head positions and shoulder belt fit among older child automobile occupants during a scenario likely to result in sleeping - extended travel during the night. An observational, volunteer, in-transit study was performed with 30 pediatric rear-seat passengers, ages 7 to 14. Each was restrained by a three-point seatbelt and was driven for seventy-five minutes at night. Ten subjects used a high-back booster seat, ten used a low-back booster seat, and ten used none (based on the subject height and weight). The subjects were recorded with a low-light video camera, and one frame was analyzed per each minute of video. The high-back booster group exhibited a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the mean frequency of poor shoulder belt fit compared to the no-booster and low-back booster groups. The high-back booster group also exhibited statistically significant decreases in the 90th percentile of the absolute value of the relative lateral motion of the head. The low-back booster group did not result in statistically significant decreases in poor shoulder belt fit or lateral head motion compared to the no-booster group. These results are consistent with the presence of large lateral supports of the high-back booster which provided support to the head while sleeping, reducing voluntary lateral occupant motion and improving shoulder belt fit. Future work includes examining lap belt fit in-transit, and examining the effects of these observations on predicted injury risk. PMID:22105378

Decreased interpretation of nonverbal cues in rape victims.

PubMed

Giannini, A J; Price, W A; Kniepple, J L

The ability to receive nonverbal facial cues was tested in twelve female victims of multiple nonserial rapes and matched controls. Subjects attempted to interpret nonverbal messages transmitted by male and female senders who were covertly taped while involved in a gambling task. Rape victims had significantly decreased ability to interpret the nonverbal facial cues of both male and female senders.

Decreased dromotropic response to verapamil despite pronounced increased drug concentration in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Mayo, P R; Skeith, K; Russell, A S; Jamali, F

2000-12-01

Inflammation reduces hepatic clearance of many drugs with unknown therapeutic consequences. This study was carried out to examine the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of verapamil. Eight RA patients were age- and sex-matched with eight healthy volunteers. The disease severity was assessed, and ECG, blood pressure and verapamil enantiomers concentrations were measured for 12 h post 80 mg oral verapamil. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrite (NO2-) were measured in predose samples. IL-6 and NO2- concentrations were significantly increased in parallel with disease severity. Oral clearance of both S- and R-verapamil was significantly decreased by RA. While the unbound fraction of S- and R-verapamil decreased by 5 and 7-fold, respectively, the unbound AUC remained unchanged for the more potent enantiomer, S-verapamil. AUC of norverapamil enantiomers was increased 2-3-fold. Despite elevated serum drug concentrations in RA, the potential to prolong the PR-interval was significantly reduced by one fold and the effect on the heart rate and blood pressure did not increase. RA results in increased verapamil concentrations due likely to changes in protein binding, decreased clearance and/or altered hepatic blood flow. A significant decrease in dromotropic effect, despite increased serum drug concentrations, may be attributed to receptor down regulation caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or NO.

Knee braces can decrease tibial rotation during pivoting that occurs in high demanding activities.

PubMed

Giotis, Dimitrios; Tsiaras, Vasilios; Ristanis, Stavros; Zampeli, Franceska; Mitsionis, Grigoris; Stergiou, Nicholas; Georgoulis, Anastasios D

2011-08-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether knee braces could effectively decrease tibial rotation during high demanding activities. Using an in vivo three-dimensional kinematic analysis, 21 physically active, healthy, male subjects were evaluated. Each subject performed two tasks that were used extensively in the literature because they combine increased rotational and translational loads on the knee, (1) descending from a stair and subsequent pivoting and (2) landing from a platform and subsequent pivoting under three conditions: (A) wearing a prophylactic brace (braced), (B) wearing a patellofemoral brace (sleeved), and (C) unbraced condition. In the first task, tibial rotation during the pivoting phase was significantly decreased in the braced condition as compared to the sleeved condition (P = 0.019) and the non-braced condition (P = 0.002). In the second task, the same variable was significantly decreased in the braced condition as compared to the sleeved (P = 0.001) and the unbraced condition (P < 0.001). The sleeved condition also produced significantly decreased tibial rotation with respect to the unbraced condition (P = 0.021). Bracing decreased tibial rotation in activities where increased translational and rotational forces were applied. Because knee braces decreased tibial rotation, they can possibly be used with ACL-reconstructed and ACL-deficient patients to prevent such problems. Case-control study, Level III.

Decreased Libido

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Featured Resource Find an Endocrinologist Search Decreased Libido Editors Bradley Anawalt, MD Maria Yialamas, MD Additional Resources: Mayo Clinic NIDDK MedlinePlus What is libido? Libido is the desire to engage in sexual ...

Impact of Rice Paddy Areas Decrease on Local Climate over Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, M. H.; Wen, W. H.; Chen, C. C.

2014-12-01

Agricultural irrigation practice is one of the important anthropogenic processes in the land surface modeling. Irrigation can decrease local surface temperature with alternating surface energy partitioning. Rice paddy is the major food crop in Asian monsoon region and rice is grown under flooded conditions during the growing season; hence, the rice paddy can be considered as an open water body, which has more impacts on the surface energy budget than other cropland does. In this study, we explore how the rice paddy area changes affect Taiwan's regional climate from both observational data and numerical modeling exercise. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is utilized to explore impacts of rice paddy area changes on the regional climate, and energy and water budget changes. In addition, temperature datasets from six automatic weather stations in the northern Taiwan and two stations in the southern Taiwan are analyzed in this study to explore how the Daily Temperature Range (DTR) changes with the decreased rice paddy areas. Previous studies show that due to the urban heat island effect, aerosol direct and indirect effects, and global warming, the DTR has decreased in the past 4 decades observed from most of the weather stations around Taiwan. However, the declined rice paddy area may increase the DTR with higher Bowen ratio during the daytime. Preliminary results show that DTR is decreased in weather stations near the urban area, but increased in weather stations near fallow areas in the past 20 years. It shows that different land use changes may have opposite impacts on local and regional climate.

Three Days of Intermittent Fasting: Repeated-Sprint Performance Decreased by Vertical-Stiffness Impairment.

PubMed

Cherif, Anissa; Meeusen, Romain; Farooq, Abdulaziz; Ryu, Joong; Fenneni, Mohamed Amine; Nikolovski, Zoran; Elshafie, Sittana; Chamari, Karim; Roelands, Bart

2017-03-01

To examine the effects of 3 d of intermittent fasting (3d-IF: abstaining from eating/drinking from dawn to sunset) on physical performance and metabolic responses to repeated sprints (RSs). Twenty-one active males performed an RS test (2 sets: 5 × 5-s maximal sprints with 25 s of recovery between and 3 min of recovery between sets on an instrumented treadmill) in 2 conditions: counterbalanced fed/control session (CS) and fasting session (FS). Biomechanical and biochemical markers were assessed preexercise and postexercise. Significant main effects of IF were observed for sprints: maximal speed (P = .016), mean speed (P = .015), maximal power (P = .035), mean power (P = .049), vertical stiffness (P = .032), and vertical center-of-mass displacement (P = .047). Sprint speed and vertical stiffness decreased during the 1st (P = .003 and P = .005) and 2nd sprints (P = .046 and P = .048) of set 2, respectively. Postexercise insulin decreased in CS (P = .023) but not in FS (P = .230). Free-fatty-acid levels were higher in FS than in CS at preexercise (P < .001) and at postexercise (P = .009). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was higher at postexercise in FS (1.32 ± 0.22 mmol/L) than in CS (1.26 ± 0.21 mmol/L, P = .039). The triglyceride (TG) concentration was decreased in FS (P < .05) compared with CS. 3d-IF impaired speed and power through a decrease in vertical stiffness during the initial runs of the 2nd set of RS. The findings of the current study confirmed the benefits of 3d-IF: improved HDL-C and TG profiles while maintaining total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, improving muscle power might be a key factor to retain a higher vertical stiffness and to partly counteract the negative effects of intermittent fasting.

Long-term decrease in phosphate concentrations in the surface layer of the southern Japan Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodama, Taketoshi; Igeta, Yosuke; Kuga, Mizuki; Abe, Shoko

2016-10-01

To identify possible causes for the long-term trends in nutrient concentrations in the southern Japan Sea (JS), we studied nutrient concentrations that were obtained by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Our evaluation shows that phosphate concentrations declined in the surface layers in summer (0-20 and 21-50 m depth) and winter (0-20, 21-50, and 51-100 m depth) over the last 40 years, while no significant linear trend was observed for nitrate concentrations. The declining trend in the phosphate concentration was quantified as 1.8-3.3 nM yr-1. The increase in atmospheric nutrient deposition to the JS could not explain the decline in phosphate concentration. In addition, the mixed-layer depth during winter did not demonstrate any significant trend, and an increase in phosphate concentrations was not observed in any layers; therefore, the decrease in nutrient supply from deep JS water was not considered a major possible cause for the decline in the phosphate concentration. In contrast, the phosphate concentration in the surface of the southern JS during winter showed a significant positive correlation with the concentration in the 21-50 m depth layer of the saline East China Sea (ECS) water in the preceding summer, and the surface water of the southern JS was almost entirely replaced by water originating from the ECS during May-October. Therefore, it is concluded that the declining trend in the phosphate concentrations in the southern JS is caused by horizontal advection of ECS water.

Method of determining the necessary number of observations for video stream documents recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arlazarov, Vladimir V.; Bulatov, Konstantin; Manzhikov, Temudzhin; Slavin, Oleg; Janiszewski, Igor

2018-04-01

This paper discusses a task of document recognition on a sequence of video frames. In order to optimize the processing speed an estimation is performed of stability of recognition results obtained from several video frames. Considering identity document (Russian internal passport) recognition on a mobile device it is shown that significant decrease is possible of the number of observations necessary for obtaining precise recognition result.

Impact of decreasing energy intakes in major burn patients: A 15-year retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Pantet, Olivier; Stoecklin, Patricia; Vernay, Arnaud; Berger, Mette M

2017-06-01

Nutritional therapy is particularly important after major burn injury and specific nutritional guidelines have been developed. The study aimed at evaluating the impact of the changes in our nutritional practice, general compliance with the guidelines and potential consequences. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in burn patients requiring intensive care (ICU) between 1999 and 2014. admission on day 1, full treatment and length of ICU stay >7 days. Four periods (P) were defined by protocol changes (P1: 1999-2001, P2: 2002-2005, P3: 2006-2010, P4: 2011-2014). Collected data: demographic and nutritional data, infectious complications, weights, CRP and prealbumin concentrations during the first 21 days. 240 patients were included (median age 43 years, burned area 25%). Measured energy expenditure (MEE) was stable through all periods but the prescribed caloric target decreased significantly, and below MEE (P1: 33 kcal/kg, IQR 7, P4: 28 kcal/kg, IQR 8, p < 0.001). Energy delivery ended decreasing below 30 kcal/kg/day (P1: 30 kcal/kg, IQR 23, P4: 25 kcal/kg, IQR 12, p < 0.001). Protein intakes increased due the use of high protein solutions and glutamine (P1: 1.04 g/kg, IQR 0.90, P4: 1.26, IQR 0.99, p < 0.001). Weight loss by day 21 increased significantly according to area under the curve (P1: 701, IQR 38, P2: 722, IQR 51, P4: 689 IQR 63, p = 0.02). Prealbumin levels decreased with energy decrease (P1: 150 mg/L, IQR 110, P4: 80 mg/L, IQR 70, p = 0.003). The observed reduction of the energy delivery <30 kcal/kg was associated with a supplemental weight loss and lower prealbumin concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Decreasing Agricultural Irrigation has not reversed Groundwater Depletion in the Yellow River Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Z.; Xie, X.; Zhu, B.

2017-12-01

Agricultural irrigation is considered as the major water use sector accounting for over 60% of the global freshwater withdrawals. Especially in the arid and semiarid areas, irrigation from groundwater storage substantially sustain crop growth and food security. China's Yellow River Basin (YRB) is a typical arid and semiarid area with average annual precipitation about 450 mm. In this basin, more than 52 million hm2 of arable land needs irrigation for planting wheat, cotton, paddy rice etc, and groundwater contributes over one-third irrigation water. However, agricultural irrigation remained a certain level or decreased to some degree due to water-saving technologies and returning farmland to forest projects. Then an interesting question arises: has the groundwater storage (GWS) in YRB kept a consistent variation with the agricultural irrigation? In this study, to address this question, we employed multi-source data from ground measurements, remote sensing monitoring and large-scale hydrological modeling. Specifically, groundwater storage variation was identified using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data and ground observations, and groundwater recharge was estimated based on the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) modeling. Results indicated that GWS in YRB still holds a significant depletion with a rate of about -3 mm per year during the past decade, which was consistently demonstrated by the GRACE and the ground observations. Ground water recharge shows negligible upward trends despite climate change. The roles of different sectors contributing to groundwater depletion have changed. Agricultural irrigation accounting for over 60% of groundwater depletion, but its impact decreased. However, the domestic and the industrial purposes play an increasing role in shaping groundwater depletion.

Unusual enhancement of effective magnetic anisotropy with decreasing particle size in maghemite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisane, K. L.; Singh, Sobhit; Seehra, M. S.

2017-05-01

In magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), the observed increase in the effective magnetic anisotropy Keff with the decrease in particle size D is often interpreted, sometimes unsuccessfully, using the equation Keff = Kb + (6KS/D), where Kb is the bulk-like anisotropy of the core spins and KS is the anisotropy of spins in the surface layer. Here, we test the validity of this relation in γ-Fe2O3 NPs for sizes D from 15 nm to 2.5 nm. The samples include oleic acid-coated NPs with D = 2.5, 3.4, 6.3, and 7.0 nm investigated here, with results on 14 other sizes taken from literature. Keff is determined from the analysis of the frequency dependence of the blocking temperature TB after considering the effects of interparticle interactions on TB. For the γ-Fe2O3 NPs with D < 5 nm, an unusual enhancement of Keff with decreasing D, well above the magnitudes predicted by the above equation, is observed. Instead the variation of Keff vs. D is best described by an extension of the above equation by including Ksh term from spins in a shell of thickness d. Based on this core-shell-surface layer model, the data are fit to the equation Keff = Kb + (6KS/D) + Ksh{[1-(2d/D)]-3-1} with Kb = 1.9 × 105 ergs/cm3, KS = 0.035 ergs/cm2, and Ksh = 1.057 × 104 ergs/cm3 as the contribution of spins in the shell of thickness d = 1.1 nm. Significance of this result is discussed.

Observation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patell, Hilla

2016-01-01

In order to achieve the goal of observation, preparation of the adult, the observer, is necessary. This preparation, says Hilla Patell, requires us to "have an appreciation of the significance of the child's spontaneous activities and a more thorough understanding of the child's needs." She discusses the growth of both the desire to…

Pain-mediated altered absorption and metabolism of ibuprofen: an explanation for decreased serum enantiomer concentration after dental surgery

PubMed Central

Jamali, Fakhreddin; Kunz-Dober, Cornelia M

1999-01-01

Aims Rapid onset of analgesia is essential in the treatment of acute pain. There is evidence that conditions of stress cause delayed and decreased pain relief from oral analgesic products through impaired absorption. The aim was to determine the effect of surgery for removal of wisdom teeth on the plasma concentration-time profile of ibuprofen enantiomers. Methods Racemic ibuprofen, 200 mg in one group (n=7) and 600 mg in another group (n=7) was administered 1 week before (control) and again after (test) surgical removal of wisdom teeth. Serum concentrations of ibuprofen enantiomers were measured for 6 h. Results During the control phase, S- and R-ibuprofen concentrations were within the suggested therapeutic range. Surgery resulted in a 2 h delay in the mean time to peak concentration, significant decreases in serum ibuprofen concentration following both doses, and a fall to sub-optimal serum concentrations following the 200 mg dose. During the first 2 h after the 200 mg dose, dental extraction resulted in a significant reduction of the area under serum drug concentration (AUC (0, 2 h) mg l−1 h) from 5.6±2.9 to 1.6±1.8 (P<0.01) and from 5.5±3.0 to 2.1±2.0 (P<0.05) for S and R-ibuprofen, respectively. Similar observations were made following the 600 mg dose for AUC (0, 2 h) of S-ibuprofen (from 14.2±6.1 to 7.2±5.5 mg l−1 h, P<0.05) with no significant difference for R-ibuprofen (from 14.4±9.5 to 5.8±7.1). AUC (0, 6 h) was also significantly reduced by surgery. The pattern of stereoselectivity in serum ibuprofen concentration was reversed by surgery such that the S enantiomer was predominant in the control phase but not in the post-surgery phase, which is suggestive of reduced metabolic chiral inversion. Conclusions Surgery for wisdom tooth removal resulted in substantial decreases in the serum concentration of ibuprofen enantiomers and a prolongation in the time to peak concentration. Reduced absorption and altered metabolism are the likely cause of

Elite synchronized swimmers display decreased energy availability during intensified training.

PubMed

Schaal, K; Tiollier, E; Le Meur, Y; Casazza, G; Hausswirth, C

2017-09-01

Elite synchronized swimmers follow high-volume training regimen that result in elevated rates of exercise energy expenditure (ExEE). While adequate energy intake (EI) is important to optimize recovery, a number of sport-specific constraints may lead to chronically low energy availability (EA = EI-ExEE). This study aimed to quantify changes in EA, endocrine markers of energy conservation, and perceived fatigue in synchronized swimmers, during a week of baseline training followed by 4 weeks of intensified training (IT). EI, ExEE, and body composition were measured in nine swimmers at Baseline, midpoint (IT WK 2 ), and end of IT (IT WK 4 ). Waking saliva samples were obtained to measure [leptin] s , [ghrelin] s , and [cortisol] s . Fatigue ratings were provided daily. ExEE increased by 27% during IT. Swimmers increased EI from Baseline to IT WK 2 , but decreased it significantly from IT WK 2 to IT WK 4 . EA, fat mass, and [leptin] s decreased from Baseline to IT WK 4 , while [ghrelin] s increased significantly. Fatigue at IT WK 4 was inversely correlated with Baseline EI and EA. The significant decrease in EA was accompanied by endocrine signs of energy conservation in elite swimmers. As perceived fatigue was associated with low EA, particular attention should be paid to these athletes' energy intake during phases of heavy training. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Thiol peroxidase deficiency leads to increased mutational load and decreased fitness in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Kaya, Alaattin; Lobanov, Alexei V; Gerashchenko, Maxim V; Koren, Amnon; Fomenko, Dmitri E; Koc, Ahmet; Gladyshev, Vadim N

2014-11-01

Thiol peroxidases are critical enzymes in the redox control of cellular processes that function by reducing low levels of hydroperoxides and regulating redox signaling. These proteins were also shown to regulate genome stability, but how their dysfunction affects the actual mutations in the genome is not known. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has eight thiol peroxidases of glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin families, and the mutant lacking all these genes (∆8) is viable. In this study, we employed two independent ∆8 isolates to analyze the genome-wide mutation spectrum that results from deficiency in these enzymes. Deletion of these genes was accompanied by a dramatic increase in point mutations, many of which clustered in close proximity and scattered throughout the genome, suggesting strong mutational bias. We further subjected multiple lines of wild-type and ∆8 cells to long-term mutation accumulation, followed by genome sequencing and phenotypic characterization. ∆8 lines showed a significant increase in nonrecurrent point mutations and indels. The original ∆8 cells exhibited reduced growth rate and decreased life span, which were further reduced in all ∆8 mutation accumulation lines. Although the mutation spectrum of the two independent isolates was different, similar patterns of gene expression were observed, suggesting the direct contribution of thiol peroxidases to the observed phenotypes. Expression of a single thiol peroxidase could partially restore the growth phenotype of ∆8 cells. This study shows how deficiency in nonessential, yet critical and conserved oxidoreductase function, leads to increased mutational load and decreased fitness. Copyright © 2014 by the Genetics Society of America.

Spatio-temporal observations of the tertiary ozone maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sofieva, V. F.; Kyrölä, E.; Verronen, P. T.; Seppälä, A.; Tamminen, J.; Marsh, D. R.; Smith, A. K.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Hauchecorne, A.; Dalaudier, F.; Fussen, D.; Vanhellemont, F.; Fanton D'Andon, O.; Barrot, G.; Guirlet, M.; Fehr, T.; Saavedra, L.

2009-07-01

We present spatio-temporal distributions of the tertiary ozone maximum (TOM), based on GOMOS (Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars) ozone measurements in 2002-2006. The tertiary ozone maximum is typically observed in the high-latitude winter mesosphere at an altitude of ~72 km. Although the explanation for this phenomenon has been found recently - low concentrations of odd-hydrogen cause the subsequent decrease in odd-oxygen losses - models have had significant deviations from existing observations until recently. Good coverage of polar night regions by GOMOS data has allowed for the first time to obtain spatial and temporal observational distributions of night-time ozone mixing ratio in the mesosphere. The distributions obtained from GOMOS data have specific features, which are variable from year to year. In particular, due to a long lifetime of ozone in polar night conditions, the downward transport of polar air by the meridional circulation is clearly observed in the tertiary ozone maximum time series. Although the maximum tertiary ozone mixing ratio is achieved close to the polar night terminator (as predicted by the theory), TOM can be observed also at very high latitudes, not only in the beginning and at the end, but also in the middle of winter. We have compared the observational spatio-temporal distributions of the tertiary ozone maximum with that obtained using WACCM (Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model) and found that the specific features are reproduced satisfactorily by the model. Since ozone in the mesosphere is very sensitive to HOx concentrations, energetic particle precipitation can significantly modify the shape of the ozone profiles. In particular, GOMOS observations have shown that the tertiary ozone maximum was temporarily destroyed during the January 2005 and December 2006 solar proton events as a result of the HOx enhancement from the increased ionization.

Reduced methane growth rate explained by decreased Northern Hemisphere microbial sources.

PubMed

Kai, Fuu Ming; Tyler, Stanley C; Randerson, James T; Blake, Donald R

2011-08-10

Atmospheric methane (CH(4)) increased through much of the twentieth century, but this trend gradually weakened until a stable state was temporarily reached around the turn of the millennium, after which levels increased once more. The reasons for the slowdown are incompletely understood, with past work identifying changes in fossil fuel, wetland and agricultural sources and hydroxyl (OH) sinks as important causal factors. Here we show that the late-twentieth-century changes in the CH(4) growth rates are best explained by reduced microbial sources in the Northern Hemisphere. Our results, based on synchronous time series of atmospheric CH(4) mixing and (13)C/(12)C ratios and a two-box atmospheric model, indicate that the evolution of the mixing ratio requires no significant change in Southern Hemisphere sources between 1984 and 2005. Observed changes in the interhemispheric difference of (13)C effectively exclude reduced fossil fuel emissions as the primary cause of the slowdown. The (13)C observations are consistent with long-term reductions in agricultural emissions or another microbial source within the Northern Hemisphere. Approximately half (51 ± 18%) of the decrease in Northern Hemisphere CH(4) emissions can be explained by reduced emissions from rice agriculture in Asia over the past three decades associated with increases in fertilizer application and reductions in water use.

The Mediterranean Diet decreases LDL atherogenicity in high cardiovascular risk individuals: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Hernáez, Álvaro; Castañer, Olga; Goday, Alberto; Ros, Emilio; Pintó, Xavier; Estruch, Ramón; Salas-Salvadó, Jordi; Corella, Dolores; Arós, Fernando; Serra-Majem, Lluis; Martínez-González, Miguel Ángel; Fiol, Miquel; Lapetra, José; de la Torre, Rafael; López-Sabater, M Carmen; Fitó, Montserrat

2017-09-01

Traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD) protects against cardiovascular disease through several mechanisms such as decreasing LDL cholesterol levels. However, evidence regarding TMD effects on LDL atherogenic traits (resistance against oxidation, size, composition, cytotoxicity) is scarce. We assessed the effects of a 1-year intervention with a TMD on LDL atherogenic traits in a random sub-sample of individuals from the PREDIMED study (N = 210). We compared two TMDs: one enriched with virgin olive oil (TMD-VOO, N = 71) and another with nuts (TMD-Nuts, N = 68), versus a low-fat control diet (N = 71). After the TMD-VOO intervention, LDL resistance against oxidation increased (+6.46%, p = 0.007), the degree of LDL oxidative modifications decreased (-36.3%, p<0.05), estimated LDL particle size augmented (+3.06%, p = 0.021), and LDL particles became cholesterol-rich (+2.41% p = 0.013) relative to the low-fat control diet. LDL lipoproteins became less cytotoxic for macrophages only relative to baseline (-13.4%, p = 0.019). No significant effects of the TMD-Nuts intervention on LDL traits were observed versus the control diet. Adherence to a TMD, particularly when enriched with virgin olive oil, decreased LDL atherogenicity in high cardiovascular risk individuals. The development of less atherogenic LDLs could contribute to explaining some of the cardioprotective benefits of this dietary pattern. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Impact of an Early Decrease in Systolic Blood Pressure on The Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PubMed

Li, Hualong; Huang, Shuijin; He, Yiting; Liu, Yong; Liu, Yuanhui; Chen, Jiyan; Zhou, Yingling; Tan, Ning; Duan, Chongyang; Chen, Pingyan

2016-02-01

The early postprocedural period was thought to be the rush hour of contrast media excretion, causing rapid and prolonged renal hypoperfusion, which was the critical time window for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). 349 consecutive patients were enrolled into the study. The relation between an early postprocedural decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the risk of CIN was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. A postprocedural decrease in SBP was observed in 63% of patients and CIN developed in 28 (8.0%) patients. The CIN group had a lower postprocedural SBP (114.5±13.5 vs. 123.7±15.6mmHg, P=0.003) and a greater postprocedural decrease in SBP (16.2±19.1 vs. 5.9±18.7mmHg, P=0.005) than the no-CIN group. ROC analysis revealed that the optimum cutoff value for the SBP decrease in detecting CIN was >10mmHg (sensitivity 60.7%, specificity 59.5%, AUC=0.66). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that a postprocedural decrease in SBP >10mmHg was a significant independent predictor of CIN (OR 2.368, 95%CI: 1.043-5.379, P=0.039), after adjustment for other risk factors. An early moderate postprocedural decrease in SBP may increase the risk of CIN in patients undergoing PCI. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Decreased ADAMTS 13 Activity is Associated With Disease Severity and Outcome in Pediatric Severe Sepsis

PubMed Central

Lin, Jainn-Jim; Chan, Oi-Wa; Hsiao, Hsiang-Ju; Wang, Yu; Hsia, Shao-Hsuan; Chiu, Cheng-Hsun

2016-01-01

Abstract Decreased ADAMTS 13 activity has been reported in severe sepsis and in sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation. This study aimed to investigate the role of ADAMTS 13 in different pediatric sepsis syndromes and evaluate its relationship with disease severity and outcome. We prospectively collected cases of sepsis treated in a pediatric intensive care unit, between July 2012 and June 2014 in Chang Gung Children's Hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Clinical characteristics and ADAMTS-13 activity were analyzed. All sepsis syndromes had decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on days 1 and 3 of admission compared to healthy controls. Patients with septic shock had significantly decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on days 1 and 3 compared to those with sepsis and severe sepsis. There was a significant negative correlation between ADAMTS 13 activity on day 1 and day 1 PRISM-II, PELOD, P-MOD, and DIC scores. Patients with mortality had significantly decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on day 1 than survivors, but not on day 3. Different pediatric sepsis syndromes have varying degrees of decreased ADAMTS 13 activity. ADAMTS 13 activity is strongly negatively correlated with disease severity of pediatric sepsis syndrome, whereas decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on day 1 is associated with increased risk of mortality. PMID:27100422

Decreased ADAMTS 13 Activity is Associated With Disease Severity and Outcome in Pediatric Severe Sepsis.

PubMed

Lin, Jainn-Jim; Chan, Oi-Wa; Hsiao, Hsiang-Ju; Wang, Yu; Hsia, Shao-Hsuan; Chiu, Cheng-Hsun

2016-04-01

Decreased ADAMTS 13 activity has been reported in severe sepsis and in sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation. This study aimed to investigate the role of ADAMTS 13 in different pediatric sepsis syndromes and evaluate its relationship with disease severity and outcome. We prospectively collected cases of sepsis treated in a pediatric intensive care unit, between July 2012 and June 2014 in Chang Gung Children's Hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Clinical characteristics and ADAMTS-13 activity were analyzed. All sepsis syndromes had decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on days 1 and 3 of admission compared to healthy controls. Patients with septic shock had significantly decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on days 1 and 3 compared to those with sepsis and severe sepsis. There was a significant negative correlation between ADAMTS 13 activity on day 1 and day 1 PRISM-II, PELOD, P-MOD, and DIC scores. Patients with mortality had significantly decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on day 1 than survivors, but not on day 3. Different pediatric sepsis syndromes have varying degrees of decreased ADAMTS 13 activity. ADAMTS 13 activity is strongly negatively correlated with disease severity of pediatric sepsis syndrome, whereas decreased ADAMTS 13 activity on day 1 is associated with increased risk of mortality.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Decreasing Suicidal Ideation and Hopelessness of the Adolescents with Previous Suicidal Attempts

PubMed Central

Alavi, Ali; Sharifi, Bahare; Ghanizadeh, Ahmad; Dehbozorgi, Gholamreza

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT) for suicide prevention in decreasing suicidal ideation and hopelessness in a sample of depressed 12 to 18 year-old adolescents who had at least one previous suicidal attempt. Methods In a clinical trial, 30 depressed adolescents who attempted suicide in the recent 3 months were selected using simple sampling method and divided randomly into intervention and wait-list control groups. Both groups received psychiatric interventions as routine. The intervention group received a 12 session (once a week) of CBT program according to the package developed by Stanley et al, including psychoeducational interventions and individual and family skills training modules. All of the patients were evaluated by Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Beck's hopelessness Inventory, and Beck's Depression Inventory before the intervention and after 12 weeks. Findings There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the scores of the above mentioned scales after 12 weeks. Fifty-four to 77 percent decreases in the mean scores of the used scales were observed in the invention group. There were no significant changes in the scores of the control wait-list group. The differences between pre- and post-intervention scores in the intervention group were significant. Conclusion CBT is an effective method in reducing suicidal ideation and hopelessness in the depressed adolescents with previous suicidal attempts. PMID:24427502

The Significance of HIV ‘Blips’ in Resource-Limited Settings: Is It the Same? Analysis of the Treat Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) and the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD)

PubMed Central

Kanapathipillai, Rupa; McManus, Hamish; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Lim, Poh Lian; Templeton, David J.; Law, Matthew; Woolley, Ian

2014-01-01

Introduction Magnitude and frequency of HIV viral load blips in resource-limited settings, has not previously been assessed. This study was undertaken in a cohort from a high income country (Australia) known as AHOD (Australian HIV Observational Database) and another cohort from a mixture of Asian countries of varying national income per capita, TAHOD (TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database). Methods Blips were defined as detectable VL (≥ 50 copies/mL) preceded and followed by undetectable VL (<50 copies/mL). Virological failure (VF) was defined as two consecutive VL ≥50 copies/ml. Cox proportional hazard models of time to first VF after entry, were developed. Results 5040 patients (AHOD n = 2597 and TAHOD n = 2521) were included; 910 (18%) of patients experienced blips. 744 (21%) and 166 (11%) of high- and middle/low-income participants, respectively, experienced blips ever. 711 (14%) experienced blips prior to virological failure. 559 (16%) and 152 (10%) of high- and middle/low-income participants, respectively, experienced blips prior to virological failure. VL testing occurred at a median frequency of 175 and 91 days in middle/low- and high-income sites, respectively. Longer time to VF occurred in middle/low income sites, compared with high-income sites (adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) 0.41; p<0.001), adjusted for year of first cART, Hepatitis C co-infection, cART regimen, and prior blips. Prior blips were not a significant predictor of VF in univariate analysis (AHR 0.97, p = 0.82). Differing magnitudes of blips were not significant in univariate analyses as predictors of virological failure (p = 0.360 for blip 50–≤1000, p = 0.309 for blip 50–≤400 and p = 0.300 for blip 50–≤200). 209 of 866 (24%) patients were switched to an alternate regimen in the setting of a blip. Conclusion Despite a lower proportion of blips occurring in low/middle-income settings, no significant difference was found between settings. Nonetheless, a

Driving forces and their contribution to the recent decrease in sediment flux to ocean of major rivers in China.

PubMed

Li, Tong; Wang, Shuai; Liu, Yanxu; Fu, Bojie; Zhao, Wenwu

2018-09-01

Understanding the mechanisms behind land-ocean sediment transport processes is crucial, due to the resulting impacts on the sustainable management of water and soil resources. This study investigated temporal trends and historical phases of sediment flux delivered to the sea by nine major rivers in China, while also quantifying the contribution of key anthropogenic and natural driving forces. During the past six decades, sediment flux from these nine major rivers exhibited a statistically significant negative trend, decreasing from 1.92Gtyr -1 during 1954-1968 to 1.39Gtyr -1 , 0.861Gtyr -1 and 0.335Gtyr -1 during 1969-1985, 1986-1999 and 2000-2016, respectively. We used a recently developed Sediment Identity approach and found that the sharp decrease in sediment load observed across China was mainly (~95%) caused by a reduction in sediment concentration. Reservoir construction exerted the strongest influence on land-ocean sediment fluxes, while soil conservation measures represented a secondary driver. Before 1999, soil erosion was not controlled effectively in China and reservoirs, especially large ones, played a dominant role in reducing riverine sediments. After 1999, soil erosion has gradually been brought under control across China, so that conservation measures directly accounted for ~40% of the observed decrease in riverine sediments. With intensifying human activities, it is predicted that the total sediment flux delivered to the sea by the nine major rivers will continue to decrease in the coming decades, although at a slower rate, resulting in severe challenges for the sustainable management of drainage basins and river deltas. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Observation-based estimation of aerosol-induced reduction of planetary boundary layer height

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Jun; Sun, Jianning; Ding, Aijun; Wang, Minghuai; Guo, Weidong; Fu, Congbin

2017-09-01

Radiative aerosols are known to influence the surface energy budget and hence the evolution of the planetary boundary layer. In this study, we develop a method to estimate the aerosol-induced reduction in the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) based on two years of ground-based measurements at a site, the Station for Observing Regional Processes of the Earth System (SORPES), at Nanjing University, China, and radiosonde data from the meteorological station of Nanjing. The observations show that increased aerosol loads lead to a mean decrease of 67.1 W m-2 for downward shortwave radiation (DSR) and a mean increase of 19.2 W m-2 for downward longwave radiation (DLR), as well as a mean decrease of 9.6 Wm-2 for the surface sensible heat flux (SHF) in the daytime. The relative variations of DSR, DLR and SHF are shown as a function of the increment of column mass concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5). High aerosol loading can significantly increase the atmospheric stability in the planetary boundary layer during both daytime and nighttime. Based on the statistical relationship between SHF and PM2.5 column mass concentrations, the SHF under clean atmospheric conditions (same as the background days) is derived. In this case, the derived SHF, together with observed SHF, are then used to estimate changes in the PBLH related to aerosols. Our results suggest that the PBLH decreases more rapidly with increasing aerosol loading at high aerosol loading. When the daytime mean column mass concentration of PM2.5 reaches 200 mg m-2, the decrease in the PBLH at 1600 LST (local standard time) is about 450 m.

Food significantly reduces plasma concentrations of first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.

PubMed

Kumar, Agibothu Kupparam Hemanth; Chandrasekaran, Vedachalam; Kumar, Angadi Kiran; Kawaskar, M; Lavanya, J; Swaminathan, Soumya; Ramachandran, Geetha

2017-04-01

Concomitant feeding and anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug administration are likely to reduce nausea and enhance compliance to treatment. However, food could lower plasma drug concentrations. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of food on two-hour plasma concentrations of rifampicin (RMP), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA), and pharmacokinetics of these drugs in adult TB patients. Newly diagnosed adult TB patients were recruited from the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) treatment centres in Chennai Corporation, Chennai, India. Two-hour post-dosing plasma concentrations were determined in 25 patients, and a semi-intensive pharmacokinetic study was undertaken in six patients. RMP, INH and PZA concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The geometric mean two-hour concentrations with food and under fasting conditions were 2.2 and 5.5 μg/ml for RMP (P<0.001), 3.9 and 11.3 μg/ml for INH (P<0.001), and 18.0 and 28.2 μg/ml for PZA (P<0.001), respectively. Drug administration with food caused the plasma concentration to decrease by 50, 45 and 34 per cent for RMP, INH and PZA, respectively. Significant decreases in peak concentrations and exposures of drugs and delay in time to attain peak concentrations of drugs when taken with food were also observed. Our findings showed that food lowered anti-TB drug concentrations significantly and delayed absorption. Patients may be explained the beneficial effects of taking anti-TB drugs in a fasting state and advised to do so. There is a need for more research on optimization of dosing to maximize efficacy and safety of currently used drugs.

Trends of pH decrease in the Mediterranean Sea through high frequency observational data: indication of ocean acidification in the basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flecha, Susana; Pérez, Fiz F.; García-Lafuente, Jesús; Sammartino, Simone; Ríos, Aida. F.; Huertas, I. Emma

2015-11-01

A significant fraction of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) released to the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans, leading to a range of chemical changes and causing ocean acidification (OA). Assessing the impact of OA on marine ecosystems requires the accurate detection of the rate of seawater pH change. This work reports the results of nearly 3 years of continuous pH measurements in the Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar GIFT time series station. We document a remarkable decreasing annual trend of -0.0044 ± 0.00006 in the Mediterranean pH, which can be interpreted as an indicator of acidification in the basin based on high frequency records. Modeling pH data of the Mediterranean outflow allowed to discriminate between the pH values of its two main constituent water masses, the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) and the Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW). Both water masses also exhibited a decline in pH with time, particularly the WMDW, which can be related to their different biogeochemical nature and processes occurring during transit time from formation sites to the Strait of Gibraltar.

A low free-parameter stochastic model of daily Forbush decrease indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Sankar Narayan; Bhattacharya, Gautam; Panja, Subhash Chandra; Ghosh, Koushik

2014-01-01

Forbush decrease is a rapid decrease in the observed galactic cosmic ray intensity pattern occurring after a coronal mass ejection. In the present paper we have analyzed the daily Forbush decrease indices from January, 1967 to December, 2003 generated in IZMIRAN, Russia. First the entire indices have been smoothened and next we have made an attempt to fit a suitable stochastic model for the present time series by means of a necessary number of process parameters. The study reveals that the present time series is governed by a stationary autoregressive process of order 2 with a trace of white noise. Under the consideration of the present model we have shown that chaos is not expected in the present time series which opens up the possibility of validation of its forecasting (both short-term and long-term) as well as its multi-periodic behavior.

Investigations of Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange of Ozone Derived From MLS Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Mark A.; Schoeberl, Mark R.; Ziemke, Jerry R.

2006-01-01

Daily high-resolution maps of stratospheric ozone have been constructed using observations by MLS combined with trajectory information. These fields are used to determine the extratropical stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE) of ozone for the year 2005 using two diagnostic methods. The resulting two annual estimates compare well with past model- and observational-based estimates. Initial analyses of the seasonal characteristics indicate that significant STE of ozone in the polar regions occurs only during spring and early summer. We also examine evidence that the Antarctic ozone hole is responsible for a rapid decrease in the rate of ozone STE during the SH spring. Subtracting the high-resolution stratospheric ozone fiom OMI total column measurements creates a high-resolution tropospheric ozone residual (HTOR) product. The HTOR fields are compared to the spatial distribution of the ozone STE. We show that the mean tropospheric ozone maxima tend to occur near locations of significant ozone STE. This suggests that STE may be responsible for a significant fraction of many mean tropospheric ozone anomalies.

Expression of chicken interleukin-2 by a highly virulent strain of Newcastle disease virus leads to decreased systemic viral load but does not significantly affect mortality in chickens.

PubMed

Susta, Leonardo; Diel, Diego G; Courtney, Sean; Cardenas-Garcia, Stivalis; Sundick, Roy S; Miller, Patti J; Brown, Corrie C; Afonso, Claudio L

2015-08-08

In mammals, interleukin 2 (IL-2) has been shown to decrease replication or attenuate pathogenicity of numerous viral pathogens (herpes simplex virus, vaccinia virus, human respiratory syncytial virus, human immunodeficiency virus) by activating natural killer cells (NK), cytotoxic T lymphocytes and expanding subsets of memory cells. In chickens, IL-2 has been shown to activate T cells, and as such it might have the potential to affect replication and pathogenesis of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). To assess the effect of IL-2 during NDV infection in chickens, we produced a recombinant virulent NDV strain expressing chicken IL-2 (rZJ1-IL2). The effects of IL-2 expression were investigated in vivo using the intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) in day-old chicks and pathogenesis experiments in 4-week-old chickens. In these studies, rZJ1-IL2 was compared to a control virus expressing the green fluorescent protein (rZJ1-GFP). Assessed parameters included survival curves, detailed histological and immunohistochemical grading of lesions in multiple organs, and virus isolation in blood, spleen and mucosal secretions of infected birds. At the site of infection (eyelid), expression of IL-2 was demonstrated in areas of rZJ-IL2 replication, confirming IL-2 production in vivo. Compared to rZJ1-GFP strain, rZJ1-IL2 caused milder lesions and displayed decreased viral load in blood, spleen and mucosal secretions of infected birds. In the rZJ1-IL2-infected group, virus level in the blood peaked at day 4 post-infection (pi) (10(3.46) EID50 /0.1 ml) and drastically decreased at day 5 pi (10(0.9) EID50/0.1 ml), while in the rZJ1-GFP-infected group virus levels in the blood reached 10(5.35) EID50/0.1 ml at day 5. However, rZJ1-IL2-infected groups presented survival curves similar to control birds infected with rZJ1-GFP, with comparable clinical signs and 100 % mortality. Further, expression of IL-2 did not significantly affect the ICPI scores, compared to rZJ1-GFP strain. Increased

High-sodium intake prevents pregnancy-induced decrease of blood pressure in the rat.

PubMed

Beauséjour, Annie; Auger, Karine; St-Louis, Jean; Brochu, Michéle

2003-07-01

Despite an increase of circulatory volume and of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity, pregnancy is paradoxically accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure. We have reported that the decrease in blood pressure was maintained in pregnant rats despite overactivation of RAAS following reduction in sodium intake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the opposite condition, e.g., decreased activation of RAAS during pregnancy in the rat. To do so, 0.9% or 1.8% NaCl in drinking water was given to nonpregnant and pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 days (last week of gestation). Increased sodium intakes (between 10- and 20-fold) produced reduction of plasma renin activity and aldosterone in both nonpregnant and pregnant rats. Systolic blood pressure was not affected in nonpregnant rats. However, in pregnant rats, 0.9% sodium supplement prevented the decreased blood pressure. Moreover, an increase of systolic blood pressure was obtained in pregnant rats receiving 1.8% NaCl. The 0.9% sodium supplement did not affect plasma and fetal parameters. However, 1.8% NaCl supplement has larger effects during gestation as shown by increased plasma sodium concentration, hematocrit level, negative water balance, proteinuria, and intrauterine growth restriction. With both sodium supplements, decreased AT1 mRNA levels in the kidney and in the placenta were observed. Our results showed that a high-sodium intake prevents the pregnancy-induced decrease of blood pressure in rats. Nonpregnant rats were able to maintain homeostasis but not the pregnant ones in response to sodium load. Furthermore, pregnant rats on a high-sodium intake (1.8% NaCl) showed some physiological responses that resemble manifestations observed in preeclampsia.

Decrease in heart rate variability response to task is related to anxiety and depressiveness in normal subjects.

PubMed

Shinba, Toshikazu; Kariya, Nobutoshi; Matsui, Yasue; Ozawa, Nobuyuki; Matsuda, Yoshiki; Yamamoto, Ken-Ichi

2008-10-01

Previous studies have shown that heart rate variability (HRV) measurement is useful in investigating the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders. The present study further examined its usefulness in evaluating the mental health of normal subjects with respect to anxiety and depressiveness. Heart rate (HR) and HRV were measured tonometrically at the wrist in 43 normal subjects not only in the resting condition but also during a task (random number generation) to assess the responsiveness. For HRV measurement, high-frequency (HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz) and low-frequency (LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz) components of HRV were obtained using MemCalc, a time series analysis technique that combines a non-linear least square method with maximum entropy method. For psychological evaluation of anxiety and depressiveness, two self-report questionnaires were used: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). No significant relation was observed between HR and HRV indices, and the psychological scores both in the resting and task conditions. By task application, HF decreased, and LF/HF and HR increased, and significant correlation with psychological scores was found in the responsiveness to task measured by the ratio of HRV and HR indices during the task to that at rest (task/rest ratio). A positive relationship was found between task/rest ratio for HF, and STAI and SDS scores. Task/rest ratio of HR was negatively correlated with STAI-state score. Decreased HRV response to task application is related to anxiety and depressiveness. Decreased autonomic responsiveness could serve as a sign of psychological dysfunction.

Sperm DNA fragmentation in the total and vital fractions before and after density gradient centrifugation: Significance in male fertility diagnosis.

PubMed

Punjabi, U; Van Mulders, H; Goovaerts, I; Peeters, K; Clasen, K; Janssens, P; Zemtsova, O; De Neubourg, D

2018-05-21

Sperm DNA fragmentation measured by different techniques make comparisons impossible due to lack of standardization. Induction of DNA damage after sperm preparation in the entire fraction has been observed on independent occasions but findings are not consistent. Men presenting at a University hospital setup for infertility treatment. DNA damage via TUNEL assay was validated on fresh semen samples, as conventional semen parameters, to reduce variability of results. Sperm motility in neat semen inversely correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation in the total fraction, but, total count, leukocytes and immature germ cells significantly affected the vital fraction. Sperm DNA fragmentation was observed both in normal and subnormal semen samples, but was significantly different in the total fraction of astheno-, asthenoterato- and oligoteratozoospermic men. After density gradient centrifugation, sperm DNA fragmentation increased significantly in the total but decreased in the vital fraction. Advancing male age significantly influenced damage in the total but not in the vital population. These findings provide opportunities to investigate the significance of the total and the vital fractions both in natural conception and after different assisted reproductive technologies. Copyright © 2018 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stop signals decrease choices for palatable foods through decreased food evaluation

PubMed Central

Veling, Harm; Aarts, Henk; Stroebe, Wolfgang

2013-01-01

The present study explores whether presenting specific palatable foods in close temporal proximity of stop signals in a go/no-go task decreases subsequent evaluations of such foods among participants with a relatively high appetite. Furthermore, we tested whether any decreased evaluations could mediate subsequent food choice. Participants first received a go/no-go task in which palatable foods were consistently linked to go cues or no-go cues within participants. Next, evaluation of the palatable foods was measured as well as food choice. Replicating previous work, results show that among participants with a relatively high appetite palatable foods associated with no-go cues are less often chosen as snacks compared to when these foods are associated with go cues, whereas this manipulation did not affect participants with a relatively low appetite. Moreover, this effect was completely mediated by decreased evaluation of the palatable foods that had been associated with the no-go cues, whereas evaluation of the foods associated with go cues did not mediate this effect. Results further showed that the devaluation effect of foods associated with no-go cues was independent of the amount of pairings (4 vs. 12 vs. 24) with the no-go cues. The current findings suggest that decreased food evaluation is a mechanism that explains effects of stop signals on food choice. PMID:24324451

Kata techniques training consistently decreases stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Bahrami, Fatimah; Movahedi, Ahmadreza; Marandi, Sayed Mohammad; Abedi, Ahmad

2012-01-01

The effects of 14 weeks of Kata techniques training on stereotypic behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were investigated. The study included 30 eligible (diagnosed ASD, school age) children with ages ranging from 5 to 16 years whom they assigned to an exercise (n=15) or a no-exercise control group (n=15). Participants of the exercise group received Kata techniques instruction four times per week for 14 weeks (56 sessions). Stereotypy was assessed at baseline (pre-intervention), week 14 (post-intervention), and at one month follow up in both groups. Results showed that Kata techniques training significantly reduced stereotypy in the exercise group. Following participation in Kata techniques training, stereotypy decreased from baseline levels by a M of 42.54% across participants. Interestingly, after 30 days of no practice, stereotypy in the exercise group remained significantly decreased compared to pre-intervention time. The participants of the control group did not show significant changes in the stereotypy. Teaching martial arts techniques to children with ASD for a long period of time consistently decreased their stereotypic behaviors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuropeptide Levels as well as Neprilysin Activity Decrease in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PubMed

Erin, Nuray; İpekçi, Tümay; Akkaya, Bahar; Özbudak, İrem Hicran; Baykara, Mehmet

2016-12-01

Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP), Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) and Substance P (SP) are sensory neuropeptides which may alter cancer growth through modulation of chronic inflammation. We recently reported that SP suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis through neuroimmune modulation. These neuropeptides are hydrolyzed by Neprilysin (NEP) to bioactive fragments. Decreased activity of NEP was reported in clear cell and chromophobe type renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It is however not known how the levels of neuropeptides hydrolyzed with NEP changes in RCC. Decrease activity of SP and CGRP containing sensory nerve endings was previously reported to increase cancer metastasis in animal models. It is however not known how peptidergic nerve endings are altered in RCC. Hence we here evaluated the levels of neuronal and non-neuronal neuropeptides and NEP activity in RCC including papillary type as well as neighboring uninvolved kidney. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 57 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and diagnosed with RCC. NEP activity, levels and expression were determined using flourogenic substrate, western blot and qPCR respectively in freshly-frozen tissues. Immunohistochemical analyses were also performed. Neuronal and non-neuronal levels of CGRP, SP and VIP levels were determined using two-step acetic acid extraction. Levels and activity of NEP were markedly decreased in RCC regardless of subtype. Similar levels of VIP were detected in first and second extractions. VIP levels were higher in clear cell and papillary RCC compared to nearby kidney tissue. VIP levels of neighboring kidney tissue of papillary type RCC was significantly lower compared to kidney samples from clear cell RCC. CGRP levels were higher in second extraction. Similar to VIP levels, CGRP levels of neighboring kidney tissue from clear cell and chromophobe type RCC was significantly lower compared to corresponding tumor samples, an effect observed in the second

Mitofusin 2 decreases intracellular lipids in macrophages by regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ

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

Liu, Chun; Ge, Beihai; He, Chao

2014-07-18

Highlights: • Mfn2 decreases cellular lipid accumulation by activating cholesterol transporters. • PPARγ is involved in the Mfn2-mediated increase of cholesterol transporter expressions. • Inactivation of ERK1/2 and p38 is involved in Mfn2-induced PPARγ expression. - Abstract: Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to reveal how Mfn2 functions in the atherosclerosis. Mfn2 expression was found to be significantly reduced in arterial atherosclerotic lesions of both mice and human compared with healthy counterparts. Here, we observed that Mfn2 increased cellular cholesterol transporter expression in macrophages by upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, anmore » effect achieved at least partially by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway. These findings provide insights into potential mechanisms of Mfn2-mediated alterations in cholesterol transporter expression, which may have significant implications for the treatment of atherosclerotic heart disease.« less

Specific decrease in solution viscosity of antibodies by arginine for therapeutic formulations.

PubMed

Inoue, Naoto; Takai, Eisuke; Arakawa, Tsutomu; Shiraki, Kentaro

2014-06-02

Unacceptably high viscosity is observed in high protein concentration formulations due to extremely large therapeutic dose of antibodies and volume restriction of subcutaneous route of administration. Here, we show that a protein aggregation suppressor, arginine hydrochloride (ArgHCl), specifically decreases viscosity of antibody formulations. The viscosities of bovine gamma globulin (BGG) solution at 250 mg/mL and human gamma globulin (HGG) solution at 292 mg/mL at a physiological pH were too high for subcutaneous injections, but decreased to an acceptable level (below 50 cP) in the presence of 1,000 mM ArgHCl. ArgHCl also decreased the viscosity of BGG solution at acidic and alkaline pHs. Interestingly, ArgHCl decreased the viscosity of antibody solutions (BGG, HGG, and human immunoglobulin G) but not globular protein solutions (α-amylase and α-chymotrypsin). These results indicate not only high potency of ArgHCl as an excipient to decrease the solution viscosity of high concentration antibodies formulations but also specific interactions between ArgHCl and antibodies.

Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training to decrease test anxiety in nursing students.

PubMed

Prato, Catherine A; Yucha, Carolyn B

2013-01-01

Nursing students experiencing debilitating test anxiety may be unable to demonstrate their knowledge and have potential for poor academic performance. A biofeedback-assisted relaxation training program was created to reduce test anxiety. Anxiety was measured using Spielberger's Test Anxiety Inventory and monitoring peripheral skin temperature, pulse, and respiration rates during the training. Participants were introduced to diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and autogenic training. Statistically significant changes occurred in respiratory rates and skin temperatures during the diaphragmatic breathing session; respiratory rates and peripheral skin temperatures during progressive muscle relaxation session; respiratory and pulse rates, and peripheral skin temperatures during the autogenic sessions. No statistically significant difference was noted between the first and second TAI. Subjective test anxiety scores of the students did not decrease by the end of training. Autogenic training session was most effective in showing a statistically significant change in decreased respiratory and pulse rates and increased peripheral skin temperature.

Decrease of concentration and colloidal fraction of organic carbon and trace elements in response to the anomalously hot summer 2010 in a humic boreal lake.

PubMed

Shirokova, L S; Pokrovsky, O S; Moreva, O Yu; Chupakov, A V; Zabelina, S A; Klimov, S I; Shorina, N V; Vorobieva, T Ya

2013-10-01

The colloidal distribution and size fractionation of organic carbon (OC), major elements and trace elements (TE) were studied in a seasonally stratified, organic-rich boreal lake, Lake Svyatoe, located in the European subarctic zone (NW Russia, Arkhangelsk region). This study took place over the course of 4 years in both winter and summer periods using an in situ dialysis technique (1 kDa, 10 kDa and 50 kDa) and traditional frontal filtration and ultrafiltration (5, 0.22 and 0.025 μm). We observed a systematic difference in dissolved elements and colloidal fractions between summer and winter periods with the highest proportion of organic and organo-ferric colloids (1 kDa-0.22 μm) observed during winter periods. The anomalously hot summer of 2010 in European Russia produced surface water temperatures of approximately 30°C, which were 10° above the usual summer temperatures and brought about crucial changes in element speciation and size fractionation. In August 2010, the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decreased by more than 30% compared to normal period, while the relative proportion of organic colloids decreased from 70-80% to only 20-30% over the full depth of the water column. Similarly, the proportion of colloidal Fe decreased from 90-98% in most summers and winters to approximately 60-70% in August 2010. During this hot summer, measurable and significant (>30% compared to other periods) decreases in the colloidal fractions of Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, Ni, As, V, Co, Y, all rare earth elements (REEs), Zr, Hf, Th and U were also observed. In addition, dissolved (<0.22 μm) TE concentrations decreased by a factor of 2 to 6 compared to previously investigated periods. The three processes most likely responsible for such a crucial change in element biogeochemistry with elevated water temperature are 1) massive phytoplankton bloom, 2) enhanced mineralization (respiration) of allochthonous dissolved organic matter by heterotrophic aerobic

Decreasing urinary organophosphate pesticide metabolites among pregnant women and their offspring in Jerusalem: Impact of regulatory restrictions on agricultural organophosphate pesticides use?

PubMed

Ein-Mor, Eliana; Ergaz-Shaltiel, Zivanit; Berman, Tamar; Göen, Thomas; Natsheh, Juma; Ben-Chetrit, Avraham; Haimov-Kochman, Ronit; Calderon-Margalit, Ronit

2018-06-01

Maternal urinary levels of dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites of organophosphate pesticides (OP) during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes in the offspring. Between 2012 and 2014, eighteen active OP ingredients were restricted or banned in Israel for agricultural use. We aimed to study trends of urinary DAP metabolites among pregnant women and their offspring in the era of the new regulations. Pregnant women were recruited at 11-18 weeks of gestation and provided spot urine samples (n = 273). Soon after birth, neonatal urine samples were collected (n = 107). All urine specimens analyzed for DAP metabolites. Trends in DAP metabolites were tested using Mann-Kendall trend statistic (M-K S) and linear regression models were constructed to estimate the association between calendar period and DAP levels between September 2012 and March 2016. Over the study period, median maternal ∑DAP levels decreased from 248 nmol/L to 148 nmol/L. Time of recruitment was associated with a statistically significant decrease in DAP metabolites, which remained significant after multivariate adjustment. Overall, the results for the analysis of before and after June 2014 showed a significant decrease in ∑DAP of -0.198 log10 nmol/L (95%CI: -0.311,-0.084) which corresponds with a decrease of 36.6% in ∑DAP. A similar trend was found for DAP metabolites in neonatal urine. Compared to other studies, pregnant women in Jerusalem had higher ∑DAP levels, even at the end of the study period. We observed significant reductions in maternal and neonatal DAP urinary levels during the period of 2012-2016. Regulations restricting agricultural use of OP seem to be effective in reducing population exposure to OP, in an era when residential use of OP is banned. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

HYDROXYUREA TREATMENT DECREASES GLOMERULAR HYPERFILTRATION IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

PubMed Central

Aygun, Banu; Mortier, Nicole A.; Smeltzer, Matthew P.; Shulkin, Barry L.; Hankins, Jane S.; Ware, Russell E.

2015-01-01

Background Glomerular hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria/proteinuria are early manifestations of sickle nephropathy. The effects of hydroxyurea therapy on these renal manifestations of sickle cell anemia (SCA) are not well defined. Objective To investigate the effects of hydroxyurea on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured by 99mTc-DTPA clearance, and on microalbuminuria/proteinuria in children with SCA. Study Design Hydroxyurea Study of Long-Term Effects (HUSTLE) is a prospective study (NCT00305175) with the goal of describing the long-term cellular, molecular, and clinical effects of hydroxyurea therapy in SCA. Glomerular filtration rate, urine microalbumin, and serum cystatin C were measured before initiating hydroxyurea therapy and then repeated after 3 years. Baseline and Year 3 values for HUSTLE subjects were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Associations between continuous variables were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient. Results Twenty-three children with SCA (median age 7.5 years, range 2.5–14.0 years) received hydroxyurea at maximum tolerated dose (MTD, 24.4 ± 4.5 mg/kg/day, range 15.3–30.6 mg/kg/day). After three years of treatment, GFR measured by 99mTc-DTPA decreased significantly from 167 ± 46 mL/min/1.73m2 to 145 ± 27 mL/min/1.73m2 (p=0.016). This decrease in GFR was significantly associated with increase in fetal hemoglobin (p= 0.042) and decrease in lactate dehydrogenase levels (p=0.035). Urine microalbumin and cystatin C levels did not change significantly. Conclusions Hydroxyurea at MTD is associated with a decrease in hyperfiltration in young children with SCA. PMID:23255310

Evaluating the Impact of Database Heterogeneity on Observational Study Results

PubMed Central

Madigan, David; Ryan, Patrick B.; Schuemie, Martijn; Stang, Paul E.; Overhage, J. Marc; Hartzema, Abraham G.; Suchard, Marc A.; DuMouchel, William; Berlin, Jesse A.

2013-01-01

Clinical studies that use observational databases to evaluate the effects of medical products have become commonplace. Such studies begin by selecting a particular database, a decision that published papers invariably report but do not discuss. Studies of the same issue in different databases, however, can and do generate different results, sometimes with strikingly different clinical implications. In this paper, we systematically study heterogeneity among databases, holding other study methods constant, by exploring relative risk estimates for 53 drug-outcome pairs and 2 widely used study designs (cohort studies and self-controlled case series) across 10 observational databases. When holding the study design constant, our analysis shows that estimated relative risks range from a statistically significant decreased risk to a statistically significant increased risk in 11 of 53 (21%) of drug-outcome pairs that use a cohort design and 19 of 53 (36%) of drug-outcome pairs that use a self-controlled case series design. This exceeds the proportion of pairs that were consistent across databases in both direction and statistical significance, which was 9 of 53 (17%) for cohort studies and 5 of 53 (9%) for self-controlled case series. Our findings show that clinical studies that use observational databases can be sensitive to the choice of database. More attention is needed to consider how the choice of data source may be affecting results. PMID:23648805

Separate Medication Preparation Rooms Reduce Interruptions and Medication Errors in the Hospital Setting: A Prospective Observational Study.

PubMed

Huckels-Baumgart, Saskia; Baumgart, André; Buschmann, Ute; Schüpfer, Guido; Manser, Tanja

2016-12-21

Interruptions and errors during the medication process are common, but published literature shows no evidence supporting whether separate medication rooms are an effective single intervention in reducing interruptions and errors during medication preparation in hospitals. We tested the hypothesis that the rate of interruptions and reported medication errors would decrease as a result of the introduction of separate medication rooms. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of separate medication rooms on interruptions during medication preparation and on self-reported medication error rates. We performed a preintervention and postintervention study using direct structured observation of nurses during medication preparation and daily structured medication error self-reporting of nurses by questionnaires in 2 wards at a major teaching hospital in Switzerland. A volunteer sample of 42 nurses was observed preparing 1498 medications for 366 patients over 17 hours preintervention and postintervention on both wards. During 122 days, nurses completed 694 reporting sheets containing 208 medication errors. After the introduction of the separate medication room, the mean interruption rate decreased significantly from 51.8 to 30 interruptions per hour (P < 0.01), and the interruption-free preparation time increased significantly from 1.4 to 2.5 minutes (P < 0.05). Overall, the mean medication error rate per day was also significantly reduced after implementation of the separate medication room from 1.3 to 0.9 errors per day (P < 0.05). The present study showed the positive effect of a hospital-based intervention; after the introduction of the separate medication room, the interruption and medication error rates decreased significantly.

Previous exposure in a high-risk area for travellers' diarrhoea within the past year is associated with a significant protective effect for travellers' diarrhoea: a prospective observational cohort study in travellers to South Asia.

PubMed

Kuenzli, Esther; Juergensen, David; Kling, Kerstin; Jaeger, Veronika K; DeCrom, Susan; Steffen, Robert; Widmer, Andreas F; Battegay, Manuel; Hatz, Christoph; Neumayr, Andreas

2017-09-01

Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common health problem in travellers. Depending on the region visited, up to 40% of travellers develop diarrhoea during a 2-week trip. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for TD among travellers to the Indian subcontinent. An observational prospective multicentre cohort study investigated travellers to the Indian subcontinent. Participants completed questionnaires assessing the incidence of travellers' diarrhoea and identifying potential risk factors. Covariates were assessed univariately, followed by a multivariate regression. Two-hundred and twenty-six travellers were enrolled into the study, 178 filled in both pre- and post-travel questionnaires. Overall, the attack rate of travellers' diarrhoea was 38.2%. Travel destination is a key risk factor for the occurrence of TD. Travelling to India or Nepal vs Bhutan is associated with an increased risk for TD (OR 6.68 and 6.62, respectively). A length of stay of more than 3 weeks compared to less than 2 weeks is also associated with a significantly increased risk (OR 5.45). Having stayed in a high-risk area for travellers' diarrhoea within the past year before the current trip is associated with a significantly decreased risk (OR 0.19). No association was found between consumption of high risk food (i.e. tap water, ice cream, raw meat and hamburgers) and travellers' diarrhoea. Travellers' diarrhoea is a frequent problem in travellers to the Indian subcontinent. Previous exposure in a high-risk area for travellers' diarrhoea within the past year appears to have a significant protective effect. Furthermore, an association between the occurrence of travellers' diarrhoea and travel destination and length of stay, respectively, was observed. Consumption of risk food did not confer a TD risk in our study. © International Society of Travel Medicine, 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Atmospheric Effects on Cosmic Ray Air Showers Observed with HAWC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Steven

2014-01-01

The High Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma Ray detector (HAWC), currently under construction on the Sierra Negra volcano near Puebla, Mexico, can be used to study solar physics with its scaler data acquisition system. Increases in the scaler rates are used to observe GeV cosmic rays from solar flares while decreases in the rates show the heliospheric disturbances associated with coronal mass ejections. However, weather conditions and height-dependent state variables such as pressure and temperature affect the production of extensive particle air showers that can be detected by the scaler system. To see if these atmospheric effects can be removed, we obtained local weather data from the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) and the local weather station at HAWC. The scaler pulse rates were then correlated to the pressure and temperature. We present data from a Forbush decrease observed by HAWC following a significant coronal mass ejection in April 2013, and describe our efforts to remove atmospheric variations from the scaler counts. This work was partially supported by the National Science Foundation’s REU program through NSF Award AST-1004881 to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Postoperative Decrease in Platelet Counts Is Associated with Delayed Liver Function Recovery and Complications after Partial Hepatectomy.

PubMed

Takahashi, Kazuhiro; Kurokawa, Tomohiro; Oshiro, Yukio; Fukunaga, Kiyoshi; Sakashita, Shingo; Ohkohchi, Nobuhiro

2016-05-01

Peripheral platelet counts decrease after partial hepatectomy; however, the implications of this phenomenon are unclear. We assessed if the observed decrease in platelet counts was associated with postoperative liver function and morbidity (complications grade ≤ II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification). We enrolled 216 consecutive patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for primary liver cancers, metastatic liver cancers, benign tumors, and donor hepatectomy. We classified patients as either low or high platelet percentage (postoperative platelet count/preoperative platelet count) using the optimal cutoff value calculated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and analyzed risk factors for delayed liver functional recovery and morbidity after hepatectomy. Delayed liver function recovery and morbidity were significantly correlated with the lowest value of platelet percentage based on ROC analysis. Using a cutoff value of 60% acquired by ROC analysis, univariate and multivariate analysis determined that postoperative lowest platelet percentage ≤ 60% was identified as an independent risk factor of delayed liver function recovery (odds ratio (OR) 6.85; P < 0.01) and morbidity (OR, 4.90; P < 0.01). Furthermore, patients with the lowest platelet percentage ≤ 60% had decreased postoperative prothrombin time ratio and serum albumin level and increased serum bilirubin level when compared with patients with platelet percentage ≥ 61%. A greater than 40% decrease in platelet count after partial hepatectomy was an independent risk factor for delayed liver function recovery and postoperative morbidity. In conclusion, the decrease in platelet counts is an early marker to predict the liver function recovery and complications after hepatectomy.

AIRS Water Vapor and Cloud Products Validate and Explain Recent Short Term Decreases in Global and Tropical OLR as Observed by CERES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Susskind, Joel; Molnar, Gyula; Iredell, Lena

2010-01-01

A strong equatorial SST cooling occurred from 160E westward to 120W during the period of September 2002 through August 2010, surrounded by a weaker warming ring to the west. This is the result of a transition from a strong El Nino in late 2002 to a strong La Nina in 2008. Late 2009 is characterized by the beginning of another El Nino. Average rates of change (ARC's) in 500mb specific humidity and cloud cover are in phase with those in the Sea surface temperature (SST). In the El Nino and surrounding region causing outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), to decrease significantly near the dateline and increase in the vicinity of Indonesia. Tropical OLR ARC's in these two areas cancel each other to first order. The negative zonal mean tropical OLR ARC from a drop in equatorial OLR in region 1 from 140W to 40E. This results from increasing water vapor and cloud cover in this area during La Nina with the reverse holding during El Nino.

Decreased striatal and enhanced thalamic dopaminergic responsivity in detoxified cocaine abusers

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

Volkow, N.D.; Wang, G.J.; Fowler, J.S.

It has been hypothesized that cocaine addiction could result from decreased brain dopamine (DA) function. However, little is known about changes in (DA) neurotransmission in human cocaine addiction. We used PET and [C-11]raclopride, a DA D2 receptor ligand sensitive to competition with endogenous DA, to measure relative changes in extracellular DA induced by methylphenidate (MP) in 20 cocaine abusers (3-6 weeks after cocaine discontinuation) and 23 controls. MP did not affect the transport of [C-11]raclopride from blood to brain (K1); however it induced a significant reduction in DA D2 receptor availability (Bmax/Kd) in striatum. The magnitude of ND-induced changes inmore » striatal [C-11]raclopride binding were significantly larger in controls (21 + 13% change from baseline) than in cocaine abusers (9 {+-} 13 %) (ANOVA p < 0.005). In cocaine abusers, but not in controls, MP also decreased Bmax/Kd values in thalamus (29 {+-} 35 %) (ANOVA p < 0.005). There were no differences in plasma MP concentration between the groups. In striatum MP-induced changes in Bmax/Kd were significantly correlated with MP-induced changes in self reports of restlessness (r = 0.49, df 42, p < 0.002). In thalamus MP-induced changes in Bmax/Kd were significantly correlated with ND-induced changes in self reports of cocaine craving (r = 0.57, df 42, p < 0.0001). These results are compatible with a decrease in striatal DA brain function in cocaine abusers. They also suggest a participation of thalamic DA pathways in cocaine addiction.« less

Decreased Superoxide Production, Degranulation, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Secretion, and CD11b/CD18 Receptor Expression by Adherent Monocytes from Preterm Infants

PubMed Central

Kaufman, David; Kilpatrick, Laurie; Hudson, R. Guy; Campbell, Donald E.; Kaufman, Ann; Douglas, Steven D.; Harris, Mary C.

1999-01-01

Preterm infants have an increased incidence of infection, which is principally due to deficiencies in neonatal host defense mechanisms. Monocyte adherence is important in localizing cells at sites of infection and is associated with enhanced antimicrobial functions. We isolated cord blood monocytes from preterm and full-term infants to study their adhesion and immune functions, including superoxide (O2−) generation, degranulation, and cytokine secretion and their adhesion receptors. O2− production and degranulation were significantly diminished, by 28 and 37%, respectively, in adherent monocytes from preterm infants compared to full-term infants (P < 0.05); however, these differences were not seen in freshly isolated cells. We also observed a significant decrease of 35% in tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated adherent monocytes from preterm infants compared to full-term infants (P < 0.05); however, this difference was not observed in interleukin-1β or interleukin-6 production by the monocytes. The cell surface expression of the CD11b/CD18 adhesion receptor subunits was significantly decreased (by 60 and 52%, respectively) in monocytes from preterm infants compared to full-term infants (P < 0.01). The cascade of the immune response to infection involves monocyte upregulation and adherence via CD11b/CD18 receptors followed by cell activation and the release of cytokines and bactericidal products. We speculate that monocyte adherence factors may be important in the modulation of immune responses in preterm infants. PMID:10391855

Novel everting urologic access sheath: decreased axial forces during insertion.

PubMed

Rubenstein, Jonathan N; Garcia, Maurice; Camargo, Affonso H L A; Joel, Andrew B; Stoller, Marshall L

2005-12-01

Advancement of urologic instruments through the genitourinary tract is associated with significant axial forces that likely contribute to patient discomfort, even after injection of a local anesthetic, and may lead to mucosal trauma, postprocedural dysuria and hematuria, and increased susceptibility to infection and strictures. Placing an everting urethral sheath prior to instrumentation may decrease these problems. Two 7-cm-long, 5-mm diameter urethral luminal models were created, one with and one without an artificial stricture. We measured the forces generated during advancement of a novel everting access sheath (Cystoglide; Percutaneous Systems, Mountain View, CA) through the models in comparison with a representative cystoscope and a urologic dilator simulating a traditional access sheath. The mean force generated during advancement of the everting sheath was significantly less than that of both the representative cystoscope (P<0.01) and the traditional access sheath (P<0.01). This held true for the urethral models both with and without an artificial stricture (P<0.01) and with and without lubrication (P<0.01). This novel introduction sheath markedly decreased the axial forces applied to an artificial urethral luminal wall. It is possible that the clinical use of this technology will decrease the discomfort and potential complications associated with lower urinary-tract endoscopy.

Increased calcium deposits and decreased Ca2+-ATPase in right ventricular myocardium of ascitic broiler chickens.

PubMed

Li, K; Qiao, J; Zhao, L; Dong, S; Ou, D; Wang, J; Wang, H; Xu, T

2006-11-01

Right ventricular hypertrophy and failure is an important step in the development of ascites syndrome (AS) in broiler chickens. Cytoplasmic calcium concentration is a major regulator of cardiac contractile function and various physiological processes in cardiac muscle cells. The purpose of this study was to measure the right ventricular pressure and investigate the precise ultrastructural location of Ca(2+) and Ca(2+)-ATPase in the right ventricular myocardium of chickens with AS induced by low ambient temperature. The results showed that the right ventricular diastolic pressure of ascitic broilers was significantly higher than that of control broilers (P < 0.01), and the maximum change ratio of right intraventricular pressure (RV +/- dp/dt(max)) of ascitic broilers was significantly lower than that of the controls (P < 0.01). Extensively increased calcium deposits were observed in the right ventricular myocardium of ascitic broilers, whereas in the age-matched control broilers, calcium deposits were much less. The Ca(2+)-ATPase reactive products were obviously found on the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane of the control right ventricular myocardium, but rarely observed in the ascitic broilers. The data suggest that in ascitic broilers there is the right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, in which the overload of intracellular calcium and the decreased Ca(2+)-ATPase activity might be the important factors.

Omeprazole decreases magnesium transport across Caco-2 monolayers

PubMed Central

Thongon, Narongrit; Krishnamra, Nateetip

2011-01-01

AIM: To elucidate the effect and underlying mechanisms of omeprazole action on Mg2+ transport across the intestinal epithelium. METHODS: Caco-2 monolayers were cultured in various dose omeprazole-containing media for 14 or 21 d before being inserted into a modified Ussing chamber apparatus to investigate the bi-directional Mg2+ transport and electrical parameters. Paracellular permeability of the monolayer was also observed by the dilution potential technique and a cation permeability study. An Arrhenius plot was performed to elucidate the activation energy of passive Mg2+ transport across the Caco-2 monolayers. RESULTS: Both apical to basolateral and basolateral to apical passive Mg2+ fluxes of omeprazole-treated epithelium were decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Omeprazole also decreased the paracellular cation selectivity and changed the paracellular selective permeability profile of Caco-2 epithelium to Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+ from series VII to series VI of the Eisenman sequence. The Arrhenius plot revealed the higher activation energy for passive Mg2+ transport in omeprazole-treated epithelium than that of control epithelium, indicating that omeprazole affected the paracellular channel of Caco-2 epithelium in such a way that Mg2+ movement was impeded. CONCLUSION: Omeprazole decreased paracellular cation permeability and increased the activation energy for passive Mg2+ transport of Caco-2 monolayers that led to the suppression of passive Mg2+ absorption. PMID:21472124

Omeprazole decreases magnesium transport across Caco-2 monolayers.

PubMed

Thongon, Narongrit; Krishnamra, Nateetip

2011-03-28

To elucidate the effect and underlying mechanisms of omeprazole action on Mg(2+) transport across the intestinal epithelium. Caco-2 monolayers were cultured in various dose omeprazole-containing media for 14 or 21 d before being inserted into a modified Ussing chamber apparatus to investigate the bi-directional Mg(2+) transport and electrical parameters. Paracellular permeability of the monolayer was also observed by the dilution potential technique and a cation permeability study. An Arrhenius plot was performed to elucidate the activation energy of passive Mg(2+) transport across the Caco-2 monolayers. Both apical to basolateral and basolateral to apical passive Mg(2+) fluxes of omeprazole-treated epithelium were decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Omeprazole also decreased the paracellular cation selectivity and changed the paracellular selective permeability profile of Caco-2 epithelium to Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), and Cs(+) from series VII to series VI of the Eisenman sequence. The Arrhenius plot revealed the higher activation energy for passive Mg(2+) transport in omeprazole-treated epithelium than that of control epithelium, indicating that omeprazole affected the paracellular channel of Caco-2 epithelium in such a way that Mg(2+) movement was impeded. Omeprazole decreased paracellular cation permeability and increased the activation energy for passive Mg(2+) transport of Caco-2 monolayers that led to the suppression of passive Mg(2+) absorption.

The distribution of P-values in medical research articles suggested selective reporting associated with statistical significance.

PubMed

Perneger, Thomas V; Combescure, Christophe

2017-07-01

Published P-values provide a window into the global enterprise of medical research. The aim of this study was to use the distribution of published P-values to estimate the relative frequencies of null and alternative hypotheses and to seek irregularities suggestive of publication bias. This cross-sectional study included P-values published in 120 medical research articles in 2016 (30 each from the BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine). The observed distribution of P-values was compared with expected distributions under the null hypothesis (i.e., uniform between 0 and 1) and the alternative hypothesis (strictly decreasing from 0 to 1). P-values were categorized according to conventional levels of statistical significance and in one-percent intervals. Among 4,158 recorded P-values, 26.1% were highly significant (P < 0.001), 9.1% were moderately significant (P ≥ 0.001 to < 0.01), 11.7% were weakly significant (P ≥ 0.01 to < 0.05), and 53.2% were nonsignificant (P ≥ 0.05). We noted three irregularities: (1) high proportion of P-values <0.001, especially in observational studies, (2) excess of P-values equal to 1, and (3) about twice as many P-values less than 0.05 compared with those more than 0.05. The latter finding was seen in both randomized trials and observational studies, and in most types of analyses, excepting heterogeneity tests and interaction tests. Under plausible assumptions, we estimate that about half of the tested hypotheses were null and the other half were alternative. This analysis suggests that statistical tests published in medical journals are not a random sample of null and alternative hypotheses but that selective reporting is prevalent. In particular, significant results are about twice as likely to be reported as nonsignificant results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Decreasing Failure Rate, Mixed Exponential Model Applied to Reliability.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

Trident missile systems have been observed. The mixed exponential distribu- tion has been shown to fit the life data for the electronic equipment on...these systems . This paper discusses some of the estimation problems which occur with the decreasing failure rate mixed exponential distribution when...assumption of constant or increasing failure rate seemed to be incorrect. 2. However, the design of this electronic equipment indicated that

Decreased Functional Brain Connectivity in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

PubMed Central

Hong, Soon-Beom; Zalesky, Andrew; Cocchi, Luca; Fornito, Alex; Choi, Eun-Jung; Kim, Ho-Hyun; Suh, Jeong-Eun; Kim, Chang-Dai; Kim, Jae-Won; Yi, Soon-Hyung

2013-01-01

Background Internet addiction has become increasingly recognized as a mental disorder, though its neurobiological basis is unknown. This study used functional neuroimaging to investigate whole-brain functional connectivity in adolescents diagnosed with internet addiction. Based on neurobiological changes seen in other addiction related disorders, it was predicted that connectivity disruptions in adolescents with internet addiction would be most prominent in cortico-striatal circuitry. Methods Participants were 12 adolescents diagnosed with internet addiction and 11 healthy comparison subjects. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were acquired, and group differences in brain functional connectivity were analyzed using the network-based statistic. We also analyzed network topology, testing for between-group differences in key graph-based network measures. Results Adolescents with internet addiction showed reduced functional connectivity spanning a distributed network. The majority of impaired connections involved cortico-subcortical circuits (∼24% with prefrontal and ∼27% with parietal cortex). Bilateral putamen was the most extensively involved subcortical brain region. No between-group difference was observed in network topological measures, including the clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, or the small-worldness ratio. Conclusions Internet addiction is associated with a widespread and significant decrease of functional connectivity in cortico-striatal circuits, in the absence of global changes in brain functional network topology. PMID:23451272

Active Intervention Can Decrease Burnout In Ed Nurses.

PubMed

Wei, Rong; Ji, Hong; Li, Jianxin; Zhang, Liyao

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether active intervention can decrease job burnout and improve performance among ED nurses. This study was carried out in the emergency departments of 3 hospitals randomly selected from 8 comprehensive high-level hospitals in Jinan, China. A total of 102 nurses were enrolled and randomly divided into control and intervention groups. For 6 months, nurses in intervention groups were treated with ordinary treatment plus comprehensive management, whereas nurses in the control group were treated with ordinary management, respectively. Questionnaires were sent and collected at baseline and at the end of the study. The Student t test was used to evaluate the effect of comprehensive management in decreasing burnout. All ED nurses showed symptoms of job burnout at different levels. Our data indicated that comprehensive management significantly decreased emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (P < .01). The findings suggest that active intervention with comprehensive management may effectively reduce job burnout in ED nurses and contribute to relieving work-related stress and may further protect against potential mental health problems. Copyright © 2016 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bacteriophage treatment significantly reduces viable Clostridium difficile and prevents toxin production in an in vitro model system.

PubMed

Meader, Emma; Mayer, Melinda J; Gasson, Michael J; Steverding, Dietmar; Carding, Simon R; Narbad, Arjan

2010-12-01

Clostridium difficile is primarily a nosocomial pathogen, causing thousands of cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in the UK each year. In this study, we used a batch fermentation model of a C. difficile colonised system to evaluate the potential of a prophylactic and a remedial bacteriophage treatment regime to control the pathogen. It is shown that the prophylaxis regime was effective at preventing the growth of C. difficile (p = <0.001) and precluded the production of detectable levels of toxins A and B. The remedial treatment regime caused a less profound and somewhat transient decrease in the number of viable C. difficile cells (p = <0.0001), but still resulted in a lower level of toxin production relative to the control. The numbers of commensal bacteria including total aerobes and anaerobes, Bifidobacterium sp., Bacteroides sp., Lactobacillus sp., total Clostridium sp., and Enterobacteriaceae were not significantly decreased by this therapy, whereas significant detrimental effects were observed with metronidazole treatment. Our study indicates that phage therapy has potential to be used for the control of C. difficile; it highlights the main benefits of this approach, and some future challenges. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prolonged bed rest decreases skeletal muscle and whole body protein synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)