Muscle adaptations and performance enhancements of soccer training for untrained men.

PubMed

Krustrup, Peter; Christensen, Jesper F; Randers, Morten B; Pedersen, Henrik; Sundstrup, Emil; Jakobsen, Markus D; Krustrup, Birgitte R; Nielsen, Jens J; Suetta, Charlotte; Nybo, Lars; Bangsbo, Jens

2010-04-01

We examined the physical demands of small-sided soccer games in untrained middle-age males and muscle adaptations and performance effects over 12 weeks of recreational soccer training in comparison with continuous running. Thirty-eight healthy subjects (20-43 years) were randomized into a soccer (SO), running (RU) and control (CO) group. Two-three weekly 1-h training sessions were performed. Muscle lactate (30.1 +/- 4.1 vs. 15.6 +/- 3.3 mmol/kg d.w.), blood lactate, blood glucose and time above 90% HR(max) (20 +/- 4% vs. 1 +/- 1%) were higher (p < 0.05) during training in SO than in RU. After 12 weeks of training, quadriceps muscle mass and mean muscle fibre area were 9 and 15% larger (p < 0.05) in SO, but unaltered in RU, and in SO, the fraction of FTx fibres was lowered (10.7 +/- 1.8 vs. 17.9 +/- 3.2%). In SO, citrate synthase activity was 10 and 14% higher (p < 0.05) after 4 and 12 weeks, but unaltered in RU. After 4 weeks VO(2max) and Yo-Yo IE2 performance were elevated (p < 0.05) to a similar extent in SO (7 and 37%) and RU (6 and 36%) but increased further (p < 0.05) from 4 to 12 weeks in SO (6 and 23%). In SO, 30-m sprint performance was improved (p < 0.05) by 0.11 +/- 0.02 s. Blood lactate during running at 11 km/h was lowered (p < 0.05) from 0 to 4 and 4 to 12 weeks (2.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.6 vs. 6.1 +/- 0.9 mM) and from 0 to 12 weeks in RU. No changes occurred for CO. In conclusion, recreational soccer organized as small-sided games stimulates both aerobic and anaerobic energy turnover and is an effective type of training leading to significant cardiovascular and muscular adaptations as well as performance enhancements throughout a 12-week training period.

Higher cerebral oxygen saturation may provide higher urinary output during continuous regional cerebral perfusion

PubMed Central

Miyamoto, Takashi; Miyaji, Kagami; Okamoto, Hirotsugu; Kohira, Satoshi; Tomoyasu, Takahiro; Inoue, Nobuyuki; Ohara, Kuniyoshi

2008-01-01

Objective We examined the hypothesis that higher cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) during RCP is correlated with urinary output. Methods Between December 2002 and August 2006, 12 patients aged 3 to 61 days and weighing 2.6 to 3.4 kg underwent aortic arch repair with RCP. Urinary output and rSO2 were analyzed retrospectively. Data were assigned to either of 2 groups according to their corresponding rSO2: Group A (rSO2 ≦ 75%) and Group B (rSO2 < 75%). Results Seven and 5 patients were assigned to Group A and Group B, respectively. Group A was characterized by mean radial arterial pressure (37.9 ± 9.6 vs 45.8 ± 7.8 mmHg; P = 0.14) and femoral arterial pressure (6.7 ± 6.1 vs 20.8 ± 14.6 mmHg; P = 0.09) compared to Group B. However, higher urinary output during CPB (1.03 ± 1.18 vs 0.10 ± 0.15 ml·kg-1·h-1; P = 0.03). Furthermore our results indicate that a higher dose of Chlorpromazine was used in Group A (2.9 ± 1.4 vs 1.7 ± 1.0 mg/kg; P = 0.03). Conclusion Higher cerebral oxygenation may provide higher urinary output due to higher renal blood flow through collateral circulation. PMID:18973699

Determinants of 12-step group affiliation and moderators of the affiliation-abstinence relationship.

PubMed

Timko, Christine; Billow, Rachel; DeBenedetti, Anna

2006-06-28

This study examined characteristics of substance use disorder (SUD) outpatients at intake to treatment (N=345) that were associated with more 12-step group attendance and involvement, Steps worked, and acceptance of 12-step philosophy at a 6-month follow-up (N=281, 81.4%). Patient characteristics covered the domains of sociodemographics, SUD severity, personal functioning, and previous help received. Distinguishing baseline characteristics of patients who attended more 12-step group meetings during follow-up were being less-educated, more engaged in religious practices, and more extroverted and interpersonally competent, and having had more previous 12-step group exposure. These patient characteristics were generally similar to those associated with more 12-step meeting involvement and philosophy acceptance. More 12-step meeting attendance and involvement were related to abstinence at 6 months. Associations of attendance with abstinence were stronger among patients who were younger, white, less-educated, unstably employed, less religious, and less interpersonally skilled. These patients may have had fewer available social resources and so benefitted more from the fellowship and support for abstinence that 12-step group members often provide. We suggest methods by which treatment providers may encourage 12-step group affiliation among patients likely to benefit from it on substance use outcomes.

Phase II study of magnesium sulfate in acute organophosphate pesticide poisoning.

PubMed

Basher, A; Rahman, S H; Ghose, A; Arif, S M; Faiz, M A; Dawson, A H

2013-01-01

Acute organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is relatively common and a major cause of death from poisoning in developing countries. Magnesium has been shown to be of benefit in animal models. We conducted a phase II study of bolus doses of (MgSO4) in 50 patients with acute organophosphate poisoning. Patients eligible for inclusion had ingested OP and had cholinergic symptoms consistent with moderate or severe poisoning. All patients received standard care of atropinization titrated to control muscarinic symptoms and pralidoxime. The trial was run in 4 sequential groups of patients. Participants in each group received a different total dose of MgSO4 (20%) administered as intermittent bolus doses infused over 10-15 min or placebo. There was one control patient for every 4 patients who received MgSO4. Group A (16 patients) received a total of 4 gm MgSO4 as a single bolus, group B (8 patients) received 8 gm (in two 4 gm doses q4H), group C (8 patients) received 12 gm (in three 4 gm doses q4H) group D (8 patients) received 16 gm (in four 4 gm doses q4H) and control (10 patients) received placebo). Patients were closely monitored for any adverse reaction like significant clinical neuromuscular disturbance and respiratory depression. No adverse reactions to magnesium were observed. The 24 hour urinary magnesium concentration were statistically different between 16 gm (234.74 ± 74.18 mg/dl) and control (118.06 ± 30.76 mg/dl) (p = 0.019), while it was much lower than the 80% of the intravenous magnesium load. Six patients died in control group compared to 3 in 4 gm, 2 in 8 gm and 1 in 12 gm group. There was no mortality in 16 gm group. Magnesium was well tolerated in this study. Larger studies are required to examine for efficacy.

Resistance training-induced gains in muscle strength, body composition, and functional capacity are attenuated in elderly women with sarcopenic obesity

PubMed Central

de Oliveira Silva, Alessandro; Dutra, Maurílio Tiradentes; de Moraes, Wilson Max Almeida Monteiro; Funghetto, Silvana Schwerz; Lopes de Farias, Darlan; dos Santos, Paulo Henrique Fernandes; Vieira, Denis Cesar Leite; Nascimento, Dahan da Cunha; Orsano, Vânia Silva Macedo; Schoenfeld, Brad J; Prestes, Jonato

2018-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) on body composition, muscle strength, and functional capacity in elderly women with and without sarcopenic obesity (SO). Methods A total of 49 women (aged ≥60 years) were divided in two groups: without SO (non-SO, n=41) and with SO (n=8). Both groups performed a periodized RT program consisting of two weekly sessions for 16 weeks. All measures were assessed at baseline and postintervention, including anthropometry and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscle strength (one repetition maximum) for chest press and 45° leg press, and functional capacity (stand up, elbow flexion, timed “up and go”). Results After the intervention, only the non-SO group presented significant reductions in percentage body fat (−2.2%; P=0.006), waist circumference (−2.7%; P=0.01), waist-to-hip ratio (−2.3; P=0.02), and neck circumference (−1.8%; P=0.03) as compared with baseline. Muscle strength in the chest press and biceps curl increased in non-SO only (12.9% and 11.3%, respectively), while 45° leg press strength increased in non-SO (50.3%) and SO (40.5%) as compared with baseline. Performance in the chair stand up and timed “up and go” improved in non-SO only (21.4% and −8.4%, respectively), whereas elbow flexion performance increased in non-SO (23.8%) and SO (21.4%). Effect sizes for motor tests were of higher magnitude in the non-SO group, and in general, considered “moderate” compared to “trivial” in the SO group. Conclusion Results suggest that adaptations induced by 16 weeks of RT are attenuated in elderly woman with SO, compromising improvements in adiposity indices and gains in muscle strength and functional capacity. PMID:29588579

Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of albendazole sulfoxide in sheep and goats, and dose-dependent plasma disposition in goats.

PubMed

Aksit, Dilek; Yalinkilinc, Hande Sultan; Sekkin, Selim; Boyacioğlu, Murat; Cirak, Veli Yilgor; Ayaz, Erol; Gokbulut, Cengiz

2015-05-27

The aims of this study were to compare the pharmacokinetics of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZ-SO, ricobendazole) in goats and sheep at a dose of 5 g/kg bodyweight (BW), after intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administrations, and to investigate the effects of increased doses (10 and 15 mg/kg BW) on the plasma disposition of ABZ-SO in goats following SC administration. A total of 16 goats (Capra aegagrus hircus, eight males and eight females) and 8 sheep (Ovis aries, four males and four females) 12-16 months old and weighing 20-32 kg, were used. The study was designed according to two-phase crossover study protocol. In Phase-1, eight sheep were assigned as Group I and 16 goats were allocated into two groups (Group II and Group III). ABZ-SO was applied to Group I (sheep) and Group II (goats) animals subcutaneously, and to Group III (goats) animals intravenously, all at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg BW. In Phase-2, the sheep in the Group I received ABZ-SO intravenously in a dose of 5 mg/kg BW; the goats in Group II and Group III received ABZ-SO subcutaneously at a dose of 10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg BW, respectively. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at different times between 1 and 120 h after drug administrations. The plasma concentrations of ABZ-SO and its metabolites were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. In goats, the area under the curve, terminal half-life and plasma persistence of ABZ-SO were significantly smaller and shorter, respectively, compared with those observed in sheep following both IV and SC administrations at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW. On the other side, dose-dependent plasma dispositions of ABZ-SO were observed following SC administration at increased doses (10 and 15 mg/kg) in goats. Consequently, ABZ-SO might be used at higher doses to provide higher plasma concentration and thus to achieve greater efficacy against the target parasites.

"Low-coordinate" 1,2-oxaphosphetanes - a new opportunity in coordination and main group chemistry.

PubMed

Kyri, A W; Gleim, F; García Alcaraz, A; Schnakenburg, G; Espinosa Ferao, A; Streubel, R

2018-05-17

While 1,2σ5λ5-oxaphosphetanes are well known intermediates from the Wittig-reaction, no 1,2σ3λ3-oxaphosphetanes have been described, so far. Herein, we present the first synthesis of 1,2σ3λ3-oxaphosphetanes derived from their κP-Mo(CO)5 complexes and first investigations towards metal coordination and P-oxidation. Bonding, ring strain energy and potential retro-[2+2] cycloaddition reactions of the 1,2-oxaphosphetane ring were studied by DFT methods.

Prevalence of Giardia spp. in young dogs using a combination of two diagnostic methods.

PubMed

Alves, João; Santos, Ana

2016-03-01

In this study, prevalence of the protozoan parasites from the genus Giardia spp, with zoonotic potential and worldwide dissemination, was accessed in young dogs, which are reported as having higher prevalence rates. With that purpose, 49 animals from the Grupo de Intervenção Cinotécnico of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (Portuguese Gendarmerie Canine Unit) were chosen. They were housed individually in areas with a high number of kennels (up to 100), with ages ragging from newborns to 10 years old. Dogs were divided in four groups, according their age: under 6 months (n = 16), 6-12 months (n = 6), 12-18 months (n = 13) and 18-24 months (n = 14), comprising 22 females and 27 males. Fecal samples were collected from every animal and all were submitted to two different diagnostic tests, a passive flotation technique with a ZnSO4 solution and a detection of fecal antigen using a commercially available ELISA test (Witness® Giardia - Zoetis). From the 49 samples, 5 (10.2%) were considered positive with ZnSO4 flotation technique and 6 (12.24%) with the Witness® Giardia test. When considering the combination of both tests, 5 animals (10.2%) were considered positive. Of these, 3 (60%) were from the group under 6 months old, 1 (20%) from the 6-12 months and 1 from the 18-24 (20%) months. Within each group, in the under 6 months group 18.75% (n = 16) were considered positive, 16.67% in the 6-12 month group (n = 6), 0% in the 12-18 month group (n=13) and 7.14% in 18-24 month group (n = 14). None of the animals had clinical signs and no significant differences were found when comparing prevalence according to age, breed or gender. A combination of fecal flotation and antigen ELISA tests have good sensitivity and are easy to perform in practice and, therefore, could be a good choice to perform a diagnostic and small animal veterinarians should have this possible diagnostic in mind when in the present of clinical signs, particularly in young dogs.

A Case Study of Design and Usability Evaluation of the Collaborative Problem Solving Instructional Platform System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Jen-Yi; Chao, Shu-Jen; Yao, Lo-Yi; Liu, Chuan-His

2016-01-01

This study used Focus Group to analyze user requirements for user interface so as to understand what capabilities of the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Instructional Platform were expected by users. After 12 focus group interviews, the following four functions had been identified as essential to the CPS Instructional Platform: CPS…

Intravenous magnesium for chronic complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1).

PubMed

Fischer, Sigrid G L; Collins, Susan; Boogaard, Sabine; Loer, Stephan A; Zuurmond, Wouter W A; Perez, Roberto S G M

2013-09-01

To assess the effects of intravenous administration of magnesium on complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1), a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed. Fifty-six patients with CRPS-1 (International Association for the Study of Pain Orlando criteria) received MgSO(4) 70 mg/kg or placebo (NaCl 0.9%) in 4 hours over 5 consecutive days. Pain (BOX-11 and McGill), the level of impairment (Impairment level Sum Score [ISS]), functional limitations (Radboud Skills Questionnaire, Walking Skills Questionnaire/questionnaire rising and sitting down), participation (Impact on Participation and Autonomy [IPA]), and quality of life (Short Form-36, EuroQol, IPA) were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks. No significant differences were found between MgSO(4) and placebo on the BOX-11 and ISS at different time points during the trial on intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. A significant improvement on the BOX-11 was found after the first week of the trial in both groups (mean 0.7; standard deviation 1.1). For the MgSO(4) group, a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement on the ISS at 1 week (median 5, interquartile range [IQR] -1 to 8) and a significant improvement on the McGill up to 6 weeks (median 2 words, IQR 0-4.5) were found compared with baseline, which were not found in the placebo group. Significant improvement in perceived job participation was found for the MgSO(4) group at 12 weeks (median improvement 1.44-1.17; P = 0.01). ISS improved significantly more in patients with a low Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score (≤10) in the MgSO(4) group (mean 4.4 vs mean -3.1; P = 0.02). Administration of the physiological competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist magnesium in chronic CRPS provides insufficient benefit over placebo. Future research should focus on patients with acute CRPS and early signs and symptoms of central sensitization. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of exposure to NO{sub 2} or SO{sub 2} on bronchopulmonary reaction induced by Candida albicans in guinea pigs

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

Kitabatake, Masayoshi; Yamamoto, Hidetaka; Yuan, Piao Feng

1995-09-01

The effects of NO{sub 2} or SO{sub 2} on the bronchopulmonary reactions induced by Candida albicans in guinea pigs were evaluated. Thirty-six guinea pigs (3 groups of 12 animals each) were sensitized with intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg of C. albicans, given twice. Two groups of animals were exposed to about 5 ppm of NO{sub 2} or SO{sub 2} for 4 h/d, 5 d/wk; this exposure was conducted a total of 30 times during the study. The third group served as the control and was not exposed to these pollutants. Two weeks after the second sensitization, all the animals weremore » subjected to inhalation exposure to C. albicans. For 42 h after the antigen challenge, the respiratory rates and expiration/inspiration ratios of the animals were automatically monitored. The number of animals showing tachypnea was significantly higher in the NO{sub 2} exposure group than in the control from 15 h after antigen challenge. In the SO{sub 2} exposure group, the number of animals showing prolonged expiration or prolonged inspiration, or both, was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the symptoms were observed from approximately 15 h after antigen challenge. These findings showed that delayed-type dyspneic symptoms in guinea pigs were increased by exposure to NO{sub 2} or SO{sub 2}, although the symptoms and degree of dyspnea were different for the two gases. 29 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Ketamine versus Ketamine / magnesium Sulfate for Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Azizkhani, Reza; Bahadori, Azadeh; Shariati, Mohammadreza; Golshani, Keyhan; Ahmadi, Omid; Masoumi, Babak

2018-01-01

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) when combined with ketamine in patients with fractures in emergency departments and required short and painful emergency procedures. Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 patients with fractures and dislocations who were presented to the emergency departments and required PSA for short and painful emergency procedures were randomly allocated to groups of ketamine plus MgSO4 or ketamine alone. Train of four (TOF) stimulation pattern was assessed using nerve stimulator machine and compared between groups. Results: The mean age of studied patients was 46.9 ± 9.3 years old. 48% were male and 52% were female. No significant differences were noted between groups in demographic variables. The status of TOF, 2 min after the injection of ketamine (1.5 mg/kg), in both groups was similar. After the injection of the second dose of ketamine (1 mg/kg) the status of TOF in four patients in ketamine plus MgSO4 (0.45 mg/kg) group changed, it was three quarters but in ketamine group, the status of TOF in all patients was four quarters. The difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Conclusion: The findings revealed that for muscle relaxation during medical procedures in the emergency department, ketamine in combination with MgSO4 with this dose was not effective for muscle relaxation during procedures. PMID:29456990

Ketamine versus Ketamine / magnesium Sulfate for Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Azizkhani, Reza; Bahadori, Azadeh; Shariati, Mohammadreza; Golshani, Keyhan; Ahmadi, Omid; Masoumi, Babak

2018-01-01

The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) in procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) when combined with ketamine in patients with fractures in emergency departments and required short and painful emergency procedures. In this study, 100 patients with fractures and dislocations who were presented to the emergency departments and required PSA for short and painful emergency procedures were randomly allocated to groups of ketamine plus MgSO 4 or ketamine alone. Train of four (TOF) stimulation pattern was assessed using nerve stimulator machine and compared between groups. The mean age of studied patients was 46.9 ± 9.3 years old. 48% were male and 52% were female. No significant differences were noted between groups in demographic variables. The status of TOF, 2 min after the injection of ketamine (1.5 mg/kg), in both groups was similar. After the injection of the second dose of ketamine (1 mg/kg) the status of TOF in four patients in ketamine plus MgSO 4 (0.45 mg/kg) group changed, it was three quarters but in ketamine group, the status of TOF in all patients was four quarters. The difference between groups was not statistically significant ( P = 0.12). The findings revealed that for muscle relaxation during medical procedures in the emergency department, ketamine in combination with MgSO 4 with this dose was not effective for muscle relaxation during procedures.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils protects against visible-light-induced retinal damage in vivo.

PubMed

Deng, Qianchun; Wang, Yong; Wang, Chengtao; Ji, Baoping; Cong, Renhuai; Zhao, Lei; Chen, Peng; Zang, Xixi; Lu, Feng; Han, Fei; Huang, Fenghong

2018-04-25

The effects of administering omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich oils on visible-light-induced retinal damage were investigated in rabbits. The mole percentages of α-linolenic acid in sea buckthorn berry oil, sea buckthorn oil (SO), sea buckthorn seed oil and flaxseed oil (FO) were 2.12%, 12.98%, 31.56% and 55.41%, respectively. Algal oil (AO) contains 33.34% docosahexaenoic acid. SO has the highest total phenolic content (63.42 ± 0.59 mg SAE per 100 g) amongst these oils. The administration of SO, FO and AO provided structural and functional protection to the retina. In the retina, we observed a significant increase in the levels of DHA in the AO group compared with the normal group. The mechanism of retinal protection by SO, FO and AO involves up-regulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 and haem oxygenase-1. The levels of interleukin-1 β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, and cyclooxygenase 2 in the retina were significantly reduced with AO treatment. The administration of AO resulted in the down-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B mRNA expression. In addition, the treatment with AO significantly attenuated the light-induced apoptosis and angiogenesis in the retina. These results suggest that dietary ω-3 PUFA-rich oils protect against visible-light-induced retinal damage.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Vahdatpour, Babak; Moayednia, Amir; Emadi, Masoud; Khorami, Mohammad Hatef; Haghdani, Saeid

2013-01-01

Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for symptoms alleviation in chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Materials and Methods. 40 patients with CPPS were randomly allocated into either the treatment or sham group. In the first group, patients were treated by ESWT once a week for 4 weeks by a defined protocol. In the sham group, the same protocol was applied but with the probe being turned off. The follow-up assessments were done at 1, 2, 3, and 12 weeks by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and NIH-developed Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Results. Pain domain scores at follow-up points in both treatment and sham groups were reduced, more so in the treatment group, which were significant at weeks 2, 3, and 12. Urinary scores became significantly different at weeks 3 and 12. Also, quality of life (QOL) and total NIH-CPSI scores at all four follow-up time points reduced more significantly in the treatment group as compared to the sham group. Noticeably, at week 12 a slight deterioration in all variables was observed compared to the first 3 weeks of the treatment period. Conclusions. our findings confirmed ESWT therapy as a safe and effective method in CPPS in short term. PMID:24000311

Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

PubMed

Vahdatpour, Babak; Alizadeh, Farshid; Moayednia, Amir; Emadi, Masoud; Khorami, Mohammad Hatef; Haghdani, Saeid

2013-01-01

Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for symptoms alleviation in chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Materials and Methods. 40 patients with CPPS were randomly allocated into either the treatment or sham group. In the first group, patients were treated by ESWT once a week for 4 weeks by a defined protocol. In the sham group, the same protocol was applied but with the probe being turned off. The follow-up assessments were done at 1, 2, 3, and 12 weeks by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and NIH-developed Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Results. Pain domain scores at follow-up points in both treatment and sham groups were reduced, more so in the treatment group, which were significant at weeks 2, 3, and 12. Urinary scores became significantly different at weeks 3 and 12. Also, quality of life (QOL) and total NIH-CPSI scores at all four follow-up time points reduced more significantly in the treatment group as compared to the sham group. Noticeably, at week 12 a slight deterioration in all variables was observed compared to the first 3 weeks of the treatment period. Conclusions. our findings confirmed ESWT therapy as a safe and effective method in CPPS in short term.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity and their association with dyslipidemia in Korean elderly men: the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PubMed

Baek, S J; Nam, G E; Han, K D; Choi, S W; Jung, S W; Bok, A R; Kim, Y H; Lee, K S; Han, B D; Kim, D H

2014-03-01

Recently, aging has been shown to be associated with sarcopenic obesity (SO), of which decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass are features. Sarcopenia and obesity alone are known to be associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether SO has greater adverse effects on dyslipidemia than on sarcopenia or obesity alone. We aimed to investigate the association between SO and dyslipidemia in elderly Koreans. This study was based on data collected during the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included 1,466 men and 2,017 women aged 65 years and over. Sarcopenia was indicated in participants with height- or weight-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle that was 1 standard deviation below the sex-specific mean for the young reference group, and obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2). Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. After adjusting for confounding factors, the SO group had a higher risk for dyslipidemia [odds ratio (OR) 2.82 (95 % confidence interval 1.76-4.51)] than the obese group [2.12 (1.11-4.07)] and sarcopenic group [1.46 (1.01-2.11)] (p < 0.001) only in men. Furthermore, the SO group in men had the highest OR for hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and a high ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol even after further adjustments. In Korean elderly men, SO was associated with an increased risk for dyslipidemia compared with sarcopenia or obesity alone.

Effects of valproic acid and magnesium sulphate on rocuronium requirement in patients undergoing craniotomy for cerebrovascular surgery.

PubMed

Kim, M-H; Hwang, J-W; Jeon, Y-T; Do, S-H

2012-09-01

Many anti-epileptics cause resistance to non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, but this has not been reported for valproic acid (VPA). We hypothesized that VPA would increase the rocuronium requirement and that magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) may reduce this increase. Fifty-five patients undergoing cerebrovascular surgeries were studied. Subjects were allocated into three groups at a 1:1:1 ratio: Groups VM, VC, and C. Groups VM and VC were given VPA premedication; Group C was not. A rocuronium injection (0.6 mg kg(-1) i.v.) was administered to Group VM, followed by MgSO(4) as a 50 mg kg(-1) i.v. bolus and 15 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion. The same volume of 0.9% saline was administered to the other groups. Supplementary rocuronium (0.15 mg kg(-1)) was given whenever the train-of-four count reached 2. Rocuronium requirements (primary outcome), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), nausea, vomiting, shivering, and use of anti-emetics and nicardipine were compared. Group VC showed the highest rocuronium requirement [mg kg(-1) h(-1): 0.47 (0.08) vs 0.33 (0.12) (Group C), 0.31 (0.07) (Group VM); P<0.001]. MAP, intraoperative HR, nausea, vomiting, shivering, and use of anti-emetics and nicardipine were not significantly different among the groups. Postoperative HR was lower in Group VM than in Group VC. VPA increased the rocuronium requirement, and MgSO(4) infusion attenuated this increase.

Stabilized-solubilized ferric pyrophosphate as a new iron source for food fortification. Bioavailability studies by means of the prophylactic-preventive method in rats.

PubMed

Salgueiro, M J; Arnoldi, S; Kaliski, M A; Torti, H; Messeri, E; Weill, R; Zubillaga, M; Boccio, J

2009-02-01

The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the iron bioavailability of a new ferric pyrophosphate salt stabilized and solubilized with glycine. The prophylactic-preventive test in rats, using ferrous sulfate as the reference standard, was applied as the evaluating methodology both using water and yogurt as vehicles. Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats weaned were randomized into five different groups (group 1: FeSO(4); group 2: pyr; group 3: FeSO(4) + yogurt; group 4: pyr + yogurt and group 5: control). The iron bioavailability (BioFe) of each compound was calculated using the formula proposed by Dutra-de-Oliveira et al. where BioFe % = (HbFef - HbFei) x 100/ToFeIn. Finally, the iron bioavailability results of each iron source were also given as relative biological value (RBV) using ferrous sulfate as the reference standard. The results showed that both BioFe % and RBV % of the new iron source tested is similar to that of the reference standard independently of the vehicle employed for the fortification procedure (FeSO(4) 49.46 +/- 12.0% and 100%; Pyr 52.66 +/- 15.02% and 106%; FeSO(4) + yogurth 54.39 +/- 13.92% and 110%; Pyr + yogurt 61.97 +/- 13.54% and 125%; Control 25.30 +/- 6.60, p < 0.05). Therefore, the stabilized and soluble ferric pyrophosphate may be considered as an optimal iron source for food fortification.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy: follow-up evaluation of effects on the sphincter of Oddi.

PubMed

Geenen, J E; Toouli, J; Hogan, W J; Dodds, W J; Stewart, E T; Mavrelis, P; Riedel, D; Venu, R

1984-10-01

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) alters the structure and motor function of the sphincter of Oddi (SO). The magnitude and duration of these changes, however, have not been critically examined. Before ES, 22 patients with common bile duct stones were evaluated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The pressure gradient between the common bile duct and the duodenum, the SO basal pressure, and the SO peak phasic pressures were obtained. After ES, the electrosurgical incision length was determined using the extended papillotome and an inflated Fogarty balloon as reference. A high correlation existed between the endoscopist's estimate of ES incision size using this technique and the actual length of simulated incisions fashioned in cardboard mounts. These studies were repeated in all 22 patients at 1-yr follow-up and in 8 of these patients at 2-yr follow-up. At 12 mo and 24 mo after ES, the common bile duct (CBD) to duodenal pressure gradient and the sphincter of Oddi basal pressure were virtually eliminated. The amplitude of SO phasic contractions was significantly diminished 12 mo after ES (124 +/- 16 mmHg to 37 +/- 10 mmHg; p less than 0.001), but 24 mo after ES, SO phasic contraction amplitude was not significantly different from the values before ES. Incision length at 1-yr follow-up was reduced in the group of 22 patients from 11.6 +/- 0.8 mm to 8.3 +/- 0.5 mm (p less than 0.001), and in the group of 8 patients from 11.0 +/- 1.5 mm to 7.5 +/- 0.7 mm (p less than 0.025). After an additional 12 mo, however, i.e., 24 mo after ES, the incision length was 6.5 +/- 0.7 mm. There was no significant difference in incision length between the 12-mo and 24-mo examinations. We conclude that after ES, incision length decreases during the first year. There appears to be no further significant reduction in incision length at 2 yr. In addition, the reduction of the CBD to duodenal pressure gradient and the SO basal pressure remain unchanged for at least 2 yr. These manometric findings support the observation that after ES the enlarged opening of the CBD into the duodenum remains open for at least 2 yr.

Effects of a Home-Based and Volunteer-Administered Physical Training, Nutritional, and Social Support Program on Malnutrition and Frailty in Older Persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Luger, Eva; Dorner, Thomas Ernst; Haider, Sandra; Kapan, Ali; Lackinger, Christian; Schindler, Karin

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a home-based and volunteer-administered physical training and nutritional intervention program compared with social support intervention on nutritional and frailty status in prefrail and frail community-dwelling older persons. This was a randomized controlled trial in which community-dwelling persons (mean age = 83 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to the physical training and nutritional intervention group (PTN, n = 39) and the social support group (SoSu, n = 41). The study was conducted by trained lay nonprofessionals. The community-dwelling older persons in both groups were visited twice a week by trained nonprofessional volunteers (buddies) in Vienna, Austria. Eighty prefrail and frail adults aged 65 years or older. In the PTN group, both the buddies and older persons performed 6 strength exercises within a circuit training session and discussed nutrition-related aspects. The active control group (SoSu) had the opportunity to perform cognitive training in addition to the social contact. Outcome measures as nutritional (Mini Nutritional Assessment long form [MNA-LF]) and frailty status (Frailty Instrument for Primary Care of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe [SHARE-FI]) were obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significant improvements in the MNA-LF score (1.54 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-2.56; P = .004) and the SHARE-FI score (-0.71 discrete factor score values, 95% CI -1.07, -0.35; P < .001) were observed in the PTN group after 12 weeks. In both groups, the prevalence of impaired nutritional status and frailty decreased significantly over time. The prevalence of impaired nutritional status decreased by 25% in the PTN group and by 23% in the SoSu group. Moreover, the prevalence of frailty decreased by 17% in the PTN group and by 16% in the SoSu group. The presence of impaired nutritional status at baseline was independently associated with greater changes in the nutritional (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.18, 95% CI 1.26-7.98; P = .014) and frailty status (adjusted OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.01-9.93; P = .049) after 12 weeks. The results indicate that a home-based physical training, nutritional, and social support intervention conducted by nonprofessionals is feasible and can help to tackle malnutrition and frailty in older persons living at home. Furthermore, social support alone also can result in improvement. In particular, older adults with impaired nutritional status at baseline can benefit more from the intervention. Such a home visit program might also have the potential to prevent future health risks and could allay isolation and loneliness. Copyright © 2016 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Regeneration performance and carbon consumption of semi-coke and activated coke for SO₂ and NO removal.

PubMed

Ding, Song; Li, Yuran; Zhu, Tingyu; Guo, Yangyang

2015-08-01

To decrease the operating cost of flue gas purification technologies based on carbon-based materials, the adsorption and regeneration performance of low-price semi-coke and activated coke were compared for SO2 and NO removal in a simulated flue gas. The functional groups of the two adsorbents before and after regeneration were characterized by a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, and were quantitatively assessed using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) coupled with FTIR and acid-base titration. The results show that semi-coke had higher adsorption capacity (16.2% for SO2 and 38.6% for NO) than activated coke because of its higher content of basic functional groups and lactones. After regeneration, the adsorption performance of semi-coke decreased because the number of active functional groups decreased and the micropores increased. Semi-coke had better regeneration performance than activated coke. Semi-coke had a larger SO2 recovery of 7.2% and smaller carbon consumption of 12% compared to activated coke. The semi-coke carbon-based adsorbent could be regenerated at lower temperatures to depress the carbon consumption, because the SO2 recovery was only reduced a small amount. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Neuropsychological outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting: results from the Stent or Surgery (SoS) Trial.

PubMed

Währborg, Peter; Booth, Jean E; Clayton, Tim; Nugara, Fiona; Pepper, John; Weintraub, William S; Sigwart, Ulrich; Stables, Rod H

2004-11-30

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has been associated with a range of neurological and neuropsychological complications from stroke to cognitive problems such as memory and problem solving disturbance. However, little is known about the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on neuropsychological outcome. In the Stent or Surgery Trial (SoS), 988 patients were randomized in equal proportions between PCI supported by stent implantation and CABG. As a substudy of this trial, we undertook an evaluation of neurological and neuropsychological outcomes after intervention. A clinical examination and neuropsychological assessment consisting of 5 tests (Digit Span Forwards and Backwards, Visual Reproduction, Bourdon, and Block Design) were performed at baseline and 6 and 12 months after the procedure. A total of 145 patients were included in the substudy analysis: 77 in the PCI group and 68 in the CABG group. One patient in the PCI arm had a stroke. There was no significant difference between treatment groups at 6 and 12 months for any of the 5 tests. The mean change from baseline was also similar in both groups. We were not able to demonstrate an important and significant difference in neuropsychological outcome in patients treated with different revascularization strategies. This important finding needs to be examined in further research.

Feeding soy protein isolate and oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affected mineral balance, but not bone in a rat model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.

PubMed

Maditz, Kaitlin H; Smith, Brenda J; Miller, Matthew; Oldaker, Chris; Tou, Janet C

2015-02-10

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder characterized by multiple cysts and renal failure at an early age. In children, kidney disease is often accompanied by disordered mineral metabolism, failure to achieve peak bone mass, and reduced adult height. Optimizing bone health during the growth stage may preserve against bone loss associated with early renal dysfunction in PKD. Dietary soy protein and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) have been reported to ameliorate PKD and to promote bone health. The study objective was to determine the bone effects of feeding soy protein and/or n-3 PUFAs in a rat model of PKD. Weanling female PCK rats (n = 12/group) were randomly assigned to casein + corn oil (Casein + CO), casein + soybean oil (Casein + SO), soy protein isolate + soybean oil (SPI + SO) or soy protein isolate + 1:1 soybean oil:salmon oil blend (SPI + SB) for 12 weeks. Rats fed SPI + SO diet had shorter (P = 0.001) femur length than casein-fed rats. Rats fed SPI + SO and SPI + SB diet had higher (P = 0.04) calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) retention. However, there were no significant differences in femur and tibial Ca, P or bone mass between diet groups. There were also no significant difference in bone microarchitecture measured by micro-computed tomography or bone strength determined by three-point bending test between diet groups. Early diet management of PKD using SPI and/or n-3 PUFAs influenced bone longitudinal growth and mineral balance, but neither worsened nor enhanced bone mineralization, microarchitecture or strength.

Effect of regional cerebral oximetry to estimate neurologic prognostic outcomes in patients administered targeted temperature management.

PubMed

Sarıtaş, Aykut; Çinleti, Burcu Acar; Zincircioğlu, Çiler; Uzun, Uğur; Köse, Işıl; Şenoğlu, Nimet

2018-04-09

The aim of our study is to research the role and efficacy of cerebral oximetry in predicting neurologic prognosis when applied during TTM to patients experiencing coma after CA. This study was performed on surviving adult comatose patients after CA treated with TTM. The average scores of rSO 2 was measured at 6h intervals for the first 2days and once a day for the following 3days with a NIRS device during TTM. The CPC scale was used to define the neurologic outcomes of patients. We compared the correlations of rSO 2 values between good (CPC 1-2) and poor (CPC 3-5) neurologic outcomes in CA patients. There was no statistically significant difference identified between the prognosis groups in terms of rSO 2 , CPR durations, hemoglobin values and admission body temperature (p>0.05). When the variation in rSO 2 values over time is investigated, though there was no significant difference between the good and poor prognosis groups, it appeared to fall in the first 6h in both prognosis groups. The median NT-proBNP and lactate values were observed to be higher in the poor prognosis group. There is no significant correlation between rSO 2 values and neurologic outcomes. Multimodal monitoring methods may be useful and further studies with a larger patient population are necessary in this area. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Body composition influenced by progressive elastic band resistance exercise of sarcopenic obesity elderly women: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Huang, Shih-Wei; Ku, Jan-Wen; Lin, Li-Fong; Liao, Chun-De; Chou, Lin-Chuan; Liou, Tsan-Hon

2017-08-01

Sarcopenia involves age-related decreases in muscle strength and muscle mass, leading to frailty and disability in elderly people. When combined with obesity, it is defined as sarcopenic obesity (SO), which can result in more functional limitations and metabolic disorders than either disorder alone. The aim of this study was to investigate body composition changes after elastic band resistance training in elderly women with SO. Randomized single-blinded (assessor blinded) controlled pilot trial. Academic medical center. Thirty-five elderly (>60 years old) women with SO. This pilot randomized controlled trial focused on elderly women with SO. The study group underwent progressive elastic band resistance training for 12 weeks (3 times per week). The control group received only a 40-minute lesson about the exercise concept. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed before and after intervention to evaluate body composition. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze the differences within and between these groups. In total, 35 elderly women with SO were enrolled and divided into study (N.=18) and control groups (N.=17). No difference was observed in age, biochemical parameters, or Body Mass Index between both groups. After the intervention, the fat proportion of body composition in the right upper extremity (P=0.03), left upper extremity (P=0.04), total fat (P=0.035), and fat percentage (P=0.012) had decreased, and bone mineral density (BMD) (P=0.026), T-score (P=0.028), and Z-score (P=0.021) had increased in the study group. Besides, statistical difference was observed in outcome measurements of right upper extremity (P=0.013), total fat (P=0.023), and fat percentage (P=0.012) between the groups. Our study demonstrated that progressive elastic band resistance exercise can reduce fat mass and increase BMD in elderly women with SO, and that this exercise program is feasible for this demographic. Additional studies with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods should be conducted. Twelve weeks of progressive elastic band resistance exercise program is safe and effective for SO elder women.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in comparison: prevalence, metabolic profile, and key differences. A cross-sectional study in Italian hospitalized elderly.

PubMed

Perna, Simone; Peroni, Gabriella; Faliva, Milena Anna; Bartolo, Arianna; Naso, Maurizio; Miccono, Alessandra; Rondanelli, Mariangela

2017-12-01

The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence, assess the metabolic profile, and key differences (versus healthy) in a cohort of subjects with sarcopenia (S) and in sarcopenic obesity (SO) hospitalized elderly. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed. We enrolled 639 elderly subjects (196 men, 443 women) with a mean age of 80.90 ± 7.77 years. Analysis of variance and a multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusting for covariates were used to assess the differences between groups. The prevalence of (S) was 12.42% in women and 23.47% in men. (SO) was 8.13% in women and 22.45% in men. Data showed that either groups had a functional impairment (Barthel index < 50 points). (S) had the mean value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (>15 mm/h), CPR (>0.50 mg/dl) homocysteine (>12 micromol/l), and hemoglobin (<12 g/dl). Ferritin level over the range (>145 mcg/dl) was detected in either cohort (due to inflammation). (SO) had glycemia (>110 mg/dl). Key differences in (S) cohort (versus healthy) were a reduction in functional impairment (p < 0.001), an increase in white blood cell (p < 0.01), a decrease in iron level (p < 0.05), in electrolytes balance (Na: p < 0.01 and Cl: p < 0.01), and tyroid function (TSH: p < 0.001). In addition, (S) had higher state of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate: p < 0.05 and C-reactive protein: p < 0.01), and an increase of risk of fractures (FRAX: OR 1.07; p < 0.001), risk of malnutrition (mini nutritional assessment: p < 0.001), and risk of edema (extra cellular water: p < 0.001). In (SO) cohort, an increase in white blood cell (p < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p < 0.05) was observed. (S) subjects appears more vulnerable than (SO). Sarcopenia is closely linked to an increase in the risk of hip-femur fractures, inflammation, edema, and malnutrition. The (SO) subjects seem to benefit from the "obesity paradox."

Season of birth bias in eating disorders--fact or fiction?

PubMed

Winje, Eirin; Willoughby, Kate; Lask, Bryan

2008-09-01

A season of birth (SoB) bias is said to be present if the SoB pattern for a particular group varies from the pattern within the normal population. Significant biases have been found for several disorders including eating disorders (EDs). This article critically reviews the existing literature on SoB in ED in order to inform future hypothesis-based research. A literature search identified 12 papers investigating SoB in ED. Despite methodological differences, the studies consistently show a SoB bias for anorexia nervosa (AN) in the spring months, in both the northern and southern Hemispheres. This is especially strong for early-onset and restrictive subtype of AN. These findings suggest that SoB is a risk factor for AN. However, none of the studies have been methodologically satisfactory. Future research needs to overcome numerous methodological challenges and to explore specific hypotheses to explain this bias. (c) 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Program for Peer Relationship Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salzberg, Bernard; Smith, Nancy E.

Children, aged 10-12, were referred to an outpatient mental health center because of behavior problems, some involving social skill deficits, others not so involved. Children acknowledging a social skill problem, and a desire to do something about it, were chosen pending parent approval and cooperation. Prior to participation in the group,…

Formaldehyde-Induced Aggravation of Pruritus and Dermatitis Is Associated with the Elevated Expression of Th1 Cytokines in a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis

PubMed Central

Back, Seung Keun; Lee, Hyunkyoung; Lee, JaeHee; Kim, Hye young; Kim, Hee Jin; Na, Heung Sik

2016-01-01

Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease of heterogeneous pathogenesis, in particular, genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and their interactions. Indoor air pollution, increasing with urbanization, plays a role as environmental risk factor in the development of AD. However, we still lack a detailed picture of the role of air pollution in the development of the disease. Here, we examined the effect of formaldehyde (FA) exposure on the manifestation of atopic dermatitis and the underlying molecular mechanism in naive rats and in a rat model of atopic dermatitis (AD) produced by neonatal capsaicin treatment. The AD and naive rats were exposed to 0.8 ppm FA, 1.2 ppm FA, or fresh air (Air) for 6 weeks (2 hours/day and 5 days/week). So, six groups, namely the 1.2 FA-AD, 0.8 FA-AD, Air-AD, 1.2 FA-naive, 0.8 FA-naive and Air-naive groups, were established. Pruritus and dermatitis, two major symptoms of atopic dermatitis, were evaluated every week for 6 weeks. After that, samples of the blood, the skin and the thymus were collected from the 1.2 FA-AD, the Air-AD, the 1.2 FA-naive and the Air-naive groups. Serum IgE levels were quantified with ELISA, and mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines from extracts of the skin and the thymus were calculated with qRT-PCR. The dermatitis and pruritus significantly worsened in 1.2 FA-AD group, but not in 0.8 FA-AD, compared to the Air-AD animals, whereas FA didn't induce any symptoms in naive rats. Consistently, the levels of serum IgE were significantly higher in 1.2 FA-AD than in air-AD, however, there was no significant difference following FA exposure in naive animals. In the skin, mRNA expression levels of Th1 cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly higher in the 1.2 FA-AD rats compared to the air-AD rats, whereas mRNA expression levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IL-17A and TSLP were significantly higher in 1.2 FA-naive group than in the Air-naive group. These results suggested that 1.2 ppm of FA penetrated the injured skin barrier, and exacerbated Th1 responses and serum IgE level in the AD rats so that dermatitis and pruritus were aggravated, while the elevated expression of Th2 cytokines by 1.2 ppm of FA in naive rats was probably insufficient for clinical manifestation. In conclusion, in a rat model of atopic dermatitis, exposure to 1.2 ppm of FA aggravated pruritus and skin inflammation, which was associated with the elevated expression of Th1 cytokines. PMID:28005965

Effects of sulfur dioxide exposure on African-American and Caucasian asthmatics

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

Heath, S.K.; Koenig, J.Q.; Morgan, M.S.

1994-07-01

There is concern that air pollution may be causing increases in asthma morbidity and mortality, especially among African-Americans. It is possible that there may be ethnic differences in susceptibility. To evaluate this speculation, a comparative pilot study of respiratory function in 10 African American and 12 Caucasian methacholine positive asthmatic males was conducted. Subjects were exposed to pure air or 1 ppm SO[sub 2] while breathing inside a polycarbonate head dome, for 10 min of rest and 10 min of exercise. Baseline and postexposure pulmonary function measurements were recorded, and nasal lavage fluid samples were collected and processed for epithelialmore » and white blood counts. Although significant increases were seen in total respiratory resistance following SO[sub 2] exposure in both groups (P = 0.04), no ethnic-based difference in response was seen. No significant differences were found in pulmonary or nasal measurements after exposure to SO[sub 2] between African-American and Caucasian subjects. No significant changes in epithelial or white blood cell count were found either when data were analyzed from the entire group or separately from the two subject groups. Even though there were no significant group changes, some individuals were particularly responsive to SO[sub 2]. Three Caucasian and 5 African-American subjects showed greater than 20% increases in respiratory resistance. 26 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Characterization of ternary bivalent metal complexes with bis(2-hydroxyethyl)iminotris(hydroxymethy)methane (Bis?Tris) and the comparison of five crystal structures of Bis?Tris complexes*1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inomata, Yoshie; Gochou, Yoshihiro; Nogami, Masanobu; Howell, F. Scott; Takeuchi, Toshio

2004-09-01

Eleven bivalent metal complexes with bis(2-hydroxyethyl)iminotris(hydroxymethy)methane (Bis-Tris:hihm): [M(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4· nH 2O (M: Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), [MCl(hihm)]Cl· nH 2O (M: Co, Ni, Cu), and [M(HCOO)(hihm)](HCOO) (M: Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been prepared and characterized by using their infrared absorption and powder diffuse reflection spectra, magnetic susceptibility, thermal analysis and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structures of [Ni(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4·H 2O ( 2), [Cu(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4 ( 3), [NiCl(hihm)]Cl·H 2O ( 6), [CuCl(hihm)]Cl ( 7) and [Co(HCOO)(hihm)](HCOO) ( 8) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals of [Ni(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4·H 2O ( 2) and [Cu(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4 ( 3) are each orthorhombic with the space group P2 12 12 1 and Pna2 1. For both complexes, the metal atom is in a distorted octahedral geometry, ligated by four hydroxyl oxygen atoms, a nitrogen atom and a water molecule. [NiCl(hihm)]Cl·H 2O ( 6) is monoclinic with the space group P2 1/ n. For complex ( 6), the nickel atom is in a distorted octahedral geometry, ligated by four hydroxyl oxygen atoms, a nitrogen atom and a chloride ion. [CuCl(hihm)]Cl ( 7) is orthorhombic with the space group P2 12 12 1. Although in this copper(II) complex the copper atom is ligated by six atoms, it is more reasonable to think that the copper atom is in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry coordinated with five atoms: three hydroxyl oxygen atoms, a nitrogen atom and a chloride ion if the bond distances and angles surrounding the copper atom are taken into consideration. [Co(HCOO)(hihm)](HCOO) ( 8) is monoclinic with the space group P2 1. In cobalt(II) complex ( 8), the cobalt atom is in a distorted octahedral geometry, ligated by four hydroxyl oxygen atoms, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom of a formate ion. The structure of complex ( 8) is the same as the structure of [NiCl(hihm)]Cl·H 2O ( 6) except for the formate ion coordinating instead of the chloride ion. [M(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4·H 2O (M: Co, Zn) ( 1, 4), [CoCl(hihm)]Cl·H 2O ( 5) and [M(HCOO)(hihm)](HCOO) (M: Ni, Cu, Zn) ( 9- 11) seem to have the same structures as the structures of [Ni(hihm)(H 2O)]SO 4·H 2O ( 2), [NiCl(hihm)]Cl·H 2O ( 6) and [Co(HCOO)(hihm)](HCOO) ( 8), respectively, judging by the results of IR and powder diffuse reflection spectra and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Bis-Tris has coordinated to the metal atoms as a pentadentate ligand in all complexes of which the structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis in this work.

Intervention for phantom limb pain: A randomized single crossover study of mirror therapy.

PubMed

Ramadugu, Shashikumar; Nagabushnam, Satish C; Katuwal, Nagendra; Chatterjee, Kaushik

2017-01-01

Mirror therapy suggested to help relieve phantom limb pain (PLP) by resolving the visual- proprioceptive dissociation in the brain, but studies so far either had shorter follow-up or smaller sample size. In this randomized single crossover trial, 64 amputees with PLP in the age group of 15-75 years of age were distributed into test and control groups by simple randomization method. Of these 28 in control and 32 in test groups, respectively, completed the 4 weeks of mirror therapy and 12 weeks of follow-up assessments. A standardized set of exercises for 15 min/day for 4 and 8 weeks in test and control groups (in the first 4 weeks, the mirror was covered), respectively, was administered under supervision of one of the authors. All were assessed using the visual analog scale and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire on day 0 and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after therapy. In control group for the initial 4 weeks, the mirror was covered. The assessing author was blinded to the group to which the participants belonged. Significant reduction in PLP was noted in the test group at 4 weeks compared to the control group ( P < 0.0001). Significant reduction was seen in control group also after the switchover and sustained for 12 weeks in both. No harm was reported. Mirror therapy is effective in relieving the intensity, duration, frequency, and overall PLP, and improvement is maintained up to 12 weeks' posttherapy.

Alteration of functional connectivity during real-time fMRI regulation of PCC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Gaoyan; Yao, Li; Long, Zhiying

2012-03-01

Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) can be used to train the subjects to selectively control activity of specific brain area so as to affect the activation in the target region and even to improve cognition and behavior. So far, whether brain activity in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) can be regulated by rtfMRI has not been reported. In the present study, we aimed at investigating whether real-time regulation of activity in PCC can change the functional connectivity between PCC and other brain regions. A total of 12 subjects underwent two training runs, each lasts 782s. During the training, subjects were instructed to down regulate activity in PCC by imagining right hand finger movement with the sequence of 4-2-3-1-3-4-2 during task and relax as possible as they can during rest. To control for any effects induced by repeated practice, another 12 subjects in the control group received the same experiment procedure and instruction except with no feedback during training. Experiment results show that increased functional connectivity of PCC with medial frontal cortex (MFC) was observed in both groups during the two training runs. However, PCC of the experimental group is correlated with larger areas in MFC than the control group. Because the positive correlation between task performance and MFC to PCC connectivity has been demonstrated previously, we infer that the stronger connectivity between PCC and MFC in the experimental group may suggest that the experimental group with neurofeedback can more efficiently regulate PCC than the control group without neurofeedback.

High percentage of regulatory T cells before and after vitamin B12 treatment in patients with pernicious anemia.

PubMed

Watanabe, Satoru; Ide, Norifumi; Ogawara, Hatsue; Yokohama, Akihiko; Mitsui, Takeki; Handa, Hiroshi; Koiso, Hiromi; Tsukamoto, Norifumi; Saitoh, Takayuki; Murakami, Hirokazu

2015-01-01

In some previous studies, vitamin B12 treatment showed immunomodulatory effects and restored the immunological abnormalities in patients with pernicious anemia (PA). In the present study, peripheral blood T cell subsets, including regulatory T cells (T(reg)s), were examined before and after vitamin B12 treatment in PA patients. The percentages of CD4, CD8, Th1, Th2 and T(reg)s were examined in 23 PA patients before vitamin B12 treatment, in 23 other PA patients after vitamin B12 treatment and in 28 healthy controls. The mean percentage of CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in the control group (23.0%; 95% CI, 20.4-25.6%) than in the pre- (16.0%; 95% CI, 12.1-20.0%) and posttreatment groups (15.2%; 95% CI, 11.8-18.6%; p < 0.05). The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly lower in the control group (2.01; 95% CI, 1.66-2.34) than in the pre- (3.45; 95% CI, 2.55-7.80) and posttreatment groups (2.97; 95% CI, 2.22-3.72; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean Th1/Th2 ratio among these groups. There were significant increases in the mean percentage of T(reg)s in the pre- (6.29%; 95% CI, 5.04-7.54%) and posttreatment groups (7.77%; 95% CI, 6.34-9.20%) compared with the control group (4.18%; 95% CI, 3.92-4.47%; p < 0.05). The percentage of T(reg)s was significantly higher in PA patients than in normal subjects, and this high T(reg) percentage was not different before and after vitamin B12 treatment. Other immunological alterations also did not recover after vitamin B12 treatment, so that these immunological changes appear to be the cause of PA and are not induced by vitamin B12 deficiency. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Health outcomes can be improved by implementing an occupational physiotherapy provider programme.

PubMed

Pizzari, Tania; Davidson, Megan

2013-03-01

To evaluate the return to work and health outcomes of a physiotherapy network provider programme. A prospective case-control study was conducted with 21 clients of network occupational physiotherapy (OP) providers and 21 matched clients of non-network providers. Health outcomes and return to work were recorded 3 and 6 months following the commencement of physiotherapy. Health outcomes included the Short Form (SF)-12, return to usual activities and the global perceived effect of treatment. Within-group changes and between-group differences were analysed. Within-group changes showed the OP group improved significantly in physical functioning (p = 0.006), and the control group deteriorated in mental health status (p = 0.016) as measured by the SF-12. Mean change over time between groups from the 3-month to 6-month follow-ups showed a significant difference favouring the OP group for return to usual activities (p = 0.027) and the physical component of the SF-12 (p = 0.009). All job-attached participants returned to work following their accident, so there was no difference between the groups. The OP clients demonstrated a greater change in physical functioning health outcomes over time. This study provides preliminary support for the implementation of the OP scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Midface distraction osteogenesis: internal vs. external devices.

PubMed

Meling, T R; Høgevold, H-E; Due-Tønnessen, B J; Skjelbred, P

2011-02-01

This study compares internal and external distraction devices in the treatment of midface retrusion. 20 patients were treated with midface distraction (12 Crouzon, 4 Apert, 4 others); 12 with internal distraction (MID device), 8 with external distraction (Red or Blue device). The two groups were compared regarding operation time, peroperative blood loss and complications. The groups were comparable regarding patient age, sex, weight and diagnosis. In the MID-group, 7 of 12 patients (58%) underwent Le Fort III, 5 underwent 12 monobloc (32%). In the Blue device group, three of eight patients underwent Le Fort II (38%), three of eight underwent Le Fort III (38%), and two of eight underwent monobloc (25%). Operation time was shorter in the Blue device (mean 298 min) than in the MID group (mean 354 min). Peroperative blood loss and complication rates were similar. The internal distraction device is the 'gold standard' for treating midface retrusion. The use of an external distraction device in midface distraction osteogenesis is associated with a shorter operation time; peroperative blood loss and complications were similar. An external device affords better 3-dimensional control during the distraction process, so external distraction is preferable in patients who will tolerate this treatment. Copyright © 2010 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The impact of social media promotion with infographics and podcasts on research dissemination and readership.

PubMed

Thoma, Brent; Murray, Heather; Huang, Simon York Ming; Milne, William Ken; Martin, Lynsey J; Bond, Christopher M; Mohindra, Rohit; Chin, Alvin; Yeh, Calvin H; Sanderson, William B; Chan, Teresa M

2018-03-01

In 2015 and 2016, the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine (CJEM) Social Media (SoMe) Team collaborated with established medical websites to promote CJEM articles using podcasts and infographics while tracking dissemination and readership. CJEM publications in the "Original Research" and "State of the Art" sections were selected by the SoMe Team for podcast and infographic promotion based on their perceived interest to emergency physicians. A control group was composed retrospectively of articles from the 2015 and 2016 issues with the highest Altmetric score that received standard Facebook and Twitter promotions. Studies on SoMe topics were excluded. Dissemination was quantified by January 1, 2017 Altmetric scores. Readership was measured by abstract and full-text views over a 3-month period. The number needed to view (NNV) was calculated by dividing abstract views by full-text views. Twenty-nine of 88 articles that met inclusion were included in the podcast (6), infographic (11), and control (12) groups. Descriptive statistics (mean, 95% confidence interval) were calculated for podcast (Altmetric: 61, 42-80; Abstract: 1795, 1135-2455; Full-text: 431, 0-1031), infographic (Altmetric: 31.5, 19-43; Abstract: 590, 361-819; Full-text: 65, 33-98), and control (Altmetric: 12, 8-15; Abstract: 257, 159-354; Full-Text: 73, 38-109) articles. The NNV was 4.2 for podcast, 9.0 for infographic, and 3.5 for control articles. Discussion Limitations included selection bias, the influence of SoMe promotion on the Altmetric scores, and a lack of generalizability to other journals. Collaboration with established SoMe websites using podcasts and infographics was associated with increased Altmetric scores and abstract views but not full-text article views.

Long-acting oxytetracycline prophylaxis to protect susceptible cattle introduced into an area of Kenya with endemic East Coast fever.

PubMed

Chumo, R S; Irvin, A D; Morzaria, S P; Katende, J; Purnell, R E

1989-03-04

Two field trials were carried out in successive years at the Ngong Veterinary Farm, Kenya, in which young cattle, previously unexposed to tick-borne diseases, were introduced into an area with endemic East Coast fever while protected by a series of injections of a long-acting oxytetracycline. In 1984, 12 animals which received injections of 20 mg/kg of the drug on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 after introduction, together with 12 untreated controls, were exposed without tick control until clinical disease occurred. All 12 control animals contracted East Coast fever by day 24 and 10 of them died. Five of the 12 injected animals had detectable parasites, and one of them required antitheilerial treatment. In 1985, four groups of 10 calves were introduced. One group received injections of 20 mg/kg of oxytetracycline on days 7 and 14, one group received injections on days 7, 14 and 21, and a third group received injections on days 7, 12 and 17; the fourth group (controls) had no treatment until clinical disease occurred. By day 35 all the control animals had contracted the disease and one had died despite antitheilerial treatment. Three injections of oxytetracycline suppressed the disease so that mild reactions occurred in only four animals in each group, but two injections failed to prevent severe reactions in two animals and mild reactions in four others.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Crown Ether Complexes of Alkali-Metal Chlorides from SO2.

PubMed

Reuter, Kirsten; Rudel, Stefan S; Buchner, Magnus R; Kraus, Florian; von Hänisch, Carsten

2017-07-18

The structures of alkali-metal chloride SO 2 solvates (Li-Cs) in conjunction with 12-crown-4 or 1,2-disila-12-crown-4 show strong discrepancies, despite the structural similarity of the ligands. Both types of crown ethers form 1:1 complexes with LiCl to give [Li(1,2-disila-12-crown-4)(SO 2 Cl)] (1) and [Li(12-crown-4)Cl]⋅4 SO 2 (2). However, 1,2-disila-12-crown-4 proved unable to coordinate cations too large for the cavity diameter, for example, by the formation of sandwich-type complexes. As a result, 12-crown-4 reacts exclusively with the heavier alkali-metal chlorides NaCl, KCl and RbCl. Compounds [Na(12-crown-4) 2 ]Cl⋅4 SO 2 (3) and [M(12-crown-4) 2 (SO 2 )]Cl⋅4 SO 2 (4: M=K; 5: M=Rb) all showed S-coordination to the chloride ions through four SO 2 molecules. Compounds 4 and 5 additionally exhibit the first crystallographically confirmed non-bridging O,O'-coordination mode of SO 2 . Unexpectedly, the disila-crown ether supports the dissolution of RbCl and CsCl in the solvent and gives the homoleptic SO 2 -solvated alkali-metal chlorides [MCl⋅3 SO 2 ] (6: M=Rb; 7: M=Cs), which incorporate bridging μ-O,O'-coordinating moieties and the unprecedented side-on O,O'-coordination mode. All compounds were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crown ether complexes were additionally studied by using NMR spectroscopy, and the presence of SO 2 at ambient temperature was revealed by IR spectroscopy of the neat compounds. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An Enhanced Personal Cooling Garment for Aircrew

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

Thermal Comfort Thermal comfort was rated by the subject on a scale of 1 (so cold I am helpless) to 13 (so hot I am...0- N-EC ~25 0 -25 -50 - 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 Time (min) Figure 6 - Mean Heat Flow (uncooled sites) Rating of Thermal Comfort Ratings of thermal ... comfort for group C and N are shown in Figure 7. 12 SC-AC 11 9• C-EC 6--- 5 4 3- 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 Time (min) Figure 7 - Rating of Thermal Comfort

Synthesis of Sulfonated burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haiguang; Chen, Kaoshan; Zhang, Pengying; Zhang, Xian; Wang, Zhe; Xue, Jingwen

2017-12-01

Burdock Fructooligosaccharide (BFO) were sulfated using SO3-Py complex. The maximal degree of sulfonation (DSsulf) was 1.56, which were obtained by varying reaction factor such molar ratio of SO3-Py to fructofuranans unit (FU). The FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra showed the introduction of sulfate group, and the reaction occurred at C-6, C-4 and C-3 in the fructofuranans unit of BFO. The molecular weight estimated by HPGPC were 6104.7-11003.3 g/mol for S-BFO (DS sulf=1.2).

G-Strands on symmetric spaces

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We study the G-strand equations that are extensions of the classical chiral model of particle physics in the particular setting of broken symmetries described by symmetric spaces. These equations are simple field theory models whose configuration space is a Lie group, or in this case a symmetric space. In this class of systems, we derive several models that are completely integrable on finite dimensional Lie group G, and we treat in more detail examples with symmetric space SU(2)/S1 and SO(4)/SO(3). The latter model simplifies to an apparently new integrable nine-dimensional system. We also study the G-strands on the infinite dimensional group of diffeomorphisms, which gives, together with the Sobolev norm, systems of 1+2 Camassa–Holm equations. The solutions of these equations on the complementary space related to the Witt algebra decomposition are the odd function solutions. PMID:28413343

[Use of THP-1 for allergens identification method validation].

PubMed

Zhao, Xuezheng; Jia, Qiang; Zhang, Jun; Li, Xue; Zhang, Yanshu; Dai, Yufei

2014-05-01

Look for an in vitro test method to evaluate sensitization using THP-1 cells by the changes of the expression of cytokines to provide more reliable markers of the identification of sensitization. The monocyte-like THP-1 cells were induced and differentiated into THP-1-macrophages with PMA (0.1 microg/ml). The changes of expression of cytokines at different time points after the cells being treated with five known allergens, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), nickel sulfate (NiSO4), phenylene diamine (PPDA) potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and two non-allergens sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and isopropanol (IPA) at various concentrations were evaluated. The IL-6 and TNF-alpha production was measured by ELISA. The secretion of IL-1beta and IL-8 was analyzed by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). The section of the IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-8 were the highest when THP-1 cells were exposed to NiSO4, DNCB and K2Cr2O7 for 6h, PPDA and TDI for 12h. The production of IL-6 were approximately 40, 25, 20, 50 and 50 times for five kinds chemical allergens NiSO4, DNCB, K2Cr2O7, PPDA and TDI respectively at the optimum time points and the optimal concentration compared to the control group. The expression of TNF-alpha were 20, 12, 20, 8 and 5 times more than the control group respectively. IL-1beta secretion were 30, 60, 25, 30 and 45 times respectively compared to the control group. The production of IL-8 were approximately 15, 12, 15, 12 and 7 times respectively compared to the control group. Both non-allergens SDS and IPA significantly induced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner however SDS cause a higher production levels, approximately 20 times of the control. Therefore IL-6 may not be a reliable marker for identification of allergens. TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-8 expressions did not change significantly after exposed to the two non-allergens. The test method using THP-1 cells by detecting the productions of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-8) can effectively distinguish chemical allergens and non-allergens. The three cytokines may be reliable markers for the identification of potential sensitizing chemicals.

Families Facing the Nuclear Taboo.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobs, Judith Bula

1988-01-01

Discusses attitudes of 12 families participating in group which was formed to focus on issues related to the possibility of a nuclear disaster. Why and how these families are facing the nuclear taboo plus various outcomes of doing so are discussed as well as the role of the professional in encouraging such openness about these difficult issues.…

Microwave Fun: User-Friendly Recipe Cards.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergstrom, Tom; And Others

1995-01-01

This article explains how a 12-year-old boy with profound mental retardation and autistic behaviors, living in a group home, was taught to follow number- and color-coded directions so that he could independently cook his own meals in a microwave oven. The article covers materials used, the skills taught, adaptations for classroom use, and safety…

Intravenous magnesium sulfate for vaso-occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Goldman, Ran D; Mounstephen, William; Kirby-Allen, Melanie; Friedman, Jeremy N

2013-12-01

Vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) are the most common complication of sickle cell disease in children. Treatment with magnesium seems to improve cellular hydration and may result in reduced vaso-occlusion. This study aimed to determine if intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) reduces length of stay (LOS) in hospital, pain scores, and cumulative analgesia when compared with placebo. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in children aged 4 to 18 years requiring admission to hospital with a sickle cell disease VOE requiring IV analgesia. Participating children received IV MgSO4 (100 mg/kg) every 8 hours or placebo in addition to standard therapy. We used a t test or Mann-Whitney test (continuous variables), Fisher's exact test, or χ2 test (frequencies). P values were considered significant if <.05, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the difference between groups. One hundred six children were randomly assigned to the study, and 104 were included. Fifty-one (49%) received MgSO4. Children's mean age was 12.4 years (range: 4-18 years; SD: 3.8 years), and 56 (54%) were females. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome measure, LOS in hospital, with a mean of 132.6 and 117.7 hours in the MgSO4 and placebo groups, respectively (P = .41). There was no significant difference between groups for the secondary outcomes of mean pain scores (4.9 ± 2.6 vs 4.8 ± 2.6, respectively; P = .92) or analgesic requirements (continuous morphine infusion [P = .928], boluses of IV morphine [P = .82], acetaminophen [P = .34], ibuprofen [P = .15], naproxen [P = .10]). Only minor adverse events were recorded in both groups. Pain at the infusion site was more common in the MgSO4 group. IV MgSO4 was well tolerated but had no effect on the LOS in hospital, pain scores, or cumulative analgesia use in admitted children with a VOE.

Investigating the effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the thermal conductivity of KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Mingjie; Liu, Liqiang; Ma, Fukun; Jing, Min; Cui, Kaixuan; Lin, Liangkan

2018-04-01

This article, taking phase change material (PCM) aluminum potassium sulfate dodecahydrate (KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O) as the object of study, researches the effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GN) on the thermal conductivity of KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O. Correlated analysis shows that KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O can be combined with GN to form KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O/GN composites. The thermal conductivity of KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O/GN composites improves significantly with the increase of GN contents. When the content of GN up to 2.5 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the composites is 1.311 W/m · k, increasing by 120% compared with the pure KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O, the thermal storage time reduces by 31.9%. Meanwhile, GN can improve the undercooling of KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O. When the content of GN is 2.5 wt%, the minimum undercooling is 31.1 °C, reducing by 28.5% compared with the pure KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis shows that the crystal structure of KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O is basically unchanged with the composite of GN after circulation. In general, GN have a great effect on improving the thermal conductivity of KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O and have a good application prospect in the field of phase change thermal storage.

[The prognostic value of cerebral oxygen saturation measurement for assessing prognosis after cardiopulmonary resuscitation].

PubMed

Inal, Mehmet Turan; Memiş, Dilek; Yıldırım, Ilker; Uğur, Hüseyin; Erkaymaz, Aysegul; Turan, F Nesrin

Despite new improvements on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), brain damage is very often after resuscitation. To assess the prognostic value of cerebral oxygen saturation measurement (rSO 2 ) for assessing prognosis on patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Retrospective analysis. We analyzed 25 post-CPR patients (12 female and 13 male). All the patients were cooled to a target temperature of 33-34°C. The Glascow Coma Scale (GCS), Corneal Reflexes (CR), Pupillary Reflexes (PR), arterial Base Excess (BE) and rSO 2 measurements were taken on admission. The rewarming GCS, CR, PR, BE and rSO 2 measurements were made after the patient's temperature reached 36°C. In survivors, the baseline rSO 2 value was 67.5 (46-70) and the percent difference between baseline and rewarming rSO 2 value was 0.03 (0.014-0.435). In non-survivors, the baseline rSO 2 value was 30 (25-65) and the percent difference between baseline and rewarming rSO 2 value was 0.031 (-0.08 to -20). No statistical difference was detected on percent changes between baseline and rewarming values of rSO 2. Statistically significant difference was detected between baseline and rewarming GCS groups (p=0.004). No statistical difference was detected between GCS, CR, PR, BE and rSO 2 to determine the prognosis. Despite higher values of rSO 2 on survivors than non-survivors, we found no statistically considerable difference between groups on baseline and the rewarming rSO 2 values. Since the measurement is simple, and not affected by hypotension and hypothermia, the rSO 2 may be a useful predictor for determining the prognosis after CPR. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Rapid increase in plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide after common bile duct ligation in the rabbit.

PubMed

Valverde, J; Martínez-Ródenas, F; Pereira, J A; Carulla, X; Jiménez, W; Gubern, J M; Sitges-Serra, A

1992-11-01

Previous studies have shown that common bile duct ligation in the rabbit is followed by a reduction of the extracellular water compartment. To further elucidate the mechanisms leading to volume depletion in this model, water and sodium balances and changes in plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), vasopressin (ADH), plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone (Ald) were investigated during the first 4 days after common bile duct ligation (group OJ,) or sham operation (group SO). Water and chow intakes were lower in group OJ (148 +/- 30 versus 226 +/- 40 mL/4 days; p = 0.004 and 12 +/- 9 versus 171 +/- 40 g/4 days; p = 0.0001). There were no differences in urine output. Sodium urinary losses were marginally higher in group OJ (12.4 +/- 7 versus 6.7 +/- 5 mEq/4 days; p = 0.06). Water balance was lower in group OJ (-50 +/- 56 versus 101 +/- 71 mL/4 days; p = 0.0001). At 24 hours, plasma ANP (41 +/- 7 versus 10.7 +/- 1 fmol/mL, p = 0.0001), ADH (21.8 +/- 7 versus 12.3 +/- 6 pg/mL, p = 0.008) and Ald (14.5 +/- 5 versus 3.7 +/- 3 ng/dL, p = 0.001) were higher in group OJ. These alterations persisted 72 hours after bile duct ligation, when a concomitant increase in PRA (10.7 +/- 5 versus 3 +/- 1.6 ng/dL, p = 0.006) was also observed. A group of pair-fed pair-watered sham-operated controls (group SO2, n = 13) showed a metabolic profile similar to group OJ but a low ANP concentration. Multiple venous sampling in five rabbits 24 hours after bile duct ligation showed the highest plasma levels of ANP in the aorta and infrarenal vena cava. These results suggest that common bile duct ligation in the rabbit is followed by marked hypodipsia and hypophagia, possibly mediated by ANP, leading to isotonic volume depletion and secondary activation of the water and sodium retaining hormones.

Impact of a Low-Glucose Peritoneal Dialysis Regimen on Fibrosis and Inflammation Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Yung, Susan; Lui, Sing Leung; Ng, Chris K.F.; Yim, Andrew; Ma, Maggie K.M.; Lo, Kin Yee; Chow, Chik Cheung; Chu, Kwok Hong; Chak, Wai Leung; Lam, Man Fai; Yung, Chun Yu; Yip, Terence P.S.; Wong, Sunny; Tang, Colin S.O.; Ng, Flora S.K.; Chan, Tak Mao

2015-01-01

♦ Background: The impact of a low-glucose peritoneal dialysis (PD) regimen on biomarkers of peritoneal inflammation, fibrosis and membrane integrity remains to be investigated. ♦ Methods: In a randomized, prospective study, 80 incident PD patients received either a low-glucose regimen comprising Physioneal (P), Extraneal (E) and Nutrineal (N) (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) (PEN group), or Dianeal (control group) for 12 months, after which both groups continued with Dianeal dialysis for 6 months. Serum and dialysate levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), decorin, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), hyaluronan (HA), adiponectin, soluble-intracellular adhesion molecule (s-ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and P-selectin, and dialysate cancer antigen 125 (CA125), were measured after 12 and 18 months. This paper focuses on results after 12 months, when patients in the PEN group changed to glucose-based PD fluid (PDF). ♦ Results: At the end of 12 months, effluent dialysate levels of CA125, decorin, HGF, IL-6, adiponectin and adhesion molecules were significantly higher in the PEN group compared to controls, but all decreased after patients switched to glucose-based PDF. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor level was lower in the PEN group but increased after changing to glucose-based PDF and was similar to controls at 18 months. Serum adiponectin level was higher in the PEN group at 12 months, but was similar in the 2 groups at 18 months. Body weight, residual renal function, ultrafiltration volume and total Kt/V did not differ between both groups. Dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio at 4 h was higher in the PEN group at 12 months and remained so after switching to glucose-based PDF. ♦ Conclusion: Changes in the biomarkers suggest that the PEN PD regimen may be associated with better preservation of peritoneal membrane integrity and reduced systemic vascular endothelial injury. PMID:25904773

Body image, psychosocial functioning, and personality: how different are adolescents and young adults applying for plastic surgery?

PubMed

Simis, K J; Verhulst, F C; Koot, H M

2001-07-01

This study addressed three questions: (1) Do adolescents undergoing plastic surgery have a realistic view of their body? (2) How urgent is the psychosocial need of adolescents to undergo plastic surgery? (3) Which relations exist between bodily attitudes and psychosocial functioning and personality? From 1995 to 1997, 184 plastic surgical patients aged 12 to 22, and a comparison group of 684 adolescents and young adults from the general population aged 12 to 22 years, and their parents, were interviewed and completed questionnaires and standardised rating scales. Adolescents accepted for plastic surgery had realistic appearance attitudes and were psychologically healthy overall. Patients were equally satisfied with their overall appearance as the comparison group, but more dissatisfied with the specific body parts concerned for operation, especially when undergoing corrective operations. Patients had measurable appearance-related psychosocial problems. Patient boys reported less self-confidence on social areas than all other groups. There were very few patient-comparison group differences in correlations between bodily and psychosocial variables, indicating that bodily attitudes and satisfaction are not differentially related to psychosocial functioning and self-perception in patients than in peers. We concluded that adolescents accepted for plastic surgery have considerable appearance-related psychosocial problems, patients in the corrective group reporting more so than in the reconstructive group. Plastic surgeons may assume that these adolescents in general have a realistic attitude towards their appearance. are psychologically healthy, and are mainly dissatisfied about the body parts concerned for operation. corrective patients more so than reconstructive patients. Introverted patients may need more attention from plastic surgeons during the psychosocial assessment.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of venous leg ulcers in primary care: a randomised controlled, pilot study.

PubMed

Burgos-Alonso, Natalia; Lobato, Igone; Hernández, Igone; Sebastian, Kepa San; Rodríguez, Begoña; March, Anna Giné; Perez-Salvador, Adriana; Arce, Veronica; Garcia-Alvarez, Arturo; Gomez-Fernandez, Maria Cruz; Grandes, Gonzalo; Andia, Isabel

2018-06-01

To examine the potential efficacy and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in comparison with the conventional treatment (standard care, SoC) for the treatment of leg ulcers in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, in a primary health-care setting. A Phase I-II, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, randomised pilot study was conducted. The outcome variables at baseline and at weeks five and nine included reduction in the ulcer area, Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire score, cost of the treatment for up to nine weeks and average weekly cure rate. A total of eight patients, each with at least a six-month history of venous leg ulcer (VLUs), were included in the study. A total of 12 ulcers were treated with either autologous PRP or standard SoC. Patients treated with PRP required wound care only once per week. In the SoC group, patients required intervention 2-3 times per week. A reduction in the mean ulcer size in the PRP group was 3.9cm 2 compared with the SoC group at 3.2cm 2 , although the sample size was insufficient to reach statistical significance. Improvement in quality of life (QoL) score was observed in the patients in the PRP group. This study offers proof-of-concept of the feasibility and safety of PRP treatment to inform larger clinical trials in patients with VLUs. Our preliminary results suggest that PRP delivers a safe and effective treatment for VLU care that can be implemented in primary health-care settings.

The recognition of three different epitopes for the H-type 2 human blood group determinant by lectins of Ulex europaeus, Galactia tenuiflora and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (winged bean).

PubMed

Du, M H; Spohr, U; Lemieux, R U

1994-10-01

The chemical mapping of the regions of H-type 2 human blood group-related trisaccharide (Fuc alpha (1-2)Gal beta (1-4)GlcNAc beta Me) that are recognized by three different lectins, the so-called epitopes, are reviewed together with an account of how and why oligosaccharides form specific complexes with proteins as presently viewed in this laboratory. The occasion is used to report the synthesis of the various mono-O-methyl derivatives of the above trisaccharide that were used in these investigations. Also, Fuc alpha (1-2)Gal beta (1-4)Xyl beta Me was synthesized in order to examine whether or not the hydroxymethyl group of the GlcNAc residue participates in the binding reaction.

Intervention for phantom limb pain: A randomized single crossover study of mirror therapy

PubMed Central

Ramadugu, Shashikumar; Nagabushnam, Satish C.; Katuwal, Nagendra; Chatterjee, Kaushik

2017-01-01

Introduction: Mirror therapy suggested to help relieve phantom limb pain (PLP) by resolving the visual- proprioceptive dissociation in the brain, but studies so far either had shorter follow-up or smaller sample size. Materials and Methods: In this randomized single crossover trial, 64 amputees with PLP in the age group of 15–75 years of age were distributed into test and control groups by simple randomization method. Of these 28 in control and 32 in test groups, respectively, completed the 4 weeks of mirror therapy and 12 weeks of follow-up assessments. A standardized set of exercises for 15 min/day for 4 and 8 weeks in test and control groups (in the first 4 weeks, the mirror was covered), respectively, was administered under supervision of one of the authors. All were assessed using the visual analog scale and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire on day 0 and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after therapy. In control group for the initial 4 weeks, the mirror was covered. The assessing author was blinded to the group to which the participants belonged. Results: Significant reduction in PLP was noted in the test group at 4 weeks compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). Significant reduction was seen in control group also after the switchover and sustained for 12 weeks in both. No harm was reported. Conclusion: Mirror therapy is effective in relieving the intensity, duration, frequency, and overall PLP, and improvement is maintained up to 12 weeks’ posttherapy. PMID:29497188

Effects of soy oil on murine salivary tumorigenesis.

PubMed

Actis, Adriana B; Cremonezzi, David C; King, Irena B; Joekes, Silvia; Eynard, Aldo R; Valentich, Mirta A

2005-03-01

Dietary fat influences dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced tumorigenesis of several organs, including the salivary glands. There is not enough evidence to suggest that soy oil could also affect growth of salivary tumors. The main purpose of this work therefore was to study the effects of dietary soy oil on macroscopic parameters of chemically induced murine salivary gland tumors. Eighty BALB/c male mice were assigned to four groups: soy oil (SO), corn oil (CO, control), fish oil (FO) and olein (O). Two weeks later, tumors were induced by 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA). At the 13th post-injection week, the animals were sacrificed. In vivo tumor diameter, gland volume (total resected mass), tumor volume (microscopically measured), tumor remission and tumor histopathology were analyzed. The initial in vivo tumor diameter, gland and tumor volume were significantly greater in soy oil than in fish oil group. 26.7% of animals on the soy oil diet showed tumor remission. Sarcomas were more often found in the SO group, carcinomas in FO and the mixed-type tumors both in SO and CO groups. This study shows that the soy oil treatment resulted in larger tumors, some of which later became undetectable. It is necessary to further investigate these divergent results.

U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam Monthly Historical Supplement for June 1967

DTIC Science & Technology

1967-09-17

Sat Special Zone River Patrol Group ..••««•.«.. e 3 Delta River Patrol Group ...o.....«•...« 6 GAME WARDM Units 0 .... . 12 GAME WARDEN...at certain Operation GAME WARDEN and Ojreratxcn MARKET TIME support bas5So The work performed by the Seabees was part of th« continuing "Level of...operational availability of MARKET TIME and GAME WARDEN patrol boats continued to be generally excellent 5, ranging from 80 percent for WPBs and PCFs

[Effects of atracurium pretreatment with magnesium on speed of onset, duration, and recovery of neuromuscular blockade].

PubMed

Wu, Hong-Liang; Ye, Tie-Hu; Sun, Li

2009-02-01

To determine the effects of atracurium pretreatment with magnesium on speed of onset, duration, and recovery of neuromuscular block. Thirty patients who were undergoing elective gynecologic laparoscopic examination and treatments under general anesthesia were randomized into magnesium group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). Before induction of general anesthesia, patients in magnesium group intravenously received MgSO4 30 mg/kg in saline within 5 minutes, and patients in control group received the same volume of saline without MgSO4. In both groups, the train-of-four (TOF) responses to stimuli of the ulnar nerve were measured at intervals of 12 seconds. Anesthesia was induced with Fentanyl and Propofol through target controlled infusion (TCI), and tracheal intubation was performed with 0.5 mg/kg atracurium after stabilization of the electromyography recording. The onset time of muscle relaxation, clinical duration of action, recovery index, and recovery time were recorded. To determine serum magnesium and calcium levels, blood samples were collected before MgSO4/saline infusion and at the end of operation. Haemodynamic changes and other responses during induction were also recorded. The onset time from the end of injection to maximum neuromuscular blockade was significantly shorter in magnesium group than in control group (P < 0.01). Duration of relaxant action, recovery index, and recovery time in magnesium group were significantly prolonged than in control group (P < 0.01). Serum magnesium level significantly decreased after management (P < 0.01), and there was also a decrease trend in magnesium group. No change of serum calcium levels in both groups was observed. No adverse event was reported. Prior administration of magnesium sulphate can increase the onset speed of atracurium and prolong the duration of atracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade.

Effects of hypoxia on dopamine concentration and the immune response of White Shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Fawen; Pan, Luqing; Jing, Futao

2009-03-01

Effects of hypoxia on the dopamine concentration and the immune response of White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei were studied. The results showed that hypoxia had significant effects on the concentration of dopamine (DA) in the haemolymph, haemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, phagocytic activity of haemocytes and bacteriolytic and antibacterial activity in the haemolymph ( P<0.05). The concentration of the dopamine in haemolymph reached its maximum in the 3.0 and 1.5 mg L-1 DO groups at 12 h and 6 h, and then returned to normal after 24 h and 12 h, respectively. All immune parameters decreased with the reduction of dissolved oxygen. Total haemocyte count (THC), the hyaline cells and semi-granular cells in the 3.0 mg L-1 DO group became stable after 12 h, while granular cells did so after 24 h. The THC and different haemocyte count (DHC) in the 1.5 mg L-1 DO group became stable after 24 h. Phenoloxidase activity and bacteriolytic activity in the 3.0 and 1.5 mg L-1 DO groups reached their stable levels after 24 h and 12 h respectively, while phagocytic activity and antibacterial activity became stable after 24 and 12, and 36 and 24 h, respectively. It was also indicated that the changes of dopamine concentrations in haemolymph, haemocyte count and phenoloxidase activity were obviously related to the exposure time under hypoxic conditions.

Depressed Adolescents Treated with Exercise (DATE): A pilot randomized controlled trial to test feasibility and establish preliminary effect sizes

PubMed Central

Hughes, Carroll W.; Barnes, Shauna; Barnes, Conrad; DeFina, Laura F.; Nakonezny, Paul; Emslie, Graham J.

2013-01-01

The Depressed Adolescents Treated with Exercise (DATE) study evaluated a standardized aerobic exercise protocol to treat nonmedicated adolescents that met DSM-IV-TR criteria for major depressive disorder. From an initial screen of 90 individuals, 30 adolescents aged 12-18 years were randomized to either vigorous exercise (EXER) (>12 kg/kcal/week [KKW]) or a control stretching (STRETCH) activity (< 4 KKW) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the blinded clinician rating of the Children's Depression Rating Scale – Revised (CDRS-R) to assess depression severity and Actical (KKW) accelerometry 24hr/7days a week to assess energy expenditure and adherence. Follow-up evaluations occurred at weeks 26 and 52. The EXER group averaged 77% adherence and the STRETCH group 81% for meeting weekly target goals for the 12 week intervention based on weekly sessions completed and meeting KKW requirements. There was a significant increase in overall weekly KKW expenditures (p < .001) for both groups with the EXER group doubling the STRETCH group in weekly energy expenditure. Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced from baseline for both groups with the EXER group improving more rapidly than STRETCH after six weeks (p < .016) and nine weeks (p < .001). Both groups continued to improve such that there were no group differences after 12 weeks (p = .07). By week 12, the exercise group had a 100% response rate (86% remission), whereas the stretch group response rate was 67% (50% remission) (p = .02). Both groups had improvements in multiple areas of psychosocial functioning related to school and relationships with parents and peers. Anthropometry reflected decreased waist, hip and thigh measurements (p = .02), more so for females than males (p = .05), but there were no weight changes for either gender. The EXER group sustained 100% remission at week 26 and 52. The STRETCH group had 80% response and 70% remission rates at week 26 and by week 52 only one had not fully responded. The study provides support for the use of exercise as a non-medication intervention for adolescents with major depressive disorders when good adherence and energy expenditure (KKW) are achieved. PMID:24244220

Social Effects of Collaborative Learning in Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolmie, Andrew Kenneth; Topping, Keith J.; Christie, Donald; Donaldson, Caroline; Howe, Christine; Jessiman, Emma; Livingston, Kay; Thurston, Allen

2010-01-01

There is conflicting evidence on whether collaborative group work leads to improved classroom relations, and if so how. A before and after design was used to measure the impact on work and play relations of a collaborative learning programme involving 575 students 9-12 years old in single- and mixed-age classes across urban and rural schools. Data…

[The activity of blood cholinesterase in rats exposed to dimethypo after drug intervention].

PubMed

Wan, Weiguo; Xu, Mailing; Zou, Hejian; Lu, Ailing; Shen, Xinyu; Chen, Yuming

2002-12-01

To investigate the activity of ChE in rats poisoned by dimehypo and then treated with pralidoxime methylchloride or unithiol. Rats were divided into control group (dimehypo); intervention groups [dimehypo plus pralidoxime methylchloride or dimehypo plus unithiol (sodium dimercaptopropanesulphonate)]. Rats were dosed with 4 different doses of dimehypo: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 of LD50 respectively(the LD50 of dimehypo is 342 mg/kg). After being poisoned with dimehypo orally, rats were immediately injected intramuscularly with pralidoxime methylchloride or unithiol. The activity of ChE in blood was detected before and 1/2, 1, 2, 4 and 24 h after poisoning in dimehypo and intervention groups. The ChE activity of four dose subgroups at 1 h after poisoning were (1.04 +/- 0.21), (0.84 +/- 0.12), (0.71 +/- 0.12), (0.66 +/- 0.07) U/ml respectively; the ChE activity of pralidoxime methylchloride intervention groups were (1.01 +/- 0.18), (1.17 +/- 0.11), (1.01 +/- 0.04), (1.03 +/- 0.12) U/ml respectively; and the ChE activity of unithiol intervention groups were (1.15 +/- 0.15), (1.26 +/- 0.27), (1.08 +/- 0.08), (1.04 +/- 0.12) U/ml respectively. The inhibited ChE in blood was recovered by either treatment with pyraldoxime methylchloride or unithiol. These two drugs had similar effects of recovering the activity of ChE(P > 0.05), but at higher doses(1/4 and 1/2 of LD50) the effects of both were not so good. Pralidoxime methylchloride and unithiol could partly recover the activity of ChE inhibited by dimehypo.

[Factors influencing research activity of Andalusian nurses and improvement strategies].

PubMed

López Alonso, Sergio R; Gálvez González, María; Amezcua, Manuel

2013-04-01

To identify factors influencing research activity of Andalusian nurses and to find improvement strategies. Qualitative research using SWOT analysis (weaknesses, threats, strengths, opportunities). Nurses were selected deliberately in eight groups according to predetermined criteria. Analysis included categorization and relationship of factors and strategies. 81 participants were included in groups of 7-12 range. 45 categories were identified with 212 factors: 12 weaknesses (50 factors), 10 strengths (44 factors), 12 threats (68 factors) and 11 opportunities (50 factors). In addition, 32 categories were identified with 53 strategies: 14 categories of W-T strategies (42 strategies), 3 categories of S-T strategies (11 strategies), 5 categories of W-O strategies (13 strategies) and 10 categories of S-O strategies (41 strategies). Nurses identified numerous factors, mainly threats. The strategies are focused on W-T but they also suggest many but weak 5-0 strategies due to the low potential of the opportunities and strengths perceived.

Zero-profile implant (Zero-p) versus plate cage benezech implant (PCB) in the treatment of single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PubMed

Wang, ZhiDong; Zhu, RuoFu; Yang, HuiLin; Shen, MinJie; Wang, Genlin; Chen, Kangwu; Gan, Minfeng; Li, Mao

2015-10-12

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is the golden standard for anterior surgery treating elderly cervical degenerative disease, but the previous implant has some problems such as looseness, translocation, sinking and dysphagia, So Zero-p implant and PCB implant have been developed to decrease the complications. The clinical data of 57 patients with single level cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed. 27 patients adopting Zero-p interbody fusion cage as implant (Zero-p group) and 30 patients adopting integrated plate cage benezech (PCB) as implant (PCB group) from January 2010 to October 2012. Observe whether are differences between the two groups of patients on operation time, intraoperatve blood loss,Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores before and after operation, intervertebral height, cervical physiological curvature, fusion rate, Postoperative dysphagia rate and complications. Zero-p group's operation time is 98.2 + 15.2 min and its intraoperatve blood loss is 88.2 + 12.9 ml, both of which are lower than those of PCB group (109.8 + 16.9 min,95.2 + 11.6 ml ), so their differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). The two groups' JOA scores 3 months after operation and in the last follow-up are significantly higher than those before operation, so the differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). Coob angle 3 months after operation and in the last follow-up improves obviously compared with before operation, so the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). The two groups' operation segments intervertebral height 3 months after operation and in the last follow-up improves obviously compared with before operation, so the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05) Zero-p group has one patient with dysphagia after operation and PCB group has four patients with dysphagia after operation, so there is no statistical differences between the two groups on dysphagia rate (P > 0.05, P = 0.415). PCB group has two patients with screws backing out and two patients with hoarseness after operation, the two groups' operation segments all saw bony union in the last follow-up. Zero-p group postoperative complications are lower than PCB group (P < 0.05, P = 0.044). Zero-profile implant and PCB implant both achieved good clinical effects on the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the two groups both saw bony union in operation segments, but Zero-profile implant has the advantages of easy operation, short operation time, less intraoperatve blood loss and less complications.

Comparative study of 0.2% and 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine mouth rinses on the level of dental staining and gingival indices.

PubMed

Najafi, Mohammad Hassan; Taheri, Morteza; Mokhtari, Majid Reza; Forouzanfar, Ali; Farazi, Fateme; Mirzaee, Mona; Ebrahiminik, Zahra; Mehrara, Reza

2012-05-01

Chlorhexidine (CHX) as a gold standard chemical agent appears to be the most effective antimicrobial agent for reduction of both plaque and gingivitis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two concentrations of digluconate chlorhexidine (CHX) solutions (0.12% and 0.20%) on gingival indices and the level of dental staining during 14 days. in this double-blind controlled clinical trial study 60 patients with moderate to severe gingivitis aged 17-56 years were randomly selected and divided to three groups: Group I (placebo) Group II (0.12% CHX), and Group III (0.2% CHX). Patients rinsed their mouthwashes twice a day after brushing. Before the examination and after 14 days plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, and stain index were evaluated. The data were analyzed by "Mann-Whitney" test and P value was 0.05. the results showed that plaque index and gingival index significantly reduced in Groups II and III in comparison with the placebo group (P < 0.0001). However, the two concentrations did not differ significantly from each other (P = 0.552). Same results were observed in term of gingival bleeding index with this different that 0.2% CHX was significantly more efficient than 0.12% CHX (P < 0.0001). CHX mouthrinse, both concentrations, significantly increased the dental staining level (intensity and area) in comparison with the placebo group. Remarkable difference also was seen between 2 CHX concentrations so that the 0.2% CHX caused much more staining on the teeth than 0.12% CHX. based on the results of this study we can conclude that the lower concentrations of CHX should be prescribed, decreasing side effects, since higher concentrations do not seem to be more effective in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis.

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

Kelleher, Alan; Liu, Zhuyun; Seid, Christopher A.

LJL143, a salivary protein from L. longipalpis, was produced using P. pastoris and crystallized in space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}. Leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease with a global prevalence of over 12 million cases and 59 000 annual deaths. Transmission of the parasite requires salivary proteins, including LJL143 from the New World sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis. LJL143 is a known marker of sandfly exposure in zoonotic hosts. LJL143 was crystallized from soluble protein expressed using Pichia pastoris. X-ray data were collected to 2.6 Å resolution from orthorhombic crystals belonging to space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}, with average unit-cellmore » parameters a = 57.39, b = 70.24, c = 79.58 Å. The crystals are predicted to have a monomer in the asymmetric unit, with an estimated solvent content of 48.5%. LJL143 has negligible homology to any reported structures, so the phases could not be determined by molecular replacement. All attempts at S-SAD failed and future studies include experimental phase determination using heavy-atom derivatives.« less

Synthesis, structural characterization and high pressure phase transitions of monolithium hydronium sulfate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Debasis; Plonka, Anna M.; Kim, Sun Jin; Xu, Wenqian; Parise, John B.

2013-01-01

A three dimensional lithium hydronium sulfate LiSO4·H3O [1], [space group Pna21a=8.7785(12) Å, b=9.1297(12) Å, c=5.2799(7) Å, V=423.16(10) Å3] was synthesized via solvothermal methods using 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (1,5-NSA) as the source of sulfate ions. The structure of [1], determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, consists of corner sharing LiO4 and SO4 tetrahedra, forming an anionic 3-D open framework that is charge balanced by hydronium ions positioned within channels running along [001] and forming strong H-bonding with the framework oxygen atoms. Compound [1] undergoes two reversible phase transitions, involving reorientation of SO42- ions at pressures of approximately 2.5 and 5 GPa at room temperature, as evident from characteristic discontinuous frequency drops in the ν1 mode of the Raman spectra. Additionally, compound [1] forms dense β-lithium sulfate at 300 °C, as evident from temperature dependent powder XRD and combined reversible TGA-DSC experiments.

Substantial utilization of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram in the prostate cancer community.

PubMed

Struck, J P; Siegel, F; Kramer, M W; Tsaur, I; Heidenreich, A; Haferkamp, A; Merseburger, A S; Salem, J; Borgmann, H

2018-03-09

To measure the usage rate of social media (SoMe) resources in the prostate cancer community, we performed a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of SoMe activity on the topic of PCa on the four most frequented platforms. We scanned the SoMe platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for "prostate cancer" as a cross-sectional analysis or during a defined time period. Sources were included if their communication centered on PCa by title and content. We assessed activity measurements for each SoMe source and classified the sources into six functional categories. We identified 99 PCa-related Facebook groups that amassed 31,262 members and 90 Facebook pages with 283,996 "likes". On YouTube, we found 536 PCa videos accounting for 43,966,634 views, 52,655 likes, 8597 dislikes, and 12,393 comments. During a 1-year time period, 32,537 users generated 110,971 tweets on #ProstateCancer on Twitter, providing over 544 million impressions. During a 1-month time period, 638 contributors posted 1081 posts on Instagram, generating over 22,000 likes and 4,748,159 impressions. Among six functional categories, general information/support dominated the SoMe landscape on all SoMe platforms. SoMe activity on the topic of PCa on the four most frequented platforms is high. Facebook groups, YouTube videos, and Twitter tweets are mainly used for giving general information on PCa and education. High SoMe utilization in the PCa community underlines its future role for communication of PCa.

Neutron scattering studies of K3H(SO4)2 and K3D(SO4)2: the particle-in-a-box model for the quantum phase transition.

PubMed

Fillaux, François; Cousson, Alain

2012-08-21

In the crystal of K(3)H(SO(4))(2) or K(3)D(SO(4))(2), dimers SO(4)···H···SO(4) or SO(4)···D···SO(4) are linked by strong centrosymmetric hydrogen or deuterium bonds whose O···O length is ≈2.50 Å. We address two open questions. (i) Are H or D sites split or not? (ii) Is there any structural counterpart to the phase transition observed for K(3)D(SO(4))(2) at T(c) ≈ 85.5 K, which does not exist for K(3)H(SO(4))(2)? Neutron diffraction by single-crystals at cryogenic or room temperature reveals no structural transition and no resolvable splitting of H or D sites. However, the width of the probability densities suggest unresolved splitting of the wavefunctions suggesting rigid entities H(L1/2)-H(R1/2) or D(L1/2)-D(R1/2) whose separation lengths are l(H) ≈ 0.16 Å or l(D) ≈ 0.25 Å. The vibrational eigenstates for the center of mass of H(L1/2)-H(R1/2) revealed by inelastic neutron scattering are amenable to a square-well and we suppose the same potential holds for D(L1/2)-D(R1/2). In order to explain dielectric and calorimetric measurements of mixed crystals K(3)D((1-ρ))H(ρ)(SO(4))(2) (0 ≤ ρ ≤ 1), we replace the classical notion of order-disorder by the quantum notion of discernible (e.g., D(L1/2)-D(R1/2)) or indiscernible (e.g., H(L1/2)-H(R1/2)) components depending on the separation length of the split wavefunction. The discernible-indiscernible isostructural transition at finite temperatures is induced by a thermal pure quantum state or at 0 K by ρ.

Weakly-interacting massive particles in non-supersymmetric SO(10) grand unified models

DOE PAGES

Nagata, Natsumi; Olive, Keith A.; Zheng, Jiaming

2015-10-28

Here, non-supersymmetric SO(10) grand unified theories provide a framework in which the stability of dark matter is explained while gauge coupling unification is realized. In this work, we systematically study this possibility by classifying weakly interacting dark matter candidates in terms of their quantum numbers of SU(2) L Ⓧ U(1) Y, B – L, and SU(2) R. We consider both scalar and fermion candidates. We show that the requirement of a sufficiently high unification scale to ensure a proton lifetime compatible with experimental constraints plays a strong role in selecting viable candidates. Among the scalar candidates originating from either amore » 16 or 144 of SO(10), only SU(2) L singlets with zero hypercharge or doublets with Y = 1/2 satisfy all constraints for SU(4) C Ⓧ SU(2) L Ⓧ SU(2) R and SU(3) C Ⓧ SU(2) L Ⓧ SU(2) R Ⓧ U(1) B–L intermediate scale gauge groups. Among fermion triplets with zero hypercharge, only a triplet in the 45 with intermediate group SU(4) C Ⓧ SU(2) L Ⓧ SU(2) R leads to solutions with M GUT > M int and a long proton lifetime. We find three models with weak doublets and Y = 1/2 as dark matter candidates for the SU(4) C Ⓧ SU(2) L Ⓧ SU(2) R and SU(4) C Ⓧ SU(2) L Ⓧ U(1) R intermediate scale gauge groups assuming a minimal Higgs content. We also discuss how these models may be tested at accelerators and in dark matter detection experiments.« less

Process for predicting structural performance of mechanical systems

DOEpatents

Gardner, D.R.; Hendrickson, B.A.; Plimpton, S.J.; Attaway, S.W.; Heinstein, M.W.; Vaughan, C.T.

1998-05-19

A process for predicting the structural performance of a mechanical system represents the mechanical system by a plurality of surface elements. The surface elements are grouped according to their location in the volume occupied by the mechanical system so that contacts between surface elements can be efficiently located. The process is well suited for efficient practice on multiprocessor computers. 12 figs.

G-R-O-U-P W-O-R-K Doesn't Spell Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quinn, Timothy

2012-01-01

Commonly included in any list of 21st century skills is collaboration--and for good reason. Technology now offers more people the opportunity to work together without geographical restraint. And so collaboration should become a greater part of school curricula at all levels. But most of the work done by students in a traditional K-12 school is…

The crystal chemistry of four thorium sulfates

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

Albrecht, Amanda J.; Sigmon, Ginger E.; Moore-Shay, Laura

2011-07-15

Four thorium sulfate compounds have been synthesized and characterized. [Th(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 7}].2H{sub 2}O (ThS1) crystallizes in space group P2{sub 1}/m, a=7.2488(4), b=12.1798(7), c=8.0625(5) A, {beta}=98.245(1){sup o}; Na{sub 10}[Th{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 9}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}].3H{sub 2}O (ThS2), Pna2{sub 1}, a=17.842(2), b=6.9317(8), c=27.550(3) A; Na{sub 2}[Th{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}].H{sub 2}O (ThS3), C2/c, a=16.639(2), b=9.081(1), c=25.078(3) A, {beta}= 95.322(2){sup o}; [Th{sub 4}(SO{sub 4}){sub 7}(OH){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}].2H{sub 2}O (ThS4), Pnma, a=18.2127(9), b=11.1669(5), c=14.4705(7) A. In all cases the Th cations are coordinated by nine O atoms corresponding to SO{sub 4} tetrahedra, OH groups, and H{sub 2}O groups. The structural unitmore » of ThS1 is an isolated cluster consisting of a single Th polyhedron with two monodentate SO{sub 4} tetrahedra and seven H{sub 2}O groups. A double-wide Th sulfate chain is the basis of ThS2. The structures of ThS3 and ThS4 are frameworks of Th polyhedra and sulfate tetrahedra, and each contains channels that extend through the framework. One of the Th cations in ThS3 is coordinated by a bidentate SO{sub 4} tetrahedron, and ThS4 is unusual in the presence of a pair of Th cations that share a polyhedral face. - Graphical abstract: The structures of four hydrous thorium sulfates are reported that have structural units consisting of finite clusters, chains, and frameworks. Highlights: > Four hydrous thorium sulfates have structural units consisting of finite clusters, chains, and frameworks. > In each the Th cations are coordinated by nine O atoms from SO{sub 4} tetrahedra, OH groups, and H{sub 2}O groups. > The details of the linkages of ThO{sub 9} polyhedra and sulfate tetrahedra vary considerably in these structures.« less

Correlation of fibrinogen-like protein 2 with progression of acute pancreatitis in rats

PubMed Central

Ye, Xiao-Hua; Chen, Tan-Zhou; Huai, Jia-Ping; Lu, Guang-Rong; Zhuge, Xiao-Ju; Chen, Ren-Pin; Chen, Wu-Jie; Wang, Chen; Huang, Zhi-Ming

2013-01-01

AIM: To examine fibrinogen-like protein 2 (fgl2) expression during taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis progression in rats and its correlation with pancreatic injury severity. METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group (n = 24) and the sham operation (SO) group (n = 24). Sodium taurocholate (4% at doses of 1 mL/kg body weight) was retrogradely injected into the biliopancreatic ducts of the rats to induce SAP. Pancreatic tissues were prepared immediately after sacrifice. At the time of sacrifice, blood was obtained for determination of serum amylase activity and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Pancreatic tissue specimens were obtained for routine light microscopy including hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the severity of pancreatic injury was evaluated 1, 4 and 8 h after induction. Expression of fgl2 mRNA was measured in the pancreas and PBMCs using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expression of fgl2 protein was evaluated in pancreatic tissues using Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Masson staining was also performed to observe microthrombosis. RESULTS: At each time point, levels of fgl2 mRNAs in pancreatic tissues and PBMCs were higher (P < 0.05) in the SAP group than in the SO group. For pancreatic tissue in SAP vs SO, the levels were: after 1 h, 3.911 ± 1.277 vs 1.000 ± 0.673; after 4 h, 9.850 ± 3.095 vs 1.136 ± 0.609; and after 8 h, 12.870 ± 3.046 vs 1.177 ± 0.458. For PBMCs in SAP vs SO, the levels were: after 1 h, 2.678 ± 1.509 vs 1.000 ± 0.965; after 4 h, 6.922 ± 1.984 vs 1.051 ± 0.781; and after 8 h, 13.533 ± 6.575 vs 1.306 ± 1.179. Levels of fgl2 protein expression as determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were markedly up-regulated (P < 0.001) in the SAP group compared with those in the SO group. For Western blotting in SAP vs SO, the results were: after 1 h, 2.183 ± 0.115 vs 1.110 ± 0.158; after 4 h, 2.697 ± 0.090 vs 0.947 ± 0.361; and after 8 h, 3.258 ± 0.094 vs 1.208 ± 0.082. For immunohistochemical staining in SAP vs SO, the results were: after 1 h, 1.793 ± 0.463 vs 0.808 ± 0.252; after 4 h, 4.535 ± 0.550 vs 0.871 ± 0.318; and after 8 h, 6.071 ± 0.941 vs 1.020 ± 0.406. Moreover, we observed a positive correlation in the pancreas (r = 0.852, P < 0.001) and PBMCs (r = 0.735, P < 0.001) between fgl2 expression and the severity of pancreatic injury. Masson staining showed that microthrombosis (%) in rats with SAP was increased (P < 0.001) compared with that in the SO group and it was closely correlated with fgl2 expression in the pancreas (r = 0.842, P < 0.001). For Masson staining in SAP vs SO, the results were: after 1 h, 26.880 ± 9.031 vs 8.630 ± 3.739; after 4 h, 53.750 ± 19.039 vs 8.500 ± 4.472; and after 8 h, 80.250 ± 12.915 vs 10.630 ± 7.003. CONCLUSION: Microthrombosis due to fgl2 overexpression contributes to pancreatic impairment in rats with SAP, and fgl2 level may serve as a biomarker during early stages of disease. PMID:23674850

Surface interaction of H2S, SO2, and SO3 on fullerene-like gallium nitride (GaN) nanostructure semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salimifard, M.; Rad, A. Shokuhi; Mahanpoor, K.

2017-10-01

Density functional theory (DFT) using MPW1PW91 and B3LYP hybrid functionals was utilized for quantum-based investigations of three major sulfur compounds (H2S, SO2, and SO3) adsorption onto fullerene-like Ga12N12 nanocluster. All chemicals showed high chemisorption with the order of SO3>SO2>>H2S. Results of charge analysis showed that during adsorption, transfer of charge is from H2S to nanocluster while reverse direction of charge transfer is found for SO2 and SO3 molecules. Partial dissociation is found for adsorbates especially for SO2 and SO3 molecules. Results of thermochemistry analysis show negative values for enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of adsorption, confirming exothermic spontaneous process. Analysis of frontier molecular orbital (FMO) showed important role of orbital hybridizing towards formation of new bonds upon adsorption. As a result, we introduce Ga12N12 nanocluster as a strong adsorbent for sulfur compounds.

Synthesis, structural characterization and high pressure phase transitions of monolithium hydronium sulfate

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

Banerjee, Debasis, E-mail: debasis.banerjee@stonybrook.edu; Plonka, Anna M.; Kim, Sun Jin

2013-01-15

A three dimensional lithium hydronium sulfate LiSO{sub 4}{center_dot}H{sub 3}O [1], [space group Pna2{sub 1}a=8.7785(12) A, b=9.1297(12) A, c=5.2799(7) A, V=423.16(10) A{sup 3}] was synthesized via solvothermal methods using 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (1,5-NSA) as the source of sulfate ions. The structure of [1], determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, consists of corner sharing LiO{sub 4} and SO{sub 4} tetrahedra, forming an anionic 3-D open framework that is charge balanced by hydronium ions positioned within channels running along [001] and forming strong H-bonding with the framework oxygen atoms. Compound [1] undergoes two reversible phase transitions, involving reorientation of SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} ionsmore » at pressures of approximately 2.5 and 5 GPa at room temperature, as evident from characteristic discontinuous frequency drops in the {nu}{sub 1} mode of the Raman spectra. Additionally, compound [1] forms dense {beta}-lithium sulfate at 300 Degree-Sign C, as evident from temperature dependent powder XRD and combined reversible TGA-DSC experiments. - Graphical abstract: Left: View of corner-shared LiO{sub 4} and SO{sub 4} tetrahedra along [001] direction with hydronium ions situated in the channels. Right: (a) Photograph of the loaded DAC (b) Ambient pressure Raman spectrum of compound [1] (c) Evolution of the {nu}{sub 1} mode with the increasing and decreasing pressure indicating transitions to high-pressure phases at {approx}2.5 (red curves) and {approx}5 GPa (blue curves) and at {approx}3.5 GPa upon decompression. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A 3-D lithium hydronium sulfate is synthesized by solvothermal methods. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two high pressure phase transition occurs due to rotation of sulfate groups. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The framework undergoes a high temperature structural transformation, to form {beta}-Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} phase.« less

Sleep modifications in acute transient global amnesia.

PubMed

Della Marca, Giacomo; Mazza, Marianna; Losurdo, Anna; Testani, Elisa; Broccolini, Aldobrando; Frisullo, Giovanni; Marano, Giuseppe; Morosetti, Roberta; Pilato, Fabio; Profice, Paolo; Vollono, Catello; Di Lazzaro, Vincenzo

2013-09-15

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a temporary memory loss characterized by an abrupt onset of antero-grade and retrograde amnesia, totally reversible. Since sleep plays a major role in memory consolidation, and in the storage of memory-related traces into the brain cortex, the aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate changes in sleep macro-structure in TGA; (2) to assess modifications in sleep micro-structure in TGA, with particular reference to the arousal EEG and to cyclic alternating pattern (CAP); (3) to compare sleep parameters in TGA patients with a control group of patients with acute ischemic events ("minor stroke" or transient ischemic attack [TIA]) clinically and neuroradiologically "similar" to the TGA. TGA GROUP: 17 patients, (8 men and 9 women, 60.2 ± 12.5 years). Stroke or TIA (SoT) group: 17 patients hospitalized in the Stroke Unit for recent onset of minor stroke or TIA with hemispheric localization; healthy controls (HC) group: 17 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex. Patients and controls underwent full-night polysomnography. In the multivariate analysis (conditions TGA, SoT, and HC) a significant effect of the condition was observed for sleep efficiency index, number of awakenings longer 1 min, REM latency, CAP time, and CAP rate. TGA and SoT differed only for CAP time and CAP rate, which were lower in the TGA group. Microstructural modification associated with tga could be consequent to: (1) hippocampal dysfunction and memory impairment; (2) impairment of arousal-related structures (in particular, cholinergic pathways); (3) emotional distress.

Gears and Power Transmission Systems for Helicopters and Turboprops; Conference Proceedings: Propulsion and Energetics Panel Symposium (64th) Held at Lisbon, Portugal on 8-12 October 1984.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

surface is a non -trivial problem of theoretical physics. Even so, the phenomenologi- cal description given earlier which is based on experimental findings...AGARD-CP-369 ISBN 92-835-0372-4 UNCLASSII-ILI1) -5. Originator Advisory Group tor Aerospace Research and Decvelopmtent North Atlantic Treaty...discussed in an AG;ARI~ographl to be published ri I97’ AGARD-CP-369 NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION ADVISORY GROUP FOR AEROSPACE RESEARCH AND

Myocardial protection with prophylactic oral metoprolol during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: evaluation by troponin I

PubMed Central

Rossi Neto, João Manoel; Gun, Carlos; Ramos, Rui Fernando; de Almeida, Antonio Flavio Sanchez; Issa, Mario; Amato, Vivian Lener; Dinkhuysen, Jarbas J.; Piegas, Leopoldo Soares

2013-01-01

Introduction Biochemical markers of myocardial injury are frequently altered after cardiac surgery. So far there is no evidence whether oral beta-blockers may reduce myocardial injury after coronary artery bypass grafting. Objective To determine if oral administration of prophylactic metoprolol reduces the release of cardiac troponin I in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, not complicated by new Q waves. Methods A prospective randomized study, including 68 patients, divided in 2 groups: Group A (n=33, control) and B (n=35, beta-blockers). In group B, metoprolol tartrate was administered 200 mg/day. The myocardial injury was assessed by troponin I with 1 hour and 12 hours after coronary artery bypass grafting. Results No significant difference between groups regarding pre-surgical, surgical, complication in intensive care (15% versus 14%, P=0.92) and the total number of hospital events (21% versus 14%, P=0.45) was observed. The median value of troponin I with 12 hours in the study population was 3.3 ng/ml and was lower in group B than in group A (2.5 ng/ml versus 3.7 ng/ml, P<0,05). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that have shown to be independent predictors of troponin I release after 12 hours were: no beta-blockers administration and number of vessels treated. Conclusion The results of this study in uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting, comparing the postoperative release of troponin I at 12 hours between the control group and who used oral prophylactic metoprolol for at least 72 hours, allow to conclude that there was less myocardial injury in the betablocker group, giving some degree of myocardial protection. PMID:24598948

Safety of oral glutamine in the abbreviation of preoperative fasting: a double-blind, controlled, randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Borges Dock-Nascimento, D; Aguilar-Nascimento, J E D; Caporossi, C; Sepulveda Magalhães Faria, M; Bragagnolo, R; Caporossi, F Stephan; Linetzky Waitzberg, D

2011-01-01

No study so far has tested a beverage containing glutamine 2 h before anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate: 1) the safety of the abbreviation of preoperative fasting to 2 h with a carbohydrate-L-glutamine-rich drink; and 2) the residual gastric volume (RGV) measured after the induction of anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Randomized controlled trial with 56 women (42 (17-65) years-old) submitted to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomized to receive either conventional preoperative fasting of 8 hours (fasted group, n = 12) or one of three different beverages drunk in the evening before surgery (400 mL) and 2 hours before the initiation of anesthesia (200 mL). The beverages were water (placebo group, n = 12), 12.5% (240 mOsm/L) maltodextrine (carbohydrate group, n = 12) or the latter in addition to 50 g (40 g in the evening drink and 10 g in the morning drink) of L-glutamine (glutamine group, n = 14). A 20 F nasogastric tube was inserted immediately after the induction of general anesthesia to aspirate and measure the RGV. Fifty patients completed the study. None of the patients had either regurgitation during the induction of anesthesia or postoperative complications. The median (range) of RGV was 6 (0-80) mL. The RGV was similar (p = 0.29) between glutamine group (4.5 [0-15] mL), carbohydrate group (7.0 [0-80] mL), placebo group (8.5 [0-50] mL), and fasted group (5.0 [0-50] mL). The abbreviation of preoperative fasting to 2 h with carbohydrate and L-glutamine is safe and does not increase the RGV during induction of anesthesia.

12-Step Interventions and Mutual Support Programs for Substance Use Disorders: An Overview

PubMed Central

Donovan, Dennis M.; Ingalsbe, Michelle H.; Benbow, James; Daley, Dennis C.

2013-01-01

Social workers and other behavioral health professionals are likely to encounter individuals with substance use disorders in a variety of practice settings outside of specialty treatment. 12-Step mutual support programs represent readily available, no cost community-based resources for such individuals; however, practitioners are often unfamiliar with such programs. The present article provides a brief overview of 12-Step programs, the positive substance use and psychosocial outcomes associated with active 12-Step involvement, and approaches ranging from ones that can be utilized by social workers in any practice setting to those developed for specialty treatment programs to facilitate engagement in 12-Step meetings and recovery activities. The goal is to familiarize social workers with 12-Step approaches so that they are better able to make informed referrals that match clients to mutual support groups that best meet the individual’s needs and maximize the likelihood of engagement and positive outcomes. PMID:23731422

Influence of Ventilation Strategies and Anesthetic Techniques on Regional Cerebral Oximetry in the Beach Chair Position: A Prospective Interventional Study with a Randomized Comparison of Two Anesthetics.

PubMed

Picton, Paul; Dering, Andrew; Alexander, Amir; Neff, Mary; Miller, Bruce S; Shanks, Amy; Housey, Michelle; Mashour, George A

2015-10-01

Beach chair positioning during general anesthesia is associated with cerebral oxygen desaturation. Changes in cerebral oxygenation resulting from the interaction of inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), and anesthetic choice have not been fully evaluated in anesthetized patients in the beach chair position. This is a prospective interventional within-group study of patients undergoing shoulder surgery in the beach chair position that incorporated a randomized comparison between two anesthetics. Fifty-six patients were randomized to receive desflurane or total intravenous anesthesia with propofol. Following induction of anesthesia and positioning, FIO2 and minute ventilation were sequentially adjusted for all patients. Regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) was the primary outcome and was recorded at each of five set points. While maintaining FIO2 at 0.3 and PETCO2 at 30 mmHg, there was a decrease in rSO2 from 68% (SD, 12) to 61% (SD, 12) (P < 0.001) following beach chair positioning. The combined interventions of increasing FIO2 to 1.0 and increasing PETCO2 to 45 mmHg resulted in a 14% point improvement in rSO2 to 75% (SD, 12) (P <0.001) for patients anesthetized in the beach chair position. There was no significant interaction effect of the anesthetic at the study intervention points. Increasing FIO2 and PETCO2 resulted in a significant increase in rSO2 that overcomes desaturation in patients anesthetized in the beach chair position and that appears independent of anesthetic choice.

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

PubMed

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

2014-04-01

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

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

PubMed Central

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

2014-01-01

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

The Effects of School Lunch Participation, Socioeconomic and Psychological Variables on Food Consumption of School Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, David W.; Price, Dorothy Z.

Estimates were made of the effects of school lunch participation and various socioeconomic, anthropometric, and psychological variables on the consumption of 20 food items by 8- to 12-year-old children. The study sample consisted of 845 school children in the State of Washington, stratified by ethnic group and by poverty level so that it contained…

The impact of food supplementation on infant weight gain in rural Bangladesh; an assessment of the Bangladesh Integrated Nutritional Program (BINP).

PubMed

Begum, Housne Ara; Mascie-Taylor, Cgn; Nahar, Shamsun

2007-01-01

To examine the efficiency of the Bangladesh Integrated Nutritional Program (BINP) in identifying which infants should be supplemented, whether full supplementation was given for the stipulated period of time, and whether the correct exit criteria from the supplementation programme were used. To test whether targeted food supplementation of infants between 6-12 months of age resulted in enhanced weight gain. Mallickbari Union, Bhaluka, a rural area located about 100 km north of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Five hundred and twenty-six infants followed for 6 to 12 months. Of the 526 infants studied, 368 should have received supplementation based on BINP criteria but only 111 infants (30%) did so, while a further 13% were incorrectly given supplementation. So in total over half (52.8%) of the sample was incorrectly identified for supplementation. In addition, less than a quarter of the infants received the full 90 days of supplementation and close to half of the infants exited the programme without the requisite weight gain. Infants were assigned to one of four groups: correctly supplemented, correctly non-supplemented, incorrectly supplemented or incorrectly non-supplemented. This classification provided natural controls; the correctly supplemented infants versus the incorrectly non-supplemented infants, and the correctly non-supplemented infants versus the incorrectly supplemented infants. There were no significant differences in weight gain between the correctly supplemented group and the incorrectly non-supplemented group or between the correctly non-supplemented and the incorrectly supplemented groups, nor was there any evidence of growth faltering in the incorrectly non-supplemented group. This study found serious programmatic deficiencies - inability to identify growth faltering in infants, failure to supplement for the full time period and incorrect exit procedures. There was no evidence that food supplementation had any impact on improving infant weight gain.

Thiopental and halothane dose-sparing effects of magnesium sulphate in dogs.

PubMed

Anagnostou, Tilemahos L; Savvas, Ioannis; Kazakos, George M; Raptopoulos, Dimitris; Ververidis, Haralabos; Roubies, Nikolaos

2008-03-01

To evaluate the effect of pre- and intraoperatively administered magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) on the induction dose of thiopental and of halothane for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Forty-six healthy, ASA physical status 1 dogs, scheduled for elective OHE. The dogs were randomly assigned to receive a bolus of 50 mg kg(-1) MgSO(4) intravenously (IV), just before induction of anaesthesia, followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) of 12 mg kg(-1) hour(-1) MgSO(4) intraoperatively (group Mg, n = 27) or a placebo bolus and CRI of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) (group C, n = 19), approximately 30 minutes after premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1), intramuscularly, IM) and carprofen (4 mg kg(-1), subcutaneously, SC). Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental administered to effect and maintained with halothane in oxygen. End-tidal halothane (ET(hal)) was adjusted to achieve adequate depth of anaesthesia. Blood samples were obtained pre- and postoperatively for measurement of total serum magnesium concentration. The mean dose of thiopental was statistically lower (p < 0.0005) and the mean standardized ET(hal) concentration and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pe'CO(2)) areas under the curve were statistically smaller (p < 0.0005 and 0.014 respectively) in group Mg. Postoperatively the mean total serum magnesium concentration was statistically higher than the preoperative value (p < 0.0005) in group Mg, but not in group C. Nausea, associated with the MgSO(4) bolus injection, was observed in six dogs in group Mg, two of which vomited prior to induction of anaesthesia. Magnesium sulphate administration reduced the induction dose of thiopental and ET(hal) concentration for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs undergoing OHE. Observed side effects were nausea and vomiting.

Seven organic salts assembled from hydrogen-bonds of N-H⋯O, O-H⋯O, and C-H⋯O between acidic compounds and bis(benzimidazole)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Shouwen; Liu, Hui; Gao, Xin Jun; Lin, Zhanghui; Chen, Guqing; Wang, Daqi

2014-10-01

Seven crystalline organic acid-base adducts derived from 1,4-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)butane/1,2-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-1,2-ethanediol and acidic components (picric acid, 2-hydroxy-5-(phenyldiazenyl)benzoic acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, oxalic acid, and 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid) were prepared and characterized by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR, mp, and elemental analysis. All of the seven compounds are organic salts involving proton transfer from the acidic components to the bis(benzimidazole). For the salt 3, although a competing carboxyl group is present, it has been observed that only the proton at the -SO3H group is deprotonized rather than the H at the COOH. While in the salt 7, both COOH and SO3H were ionized to exhibit a valence number of -2. For 4, the oxalic acid existed as unionized molecule, monoanion, and dianion simultaneously in one compound. All supramolecular architectures of the organic salts 1-7 involve extensive intermolecular N-H⋯O, O-H⋯O, and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds as well as other noncovalent interactions. Since the potentially hydrogen bonding phenol group is present in the ortho position to the carboxyl group in 2, 3, and 7, it forms the more facile intramolecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonding. The role of weak and strong noncovalent interactions in the crystal packing is ascertained. These weak interactions combined, all the complexes displayed 3D framework structure.

Empirical electronic polarizabilities: deviations from the additivity rule. I. M2+SO4·nH2O, blödite Na2M2+(SO4)2·4H2O, and kieserite-related minerals with sterically strained structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagné, Olivier; Hawthorne, Frank; Shannon, Robert D.; Fischer, Reinhard X.

2017-09-01

Empirical electronic polarizabilities allow the prediction of total mineral polarizabilities and mean refractive indices of the vast majority of minerals and synthetic oxides. However, deviations from the valence-sum rule at cations in some minerals are associated with large deviations of observed from calculated total polarizabilities. We have identified several groups of minerals and compounds where deviations from the valence-sum rule at cations lead to polarizability deviations of 2-5%: M(SO4)·nH2O, n = 1-6, blödite-group minerals [Na2M2+(SO4)2·4H2O], and the kieserite-related minerals: isokite, panasqueiraite and tilasite. In these minerals, the environment of the M ions contains both O and H2O: Mg[O4(H2O)2] in kieserite, szmikite, and szomolnokite; Mg[O2(H2O)4] in starkeyite, ilesite, and rozenite, and Mg[(H2O)6] in hexahydrite. In compounds where the ligands are only H2O, deviations from the valence-sum rule at the M(H2O)6 groups are not accompanied by significant polarizability deviations. This is the case for epsomite, MgSO4·7H2O; bieberite, CoSO4·7H2O; goslarite, ZnSO4·7H2O, six silicofluorides, MSiF6·6H2O; eighteen Tutton's salts, M2M'(SO4)2·6H2O, where M = K, Rb, Cs and M' = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn; and eleven MM'(SO4)2·12H2O alums, where M = Na, K, Rb and Cs, and M' = Al, Cr, Ga and In. This is also the case for the sulfates alunogen, Al2(SO4)3·17H2O and halotrichite, FeAl2(SO4)4·22H2O; three hydrated nitrates; one phosphate; three antimonates and two hydrated perchlorates. A possible explanation for this different behavior is that the bond-valence model treats O and H separately, whereas polarizability calculations treat the polarizability of the entire H2O molecule.

Efficiency and Safety: The Best Time to Valve a Plaster Cast.

PubMed

Steiner, Samuel R H; Gendi, Kirollos; Halanski, Matthew A; Noonan, Kenneth J

2018-04-18

The act of applying, univalving, and spreading a plaster cast to accommodate swelling is commonly performed; however, cast saws can cause thermal and/or abrasive injury to the patient. This study aims to identify the optimal time to valve a plaster cast so as to reduce the risk of cast-saw injury and increase spreading efficiency. Plaster casts were applied to life-sized pediatric models and were univalved at set-times of 5, 8, 12, or 25 minutes. Outcome measures included average and maximum force applied during univalving, blade-to-skin touches, cut time, force needed to spread, number of spread attempts, spread completeness, spread distance, saw blade temperature, and skin surface temperature. Casts allowed to set for ≥12 minutes had significantly fewer blade-to-skin touches compared with casts that set for <12 minutes (p < 0.001). For average and maximum saw blade force, no significant difference was observed between individual set-times. However, in a comparison of the shorter group (<12 minutes) and the longer group (≥12 minutes), the longer group had a higher average force (p = 0.009) but a lower maximum force (p = 0.036). The average temperature of the saw blade did not vary between groups. The maximum force needed to "pop," or spread, the cast was greater for the 5-minute and 8-minute set-times. Despite requiring more force to spread the cast, 0% of attempts at 5 minutes and 54% of attempts at 8 minutes were successful in completely spreading the cast, whereas 100% of attempts at 12 and 25 minutes were successful. The spread distance was greatest for the 12-minute set-time at 5.7 mm. Allowing casts to set for 12 minutes is associated with decreased blade-to-skin contact, less maximum force used with the saw blade, and a more effective spread. Adherence to the 12-minute interval could allow for fewer cast-saw injuries and more effective spreading.

One Year Follow-up of Outcomes from the Randomized Clinical Trial of the Building on Family Strengths Program.

PubMed

Churchill, Shervin S; Kieckhefer, Gail M

2018-06-01

Objectives Test the 12-month efficacy of an inclusive non-diagnosis-specific, parent education program with seven in-person sessions. Methods Parents of 110 children, 2-11 years old, with a variety of special health care conditions, were recruited to participate in a randomized clinical trial. At twelve months data from 104 parents were available for longitudinal analysis. Linear mixed models, with the interaction term of group by time, were used to assess the efficacy of the intervention over 12 months using data from 3 time points: baseline, 6 and 12 months. The outcome measures were self-efficacy, parent and child shared management of chronic condition, coping skills, parental depressive symptoms and quality of life. Results All of the outcomes improved within the intervention group over 12 months. Self-efficacy was the strongest outcome which remained significantly different from the control group 12 months post intervention, without any statistical adjustment (p = 0.045). The coefficient of the interaction term for study group (intervention or control) by time, quantifying the intervention effect, was statistically significant for four of five pre-specified study outcomes, favorably so toward the intervention group (p < 0.05, with the 5th outcome, parental depression, p = 0.052). Conclusions for Practice The Building on Family Strengths intervention was efficacious in improving self-efficacy, shared management, coping skills, and quality of life and decreasing depressive symptoms in parents, in particular for parents who were most impacted by the lack of these strengths and skills at baseline. These results are encouraging and future studies to investigate the efficacy of this intervention in an Internet-based setting or other modalities are encouraged.

Changing Patterns in Rates and Means of Suicide in California, 2005 to 2013

PubMed Central

Galin, Jessica; Ahern, Jennifer

2017-01-01

Objectives. To describe recent trends in suicide throughout California and to compare rates and methods of suicide (“means”) across demographic groups. Methods. Data from statewide mortality records were used to estimate age-adjusted rates of suicide from 2005 to 2013, overall and by means, age, gender, race/ethnicity, urbanicity, and county. Results. The suicide rate increased 12.6% between 2005 and 2013, from 11.2 to 12.6 per 100 000 population, but this overall trend masks substantial heterogeneity across subgroups. In particular, rapid increases were observed for individuals of multiple races/ethnicities. Means of suicide changed, trending away from firearms toward suffocation and drug poisoning. Conclusions. High-risk groups and means of suicide are changing rapidly in California, so appropriate public health programming should prioritize population-based strategies. PMID:28177819

Effects of resistance training on body composition and functional capacity among sarcopenic obese residents in long-term care facilities: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Chiu, Shu-Ching; Yang, Rong-Sen; Yang, Rea-Jeng; Chang, Shu-Fang

2018-01-22

Aging-related loss of muscle and strength with increased adiposity is prevalent among older people in long-term care (LTC) facilities. Studies have shown that people with sarcopenic obesity (SO) are at high risk of declining physical performance. At present, no interventional studies on residents with SO in nursing homes have been conducted in the literature. The objectives of this study include appraising the changes in body composition and physical performance following resistance training among residents with SO in LTC facilities. This study used a quasiexperimental research design. Residents who are 60 years of age or above and have been living a sedentary lifestyle in LTC facilities for the past 3 months will be eligible for inclusion. The intervention group engaged in chair muscle strength training twice a week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group underwent the usual care. The main variables were physical parameters of being lean and fat, the strength of grip and pinch, and a functional independence measure using descriptive analysis, chi-squared test, t-test, and generalized estimating equation for statistical analysis through SPSS. A total of 64 respondents with SO completed the study. After training, total grip strength (p = 0.001) and total pinch strength (p = 0.014) of the intervention group differed significantly from those of the control group. The right grip strength of the intervention group increased by 1.71 kg (p = 0.003) and the left grip strength improved by 1.35 kg (p = 0.028) compared with baseline values. The self-care scores of the intervention group increased by 2.76 points over baseline scores, particularly for the action of dressing oneself. Although grip strength and self-care scores improved more among those in the intervention group, body fat and skeletal muscle percentages did not differ significantly between the groups after training (p > 0.05). Resistance exercises for elderly residents in LTC facilities may play an important role in helping them maintain physical well-being and improve muscle strength. Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02912338 . Retrospectively registered on 09/21/2016.

A community-based Argentine tango dance program is associated with increased activity participation among individuals with Parkinson disease

PubMed Central

Foster, Erin R.; Golden, Laura; Duncan, Ryan P.; Earhart, Gammon M.

2012-01-01

Objective To determine the effect of a 12-month community-based tango dance program on activity participation among individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Design Randomized controlled trial with assessment at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Setting The intervention was administered in the community; assessments were completed in a university laboratory. Participants Sixty-two volunteers with PD enrolled in the study and were randomized to treatment group. Ten participants did not receive the allocated intervention, so the final analyzed sample included 52 participants. Intervention Participants were randomly assigned to the Tango group, which involved 12 months of twice weekly Argentine tango dance classes, or to the no intervention Control group (n = 26 per group). Main Outcome Measures Current, new and retained participation in instrumental, leisure and social activities as measured by the Activity Card Sort (with the “dance” activity removed). Results Total Current participation in the Tango group was higher at 3, 6, and 12 months compared to baseline (ps ≤ 0.008), while the Control group did not change (ps ≥ 0.11). Total Activity Retention (since onset of PD) in the Tango group increased from 77% to 90% (p = 0.006) over the course of the study, whereas the Control group remained around 80% (p = 0.60). These patterns were similar in the separate activity domains. The Tango group gained a significant number of New Social activities (p = 0.003), but the Control group did not (p = 0.71). Conclusions Individuals with PD who participated in a community-based Argentine tango class reported increased participation in complex daily activities, recovery of activities lost since the onset of PD, and engagement in new activities. Incorporating dance into the clinical management of PD may benefit participation and subsequently quality of life for this population. PMID:22902795

Novel E-Field Sensor for Projectile Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-22

aircrafts. They used an array of three plate induction sensors and a simple algorithm to deter mine the direction of the planes [9]. In more recent...publications [10, 11, 12] researchers present increasingly more advanced algorithms and sensors. The techniques developed thus far have not received...the electric field pulse is being detected by a group of sensors in array with known distances between the sensors, so triangulation algorithms could

Semiconductor Terahertz Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-15

is found in IJI-V quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). 1.I Brief overview of 5i-based QCL development Various groups have obtained electroluminescence from...sources and detectors of far-IR radiation in the range of 12-30 flm. These devices, especially quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) require efficient ...elements and their alloys that can be developed on Si substrates. The design work focused on the structure of the so-called quantum cascade laser

[Effects of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli point on gastric and intestinal blood flow in rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis].

PubMed

Bai, Lu; Zhu, Lin; Tang, Wen-Fu; Wan, Mei-Hua; Huang, Wei; Chen, Guang-Yuan

2013-11-01

To investigate the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at Zusanli point on gastric and intestinal blood flow and serum endothelin-1(ET-1), nitricoxide(NO), thromboxaneB2 (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-K-PGF1alpha) in rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation (sham), ANP and EA groups (n = 12). ANP model was induced by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into pancreaticobiliary. EA was applied to Zusanli for 30 min at 2 h and 6 h after the operation in EA group. Gastric and intestinal mucosal blood flow was measured by laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) at 12 h and 24 h after operation, while the levels of serum ET-1, NO, TXB2 and 6-K-PGF1alpha were detected. The gastric and intestinal blood flow in ANP rats were significantly lower than those in the sham group (P < 0.05), but those of EA groups were higher than those in ANP groups (P < 0.05). The serum ET-1, NO and ET-1/NO levels in ANP group were increased when compared with SO group (P < 0.05). After the electro-acupuncture treatment at Zusanli point, the levels of ET-1, NO and ET-1/N were decreased, and there were significant differences of ET-1 (at 12 h, 24 h), NO (at 12 h) and ET-1/NO (at 24 h) between EA and ANP group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum TXB2, 6-K-PGF1alpha and TXB2/6-K-PGF1alpha in ANP group were also increased (P < 0.05), but those in EA group were decreased, and there were significant differences of TXB2 (at 12 h, 24 h), 6-K-PGF1alpha (at 12 h) and TXB2/6-K-PGF1alpha (at 24 h) compared with ANP groups (P < 0.05). Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli point can significantly improve the gastric and intestinal mucosa blood flow in ANP rats, which may be related to the regulation of serum ET-1, NO, TXB2, 6-K-PGF1alpha.

[A strategic family medicine model for controlling borderline and mild arterial hypertension].

PubMed

Uzcátegui Contreras, D; Granadillo Vera, D; Salinas, P J; Alvarez, N

1999-10-31

To research on the relationship of the patient and his/her family as a non-pharmacological factor for blood hypertension. To determine whether a hyposodic, hypocaloric, hypofat, and hypocholesterolemic diet decreases the blood tension. To determine whether physical exercises in the patient and his/her family help to reduce the hypertension. To observe whether the psychological therapy of muscles relaxation helps to reduce the hypertension. To evaluate in the sample of families, the experience of each member, as well as their suggestions and complaints about the programme. To design the strategic model to control the blood tension by ambulatory means. Controlled intervention study, descriptive, non-randomized, prospective. PLACEMENT: Primary care. Study group of 10 patients, 10 wives, and 12 children, and control group of 10 patients excluding family members. With both groups (study and control) there were meetings every 15 days for 6 months according to an established schedule. In the meetings there were given talks, pamphlets, physical exercises, muscles relaxation therapy, all about blood hypertension. There were questionnaires before and after each activity. MEASURING AND MAIN RESULTS: In both groups (study and control) there was a statistically significant (t < 0.01) reduction in the weight. The blood systolic tension decreased in both positions, seated and standing, in the study group (difference statistically significant) but not so in the control group, although there was a non-significant difference (decrease of 1.5 mmHg) in the seated position. The diastolic tension decreased significantly in the study group both in seated and standing positions, not so in the control group. The study sample showed that systolic tension seated and standing had a statistically significant reduction in the study group but not so in the control group. The weight had statistically significant reduction in both study and control groups. Total cholesterol had statistically significant decrease in the study group but not in the control group. HDL-C had statistically significant reduction in the study group; in the control group there was a decrease but not statistically significant. The triglycerides did not decrease statistically significant in any of the groups (study and control).

Evaluation of passive avoidance learning and spatial memory in rats exposed to low levels of lead during specific periods of early brain development.

PubMed

Rao Barkur, Rajashekar; Bairy, Laxminarayana K

2015-01-01

Widespread use of heavy metal lead (Pb) for various commercial purposes has resulted in the environmental contamination caused by this metal. The studies have shown a definite relationship between low level lead exposure during early brain development and deficit in children's cognitive functions. This study investigated the passive avoidance learning and spatial learning in male rat pups exposed to lead through their mothers during specific periods of early brain development. Experimental male rats were divided into 5 groups: i) the normal control group (NC) (N = 12) consisted of rat offspring born to mothers who were given normal drinking water throughout gestation and lactation, ii) the pre-gestation lead exposed group (PG) (N = 12) consisted of rat offspring, mothers of these rats had been exposed to 0.2% lead acetate in the drinking water for 1 month before conception, iii) the gestation lead exposed group (G) (N = 12) contained rat offspring born to mothers who had been exposed to 0.2% lead acetate in the drinking water throughout gestation, iv) the lactation lead exposed group (L) (N = 12) had rat offspring, mothers of these rats exposed to 0.2% lead acetate in the drinking water throughout lactation and v) the gestation and lactation lead exposed group (GL) (N = 12) contained rat offspring, mothers of these rats were exposed to 0.2% lead acetate throughout gestation and lactation. The study found deficit in passive avoidance learning in the G, L and GL groups of rats. Impairment in spatial learning was found in the PG, G, L and GL groups of rats. Interestingly, the study found that gestation period only and lactation period only lead exposure was sufficient to cause deficit in learning and memory in rats. The extent of memory impairment in the L group of rats was comparable with the GL group of rats. So it can be said that postnatal period of brain development is more sensitive to neurotoxicity compared to prenatal exposure. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Evaluating the capabilities model of dementia care: a non-randomized controlled trial exploring resident quality of life and care staff attitudes and experiences.

PubMed

Moyle, Wendy; Venturato, Lorraine; Cooke, Marie; Murfield, Jenny; Griffiths, Susan; Hughes, Julian; Wolf, Nathan

2016-07-01

This 12 month, Australian study sought to compare the Capabilities Model of Dementia Care (CMDC) with usual long-term care (LTC), in terms of (1) the effectiveness of the CMDC in assisting care staff to improve Quality Of Life (QOL) for older people with dementia; and (2) whether implementation of the CMDC improved staff attitudes towards, and experiences of working and caring for the person with dementia. A single blind, non-randomized controlled trial design, involving CMDC intervention group (three facilities) and a comparison usual LTC practice control group (one facility), was conducted from August 2010 to September 2011. Eighty-one staff members and 48 family members of a person with dementia were recruited from these four LTC facilities. At baseline, 6 and 12 months, staff completed a modified Staff Experiences of Working with Demented Residents questionnaire (SEWDR), and families completed the Quality of Life - Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire (QOL-AD). LTC staff in the usual care group reported significantly lower SEWDR scores (i.e. less work satisfaction) than those in the CMDC intervention group at 12 months (p = 0.005). Similarly, family members in the comparison group reported significantly lower levels of perceived QOL for their relative with dementia (QOL-AD scores) than their counterparts in the CMDC intervention group at 12 months (p = 0.012). Although the study has a number of limitations the CMDC appears to be an effective model of dementia care - more so than usual LTC practice. The CMDC requires further evaluation with participants from a diverse range of LTC facilities and stages of cognitive impairment.

Iron metabolism in rats consuming oil from fresh or fried sardines.

PubMed

Pérez-Granados, A M; Vaquero, M P; Navarro, M P

1995-03-01

The influence of the consumption of diets containing oil from either fresh sardines or fried sardines, under domestic conditions, on the dietary iron metabolism of rats has been investigated. Three groups of rats were fed, over 28 d, semipurified diets containing 8% of: olive oil (OO), fresh sardine (Clupea pilchardus) oil (SO) and oil from sardines previously fried in olive oil (FSO). Body mass and food intake were monitored and, during the periods 5-12 d and 21-28 d, faeces and urine were collected. At the end of the experiment, the animals were killed and blood, liver, spleen and a segment of skin were stored. Food intake and body mass decreased markedly in the SO rats. These parameters were slightly increased in the FSO group compared with OO. Iron absorption and retention were lower in SO than in OO or FSO. This was primarily caused by the poor food intake but also by the lower efficiency of absorption and high urinary Fe losses. Liver and spleen iron contents were reduced by half in SO compared with the other groups, partly owing to the smaller size of the organs, and liver Fe concentration also decreased. These results, together with the high total iron binding capacity, the decreased level of hemoglobin and total erythrocytic iron found in the SO animals, indicate that the consumption of fresh sardine oil as the only dietary fat resulted in iron depletion. The SO animals showed a higher Fe accumulation in skin than OO or FSO. It was concluded that a diet high in sardine fatty acid administered as a unique source of fat, can cause metabolic alterations including iron depletion, but these negative effects of sardine oil disappear with frying, probably owing to the exchange that takes place between fatty acids in the olive oil used in frying and those in the sardine oil.

Tatarinovite Ca3Al(SO4)[B(OH)4](OH)6 · 12H2O, a new ettringite-group mineral from the Bazhenovskoe deposit, Middle Urals, Russia, and its crystal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chukanov, N. V.; Kasatkin, A. V.; Zubkova, N. V.; Britvin, S. N.; Pautov, L. A.; Pekov, I. V.; Varlamov, D. A.; Bychkova, Ya. V.; Loskutov, A. B.; Novgorodova, E. A.

2016-12-01

A new mineral, tatarinovite, ideally Ca3Al(SO4)[B(OH)4](OH)6 · 12H2O, has been found in cavities of rhodingites at the Bazhenovskoe chrysotile asbestos deposit, Middle Urals, Russia. It occurs (1) colorless, with vitreous luster, bipyramidal crystals up to 1 mm across in cavities within massive diopside, in association with xonotlite, clinochlore, pectolite and calcite, and (2) as white granular aggregates up to 5 mm in size on grossular with pectolite, diopside, calcite, and xonotlite. The Mohs hardness is 3; perfect cleavage on (100) is observed. D meas = 1.79(1), D calc = 1.777 g/cm3. Tatarinovite is optically uniaxial (+), ω = 1.475(2), ɛ = 1.496(2). The IR spectrum contains characteristic bands of SO4 2-, CO3 2-, B(OH)4 -, B(OH)3, Al(OH)6 3-, Si(OH)6 2-, OH-, and H2O. The chemical composition of tatarinovite (wt %; ICP-AES; H2O was determined by the Alimarin method; CO2 was determined by selective sorption on askarite) is as follows: 27.40 CaO, 4.06 B2O3, 6.34 A12O3, 0.03 Fe2O3, 2.43 SiO2, 8.48 SO3, 4.2 CO2, 46.1 H2O, total is 99.04. The empirical formula (calculated on the basis of 3Ca apfu) is H31.41Ca3.00(Al0.76Si0.25)Σ1.01 · (B0.72S0.65C0.59)Σ1.96O24.55. Tatarinovite is hexagonal, space gr. P63, a = 11.1110(4) Å, c = 10.6294(6) Å, V = 1136.44(9) A3, Z = 2. Its crystal chemical formula is Ca3(Al0.70Si0.30) · {[SO4]0.34[B(OH)4]0.33[CO3]0.24}{[SO4]0.30[B(OH)4]0.34[CO3]0.30[B(OH)3]0.06}(OH5·73O0.27) · 12H2O. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [ d, Å ( I, %) ( hkl)] are 9.63 (100) (100), 5.556 (30) (110), 4.654 (14) (102), 3.841 (21) (112), 3.441 (12) (211), 2.746 (10) (302), 2.538 (12) (213). Tatarinovite was named in memory of the Russian geologist and petrologist Pavel Mikhailovich Tatarinov (1895-1976), a well-known specialist in chrysotile asbestos deposits. Type specimens have been deposited at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow.

Impact of a Home-Based Physical and Nutritional Intervention Program Conducted by Lay-Volunteers on Handgrip Strength in Prefrail and Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial.

PubMed

Haider, Sandra; Dorner, Thomas E; Luger, Eva; Kapan, Ali; Titze, Sylvia; Lackinger, Christian; Schindler, Karin E

2017-01-01

A randomized controlled trial was performed to compare the effects of a home-based physical and nutritional intervention program carried out by lay-volunteers to home visits with social support alone. Buddies visited 80 prefrail or frail older persons at home twice a week for 12 weeks. The physical training and nutrition group (PTN, n = 39) performed two sets of six strength exercises, discussed nutritional topics and received social support. The social support group (SoSu, n = 41) received home visits with social support only. In the PTN group, handgrip strength increased significantly by 2.4 kg (95% CI: 1.0-3.8). In the SoSu group we did not see a significant improvement. However, no significant between-group difference was found. Physical performance increased in both groups, although with a higher increase of 1.0 point (95% CI: 0.1-2.0) in the PTN group. In none of the groups muscle mass changed. Further results showed that frail individuals benefit more from the intervention than prefrail individuals (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.01-7.66). Handgrip strength in the intervention group increased by a clinically relevant value and this effect is comparable to that obtained by health-care professionals. Therefore, home visits with a physical training and nutritional program could offer a new perspective in the care of community-dwelling prefrail and frail older persons.

Phase transformation of Ca{sub 4}[Al{sub 6}O{sub 12}]SO{sub 4} and its disordered crystal structure at 1073 K

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

Kurokawa, Daisuke; R and D Center, Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, Chiba 285-8655; Takeda, Seiya

The phase transformation of Ca{sub 4}[Al{sub 6}O{sub 12}]SO{sub 4} and the crystal structure of its high-temperature phase were investigated by differential thermal analysis, temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction (CuKα{sub 1}). We determined the starting temperature of the orthorhombic-to-cubic transformation during heating (=711 K) and that of the reverse transformation during cooling (=742 K). The thermal hysteresis was negative (=−31 K), suggesting the thermoelasticity of the transformation. The space group of the high temperature phase is I4{sup ¯}3m with the unit-cell dimensions of a=0.92426(2) nm and V=0.78955(2) nm{sup 3} (Z=2) at 1073 K. The initial structural model wasmore » derived by the direct methods and further refined by the Rietveld method. The final structural model showed the orientational disordering of SO{sub 4} tetrahedra. The maximum-entropy method-based pattern fitting method was used to confirm the validity of the split-atom model, in which conventional structure bias caused by assuming intensity partitioning was minimized. At around the transformation temperature during heating, the vibrational spectra, corresponding to the Raman-active SO{sub 4} internal stretching mode, showed the continuous and gradual change in the slope of full width at half maximum versus temperature curve. This strongly suggests that the orthorhombic-to-cubic phase transformation would be principally accompanied by the statistical disordering in orientation of the SO{sub 4} tetrahedra, without distinct dynamical reorientation. - Graphical abstract: (Left) Three-dimensional electron-density distributions of the SO{sub 4} tetrahedron with the split-atom model, and (right) a bird's eye view of electron densities on the plane parallel to (111). - Highlights: • Crystal structure of Ca{sub 4}[Al{sub 6}O{sub 12}]SO{sub 4} at 1073 K is determined by powder XRD. • The atom arrangements are represented by the split-atom model. • The MPF method is used to confirm the validity of the model. • The phase transition is accompanied by orientational disordering of SO{sub 4} tetrahedra.« less

Synthesis Of Labeled Metabolites

DOEpatents

Martinez, Rodolfo A.; Silks, III, Louis A.; Unkefer, Clifford J.; Atcher, Robert

2004-03-23

The present invention is directed to labeled compounds, for example, isotopically enriched mustard gas metabolites including: [1,1',2,2'-.sup.13 C.sub.4 ]ethane, 1,1'-sulfonylbis[2-(methylthio); [1,1',2,2'-.sup.13 C.sub.4 ]ethane, 1-[[2-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl]sulfonyl]-2-(methylthio); [1,1',2,2'-.sup.13 C.sub.4 ]ethane, 1,1'-sulfonylbis[2-(methylsulfinyl)]; and, 2,2'-sulfinylbis([1,2-.sup.13 C.sub.2 ]ethanol of the general formula ##STR1## where Q.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of sulfide (--S--), sulfone (--S(O)--), sulfoxide (--S(O.sub.2)--) and oxide (--O--), at least one C* is .sup.13 C, X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and deuterium, and Z is selected from the group consisting of hydroxide (--OH), and --Q.sup.2 --R where Q.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of sulfide (--S--), sulfone(--S(O)--), sulfoxide (--S(O.sub.2)--) and oxide (--O--), and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 lower alkyl, and amino acid moieties, with the proviso that when Z is a hydroxide and Q.sup.1 is a sulfide, then at least one X is deuterium.

[In vitro evaluation of cutaneous allergic reaction induced by chemicals using dendritic cells].

PubMed

Zhang, Yu-bin; Lin, Hui-fen; Lv, Luo; Hua, Wei-guang; Tian, Fang; Shen, Guang-zu; Xia, Zhao-lin; Jin, Xi-peng

2008-03-01

To investigate the use of dendritic cells derived from mice bone marrow to evaluate the cutaneous allergic reaction induced by chemical sensitizers. Dendritic cells derived from mice bone marrow were cultured and administrated with 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), nickel sulfate (NiSO4), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hexyl cinnamic aldehyde (HCA), respectively. Cell membrane molecule CD86 and extracellular IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-12 were detected after 0, 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 hour's administration, respectively. CD86 expression reached the highest level after exposure to DNCB for 48 h, and increased by about 279% compared with the control (P < 0.05), while it was lower than that of control after administrated with NiSO4 and HCA for 1 h and 6 h, and SDS for 36 h, respectively (P < 0.05). Extracellular IL-1 beta increased greatly after exposure to NiSO4 just for 1 h, with the maximum at 48 h (298 pg/ml, P < 0.05), and after exposure to HCA for 6 h, with maximum at 48 h (84 pg/ml, P < 0.05). However, it didn't fluctuate significantly after administrated with DNCB and SDS respectively, compared with the control. Extracellular IL-6 increased significantly after exposure to NiSO4 for 1 h, with the maximum at 24 h (2152 pg/ml, P < 0.05). After exposure to HCA, extracellular IL-6 reached the maximum at 1 h (1403 pg/ml), and then it was decreased quickly, but still higher than the control (P < 0.05), while it didn't change significantly after treatment with DNCB and SDS, compared with the control (P > 0.05). Extracellular IL-12 was not detected out among all the groups. Chemical sensitizer DNCB could induce the high expression of CD86 on DC membrane, and NiSO4 and HCA could induce DC to release IL-1 beta and IL-6. However, the irritant SDS had no such effect.

[The influence of mycophenolate mofetil upon the maturation and allostimulatory activity of cultured dendritic cell progenitors and the effects of tolerance induction in allograft recipients].

PubMed

Han, Cong-hui; Li, Huai-fu; Wang, Yu-xin; Zhang, Ming; Wang, Yin; Yin, Ming; Min, Zhi-lian; Zheng, Ke-li

2005-05-25

To investigate the influence of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on the maturation and allostimulatory activity of cultured dendritic cell progenitors (DCPs) and to evaluate the efficacy of pretreatment of donor dendritic cells (DCs) with MMF in tolerance induction in allograft recipients and its possible mechanism. DCPs of Balb/c mice were cultured in culture fluid containing recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and then divided into 4 groups: control group, MMF group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, and MMF + LPS group. Seven days later, flow cytometry was used to analyze the phenotypes of the DCs. ELISA was used to examine the level of IL-12 in the supernatant. T cells from the spleens of C57/BL6 mice were cultured together with inactivated DCs from Balb/c mice, and added with [(3)H]-TdR. Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was analyzed. The DCs and MMF-DCs cultured for 5 days were co-cultured with T hybridoma cells of the line MF2.2D9 in culture fluid containing ovalbumin (OVA). Twenty-four hours later, the supernatant was collected and ELISA was used to measure the level of interleukin (IL)-12 so as to reflect the antigen-presenting ability of the DCs. OVA immunized C57/BL6 mice for 4 times. 21 days after T cells were collected from the spleens and co-incubated with DCs and MMF-DCs, [(3)H]-TdR was added and the values of counts per minute (cpm) were calculated so as to analyze the antigen-specific proliferation. Twenty-four Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A (without treatment), group B (treatment with intravenous injection of untreated DCs of Balb/c mice), and group C (treatment with intravenous injection of DCs of Balb/c mice treated with MMF), and then transplanted with the hearts of C57/BL6 mice. The functions of the transplanted hearts were evaluated by touching the arterial pulse and histological examination. ELISA was used to detect the levels of Th1 cytokines, such as IL-12, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2, and IFN-gamma, in the cultured DCs and in the sera of the recipients 7 and 14 days after culture or transplantation. The immunophenotypic analysis showed that in comparison with those in the control group and the LPS group the expressions of the costimulatory molecules, Ia(d), CD80, and CD86, of the DCPs were significantly weaker in the MMF-group and MMP + LPS group. The IL-12 levels in the supernatant of the MMF and MMF + LPS groups of DCPs were significantly lower than those in the other groups (P < 0.01). The IL-12 level of the MF2.2D9 cells treated with MMF-treated DCs was significantly lower than control group (P < 0.01). The ability to stimulate proliferation of T cells of the same genotype in the MMF-DC group was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). The survival time of the transplanted heart was 30.50 +/- 3.25 days in the C57/BL6 mice injected with untreated DCPs of Balb/c mice (21.25 +/- 2.12, P < 0.01) and that in the control C57/BL6 mice (8.63 +/- 1.06 days, P < 0.01) and with a significant difference between the latter 2 groups too (P < 0.01). The levels of, such as IL-2 and IFN-gamma, 7 and 14 days after heart transplantation of the group B were all significantly lower than those of the group A (both P < 0.05). The IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels 7 days after the heart transplantation were similar to those in the group B (both P > 0.05) and even lower than those of the group C (both P < 0.05). The IL-10 level in the groups B and C were all higher than those in the group A (all P < 0.05) with a significant difference between the group B and group C. The level of IL-4 was not significantly different among the 3 groups. MMF has a significant suppressive effect on the maturation and function of DCs, which leads to a donor-specific tolerance in transplant recipients.

Exercise Training and Calorie Restriction Influence the Metabolic Parameters in Ovariectomized Female Rats

PubMed Central

Pósa, Anikó; Kupai, Krisztina; Szalai, Zita; Veszelka, Médea; Török, Szilvia; Varga, Csaba

2015-01-01

The estrogen deficiency after menopause leads to overweight or obesity, and physical exercise is one of the important modulators of this body weight gain. Female Wistar rats underwent ovariectomy surgery (OVX) or sham operation (SO). OVX and SO groups were randomized into new groups based on the voluntary physical activity (with or without running) and the type of diet for 12 weeks. Rats were fed standard chow (CTRL), high triglyceride diet (HT), or restricted diet (CR). The metabolic syndrome was assessed by measuring the body weight gain, the glucose sensitivity, and the levels of insulin, triglyceride, leptin, and aspartate aminotransferase transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The exercise training combined with the CR resulted in improvements in the glucose tolerance and the insulin sensitivity. Plasma TG, AST, and ALT levels were significantly higher in OVX rats fed with HT but these high values were suppressed by exercise and CR. Compared to SO animals, estrogen deprivation with HT caused a significant increase in leptin level. Our data provide evidence that CR combined with voluntary physical exercise can be a very effective strategy to prevent the development of a metabolic syndrome induced by high calorie diet. PMID:25874022

(C6N2H16)[Co(H2O)6](SO4)2.2H2O: A new hybrid material based on sulfate templated by diprotonated trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdi, N.; Ngopoh, F. A. I.; da Silva, I.; El Bali, B.; Lachkar, M.

2018-03-01

Employing trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) as template, the new hybrid sulphate (C6N2H16)[Co(H2O)6](SO4)2.2H2O was prepared in solution. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that it crystallizes in the monoclinic system (S.G.: P 21/n), with the following unit-cell parameters (Å,°): a = 6.2897(2), b = 12.3716(6), c = 13.1996(4), β = 98.091(3) V = 1016.89(7) Å3, Z = 4. Its 3D crystal structure is made upon isolated [Co(H2O)6] octahedra, regular [SO4] tetrahedra, protonated DACH and free H2O molecules, which interact through N-H···O and O-H···O hydrogen bonds. The Fourier transform infrared result exhibits bands corresponding to the vibrations of DACH, sulfate group and water molecules. The thermal decomposition of the phase consists mainly in the loss of the organic moiety and one sulfate group, leading thus to the formation of anhydrous cobalt sulfate.

Magnesium: does it reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in an adnexal torsion rat model?

PubMed Central

Celik Kavak, Ebru; Gulcu Bulmus, Funda; Bulmus, Ozgur; Kavak, Salih Burcin; Kocaman, Nevin

2018-01-01

Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced ovarian damage in a rat ovarian torsion model. Methods Forty-two female Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study. They were divided into six groups as Group 1, sham; Group 2, bilateral ovarian torsion; Group 3, bilateral ovarian torsion–detorsion; Group 4, MgSO4–sham; Group 5, MgSO4–bilateral ovarian torsion; Group 6, bilateral ovarian torsion–MgSO4–detorsion. Both torsion and detorsion periods lasted 3 hours. In Groups 4, 5 and 6, MgSO4 (600 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal route 30 minutes before sham operation, torsion and detorsion, respectively. At the end of the study period, both ovaries were removed. One of the ovaries was used for histopathological analyses and the other for biochemical analyses. Results In the torsion–detorsion group, all the histopathological scores were higher compared to the sham and torsion only group (p<0.05). Administration of MgSO4 only caused significant decrease in the inflammatory cell scores of the torsion–detorsion group (p<0.05). MgSO4, whether given before torsion or before detorsion, suppressed malondialdehyde levels when compared to the untreated groups (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher in the MgSO4 applied torsion and detorsion groups than Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05, for both). Administration of MgSO4 also caused an increase in glutathione levels in the torsion and detorsion groups compared to the torsion only and detorsion only groups (p<0.05, for both). Also, total oxidant status levels decreased in the MgSO4 applied torsion and detorsion groups compared to the untreated corresponding ones (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). MgSO4 significantly decreased the Oxidative Stress Index levels in the torsion–detorsion group compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). Conclusion Histopathological and biochemical analysis revealed that prophylactic treatment with MgSO4 reduces the changes observed in I/R injury in a rat model. PMID:29535502

Genomic instability related to zinc deficiency and excess in an in vitro model: is the upper estimate of the physiological requirements recommended for children safe?

PubMed

Padula, Gisel; Ponzinibbio, María Virginia; Gambaro, Rocío Celeste; Seoane, Analía Isabel

2017-08-01

Micronutrients are important for the prevention of degenerative diseases due to their role in maintaining genomic stability. Therefore, there is international concern about the need to redefine the optimal mineral and vitamin requirements to prevent DNA damage. We analyzed the cytostatic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effect of in vitro zinc supplementation to determine the effects of zinc deficiency and excess and whether the upper estimate of the physiological requirement recommended for children is safe. To achieve zinc deficiency, DMEM/Ham's F12 medium (HF12) was chelated (HF12Q). Lymphocytes were isolated from healthy female donors (age range, 5-10 yr) and cultured for 7 d as follows: negative control (HF12, 60 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ); deficient (HF12Q, 12 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ); lower level (HF12Q + 80 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ); average level (HF12Q + 180 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ); upper limit (HF12Q + 280 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ); and excess (HF12Q + 380 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ). The comet (quantitative analysis) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assays were used. Differences were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA (p < 0.05). Olive tail moment, tail length, micronuclei frequency, and apoptotic and necrotic percentages were significantly higher in the deficient, upper limit, and excess cultures compared with the negative control, lower, and average limit ones. In vitro zinc supplementation at the lower and average limit (80 and 180 μg/dl ZnSO 4 ) of the physiological requirement recommended for children proved to be the most beneficial in avoiding genomic instability, whereas the deficient, upper limit, and excess (12, 280, and 380 μg/dl) cultures increased DNA and chromosomal damage and apoptotic and necrotic frequencies.

Hydrogen Ordering in Hexagonal Intermetallic AB5 Type Compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikora, W.; Kuna, A.

2008-04-01

Intermetallic compounds AB5 type (A = rare-earth atoms, B = transition metal) are known to store reversibly large amounts of hydrogen and as that are discussed in this work. It was shown that the alloy cycling stability can be significantly improved by employing the so-called non-stoichiometric compounds AB5+x and that is why analysis of change of structure turned out to be interesting. A tendency for ordering of hydrogen atoms is one of the most intriguing problems for the unsaturated hydrides. The symmetry analysis method in the frame of the theory of space group and their representation gives opportunity to find all possible transformations of the parent structure. In this work symmetry analysis method was applied for AB5+x structure type (P6/mmm parent symmetry space group). There were investigated all possible ordering types and accompanying atom displacements in positions 1a, 2c, 3g (fully occupied in stoichiometric compounds AB5), in positions 2e, 6l (where atom B could appear in non-stoichiometric compounds) and also 4h, 6m, 6k, 12n, 12o, which could be partly occupied by hydrogen as a result of hydrides. An analysis was carried out of all possible structures of lower symmetry, following from P6/mmm for we k=(0, 0, 0). Also the way of getting the structure described by the P63mc space group with double cell along the z-axiswe k=(0, 0, 0.5), as it is suggested in the work of Latroche et al. is discussed by the symmetry analysis. The analysis was obtained by computer program MODY. The program calculates the so-called basis vectors of irreducible representations of a given symmetry group, which can be used for calculation of possible ordering modes.

Enhancing Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer by Combination with a Well-Known Approved Pharmaceutical with Little Toxicity

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

node- positive , and estrogen receptor- positive breast cancer patients : a Southwest Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol 12(10):2078–2085 7. Woods KE...official Department of the Army position , policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation. REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form...ER) positive metastatic breast cancer are limited by the phenomenon of hormonal resistance. We have found that valproic acid (VPA), a pharmaceutical

Final Report for Grant R021597

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

Konesky, Peter

2012-12-07

The program was under the supervision of the Nevada State Office of Energy (NSOE) with sub-contractors being the Nevada Division of Minerals (NDOM), the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy (GBCGE) and the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Taskforce (REECT). The NDOM grant was for $40,560 to develop a trade mission for Nevada Native American tribes. The trade mission was a two day workshop and field trip held on October 11 & 12, 2005 with 44 in attendance representing 12 tribes. Per-diem allowances were made so the tribal groups could attend the workshop. The format followed similar trade missions donemore » for Alaska, Idaho and Colorado. In addition to the trade mission, funding was used to allow 3 members of the geothermal working group to attend the Geothermal Research Council annual meeting and the Geopowering the West states meeting that followed.« less

The active gene that encodes human High Mobility Group 1 protein (HMG1) contains introns and maps to chromosome 13

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

Ferrari, S.; Finelli, P.; Rocchi, M.

The human genome contains a large number of sequences related to the cDNA for High Mobility Group 1 protein (HMG1), which so far has hampered the cloning and mapping of the active HMG1 gene. We show that the human HMG1 gene contains introns, while the HMG1-related sequences do not and most likely are retrotransposed pseudogenes. We identified eight YACs from the ICI and CEPH libraries that contain the human HMG1 gene. The HMG1 gene is similar in structure to the previously characterized murine homologue and maps to human chromosome 13 and q12, as determined by in situ hybridization. The mousemore » Hmg1 gene maps to the telomeric region of murine Chromosome 5, which is syntenic to the human 13q12 band. 18 refs., 3 figs.« less

N-acetylcysteine modulates angiogenesis and vasodilation in stomach such as DNA damage in blood of portal hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Licks, Francielli; Hartmann, Renata Minuzzo; Marques, Camila; Schemitt, Elizângela; Colares, Josieli Raskopf; Soares, Mariana do Couto; Reys, Juliana; Fisher, Camila; da Silva, Juliana; Marroni, Norma Possa

2015-11-21

To evaluate the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the stomach of rats with portal hypertension. Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing ± 250 g were divided into four experimental groups (n = 6 each): Sham-operated (SO), SO + NAC, partial portal vein ligation (PPVL), and PPVL + NAC. Treatment with NAC in a dose of 10 mg/kg (i.p.) diluted in 0.6 mL of saline solution was administered daily for 7 d starting 8 d after the surgery. Animals from the PPVL and SO group received saline solution (0.6 mL) for the same period of time as the PPVL + NAC and SO + NAC group. On the 15(th) day the animals were anesthetized and we evaluated portal pressure by cannulating mesenteric artery. After, we removed the stomach for further analysis. We performed immunohistochemical analysis for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nitrotirosine (NTT) proteins in stomach. We also evaluated eNOS and VEGF by Western blot analysis and assessed DNA damage in blood samples by the comet assay. The portal hypertension group exhibited increases in portal pressure when compared to SO group (29.8 ± 1.8 vs 12.0 ± 0.3 mmHg) (P < 0.001). The same was observed when we compared the eNOS (56.8 ± 3.7 vs 13.46 ± 2.8 pixels) (P < 0.001), VEGF (34.9 ± 4.7 vs 17.46 ± 2.6 pixels) (P < 0.05), and NTT (39.01 ± 4.0 vs 12.77 ± 2.3 pixels) (P < 0.05) expression by immunohistochemistry of the PPVL animals with the SO group. The expression of eNOS (0.39 ± 0.03 vs 0.25 ± 0.03 a.μ) (P < 0.01) and VEGF (0.38 ± 0.04 vs 0.26 ± 0.04 a.μ) (P < 0.01) were also evaluated by Western blot analysis, and we observed an increase of both proteins on PPVL animals. We also evaluated the DNA damage by comet assay, and observed an increase on damage index and damage frequency on those animals. NAC decreased portal pressure values in PPVL + NAC animals (16.46 ± 2 vs 29.8 ± 1.8 mmHg) (P < 0.001) when compared to PPVL. The expression of eNOS (14.60 ± 4.1 vs 56.8 ± 3.7 pixels) (P < 0.001), VEGF (19.53 ± 3.2 vs 34.9 ± 4.7 pixels) (P < 0.05) and NTT (21.84 ± 0.7 vs 39.01 ± 4.0 pixels) (P < 0.05) evaluated by immunohistochemistry were also reduced in PPVL + NAC animals. Also, when evaluated by Western blot eNOS expression (0.32 ± 0.03 vs 0.39 ± 0.03 a.μ) (P < 0.05) and VEGF expression (0.31 ± 0.09 vs 0.38 ± 0.04 a.μ) (P < 0.01). Furthermore, NAC modulated DNA damage in PPVL + NAC animals. In view of these results, we believe NAC is able to protect the stomach from the alterations induced by the PPVL procedure.

Genotype by region and season interactions on weaning weight in United States Angus cattle.

PubMed

Williams, J L; Lukaszewicz, M; Bertrand, J K; Misztal, I

2012-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine if weaning weight performance is genetically consistent across different environments in the United States. The American Angus Association provided weight and pedigree data. Weaning weights observed in the Southeast (SoE) and Northwest (NW) were the focus of this study, as these regions are perceived as opposite extremes in climate. The 2 most represented calving seasons in each region were fall and winter in the SoE and winter and spring in the NW. The original data were edited to remove weaning weight records outside of 3 SD from the respective region-season mean, contemporary groups smaller than 20, and single-sire contemporary groups. The final dataset included 884,465 weaning weight records with 64,907 from fall-born calves in the SoE, 74,820 from winter-born calves in the SoE, 346,724 from winter-born calves in the NW and 398,014 from spring-born calves in the NW. Weaning weights of calves born in different region-season classes adjusted to 205 d of age were considered different but genetically correlated traits in a multivariate analysis. The sole fixed effect was weaning contemporary group and random effects included direct, maternal, maternal permanent environment, and a residual. Direct heritability estimates differed little across environments: 0.31 and 0.35 for weight in fall- and winter-born calves in the SoE, and 0.29 and 0.32 for winter- and spring-born calves in NW. Maternal heritability estimates ranged from 0.12 in the NW to 0.16 the SoE. Genetic correlations spanned from 0.69 to 0.93 among direct effects and from 0.65 to 0.95 among maternal effects. All heritability estimates had small (0.01 to 0.04) SE. The most distinct environments appeared to be winter in SoE and spring in NW (correlations of 0.69 and 0.65 for the direct and maternal effects). Different choices of sires for different environments might be justified to achieve the growth performance expected.

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on asymmetric dimethylarginine and disability in multiple sclerosis patients: A randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Khalili, Mohammad; Soltani, Madjid; Moghadam, Shirin Amiri; Dehghan, Parvin; Azimi, Amirreza; Abbaszadeh, Omid

2017-07-01

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the onset and progression of MS. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) formation is dependent on oxidative stress status. We examined whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a potent antioxidant could improve the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and decrease plasma level of ADMA in multiple sclerosis patients. In a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial conducted at Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from September 2009 to July 2011, 24 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were divided into a treatment group receiving ALA (1200mg/day) for 12 weeks and a control group receiving placebo. Then patients' EDSS and Plasma levels of ADMA were measured at baseline and 12 weeks later. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software version 16 using the K-S test, Chi square, Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon test. The plasma levels of ADMA in the intervention group were decreased significantly (p=0.04). Also, no patient had increased EDSS score in the supplement group, where 2 out of 12 patients in the placebo group experienced so. Comparing the serum level of ADMA between the two groups failed to show any significant change in the supplement group compared with the control group. Considering that ADMA is produced by oxidative stress in MS patients and leads to increase of inflammation, ALA may have the potential of beneficial effects in them, in part, by decreasing the plasma level of ADMA and stopping progression. The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the Irct ID: No. IRCT138812222602N2. The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Novel Guanidinium-Based Ionic Liquids for Highly Efficient SO2 Capture.

PubMed

Lu, Xiaoxing; Yu, Jing; Wu, Jianzhou; Guo, Yongsheng; Xie, Hujun; Fang, Wenjun

2015-06-25

The application of ionic liquids (ILs) for acidic gas absorption has long been an interesting and challenging issue. In this work, the ethyl sulfate ([C2OSO3](-)) anion has been introduced into the structure of guanidinium-based ILs to form two novel low-cost ethyl sulfate ILs, namely 2-ethyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium ethyl sulfate ([C2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][C2OSO3]) and 2,2-diethyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium ethyl sulfate ([(C2)2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][C2OSO3]). The ethyl sulfate ILs, together with 2-ethyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][NTf2]) and 2,2-diethyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([(C2)2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][NTf2]), are employed to evaluate the SO2 absorption and desorption performance. The recyclable ethyl sulfate ILs demonstrate high absorption capacities of SO2. At a low pressure of 0.1 bar and at 20 °C, 0.71 and 1.08 mol SO2 per mole of IL can be captured by [C2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][C2OSO3] and [(C2)2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][C2OSO3], respectively. The absorption enthalpy for SO2 absorption with [C2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][C2OSO3] and [(C2)2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][C2OSO3] are -3.98 and -3.43 kcal mol(-1), respectively. While those by [C2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][NTf2] and [(C2)2(2)(C1)2(C1)2(3)gu][NTf2] turn out to be only 0.17 and 0.24 mol SO2 per mole of IL under the same conditions. It can be concluded that the guanidinium ethyl sulfate ILs show good performance for SO2 capture. Quantum chemistry calculations reveal nonbonded weak interactions between the ILs and SO2. The anionic moieties of the ILs play an important role in SO2 capture on the basis of the consistently experimental and computational results.

Ambient air pollution exposure and respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality in Cape Town, South Africa: 2001–2006.

PubMed

Wichmann, Janine; Voyi, Kuku

2012-11-05

Little evidence is available on the strength of the association between ambient air pollution exposure and health effects in developing countries such as South Africa. The association between the 24-h average ambient PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) levels and daily respiratory (RD), cardiovascular (CVD) and cerebrovascular (CBD) mortality in Cape Town (2001-2006) was investigated with a case-crossover design. For models that included entire year data, an inter-quartile range (IQR) increase in PM(10) (12 mg/m3) and NO(2) (12 mg/m3) significantly increased CBD mortality by 4% and 8%, respectively. A significant increase of 3% in CVD mortality was observed per IQR increase in NO(2) and SO(2) (8 mg/m3). In the warm period, PM(10) was significantly associated with RD and CVD mortality. NO(2) had significant associations with CBD, RD and CVD mortality, whilst SO(2) was associated with CVD mortality. None of the pollutants were associated with any of the three outcomes in the cold period. Susceptible groups depended on the cause-specific mortality and air pollutant. There is significant RD, CVD and CBD mortality risk associated with ambient air pollution exposure in South Africa, higher than reported in developed countries.

Increased Retinal Thinning after Combination of Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Silicone Oil Endotamponade in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

Kaneko, Hiroki; Matsuura, Toshiyuki; Takayama, Kei; Ito, Yasuki; Iwase, Takeshi; Ueno, Shinji; Nonobe, Norie; Yasuda, Shunsuke; Kataoka, Keiko; Terasaki, Hiroko

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the change in retinal thickness after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and/or silicone oil (SO) endotamponade in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The actual amount and ratio of changes in the retinal thickness were calculated. Compared to control eyes in the ILM peeling (-)/SO (-) group, the central, superior inner, and temporal inner retina in the ILM peeling (+)/SO (-) group, the central and superior inner retina in the ILM peeling (-)/SO (+) group, and the central, inferior inner, temporal inner, and nasal inner retina in the ILM peeling (+)/SO (+) group showed a significant reduction of the retinal thickness. The central, superior inner, and temporal inner retina in the ILM peeling (+)/SO (-) group, the central and superior inner retina in the ILM peeling (-)/SO (+) group, and the central, superior inner, inferior inner, and temporal inner retina in the ILM peeling (+)/SO (+) group showed a significantly increased reduction rate of the retinal thickness compared to the control group. Macular retinal thinning in PDR was observed after ILM peeling and SO endotamponade, and it was increased by the combination of these 2 factors. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Tumor promotion by dietary fat in azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in female F344 rats: influence of amount and source of dietary fat.

PubMed

Reddy, B S; Maeura, Y

1984-03-01

The promoting effect of dietary corn oil (CO), safflower oil (SO), olive oil (OO), coconut oil (CC), and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumors was studied in female F344 rats. The animals were fed low-fat diets containing 5% CO, 5% SO, or 5% OO 2 weeks before, during, and 1 week after sc injection of 20 mg AOM/kg body weight. One week after the AOM treatment, groups of animals were transferred to high-fat diets containing 23.52% CO, 23.52% SO, 23.52% OO, and 23.52% CC, or 5.88% CO + 17.64% MCT; the remaining animals were continued on 5% fat diets. All animals were fed these diets until the termination of the experiment. Body weights and intakes of calories, protein, and micronutrients were comparable among the various dietary groups. The incidence of colon tumors was increased in rats fed diets containing high-CO and high-SO compared to those fed low-CO and low-SO diets, whereas the diets containing high OO, CC, or MCT had no promoting effect on colon tumor incidence. There was a significant increase in the excretion of fecal deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, and 12-ketolithocholic acid in animals fed the high-CO and high-SO diets and no difference in these secondary bile acids excretion in animals fed the high-OO and high-CC diets compared to those animals fed their respective 5% fat diets. This study thus indicates that not only the amount of dietary fat but also the fatty acid composition (type) of fat are important factors in the determination of the promoting effect in colon carcinogenesis.

Argumentation Quality of Socio-scientific Issue between High School Students and Postgraduate Students about Cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anisa, A.; Widodo, A.; Riandi, R.

2017-09-01

Argumentation is one factor that can help improve critical thinking skills. Arguing means to defend statements with the various data, denials, evidence, and reinforcement that support the statement. The research aimed to capture the quality of argument skills by students in grade 12 high school students and in postgraduate student on social-scientific issues of cancer. Both group subjects are not in the same school or institution, chosen purposively with the subject of 39 high school students of grade 12 in one district of West Java and 13 students of Biology education postgraduate in one of University in West Java - Indonesia. The results of the quality structure of arguments in both subject groups show the same pattern, which is claim - warrant - and ground, with the quality of counterclaim aspects on the postgraduate students look better than grade 12 students. This provides an illustration that the ability in argumentation between students and teachers in the socio-scientific issue of cancer should be evaluate so that the learning process would be more refined in schools.

Endocrine Profiles, Haematology and Pregnancy Outcomes of Late Pregnant Holstein Dairy Heifers Sired by Bulls Giving a High or Low Incidence of Stillbirth

PubMed Central

Kornmatitsuk, B; Dahl, E; Ropstad, E; Beckers, JF; Gustafsson, H; Kindahl, H

2004-01-01

The high incidence of stillbirth in Swedish Holstein heifers has increased continuously during the last 15 years to an average of 11% today. The pathological reasons behind the increased incidence of stillbirth are unknown. The present experiment was undertaken to investigate possible causes of stillbirth and to study possible physiological markers for predicting stillbirth. Twenty Swedish Holstein dairy heifers sired by bulls with breeding values for a high risk of stillbirth (n = 12) (experimental group) and a low risk of stillbirth (n = 8) (control group, group B) were selected based on information in the Swedish AI-data base. The experimental group consisted of 2 subgroups of heifers (groups A1 and A2) inseminated with 2 different bulls with 3.5% and 9% higher stillbirth rates than the average, and the control group consisted of heifers pregnant with 5 different bulls with 0%–6% lower stillbirth rates than the average. The bull used for group A1 had also calving difficulties due to large calves as compared to the bull in group A2 showing no calving difficulties. The heifers were supervised from 6–7 months of pregnancy up to birth, and the pregnancies and parturitions were compared between groups regarding hormonal levels, haematology, placental characteristics and calf viability. In group A1, 1 stillborn, 1 weak and 4 normal calves were recorded. In group A2, 2 stillborn and 4 normal calves were registered. All animals in the control group gave birth to a normal living calf without any assistance. The weak calf showed deviating profiles of body temperature, saturated oxygen and heart rates, compared with the normal living calves. No differences of the placentome thickness, measured in vivo by ultrasonography were seen between the groups. The number of leukocytes and differential cell counts in groups A1 and A2 followed the profiles found in the control group. In group A1, a slight decrease of oestrone sulphate (E1SO4) levels was found in the animal delivering a stillborn calf from the first 24-h blood sampling at 6 weeks to the second at 3 weeks prior to delivery, while the levels of E1SO4 at both periods in the animal delivering a weak calf followed the profile in animals delivering a normal living calf. During late pregnancy and at the time of parturition, the levels of E1SO4 and PAGs in animals delivering a stillborn or weak calf (from group A1) followed the normal profiles found in animals delivering a normal living calf. In group A2, low levels of E1SO4 and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) over 24 h at both 3 and 6 weeks prior to parturition (<1.5 nmol/L) were recorded in animals delivering a stillborn calf. During late pregnancy and parturition, the levels of E1SO4 and PAGs were slightly lower during 30–50 days prior to delivery and increased with a lower magnitude at the time of parturition. In conclusion, our results indicate that the aetiology behind stillbirth varies depending on the AI-bulls used and is associated with dystocia or low viability of the calves. Deviating profiles of oestrone sulphate (E1SO4) and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) in animals delivering a stillborn calf not caused by dystocia were observed, suggesting placental dysfunction as a possible factor. The finding suggests that the analyses of E1SO4 and PAGs could be used for monitoring foetal well-being in animals with a high risk of stillbirth at term. PMID:15535086

Investigation of Yoga Pranayama and Vedic Mathematics on Mindfulness, Aggression and Emotion Regulation.

PubMed

Shastri, Vasant Venkatraman; Hankey, Alex; Sharma, Bhawna; Patra, Sanjib

2017-01-01

Competitive examinations, particularly in mathematics, have made emotional stress a major problem for preuniversity students, emotions like aggression toward fellow students and teachers increase. Mindfulness is a quality that reduces both emotional stress and aggression, so increasing mindfulness should be helpful. To study the effects of Yoga Pranayama (YP) and Vedic Mathematics (VM) on mindfulness, aggression, and emotion regulation. Participants were 12 th graders attending a preuniversity college in Chikkamagaluru, India, of both genders. Exclusion criteria included major psychological problems. Three classes were arbitrarily assigned to one of three interventions, which consisted of 15 days each of 30 min daily instruction in YP, Group 1, VM, Group 2, or 30 min ordinary class work, Group 3, the control group. Assessments were made using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, the Nonphysical Aggression Scale from Pittsburgh Youth Study, and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. SPSS 19.0. Mindfulness, aggression, and negative emotional regulation changed significantly for the YP group, while mindfulness alone improved significantly for the VM group. No group changed on positive emotion regulation. Controls apparently improved on aggression. An interesting post hoc correlation analysis is also reported, among other things directly linking increased mindfulness to decreased aggression. The study showed positive effects of traditional methods of decreasing emotional pressure on students facing preuniversity mathematics examinations. Increasing mindfulness is considered a way of increasing emotion regulation, so the failure of this study to provide evidence for that is of interest.

Investigation of Yoga Pranayama and Vedic Mathematics on Mindfulness, Aggression and Emotion Regulation

PubMed Central

Shastri, Vasant Venkatraman; Hankey, Alex; Sharma, Bhawna; Patra, Sanjib

2017-01-01

Background: Competitive examinations, particularly in mathematics, have made emotional stress a major problem for preuniversity students, emotions like aggression toward fellow students and teachers increase. Mindfulness is a quality that reduces both emotional stress and aggression, so increasing mindfulness should be helpful. Aims: To study the effects of Yoga Pranayama (YP) and Vedic Mathematics (VM) on mindfulness, aggression, and emotion regulation. Methods: Participants were 12th graders attending a preuniversity college in Chikkamagaluru, India, of both genders. Exclusion criteria included major psychological problems. Three classes were arbitrarily assigned to one of three interventions, which consisted of 15 days each of 30 min daily instruction in YP, Group 1, VM, Group 2, or 30 min ordinary class work, Group 3, the control group. Assessments were made using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, the Nonphysical Aggression Scale from Pittsburgh Youth Study, and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 19.0. Results: Mindfulness, aggression, and negative emotional regulation changed significantly for the YP group, while mindfulness alone improved significantly for the VM group. No group changed on positive emotion regulation. Controls apparently improved on aggression. An interesting post hoc correlation analysis is also reported, among other things directly linking increased mindfulness to decreased aggression. Conclusions: The study showed positive effects of traditional methods of decreasing emotional pressure on students facing preuniversity mathematics examinations. Increasing mindfulness is considered a way of increasing emotion regulation, so the failure of this study to provide evidence for that is of interest. PMID:29422744

Mouse hypospadias: A critical examination and definition

PubMed Central

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Cao, Mei; Shen, Joel; Cooke, Paul; Risbridger, Gail; Baskin, Laurence; Cunha, Gerald R.

2016-01-01

Hypospadias is a common malformation whose etiology is based upon perturbation of normal penile development. The mouse has been previously used as a model of hypospadias, despite an unacceptably wide range of definitions for this malformation. The current paper presents objective criteria and a definition of mouse hypospadias. Accordingly, diethylstilbestrol (DES) induced penile malformations were examined at 60 days postnatal (P60) in mice treated with DES over the age range of 12 days embryonic to 20 days postnatal (E12 to P20). DES-induced hypospadias involves malformation of the urethral meatus, which is most severe in DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups and less so or absent in the other treatment groups. A frenulum-like ventral tether between the penis and the prepuce was seen in the most severely affected DES-treated mice. Internal penile morphology was also altered in the DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups (with little effect in the other DES treatment groups). Thus, adverse effects of DES are a function of the period of DES treatment and most severe in the P0 to P10 period. In “estrogen mutant mice” (NERKI, βERKO, αERKO and AROM+) hypospadias was only seen in AROM+ male mice having genetically-engineered elevation is serum estrogen. Significantly, mouse hypospadias was only seen distally at and near the urethral meatus where epithelial fusion events are known to take place and never in the penile midshaft, where urethral formation occurs via an entirely different morphogenetic process. PMID:27068029

Information Management: Publishing and Printing: Army Publishing: Action Officers Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-30

types of lists: ordered (such as numerical, alphabetical, or sequential ), bulleted, or dashed. (4) Extracted material in an appendix must be identified...provide supporting, expanded, or sequential doctrinal manuals within a functional field (this number group must not exceed 3 digits). Table 13–2...rubup, opaquing, lineup , and register, and so forth 1,2 190 DA PAM 25–40 • 30 April 2002 Table J–5 Camera, platemaking, and related equipment—Continued

Comparison of two oral contraceptive forms containing cyproterone acetate and drospirenone in the treatment of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Kahraman, Korhan; Sükür, Yavuz Emre; Atabekoğlu, Cem Somer; Ateş, Can; Taşkın, Salih; Cetinkaya, Serife Esra; Tolunay, Harun Egemen; Ozmen, Batuhan; Sönmezer, Murat; Berker, Bülent

2014-08-01

To compare the effects of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) containing cyproterone acetate and drospirenone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Fifty-two patients with PCOS were randomized in two groups: group A (n = 26) received 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol + 2 mg cyproterone acetate and group B (n = 26) received 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol + 3 mg drospirenone-containing OCs for 12 months. Baseline clinical features including body mass index, waist to hip ratio (WHR), and modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score were noted. Baseline biochemical parameters included androgen profile, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. The percentages of changes for all parameters were compared. The groups were comparable regarding the baseline characteristics. WHR decreased significantly from baseline (-4 % [-31 to 35]) in group B when compared to group A (0 % [-11 to 14]) (P = 0.033). The total mFG score decreased significantly from baseline (-35 % [-71 to 10]) in group A when compared to group B (-18 % [-72 to 30]) (P = 0.035). Changes in androgen hormone profile were comparable except DHEA-SO4 (-32 % [-53 to 15] in group B vs. -10 % [-49 to 63] in group A; P = 0.046). The effects of the drugs were similar regarding carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile, and oxidative stress parameters. Cyproterone acetate containing OCs seem to be more effective to treat clinical hirsutism in patients with PCOS after 12 months of treatment.

Various tomato extract dose effect on lipid profile of hypercholesterolemia Rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purwantoyo, E.; Marwoto, P.; Iswari, R. S.

2018-03-01

The influence of tomato lycopene on hypercholesterolemia has been studied many times. Post Test Randomized Control Group Design is used as the research design. A total of 24 white rats were made hypercholesterolemia before treatment, then they were divided into 4 groups randomly, i.e. K1 (control group), K2, K3, and K4 (Treatment groups 1, 2 and 3). Treatment groups were administered with tomato extract. K2 (given 6 mg / head / day), K3 (12 mg / head / day), K4 (24mg / head / day). The result of ANOVA test showed significant difference (p <0,05) among control group (K) and treatment group (K2, K3 and K4). The results of LSD testing showed a significant difference in the group (p <0.05), on triglyceride levels, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. So it can be concluded that tomato extract can decline the status of lipid profile in terms of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

CBT in a Caribbean Context: A Controlled Trial of Anger Management in Trinidadian Prisons.

PubMed

Hutchinson, Gerard; Willner, Paul; Rose, John; Burke, Ian; Bastick, Tony

2017-01-01

Anger causes significant problems in offenders and to date few interventions have been described in the Caribbean region. To evaluate a package of CBT-based Anger Management Training provided to offenders in prison in Trinidad. A controlled clinical trial with 85 participants who participated in a 12-week prison-based group anger management programme, of whom 57 (67%: 16 control, 41 intervention) provided pretrial and posttrial outcome data at Times 1 and 2. Intervention and control groups were not directly comparable so outcome was analysed using t-tests. Reductions were noted for state and trait anger and anger expression, with an increase in coping skills for the intervention group. No changes were noted in the control group. The improvements seen on intervention were maintained at 4 month follow-up for a sub-group of participants for whom data were available. Several predictors of outcomes were identified.

Comparison of salivary cortisol, heart rate, and oxygen saturation between early skin-to-skin contact with different initiation and duration times in healthy, full-term infants.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yuki; Tamakoshi, Koji; Matsushima, Miyoko; Kawabe, Tsutomu

2011-03-01

There are few studies that compare the physiological and biological efficacies between different early skin-to-skin contacts (SSC) post birth. To investigate physiologically and biochemically how early SSC with different initiation and duration time influence the stress post birth for full-term infants. Non-experimental study. Study I; Thirty-two infants who began SSC 5 min or less [birth SSC, mean initiation time (standard deviation): 1.6 (1.1) min] after birth and 36 infants who did so more than 5 min [very early SSC, 26.3 (5.0) min] in heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) analysis. Study II; Eighteen infants who underwent SSC for 60 min or less [mean initiation time: 7.5 (12.2) min] and 61 infants who did so for more than 60 min [15.3 (12.5) min] in salivary cortisol analysis. HR and SpO(2) measured for 30 min post birth. Salivary cortisol concentration measured at 1 min, 60 min, and 120 min post birth. Birth SSC group reached HR stability of 120-160 bpm significantly faster than very early SSC group by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P=0.001 by log-rank test). As for SpO(2) stability of 92% and 96%, no significantly between-group difference was found. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower between 60 and 120 min after birth in SSC group, continuing for more than 60 min compared with SSC group for 60 min or less after adjustment for salivary cortisol level at 1 min besides the infant stress factors (P=0.046). Earlier SSC beginning within 5 min post birth and longer SSC continuing for more than 60 min within 120 min post birth are beneficial for stability of cardiopulmonary dynamics and the reduction of infant stress during the early period post birth. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Climate control of decadal-scale increases in apparent ages of eogenetic karst spring water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Jonathan B.; Kurz, Marie J.; Khadka, Mitra B.

2016-09-01

Water quantity and quality in karst aquifers may depend on decadal-scale variations in recharge or withdrawal, which we hypothesize could be assessed through time-series measurements of apparent ages of spring water. We tested this hypothesis with analyses of various age tracers (3H/3He, SF6, CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113) and selected solute concentrations [dissolved oxygen (DO), NO3, Mg, and SO4] from 6 springs in a single spring complex (Ichetucknee springs) in northern Florida over a 16-yr period. These springs fall into two groups that reflect shallow short (Group 1) and deep long (Group 2) flow paths. Some tracer concentrations are altered, with CFC-12 and CFC-113 concentrations yielding the most robust apparent ages. These tracers show a 10-20-yr monotonic increase in apparent age from 1997 to 2013, including the flood recession that followed Tropical Storm Debby in mid-2012. This increase in age indicates most water discharged during the study period recharged the aquifer within a few years of 1973 for Group 2 springs and 1980 for Group 1 springs. Inverse correlations between apparent age and DO and NO3 concentrations reflect reduced redox state in older water. Positive correlations between apparent age and Mg and SO4 concentrations reflect increased water-rock reactions. Concentrated recharge in the decade around 1975 resulted from nearly 2 m of rain in excess of the monthly average that fell between 1960 and 2014, followed by a nearly 4 m deficit to 2014. This excess rain coincided with two major El Niño events during the maximum cool phase in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. Although regional water withdrawal increased nearly 5-fold between 1980 and 2005, withdrawals represent only 2-5% of Ichetucknee River flow and are less important than decadal-long variations in precipitation. These results suggest that groundwater management should consider climate cycles as predictive tools for future water resources.

[Effect of Medicated-catgut Embedding at "Changqiang" (GV 1) on Mechanical Pain Threshold and P 38 MAPK Expression in Spinal Cord Tissue in Anus Incisional Pain Rats].

PubMed

Shu, Tao; Zhang, Shi-Ti; Yan, Feng; Ke, Yu-Pei; Wang, Jun

2017-10-25

To observe the effect of medicated-catgut embedding at "Changqiang"(GV 1) on regional pain reaction and expression of p 38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of spinal cord in anus incisional pain rats, so as to explore its analgesic mechanism. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, GV 1-embedding and sham acupoint embedding groups ( n =10 rats in each group). The anus incisional pain model was established by making a radial incision (about 10 mm length) at the left lithotomy position of the anus with a surgical knife, and the mechanical pain threshold (PT) was measured by using a Von Frey before and 4, 8, 12, 24 h after operation. The medicated-catgut (about 12.5 mm length/kg body weight) was implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of GV 1 region. The immunoactivity of p 38 MAPK was determined by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the mechanical PTs were significantly decreased 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after operation both at the site of incision and about 15 mm proximal to the site of incision in the model group ( P <0.05), and the immunoactivity of phosphorylated (p)-p 38 MAPK in the superficial layer of dorsal horns of lumbar spinal cord was significantly increased(24 h)after operation( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the PTs were significantly increased 8, 12 and 24 h after operation at the site of incision, and 12 h and 24 h at the site about 15 mm proximal to the incision region ( P <0.05), and the immunoactivity level of p-p 38 MAPK was significantly down-regulated in the GV 1-embedding group ( P <0.05). No significant changes were found in the PT and p-p 38 MAPK immunoactivity levels in the sham acupoint embedding group ( P <0.05). Medicated-catgut embedding at "Changqiang"(GV 1) has an analgesic effect in anus incisional pain model rats, which may be related to its effect in down-regulating the expression of p 38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of lumbar spinal cord.

Corrosion Fatigue Characteristics of 12Cr Alloy Steel in Na2SO4 Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, D. H.; Cho, S. Y.

In order to estimate reliability of 12Cr alloy steel using as the turbine blade material of the steam power plant, its corrosion fatigue characteristics in Na2SO4 solution considering its percentage and temperature that were determined from the polarization test results were investigated, and compared with the results in air. The corrosion characteristic of 12Cr alloy steel was remarkably susceptible in 12.7wt.% (IM) Na2SO4 solution, and its susceptibility increased with the solution temperature increase. The corrosion fatigue characteristics in 12.7wt.% Na2SO4 solution were similar to that of in air at 25°C. The crack growth rate was however increased with the temperature of solution increase. The reasons showing such results are due to the difference of the crack growth mechanism according to the electro-chemical activity of the corrosion factors.

Efficacy of a disease management program focused on acquisition of self-management skills in pre-dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy: 24 months follow-up.

PubMed

Kazawa, Kana; Takeshita, Yae; Yorioka, Noriaki; Moriyama, Michiko

2015-06-01

We previously performed a preliminary 6-month controlled trial to examine the effect of a disease management education program on prolongation of the time to renal replacement therapy (RRT) and/or avoidance of RRT for patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, its duration was too short to follow the changes of renal function, so we performed the present study for 24 months. This was a two-group comparative study. The intervention group received self-management education from disease management nurses and was supported by the nurses in cooperation with their primary physicians for 12 months. Then this group was followed for a further 12 months. The control group received standard care and was followed for 24 months. Of the 31 subjects enrolled in each group, 26 subjects in the intervention group and 27 subjects in the control group were analyzed after excluding drop-outs. During the study period, 0 and 2 subjects in the intervention and the control group started RRT, respectively. In the intervention group, renal function was maintained, while significant worsening was observed in the control group. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) improved in the intervention group, but became significantly worse in the control group. In the intervention group, all process indicators of behavior modification increased significantly after intervention. A well-designed disease management program might be useful for maintaining renal function and improving HbA1c in patients with diabetic nephropathy. It is considered that modification of patient behavior contributed to these results.

Effect of steroid eluting versus conventional electrodes on propafenone induced rise in chronic ventricular pacing threshold.

PubMed

Cornacchia, D; Fabbri, M; Maresta, A; Nigro, P; Sorrentino, F; Puglisi, A; Ricci, R; Peraldo, C; Fazzari, M; Pistis, G

1993-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate chronic ventricular pacing threshold increase after oral propafenone therapy. Eighty-three patients affected by advanced atrioventricular block and sick sinus syndrome were studied at least 3 months after pacemaker implantation, before and after oral propafenone therapy (450-900 mg/day based on body weight). The patients were subdivided into three groups according to the type of unipolar electrode that was implanted: group I (41 patients) Medtronic CapSure 4003, group II (30 patients) Medtronic Target Tip 4011, and group III (12 patients) Osypka Vy screw-in lead. In all cases a Medtronic unipolar pacemaker was implanted: 30 Minix, 23 Activitrax, 14 Elite, 12 Legend, and 4 Pasys. Propafenone blood level was measured in 75 patients 3-5 hours after propafenone administration. The pacing autothreshold was measured at 0.8 V, 1.6 V, and 2.5 V by reducing pulse width. At the three different outputs before and after propafenone, threshold increments were significantly lower in group I in comparison with group II and group III (propafenone ranging from < 0.001 to < 0.05). No significant difference was found in pacing impedance or in propafenone plasma concentration in the three groups. Strength-duration curves were drawn for each group at baseline and after propafenone administration. Before propafenone, in group I, the knee was markedly shifted to the left and downward as compared to the classic curve, so that the steep part was predominant; in group II and group III this shift was progressively less evident.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of inhaled sulfuric acid on pulmonary function in adolescent asthmatics

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

Koenig, J.Q.; Pierson, W.E.; Horike, M.

Ten adolescent subjects with extrinsic asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm were studied. The subjects were exposed for 30 min at rest followed by 10 min during moderate exercise on a treadmill to either 100 micrograms/m3 sodium chloride (NaCl) or 100 micrograms/m3 sulfuric acid (H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/) droplet aerosols. All exposures were at approximately 75% relative humidity and 22 degrees C. Pulmonary functional measurements were recorded before, during, and after exposure while the subject was seated in a body plethysmograph. Exposure to the NaCl aerosol during exercise produced a small (12%) but significant drop in maximal expiratory flow (V/sub max/75) (p lessmore » than 0.05). However, exposure to the H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ aerosol produced larger reductions in V/sub max/75 (29%; p less than 0.01) and also significant changes in 3 other parameters of pulmonary function: V/sub max/50, FEV1, and total respiratory resistance (RT). The changes were similar to those reported for exposure to 0.5 ppm of sulfur dioxide in a similar group of adolescents with extrinsic asthma. Our results are the first report of reversible pulmonary functional changes after H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ exposure in a group of adolescent asthmatic subjects.« less

A potential risk of overestimating apparent diffusion coefficient in parotid glands.

PubMed

Liu, Yi-Jui; Lee, Yi-Hsiung; Chang, Hing-Chiu; Huang, Teng-Yi; Chiu, Hui-Chu; Wang, Chih-Wei; Chiou, Ta-Wei; Hsu, Kang; Juan, Chun-Jung; Huang, Guo-Shu; Hsu, Hsian-He

2015-01-01

To investigate transient signal loss on diffusion weighted images (DWI) and overestimation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in parotid glands using single shot echoplanar DWI (EPDWI). This study enrolled 6 healthy subjects and 7 patients receiving radiotherapy. All participants received dynamic EPDWI with a total of 8 repetitions. Imaging quality of DWI was evaluated. Probability of severe overestimation of ADC (soADC), defined by an ADC ratio more than 1.2, was calculated. Error on T2WI, DWI, and ADC was computed. Statistical analysis included paired Student t testing and Mann-Whitney U test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Transient signal loss was visually detected on some excitations of DWI but not on T2WI or mean DWI. soADC occurred randomly among 8 excitations and 3 directions of diffusion encoding gradients. Probability of soADC was significantly higher in radiotherapy group (42.86%) than in healthy group (24.39%). The mean error percentage decreased as the number of excitations increased on all images, and, it was smallest on T2WI, followed by DWI and ADC in an increasing order. Transient signal loss on DWI was successfully detected by dynamic EPDWI. The signal loss on DWI and overestimation of ADC could be partially remedied by increasing the number of excitations.

Evaluation of different electrochemical methods on the oxidation and degradation of Reactive Blue 4 in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Carneiro, Patricia A; Osugi, Marly E; Fugivara, Cecílio S; Boralle, Nivaldo; Furlan, Maysa; B Zanoni, Maria Valnice

2005-04-01

The oxidation of a reactive dye, Reactive Blue 4, RB4, (C.I. 61205), widely used in the textile industries to color natural fibers, was studied by electrochemical techniques. The oxidation on glassy carbon electrode and reticulated vitreous carbon electrode occurs in only one step at 2.0 < pH < 12 involving a two-electron transfer to the amine group leading to the imide derivative. Dye solution was not decolorized effectively in this electrolysis process. Nevertheless, the oxidation of this dye on Ti/SnO2/SbO(x) (3% mol)/RuO2 (1% mol) electrode showed 100% of decolorization and 60% of total organic carbon removal in Na2SO4 0.2 M at pH 2.2 and potential of +2.4V. Experiments on degradation photoelectrocatalytic were also carried out for RB4 degradation in Na2SO4 0.1 M, pH 12, using a Ti/TiO2 photoanode biased at +1.0 V and UV light. After 1h of electrolysis the results indicated total color removal and 37% of mineralization.

The incidence of childhood diabetes in certain parts of Scotland.

PubMed

Barclay, R P; Craig, J O; Galloway, C A; Richardson, J E; Shepherd, R C; Smail, P J

1988-04-01

The incidence of diabetes in children under 12 years of age has been studied in three regions of Scotland from 1976 to 1986. These areas represent more than half of the Scottish population of that age group. The overall annual incidence is 17.6 per 100,000, ranging from 16.8 in densely populated areas to 23.4 in more rural areas. Earlier studies have concerned the age group 0-18 years so the present results from a younger age group are, as expected, slightly lower but show the same trends. After a rise to 1983 there appears to have been a drop, but not in all areas. The danger of drawing conclusions from areas of low population or from short periods of time is stressed.

A Correlation Between Quality Management Metrics and Technical Performance Measurement

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

Engineering Working Group SME Subject Matter Expert SoS System of Systems SPI Schedule performance Index SSEI System of Systems Engineering and...and stated as such [Q, M , M &G]. The QMM equation is given by: 12 QMM=0.92RQM+0.67EPM+0.55RKM+1.86PM, where: RGM is the requirements management...schedule. Now if corrective action is not taken, the project/task will be completed behind schedule and over budget. m . As well as the derived

Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in a patient of Egyptian background.

PubMed

Yoshida, Rie; Ruge, Bobby

2016-10-20

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically inherited condition in European-derived populations. However, it is being increasingly recognised in other populations, including people of Asian, Black African and Caribbean descent. We present a case detailing the diagnosis of CF in a 12-year-old patient of Egyptian background who had been treated for difficult asthma. In doing so, we aim to highlight the importance of considering CF in all patients, regardless of ethnicity. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Mechanical properties and modeling of drug release from chlorhexidine-containing etch-and-rinse adhesives.

PubMed

Stanislawczuk, Rodrigo; Reis, Alessandra; Malaquias, Pamela; Pereira, Fabiane; Farago, Paulo Vitor; Meier, Marcia Margarete; Loguercio, Alessandro D

2014-04-01

To evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine (CHX) addition in different concentrations into simplified etch-and-rinse adhesives on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), water sorption (WS), solubility (SO) and the rate of CHX release over time. We added CHX diacetate to Ambar [AM] (FGM) and XP Bond [XP] (Dentsply) in concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 wt%. For UTS (n=10 for each group), adhesive specimens were constructed in an hourglass shape metallic matrix with cross-sectional area of 0.8 mm(2). Half of specimens were tested after 24 h and the other half after 28 days of water storage in tension of 0.5 mm/min. For WS and SO (n=10 for each group), adhesive discs (5.8 mm×1.0 mm) were prepared into a mold. After desiccation, we weighed and stored the cured adhesive specimens in distilled water for evaluation of the WS, SO and the cumulative release of CHX over a 28-day period. For CHX release (n=10 for each group), spectrophotometric measurements of storage solution were performed to examine the release kinetics of CHX. We subjected data from each test to ANOVA and Tukey' test (α=0.05). XP Bond adhesive showed significantly more WS and SO and lower UTS than Ambar. In general, the addition of CHX did not alter WS, SO and UTS of the adhesives. XP showed a higher CHX release than AM (p<0.05) in all concentrations and the final amount of CHX release was directly proportional to the initial CHX concentration added to the adhesives. After 28 days of water storage, approximately 20% of CHX was released from XP and 8.0-12.0% from AM. Addition of CHX to commercial adhesive is a feasible method to provide a controlled release of CHX over time without jeopardizing WS, SO and UTS of the adhesives. Manufacturers should consider adding CHX to commercial adhesives to provide a controlled release of CHX over time. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contingency Management is Effective in Promoting Abstinence and Retention in Treatment Among Crack Cocaine Users in Brazil: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Miguel, André Q. C.; Madruga, Clarice S.; Cogo-Moreira, Hugo; Yamauchi, Rodolfo; Simões, Viviane; da Silva, Claudio J.; McPherson, Sterling; Roll, John M.; Laranjeira, Ronaldo R.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND Crack cocaine dependence has become a severe public health problem in Brazil, and current psychosocial approaches to this problem have shown little or no effectiveness. Although contingency management is among the most effective behavioral treatments for substance use disorders, it has never been applied in the treatment of crack cocaine-dependent individuals in Brazil. AIMS To evaluate the efficacy of incorporating contingency management into standard outpatient treatment for crack cocaine dependence, as well as the impact that doing so has on treatment attendance, retention in treatment, maintenance of abstinence, and the frequency of substance use. METHODS We evaluated 65 treatment-seeking, crack cocaine-dependent individuals, randomized to receive 12 weeks of standard treatment plus contingency management (STCM; n = 33) or 12 weeks of standard treatment alone (STA; n = 32). Those in the STCM group received monetary incentives for being abstinent, earning up to US$235.50 if they remained abstinent throughout the entire treatment period. RESULTS The STCM group participants attended a mean of 19.5 (SD = 14.9) treatment sessions, compared with 3.7 (SD = 5.9) for the STA group participants (p < 0.01). Those in the STCM group were 3.8, 4.6, and 68.9 times more likely to be retained in treatment at weeks 4, 8, and 12 than were those in the STA group. The likelihood of detecting 4, 8, and 12 weeks of continuous abstinence was 17.7, 9.9, and 18.6 times higher in the STCM group than in the STA group (p < 0.05). Compared to the STA group, the STCM group submitted a significantly higher proportion of crack cocaine, THC, and alcohol negative samples (p < 0.001) when all expected samples were included in the denominator, but not when only submitted samples were considered. The average monthly cost/participant for incentives was $29.00. CONCLUSIONS Contingency management showed efficacy in a sample of Brazilian crack cocaine users. The intervention holds promise for broader application in international settings. PMID:27442691

Contingency management is effective in promoting abstinence and retention in treatment among crack cocaine users in Brazil: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Miguel, André Q C; Madruga, Clarice S; Cogo-Moreira, Hugo; Yamauchi, Rodolfo; Simões, Viviane; da Silva, Claudio J; McPherson, Sterling; Roll, John M; Laranjeira, Ronaldo R

2016-08-01

Crack cocaine dependence has become a severe public health problem in Brazil, and current psychosocial approaches to this problem have shown little or no effectiveness. Although contingency management is among the most effective behavioral treatments for substance use disorders, it has never been applied in the treatment of crack cocaine-dependent individuals in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of incorporating contingency management into standard outpatient treatment for crack cocaine dependence, as well as the impact that doing so has on treatment attendance, retention in treatment, maintenance of abstinence, and the frequency of substance use. We evaluated 65 treatment-seeking, crack cocaine-dependent individuals, randomized to receive 12 weeks of standard treatment plus contingency management (STCM; n = 33) or 12 weeks of standard treatment alone (STA; n = 32). Those in the STCM group received monetary incentives for being abstinent, earning up to US$235.50 if they remained abstinent throughout the entire treatment period. The STCM group participants attended a mean of 19.5 (SD = 14.9) treatment sessions, compared with 3.7 (SD = 5.9) for the STA group participants (p < .01). Those in the STCM group were 3.8, 4.6, and 68.9 times more likely to be retained in treatment at weeks 4, 8, and 12 than were those in the STA group. The likelihood of detecting 4, 8, and 12 weeks of continuous abstinence was 17.7, 9.9, and 18.6 times higher in the STCM group than in the STA group (p < .05). Compared to the STA group, the STCM group submitted a significantly higher proportion of negative samples for crack cocaine, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and alcohol (p < .001) when all expected samples were included in the denominator but not when only submitted samples were considered. The average monthly cost/participant for incentives was $29.00. Contingency management showed efficacy in a sample of Brazilian crack cocaine users. The intervention holds promise for broader application in international settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of inhalation of acidic compounds on pulmonary function in allergic adolescent subjects

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

Koenig, J.Q.; Covert, D.S.; Pierson, W.E.

There is concern about the human health effects of inhalation of acid compounds found in urban air pollution. It was the purpose of this study to investigate three of these acid compounds, sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/), sulfuric acid (H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/), and nitric acid (HNO/sub 3/) in a group of allergic adolescent subjects. Subjects were exposed during rest and moderate exercise to 0.7 mumole/m/sup 3/ (68 micrograms/m/sup 3/) H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, 4.0 mumole/m/sup 3/ (0.1 ppm) SO/sub 2/, or 2.0 mumole/m/sup 3/ (0.05 ppm) HNO/sub 3/. Pulmonary functions (FEV1, total respiratory resistance, and maximal flow) were measured before and aftermore » exposure. Preliminary analysis based on nine subjects indicates that exposure to 0.7 mumole/m/sup 3/ H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ alone and in combination with SO/sub 2/ caused significant changes in pulmonary function, whereas exposure to air or SO/sub 2/ alone did not. FEV1 decreased an average of 6% after exposure to H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ alone and 4% when the aerosol was combined with SO/sub 2/. The FEV1 decrease was 2% after both air and SO/sub 2/ exposures. Total respiratory resistance (RT) increased 15% after the combined H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ exposures, 12% after H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ alone, and 7% after exposure to air. After exposures to HNO3 alone, FEV1 decreased by 4%, and RT increased by 23%. These results are preliminary; final conclusions must wait for completion of the study.« less

Study on acute toxicity of compound coggygria oral liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Feng; Wen, Zhonghua; Sun, Jianhua; Hao, Shaojun; Xie, Guoqi; Li, Xianyu; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To observe the effect of compound oral liquid on acute toxicity of mice cotinus coggygria. Forty mice were randomly divided into two groups: compound Cotinus coggygria oral solution group and blank control group, 20 rats in each group, half male and half female. The mice fasted for 12 hours. Coggygria oral liquid concentrated solution. In the blank control group, normal saline was administered at the maximum volume of 0.4ml/10 g. The mice were given normal diet for 4 consecutive times in 1st, each time at intervals of 6 hours. On the day of administration, the mice in each group were observed continuously after administration and after administration. Observe continuously for 3 hours, observe every hour thereafter. Fast on the 13th day 12 hours, weigh the mice on the 14th day, then kill the mice, dissect the mice. During the observation period of 14 days after administration, there was no death in mice. The activity of mice decreased slightly after initial administration, decreased after the second and third administration, and generally returned to normal after 2h of administration. No abnormalities of heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, brain and so on were observed. Conclusion: the oral toxicity of compound Cotinus coggygria is very small. In 1st, the mice did not die, and the cumulative maximum tolerance dose was 320ml/kg per day, which was 320 times of the clinical dosage.

[Quality of life in patients with subacute low back pain treated with physiotherapy rehabilitation].

PubMed

Konstantinović, Ljubica; Devecerski, Gordana; Petronić, Ivana; Jović, Stevan; Cutović, Milisav; Cirović, Dragana

2006-01-01

Low back pain is one of the most frequent health problems. The aim of the study was to investigate clinical effects of complex rehabilitation programs on quality of life of patients with subacute lumbar pain, and also to investigate the relationship between quality of life and the intensity of pain and local functional status of the lumbar spine. The prospective study included 60 patients suffering from subacute low back pain with radiculopathy caused by lumbar disc syndrome, without any previous treatment, and who did not need surgery. In a single blind trial patients were divided into two groups. The first group (A group, n=30) was treated by low level laser therapy (wavelength 904 nm, frequency 4000 Hz, at dose 2J per point); the whole dose of 12J, then with TENS (frequency 80 Hz, 30 minutes, pulse duration 200 micros), with exercise, and simultaneously with conventional therapy with NSAIDs which inhibit COX-2 (meloxicam, 15 mg per day). Patients were treated 5 times a week, a total of 15 treatments. The second group (B group, n =30), was treated only by meloxicam (15 mg per day). The subjects were evaluated before the first treatment and three days after the last treatment (21st to 24th day). Data were analyzed using Student's t test and with analytic statistical methods. The mean Oswestry scores before and after therapy for group A have reduced from 25+/-2 to 16+/-3, with statistical significance (t= 8.84 p<0.001) and in group B from 24+/-2.5 to 22+/-2.5 (t=2.56 p<0.05). Statistical analysis has shown an increase of mean values for the 12-item health survey (SF-12) from 22.33+/-4.66 to 36.33+/-3.66 (t=9.12 p<0.001), in group A and from 23.66+/-3.66 to 30.33+/-4.66 (t=3.15 p <0.001) in group B. Mean values of intensity of pain in group A have been reduced from 82+/-6.50 to 46+/-5.50, (t=7.85, p<0.001) and from 80+/-5.50 to 62+/-6.50 in group B (t=5.65; p<0.001). No significant changes have been recorded in Schober measurement. The intensity of pain was in positive correlation with Oswestry score (Ft=7.84; p<0.001) in group A and also in group B (Ft=5.25: p<0.05), as for the 12-item health survey (SF-12) (Ft=8.34: p<0.001) in group A and in group B (Ft=5.98; p<0.05). Two measurements of quality of life have shown close relationship (Ft=5.45; p<0.05) in group A and group B (Ft=6.45: p<0.05). Results of this study showed that better results were achieved in group treated with complex rehabilitation methods in comparison with patients treated only with anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, the 12-item health survey (SF-12) has shown positive correlation with intensity of pain reduction and with Oswestry disability score and so it is valid for measuring the effectiveness of therapeutic modalities in subacute lumbar pain.

Structures of M2(SO2)6B12F12 (M = Ag or K) and Ag2(H2O)4B12F12: Comparison of the Coordination of SO2 versus H2O and of B12F122- versus Other Weakly Coordinating Anions to Metal Ions in the Solid State.

PubMed

Malischewski, Moritz; Peryshkov, Dmitry V; Bukovsky, Eric V; Seppelt, Konrad; Strauss, Steven H

2016-12-05

The structures of three solvated monovalent cation salts of the superweak anion B 12 F 12 2- (Y 2- ), K 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y, Ag 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y, and Ag 2 (H 2 O) 4 Y, are reported and discussed with respect to previously reported structures of Ag + and K + with other weakly coordinating anions. The structures of K 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y and Ag 2 (SO 2 ) 6 Y are isomorphous and are based on expanded cubic close-packed arrays of Y 2- anions with M(OSO) 6 + complexes centered in the trigonal holes of one expanded close-packed layer of B 12 centroids (⊙). The K + and Ag + ions have virtually identical bicapped trigonal prism MO 6 F 2 coordination spheres, with M-O distances of 2.735(1)-3.032(2) Å for the potassium salt and 2.526(5)-2.790(5) Å for the silver salt. Each M(OSO) 6 + complex is connected to three other cationic complexes through their six μ-SO 2 -κ 1 O,κ 2 O' ligands. The structure of Ag 2 (H 2 O) 4 Y is unique [different from that of K 2 (H 2 O) 4 Y]. Planes of close-packed arrays of anions are offset from neighboring planes along only one of the linear ⊙···⊙···⊙ directions of the close-packed arrays, with [Ag(μ-H 2 O) 2 Ag(μ-H 2 O) 2 )] ∞ infinite chains between the planes of anions. There are two nearly identical AgO 4 F 2 coordination spheres, with Ag-O distances of 2.371(5)-2.524(5) Å and Ag-F distances of 2.734(4)-2.751(4) Å. This is only the second structurally characterized compound with four H 2 O molecules coordinated to a Ag + ion in the solid state. Comparisons with crystalline H 2 O and SO 2 solvates of other Ag + and K + salts of weakly coordinating anions show that (i) N[(SO 2 ) 2 (1,2-C 6 H 4 )] - , BF 4 - , SbF 6 - , and Al(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 4 - coordinate much more strongly to Ag + than does Y 2- , (ii) SnF 6 2- coordinates somewhat more strongly to K + than does Y 2- , and (iii) B 12 Cl 12 2- coordinates to K + about the same as, if not slightly weaker than, Y 2- .

Effectiveness of occlusive bedding in the treatment of atopic dermatitis--a placebo-controlled trial of 12 months' duration.

PubMed

Holm, L; Bengtsson, A; van Hage-Hamsten, M; Ohman, S; Scheynius, A

2001-02-01

Several studies on avoidance of house-dust-mite (HDM) and cat allergens have been carried out, most of them in asthmatic patients and only a few in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). No study so far has focused on which subgroup of AD patients benefits from avoidance measures. Forty adult patients with AD completed the 12-month avoidance study. They were divided into an active treatment (n = 22) and a placebo (n = 18) group. Active treatment comprised use of polyurethane-coated cotton encasings for bedding, and placebo use of cotton covers. Patients came for regular checkups during the 12-month period, when eczema severity was assessed and blood samples were analyzed for total IgE, HDM- and cat-specific IgE and soluble CD30 (sCD30) in serum. Dust samples were collected from mattresses before treatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months, and analyzed for content of HDM and cat allergen. Eczema severity decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.001), with a more pronounced decrease in patients with active covers. The HDM exposure decreased significantly in the active treatment group (P < 0.001), and the levels of HDM-specific IgE were reduced (P<0.05). Exposure to cat allergens was unchanged in the active treatment group but decreased, albeit not significantly (P=0.19), in the placebo group. sCD30 levels were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.001). Patients not sensitized to HDM allergens benefited from the bedcovers as much as sensitized patients. Occlusive bedding significantly reduced HDM exposure in bed (P<0.001) and eczema severity, and sCD30 levels decreased significantly (P<0.001). Patients not sensitized to HDM and not exposed to HDM allergens benefited equally from use of the bedcovers, a result which could be due to a reduction of other important allergens, superantigens, or irritants in bed. We therefore recommend the use of bedcovers as part of treatment for AD.

[Bifidobacterium DNA upregulates Th1 type response of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell].

PubMed

Zhao, Hui; Wang, Xiao-chuan; Wang, Jing-yi; Yu, Ye-heng; Wang, Chuan-qing; Yang, Yi

2006-06-01

To study the effect of bifidobacterium genomic DNA on umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell (CBMC), and investigate the immunoregulation of bifidobacterium DNA and explore possible mechanisms by which bifidobacterium acts against allergic reaction. Bifidobacterium genomic DNA (bDNA) and human DNA (hDNA) were extracted with phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol and stored at -20 degrees C for later use. Parts of bDNA were completely digested with DNaseI (d-bDNA) at 37 degrees C. CBMCs were isolated with Ficoll from umbilical cord blood and incubated at 37 degrees C in a 5% CO2 humidified incubator. These cells were divided into four groups, control group: without any stimulant; bDNA group: stimulated with 25 microg/ml bDNA; d-bDNA group: stimulated with 25 microg/ml d-bDNA; hDNA group: stimulated with 25 microg/ml hDNA. The cells were stimulated with different stimulants in vitro, at the end of incubation culture supernatant and cells were collected. IL-12 and IL-10 levels in the culture supernatant were measured by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA); cells secreting IL-4 and IFN-gamma were counted by enzyme linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay; and total RNA was isolated from the cells to assay T-bet and GATA3 mRNA expression levels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Six hours after stimulation there was no significant difference in IL-12 level in supernatant among the four groups; 12 hours after stimulation, IL-12 level in supernatant of bDNA treated group was significantly higher than that of each of the other groups, so were the results obtained at 24 hours and 48 hours after stimulation (P < 0.05). No significant difference could be detected in IL-12 level in supernatant among the other 3 groups. On the other hand, 6 hours after stimulation there was no significant difference in IL-10 level in supernatant among the four groups. But 12 and 24 hours after stimulation IL-10 level in supernatant of bDNA treated group was lower than that of each of the other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. The count of IFN-gamma secreting cells of bDNA treated group was higher than that of the other groups, while IL-4 secteting cells of bDNA treated group were lower than that of the other groups. After bDNA stimulation, nuclear factor T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) mRNA expression was conspicuously enhanced as compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05). GATA3 mRNA transcription in CBMC had no significant change after bDNA stimulation. bDNA could promote secretion of Th1 type cytokine IL-12, while Th2 type cytokine IL-10 level of cell supernatant was decreased. bDNA could stimulate secretion of IFN-gamma by CBMC and inhibit secretion of IL-4. T-bet mRNA expression was highly enhanced after bDNA stimulation. bDNA could upregulate Th1 type response, which may be one of important mechanisms by which bifidobacterium inhibit allergic response.

Exercise and Education Program After Breast Cancer: Benefits on Quality of Life and Symptoms at 3, 6, 12, and 24 Months' Follow-up.

PubMed

Leclerc, Anne-France; Slomian, Justine; Jerusalem, Guy; Coucke, Philippe; Bury, Thierry; Deflandre, Dorian; Devos, Martine; Bruyère, Olivier; Foidart-Dessalle, Marguerite; Kaux, Jean-François; Crielaard, Jean-Michel; Maquet, Didier

2018-05-19

Various clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of physical training offered during and/or after breast cancer treatments. However, given the variety of adverse events that may be encountered, physical training could be combined with psychologic, relational, and social guidance. This kind of multidisciplinary program, as well as its long-term effects, have been little studied so far. Therefore, the objective of our study was to determine the benefits at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of a 3-month exercise and education program among women after breast cancer treatment. Two hundred nine outpatients treated for primary breast carcinoma were divided into a control group (n = 106) and an experimental group (n = 103) which underwent a 3-month rehabilitation program including physical training and psychoeducational sessions. The assessments, performed before the program and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after inclusion, included validated questionnaires on quality of life and symptoms. The analyses revealed an improvement in quality of life and symptoms after the exercise and education program within the experimental group and a maintenance of these improvements during the 2 years of follow-up. These improvements were significantly better than those in the control group, clearly demonstrating that the program has benefits. This trial identified the benefits of a well-detailed 3-month exercise and education program over 24 months' follow-up among women after breast cancer treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The elderly and direct antiviral agents: Constraint or challenge?

PubMed

Fabrizio, Claudia; Saracino, Annalisa; Scudeller, Luigia; Milano, Eugenio; Dell'Acqua, Raffaele; Bruno, Giuseppe; Lo Caputo, Sergio; Monno, Laura; Milella, Michele; Angarano, Gioacchino

2017-09-01

Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C showed great effectiveness and good safety profile. So far, few data are available about their use in elderly subjects. To assess management, safety and outcome of DAAs treatments in the elderly. This retrospective, single-centre study enrolled all patients aged ≥65 years, compared by age (group A: 65-74 years, group B: ≥75 years), who completed DAAs between February 2015-November 2016. Variables potentially associated to adverse events (AEs) were analyzed. Sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated at 12-weeks follow-up. DAAs were administered to 221 patients aged ≥65 years (males: 112; group A: 130, group B: 91). Prescribed regimens were: sofosbuvir-based: 44 patients (19.9%), simeprevir-based: 25 (15%), ledipasvir-based: 49 (22.2%), daclatasvir-based: 12 (5.4%), paritaprevir/ritonavir+ombitasvir±dasabuvir: 91 (41.2%). Ribavirin was used in 121 patients. In 58 subjects co-medications were adjusted due to drug interactions. At least one AE occurred in 130 patients, including 13 SAEs, mainly in older subjects (p=0.04). Female sex (p=0.04), liver stiffness (p=0.023), use of simeprevir (p=0.03) and ribavirin (p=0.009) were associated with AEs. SVR-12 was achieved in 96,9% of subjects. A careful baseline evaluation and a strict monitoring allow to optimise management and outcome of DAAs in elderly. Copyright © 2017 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Pain and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based (MRI-Based) Structural Spine Changes in Low Back Pain Patients After Yoga Practice

PubMed Central

Telles, Shirley; Bhardwaj, Abhishek K.; Gupta, Ram K.; Sharma, Sachin K.; Monro, Robin; Balkrishna, Acharya

2016-01-01

Background The present study aimed at determining whether 12 weeks of yoga practice in patients with chronic LBP and MRI-based degenerative changes would result in differences in: (i) self-reported pain, anxiety, and spinal flexibility; and (ii) the structure of the discs or vertebrae. Material/Methods Sixty-two persons with MRI-proven degenerative intervertebral discs (group mean ±S.D., 36.2±6.4 years; 30 females) were randomly assigned to yoga and control groups. However, testing was conducted on only 40 subjects, so only their data are included in this study. The assessments were: self-reported pain, state anxiety, spinal flexibility, and MRI of the lumbosacral spine, performed using a 1.5 Tesla system with a spinal surface column. The yoga group was taught light exercises, physical postures, breathing techniques, and yoga relaxation techniques for 1 hour daily for 3 months. No intervention was given to the control group except for routine medical care. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc analyses (which was Bonferroni-adjusted) was used. The Ethics Committee of Patanjali Research Foundation had approved the study which had been registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2012/11/003094). Results The yoga group showed a significant reduction in self-reported pain and state anxiety in a before/after comparison at 12 weeks. A few patients in both groups showed changes in the discs and vertebrae at post-intervention assessment. Conclusions Within 12 weeks, yoga practice reduced pain and state anxiety but did not alter MRI-proven changes in the intervertebral discs and in the vertebrae.

Mouse hypospadias: A critical examination and definition.

PubMed

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Cao, Mei; Shen, Joel; Cooke, Paul; Risbridger, Gail; Baskin, Laurence; Cunha, Gerald R

2016-12-01

Hypospadias is a common malformation whose etiology is based upon perturbation of normal penile development. The mouse has been previously used as a model of hypospadias, despite an unacceptably wide range of definitions for this malformation. The current paper presents objective criteria and a definition of mouse hypospadias. Accordingly, diethylstilbestrol (DES) induced penile malformations were examined at 60 days postnatal (P60) in mice treated with DES over the age range of 12 days embryonic to 20 days postnatal (E12-P20). DES-induced hypospadias involves malformation of the urethral meatus, which is most severe in DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups, and less so or absent in the other treatment groups. A frenulum-like ventral tether between the penis and the prepuce was seen in the most severely affected DES-treated mice. Internal penile morphology was also altered in the DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups (with little effect in the other DES treatment groups). Thus, adverse effects of DES are a function of the period of DES treatment and most severe in the P0-P10 period. In "estrogen mutant mice" (NERKI, βERKO, αERKO and AROM+) hypospadias was only seen in AROM+ male mice having genetically-engineered elevation is serum estrogen. Significantly, mouse hypospadias was only seen distally at and near the urethral meatus where epithelial fusion events are known to take place and never in the penile midshaft, where urethral formation occurs via an entirely different morphogenetic process. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Electrostatic Accelerometer in HUST for Space Science Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Yanzheng; Hu, Ming; Li, Gui; Liu, Li; Qu, Shaobo; Wu, Shuchao; Zhou, Zebing

2014-05-01

High-precision electrostatic accelerometers are significant payload in CHAMP, GRACE and GOCE gravity missions to measure the non-gravitational forces. In our group, space electrostatic accelerometer and inertial sensor based on the capacitive sensors and electrostatic control technique has been investigated for space science research in China such as testing of equivalence principle (TEPO), searching non-Newtonian force in micrometer range, satellite Earth's field recovery and so on. In our group, a capacitive position sensor with a resolution of 10-7pF/Hz1/2 and the μV/Hz1/2 level electrostatic actuator are developed. The fiber torsion pendulum facility is adopt to measure the parameters of the electrostatic controlled inertial sensor such as the resolution, and the electrostatic stiffness, the cross couple between different DOFs. Meanwhile, high voltage suspension and free fall methods are applied to verify the function of electrostatic accelerometer. Last, the engineering model of electrostatic accelerometer has been developed and tested successfully in space and preliminary results are present.

Rationale and design of the Sodium Lowering In Dialysate (SoLID) trial: a randomised controlled trial of low versus standard dialysate sodium concentration during hemodialysis for regression of left ventricular mass

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The current literature recognises that left ventricular hypertrophy makes a key contribution to the high rate of premature cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. Determining how we might intervene to ameliorate left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis populations has become a research priority. Reducing sodium exposure through lower dialysate sodium may be a promising intervention in this regard. However there is clinical equipoise around this intervention because the benefit has not yet been demonstrated in a robust prospective clinical trial, and several observational studies have suggested sodium lowering interventions may be deleterious in some dialysis patients. Methods/design The Sodium Lowering in Dialysate (SoLID) study is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. It is a multi-centre, prospective, randomised, single-blind (outcomes assessor), controlled parallel assignment 3-year clinical trial. The SoLID study is designed to study what impact low dialysate sodium has upon cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients. The study intends to enrol 118 home hemodialysis patients from 6 sites in New Zealand over 24 months and follow up each participant over 12 months. Key exclusion criteria are: patients who dialyse more frequently than 3.5 times per week, pre-dialysis serum sodium of <135 mM, and maintenance hemodiafiltration. In addition, some medical conditions, treatments or participation in other dialysis trials, which contraindicate the SoLID study intervention or confound its effects, will be exclusion criteria. The intervention and control groups will be dialysed using dialysate sodium 135 mM and 140 mM respectively, for 12 months. The primary outcome measure is left ventricular mass index, as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, after 12 months of intervention. Eleven or more secondary outcomes will be studied in an attempt to better understand the physiologic and clinical mechanisms by which lower dialysate sodium alters the primary end point. Discussion The SoLID study is designed to clarify the effect of low dialysate sodium upon the cardiovascular outcomes of dialysis patients. The study results will provide much needed information about the efficacy of a cost effective, economically sustainable solution to a condition which is curtailing the lives of so many dialysis patients. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12611000975998 PMID:23855560

Effects of hypercholesterolemia of renal hemodynamics: study in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

PubMed

Fuiano, G; Esposito, C; Sepe, V; Colucci, G; Bovino, M; Rosa, M; Balletta, M; Bellinghieri, G; Conte, G; Cianciaruso, B; Dal Canton, A

1996-01-01

Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between hyperlipidemia and rate of progression of renal disease, suggesting that lipids can induce or aggravate glomerular injury mainly by interacting with mesangial cells. Nevertheless, recently has been demonstrated that increased cholesterol levels can also induce endothelial cell dysfunction. Thus, since endothelium is known to play a major role in modulating the vascular tone, we have tested the possibility that hypercholesterolemia impairs the renal hemodynamics in patients with active nephrotic syndrome and elevated serum cholesterol levels. In this single-blind, nonrandom study, 12 patients were treated with pravastatin (group T, treated, n = 12) and 8 with placebo (group C, controls, n = 8). The controls were studied after the pravastatin group had been completed. Before starting the treatment the patients underwent basal determinations including routine laboratory investigations and PAH and inulin clearances. The same determinations were repeated after 48 h, and 6 and 12 weeks from the beginning of the treatment. The study at 48 h was performed to see if pravastatin had a direct, cholesterol-independent effect on renal function. The following basal results were reported (mean +/- SEM; group T vs. group C): serum cholesterol (mmol/l) 9.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 9.1 +/- 0.3 (NS); proteinuria (g/24 h): 6.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 7.0 +/- 0.7 (NS); PAH clearance (ml/min): 353 +/- 21 vs. 385 +/- 31 (NS); inulin clearance (ml/min): 62.5 +/- 7.7 vs. 67 +/- 9.3 (NS). After 48 h, no changes were observed in both groups. Subsequently, in group T, the following percentage changes of basal levels were observed: serum cholesterol -21.4 +/- 3.2% at 6 weeks (p < 0.05) and -34.9 +/- 3.2% at 12 weeks (p < 0.01); inulin clearance +3 +/- 3.7% at 6 weeks (NS) and +9.3 +/- 2.9% at 12 weeks (p < 0.05); PAH clearance +7 +/- 3.1% at 6 weeks (p < 0.05) and +21.2 +/- 5.5% at 12 weeks (p < 0.01). By contrast, no significant changes of these parameters occurred in group C at any time, so that the percent changes of baseline values of CPAH were significantly greater in group T (at 6 weeks: p < 0.05; at 12 weeks p < 0.005). These results indicate that the reduction of cholesterol is associated with a significant increase in renal plasma flow, thus, suggesting that hypercholesterolemia may actually impair the renal hemodynamics. We speculate that this effect may contribute to increase the risk of ischemic acute renal failure in nephrotic patients and, along with changes induced in the mesangium by other mechanisms, to contribute to the progression of renal disease.

SU-E-T-326: The Oxygen Saturation (SO2) and Breath-Holding Time Variation Applied Active Breathing Control (ABC)

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

Gong, G; Yin, Y

Purpose: To study the oxygen saturation (SO2) and breath-holding time variation applied active breathing control (ABC) in radiotherapy of tumor. Methods: 24 volunteers were involved in our trials, and they all did breath-holding motion assisted by ELEKTA Active Breathing Coordinator 2.0 for 10 times respectively. And the patient monitor was used to observe the oxygen saturation (SO2) variation. The variation of SO2, and length of breath-holding time and the time for recovering to the initial value of SO2 were recorded and analyzed. Results: (1) The volunteers were divided into two groups according to the SO2 variation in breath-holding: A group,more » 14 cases whose SO2 reduction were more than 2% (initial value was 97% to 99%, while termination value was 91% to 96%); B group, 10 cases were less than 2% in breath-holding without inhaling oxygen. (2) The interfraction breath holding time varied from 8 to 20s for A group compared to the first breath-holding time, and for B group varied from 4 to 14s. (3) The breathing holding time of B group prolonged mean 8s, compared to A group. (4) The time for restoring to the initial value of SO2 was from 10s to 30s. And the breath-holding time shortened obviously for patients whose SO2 did not recover to normal. Conclusion: It is very obvious that the SO2 reduction in breath-holding associated with ABC for partial people. It is necessary to check the SO2 variation in breath training, and enough time should be given to recover SO2.« less

[Experimental study on establishment of a simple model of rats crush injury-crush syndrome].

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Liu, Yuehong; Xu, Wei; Qin, Tingwu; Zhao, Luping; Liu, Shuping; Zhang, Yi; Tan, Hong; Zhou, Yu

2013-01-01

To establish a repeatable, simple, and effective model of rat crush injury and crush syndrome. A total of 42 female Sprague Dawley rats (2-month-old, (CS) so as to lay a foundation for further study on CS. weighing 160-180 g) were divided randomly into the control group (n=6) and experimental group (n=36). The rats of the experimental group were used to establish the crush injury and CS model in both lower limbs by self-made crush injury mould. The survival rate and hematuria rate were observed after decompression. The biochemical indexes of blood were measured at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after decompression. The samples of muscle, kidney, and heart were harvested for morphological observation. There was no treatment in the control group, and the same tests were performed. Seven rats died and 15 rats had hematuria during compression in the experimental group. Swelling of the lower limb and muscle tissue was observed in the survival rats after reperfusion. The liver function test results showed that the levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The renal function test results showed that blood urea nitrogen level increased significantly after 2 hours of decompression in the experimental group, showing significant difference when compared with that in the control group at 12, 24, and 48 hours after decompression (P < 0.05); the creatinine level of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours, showing significant difference at 8, 12, and 24 hours (P < 0.05). The serum K+ concentration of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at all time, showing significant difference at the other time (P < 0.05) except at 2 hours. The creatine kinase level showed an increasing tendency in the experimental group, showing significant difference when compared with the level of the control group at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours (P < 0.05). The histological examination of the experimental group showed that obvious edema and necrosis of the muscle were observed at different time points; glomeruli congestion and swelling, renal tubular epithelial cell degeneration, edema, necrosis, and myoglobin tube type were found in the kidneys; and myocardial structure had no obvious changes. The method of the crush injury and CS model by self-made crush injury mould is a simple and effective procedure and the experimental result is stable. It is a simple method to establish an effective model of rats crush injury and CS.

Impact of Modafinil Add-on with Atypical Anti-psychotics on Excessive Daytime Drowsiness

PubMed Central

Prasuna, P Lakshmi; Sudhakar, TP

2015-01-01

Background: Atypical antipsychotic drugs are known to cause many side effects which include daytime drowsiness. So many add on drugs are tried to reduce the same. Materials and Methods: 72 patients who were on atypical antipsychotic drugs were randomly assigned to either Modafinil or placebo and were followed for a period of 12 weeks. Daytime drowsiness, was taken at baseline, week 3, and at week 12 by using VAS, EDD scales. Results: The results were analyzed and showed that the Modafinil add on therapy significantly reduced the daytime Drowsiness. Conclusions: Modafinil could be a potential candidate in selected group of patients to decrease some of the unwanted adverse events like daytime drowsiness produced by atypical antipsychotics. PMID:26702168

40 CFR 97.621 - Recordation of TR SO2 Group 1 allowance allocations and auction results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... allocated to the TR SO2 Group 1 units at the source in accordance with § 97.611(a) for the control period in... allocated to the TR SO2 Group 1 units at the source in accordance with § 97.611(a) for the control period in... SO2 Group 1 units at the source in accordance with § 97.611(a) for the control period in 2013. (c) By...

40 CFR 97.721 - Recordation of TR SO2 Group 2 allowance allocations and auction results.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... allocated to the TR SO2 Group 2 units at the source in accordance with § 97.711(a) for the control period in... allocated to the TR SO2 Group 2 units at the source in accordance with § 97.711(a) for the control period in... SO2 Group 2 units at the source in accordance with § 97.711(a) for the control period in 2013. (c) By...

Conservative treatment for incontinence in women in rest home care in Christchurch: Outcomes and cost.

PubMed

Arnold, Edwin Paterson; Milne, Dorothy Joan; English, Sharon

2016-06-01

To assess if conservative therapy can reduce urinary leakage and pad usage and improve quality of life in elderly incontinent women living in a rest home setting; and if so at what additional cost. Sixty-eight elderly women with urinary incontinence, and preserved cognitive ability, living in 26 rest homes were identified. Clinical evaluation, included bladder diary, pad weigh tests, pad usage, and quality of life and activities questionnaires (FIM: Functional Impairment Measure; EQ-5D: Euroquol 5 dimension score; ICIQ-SF: International Consultation on Incontinence-Short Form). A specialist Continence Advisor Nurse provided conservative treatment according to the needs of each participant. Outcomes were recorded after 12 weeks of treatment by repeating above evaluations, and the costs involved were measured. Leakage was reduced by a mean of 60 ml per 24 hr, and four fewer pads were required per week. The ICIQ-SF improved significantly. The EQ-5D did not demonstrate significant improvement, so a cost-utility analysis was not possible. The mean cost of the Advisor's time and mileage in providing the 12 week course was $247.75 per participant. Conservative therapies tailored to each individual, can improve the severity of leakage in the short term, even in this elderly group of women with preserved cognitive function, at modest additional cost. Measuring quality of life and the impact of incontinence, has challenges in this age group. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:636-641, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Student Research Projects in Geophysics Through a Consortium of Undergraduate Geology Departments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroeger, G. C.

2003-12-01

Beginning in 1987, and continuing to the present, the Keck Geology Consortium, a group of 12 undergraduate institutions, has sponsored a series of summer research projects. These projects typically involve from 9 to 12 students and 3 to 4 faculty members and consist of a 4 to 5 week summer research program followed by continuation of the research at the students' home institutions, often as a senior thesis. Many of these projects have included extensive field and laboratory geophysical components. In order for students to carry out successful research projects in geophysics, several hurdles have to be cleared. Frequently these students have not had a formal course in geophysics, so although they may have strong geologic and quantitative skills, there is usually the need for a concentrated classroom immersion in the geophysical theory and methods related to the project. Field geophysics projects are labor intensive, so it is common for a group of three or more students to produce only one or two complete data sets in the course of the summer program. Generating individualized projects so that students feel ownership of their thesis research can be challenging. Most of the departments do not have a geophysicist on the faculty, so follow-up support for the student research involves continued long-distance collaboration between project directors, students and sponsoring faculty. The impact of the internet on this collaboration cannot be overstated. Finally, diverse computing environments at the participating institutions were a significant problem in the early years. Migration of geophysical software to Windows from Unix, and the widespread availability of Linux has mitigated these problems in recent years. The geophysical components of these projects have been largely successful. A series of vignettes is presented showing the range and nature of geophysical projects that have been carried out. In addition to anecdotal evidence of student satisfaction, there is quantitative evidence of success. A substantial number of students have gone on to graduate work in geophysics. Of those students who did not pursue geophysics, a substantial fraction has pursued graduate work or careers in other areas of quantitative geosciences.

Effect of different mixing methods on the bacterial microleakage of calcium-enriched mixture cement.

PubMed

Shahi, Shahriar; Jeddi Khajeh, Soniya; Rahimi, Saeed; Yavari, Hamid R; Jafari, Farnaz; Samiei, Mohammad; Ghasemi, Negin; Milani, Amin S

2016-10-01

Calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement is used in the field of endodontics. It is similar to mineral trioxide aggregate in its main ingredients. The present study investigated the effect of different mixing methods on the bacterial microleakage of CEM cement. A total of 55 human single-rooted human permanent teeth were decoronated so that 14-mm-long samples were obtained and obturated with AH26 sealer and gutta-percha using lateral condensation technique. Three millimeters of the root end were cut off and randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 each (3 mixing methods of amalgamator, ultrasonic and conventional) and 2 negative and positive control groups (each containing 5 samples). BHI (brain-heart infusion agar) suspension containing Enterococcus faecalis was used for bacterial leakage assessment. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with censored data and log rank test. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. The survival means for conventional, amalgamator and ultrasonic methods were 62.13±12.44, 68.87±12.79 and 77.53±12.52 days, respectively. The log rank test showed no significant differences between the groups. Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that different mixing methods had no significant effect on the bacterial microleakage of CEM cement.

Enteral Docosahexaenoic Acid Reduces Analgesic Administration in Neonates Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery.

PubMed

Bernabe-Garcia, Mariela; López-Alarcon, Mardia; Salgado-Sosa, Alfredo; Villegas-Silva, Raul; Maldonado-Hernandez, Jorge; Rodríguez-Cruz, Maricela; Rivas-Ruiz, Rodolfo; Chavez-Sanchez, Luis; Blanco-Favela, Francisco A; Mancilla-Ramirez, Javier; Gordillo-Alvarez, Virginia; Madrigal-Muñiz, Olivia

2016-01-01

Neonates undergoing surgery require analgesic medication to ameliorate acute pain. These medications produce negative side effects. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has an antinociceptive effect in animals, but this has not been evaluated in human neonates. We evaluated the DHA effect on cumulative dose and duration of analgesics administered to neonates undergoing cardiovascular surgery. A secondary analysis was performed with data from a clinical trial, in which enteral DHA was administered perioperatively compared with sunflower oil (SO). Present study assessed the antinociceptive effect of DHA by measuring the cumulative dose and duration of analgesics administered during postoperative stay in a neonatal intensive care unit. Multivariate linear regression models were performed. Seventeen neonates received DHA and 18 received SO in the control group. Compared with the control group, the DHA group received lower cumulative dose (14.6 ± 2.2 vs. 25.2 ± 4.8 μg/kg, p = 0.029) and shorter duration of buprenorphine (2 days (1-8) vs. 4.5 days (1-12); p = 0.053). After adjusting for confounders, the DHA group received significantly lesser buprenorphine (β = -27 μg/kg, p = 0.028; R2 model = 0.90) for shorter duration (β = -9 days, p = 0.003; R2 model = 0.94). No differences in fentanyl or ketorolac were detected. Buprenorphine administration was reduced in neonates who received DHA, suggesting that DHA likely has analgesic effects. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Efficacy of regional saturation of oxygen monitor using near-infrared spectroscopy for lower limb ischemia during minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Toya, Teppei; Fujita, Tomoyuki; Fukushima, Satuki; Shimahara, Yusuke; Kume, Yuta; Yamashita, Kizuku; Matsumoto, Yorihiko; Kawamoto, Naonori; Kobayashi, Junjiro

2018-06-25

Lower limb ischemia with an occlusive cannula is a potential complication of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). We evaluated intraoperative local oxygen supply-demand balance by monitoring regional saturation of oxygen (rSO 2 ) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and analyzed the correlation between cannula size and fluctuation range of rSO 2 . Fifty-four patients undergoing MICS surgery using femoral artery cannulation from April 2015 to August 2016 were enrolled. The rSO 2 of both the cannulated and uncannulated lower limbs were measured using NIRS. The association between the decline of rSO 2 from baseline (delta-rSO 2 ) and the ratio of the cannula diameter to the femoral artery diameter (Cd/FAd) was analyzed. Of the 54 patients, 16 (30%) (Group 1) showed values over 0.65 for Cd/FAd, and the remaining 38 (70%) (Group 2) showed values under 0.65. No patient developed postoperative lower limb ischemia. No patient was treated with an ipsilateral distal perfusion cannula. There were significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 in the decrease of rSO 2 at the point of cannulation on the cannulated limb. In the lower limb on the cannulated side, delta-rSO 2 showed a significant decrease in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (Group 1 vs Group 2: 19.9 vs 11.0%; p < 0.001). Delta-rSO 2 was significantly correlated with body surface aera (BSA), but not with gender or age. Decreasing rSO 2 correlates with the Cd/FAd index. Low BSA, Cd/Fad > 0.65 is considered as the risk factor for decline of rSO 2 in cannulated limb in MICS.

[The effects of carbogen inhalation on microvascular within lateral wall of cochlear following acute acoustic trauma].

PubMed

Zhao, Jing; Sun, Jianjun; Kong, Weijia

2008-11-01

To explore the influence of carbogen on lateral wall microvascular of cochlear after acute acoustic trauma. Forty guinea pigs were divided into 4 groups: group A (noise damage), group B (carbogen inhalation), group C (noise damage + carbogen inhalation), and the control group without any treatment. The diameter of the column of RBCs (RBC column diameter, RBCCD), blood flow velocity (BFV) and blood flow states(BFS) in microvasculature were measured and described under microscope. The microvascular in group A demonstrated a blood flow in contrary direction, granuliform flow, and granular slow flow. The erythrocytes aggregated in the microvascular of the cochlea. The RBCCD decreased 12.1% compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The blood flow in group B showed a laminar flow or laminar granular flow, and the RBCCD increased 20.7% compared with the control group. The blood condition in group C was the same as the control group-laminar granular blood flow; the blood flow with contrary direction was less than group A, and the RBCCD was 17.4% lager than that of group A. Carbogen can dilate the RBCCD and increase the BFV in stria vascular. So carbogen can alleviate the harm from noise.

Infrasound and SO2 Observations of the 2011 Explosive Eruption of Nabro Volcano, Eritrea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fee, D.; Carn, S. A.; Prata, F.

2011-12-01

Nabro volcano, Eritrea erupted explosively on 12 June 2011 and produced near continuous emissions and infrasound until mid-July. The eruption disrupted air traffic and severely affected communities in the region. Although the eruption was relatively ash-poor, it produced significant SO2 emissions, including: 1) the highest SO2 column ever retrieved from space (3700 DU), 2) >1.3 Tg SO2 mass on 13 June, and 3) >2 Tg of SO2 for the entire eruption, one of the largest eruptive SO2 masses produced since the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Peak emissions reached well into the stratosphere (~19 km). Although the 12 June eruption was preceded by significant seismicity and clearly detected by satellite sensors, Nabro volcano is an understudied volcano that lies in a remote region with little ground-based monitoring. The Nabro eruption also produced significant infrasound signals that were recorded by two infrasound arrays: I19DJ (Djibouti, 264 km) and I32KE (Kenya, 1708 km). The I19DJ infrasound array detected the eruption with high signal-noise and provides the most detailed eruption chronology available, including eruption onset, duration, changes in intensity, etc. As seen in numerous other studies, sustained low frequency infrasound from Nabro is coincident with high-altitude emissions. Unexpectedly, the eruption also produced hundreds of short-duration, impulsive explosion signals, in addition to the sustained infrasonic jetting signals more typical of subplinian-plinian eruptions. These explosions are variable in amplitude, duration, and often cluster in groups. Here we present: 1) additional analyses, classification, and source estimation of the explosions, 2) infrasound propagation modeling to determine acoustic travel times and propagation paths, 3) detection and characterization of the SO2 emissions using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Spin Enhanced Visible and Infra-Red Instrument (SEVIRI), and 4) a comparison between the relative infrasound energy and SO2 measurements to investigate the relationship between degassing and infrasound, and to speculate on possible eruption source mechanisms. This example, in addition to other recent work, demonstrates the utility of using regional and global infrasound arrays to characterize explosive volcanic eruptions, particularly in remote and poorly monitored regions. Further, comparison of SO2 emissions and infrasound lends insight into degassing processes and shows the potential to use infrasound as a real-time, remote means to detect hazardous emissions.

Figure12

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

NCL script: cmaq_ensemble_isam_4panels_subdomain.nclNetcdf input file for NCL script, containing ensemble means and standard deviation of ISAM SO4 and O3 contributions from IPM: test.ncPlot (ps): maps_isam_mean_std_lasthour_ipm_so4_o3_east.psPlot (pdf): maps_isam_mean_std_lasthour_ipm_so4_o3_east.pdfPlot (ncgm): maps_isam_mean_std_lasthour_ipm_so4_o3_east.ncgmThis dataset is associated with the following publication:Gilliam , R., C. Hogrefe , J. Godowitch, S. Napelenok , R. Mathur , and S.T. Rao. Impact of inherent meteorology uncertainty on air quality model predictions. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES. American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC, USA, 120(23): 12,259–12,280, (2015).

Effectiveness of job rotation for preventing work-related musculoskeletal diseases: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Comper, Maria Luiza Caires; Dennerlein, Jack Tigh; Evangelista, Gabriela Dos Santos; Rodrigues da Silva, Patricia; Padula, Rosimeire Simprini

2017-08-01

Job rotation is an organisational strategy widely used on assembly lines in manufacturing industries to mitigate workers' exposure so as to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of job rotation for reducing working hours lost due to sick leave resulting from musculoskeletal diseases. The design consisted of a 1-year cluster randomised controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Production sectors of the textile industry were randomised to intervention and control groups. Both groups received ergonomic training. The intervention group performed a job rotation programme. The primary outcome measure was number of working hours lost due to sick leave as a result of musculoskeletal disease (ICD-10). The secondary outcome measures were musculoskeletal symptoms (Yes/No), risk factors for musculoskeletal diseases (0-10), psychosocial factors and fatigue (0-100), general health (0-100), and productivity (0-10). All secondary outcomes were measured at baseline and 12-month follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, both groups showed an increase in the number of working hours lost due to sick leave for musculoskeletal disease. There was no significant difference between the job rotation intervention group (mean deviation -5.6 hours, 95% CI -25.0 to 13.8) at the 12-month follow-up and the control group. There were no significant differences between groups for the secondary outcomes (p>0.05). The job rotation programme was not effective in reducing the number of working hours lost due to sick leave, decreasing the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, or improving perception of musculoskeletal pain and workplace risk factors, psychosocial risk factors and productivity. NCT01979731. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in subsyndromal bipolar patients with a history of traumatic events: a randomized, controlled pilot-study.

PubMed

Novo, Patricia; Landin-Romero, Ramon; Radua, Joaquim; Vicens, Victor; Fernandez, Isabel; Garcia, Francisca; Pomarol-Clotet, Edith; McKenna, Peter J; Shapiro, Francine; Amann, Benedikt L

2014-09-30

Traumatic events are frequent in bipolar patients and can worsen the course of the disease. Psychotherapeutic interventions for these events have not been studied so far. Twenty DSM-IV bipolar I and II patients with subsyndromal mood symptoms and a history of traumatic events were randomly assigned to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (n=10) or treatment as usual (n=10). The treatment group received between 14 and 18 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing sessions during 12 weeks. Evaluations of affective symptoms, symptoms of trauma and trauma impact were carried out by a blind rater at baseline, 2 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and at 24 weeks follow-up. Patients in the treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement in depressive and hypomanic symptoms, symptoms of trauma and trauma impact compared to the treatment as usual group after intervention. This effect was only partly maintained in trauma impact at the 24 weeks follow-up visit. One patient dropped from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing group whereas four from the treatment as usual group. This pilot study suggests that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy may be an effective and safe intervention to treat subsyndromal mood and trauma symptoms in traumatized bipolar patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effects of parecoxib sodium preemptive analgesia on perioperative cytokine responses and stress responses in patients undergoing ophthalmology surgery].

PubMed

Xu, Li-li; Shen, Jian-jun; Zhou, Hai-yan

2010-07-20

To investigate the effects of parecoxib sodium preemptive analgesia on perioperative cytokine responses and stress responses and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing ophthalmology surgery. One hundred ASAI-II patients undergoing ophthalmology surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups of fifty: the parecoxib group received parecoxib 40 mg by muscle injection, the control group received an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline two ml. Venous blood samples were obtained at 10 minutes before parecoxib or 0.9% normal saline was injected (T1), 30 minutes (T2) and 60 minutes (T3) after surgery was initiated, the moment when surgery was finished (T4), 6 hours (T5), 12 hours (T6) and 24 hours (T7) after surgery was finished for determination of the plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1RA, TNF and IL-1β. At the same time, the plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone at T1-T6 were measured. VAS scores with patients were recorded at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 h after surgery. The change of the plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1RA, TNF, IL-1β in the two groups:in the parecoxib group the plasma levels of TNF and IL-1β did not decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P > 0.05). The plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 at T4-T6 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The plasma levels of IL-1RA at T3-T6 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The change of the plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone in the two groups:in the parecoxib group the plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine at T2, T3 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the parecoxib group the plasma levels of cortisol at T2-T4 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the parecoxib group the plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone at T2-T5 decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Postoperation VAS scores:VAS scores of the parecoxib group were less than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Preoperatively-administered parecoxib during ophthalmology surgery can produce better analgesia effect, reduce the production of cytokines, decrease central nervous system sensitization so as to improve the quality of postoperative pain relief. At the same time, it can reduce perioperative stress hormone release so as to have a positive effect on post operative recovery.

Evaluation of removable and irremovable cast walkers in the healing of diabetic foot wounds: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Armstrong, David G; Lavery, Lawrence A; Wu, Stephanie; Boulton, Andrew J M

2005-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a removable cast walker (RCW) and an "instant" total contact cast (iTCC) in healing neuropathic diabetic foot ulcerations. We randomly assigned 50 patients with University of Texas grade 1A diabetic foot ulcerations into one of two off-loading treatment groups: an RCW or the same RCW wrapped with a cohesive bandage (iTCC) so patients could not easily remove the device. Subjects were evaluated weekly for 12 weeks or until wound healing. An intent-to-treat analysis showed that a higher proportion of patients had ulcers that were healed at 12 weeks in the iTCC group than in the RCW group (82.6 vs. 51.9%, P = 0.02, odds ratio 1.8 [95% CI 1.1-2.9]). Of the patients with ulcers that healed, those treated with an iTCC healed significantly sooner (41.6 +/- 18.7 vs. 58.0 +/- 15.2 days, P = 0.02). Modification of a standard RCW to increase patient adherence to pressure off-loading may increase both the proportion of ulcers that heal and the rate of healing of diabetic neuropathic wounds.

[Effects of ammonium sulfate on the metabolism and K-feldspar weathering of two potassium-bearing mineral-solubilizing bacteria].

PubMed

Huang, Zhi; Ma, Guangyou; He, Linyan; Sheng, Xiafang

2012-02-04

To determine the best conditions for Bacillus globisporus Q12 and Rhizobium sp. Q32 to produce organic acids and extracellular polysaccharides, respectively, and further elucidate the weathering mechanism of the two potassium-bearing mineral-solubilizing bacteria. Different contents (0-1.2 g/L) of (NH4)2SO4 were added to media to analyze the ability of the strains to produce organic acids and extracellular polysaccharides, and assess the ability of Q12, Q32 and their mixture to dissolve potassium feldspar. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was also used to observe the distribution of the bacterial cells on the surfaces of the feldspar and the mineral weathering. Results show that Bacillus globisporus Q12 produced more organic acids, when the contents of (NH4)2SO4 were 0.6 g/L; Rhizobium sp. Q32 produced more extracellular polysaccharides, when there was no (NH4)2SO4 in the media; and the mixture of two strains produced more organic acids and extracellular polysaccharides, when the contents of (NH4)2SO4 were 0.3 g/L. Mineral dissolution experiment showed that Bacillus globisporus Q12, Rhizobium sp. Q32 and the mixture (Q12 + Q32) significantly dissolved the feldspar and released the elements from the mineral, of which the mixture of Q12 and Q32 had the best weathering ability than strain Q12 or Q32; SEM also indicated that the mixture of Q12 and Q32 had more ability to weather feldspar than each tested strain. The contents of (NH4)2SO4 in the media could affect the growth and metabolites of the strains Q12 and Q32 and the mineral bioweathering, the mixture of strains Q12 and Q32 had the more potential of feldspar weathering through the combined action of organic acids and extracellular polysaccharides produced by strains Q12 and Q32.

Sleep Modifications in Acute Transient Global Amnesia

PubMed Central

Della Marca, Giacomo; Mazza, Marianna; Losurdo, Anna; Testani, Elisa; Broccolini, Aldobrando; Frisullo, Giovanni; Marano, Giuseppe; Morosetti, Roberta; Pilato, Fabio; Profice, Paolo; Vollono, Catello; Di Lazzaro, Vincenzo

2013-01-01

Study Objective: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a temporary memory loss characterized by an abrupt onset of antero-grade and retrograde amnesia, totally reversible. Since sleep plays a major role in memory consolidation, and in the storage of memory-related traces into the brain cortex, the aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate changes in sleep macro-structure in TGA; (2) to assess modifications in sleep micro-structure in TGA, with particular reference to the arousal EEG and to cyclic alternating pattern (CAP); (3) to compare sleep parameters in TGA patients with a control group of patients with acute ischemic events (“minor stroke” or transient ischemic attack [TIA]) clinically and neuroradiologically “similar” to the TGA. Methods: TGA group: 17 patients, (8 men and 9 women, 60.2 ± 12.5 years). Stroke or TIA (SoT) group: 17 patients hospitalized in the Stroke Unit for recent onset of minor stroke or TIA with hemispheric localization; healthy controls (HC) group: 17 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex. Patients and controls underwent full-night polysomnography. Results: In the multivariate analysis (conditions TGA, SoT, and HC) a significant effect of the condition was observed for sleep efficiency index, number of awakenings longer 1 min, REM latency, CAP time, and CAP rate. TGA and SoT differed only for CAP time and CAP rate, which were lower in the TGA group. Conclusions: Microstructural modification associated with TGA could be consequent to: (1) hippocampal dysfunction and memory impairment; (2) impairment of arousal-related structures (in particular, cholinergic pathways); (3) emotional distress. Citation: Della Marca G; Mazza M; Losurdo A; Testani E; Broccolini A; Frisullo G; Marano G; Morosetti R; Pilato F; Profice P; Vollono C; Di Lazzaro V. Sleep modifications in acute transient global amnesia. J Clin Sleep Med 2013;9(9):921-927. PMID:23997704

Gaseous signalling molecule SO2 via Hippo-MST pathway to improve myocardial fibrosis of diabetic rats

PubMed Central

Liu, Maojun; Liu, Shengquan; Tan, Wenting; Tang, Fen; Long, Junrong; Li, Zining; Liang, Biao; Chu, Chun; Yang, Jun

2017-01-01

Recent studies have indicated the existence of an endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2)-generating system in the cardiovascular system. The present study aimed to discuss the function and regulatory mechanism of gaseous signal molecule SO2 in inhibiting apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) via the Hippo-MST signaling pathway to improve myocardial fibrosis of diabetic rats. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats per group): Normal control group (control group), diabetic rats group [streptozotocin (STZ) group], SO2 intervention group (STZ+SO2 group) and diabetes mellitus rats treated with L-Aspartic acid β-hydroxamate (HDX) group (HDX group). Diabetic rats models were established by intra-peritoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg) Following model establishment, intra-peritoneal injection of Na2SO3/NaHSO3 solution (0.54 mmol/kg) was administered in the STZ+SO2 group, and HDX solution (25 mg/kg/week) was administered in the HDX group. A total of 4 weeks later, echocardiography was performed to evaluate rats' cardiac function; Masson staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining and transmission electron microscopy examinations were performed to observe myocardial morphological changes. ELISA was employed to determine the SO2 content. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis, ERS and the Hippo-MST signalling pathway. Compared with the control group, the STZ group and HDX group had a disordered arrangement of myocardial cells with apparent myocardial fibrosis, and echocardiography indicated that the cardiac function was lowered, there was an obvious increase of apoptosis in myocardial tissue, the expression levels of apoptosis-associated protein B-cell lymphoma associated protein X, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were upregulated, and Bcl-2 expression was downregulated. The expression of ERS and Hippo-MST pathway-associated proteins, including CHOP, GRP94, MST1 and MST2, were significantly upregulated. By contrast, these above-mentioned changes were reversed by SO2 treatment. Compared with STZ group, the HDX group had a further increase of myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis, while there were no statistically significant differences in the expression of Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-9 and ERS and Hippo-MST pathway-associated proteins. The results of the present study demonstrated that the gaseous signal molecule SO2 can effectively improve the myocardial fibrosis of diabetic rats, and its mechanism may be associated with reduced apoptosis and ERS by downregulated Hippo-MST pathway. PMID:28990064

Gaseous signalling molecule SO2 via Hippo‑MST pathway to improve myocardial fibrosis of diabetic rats.

PubMed

Liu, Maojun; Liu, Shengquan; Tan, Wenting; Tang, Fen; Long, Junrong; Li, Zining; Liang, Biao; Chu, Chun; Yang, Jun

2017-12-01

Recent studies have indicated the existence of an endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2)‑generating system in the cardiovascular system. The present study aimed to discuss the function and regulatory mechanism of gaseous signal molecule SO2 in inhibiting apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) via the Hippo‑MST signaling pathway to improve myocardial fibrosis of diabetic rats. A total of 40 male Sprague‑Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats per group): Normal control group (control group), diabetic rats group [streptozotocin (STZ) group], SO2 intervention group (STZ+SO2 group) and diabetes mellitus rats treated with L‑Aspartic acid β‑hydroxamate (HDX) group (HDX group). Diabetic rats models were established by intra‑peritoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg) Following model establishment, intra‑peritoneal injection of Na2SO3/NaHSO3 solution (0.54 mmol/kg) was administered in the STZ+SO2 group, and HDX solution (25 mg/kg/week) was administered in the HDX group. A total of 4 weeks later, echocardiography was performed to evaluate rats' cardiac function; Masson staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining and transmission electron microscopy examinations were performed to observe myocardial morphological changes. ELISA was employed to determine the SO2 content. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis, ERS and the Hippo‑MST signalling pathway. Compared with the control group, the STZ group and HDX group had a disordered arrangement of myocardial cells with apparent myocardial fibrosis, and echocardiography indicated that the cardiac function was lowered, there was an obvious increase of apoptosis in myocardial tissue, the expression levels of apoptosis‑associated protein B‑cell lymphoma associated protein X, caspase‑3 and caspase‑9 were upregulated, and Bcl‑2 expression was downregulated. The expression of ERS and Hippo‑MST pathway‑associated proteins, including CHOP, GRP94, MST1 and MST2, were significantly upregulated. By contrast, these above‑mentioned changes were reversed by SO2 treatment. Compared with STZ group, the HDX group had a further increase of myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis, while there were no statistically significant differences in the expression of Bax/Bcl‑2, caspase‑3, caspase‑9 and ERS and Hippo‑MST pathway‑associated proteins. The results of the present study demonstrated that the gaseous signal molecule SO2 can effectively improve the myocardial fibrosis of diabetic rats, and its mechanism may be associated with reduced apoptosis and ERS by downregulated Hippo‑MST pathway.

Evaluating the effects of monthly river flow trends on Environmental Flow allocation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torabi Haghighi, Ali; Klove, Bjorn

2010-05-01

The Natural river flow regime can be changed by the construction of hydraulic structures such as dams, hydropower plants, pump stations and so on. Due to the new river flow regime, some parts of water resources must be allocated to environmental flow (EF). There are more than 62 hydrological methods which have been proposed for calculating EF, although these methods don't have enough acceptability to be used in practical cases and The so other methods are preferred such as holistic,….. Most hydrological methods do not take basin physiography, climate, location of hydraulic structures, monthly river flow regime, historical trend of river (annually regime), purpose of hydraulic structures and so on, into consideration. In the present work, data from more than 180 rivers from Asia (71 rivers and 16 countries), Europe (79 Rivers and 23 countries), Americas (23 rivers and 10 countries) and Africa (12 rivers and 6 countries) were used to assess EF. The rivers were divided into 5 main groups of regular permanent rivers, semi regular permanent rivers, irregular permanent rivers, seasonal rivers and dry rivers, for each groups EF calculated by some hydrological methods and compared with the natural flow regime. The results showed that besides the amount of EF, the monthly distribution of flow is very important and should be considered in reservoir operation. In seasonal rivers and dry rivers, hydraulic structure construction can be useful for conserving aquatic ecosystems

Emodin alleviates intestinal mucosal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis via the caspase-1 inhibition.

PubMed

Ning, Jian-Wen; Zhang, Yan; Yu, Mo-Sang; Gu, Meng-Li; Xu, Jia; Usman, Ali; Ji, Feng

2017-08-15

Emodin, a traditional Chinese medicine, has a therapeutic effect on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), whereas the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Studies showed that the intestinal mucosa impairment, and subsequent release of endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, which further leads to the dysfunction of multiple organs, is the potentially lethal mechanism of SAP. Caspase-1, an IL-1β-converting enzyme, plays an important role in this cytokine cascade process. Investigation of the effect of emodin on regulating the caspase-1 expression and the release proinflammatory cytokines will help to reveal mechanism of emodin in treating SAP. Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=20 each group): SAP, sham-operated (SO), emodin-treated (EM) and caspase-1 inhibitor-treated (ICE-I) groups. SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 3.5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Emodin and caspase-1 inhibitor were given 30 minutes before and 12 hours after SAP induction. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and endotoxin, histopathological alteration of pancreas tissues, intestinal mucosa, and the intestinal caspase-1 mRNA and protein expressions were assessed 24 hours after SAP induction. Rats in the SAP group had higher serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.05), pancreatic and gut pathological scores (P<0.05), and caspase-1 mRNA and protein expressions (P<0.05) compared with the SO group. Compared with the SAP group, rats in the EM and ICE-I groups had lower IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.05), lower pancreatic and gut pathological scores (P<0.05), and decreased expression of intestine caspase-1 mRNA (P<0.05). Ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy found that rats in the SAP group had vaguer epithelial junctions, more disappeared intercellular joints, and more damaged intracellular organelles compared with those in the SO group or the EM and ICE-I groups. Emodin alleviated pancreatic and intestinal mucosa injury in experimental SAP. Its mechanism may partly be mediated by the inhibition of caspase-1 and its downstream inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-18. Our animal data may be applicable in clinical practice. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermochemical cycles for the production of hydrogen

DOEpatents

Steinberg, M.; Dang, V.D.

Two-step processes for the preparation of hydrogen are described: CrCl/sub 3/(g) ..-->.. CrCl/sub 2/(g) + 1/2Cl/sub 2/(g) and CrCl/sub 2/(s) + HCl(g) reversible CrCl/sub 3/(s) + 1/2H/sub 2/(g); UCl/sub 4/(g) ..-->.. UCl/sub 3/(g) + 1/2Cl/sub 2/(g) and UCl/sub 3/(s) + HCl(g) ..-->.. UCl/sub 4/(s) + 1/2H/sub 2/(g); and CaSO/sub 4/(s) ..-->.. CaO(s) + SO/sub 2/(g) + 1/2O/sub 2/(g) and CaO(s) + SO/sub 2/(g) + H/sub 2/O(l) ..-->.. CaSO/sub 4/(s) + H/sub 2/(g). The high temperature available from solar collectors, high temperature gas reactors or fusion reactors is utilized in the first step in which the reaction is endothermic. The efficiency is at least 60% and with process heat recovery, the efficiency may be increased up to 74.4%. An apparatus fr carrying out the process in conjunction with a fusion reactor, is described.

The effects of honey (Apis dorsata) supplements on increased bone strength in ovariectomized rat as animal model of osteoporosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudaniayanti, Ira Sari; Primarizky, Hardany; Nangoi, Lianny

2018-04-01

Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration with a consequent increase in bone fragility and fracture risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of honey (Apis dorsata) supplements on increased bone strength in ovariectomized rat as animal models of osteoporosis. Twenty female rats at 3 months of age, weighing 150-200 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into five groups (n=4) : Sham operation group (SH); ovariectomy group no treatment(OVX); ovariectomy with treatment Apis dorsata 1g/Kg BW (AD-1); ovariectomy with treatment Apis dorsata 2g/Kg BW (AD-2); ovariectomy with treatment Apis dorsata 4g/Kg BW (AD-3). The treatment started to be given the next day after ovariectomy operation for 12 weeks. The Rats were sacrified within 12 weeks, and then the right femur were taken bone strength test. Based on the statistical analysis of the bone strength test, the greatest score belongs to the Sham operation group (SH) that have significant difference (p<0.05) with OVX group and AD-1 group, but there was no significant difference with AD-2 and AD-3 (p>0,05). In conclusion, honey (Apis dorsata) supplements has the effect of increasing bone strength in ovariectomized rat as animal models of osteoporosis, so that honey (Apis dorsata) supplements has the potential to be used as an alternative treatment for osteoporosis.

Orphan disease: Cherubism, optic atrophy, and short stature.

PubMed

Jeevanandham, Balaji; Ramachandran, Rajoo; Dhanapal, Vignesh; Subramanian, Ilanchezhian; Sai, Venkata

2018-01-01

A 12-year-old female presented with complaints of progressive visual impairment in both her eyes. On clinical examination, she was short for her age and her ophthalmoscopic examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy. Computed tomography of the patient revealed multiple expansile lytic lesions of mandible suggesting cherubism. The optic atrophy was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging, which additionally revealed bilateral retrocerebellar arachnoid cysts. This association of cherubism with optic atrophy and short stature was grouped as orphan disease by National Institutes of Health and only one case was reported in the literature so far.

Metastable structures and size effects in small group dynamics

PubMed Central

Lauro Grotto, Rosapia; Guazzini, Andrea; Bagnoli, Franco

2014-01-01

In his seminal works on group dynamics Bion defined a specific therapeutic setting allowing psychoanalytic observations on group phenomena. In describing the setting he proposed that the group was where his voice arrived. This physical limit was later made operative by assuming that the natural dimension of a therapeutic group is around 12 people. Bion introduced a theory of the group aspects of the mind in which proto-mental individual states spontaneously evolve into shared psychological states that are characterized by a series of features: (1) they emerge as a consequence of the natural tendency of (both conscious and unconscious) emotions to combine into structured group patterns; (2) they have a certain degree of stability in time; (3) they tend to alternate so that the dissolution of one is rapidly followed by the emergence of another; (4) they can be described in qualitative terms according to the nature of the emotional mix that dominates the state, in structural terms by a kind of typical “leadership” pattern, and in “cognitive” terms by a set of implicit expectations that are helpful in explaining the group behavior (i.e., the group behaves “as if” it was assuming that). Here we adopt a formal approach derived from Socio-physics in order to explore some of the structural and dynamic properties of this small group dynamics. We will described data from an analytic DS model simulating small group interactions of agents endowed with a very simplified emotional and cognitive dynamic in order to assess the following main points: (1) are metastable collective states allowed to emerge in the model and if so, under which conditions in the parameter space? (2) can these states be differentiated in structural terms? (3) to what extent are the emergent dynamic features of the systems dependent of the system size? We will finally discuss possible future applications of the quantitative descriptions of the interaction structure in the small group clinical setting. PMID:25071665

Barriers to seeking care for accidental bowel leakage: a qualitative study

PubMed Central

Rogers, Rebecca G.; Wise, Meg E.

2016-01-01

Introduction and hypothesis Fewer than 50 % of women with urinary incontinence (UI) and 30 % of women with accidental bowel leakage (ABL) seek care. We sought to describe barriers to care seeking for ABL to inform development of an instrument to measure these barriers. Methods We recruited women with ABL with varied prior care-seeking experiences to participate in focus groups and cognitive interviews so we could understand factors that may have prevented or delayed care seeking. Focus groups continued until thematic saturation was reached using conventional content analysis. Final themes were established and characterized by comparing within and across the focus groups and with previously described UI and ABL care-seeking barriers. Cognitive interviews were confirmatory. Results Thirty-nine women (aged 46–85) participated in six focus groups and ten cognitive interviews; 89 % were white, 8 % African American, and 3 % Latina. We identified 12 barriers to seeking care for ABL: (1) Lack of knowledge about the condition; (2) Lack of knowledge about treatment; (3) Fear of testing/treatment; (4) Normative thinking; (5) Avoidance/ denial; (6) Life impact; (7) Embarrassment/shame; (8) Self-blame; (9) Stigma; (10) Isolation; (11) Provider barriers; (12) Access limitations. These 12 barriers encompassed three overarching themes: the internalized self in relation to ABL; perceptions about ABL and its treatments; and interaction with the healthcare system. Conclusions ABL care-seeking barriers are similar to those described for UI, with the notable addition of lack of knowledge that ABL is a medical condition experienced by others. Interventions to promote access to effective treatments for ABL should include information about prevalence and treatability. PMID:27844123

Barriers to seeking care for accidental bowel leakage: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Brown, Heidi Wendell; Rogers, Rebecca G; Wise, Meg E

2017-04-01

Fewer than 50 % of women with urinary incontinence (UI) and 30 % of women with accidental bowel leakage (ABL) seek care. We sought to describe barriers to care seeking for ABL to inform development of an instrument to measure these barriers. We recruited women with ABL with varied prior care-seeking experiences to participate in focus groups and cognitive interviews so we could understand factors that may have prevented or delayed care seeking. Focus groups continued until thematic saturation was reached using conventional content analysis. Final themes were established and characterized by comparing within and across the focus groups and with previously described UI and ABL care-seeking barriers. Cognitive interviews were confirmatory. Thirty-nine women (aged 46-85) participated in six focus groups and ten cognitive interviews; 89 % were white, 8 % African American, and 3 % Latina. We identified 12 barriers to seeking care for ABL: (1) Lack of knowledge about the condition; (2) Lack of knowledge about treatment; (3) Fear of testing/treatment; (4) Normative thinking; (5) Avoidance/denial; (6) Life impact; (7) Embarrassment/shame; (8) Self-blame; (9) Stigma; (10) Isolation; (11) Provider barriers; (12) Access limitations. These 12 barriers encompassed three overarching themes: the internalized self in relation to ABL; perceptions about ABL and its treatments; and interaction with the healthcare system. ABL care-seeking barriers are similar to those described for UI, with the notable addition of lack of knowledge that ABL is a medical condition experienced by others. Interventions to promote access to effective treatments for ABL should include information about prevalence and treatability.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-difluoromethyl-1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one acetic acid regioisomers: dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenases and 5-lipoxygenase.

PubMed

Yu, Gang; Praveen Rao, P N; Chowdhury, Morshed A; Abdellatif, Khaled R A; Dong, Ying; Das, Dipankar; Velázquez, Carlos A; Suresh, Mavanur R; Knaus, Edward E

2010-04-01

A new group of acetic acid (7a-c, R(1) = H), and propionic acid (7d-f, R(1) = Me), regioisomers wherein a N-difluoromethyl-1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one moiety is attached via its C-3, C-4, and C-5 position was synthesized. This group of compounds exhibited a more potent inhibition, and hence selectivity, for the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) relative to the COX-1 isozyme. Attachment of the N-difluoromethyl-1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one ring system to an acetic acid, or propionic acid, moiety confers potent 5-LOX inhibitory activity, that is, absent in traditional arylacetic acid NSAIDs. 2-(1-Difluoromethyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-5-yl)acetic acid (7c) exhibited the best combination of dual COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory activities. Molecular modeling (docking) studies showed that the highly electronegative CHF(2) substituent present in 7c, that showed a modest selectivity for the COX-2 isozyme, is oriented within the secondary pocket (Val523) present in COX-2 similar to the sulfonamide (SO(2)NH(2)) COX-2 pharmacophore present in celecoxib, and that the N-difluoromethyl-1,2-dihydropyrid-2-one pharmacophore is oriented close to the region containing the LOX enzyme catalytic iron (His361, His366, and His545). Accordingly, the N-difluoromethyl-1,2-dihyrdopyrid-2-one moiety possesses properties suitable for the design of dual COX-2/5-LOX inhibitory drugs. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Children's Menu Diversity: Influence on Fluoride Absorption and Excretion.

PubMed

Cavalli, Andreany M; Flório, Flávia M

2018-01-01

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of children's menu diversity on the absorption and excretion of fluoride. The experimental, longitudinal, quantitative study was carried out in a city without fluoridation in water supply. A total of 16 adult volunteers (>63.9 kg) participated in the study who, after a 12-hour fast, ingested two types of children's meals, whose quantity and diversity were determined after weighing the meals best consumed by children at a kindergarten in Campinas, Sao Paulo: Simple child meal (SCM; n = 8) and hearty child meal (HCM; n = 8). The fluoride gel residual after professional application (12,300 ppm, 30.75 mg F, pH = 4.65) was simulated 15 minutes after feeding. Saliva samples (in time intervals of 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 hours after ingestion of the fluorine solution) and urine of the volunteers were analyzed at 24 hours. Fluoride concentrations were determined using a selective ion electrode. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance for repeated measurements (PROC MIXED)/Tukey-Kramer. The concentrations of fluoride in saliva at 0 and 15 minutes and after 6 hours were the same between groups (p > 0.05). From 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingestion, the SCM group showed a higher concentration of fluoride in the saliva, which has a higher absorption (p < 0.05). The fluoride concentration in the urine did not differ between groups at both collection times (p > 0.05), and for both, the fluoride concentration in the urine increased in the final measurement (p < 0.05). The children's menu diversity influenced the absorption of fluoride so that the topical application of fluoride should be performed in infants fed preferably after the fuller diet and following the established guidelines to ensure the safety of the procedure. Knowledge of the influence of the children's menu diversity on fluoride metabolism after professional application is important so that the actions of fluoride therapy may be planned in a safer manner and be based on the reality of the universe of children.

Metabolomic profiles illuminate the efficacy of Chinese herbal Da-Cheng-Qi decoction on acute pancreatitis in rats.

PubMed

Li, Juan; Zhu, Shi-Feng; Zhao, Xian-Lin; Liu, Yi-Xia; Wan, Mei-Hua; Guo, Hui; Liu, Yi-Ling; Gong, Han-Lin; Chen, Guang-Yuan; Tang, Wen-Fu

2015-01-01

Chinese herbal drug Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) has been widely used for decades to treat acute pancreatitis (AP). Previous trials are mostly designed to state the potential mechanisms of the therapeutic effects rather than to detect its whole effect on metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DCQD on metabolism in AP. Twenty-two male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups. AP was induced by retrograde ductal infusion of 3.5% sodium taurocholate solution in DCQD and AP group, while 0.9% saline solution was used in sham operation (SO) group. Blood samples were obtained 12 h after drug administration and a 600 MHz superconducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer was used to detected plasma metabolites. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis after Orthogonal Signal Correction (OSC-PLS-DA) were applied to analyze the Longitudinal Eddy-delay (LED) and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) spectra. Differences in concentrations of metabolites among the three groups were detected by OSC-PLS-DA of 1HNMR spectra (both LED and CPMG). Compared with SO group, DCQD group had higher levels of plasma glycerol, glutamic acid, low density lipoprotein (LDL), saturated fatty acid (FA) and lower levels of alanine and glutamine, while the metabolic changes were reversed in the AP group. Our results demonstrated that DCQD was capable of altering the changed concentrations of metabolites in rats with AP and 1HNMR-based metabolomic approach provided a new methodological cue for systematically investigating the efficacies and mechanisms of DCQD in treating AP. Copyright © 2015 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Guided bone regeneration produced by new mineralized and reticulated collagen membranes in critical-sized rat calvarial defects

PubMed Central

Leitão, Renata FC; Figueiró, Sônia D; Góes, Júlio C; Lima, Vilma; Silveira, Charles O; Brito, Gerly AC

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone regenerative effect of glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking on mineralized polyanionic collagen membranes in critical-sized defects on rat calvarias. Bone calvarial defects were induced in Wistar rats, which were then divided into five groups: a sham group; a control group, which received a commercial membrane; and GA, 25GA, and 75GA groups, which received one of three different polyanionic collagen membranes mineralized by 0, 25, or 75 hydroxyapatite cycles and then cross-linked by GA. Bone formation was evaluated based on digital radiography and computerized tomography. Histological analyses were performed 4 and 12 weeks after the surgical procedure to observe bone formation, membrane resorption, and fibrous tissue surrounding the membranes. Measurement of myeloperoxidase activity, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 1beta production was performed 24 h after surgery. The percentage of new bone formation in the GA, 25GA, and 75GA groups was higher compared with the control and sham groups. In the GA and 25 GA groups, the membranes were still in place and were contained in a thick fibrous capsule after 12 weeks. No significant difference was found among the groups regarding myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin 1beta levels, although the GA, 25GA, and 75GA groups presented decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha compared with the control group. These new GA cross-linked membranes accelerated bone healing of the calvarium defects and did not induce inflammation. In addition, unlike the control membrane, the experimental membranes were not absorbed during the analyzed period, so they may offer advantages in large bone defects where prolonged membrane barrier functions are desirable. PMID:25245073

Treatment of body composition changes in obese and overweight older adults: insight into the phenotype of sarcopenic obesity.

PubMed

Poggiogalle, Eleonora; Migliaccio, Silvia; Lenzi, Andrea; Donini, Lorenzo Maria

2014-12-01

In recent years, mounting interest has been directed to sarcopenic obesity (SO), given the parallel increase of life expectancy and prevalence of obesity in Western countries. The phenotype of SO is characterized by the coexistence of excess fat mass and decreased muscle mass, leading to the impairment of physical performance. The aim of the present review was to summarize the impact of different treatment strategies contrasting body composition changes in older obese and overweight subjects, providing insight into the SO phenotype. Revision questions were formulated; relevant articles were identified from Pubmed through a systematic search strategy: definition of the search terms (sarcopenic obesity, diet, nutritional supplements, physical activity, exercise, pharmacological treatment); limits: papers published in the last 10 years; humans; age ≥ 60 years old; body mass index >25 kg/m(2); language: English. Studies dealing with sarcopenia associated to cancer cachexia or neurological diseases, any malignant disease, inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, corticosteroids for systemic use, bedridden subjects, and syndromic obesity were excluded. 14 articles were identified for inclusion in the present systematic review, and were grouped basing on the type of the main intervention: data assessing body composition changes after combined lifestyle interventions, exercise/physical activity, dietary interventions, and pharmacological treatment. Most of the studies were randomized, controlled. Sample size ranged from 12 to 439 subjects, and study duration varied from 6 weeks to 12 months. Weight loss based on diet combined with exercise seems to be the best strategy to adopt for treatment of phenotypic aspects of SO, improving metabolic consequences related to excess fat, preserving lean mass, and allowing functional recovery.

The effects of different lipid emulsions on the lipid profile, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity of preterm infants: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Feng, Yi; Lu, Li-Na; Wang, Wei-Ping; He, Zhen-Juan; Xie, Li-Juan; Hong, Li; Tang, Qing-Ya; Cai, Wei

2016-10-01

Olive oil (OO), medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)/long-chain triglycerides (LCT) mixture and soybean oil (SO) lipid emulsions are currently used for preterm infants in China. The aim of our study was to compare the lipid profile, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity of preterm infants administered OO, MCT/LCT, or SO lipid emulsions. In this study, 156 preterm infants (birth weight < 2000 g and gestational age < 37 weeks) received parenteral nutrition (PN) containing OO, MCT/LCT, or SO lipid emulsions for a minimum of 14 d. On days 0, 7, and 14, the lipid profile, fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity were analyzed. On day 7, HDL levels in the MCT/LCT group were significantly lower than in the OO (1.06 ± 0.40 mmol/L) or SO groups. LDL levels were higher in the OO group than in the MCT/LCT or SO groups on day 7. A-I/B was higher in MCT/LCT than in OO or SO groups. Myristic acid (C14:0) levels on days 7 and 14 increased in MCT/LCT compared to the OO and SO groups. The OO group had higher oleic acid (C18:1n9) levels than the two other groups. Linoleic acid (C18:2n6), linolenic acid (C18:3n3), and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3) were significantly lower in the OO group than in MCT/LCT or SO groups. Monounsaturated fatty acid levels decreased, and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and essential fatty acids levels increased in MCT/LCT and SO groups. No significant differences were obtained in SOD, MDA, GSH-Px, and T-AOC among the groups. The three lipid emulsions were safe and well tolerated in preterm infants. Oleic acid (C18:1n9) levels increased and LA (C18:2n6), ALA (C18:3n3), and EPA (C20:5n23) levels decreased in OO compared to MCT/LCT or SO. NCT01683162, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Comparison of glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk profile in patients with type 2 diabetes during treatment with either repaglinide or metformin.

PubMed

Derosa, Giuseppe; Mugellini, Amedeo; Ciccarelli, Leonardina; Crescenzi, Giuseppe; Fogari, Roberto

2003-06-01

To compare glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk profile in patients with type 2 diabetes following 12 months' treatment with either repaglinide or metformin. This was an open uncontrolled randomised study in n=112 patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes not previously treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Patients beginning treatment with either repaglinide or metformin entered an 8-week titration period (to optimise dosage: repaglinide, 2-4 mg/day; metformin, 1500-2500 mg/day) followed by a 12-month treatment period. Glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors were determined at baseline and at the end of the treatment period. Mean (S.D.) final drug doses were 3 (+/-1) mg/day in the repaglinide group and 2000 (+/-500) mg/day in the metformin group. Significant improvements in glycaemic control [glycated haemoglobin, fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (PPG)] were demonstrated in both treatment groups. The decrease in PPG was significantly greater in the repaglinide group (P<0.05). During the treatment period, fasting plasma insulin (FPI) decreased significantly in both groups, more so with metformin (P<0.05). Two-hour postprandial plasma insulin (PPI) levels decreased only in the metformin group (P<0.05). Significant improvements between baseline and final visit were demonstrated in one or both groups in the following cardiovascular risk factors: total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, plasminogen activator inhibitor, lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine. No changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, fibrinogen, body mass index (BMI) or blood pressure. The use of repaglinide or metformin in drug therapy-nai;ve patients with type 2 diabetes over a 12-month period is associated with improvements in both glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk profile. The latter cannot necessarily be attributed to the pharmacotherapy per se, but provides reassurance in the context of initiating oral hypoglycaemic drug therapy with these agents.

Crystal growth, structure and morphology of hydrocortisone methanol solvate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jianxin; Wang, Jiangkang; Zhang, Ying; Wu, Hong; Chen, Wei; Guo, Zhichao

2004-04-01

Hydrocortisone (HC), an important grucocorticoid, was crystallized from methanol solvent in the form of its methanol solvate. Its crystal structure belongs to orthorhombic, space group P2 12 12 1, with the unit cell parameters a=7.712(3) Å, b=14.392(5) Å, c=18.408(6) Å, Z=4. The methanol takes part in intermolecular hydrogen bonding, so if we change the solvent, the crystal habit of HC maybe different. The long parallelepiped morphology was also predicted by Cerius 2TM simulation program. The influence of intermolecular interaction was taken into account in the attachment energy model. The morphology calculation performed on the potential energy minimized model using a generic DREIDING 2.21 force field and developed minimization protocol with derived partial charges fits the experimental crystal shape well.

Studies on the magnetic ground state of a spin Mobius strip

DOE PAGES

Newton, Graham N.; Hoshino, Norihisa; Matsumoto, Takuto; ...

2016-08-22

In this paper, we report the synthesis, structure and detailed characterisation of three n-membered oxovanadium rings, Na n[(V=O) nNa n(H 2O) n(α, β, or γ-CD) 2]•m H 2O (n=6, 7, or 8), prepared by the reactions of (V=O)SO 4•x H 2O with α, β, or γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) and NaOH in water. Their alternating heterometallic vanadium/sodium cyclic core structures were sandwiched between two CD moieties such that O-Na-O groups separated the neighbouring vanadyl ions. Antiferromagnetic interactions between the S=1/2 vanadyl ions led to S=0 ground states for the even-membered rings, but to two quasi-degenerate S=1/2 states for the spin-frustrated heptanuclear cluster.

Synthesis, structure and photoluminescence properties of amine-templated open-framework bismuth sulfates

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

Marri, Subba R.; Behera, J.N., E-mail: jnbehera@niser.ac.in

2014-02-15

Two organically-templated bismuth sulfates of the compositions, [C{sub 6}N{sub 2}H{sub 14}] [Bi(SO{sub 4}){sub 2}(NO{sub 3})], (1) and [C{sub 4}N{sub 2}H{sub 12}]{sub 4}[Bi{sub 4}(SO{sub 4}){sub 10}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}], (2), with open architecture have been synthesized and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 has a corrugated layered structure with 8-membered aperture wherein the SO{sub 4} tetrahedra and the BiO{sub 8} polyhedra join together to form (4, 4) net sheets of the metal centers while 2 has a three-dimensional structure possessing 8- and 12-membered channels. Both the compounds show good fluorescence properties exhibiting blue luminescence. Time-resolved fluorescence behavior of 1more » and 2 shows mean fluorescence life time of 0.9 and 1.0 ns, respectively. - Graphical abstract: Two open-framework bismuth sulfates with the layered and three-dimensional structures have been synthesized and characterized. Both the compounds show good fluorescence properties exhibiting blue luminescence. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Two organically-templated bismuth sulfates with open architecture have been synthesized and characterized. • One has a corrugated layered structure while the other one has a three-dimensional structure possessing channels. • They are novel in that open-framework three-dimensional main group metal sulfates are first to be reported. • They show good fluorescence properties exhibiting blue luminescence.« less

Effects of parenteral infusion with fish-oil or safflower-oil emulsion on hepatic lipids, plasma amino acids, and inflammatory mediators in septic rats.

PubMed

Chao, C Y; Yeh, S L; Lin, M T; Chen, W J

2000-04-01

This study was designed to investigate the effects of preinfusion with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) using fish-oil (FO) versus safflower-oil (SO) emulsion as fat sources on hepatic lipids, plasma amino-acid profiles, and inflammatory-related mediators in septic rats. Normal rats, with internal jugular catheters, were assigned to two different groups and received TPN. TPN provided 300 kcal. kg(-1). d(-1), with 40% of the non-protein energy as fat. All TPN solutions were isonitrogenous and identical in nutrient composition except for the fat emulsion, which was made of SO or FO. After receiving TPN for 6 d, each group of rats was further divided into control and sepsis subgroups. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture; control rats received sham operation. All rats were classified into four groups as follows: FO control group (FOC; n = 7), FO sepsis group (FOS; n = 8), SO control group (SOC; n = 8), and SO sepsis group (SOS; n = 9). The results of the study demonstrated that plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acids did not differ between the FO and SO groups, regardless of whether the animals were septic. SOS had significantly higher total lipids and cholesterol content in the liver than did the SOC group. The FOS group, however, showed no difference from the FOC group. Plasma leucine and isoleucine levels were significantly lower in the SOS group than in the SOC group, whereas no difference in these two amino acids was observed between the FOC and FOS groups. Plasma arginine levels were significantly lower in both septic groups than in the groups without sepsis when either FO or SO was infused. Plasma glutamine levels, however, did not differ across groups. No differences in interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or leukotriene B(4) concentrations in peritoneal lavage fluid were observed between the two septic groups. These results suggest that catabolic reaction in septic rats preinfused with FO is not as obvious as those preinfused with SO. Compared with SO emulsion, TPN with FO emulsion prevents liver fat accumulation associated with sepsis. However, parenterally administered FO had no beneficial effect in lowering cytokines and LTB(4) levels in peritoneal lavage fluid in septic rats induced by cecal ligation and puncture.

Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes with 1,2-dithiosquarate as a ligand; from molecular compounds to supramolecular network structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calatayud, M. Luisa; Castro, Isabel; Julve, Miguel; Sletten, Jorunn

2008-03-01

Four new complexes of copper(II) and/or copper(I) with 1,2-dtsq as a ligand have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods, [Cu II(terpy)(1,2-dtsq)] ( 1), [Cu II(dmen)(1,2-dtsq)] n ( 2), {[Cu II(dmen) 2][Cu I(1,2-dtsq)] 2} n·2nH 2O( 3) and {[Cu II(men) 2][Cu I (1,2-dtsq)] 2} n·nH 2O ( 4) (1,2-dtsq = 1,2-dithiosquarate, dianion of 3,4-dimercapto-1-cyclobutene-1,2-dione; dmen = N, N-dimethylethylenediamine; men = N-methylethylenediamine, terpy = 2,2':6,2″-terpyridine). Compound 1 consists of neutral [Cu II(terpy)(1,2-dtsq)] mononuclear units which are held together by O⋯H-C and van der Waals interactions. Compound 2 is built of neutral [Cu II(dmen)(1,2-dtsq)] entities which are connected through weak Cu-S (pairs) and Cu-O (single) interactions into a layer structure. The structures of 3 and 4 feature polynuclear [Cu(1,2-dtsq)]nn- chains, in which dtsq groups are linking copper(I) ions in the μ-1,1, μ-1,1,1 and μ-1,2 bridging modes. The dtsq groups in these chains connect to the copper(II) ions of the [Cu IIL 2] 2+ cations [L being the bidentate dmen ( 3) and men ( 4) ligands], but in different manners in the two structures. The connections in compound 3 are unsymmetrical, so that columns of {[Cu II(dmen) 2][Cu I(1,2-dtsq)] 2} n where the copper(II) ions bind to 1,2-dtsq oxygen atoms with relatively strong axial bonds may be identified. These columns are further connected to each other through weak axial Cu II⋯S interactions, creating a three-dimensional (3D) network with channels containing the solvent water. In compound 4, on the other hand, the two crystallographically independent cations each forms a symmetrical link between the anionic chains through, respectively, O-Cu II-O and S-Cu II-S axial bonds, again creating a 3D structure with channels running parallel to the chain axis. The reduction of copper(II) to copper(I) by 1,2-dtsq is precluded when the coordination sphere of the copper(II) ion is partially blocked with the tridentate terpy ligand whereas this process occurs when the blocking ligands are the bidentate dmen and men groups.

77 FR 73924 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; West Virginia; The 2002 Base Year...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-12

... particles (PM 10 ), ammonia (NH 3 ) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). EPA has reviewed the results, procedures and... , coarse particles (PM 10 ), ammonia (NH 3 ) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). [FR Doc. 2012-29893 Filed 12-11-12...

About normal distribution on SO(3) group in texture analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savyolova, T. I.; Filatov, S. V.

2017-12-01

This article studies and compares different normal distributions (NDs) on SO(3) group, which are used in texture analysis. Those NDs are: Fisher normal distribution (FND), Bunge normal distribution (BND), central normal distribution (CND) and wrapped normal distribution (WND). All of the previously mentioned NDs are central functions on SO(3) group. CND is a subcase for normal CLT-motivated distributions on SO(3) (CLT here is Parthasarathy’s central limit theorem). WND is motivated by CLT in R 3 and mapped to SO(3) group. A Monte Carlo method for modeling normally distributed values was studied for both CND and WND. All of the NDs mentioned above are used for modeling different components of crystallites orientation distribution function in texture analysis.

Halogen bonding, chalcogen bonding, pnictogen bonding, tetrel bonding: origins, current status and discussion.

PubMed

Brammer, Lee

2017-10-13

The role of the closing lecture in a Faraday Discussion is to summarise the contributions made to the Discussion over the course of the meeting and in so doing capture the main themes that have arisen. This article is based upon my Closing Remarks Lecture at the 203 rd Faraday Discussion meeting on Halogen Bonding in Supramolecular and Solid State Chemistry, held in Ottawa, Canada, on 10-12 th July, 2017. The Discussion included papers on fundamentals and applications of halogen bonding in the solid state and solution phase. Analogous interactions involving main group elements outside group 17 were also examined. In the closing lecture and in this article these contributions have been grouped into the four themes: (a) fundamentals, (b) beyond the halogen bond, (c) characterisation, and (d) applications. The lecture and paper also include a short reflection on past work that has a bearing on the Discussion.

Effect of chemical treatment on the electrochemical properties of Li1.2NixMn0.8-xO2 (x = 0.2 and 0.25) in lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Hiroaki; Hirano, Tatsumi; Takamatsu, Daiko; Gunji, Akira; Feng, Xiaoliang; Furutsuki, Sho; Okumura, Takefumi; Terada, Shohei

2018-02-01

The effect of chemical treatment using (NH4)2SO4 on the electrochemical properties of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 and Li1.2Ni0.25Mn0.55O2 was investigated. The treatment was effective in improving the Coulombic efficiency and discharge capacity of a Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 cathode, but treatment with too much (NH4)2SO4 degraded the cathode's electrochemical performance. The effect of (NH4)2SO4 treatment on the charge-discharge reaction mechanism of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 was investigated by evaluating reaction potential, particle configuration, and oxidation state of transition metal. The experimental results indicated that the changes in the electrochemical performance of the treated cathodes were attributed to the changes in the surface state and of the element contributing to the redox reaction. Treatment with an appropriate amount of (NH4)2SO4 also improved the electrochemical performance of the high-nickel-content lithium-rich layer-structured cathode material Li1.2Ni0.25Mn0.55O2.

Synthesis and Characterization of Diranitidinecopper(II) Sulfate Dihydrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syaima, H.; Rahardjo, S. B.; Zein, I. M.

2018-04-01

The complex of ranitidine with Cu(II) has been synthesized in 1:2-mole ratio of metal to the ligand in water. The forming of the complex was indicated by shifting of maximum wavelength from 816 nm (CuSO4·5H2O) to 626 nm (the complex). Infrared spectra indicated NO2 and NH functional group were coordinated to Cu(II). The percentage of copper in the complex measured by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) analysis was 7.5% indicating that formula of the complex was Cu(ranitidine)2SO4(H2O)n (n=2, 3 or 4). The electrical conductivity of Cu(II) complex in water was 71.0 Scm2mol-1 corresponding to 1:1 electrolytes. Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) showed the presence of two molecules of H2O in the complex. UV-Vis spectra showed a transition peak on 15974 cm-1 indicating square planar geometry. The complex was paramagnetic with µeff 1.77 BM. The proposed formula of the complex was [Cu(ranitidine)2]SO4·2H2O.

Selective sodium intercalation into sodium nickel-manganese sulfate for dual Na-Li-ion batteries.

PubMed

Marinova, Delyana M; Kukeva, Rosica R; Zhecheva, Ekaterina N; Stoyanova, Radostina K

2018-05-09

Double sodium transition metal sulfates combine in themselves unique intercalation properties with eco-compatible compositions - a specific feature that makes them attractive electrode materials for lithium and sodium ion batteries. Herein, we examine the intercalation properties of novel double sodium nickel-manganese sulfate, Na2Ni1/2Mn1/2(SO4)2, having a large monoclinic unit cell, through electrochemical and ex situ diffraction and spectroscopic methods. The sulfate salt Na2Ni1/2Mn1/2(SO4)2 is prepared by thermal dehydration of the corresponding hydrate salt Na2Ni1/2Mn1/2(SO4)2·4H2O having a blödite structure. The intercalation reactions on Na2Ni1-xMnx(SO4)2 are studied in two model cells: half-ion cell versus Li metal anode and full-ion cell versus Li4Ti5O12 anode by using lithium (LiPF6 dissolved in EC/DMC) and sodium electrolytes (NaPF6 dissolved in EC:DEC). Based on ex situ XRD and TEM analysis, it is found that sodium intercalation into Na2Ni1/2Mn1/2(SO4)2 takes place via phase separation into the Ni-rich monoclinic phase and Mn-rich alluaudite phase. The redox reactions involving participation of manganese and titanium ions are monitored by ex situ EPR spectroscopy. It has been demonstrated that manganese ions from the sulfate salt are participating in the electrochemical reaction, while the nickel ions remain intact. As a result, a reversible capacity of about 65 mA h g-1 is reached. The selective intercalation properties determine sodium nickel-manganese sulfate as a new electrode material for hybrid lithium-sodium ion batteries that is thought to combine the advantages of individual lithium and sodium batteries.

Synthesis and conformational properties of oligonucleotides incorporating 2'-O-phosphorylated ribonucleotides as structural motifs of pre-tRNA splicing intermediates.

PubMed

Tsuruoka, H; Shohda, K; Wada, T; Sekine, M

2000-11-03

To synthesize oligonucleotides containing 2'-O-phosphate groups, four kinds of ribonucleoside 3'-phosphoramidite building blocks 6a-d having the bis(2-cyano-1,1-dimethylethoxy)thiophosphoryl (BCMETP) group were prepared according to our previous phosphorylation procedure. These phosphoramidite units 6a-d were not contaminated with 3'-regioisomers and were successfully applied to solid-phase synthesis to give oligodeoxyuridylates 15, 16 and oligouridylates 21, 22. Self-complementary Drew-Dickerson DNA 12mers 24-28 replaced by a 2'-O-phosphorylated ribonucleotide at various positions were similarly synthesized. In these syntheses, it turned out that KI(3) was the most effective reagent for oxidative desulfurization of the initially generated thiophosphate group to the phosphate group on polymer supports. Without using this conversion step, a tridecadeoxyuridylate 17 incorporating a 2'-O-thiophosphorylated uridine derivative was also synthesized. To investigate the effect of the 2'-phosphate group on the thermal stability and 3D-structure of DNA(RNA) duplexes, T(m) measurement of the self-complementary oligonucleotides obtained and MD simulation of heptamer duplexes 33-36 were carried out. According to these analyses, it was suggested that the nucleoside ribose moiety phosphorylated at the 2'-hydroxyl function predominantly preferred C2'-endo to C3'-endo conformation in DNA duplexes so that it did not significantly affect the stability of the DNA duplex. On the other hand, the 2'-modified ribose moiety was expelled to give a C3'-endo conformation in RNA duplexes so that the RNA duplexes were extremely destabilized.

Randomized Comparison of Topical Betamethasone Valerate Foam, Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and Tacrolimus Ointment in Management of Localized Alopecia Areata

PubMed Central

Kuldeep, CM; Singhal, Himanshu; Khare, Ashok Kumar; Mittal, Asit; Gupta, Lalit K; Garg, Anubhav

2011-01-01

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring, patchy loss of hair at scalp and elsewhere. Its pathogenesis is uncertain; however, auto-immunity has been exemplified in various studies. Familial incidence of AA is 10-42%, but in monozygotic twins is 50%. Local steroids (topical / intra-lesional) are very effective in treatment of localized AA. Aim: To compare hair regrowth and side effects of topical betamethasone valerate foam, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and tacrolimus ointment in management of localized AA. Materials and Methods: 105 patients of localized AA were initially registered but 27 were drop out. So, 78 patients allocated at random in group A (28), B (25) and C (25) were prescribed topical betamethasone valerate foam (0.1%) twice daily, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (10mg/ml) every 3 weeks and tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) twice daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. They were followed for next12 weeks. Hair re-growth was calculated using “HRG Scale”; scale I- (0-25%), S II-(26-50%), S III - (51-75%) and S IV- (75-100%). Results: Hair re-growth started by 3 weeks in group B (Scale I: P<0.03), turned satisfactory at 6 weeks in group A and B (Scale I: P<0.005, Scale IV: P<0.001)), good at 9 weeks (Scale I: P<0.0005, Scale IV: P<0.00015), and better by 12 weeks of treatment (Scale I: P<0.000021, Scale IV: P<0.000009) in both A and B groups. At the end of 12 weeks follow-up hair re-growth (>75%, HRG IV) was the best in group B (15 of 25, 60%), followed by A (15 of 28, 53.6%) and lastly group-C (Nil of 25, 0%) patients. Few patients reported mild pain and atrophy at injection sites, pruritus and burning with betamethasone valerate foam and tacrolimus. Conclusion: Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is the best, betamethasone valerate foam is better than tacrolimus in management of localized AA. PMID:21769231

Using a Non-Equivalent Groups Quasi Experimental Design to Reduce Internal Validity Threats to Claims Made by Math and Science K-12 Teacher Recruitment Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moin, Laura

2009-10-01

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act national policy established in 2009 calls for ``meaningful data'' that demonstrate educational improvements, including the recruitment of high-quality teachers. The scant data available and the low credibility of many K-12 math/science teacher recruitment program evaluations remain the major barriers for the identification of effective recruitment strategies. Our study presents a methodology to better evaluate the impact of recruitment programs on increasing participants' interest in teaching careers. The research capitalizes on the use of several control groups and presents a non-equivalent groups quasi-experimental evaluation design that produces program effect claims with higher internal validity than claims generated by current program evaluations. With this method that compares responses to a teaching career interest question from undergraduates all along a continuum from just attending an information session to participating (or not) in the recruitment program, we were able to compare the effect of the program in increasing participants' interest in teaching careers versus the evolution of the same interest but in the absence of the program. We were also able to make suggestions for program improvement and further research. While our findings may not apply to other K-12 math/science teacher recruitment programs, we believe that our evaluation methodology does and will contribute to conduct stronger program evaluations. In so doing, our evaluation procedure may inform recruitment program designers and policy makers.

Caries experience in 7-, 12-, and 15-year-old schoolchildren in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland, from 1992 to 2011.

PubMed

Waltimo, Tuomas; Menghini, Giorgio; Weber, Catherine; Kulik, Eva M; Schild, Samuel; Meyer, Jürg

2016-06-01

To investigate the changes in caries experience and prevalence among schoolchildren of the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland, over the course of 20 years. A random sample of either schoolchildren aged 7, 12, and 15 years (in 1992) or aged 12 and 15 years (in 1997) or their respective school classes (2001, 2006 and 2011) was selected so that approximately 10% of schoolchildren could be examined. The children's dmft and DMFT scores were determined according to the WHO methodology and analyzed using cluster-adjusted ordinary multiple linear regression modeling. For all age groups, the respective dmft/DMFT values decreased steadily from 1992 to 2006 but increased again in 2011. However, the observed differences were not statistically significant over the examination years from 2001 to 2011. Schoolchildren with a migrant background had approximately two- to threefold higher dmft/DMFT values. In the years from 1992 to 2001, a steady decline in caries was observed in all age groups of schoolchildren examined in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. However, in the subsequent 10 years, this decline has leveled off. The mean dmft/DMFT values are comparable to those in other parts of Switzerland. Migrants are a caries-risk group; the mean dmft/DMFT values were higher in schoolchildren with a migrant background than in the comparable Swiss children. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial investigation of some moxifloxacin metal complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeek, Sadeek A.; El-Shwiniy, Walaa H.; El-Attar, Mohamed S.

2011-12-01

The new complexes of moxifloxacin (MOX), with Ti(IV), Y(III), Pd(II) and Ce(IV) have been synthesized. These complexes were then characterized by melting point, magnetic studies and spectroscopic techniques involving infrared spectra (IR), UV-Vis, 1H NMR. C, H, N and halogen elemental analysis and thermal behavior of complexes also investigated. The results suggested that the molar ratio for all complexes is M: MOX = 1:2 where moxifloxacin acts as a bidentate via one of the oxygen atoms of the carboxylate group and through the ring carbonyl group and the complexes have the following formula [Ti(MOX) 2](SO 4) 2·7H 2O, [Y(MOX) 2Cl 2]Cl·12H 2O, [Pd(MOX) 2(H 2O) 2]Cl 2·6H 2O and [Ce(MOX) 2](SO 4) 2·2H 2O. The activation energies, E*, enthalpies, Δ H*, entropies, Δ S* and Gibbs free energies, Δ G*, of the thermal decomposition reactions have been derived from thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric (DrTG) curves, using Coats-Redfern (CR) and Horowitz-Metzger (HM) methods. The antimicrobial activity of these complexes has been evaluated against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria and compared with the reference drug moxifloxacin. The antibacterial activity of Ti(IV) complex is significant for E. coli K32 and highly significant for S. aureus K1, B. subtilis K22, Br. otitidis K76, P. aeruginosa SW1 and K. oxytoca K42 compared with free moxifloxacin.

Cancrinite-group minerals behavior at non-ambient conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lotti, Paolo; Gatta, G. Diego; Kahlenberg, Volker; Merlini, Marco; Alvaro, Matteo; Cámara, Fernando

2014-05-01

Cancrinite-group minerals occur in the late stages of alkaline (SiO2)-undersaturated magmatism and in related effusive or contact rocks. So far only few studies have been devoted to the description of the thermo-elastic behavior, phase-stability and P /T -structure evolution (at the atomic scale) of this mineral group. Cancrinite-group minerals have an open-framework structure characterized by the [CAN]-topology. The [CAN]-framework shows large 12-ring channels, parallel to the c crystallographic axis, bound by columns of cages, the so-called can units. While very limited chemical variation is observed in the framework composition (the composition is almost always [Si6Al6O24]) a remarkable chemical variability is reported for the extraframework components in the cancrinite-group minerals. Two subgroups can be identified according to the extraframework content of the can units: the cancrinite- and the davyne-subgroups, showing Na-H2O and Ca-Cl chains, respectively. The channels are stuffed by cations, anions and molecules. We aimed to model the thermo-elastic behavior and the mechanisms of the (P ,T)-induced structure evolution of cancrinite-group minerals, with special interest on the role played by the extraframework population. The study was restricted to the following (CO3)-rich and (SO4)-rich end-members: cancrinite sensu stricto {[(Na,Ca)6(CO3)1.2-1.7][Na2(H2O)2][Al6Si6O24]}, vishnevite {[(Na,Ca,K)6(SO4)][Na2(H2O)2][Al6Si6O24]}, balliranoite {[(Na,Ca)6(CO3)1.2-1.7][Ca2Cl2][Al6Si6O24]} and davyne {[(Na,Ca,K)6((SO4),Cl)][Ca2Cl2][Al6Si6O24]}. Their high-P and low-T (T < 293 K) behavior was investigated by means of in-situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction, using diamond-anvil cells and (N2)-cryosystems, respectively. The high-T behavior of cancrinite has also been studied by means of in-situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction with a resistive heater. Cancrinite minerals share a similar volume compressibility and thermal expansivity at ambient conditions (cancrinite has KV 0 = 45(2) GPa and αV,293K = 4.88(8)·10-5 K-1; vishnevite has KV 0 = 49(2) GPa; balliranoite has KV 0 = 48(3) GPa and αV,293K = 4.6(4)·10-5 K-1; davyne has KV 0 = 46.5(11) GPa and αV,293K = 4.2(4)·10-5 K-1). However, these minerals show different thermo-elastic anisotropy schemes, more pronounced in the cancrinite-subgroup minerals. This behavior is governed by different deformation mechanisms of the crystal structure, which likely reflect the different coordination environments of the cage-cations between the minerals of the cancrinite- and davyne-subgroups (i.e. Na+ and Ca2+, respectively). In addition, a P -induced re-organization of the extraframework population is observed, in vishnevite, at P ≥ 3.5 GPa, suggesting that the channel-constituents can also affect the elastic and structural behavior and the phase stability of these minerals at non-ambient conditions. Besides common features likely ascribable to the [CAN]-topology, the nature of the extraframework population appears to control significantly the (P ,T)-induced structure evolution and thermo-elastic behavior of the cancrinite-group compounds. PL, GDG and MM acknowledge the Italian Ministry of Education, MIUR-Project: 'Futuro in Ricerca 2012 - ImPACT- RBFR12CLQD'. MA acknowledges the ERC starting grant N. 307322 to FN.

Preparation of sulfonic-functionalized graphene oxide as ion-exchange material and its application into electrochemiluminescence analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Guifen; Zhai, Shengyong; Zhai, Yanling; Zhang, Ke; Yue, Qiaoli; Wang, Lei; Zhao, Jinsheng; Wang, Huaisheng; Liu, Jifeng; Jia, Jianbo

2011-03-15

Graphene oxide (GO) obtained from chemical oxidation of flake graphite was derivatized with sulfonic groups to form sulfonic-functionalized GO (GO-SO(3)(-)) through four sulfonation routes: through amide formation between the carboxylic group of GO and amine of sulfanilic acid (AA-GO-SO(3)(-)), aryl diazonium reaction of sulfanilic acid (AD-GO-SO(3)(-)), amide formation between the carboxylic group of GO and amine of cysteamine and oxidation by H(2)O(2) (CA-GO-SO(3)(-)), and alkyl diazonium reaction of cysteamine and oxidation by H(2)O(2) (CD-GO-SO(3)(-)). Results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectrospectrocopy showed that -SO(3)(-) groups were attached onto GO. Thermo gravimetric analysis showed that derivatization with sulfonic groups improved thermo stability of GO. X-ray diffraction results indicated that GO-SO(3)(-) had more ordered π-π stacking structure than the original GO. GO-SO(3)(-) and cationic polyelectrote, poly (diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) (PDDA) were adsorbed at indium tin oxide (ITO) glass surface through layer-by-layer assembling to form (GO-SO(3)(-)/PDDA)(n)/ITO multilayers. After tris-(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) dichloride (Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)) was incorporated into the multilayers, the obtained Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)/(GO-SO(3)(-)/PDDA)(n)/ITO electrodes can be used as electrochemiluminescence sensors for detection of organic amine with high sensitivity (limit of detection of 1 nM) and stability. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

77 FR 72966 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maryland; The 2002 Base Year...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-07

... (VOCs), PM 2.5 , coarse particles (PM 10 ), ammonia (NH 3 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). EPA has... ), ammonia (NH 3 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). [FR Doc. 2012-29611 Filed 12-6-12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560...

77 FR 67810 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-14

...-000. Applicants: Black Bear SO, LLC. Description: Notice of Self-Certification of Exempt Wholesale Generator Status of Black Bear SO, LLC. Filed Date: 11/5/12. Accession Number: 20121105-5071. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 11/26/12. Docket Numbers: EG13-8-000. Applicants: Black Bear Development Holdings, LLC...

Randomized study of adjunctive belimumab in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis

PubMed Central

Hewett, Karen; Sanders, Donald B.; Grove, Richard A.; Broderick, Christine L.; Rudo, Todd J.; Bassiri, Ashlyn; Zvartau-Hind, Marina

2018-01-01

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of belimumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G1λ monoclonal antibody against B-lymphocyte stimulator, in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) who remained symptomatic despite standard of care (SoC) therapy. Methods Eligible participants with MG were randomized 1:1 to receive IV belimumab 10 mg/kg or placebo in this phase II, placebo-controlled, multicenter, double-blind study (NCT01480596; BEL115123). Participants received SoC therapies throughout the 24-week treatment phase and 12-week follow-up period. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline in the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scale at week 24; safety assessments included the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs. Results Forty participants were randomized (placebo n = 22; belimumab n = 18). The mean change in QMG score from baseline at week 24 was not significantly different for belimumab vs placebo (p = 0.256). There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups for secondary endpoints, including the MG Composite and MG–Activity of Daily Living scores. Acetylcholine receptor antibody levels decreased over time in both treatment groups. No unexpected AEs were identified and occurrence was similar in the belimumab (78%) and placebo (91%) groups. One participant receiving placebo died (severe sepsis) during the treatment phase. Conclusions The primary endpoint was not met for belimumab in participants with generalized MG receiving SoC. There was no significant difference in mean change in the QMG score at week 24 for belimumab vs placebo. The safety profile of belimumab was consistent with previous systemic lupus erythematosus studies. Classification of evidence This study provides Class I evidence that for participants with generalized MG, belimumab did not significantly improve QMG score compared with placebo. PMID:29661905

Laparoscopic colectomy in the obese, morbidly obese, and super morbidly obese: when does weight matter?

PubMed

Champagne, Bradley J; Nishtala, Madhuri; Brady, Justin T; Crawshaw, Benjamin P; Franklin, Morris E; Delaney, Conor P; Steele, Scott R

2017-10-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that obese patients (BMI >30) undergoing laparoscopic colectomy have longer operative times and increased complications when compared to non-obese cohorts. However, there is little data that specifically evaluates the outcomes of obese patients based on the degree of their obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increasing severity of obesity on patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy. A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy between 1996 and 2013. Patients were classified according to their BMI as obese (BMI 30.0-39.9), morbidly obese (BMI 40.0-49.9), and super obese (BMI >50). Main outcome measures included conversion rate, operative time, estimated blood loss, post-operative complications, and length of stay. There were 923 patients who met inclusion criteria. Overall, 604 (65.4%), 257 (27.9%), and 62 (6.7%) were classified as obese (O), morbidly obese (MO), and super obese (SO), respectively. Clinicopathologic characteristics were similar among the three groups. The SO group had significantly higher conversion rates (17.7 vs. 7 vs. 4.8%; P = 0.031), longer average hospital stays (7.1 days vs. 4.9 vs. 3.4; P = 0.001), higher morbidity (40.3 vs. 16.3 vs. 12.4%; P = 0.001), and longer operative times (206 min vs. 184 vs. 163; P = 0.04) compared to the MO and O groups, respectively. The anastomotic leak rate in the SO (4.8%; P = 0.027) and MO males (4.1%; P = 0.033) was significantly higher than MO females (2.2%) and all obese patients (1.8%). Increasing severity of obesity is associated with worse perioperative outcomes following laparoscopic colectomy.

Effect of a multi-dimensional intervention programme on the motivation of physical education students.

PubMed

Amado, Diana; Del Villar, Fernando; Leo, Francisco Miguel; Sánchez-Oliva, David; Sánchez-Miguel, Pedro Antonio; García-Calvo, Tomás

2014-01-01

This research study purports to verify the effect produced on the motivation of physical education students of a multi-dimensional programme in dance teaching sessions. This programme incorporates the application of teaching skills directed towards supporting the needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness. A quasi-experimental design was carried out with two natural groups of 4(th) year Secondary Education students--control and experimental -, delivering 12 dance teaching sessions. A prior training programme was carried out with the teacher in the experimental group to support these needs. An initial and final measurement was taken in both groups and the results revealed that the students from the experimental group showed an increase of the perception of autonomy and, in general, of the level of self-determination towards the curricular content of corporal expression focused on dance in physical education. To this end, we highlight the programme's usefulness in increasing the students' motivation towards this content, which is so complicated for teachers of this area to develop.

[A comparative study on repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture using three operating techniques].

PubMed

Wang, Ting; Mei, Guohua; Shi, Zhongmin; Chai, Yimin; Zhang, Changqing; Hou, Chunlin

2012-07-01

To compare the effectiveness of the 3 methods (traditional open Achilles tendon anastomosis, minimally invasive percutaneous Achilles tendon anastomosis, and Achilles tendon anastomosis limited incision) for acute Achilles tendon rupture so as to provide a reference for the choice of clinical treatment plans. Between December 2007 and March 2010, 69 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture were treated by traditional open Achilles tendon anastomosis (traditional group, n=23), by minimally invasive percutaneous Achilles tendon anastomosis (minimally invasive group, n=23), and by Achilles tendon anastomosis limited incision (limited incision group, n=23). There was no significant difference in gender, age, mechanism of injury, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score between 3 groups (P > 0.05). Minimally invasive group and limited incision group were significantly better than traditional group in hospitalization days and blood loss (P < 0.01). Incision infection occurred in 2 cases of traditional group, and healing of incision by first intention was achieved in all patients of the other 2 groups, showing significant difference in the complication rate (P < 0.05). Re-rupture of Achilles tendon occurred in 1 case (4.3%) of minimally invasive group and limited incision group respectively; no re-rupture was found in traditional group (0), showing significant difference when compared with the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). All cases were followed up 12-18 months with an average of 14.9 months. The function of the joint was restored. The AOFAS score was more than 90 points in 3 groups at 12 months after operation, showing no significant difference among 3 groups (P > 0.05). The above 3 procedures can be used to treat acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, minimally invasive percutaneous Achilles tendon anastomosis and Achilles tendon anastomosis limited incision have the advantages of less invasion, good healing, short hospitalization days, and less postoperative complication, and have the disadvantage of increased risk for re-rupture of Achilles tendon after operations.

Dose finding of melatonin for chronic idiopathic childhood sleep onset insomnia: an RCT

PubMed Central

van der Heijden, Kristiaan B.; Egberts, A. C. G.; Korzilius, Hubert P. L. M.; Smits, Marcel G.

2010-01-01

Rationale Pharmacokinetics of melatonin in children might differ from that in adults. Objectives This study aims to establish a dose–response relationship for melatonin in advancing dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), sleep onset (SO), and reducing sleep onset latency (SOL) in children between 6 and 12 years with chronic sleep onset insomnia (CSOI). Methods The method used for this study is the randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Children with CSOI (n = 72) received either melatonin 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 mg/kg or placebo during 1 week. Sleep was assessed with log and actigraphy during this week and the week before. Outcomes were the shifts in DLMO, SO, and SOL. Results Treatment with melatonin significantly advanced SO and DLMO by approximately 1 h and decreased SOL by 35 min. Within the three melatonin groups, effect size was not different, but the circadian time of administration (TOA) correlated significantly with treatment effect on DLMO (rs = −0.33, p = 0.022) and SO (rs = −0.38, p = 0.004), whereas clock TOA was correlated with SO shift (r = −0.35, p = 0.006) and not with DLMO shift. Conclusions No dose–response relationship of melatonin with SO, SOL, and DLMO is found within a dosage range of 0.05–0.15 mg/kg. The effect of exogenous melatonin on SO, SOL, and DLMO increases with an earlier circadian TOA. The soporific effects of melatonin enhance the SO shift. This study demonstrates that melatonin for treatment of CSOI in children is effective in a dosage of 0.05 mg/kg given at least 1 to 2 h before DLMO and before desired bedtime. PMID:20668840

Parenteral Lipid Dose Restriction With Soy Oil, Not Fish Oil, Preserves Retinal Function in Neonatal Piglets.

PubMed

Lansing, Marihan; Sauvé, Yves; Dimopoulos, Ioannis; Field, Catherine J; Suh, Miyoung; Wizzard, Pamela; Goruk, Susan; Lim, David; Muto, Mitsuru; Wales, Paul; Turner, Justine

2018-03-13

A dietary supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) is critical for neonatal retinal development. Both are absent/minimal in parenteral nutrition (PN) using soy-oil emulsions ([SO] Intralipid®) traditionally used for neonatal intestinal failure. In contrast, fish-oil emulsions ([FO] Omegaven®) are enriched in DHA/AA. The aim of this study was to compare retinal function and fatty acid content in neonatal piglets fed PN with SO or FO. Two-5-day-old piglets were randomly allocated to SO (n = 4) or FO (n = 4), provided at equivalent doses (5g/kg/d). After 14 days of PN, retinal function was assessed by electroretinography and retinas were harvested for fatty acid content analysis. Sow-fed piglets served as a reference (REF). Light flash-elicited stoppage of cone and rod dark-currents (a-waves) and the ensuing postsynaptic activation of cone and rod ON bipolar cells (b-waves) were comparable between SO and REF. Responses recorded from FO were subnormal (P <0.001) when compared with both SO and REF. Retinal DHA content was similar in both groups (FO, 14.59% vs SO, 12.22%; P = 0.32); while AA was lower in FO (FO, 6.01% vs SO, 8.21%; P = .001). Paradoxically, FO containing more DHA and AA did not preserve retinal function when compared with the same low dose of SO. This may be due to the reduced AA enrichment in the retina with FO treatment. Further investigation into the ideal amounts of DHA and AA for optimal neonatal retinal function is required. © 2018 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

College students and computers: assessment of usage patterns and musculoskeletal discomfort.

PubMed

Noack-Cooper, Karen L; Sommerich, Carolyn M; Mirka, Gary A

2009-01-01

A limited number of studies have focused on computer-use-related MSDs in college students, though risk factor exposure may be similar to that of workers who use computers. This study examined computer use patterns of college students, and made comparisons to a group of previously studied computer-using professionals. 234 students completed a web-based questionnaire concerning computer use habits and physical discomfort respondents specifically associated with computer use. As a group, students reported their computer use to be at least 'Somewhat likely' 18 out of 24 h/day, compared to 12 h for the professionals. Students reported more uninterrupted work behaviours than the professionals. Younger graduate students reported 33.7 average weekly computing hours, similar to hours reported by younger professionals. Students generally reported more frequent upper extremity discomfort than the professionals. Frequent assumption of awkward postures was associated with frequent discomfort. The findings signal a need for intervention, including, training and education, prior to entry into the workforce. Students are future workers, and so it is important to determine whether their increasing exposure to computers, prior to entering the workforce, may make it so they enter already injured or do not enter their chosen profession due to upper extremity MSDs.

Intercomparison of SO2 camera systems for imaging volcanic gas plumes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kern, Christoph; Lübcke, Peter; Bobrowski, Nicole; Campion, Robin; Mori, Toshiya; Smekens, Jean-Francois; Stebel, Kerstin; Tamburello, Giancarlo; Burton, Mike; Platt, Ulrich; Prata, Fred

2015-01-01

SO2 camera systems are increasingly being used to image volcanic gas plumes. The ability to derive SO2 emission rates directly from the acquired imagery at high time resolution allows volcanic process studies that incorporate other high time-resolution datasets. Though the general principles behind the SO2 camera have remained the same for a number of years, recent advances in CCD technology and an improved understanding of the physics behind the measurements have driven a continuous evolution of the camera systems. Here we present an intercomparison of seven different SO2 cameras. In the first part of the experiment, the various technical designs are compared and the advantages and drawbacks of individual design options are considered. Though the ideal design was found to be dependent on the specific application, a number of general recommendations are made. Next, a time series of images recorded by all instruments at Stromboli Volcano (Italy) is compared. All instruments were easily able to capture SO2 clouds emitted from the summit vents. Quantitative comparison of the SO2 load in an individual cloud yielded an intra-instrument precision of about 12%. From the imagery, emission rates were then derived according to each group's standard retrieval process. A daily average SO2 emission rate of 61 ± 10 t/d was calculated. Due to differences in spatial integration methods and plume velocity determination, the time-dependent progression of SO2 emissions varied significantly among the individual systems. However, integration over distinct degassing events yielded comparable SO2 masses. Based on the intercomparison data, we find an approximate 1-sigma precision of 20% for the emission rates derived from the various SO2 cameras. Though it may still be improved in the future, this is currently within the typical accuracy of the measurement and is considered sufficient for most applications.

Intercomparison of SO2 camera systems for imaging volcanic gas plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kern, Christoph; Lübcke, Peter; Bobrowski, Nicole; Campion, Robin; Mori, Toshiya; Smekens, Jean-François; Stebel, Kerstin; Tamburello, Giancarlo; Burton, Mike; Platt, Ulrich; Prata, Fred

2015-07-01

SO2 camera systems are increasingly being used to image volcanic gas plumes. The ability to derive SO2 emission rates directly from the acquired imagery at high time resolution allows volcanic process studies that incorporate other high time-resolution datasets. Though the general principles behind the SO2 camera have remained the same for a number of years, recent advances in CCD technology and an improved understanding of the physics behind the measurements have driven a continuous evolution of the camera systems. Here we present an intercomparison of seven different SO2 cameras. In the first part of the experiment, the various technical designs are compared and the advantages and drawbacks of individual design options are considered. Though the ideal design was found to be dependent on the specific application, a number of general recommendations are made. Next, a time series of images recorded by all instruments at Stromboli Volcano (Italy) is compared. All instruments were easily able to capture SO2 clouds emitted from the summit vents. Quantitative comparison of the SO2 load in an individual cloud yielded an intra-instrument precision of about 12%. From the imagery, emission rates were then derived according to each group's standard retrieval process. A daily average SO2 emission rate of 61 ± 10 t/d was calculated. Due to differences in spatial integration methods and plume velocity determination, the time-dependent progression of SO2 emissions varied significantly among the individual systems. However, integration over distinct degassing events yielded comparable SO2 masses. Based on the intercomparison data, we find an approximate 1-sigma precision of 20% for the emission rates derived from the various SO2 cameras. Though it may still be improved in the future, this is currently within the typical accuracy of the measurement and is considered sufficient for most applications.

Air pollution and limb defects: a matched-pairs case-control study in Taiwan.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Ting; Lee, Yungling Leo; Jung, Chau-Ren; Jaakkola, Jouni J K; Hwang, Bing-Fang

2014-07-01

Air pollution influences the development of limb defects in animals. There is little epidemiologic evidence on the effect of prenatal air pollution exposure on the risk of limb defects. To assess the relations between exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of limb defects. We conducted a matched-pairs case-control study in Taiwan from 2001 through 2007. The case group consisted of 1687 limb defects and the control group was density-sampling matched one to ten based on the month and year of conception from 1510,064 live singleton newborns in 2001-2007. Adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios per 10 ppb change for O3, NO2, 1 ppb change for SO2, 10 µg/m(3) change for PM10, and 100 ppb change for CO during the first trimester and first three gestational months. Of the specific limb defects, reduction deformities of limbs (adjusted OR=1.024, 95% CI: 1.000, 1.048) was associated with a 1 ppb increase in SO2 during weeks of 9-12 of gestation as well as the first trimester. Reduction deformities of limbs was also associated with a 10 ppb increase in O3 during weeks of 1-4 of gestation (adjusted OR=1.391, 95% CI: 1.064, 1.818) among preterm births. The present study provides evidence that exposure to outdoor air SO2 during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of limb defects. Exposure to O3 was associated with reduction deformities of limbs among preterm births. Similar levels of SO2 and O3 are encountered globally by large numbers of pregnant women. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Study of free radicals in aqueous humor in glaucoma and cataracts: differences in presence or absence of diabetes mellitus and neovascular glaucoma].

PubMed

Oshida, Eiki; Arai, Kiyomi; Sakai, Miki; Chikuda, Makoto

2014-09-01

This study was conducted for the purpose of comparing differences in the types of free radicals in the aqueous humor of glaucoma and cataract patients. Free radicals in the aqueous humor of 44 glaucoma eyes and 15 cataract eyes were measured by electron spin resonance (ESR), followed by comparing the detection rates. In addition, subgroup analyses were also conducted for the presence or absence of complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in the patients. Three types of free radicals were measured, ascorbate-free radical (AFR), AFR containing a trace amount of superoxide (SO) (AFR +), and SO containing a trace amount of AFR (SO +). Significant differences were observed in the detection rates of each type between the glaucoma group (maximum SO +) and the cataract group (maximum AFR), between the DM group (maximum SO +) and the non-DM group (maximum AFR) in the glaucoma, and between the DM group (maximum AFR +) and the non-DM group (maximum AFR) in the cataract. SO + was detected in all cases of NVG regardless of whether they were DM or non-DM. Glaucoma cases are more susceptible to the generation of SO in the aqueous humor than cataracts, and they are more liable to occur in DM than in non-DM in both glaucoma and cataract cases. This study suggest an evidence for a strong correlation with SO and vascularization in NVG.

Urethane inhibits genioglossal long-term facilitation in un-paralyzed anesthetized rats.

PubMed

Cao, Ying; Ling, Liming

2010-06-25

For approximately 3 decades, urethane has been (partially or solely) used as a successful anesthetic in numerous respiratory long-term facilitation (LTF) studies, which were performed on anesthetized, paralyzed, vagotomized and artificially ventilated animals of several different species. However, things become complicated when LTF of muscle activity is studied in un-paralyzed animals. For example, a commonly used acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) protocol failed to induce muscle LTF in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats. But muscle LTF could be induced when hypoxic episode number was increased and/or anesthetics other than urethane were used. In these studies however, neither anesthetic nor paralysis was mentioned as a potential factor influencing AIH-induced muscle LTF. This study tested whether urethane inhibits AIH-induced genioglossal LTF (gLTF) in un-paralyzed ventilated rats, and if so, determined whether reducing urethane dose reverses this inhibition. Three groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized (Group 1: approximately 1.6 g kg(-1) urethane; Group 2: 50 mg kg(-1) alpha-chloralose +0.9-1.2 g kg(-1) urethane; Group 3: 0.9 g kg(-1) urethane +200-400 microg kg(-1) min(-1) alphaxalone), vagotomized and mechanically ventilated. Integrated genioglossus activity was measured before, during and after AIH (5 episodes of 3-min isocapnic 12% O(2), separated by 3-min hyperoxic intervals). The AIH-induced gLTF was absent in Group 1 rats (success rate was only approximately 1/7), but was present in Group 2 (in 10/12 rats) and Group 3 (in 11/11 rats) rats. The genioglossal response to hypoxia was not significantly different among the 3 groups. Collectively, these data suggest that urethane dose-dependently inhibits gLTF in un-paralyzed anesthetized rats. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Individual and combined effect of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on reproductive system of adult male albino rats.

PubMed

Alaa-Eldin, Eman Ahmad; El-Shafei, Dalia Abdallah; Abouhashem, Nehal S

2017-01-01

Commercial mixtures of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin pesticides are widely used to enhance the toxic effects of cypermethrin on target insects. So, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the individual and combined toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP) on reproductive system of adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were randomized into main four groups: group I (control group) included 16 rats, subdivided into negative and positive control; group II (eight rats) received chlorpyrifos 6.75 mg/kg b.w./orally∕daily); group III (eight rats) (received cypermethrin 12.5 mg/kg b.w./orally∕daily); and group IV (eight rats) (received chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin at the same previously mentioned doses). All treatments were given by oral gavage for 12 weeks. We found that single CPF and CYP exposures significantly have adverse effects on reproductive function of adult male albino rats manifested by reduced testicular weight, decreased sperm count, motility and viability, significantly increased percent of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, and significant increments in sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with respect to control group. Furthermore, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels were decreased significantly compared to control group. This was accompanied with histopathological changes in the testis of rats such as necrosis, degeneration, decreasing number of spermatogenic cells in some seminiferous tubules, edema, congested blood vessels, and exudate in interstitial tissue of the testis. Notably, all these changes were exaggerated in rats treated concomitantly with chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin rendering the mixture more toxic than the additive effects of each compound and causing greater damage on the reproductive system of male albino rats than the individual pesticides.

Tailored telephone counselling to increase participation of underusers in a population-based colorectal cancer-screening programme with faecal occult blood test: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Denis, B; Broc, G; Sauleau, E A; Gendre, I; Gana, K; Perrin, P

2017-02-01

Despite the involvement of general practitioners, the mailing of several recall letters and of the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit, the uptake remains insufficient in the French colorectal cancer-screening programme. Some studies have demonstrated a greater efficacy of tailored telephone counselling over usual care, untailored invitation mailing and FOBT kit mailing. We evaluated the feasibility and the effectiveness of telephone counselling on participation in the population-based FOBT colorectal cancer-screening programme implemented in Alsace (France). Underusers were randomized into a control group with untailored invitation and FOBT kit mailing (n=19,756) and two intervention groups for either a computer-assisted telephone interview (n=9367), system for tailored promotion of colorectal cancer screening, or a telephone-based motivational interview (n=9374). Only 5691 (19.9%) people were actually counseled, so that there was no difference in participation between the intervention groups taken together (13.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [13.5-14.4]) and the control group (13.9%, 95% CI [13.4-14.4]) (P=1.0) in intent-to-treat analysis. However, in per-protocol analysis, participation was significantly higher in the two intervention groups than in the control group (12.9%, 95% CI [12.6-13.2]) (P<0.01), with no difference between computer-assisted telephone interview (24.6%, 95% CI [22.7-26.4]) and motivational interview (23.6%, 95% CI [21.8-25.4]) (P=0.44). There was no difference of effectiveness between tailored telephone counselling and untailored invitation and FOBT kit mailing on participation of underusers in an organized population-based colorectal cancer screening programme. A greater efficacy of telephone counselling, around twice that of invitation and FOBT kit mailing, was observed only in people who could actually be counseled, without difference between computer-assisted telephone interview and motivational interview. However, technical failures hampered telephone counselling, so that there was no difference in intent-to-treat analysis. The rate of technical success of telephone interviews should be evaluated, and enhanced if insufficient, before implementation of telephone counselling in population-based cancer screening programmes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The intelligence of observation: improving high school students' spatial ability by means of intervention unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patkin, Dorit; Dayan, Ester

2013-03-01

This case study of one class versus a control group focused on the impact of an intervention unit, which is not part of the regular curriculum, on the improvement of spatial ability of high school students (forty-six 12th-graders, aged 17-18, both boys and girls) in general as well as from a gender perspective. The study explored three sub-abilities: mental rotation (MR), spatial visualization (VS) and spatial orientation (SO). Findings indicated that the spatial orientation of the experimental group students had considerably improved. The findings also illustrated a significant gender-based advantage in favour of the boys in some of the spatial abilities even before the implementation of the intervention unit. The hypothesis relating to the reduction of the gender differences was not corroborated.

The Joint Physics Analysis Center: Recent results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Ramírez, César

2016-10-01

We review some of the recent achievements of the Joint Physics Analysis Center, a theoretical collaboration with ties to experimental collaborations, that aims to provide amplitudes suitable for the analysis of the current and forthcoming experimental data on hadron physics. Since its foundation in 2013, the group is focused on hadron spectroscopy in preparation for the forthcoming high statistics and high precision experimental data from BELLEII, BESIII, CLAS12, COMPASS, GlueX, LHCb and (hopefully) PANDA collaborations. So far, we have developed amplitudes for πN scattering, KN scattering, pion and J/ψ photoproduction, two kaon photoproduction and three-body decays of light mesons (η, ω, ϕ). The codes for the amplitudes are available to download from the group web page and can be straightforwardly incorporated to the analysis of the experimental data.

Synthesis and characterization of Mono-Aqua-Pentakis (Isoni-Cotinic Acid) Nickel (II) Sulfate Trihydrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syaima, H.; Rahardjo, S. B.; Amanati, N.

2018-05-01

A complex of nickel (II) with isonicotinic acid (asint) was successfully obtained. The complex was synthesized in 1:2 mole ratio of metal to the ligand in methanol. The percentage of nickel was 6.91% determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Therefore, the predicted formula was Ni(asint)5SO4(H2O)4. The molar conductivity of the complex was measured by conductivity meter corresponding to 1:1 electrolyte. The thermal analysis of the formed complex was determined by Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) indicating that the complex contains four water molecules as ligand and hydrates. The magnetic susceptibility measurement showed that the complex was paramagnetic with μeff= 3.30 B.M. Electronic spectra of the formed complex appeared at two transition peaks on λ= 394 nm and 659 nm. The infrared spectra of the complex showed a shift of tertiary N-group absorption in 1234 and 1338 cm-1 compared to isonicotinic acid at 1149 and 1331 cm-1. In addition, the shift also appeared in the -OH group absorption which was to the lower wavenumber at 3371 cm-1 from 3425 cm-1 (isonicotinic acid). This fact indicated that the functional groups were coordinated to the central metal ion. The possibility formula of the complex was [Ni(asint)5(H2O)]SO4·3H2O with octahedral structure.

Nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using an air-abrasive device or mechanical debridement and local application of chlorhexidine. Twelve-month follow-up of a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study.

PubMed

John, Gordon; Sahm, Narja; Becker, Jürgen; Schwarz, Frank

2015-11-01

The purpose of this prospective, parallel group-designed, randomized controlled clinical study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of an air-abrasive device (AAD) for nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis. Twenty five patients, showing at least one implant with initial to moderate peri-implantitis, underwent an oral hygiene programme and were randomly treated using either (1) AAD (amino acid glycine powder) or (2) mechanical debridement using carbon curettes and antiseptic therapy with chlorhexidine digluconate (mechanical debridement (MDA)). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 12 months after treatment (e.g. bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL)). At 12 months, the AAD group revealed significantly higher (p < 0.05; unpaired t test) decrease in mean BOP scores when compared with MDA-treated sites (41.2 ± 29.5 vs. 16.6 ± 33.4%). Both groups exhibited comparable PD reductions (AAD = 0.5 ± 0.9 mm vs. MDA = 0.4 ± 0.9 mm) and CAL gains (AAD = 0.6 ± 1.3 mm vs. MDA = 0.5 ± 1.1 mm) (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney test, respectively). Within its limitations, the present study has indicated that both treatment procedures resulted in comparable but limited CAL gains at 12 months. Furthermore, it could be detected that AAD was associated with significantly higher BOP decrease than MDA. The present results have indicated that nonsurgical therapy of peri-implantitis using both AAD and MDA resulted in comparable PD reductions and CAL gains after 12 months of healing. The BOP reductions were significantly higher in the AAD in comparison to the MDA group. So, AAD may be more effective for nonsurgical therapy of peri-implantitis than MDA.

Improvement of electrochemical performances of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) via incorporation of sulfonated poly(arylene ether benzimidazole)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Young Taik; Lee, Chang Hyun; Park, Hyung Su; Min, Kyung A.; Kim, Hyung Joong; Nam, Sang Yong; Lee, Young Moo

In the present study, modified acid-base blend membranes were fabricated via incorporation of sulfonated poly(arylene ether benzimidazole) (SPAEBI) into sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES). These membranes had excellent methanol-barrier properties in addition to an ability to compensate for the loss of proton conductivity that typically occurs in general acid-base blend system. To fabricate the membranes, SPAEBIs, which served as amphiphilic polymers with different degrees of sulfonation (0-50 mol%), were synthesized by polycondensation and added to SPAES. It resulted in the formation of acid-amphiphilic complexes such as [PAES-SO 3] - +[H-SPAEBI] through the ionic crosslinking, which prevented SO 3H groups in the complex from transporting free protons in an aqueous medium, contributing to a reduction of ion exchange capacity values and water uptake in the blend membranes, and leading to lower methanol permeability in a water-methanol mixture. Unfortunately, the ionic bonding formation was accompanied by a decrease of bound water content and proton conductivity, although the latter problem was solved to some extent by the incorporation of additional SO 3H groups in SPAEBI. In the SPAES-SPAEBI blend membranes, enhancement of proton conductivity and methanol-barrier property was prominent at temperatures over 90 °C. The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) performance, which was based on SPAES-SPAEBI-50-5, was 1.2 times higher than that of Nafion ® 117 under the same operating condition.

Patient Safety Activity Under the Social Insurance Medical Fee Schedule in Japan: An Overview of the 2010 Nationwide Survey.

PubMed

Hirose, Masahiro; Kawamura, Toshihiko; Igawa, Mikio; Imanaka, Yuichi

2017-11-16

Little is known about patient safety performance under the social insurance medical fee schedule in Japan. The Health Ministry in Japan introduced the preferential patient safety countermeasure fee (PPSCF) to promote patient safety in 2006 and revised the PPSCF system in 2010. This study aims to address the patient safety performance status at hospitals implementing the PPSCF. A nationwide questionnaire survey targeting 2674 hospitals with the PPSCF was performed in 2010 to 2011. The 627 participant hospitals were divided into the following three groups: 178 hospitals implementing PPSCF 1 with 400 beds or more (group A), 286 hospitals implementing PPSCF 1 with 399 beds or fewer (group B), and 163 hospitals implementing PPSCF 2 (group C). The mean numbers (standard errors) of patient safety managers were 1.45 (0.07) in group A, 1.12 (0.04) in group B, and 0.37 (0.12) in group C (P < 0.001). The participation number and rates of all staff for the patient safety seminar were 1721 (167) and 1.64 (0.10) in group A, 580 (26) and 1.94 (0.09) in group B, and 349 (31) and 1.98 (0.17) in group C (P < 0.001, P = 0.105).These results can be explained because hospitals with PPSCF 1 (groups A and B) must assign at least one full-time patient safety manager, whereas hospitals with PPSCF 2 (group C) are not required to do so. Patient safety performance at hospitals with PPSCF 1 was more active than that at hospitals with PPSCF 2. However, when the values were converted to per capita or per 100 beds, there were no differences across the three groups. The PPSCF encourages hospitals to perform actions for patient safety by providing incentives under the social insurance medical fee schedule in Japan.

Optimal Fasting Time before Measurement of Serum Triglyceride Levels in Healthy Volunteers.

PubMed

Pongsuthana, Surapun; Tivatunsakul, Naris

2016-02-01

Coronary heart disease is a major public health problem. Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Food intake interferes with the measurement of serum triglyceride levels, and in previous studies, fasting for 12 hours was recommended before blood sampling. In real-world practice, long fasting times cause patient discomfort and poor compliance, and the present study was, therefore, designed to determine the appropriate fasting time prior to measuring serum triglyceride levels. To determine the appropriate fasting time before measuring serum triglyceride levels. This was a pilot study performed using healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 30 years old from November 2013 to December 2013 at Rajavithi Hospital. The first blood sample was measured in the morning after fasting over 12 hours. The subjects then took their regular breakfast, after which they fasted for 8 hours. Blood samples were taken 6 and 8 hours later and sent to the laboratory for measurement of serum triglyceride levels. 40 volunteers, of whom 25 were female, were enrolled. Their mean age was 25.9 ± 2.81 years old, and their mean weight, height, and body mass index were 61.5 ± 12.5 kg, 167.2 ± 8.3 cm and 21.84 ± 3.1 kg/m2, respectively. Mean fasting serum triglyceride level at 12 hours was 80.23 ± 36.33 mg/dl, at 6 hours it was 110.65 ± 73.45 mg/dl, and at 8 hours it was 75.62 ± 46.81 mg/dl. The group fasting for 12 hours had significantly lower serum triglyceride levels than the group fasting for 6 hours (p-value = 0.003), but no significant difference was found between the group fasting for 12 hours and the one fasting for 8 hours (p-value = 0.493). The present study showed no significant difference in triglyceride levels in patients who had fasted or 8 hours and those who had done so for 12 hours. Fasting for only 8 hours before measurement of serum triglyceride may be sufficient.

NATO Science & Technology Disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wtv Gmbh

This is the third update of the NATO CD-ROM. 12,000 new summaries have been added, so that it now comprises the summaries of more than 62,000 contributions in over 1000 books published in the scientific NATO ASI book program in almost 30 years. For easy reference, all bibliographic information on these volumes are given. The AGARD AEROSPACE DATABASE is updated for the second time now. Over 20,000 summaries of contributions in more than one thousand AGARD-sponsored publications published between 1960 and 1997, generated in cooperation with NASA (USA) and AGARD (Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development, France) are now included.

The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of solitary plasmacytomas.

PubMed

Mayr, N A; Wen, B C; Hussey, D H; Burns, C P; Staples, J J; Doornbos, J F; Vigliotti, A P

1990-04-01

Between 1960 and 1985, 30 patients with solitary plasmacytomas were treated with radiotherapy at the University of Iowa: 13 patients with extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMP) and 17 with solitary plasmacytomas of bone (SPB). The local control rates were 92% for patients with EMP and 88% for those with SPB. Two of nine patients (22%) with EMP treated to the primary tumor only developed regional lymph node metastasis, indicating the need for elective irradiation of this area. The most common pattern of failure in both groups was progression to multiple myeloma. This occurred in 23% of the patients with EMP and 53% of those with SPB. The time course of progression to multiple myeloma differed for the two groups. All of those who progressed to multiple myeloma in the EMP group did so within 2 years, whereas a significant number of those in the SPB group progressed more than 5 years after initial therapy. None of five patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy in the SPB group progressed to multiple myeloma, compared to 75% (9/12) of the patients who did not receive chemotherapy.

[Effects of an Individual Breast-feeding Promotion Program for Married Immigrant Women].

PubMed

Park, Mi Kyoung; Moon, So Hyun

2016-02-01

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of an individual breast-feeding promotion program to address breast-feeding knowledge, attitude, method and rate of practice for married immigrant women. A non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design was used (experimental group=16, control group=17). The intervention consisted of 3 phases: (1) Within 2 hours of delivery - individual breast-feeding training through video/verbal/practical training education and demonstration (2) After 1~2 days - group training using video, model doll, and breast models (3) After 7 days - family visit, counseling, retraining and reinforcement training. The data were analyzed using non-parametric tests with the SPSS program. Married immigrant women who participated in the individual breast-feeding program scored high in knowledge, attitude, method and rate of practice compared to the control group. The results indicate that the individual breast-feeding program is very effective in increasing breast-feeding knowledge, attitude, method and rate of practicing breast feeding for married immigrant women. So, nurses are encouraged to aggressively utilize individual breast-feeding programs to help married immigrant women, who are exposed to vulnerability due to various situations.

Comparison of surgically induced astigmatism in patients with horizontal rectus muscle recession

PubMed Central

Çakmak, Harun; Kocatürk, Tolga; Dündar, Sema Oruç

2014-01-01

AIM To compare surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) following horizontal rectus muscle recession surgery between suspension recession with both the “hang-back” technique and conventional recession technique. METHODS Totally, 48 eyes of 24 patients who had undergone horizontal rectus muscle recession surgery were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups. Twelve patients were operated on by the hang-back technique (Group 1), and 12 by the conventional recession technique (Group 2). SIA was calculated on the 1st wk, 1st and in the 3rd mo after surgery using the SIA calculator. RESULTS SIA was statistically higher in the Group 1 all postoperative follow-up. SIA was the highest in the 1st wk, and decreased gradually in both groups. CONCLUSION The suspension recession technique induced much more SIA than the conventional recession technique. This difference also continued in the following visits. Therefore, the refractive power should be checked postoperatively in order to avoid refractive amblyopia. Conventional recession surgery should be the preferred method so as to minimize the postoperative refractive changes in patients with amblyopia. PMID:25161948

[Factors associated with activities of daily living (ADL) in independently living elderly persons in a community: a baseline examination of a large scale cohort study, Fujiwara-kyo study].

PubMed

Komatsu, Masayo; Nezu, Satoko; Tomioka, Kimiko; Hazaki, Kan; Harano, Akihiro; Morikawa, Masayuki; Takagi, Masahiro; Yamada, Masahiro; Matsumoto, Yoshitaka; Iwamoto, Junko; Ishizuka, Rika; Saeki, Keigo; Okamoto, Nozomi; Kurumatani, Norio

2013-01-01

To investigate factors associated with activities of daily living in independently living elderly persons in a community. The potential subjects were 4,472 individuals aged 65 years and older who voluntarily participated in a large cohort study, the Fujiwara-kyo study. We used self-administered questionnaires consisting of an activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaire with the Physical Fitness Test established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (12 ADL items) to determine the index of higher-level physical independence, demographics, Geriatric Depression Scale, and so on. Mini-mental state examination, measurement of physical fitness, and blood tests were also carried out. A lower ADL level was defined as having a total score of the 12 ADL items (range, 12-36 points) that was below the first quartile of a total score for all the subjects. Factors associated with a low ADL level were examined by multiple logistic regression. A total of 4,198 remained as subjects for analysis. The male, female and 5-year-old groups showed significant differences in the median score of 12 ADL items between any two groups. The highest odds ratio among factors associated with lower ADL level by multiple logistic regression with mutually adjusted independent variables was 4.49 (95%CI: 2.82-7.17) in the groups of "very sharp pain" or "strong pain" during the last month. Low physical ability, self-awareness of limb weakness, a BMI of over 25, low physical activity, cerebrovascular disorder, depression, low cognitive function, unable "to see normally", unable "to hear someone", "muscle, bone and joint pain" were independently associated with lower ADL level. Multiple factors are associated with lower ADL level assessed on the basis of the 12 ADL items.

Magnesium sulfate treatment decreases the initial brain damage alterations produced after perinatal asphyxia in fetal lambs.

PubMed

Goñi-de-Cerio, Felipe; Alvarez, Antonia; Lara-Celador, Idoia; Alvarez, Francisco J; Alonso-Alconada, Daniel; Hilario, Enrique

2012-10-01

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of MgSO(4) treatment in the brain after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury in premature fetal lambs. Injury was induced by partial occlusion of umbilical cord for 60 min, and then the preterm lambs (80-90% of gestation) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control group, in which the animals were managed by conventional mechanical ventilation for 3 hr; 3 hr postpartial cord occlusion (3-hr-PCO) group, in which injured animals were managed by ventilation and then sacrificed 3 hr after HI; and MgSO(4) group, in which animals received 400 mg/kg MgSO(4) for 20 min soon after HI was induced and were managed by ventilation for 3 hr. Brains were analyzed for apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Cell viability and intracellular state studies were assessed by flow cytometry. The delayed death index was significantly increased in the 3-hr-PCO group in comparison with control. Administration of MgSO(4) elicited a delay in cell death that was similar to that in the control group. The 3-hr-PCO group showed a significantly higher concentration of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial damage, and intracellular calcium in comparison with control and MgSO(4) - treated groups. Our results suggest that MgSO(4) treatment might have potential therapeutic benefits after the HI event. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of ferrous carbamoyl glycine on iron state and absorption in an iron-deficient rat model.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuzhe; Sun, Xiaoming; Xie, Chunyan; Shu, Xugang; Oso, Abimbola Oladele; Ruan, Zheng; Deng, Ze-Yuan; Wu, Xin; Yin, Yulong

2015-11-01

An iron-deficient rat model was established and used to determine the effects of different iron sources on iron metabolism and absorption. Iron-deficient rats were assigned to one of three treatment groups, and their diet was supplemented with deionized water (control), Fe-CGly, or FeSO4 for 8 days via intragastric administration. Blood samples were obtained for analysis of iron-related properties, and the small intestine and liver were removed for quantitative reverse transcription PCR of genes related to iron metabolism. The serum total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) levels of rats in Fe-CGly and FeSO4 supplementation groups was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the rats in the control group. The rats in Fe-CGly group exhibited higher (P < 0.05) plasma Fe and ferritin levels and lower (P < 0.05) TIBC levels compared with the rats in FeSO4 groups. The relative expression of liver hepcidin increased (P < 0.05) by tenfold and 80-fold in the Fe-CGly and FeSO4 groups, respectively, whereas divalent metal transporter 1, duodenal cytochrome b, and ferroportin 1 expression decreased (P < 0.05) in the duodenum in both Fe-CGly and FeSO4 group. A comparison between Fe-CGly and FeSO4 group showed that iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) and iron regulatory protein (IRP2) expressions were reduced (P < 0.05) in rats administered FeSO4 than in rats administered with Fe-Cgly. These results indicate that Fe-CGly rapidly improves the blood iron status and that IRP1 and IRP2 may play an important role in the intestinal absorption of Fe-CGly.

The effect of religious-spiritual support on childbirth self-efficacy

PubMed Central

Mohamadirizi, Shahla; Mohamadirizi, Marjan; Mohamadirizi, Soheila; Mahmoodi, Fatemeh

2018-01-01

BACKGROUND: Childbirth self-efficacy is one of the most important factors causing a shift in mothers do vaginal delivery. If the mother feels that she can cope well with stress, will be protected from the harmful effects of stress on your health. Self-efficacy contained individual's assessment of her ability to deal with stressful situations. Strengthen the spiritual beliefs of the patient causes her to be a good result every situation even incurable condition. This study aimed to determine the effect of religious-spiritual support on childbirth self-efficacy in primiparous women. METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study carried on seventy primiparous women; participants were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the e-learning package based on religious-spiritual content. Self-efficacy questionnaire by both groups before and 4 weeks after it was completed. Collected data were entered into SPSS version 11 descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test which were used for analysis of data. The significant level was considered <0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean self-efficacy score before and after intervention in case group was 105.2 (27.01) and 110.12 (21.2), respectively, and in control group; 111.2 (23.12) and 116.9 (24.43). Paired t-test in two groups was significant (P = 0.042, P = 0.045) but independent t-test showed no significant difference in scores of childbirth self-efficacy before and after intervention in two groups (P = 0.061). CONCLUSION: In prenatal periods, religious-spiritual support through electronic package method can increase childbirth self-efficacy, so the planning and establishment of this training are recommended as an effective training. PMID:29417074

Aging dysregulates D- and E-series resolvins to modulate cardiosplenic and cardiorenal network following myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Halade, Ganesh V; Kain, Vasundhara; Black, Laurence M; Prabhu, Sumanth D; Ingle, Kevin A

2016-10-18

Post-myocardial infarction (MI), overactive inflammation is the hallmark of aging, however, the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that excess influx of omega 6 fatty acids may impair resolution, thus impacting the cardiosplenic and cardiorenal network post-MI. Young and aging mice were fed on standard lab chow (LC) and excess fatty acid (safflower oil; SO)-enriched diet for 2 months and were then subjected to MI surgery. Despite similar infarct areas and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction post-MI, splenic mass spectrometry data revealed higher levels of arachidonic acid (AA) derived pro-inflammatory metabolites in young-SO, but minimal formation of docosanoids, D- and E- series resolvins in SO-fed aged mice. The aged mice receiving excess intake of fatty acids exhibit; 1) decreased lipoxygenases (5-,12-, and 15) in the infarcted LV; 2) lower levels of 14HDHA, RvD1, RvD5, protectin D1, 7(S)maresin1, 8-,11-,18-HEPE and RvE3 with high levels of tetranor-12-HETEs; 3) dual population of macrophages (CD11b low /F480 high and CD11b high /F480 high ) with increased pro-inflammatory (CD11bp + F4/80 + Ly6C hi ) phenotype and; 4) increased kidney injury marker NGAL with increased expression of TNF-α and IL-1β indicating MI-induced non-resolving response compared with LC-group. Thus, excess fatty acid intake magnifies the post-MI chemokine signaling and inflames the cardiosplenic and cardiorenal network towards a non-resolving microenvironment in aging.

Aging dysregulates D- and E-series resolvins to modulate cardiosplenic and cardiorenal network following myocardial infarction

PubMed Central

Halade, Ganesh V.; Kain, Vasundhara; Black, Laurence M.; Prabhu, Sumanth D.; Ingle, Kevin A.

2016-01-01

Post-myocardial infarction (MI), overactive inflammation is the hallmark of aging, however, the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that excess influx of omega 6 fatty acids may impair resolution, thus impacting the cardiosplenic and cardiorenal network post-MI. Young and aging mice were fed on standard lab chow (LC) and excess fatty acid (safflower oil; SO)-enriched diet for 2 months and were then subjected to MI surgery. Despite similar infarct areas and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction post-MI, splenic mass spectrometry data revealed higher levels of arachidonic acid (AA) derived pro-inflammatory metabolites in young-SO, but minimal formation of docosanoids, D- and E- series resolvins in SO-fed aged mice. The aged mice receiving excess intake of fatty acids exhibit; 1) decreased lipoxygenases (5-,12-, and 15) in the infarcted LV; 2) lower levels of 14HDHA, RvD1, RvD5, protectin D1, 7(S)maresin1, 8-,11-,18-HEPE and RvE3 with high levels of tetranor-12-HETEs; 3) dual population of macrophages (CD11blow/F480high and CD11bhigh/F480high) with increased pro-inflammatory (CD11b+F4/80+Ly6Chi) phenotype and; 4) increased kidney injury marker NGAL with increased expression of TNF-ɑ and IL-1β indicating MI-induced non-resolving response compared with LC-group. Thus, excess fatty acid intake magnifies the post-MI chemokine signaling and inflames the cardiosplenic and cardiorenal network towards a non-resolving microenvironment in aging. PMID:27777380

A measure of the auditory-perceptual quality of strain from electroglottographic analysis of continuous dysphonic speech: Application to adductor spasmodic dysphonia

PubMed Central

Somanath, Keerthan; Mau, Ted

2016-01-01

Objectives (1) To develop an automated algorithm to analyze electroglottographic (EGG) signal in continuous, dysphonic speech, and (2) to identify EGG waveform parameters that correlate with the auditory-perceptual quality of strain in the speech of patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). Study Design Software development with application in a prospective controlled study. Methods EGG was recorded from 12 normal speakers and 12 subjects with ADSD reading excerpts from the Rainbow Passage. Data were processed by a new algorithm developed with the specific goal of analyzing continuous dysphonic speech. The contact quotient (CQ), pulse width (EGGW), a new parameter peak skew, and various contact closing slope quotient (SC) and contact opening slope quotient (SO) measures were extracted. EGG parameters were compared between normal and ADSD speech. Within the ADSD group, intra-subject comparison was also made between perceptually strained syllables and unstrained syllables. Results The opening slope quotient SO7525 distinguished strained syllables from unstrained syllables in continuous speech within individual ADSD subjects. The standard deviations, but not the means, of CQ, EGGW50, peak skew, and SO7525 were different between normal and ADSD speakers. The strain-stress pattern in continuous speech can be visualized as color gradients based on the variation of EGG parameter values. Conclusions EGG parameters may provide a within-subject measure of vocal strain and serve as a marker for treatment response. The addition of EGG to multi-dimensional assessment may lead to improved characterization of the voice disturbance in ADSD. PMID:26739857

Efficacy of spinal additives neostigmine and magnesium sulfate on characteristics of subarachnoid block, hemodynamic stability and postoperative pain relief: A randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Joshi-Khadke, Suchita; Khadke, V. V.; Patel, S. J.; Borse, Y. M.; Kelkar, K. V.; Dighe, J. P.; Subhedar, R. D.

2015-01-01

Background: Intrathecal neostigmine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) produce substantial antinociception, potentiate analgesia of bupivacaine without neurotoxicity. Aims: The aim was to investigate the effect of neostigmine and MgSO4 on characteristics of spinal anesthesia (SA), hemodynamic stability and postoperative analgesia when added to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine for SA. Subjects and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study 75 American Society of Anesthesiologist status I and II adult females posted for major gynecological surgery were assigned to one of the three groups (n = 25). Group N received Neostigmine 25 μg, Group M received MgSO4 50 mg, Group C received 0.5 ml saline as an adjuvant to 17.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine. Onset, duration of block, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, postoperative analgesia, analgesic requirement, and adverse effects were recorded. Data expressed as mean (standard deviation) or number (%). P <0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The three groups were comparable in characteristics of SA. The mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group N (5.1 h) followed by Group M (4.2 h) and Group C (3.8 h) (P = 0.0134). Analgesic requirement was significantly less in Group N followed by Group M and Group C (P = 0.00232). The pain score was significantly less in Group M (P < 0.05). The incidence of hypotension and vasopressor requirement was lowest (48%) in Group N than in Group M (64%) and Group C 84% (P = 0.0276). The incidence of bradycardia and atropine requirement was the lowest in Group M (P = 0.0354). Sedation was observed in 56% patients in Group M compared to 20% in Group N and 8% in Group C (P = 0.0004). Conclusion: Intrathecal Neostigmine and MgSo4 does not affect characteristics of SA. Postoperative analgesia of neostigmine was better than MgSO4. Neostigmine provides some protection against hypotension of SA whereas MgSO4 protects against bradycardia. PMID:25886423

Depressed polymorphonuclear cell functions in periparturient cows that develop postpartum reproductive diseases.

PubMed

Islam, Rafiqul; Kumar, Harendra; Singh, Gyanendra; Krishnan, Binsila B; Dey, Sahadeb

2017-09-01

The study was planned to see if there is any important and significant changes in the PMN function in cows suffering from postpartum reproductive diseases (PRD). Blood sampling was done from 41 pregnant cows on 15 days prepartum (-15d), calving day (0d), 15 days (15d) and 30 days (30d) postpartum and thorough gynaecological examination was performed on 0d, 15d, 30d and 45d for diagnosis of PRD like retained placenta (RP), clinical metritis (CM), clinical endometritis (CE) and delayed involution of uterus (DIU). The heparinised blood was used for isolation of PMN leukocytes for estimation of superoxide (SO), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in each group of cows. The SO production (ΔOD) was greater for normal (0.19 ± 0.05) than cows suffering from RP (-0.12 ± 0.09), CM (-0.15 ± 0.13) and CE (-0.07 ± 0.05) at -15d. The mean value was greater for normal cows (0.12) than the cows with PRD (0.05 to 0.9) at 30d. The H 2 O 2 production was greater for normal than cows with PRD at all sampling days and significantly greater than cows with RP and CE at 15d (p < 0.01) and 30d (P < 0.05). The MPO activity (μmol/1 × 10 7 ) was greater for normal (18.77 ± 1.27) than for RP (12.52 ± 2.57) and CM (11.31 ± 3.30) cows on 0d. The depressed capability of the PMN from the cows with PRD to produce SO, H 2 O 2 and MPO during the periparturient period indicated their association with the development of RP, CM and CE.

[New anterolateral approach of distal femur for treatment of distal femoral fractures].

PubMed

Zhang, Bin; Dai, Min; Zou, Fan; Luo, Song; Li, Binhua; Qiu, Ping; Nie, Tao

2013-11-01

To assess the effectiveness of the new anterolateral approach of the distal femur for the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Between July 2007 and December 2009, 58 patients with distal femoral fractures were treated by new anterolateral approach of the distal femur in 28 patients (new approach group) and by conventional approach in 30 patients (conventional approach group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, affected side, type of fracture, disease duration, complication, or preoperative intervention (P > 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, hospitalization days, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score of knee were recorded. Operation was successfully completed in all patients of 2 groups, and healing of incision by first intention was obtained; no vascular and nerves injuries occurred. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency of new approach group were significantly less than those of conventional approach group (P < 0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss and the hospitalization days showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P > 0.05). All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 19.8 months). Bone union was shown on X-ray films; the fracture healing time was (12.62 +/- 2.34) weeks in the new approach group and was (13.78 +/- 1.94) weeks in the conventional approach group, showing no significant difference (t=2.78, P=0.10). The knee HSS score at last follow-up was 94.4 +/- 4.2 in the new approach group, and was 89.2 +/- 6.0 in the conventional approach group, showing significant difference between 2 groups (t=3.85, P=0.00). New anterolateral approach of the distal femur for distal femoral fractures has the advantages of exposure plenitude, minimal tissue trauma, and early function rehabilitation training so as to enhance the function recovery of knee joint.

New onset paediatric epilepsy in 1-5 years age group children--approach to management in a tertiary care centre with newer anti-epileptic levetiracetam.

PubMed

Barik, Kanai Lal; Paul, Uttam Kumar; Bhattacharyya, Anup Kumar; Adhikary, Amit; Agarwal, Gajanand; Rana, Kriti Sundar

2014-02-01

Epilepsy is a common paediatric neurologic disorder that is difficult to manage in a substantial portion of children, highlighting the continued need for more effective and better tolerated drugs. A multicentric study was conducted from August, 2011 to July, 2013 using levetiracetam (LEV) in newely diagnosed epilepsy in 122 young children of 1-5 years age group to find its role in practical scenario depending upon the knowledge from prior literature available. It has been demonstrated effective as adjunctive therapy as well as monotherapy for new-onset partial seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) but it acts better as adjunctive therapy than the monotherapy. When LEV was used as adjunctive therapy 15.4% children with partial seizure were seizure-free as compared to 11.12% in GTCS and when LEV was used as monotherapy 16.17% children with partial seizure were seizure-free as compared to 15.38% in GTCS. When LEV was used as add on therapy 16.67% children < 2 years were seizure-free as compared to 17.85% in > 2 years. When LEV was used as monotherapy 25.00% children < 2 years were seizure-free as compared to 18.18% > 2 years. So, it was found more efficacious in partial group of seizures than the GTCS variety. It also shows more efficacy in older age group (> 2 years) than the younger ones (< 2 years). Somnolence and behavioural changes were noted as ad- verse effects in a few cases. So, LEV is an important addition to the treatment of paediatric epilepsy.

Establishment of a 12-gene expression signature to predict colon cancer prognosis

PubMed Central

Zhao, Guangxi; Dong, Pingping; Wu, Bingrui

2018-01-01

A robust and accurate gene expression signature is essential to assist oncologists to determine which subset of patients at similar Tumor-Lymph Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage has high recurrence risk and could benefit from adjuvant therapies. Here we applied a two-step supervised machine-learning method and established a 12-gene expression signature to precisely predict colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) prognosis by using COAD RNA-seq transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The predictive performance of the 12-gene signature was validated with two independent gene expression microarray datasets: GSE39582 includes 566 COAD cases for the development of six molecular subtypes with distinct clinical, molecular and survival characteristics; GSE17538 is a dataset containing 232 colon cancer patients for the generation of a metastasis gene expression profile to predict recurrence and death in COAD patients. The signature could effectively separate the poor prognosis patients from good prognosis group (disease specific survival (DSS): Kaplan Meier (KM) Log Rank p = 0.0034; overall survival (OS): KM Log Rank p = 0.0336) in GSE17538. For patients with proficient mismatch repair system (pMMR) in GSE39582, the signature could also effectively distinguish high risk group from low risk group (OS: KM Log Rank p = 0.005; Relapse free survival (RFS): KM Log Rank p = 0.022). Interestingly, advanced stage patients were significantly enriched in high 12-gene score group (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.0003). After stage stratification, the signature could still distinguish poor prognosis patients in GSE17538 from good prognosis within stage II (Log Rank p = 0.01) and stage II & III (Log Rank p = 0.017) in the outcome of DFS. Within stage III or II/III pMMR patients treated with Adjuvant Chemotherapies (ACT) and patients with higher 12-gene score showed poorer prognosis (III, OS: KM Log Rank p = 0.046; III & II, OS: KM Log Rank p = 0.041). Among stage II/III pMMR patients with lower 12-gene scores in GSE39582, the subgroup receiving ACT showed significantly longer OS time compared with those who received no ACT (Log Rank p = 0.021), while there is no obvious difference between counterparts among patients with higher 12-gene scores (Log Rank p = 0.12). Besides COAD, our 12-gene signature is multifunctional in several other cancer types including kidney cancer, lung cancer, uveal and skin melanoma, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Functional classification showed that seven of the twelve genes are involved in immune system function and regulation, so our 12-gene signature could potentially be used to guide decisions about adjuvant therapy for patients with stage II/III and pMMR COAD.

Feeding soy protein isolate and n-3 PUFA affects polycystic liver disease progression in a PCK rat model of autosomal polycystic kidney disease.

PubMed

Maditz, Kaitlin H; Benedito, Vagner A; Oldaker, Chris; Nanda, Nainika; Lateef, Sundus S; Livengood, Ryan; Tou, Janet C

2015-04-01

In polycystic liver disease (PCLD), multiple cysts cause liver enlargement, structural damage, and loss of function. Soy protein and dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been found to decrease cyst proliferation and inflammation in polycystic kidney disease. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether soy protein and n-3 PUFA supplementation attenuates PCLD. Young (age 28 days) female PCK rats were fed (n = 12 per group) either casein + corn oil (casein + CO), casein + soybean oil (casein + SO), soy protein isolate + soybean oil (SPI + SO), or SPI + 1:1 soybean/salmon oil blend (SPI + SB) diet for 12 weeks. Liver histology, gene expression by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and serum markers of liver injury were determined. Diet had no effect on PCLD progression as indicated by no significant differences in liver weight and hepatic proliferation gene expression between diet groups. PCK rats fed SPI + SB diet, however, had the greatest (P < 0.05) histological evidence of hepatic cyst obstruction, portal inflammation, steatosis, and upregulation (P = 0.03) of fibrosis-related genes. Rats fed SPI + SB diet also had the lowest (P < 0.001) serum cholesterol and higher (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin concentrations. Feeding young female PCK rats SPI and n-3 PUFA failed to attenuate PCLD progression. Furthermore, feeding SPI + SB diet resulted in complications of hepatic steatosis attributable to cysts obstruction of bile duct and hepatic vein. Based on the results, it was concluded that diet intervention alone was not effective at attenuating PCLD associated with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.

The major-ion composition of Carboniferous seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holt, Nora M.; García-Veigas, Javier; Lowenstein, Tim K.; Giles, Peter S.; Williams-Stroud, Sherilyn

2014-06-01

The major-ion chemistry (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, SO42-, and Cl-) of Carboniferous seawater was determined from chemical analyses of fluid inclusions in marine halites, using the cryo scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) technique. Fluid inclusions in halite from the Mississippian Windsor and Mabou Groups, Shubenacadie Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada (Asbian and Pendleian Substages, 335.5-330 Ma), and from the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation, Utah, USA, (Desmoinesian Stage 309-305 Ma) contain Na+-Mg2+-K+-Ca2+-Cl- brines, with no measurable SO42-, which shows that the Carboniferous ocean was a “CaCl2 sea”, relatively enriched in Ca2+ and low in SO42- with equivalents Ca2+ > SO42- + HCO3-. δ34S values from anhydrite in the Mississippian Shubenacadie Basin (13.2-14.0 ‰) and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation (11.2-12.6 ‰) support seawater sources. Br in halite from the Shubenacadie Basin (53-111 ppm) and the Paradox Basin (68-147 ppm) also indicate seawater parentages. Carboniferous seawater, modeled from fluid inclusions, contained ∼22 mmol Ca2+/kg H2O (Mississippian) and ∼24 mmol Ca2+/kg H2O (Pennsylvanian). Estimated sulfate concentrations are ∼14 mmol SO42-/kg H2O (Mississippian), and ∼12 mmol SO42-/kg H2O (Pennsylvanian). Calculated Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios are 2.5 (Mississippian) and 2.3 (Pennsylvanian), with an estimated range of 2.0-3.2. The fluid inclusion record of seawater chemistry shows a long period of CaCl2 seas in the Paleozoic, from the Early Cambrian through the Carboniferous, when seawater was enriched in Ca2+ and relatively depleted in SO42-. During this ∼200 Myr interval, Ca2+ decreased and SO42- increased, but did not cross the Ca2+-SO42- chemical divide to become a MgSO4 sea (when SO42- in seawater became greater than Ca2+) until the latest Pennsylvanian or earliest Permian (∼309-295 Ma). Seawater remained a MgSO4 sea during the Permian and Triassic, for ∼100 Myr. Fluid inclusions also record a long interval, from the Early Cambrian to the Middle Devonian, when seawater had low Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios (<2) that coincide with calcite seas. The Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of seawater rose from 0.9 in the Middle Devonian, to 2.5 in the Middle/Late Mississippian, 2.3 in the Middle Pennsylvanian, and 3.5 in the Early Permian. The transition from calcite seas to aragonite seas, established from the mineralogy of oölites and early marine cements, occurred in the Late Mississippian. Fluid inclusions show that seawater Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios rose above 2 by the Middle to Late Mississippian coinciding exactly with the shift to aragonite seas. Aragonite seas existed for ∼100 Myr, from the Late Mississippian until the Late Triassic/Early Jurassic.

Effects of osteochondral defect size on cartilage regeneration using a double-network hydrogel.

PubMed

Higa, Kotaro; Kitamura, Nobuto; Goto, Keiko; Kurokawa, Takayuki; Gong, Jian Ping; Kanaya, Fuminori; Yasuda, Kazunori

2017-05-22

There has been increased interest in one-step cell-free procedures to avoid the problems related to cell manipulation and its inherent disadvantages. We have studied the chondrogenic induction ability of a PAMPS/PDMAAm double-network (DN) gel and found it to induce chondrogenesis in animal osteochondral defect models. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the healing process and the degree of cartilage regeneration induced by the cell-free method using DN gel are influenced by the size of osteochondral defects. A total of 63 mature female Japanese white rabbits were used in this study, randomly divided into 3 groups of 21 rabbits each. A 2.5-mm diameter osteochondral defect was created in the femoral trochlea of the patellofemoral joint of bilateral knees in Group I, a 4.3-mm osteochondral defect in Group II, and a 5.8-mm osteochondral defect in Group III. In the right knee of each animal, a DN gel plug was implanted so that a vacant space of 2-mm depth was left above the plug. In the left knee, we did not conduct any treatment to obtain control data. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery, and gross and histological evaluations were made. The present study demonstrated that all sizes of the DN gel implanted defects as well as the 2.5mm untreated defects showed cartilage regeneration at 4 and 12 weeks. The 4.3-mm and 5.8-mm untreated defects did not show cartilage regeneration during the 12-week period. The quantitative score reported by O'Driscoll et al. was significantly higher in the 4.3-mm and 5.8-mm DN gel-implanted defects than the untreated defects at 4 and 12 weeks (p < 0.05). The 2.5-mm and 4.3-mm DN gel implanted defects maintained relatively high macroscopic and histological scores for the 12-week implantation period, while the histological score of the 5.8-mm DN gel implanted defect had decreased somewhat but statistically significantly at 12 weeks (p = 0.0057). The DN gel induced cartilage regeneration in defects between 2.5 and 5.8 mm, offering a promising device to establish a cell-free cartilage regeneration therapy and applicable to various sizes of osteochondral defects.

Effect of exercise augmentation of cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of suicidal ideation and depression.

PubMed

Abdollahi, Abbas; LeBouthillier, Daniel M; Najafi, Mahmoud; Asmundson, Gordon J G; Hosseinian, Simin; Shahidi, Shahriar; Carlbring, Per; Kalhori, Atefeh; Sadeghi, Hassan; Jalili, Marzieh

2017-09-01

Suicidal ideation and depression are prevalent and costly conditions that reduce quality of life. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of exercise as an adjunct to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for suicidal ideation and depression among depressed individuals. In a randomized clinical trial, 54 mildly to moderately depressed patients (54% female, mean age=48.25) were assigned to a combined CBT and exercise group or to a CBT only group. Both groups received one weekly session of therapy for 12 weeks, while the combined group also completed exercise three times weekly over the same period. Self-reported suicidal ideation, depression, and activities of daily living were measured at the beginning and the end of treatment. Multilevel modelling revealed greater improvements in suicidal ideation, depression, and activities of daily living in the combined CBT and exercise group, compared to the CBT only group. No follow-up data were collected, so the long-term effects (i.e., maintenance of gains) is unclear. The findings revealed that exercise adjunct to CBT effectively decreases both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in mildly to moderately depressed individuals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[An observation of the effect of sulfur dioxide on rat nasal mucosa].

PubMed

Lu, Z Q

1990-01-01

This paper reports the effect of SO2 on rat nasal mucosa. The rats were forced to inhale SO2 and the effect on the nasal mucosa observed. The rats were divided into four groups. The first group inhaled 10ppm SO2; the second group 20ppm; the third group 40 ppm and the fourth group served as control. The observation lasted for 6 months. It was found that the nasal mucosa in the control group remained columnar ciliated. In the experimental groups, during the early stage (groups I, II) of exposure, there was no significant morphological change in epithelium. Then (groups I, II) the epithelium changed into cuboidal with complete disappearance of cilia, only some short and slender microvilli remained. While in the late stage (group III), the epithelium had transformed into squamous stratified and the amount of mucosal glands reduced.

Effects of oestrogens and anti-oestrogens on normal breast tissue from women bearing BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

PubMed Central

Bramley, M; Clarke, R B; Howell, A; Evans, D G R; Armer, T; Baildam, A D; Anderson, E

2006-01-01

There is considerable interest in whether anti-oestrogens can be used to prevent breast cancer in women bearing mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The effects of oestradiol (E2), tamoxifen (TAM) and fulvestrant (FUL) on proliferation and steroid receptor expression were assessed in normal breast epithelium taken from women at varying risks of breast cancer and implanted into athymic nude mice, which were treated with E2 in the presence and absence of TAM or FUL. Tissue samples were taken at various time points thereafter for assessment of proliferative activity and expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors (ERα and PgR) by immunohistochemistry. Oestradiol increased proliferation in the breast epithelium from women carrying mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes, those otherwise at increased risk and those at population risk of breast cancer. This increase was reduced by both TAM and FUL in all risk groups. In the absence of E2, PgR expression was reduced in all risk groups but significantly more so in the BRCA-mutated groups. Subsequent E2 treatment caused a rapid, complete induction of PgR expression in the population-risk group but not in the high-risk or BRCA-mutated groups in which PgR induction was significantly delayed. These data suggest that the mechanisms by which E2 induces breast epithelial PgR expression are impaired in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, whereas those regulating proliferation remain intact. We conclude that early anti-oestrogen treatment should prevent breast cancer in very high-risk women. PMID:16538216

Long-term enteral immunonutrition containing lactoferrin in tube-fed bedridden patients: immunological and nutritional status.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Yoshiaki; Yamamura, Takuya; Takahashi, Seiichiro; Katayose, Kozo; Kohga, Shin; Takase, Mitsunori; Imawari, Michio

2012-06-01

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of a novel immune-enhancing enteral formula, Prem-8, which contains lactoferrin as an immunonutrient. A multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 5 hospitals in Japan, and 71 tube-fed bedridden patients with serum albumin concentrations between 2.5 and 3.5 g/dL were allocated to Prem-8 (n = 38) or control formula (n = 33) groups for an observation period of 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing immunological (natural killer cell activity, neutrophil-phagocytic activity, neutrophil-sterilizing activity, and C-reactive protein), and nutritional (anthropometric measurements and serum levels of nutritional assessment proteins and total cholesterol) variables. Safety was assessed by comparing the incidence of adverse events. In a secondary analysis, patients were subgrouped according to the amount of protein supplemented (1 g/kg/d) so that immunological and nutritional variables and safety could be further compared. Natural killer activity and neutrophil functions were normal for both groups throughout the study period, without significant between-group differences at any point. Nutritional status was stably maintained in both groups, although the body mass index at 12 weeks was marginally lower in the Prem-8 group than in the control group (p < 0.01). The incidence of adverse events were comparable between both groups, but the incidence of fever in the Prem-8 group (7/14) was significantly lower than in the control group (10/11) in a subgroup of patients whose supplemented protein was less than 1 g/kg/d (p < 0.05). Prem-8 did not demonstrate superiority to the control formula with respect to immunological and nutritional variables, whereas the body mass index of patients in the Prem-8 group marginally decreased. However, Prem-8 had a favorable effect on the incidence of fever in a subgroup of patients with low protein intake.

[EFFECTIVENESS OF SHARP TEETH HOOK PLATE FOR TREATMENT OF OLECRANON FRACTURES].

PubMed

Yin, Qudong; Gu, Sanjun; Liu, Jun; Wu, Yongwei; Lu, Yao; Ma, Yunhong; Sheng, Youyin

2016-09-08

To investigate the effectiveness of sharp teeth hook plate by cutting for the treatment of olecranon fractures by comparison with Kirschner wire tension belt and locking plate. Between January 2011 and April 2015, 32 cases of olecranon fractures were treated. Fracture was fixed with sharp teeth hook plate by cutting in 12 cases (trial group) and with Kirschner wire tension belt or locking plate in 20 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side and type of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The healing time of fractures and complications were recorded. At 1 year after operation, the subjective function results were evaluated according to Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and objective function results by Mayo Elbow Score (MEPS); visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for elbow joint pain, and range of motion of flexion and extension of elbow joint was measured. All incisions healed by first intention, with no vascular and nerve injuries. All patients were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 18 months. All fractures healed, and there was no significant difference in the healing time between 2 groups ( P >0.05). Loosening of Kirschner wire occurred in 2 cases of control group, but no loosening of internal fixation was observed in trial group after operation. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The DASH, MEPS, VAS score, and range of motion of flexion in trial group were superior to those in control group, showing significant differences ( P <0.05) at 1 year after operation. There was no significant difference in range of motion of extension between 2 groups ( P >0.05). Sharp teeth hook plate for treatment of olecranon fractures overcomes the shortcomings that Kirschner wire tension is easy to slide and locking plate has a compression effect on triceps tendon, so it has good effectiveness.

Synthesis and Characterization of Tetrakis-aqua-bis-isonicotin-amide(itmd)nickel(II) Sulfate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahardjo, S. B.; Hastuti, S.; Amanati, N.; Syaima, H.

2018-03-01

The complex of Tetrakis-aqua-bis-(isonicotinamide)nickel(II) sulfate has been synthesized in 1:2 mole ratio of metal to ligands in methanol. The formula of the complex predicted from analysis nickel content in the complex by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was Ni(itmd)2SO4(H2O)4. The conductivity of the complex in methanol was measured by conductivity meter correspond to 1:1 electrolyte. Thermal analysis of the complex was determined by Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA) indicating that the complex contains four H2O molecules as ligands. The magnetic susceptibility measurement showed that the complex was paramagnetic with μeff = 3.02 BM. The electronic spectra of the complex appear due to two transition peak on λ = 398 nm and 664 nm. The Infrared spectra showed a shift of NH2 stretching vibration of Ni(itmd)2SO4(H2O)4. These facts indicated that these functional groups were coordinated to the center ion of the complexes. The proposed structure of the complex was octahedral therefore the possibility formula of this complex was [Ni(itmd)2(H2O)4]SO4.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal study of the hybrid nickel sulfate: C6N2H16[Ni(H2O)6(SO4)2].2H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngopoh, F. A. I.; Hamdi, N.; Chaouch, S.; Lachkar, M.; da Silva, I.; El Bali, B.

2018-03-01

A new inorganic-organic hybrid open framework nickel sulfate C6N2H16[Ni(H2O)6(SO4)2].2H2O has been synthesized by slow evaporation in aqueous solution using trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane as structure-directing agent. It was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and analyzed by TGA-DSC. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, with the unit cell parameters of a = 6.2586 Å, b = 12.3009 Å, c = 13.2451 Å, β = 98,047°, Z = 4. Its crystal structure consists of isolated polyhedrons [Ni(H2O)6]2+ and [SO4]2- and free water which connects through hydrogen bonds. This association results in the porous framework where the protonated organic molecule trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane is located as a counter ion. The IR spectra Shows the bands corresponding to the sulfate anion, water molecule and diprotonated trans-1-4-diaminocyclohexane. Thermal study indicates the loss of water molecules and the degradation of trans-1-4-diaminocyclohexane.

Reversible capture of SO2 through functionalized ionic liquids.

PubMed

Yang, Dezhong; Hou, Minqiang; Ning, Hui; Ma, Jun; Kang, Xinchen; Zhang, Jianling; Han, Buxing

2013-07-01

Emission of SO2 in flue gas from the combustion of fossil fuels leads to severe environmental problems. Exploration of green and efficient methods to capture SO2 is an interesting topic, especially at lower SO2 partial pressures. In this work, ionic liquids (ILs) 1-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Et2 NEMim][Tf2 N]) and 1-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrazolate ([Et2 NEMim][Tetz]) were synthesized. The performances of the two ILs to capture SO2 were studied under different conditions. It was demonstrated that the ILs were very efficient for SO2 absorption. The [Et2 NEMim][Tetz] IL designed in this work could absorb 0.47 g(SO2)g(IL)(-1) at 0.0101 MPa SO2 partial pressure, which is the highest capacity reported to date under the same conditions. The main reason for the large capacity was that both the cation and the anion could capture SO2 chemically. In addition, the IL could easily be regenerated, and the very high absorption capacity and rapid absorption/desorption rates were not changed over five repeated cycles. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Effects of a Self-Efficacy Intervention on Exercise Behavior of Fitness Club Members in 52 Weeks and Long-Term Relationships of Transtheoretical Model Constructs

PubMed Central

Middelkamp, Jan; van Rooijen, Maaike; Wolfhagen, Peter; Steenbergen, Bert

2017-01-01

The transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM) is often used to understand changes in health-related behavior, like exercise. Exercise behavior in fitness clubs is an understudied topic, but preliminary studies showed low frequencies and large numbers of drop-out. An initial 12-week self-efficacy intervention reported significant effects on exercise behavior. The objective of this follow up study is testing effects on exercise behavior over 52 weeks and the long-term relationships of all TTM constructs. In total 122 participants (Mage 42.02 yr.; SD 12.29; 67% females) were recruited and randomly assigned to group 1 (control), group 2 (self-set activities) and group 3 (self-set goals coaching). All participants were monitored 52-weeks. Measurements at baseline, 4, 8, 12, 26 and 52 weeks, using validated scales for stages of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance and processes of change. Exercise behavior and drop-outs were registered. An ANOVA revealed that group 3 significantly (p < 0.05) differed in exercise sessions from group 1 and 2 during the 12 weeks. A chi-square test indicated significant differences for continuing exercising after the intervention: 7 of group 1; 6 of group 2; 19 of group 3. In total 5 demonstrated regular exercise behavior at 26 weeks, and 3 at 52 weeks. Self-efficacy, decisional balance, and processes of change showed limited long-term changes over the later stages of change. At all measurements, participants reported more pros than cons and used more behavioral than cognitive processes. Exercise behavior of members in fitness clubs demonstrated dramatic developments in 52 weeks. The frequencies of sessions were so low that health effects will be minimal. The integrative character of the TTM appears to be weak; the data indicated limited relationships. More research is needed to understand exercise behavior and define optimal strategies to increase exercise attendance and decrease drop-outs in the long term. Key points Approximately 151 million individuals exercise in 187.000 fitness clubs worldwide, mainly for health benefits. The transtheoretical model of behavior change is often used to understand changes in health-related behavior, like exercise, but was never applied to this understudied population. An initial 12-week self-efficacy intervention reported significant effects on (increased) exercise behavior. The effects of this intervention were diminished at 26 and 52 weeks, with respectively only five and three participants maintaining regular exercise behavior in fitness clubs. The integrative character of the TTM in this population appears to be weak; the data indicated limited relationships. PMID:28630568

Molecular structure, magnetic properties, cyclic voltammetry of the low-spin iron(III) Bis(4-ethylaniline) complex with the para-chloro substituted meso-tetraphenylporphyrin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhifaoui, Selma; Mchiri, Chadlia; Quatremare, Pierre; Marvaud, Valérie; Bujacz, Anna; Nasri, Habib

2018-02-01

In this study, the preparation of a new iron(III) hexacoordinated metalloporphyrin namely the bis(4-ethylaniline){meso-tetra(para-chlorophenyl)porphyrinato}iron(III) triflate hemi-4-ethylaniline monohydrate with the formula [FeIII(TClPP)(PhEtNH2)2]SO3CF3•1/2PhEtNH2•H2O (I) was reported. This is the first example of an iron(III) metalloporphyrin bis(primary amine) with an aryl group adjacent to the amino group. This species was characterized by elemental, spectroscopic analysis including UV-visible and IR data, cyclic voltammetry, SQUID measurements and X-ray molecular structure. The mean equatorial distance between the iron(III) and the nitrogens of the porphyrin is appropriate for a low-spin (S = 1/2) iron(III) porphyrin complex. The magnetic data confirm the low-spin state of our ferric derivative while the cyclic voltammetry indicates a shift of the half potential E1/2[Fe(III)/Fe(II)] of complex (I) toward more negative value. In the crystal of (I), the [FeIII(TClPP)(PhEtNH2)2]+ ions, the triflate counterions and the water molecules are involved in a number of O__H⋯O, N__H⋯O, C-H⋯O and C__H⋯π intermolecular interactions forming a three-dimension network.

[Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy--effect and risks].

PubMed

Borre, Michael

2008-08-18

The purpose of nerve-sparing technique performing radical prostatectomy (NSRP) is to attempt to preserve the neurovascular bundle which is located posterolaterally on both sides of the prostate. The nerve-sparing technique presupposes the pre- and per operative tumour stage as well as preoperative erectile function--so as not to unnecessarily risk compromising the radicalism of the surgery. In the period 2003-2006 242 patients were radical prostatectomized (RP) at the Dept. of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby. A total of 84 of these were offered NSRP. Data concerning erectile function preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively were compared. Likewise the postoperative tumour control following NSRP was investigated. There was a statistically significant association between NSRP and preserved potency 12 months postoperatively compared to the non-NSRP patient group. Moreover, no association between risks of positive surgical margins in patients treated with or without NSRP technique was observed. During follow up (median 39 months) the rate of biochemical recurrence was 40. Among these 8, 13 and 20% of the patients were respectively treated with bilateral-, unilateral- and non-NSRP. NSRP seems to be both a safe and effective procedure in carefully selected patients. Furthermore, the results suggest that if preoperatively potent, low- to middle-risk group patients (cT1-2a/b, Gleason score < 7 and PSA < 10 ng/mL) are potential candidates for at least unilateral NSRP.

A combined analysis of D22S278 marker alleles in affected sib-pairs: Support for a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia at chromosome 22q12

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

Gill, M.; Vallada, H.; Collier, D.

1996-02-16

Several groups have reported weak evidence for linkage between schizophrenia and genetic markers located on chromosome 22q using the lod score method of analysis. However these findings involved different genetic markers and methods of analysis, and so were not directly comparable. To resolve this issue we have performed a combined analysis of genotypic data from the marker D22S278 in multiply affected schizophrenic families derived from 11 independent research groups worldwide. This marker was chosen because it showed maximum evidence for linkage in three independent datasets. Using the affected sib-pair method as implemented by the program ESPA, the combined dataset showedmore » 252 alleles shared compared with 188 alleles not shared (chi-square 9.31, 1df, P = 0.001) where parental genotype data was completely known. When sib-pairs for whom parental data was assigned according to probability were included the number of alleles shared was 514.1 compared with 437.8 not shared (chi-square 6.12, 1df, P = 0.006). Similar results were obtained when a likelihood ratio method for sib-pair analysis was used. These results indicate that there may be a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia at 22q12. 27 refs., 3 tabs.« less

Physical and monolayer film properties of potential fatty ester biolubricants

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

Yao, Linxing; Hammond, Earl G; Wang, Tong

2014-04-03

The desire to replace petroleum-based lubricants with alternatives that are environmentally friendly and made from sustainable sources has encouraged the development of biolubricants based on vegetable oils. To be good lubricants, the materials should have low melting points, appropriate viscosity and oxidative stability. In this paper, we report the melting point and viscosity of oleate esters of ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 2,3-butanediol, and pentaerythritol as well as the decanoate esters of 2,3-butanediol and the 12-methyltetradecanoate esters of 1,2-propanediol. Polyol esters that have a free hydroxy group had lower melting points than the completely esterified polyols, but the completely esterified polyol estersmore » exhibited less change in viscosity with temperature than those having a free hydroxy group. 2, 3-Butanediol monooleate, which melted at -48.6°C shows promise as a biolubricant, but its viscosity index was estimated to be 100. Pentaerythritol oleate esters, with melting points below -10°C and viscosity indices in the range of 170–197, may be suitable candidates as biolubricants. The behavior of esters spread as a monomolecular film at air/water interface may provide insight into the way they behave when spread on metal or polar surfaces, so the pressure-area isotherms of 2,3-butanediol monoleate and selected esters are also reported.« less

Molecular phylogeny of the Cricetinae subfamily based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b and 12S rRNA genes and the nuclear vWF gene.

PubMed

Neumann, Karsten; Michaux, Johan; Lebedev, Vladimir; Yigit, Nuri; Colak, Ercument; Ivanova, Natalia; Poltoraus, Andrey; Surov, Alexei; Markov, Georgi; Maak, Steffen; Neumann, Sabine; Gattermann, Rolf

2006-04-01

Despite some popularity of hamsters as pets and laboratory animals there is no reliable phylogeny of the subfamily Cricetinae available so far. Contradicting views exist not only about the actual number of species but also concerning the validity of several genera. We used partial DNA sequences of two mitochondrial (cytochrome b, 12S rRNA) and one partial nuclear gene (von Willebrand Factor exon 28) to provide a first gene tree of the Cricetinae based on 15 taxa comprising six genera. According to our data, Palaearctic hamsters fall into three distinct phylogenetic groups: Phodopus, Mesocricetus, and Cricetus-related species which evolved during the late Miocene about 7-12MY ago. Surprisingly, the genus Phodopus, which was previously thought to have appeared during the Pleistocene, forms the oldest clade. The largest number of extant hamster genera is found in a group of Cricetus-related hamsters. The genus Cricetulus itself proved to be not truly monophyletic with Cricetulus migratorius appearing more closely related to Tscherskia, Cricetus, and Allocricetulus. We propose to place the species within a new monotypic genus. Molecular clock calculations are not always in line with the dating of fossil records. DNA based divergence time estimates as well as taxonomic relationships demand a reevaluation of morphological characters previously used to identify fossils and extant hamsters.

Effect of progesterone concentration and duration of proestrus on fertility in beef cattle after fixed-time artificial insemination.

PubMed

Dadarwal, D; Mapletoft, R J; Adams, G P; Pfeifer, L F M; Creelman, C; Singh, J

2013-03-15

The objective was to determine the effect of plasma progesterone concentration and the duration of proestrus during growth of the ovulatory follicle on fertility in beef cattle. Heifers (N = 61) and postpartum cows (N = 79) were assigned randomly to four groups in a two-by-two design involving luteal-phase versus subluteal-phase plasma progesterone concentrations and normal versus short proestrus. To synchronize follicular wave emergence, estradiol-17β was given im during the midluteal phase (Day 0) and concurrently, a once-used controlled intravaginal progesterone-releasing device was placed intravaginally. In the subluteal-phase progesterone groups, a luteolytic dose of PGF(2α) was given on Day 0 and again 12 hours later. In the luteal-phase progesterone groups, PGF(2α) was not given (so as to retain a functional CL). The controlled intravaginal progesterone-releasing device was removed and PGF(2α) was given on Days 7 or 8 in the normal- and short-proestrus groups, respectively. Cattle were given lutropin im 12 or 36 hours later in the short- and normal-proestrus groups, respectively, with AI at 12 hours after lutropin treatment. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to monitor ovarian response during treatments and to diagnose pregnancy 60 days after AI. Cattle (heifers and cows combined) in the subluteal-phase progesterone groups and normal proestrus groups had a larger follicle at the time of AI, and a larger CL that secreted more progesterone 9 days after AI than cattle with luteal-phase progesterone concentrations or those with short proestrus (P < 0.03). There was a higher incidence of ovulation (P < 0.01) the day after AI in heifers (55/61; 90%) than in cows (44/79; 56%). Pregnancy rates ranged from 11% to 54%, and were higher in cattle (heifers and cows combined) in the subluteal-phase progesterone groups and normal proestrus groups than in the luteal-phase progesterone or short proestrus groups, respectively, (P < 0.02). In conclusion, a short proestrous interval reduced pregnancy rate after fixed-time AI in beef cattle. A low progesterone environment during growth of the ovulatory follicle increased the preovulatory follicle size and subsequent CL size and function, and compensated for the effect of a short proestrus on pregnancy rates. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Randomized controlled trial of yogic meditation techniques for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Shannahoff-Khalsa, D S; Ray, L E; Levine, S; Gallen, C C; Schwartz, B J; Sidorowich, J J

1999-12-01

The objective of this study was to compare efficacy of two meditation protocols for treating patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Patients were randomized to two groups-matched for sex, age, and medication status-and blinded to the comparison protocol. They were told the trial would last for 12 months, unless one protocol proved to be more efficacious. If so, groups would merge, and the group that received the less efficacious treatment would also be afforded 12 months of the more effective one. The study was conducted at Children's Hospital, San Diego, Calif. Patients were selected according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria and recruited by advertisements and referral. At baseline, Group 1 included 11 adults and 1 adolescent, and Group 2 included 10 adults. Group 1 employed a kundalini yoga meditation protocol and Group 2 employed the Relaxation Response plus Mindfulness Meditation technique. Baseline and 3-month interval testing was conducted using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised Obsessive Compulsive (SCL-90-R OC) and Global Severity Index (SCL-90-R GSI) scales, Profile of Moods scale (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Purpose in Life (PIL) test. Seven adults in each group completed 3 months of therapy. At 3 months, Group 1 demonstrated greater improvements (Student's independent groups t-test) on the Y-BOCS, SCL-90-R OC and GSI scales, and POMS, and greater but nonsignificant improvements on the PSS and PIL test. An intent-to-treat analysis (Y-BOCS) for the baseline and 3-month tests showed that only Group 1 improved. Within-group statistics (Student's paired t-tests) showed that Group 1 significantly improved on all six scales, but Group 2 had no improvements. Groups were merged for an additional year using Group 1 techniques. At 15 months, the final group (N=11) improved 71%, 62%, 66%, 74%, 39%, and 23%, respectively, on the Y-BOCS, SCL-90-R OC, SCL-90-R GSI, POMS, PSS, and PIL; P<0.003 (analysis of variance). This study demonstrates that kundalini yoga techniques are effective in the treatment of OCD.

Reheating of soy oil is detrimental to bone metabolism in oestrogen deficient rats.

PubMed

Ima-Nirwana, S; Ahmad, S Nazrun; Yee, L J; Loh, H C; Yew, S F; Norazlina, M; Abdul, M T Gapor; Kamsiah, J

2007-03-01

The short-term and long- term effects of heated soy oil on bone metabolism in ovariectomised Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Three-month-old female rats, were divided into five groups: normal control (NC); ovariectomised control (OVXC); ovariectomised and fed rat chow with added fresh soybean oil (SOF) or once-heated soy oil (SO1) or five-times-heated soy oil (SO5). Short-term parameters measured after one month were serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and osteocalcin. Long-term parameters measured after six months were the structural bone histomorphometrical parameters. Vitamin E content in the soy oil subjected to the different heating treatments were also measured. Rats in the SO5 group had higher levels of IL-6 after one month compared to the other four groups. Osteocalcin levels in the SO1 and SO5 groups remained high after treatment, while those in the NC and SOF groups declined. After six months, bone mass declined in the SO5 group. Vitamin E assay in the oils showed that levels of alpha-tocopherol decreased after heating the oil once and five times, while levels of gamma- and delta-tocopherols only declined after heating five times. Repeated heating of soy oil destroyed the tocopherols causing raised serum IL-6 and osteocalcin levels, leading to increased bone resorption and osteoporosis in the long term.

Facile solid-phase synthesis of sulfated tyrosine-containing peptides: total synthesis of human big gastrin-II and cholecystokinin (CCK)-39.

PubMed

Kitagawa, K; Aida, C; Fujiwara, H; Yagami, T; Futaki, S; Kogire, M; Ida, J; Inoue, K

2001-01-12

Chemical synthesis of tyrosine O-sulfated peptides is still a laborious task for peptide chemists because of the intrinsic acid-lability of the sulfate moiety. An efficient cleavage/deprotection procedure without loss of the sulfate is the critical difficulty remaining to be solved for fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-based solid-phase synthesis of sulfated peptides. To overcome the difficulty, TFA-mediated solvolysis rates of a tyrosine O-sulfate [Tyr(SO3H)] residue and two protecting groups, tBu for the hydroxyl group of Ser and 2,2,4,6,7-pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl (Pbf) for the guanidino group of Arg, were examined in detail. The desulfation obeyed first-order kinetics with a large entropy (59.6 J.K-1.mol-1) and enthalpy (110.5 kJ.mol-1) of activation. These values substantiated that the desulfation rate of the rigidly solvated Tyr(SO3H) residue was strongly temperature-dependent. By contrast, the SN1-type deprotections were less temperature-dependent and proceeded smoothly in TFA of a high ionizing power. Based on the large rate difference between the desulfation and the SN1-type deprotections in cold TFA, an efficient deprotection protocol for the sulfated peptides was developed. Our synthetic strategy for Tyr(SO3H)-containing peptides with this effective deprotection protocol is as follows: (i) a sulfated peptide chain is directly constructed on 2-chlorotrityl resin with Fmoc-based solid-phase chemistry using Fmoc-Tyr(SO3Na)-OH as a building block; (ii) the protected peptide-resin is treated with 90% aqueous TFA at 0 degree C for an appropriate period of time for the cleavage and deprotection. Human cholecystokinin (CCK)-12, mini gastrin-II (14 residues), and little gastrin-II (17 residues) were synthesized with this method in 26-38% yields without any difficulties. This method was further applied to the stepwise synthesis of human big gastrin-II (34 residues), CCK-33 and -39. Despite the prolonged acid treatment (15-18 h at 0 degree C), the ratios of the desulfated peptides were less than 15%, and the pure sulfated peptides were obtained in around 10% yields.

[Effects of predator stress on the expression of cAMP responsive element binding protein in hippocampus: experiment with rats].

PubMed

Wang, Qing-Song; Wu, Yu-Xian; Wang, Wei-Wen; Xiang, Yang

2007-12-18

To explore the neurobiological basis involved in the pathogenesis of the lasting emotionality and cognitive impairment following severe psychological stress. Ninety-six male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 2 equal groups: group of predator stress (Group PS) put into a cage in the experimental box singly to be exposed to a cat in the box but outside the cage for 23-57 min until tremor, polypnea, and nares flaring appeared for 6 min so as to establish predator stress models, and control group, put into the cage without non-injurious exposure of cat. 1, 12, and 24 hours later 8 rats from each group were killed with the hippocampus taken out. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) and CREB binding protein (CBP). Twelve hours after the experiment 24 rats from each group were killed with their brains taken out to obtain serial coronary sections. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive immunoreactivities of CREB, pCREB, and CBP. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the absorbance (A) value of CREB-in the tissues of hippocampus and frontal cortex 12h after the cat exposure of Group PS were 0.55 +/- 0.13 and 0.88 +/- 0.20 respectively, both significantly lower than those of the control group (1.78 +/- 0.40 and 1.18 +/- 0.26 respectively, both P < 0.01), the A values of. pCREB in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of Group PS were 1.51 +/- 0.34 and 1.07 +/- 0.24 respectively, both significantly higher than those of the control group (0.47 +/- 0.11 and 0.48 +/- 0.11 respectively, both P < 0.01), and the A values of CBP in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of Group PS were 1.01 +/- 0.23 and 0.81 +/- 0.18 respectively, both significantly higher than those of the control group (0.52 +/- 0.12 and 0.29 +/- 0.07 respectively, both P < 0.01). Western blotting showed that the CREB protein expression levels 1 h and 24 h after the cat exposure of Group PS were 2.82 +/- 0.65 and 5.12 +/- 1.13 respectively, both significantly lower than those of the control group (11.86 +/- 2.47 and 10.56 +/- 2.38 respectively, both P < 0.01), the CBP protein expression levels 1 h and 24 h after the cat exposure of Group PS were 1.77 +/- 0.39 and 2.44 +/- 0.55 respectively, both significantly higher than those of the control group (1.06 +/- 0.24 and 0.86 +/- 0.20 respectively, both P < 0.01), and the pCREB protein expression levels 1 h and 12 h after the cat exposure of Group PS were 2.56 +/- 0.59 and 1.93 +/- 0.41 respectively, both significantly higher than those of the control group (1.04 +/- 0.22 and 0.96 +/- 0.21 respectively, both P < 0.01). The dysfunction of CREB signaling in the central nervous system, especially in the hippocampal formation after predation stress may play an important role in the long-term neuropsychological sequelae following severe stress.

Multiple marker screening test: identification of fetal cystic hygroma, hydrops, and sex chromosome aneuploidy.

PubMed

Wenstrom, K D; Boots, L R; Cosper, P C

1996-01-01

The goal of this study was to determine if the multiple marker screening test (maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotrophin, and maternal age) detects fetal Turner syndrome or just cystic hygroma/hydrops. Multiple marker screening tests from 4 groups were compared: 1) Turner syndrome with hydrops/ hygroma group (n = 10) = fetuses with cystic hygroma/hydrops and a 45X karyotype, 2) Turner syndrome without hydrops/hygroma (n = 9) = sonographically unremarkable fetal Turner syndrome or Turner mosaic, 3) hydrops group (n = 8) = all cases of fetal cystic hygroma/hydrops excluding Turner syndrome, 4) sex chromosome aneuploidy group (n = 16) = other sonographically normal fetal sex chromosome aneuploidies. Positive screening tests (Down syndrome risk > or = 1:190 or MSAFP > or = 2.5 MOM) were found in 60% (6/10) of the Turner syndrome with hydrops/hygroma group, but only 11% (1/9) of the Turner syndrome without hydrops/hygroma group (P = .04). The incidence of positive screening tests in the Hydrops group was 75% (6/8), while it was only 12.5% (2/16) in the other sex chromosome aneuploidy group. We conclude that the multiple marker screening test identifies fetuses with cystic hygroma/hydrops, and may do so independently of the etiology of the hydrops.

Revision of the Old World Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) similis group Cladocera: Daphniidae).

PubMed

Popova, Ekaterina V; Petrusek, Adam; Kořínek, Vladimír; Mergeay, Joachim; Bekker, Eugeniya I; Karabanov, Dmitry P; Galimov, Yan R; Neretina, Tatyana V; Taylor, Derek J; Kotov, Alexey A

2016-09-02

Species of the genus Daphnia O.F. Müller, 1785 (Cladocera: Daphniidae) have become very important models in evolutionary biology research. Previous morphological and genetic evidence suggests that numerous closely related "species groups" exist within the subgenus Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) Dybowski & Grochowski, 1895, containing both described and undescribed species. The Daphnia similis group is among these species groups. The aim of the present paper is to revise the taxonomy of the Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) similis group in the Old World with both morphological and genetic evidence (based on mitochondrial COI and 12S rRNA genes). We found that there are at least four species in the Old World D. similis species group: D. similis Claus, 1876; D. sinensis Gu, Xu, Li, Dumont et Han, 2013; D. similoides Hudec, 1991 and D. inopinata sp. nov. These four taxa of the similis-group, confused previously with D. similis, have different distributional ranges in the Old World, from extremely wide, spanning several biogegraphic regions (as D. sinensis), to regional endemics (D. similoides) and even species known so far from a single locality (D. inopinata sp. nov.). The Daphnia similis group provides another example in the cladocerans whereby the study of males yields more valuable characters for taxonomy than the study of parthenogenetic females.

[Prevalence of anti-CMV antibodies in blood donors in the Sfax region (value in blood transfusion)].

PubMed

Gargouri, J; Elleuch, H; Karray, H; Rekik, H; Hammami, A

2000-01-01

Detection of anti-CMV antibodies was carried out in sera of healthy blood donors, divided into groups of 20 according to age and sex. Sera were tested for anti-CMV by an ELISA test (Enzygnost anti-CMV/IgG-Behring). Among 280 sera, 272 were positive for IgG to CMV (97.14%). The prevalence of those antibodies was high in all age stratum (95-100%) but was higher in women than in men (98.57% versus 95.71%). The titre of IgG to CMV was superior to 12 Ul/ml in 56.43% of CMV positive donors. So, the leucocyte removal is the only alternative for the prevention of post-transfusional CMV infection. The high percentage of donors with anti-CMV antibodies level more than to 12 Ul/ml allow to consider the use of plasmapheresis for preparing specific immunoglobulins to CMV.

A randomized trial of levonorgestrel intrauterine system insertion 6 to 48 h compared to 6 weeks after vaginal delivery; lessons learned.

PubMed

Stuart, Gretchen S; Lesko, Catherine R; Stuebe, Alison M; Bryant, Amy G; Levi, Erika E; Danvers, Antoinette I

2015-04-01

The objective of this randomized trial was to compare breastfeeding among women who received a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system within 6-48 h (early) or 4-6 weeks (standard) after an uncomplicated vaginal birth. Analysis groups of 86 women in each arm were needed to demonstrate a 20% difference in any breastfeeding. Thirty-five women were randomized to the early (N=17) and standard (N=18) arms. The combination of unsuccessful placement (2/17; 12%), expulsions (7/17; 41%) and removals (3/17; 18%) reached 71% (12/17) in the early arm, so the study was stopped. In our small study cohort, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system insertion between 6 and 48 h after vaginal birth was associated with a high rate of expulsion or removal soon after insertion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Higher levels of physical fitness are associated with a reduced risk of suffering sarcopenic obesity and better perceived health among the elderly: the EXERNET multi-center study.

PubMed

Pedrero-Chamizo, R; Gómez-Cabello, A; Meléndez, A; Vila-Maldonado, S; Espino, L; Gusi, N; Villa, G; Casajús, J A; González-Gross, M; Ara, I

2015-02-01

To evaluate the associations between physical fitness levels, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and to analyze the usefulness of several physical fitness tests as a screening tool for detecting elderly people with an increased risk of suffering SO. Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample. Non-institutionalized Spanish elderly participating in the EXERNET multi-centre study. 2747 elderly subjects aged 65 and older. Body weight, height and body mass index were evaluated in each subject. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Four SO groups were created based on percentage of body fat and relative muscle mass; 1) normal group, 2) sarcopenic group, 3) obesity group and 4) SO group. Physical fitness was evaluated using 8 tests (balance, lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, agility, walking speed and aerobic capacity). Three tertiles were created for each test based on the calculated scores. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol visual analogue scale. Participants with SO showed lower physical fitness levels compared with normal subjects. Better balance, agility, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest men (odds ratio < 0.30). In women, better balance, walking speed, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest women (odds ratio < 0.21) Superior perceived health was associated with better physical fitness performance. Higher levels of physical fitness were associated with a reduced risk of suffering SO and better perceived health among elderly. SO elderly people have lower physical functional levels than healthy counterparts.

Co-culture of chondrocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro enhances the expression of cartilaginous extracellular matrix components.

PubMed

Qing, Chang; Wei-ding, Cui; Wei-min, Fan

2011-04-01

Chondrocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are frequently used as seed cells in cartilage tissue engineering. In the present study, we determined if the co-culture of rabbit articular chondrocytes and BMSCs in vitro promotes the expression of cartilaginous extracellular matrix and, if so, what is the optimal ratio of the two cell types. Cultures of rabbit articular chondrocytes and BMSCs were expanded in vitro and then cultured individually or at a chondrocyte:BMSC ratio of 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 for 21 days and cultured in DMEM/F12. BMSCs were cultured in chondrogenic induction medium. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate gene expression. In the co-cultures, type II collagen and aggrecan expression increased on days 14 and 21. At the mRNA level, the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan on day 21 was much higher in the 4:1, 2:1, and 1:1 groups than in either the articular chondrocyte group or the induced BMSC group, and the best ratio of co-culture groups seems to be 2:1. Also on day 21, the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan proteins in the 2:1 group was much higher than in all other groups. The results demonstrate that the co-culture of rabbit chondrocytes and rabbit BMSCs at defined ratios can promote the expression of cartilaginous extracellular matrix. The optimal cell ratio appears to be 2:1 (chondrocytes:BMSCs). This approach has potential applications in cartilage tissue engineering since it provides a protocol for maintaining and promoting seed-cell differentiation and function.

[Effects on blood cell numbers and cytokines of dermal application rocket kerosene in mice].

PubMed

Xu, Bingxin; Wang, Jianying; Liu, Zhiguo; Li, Chenglin; Yang, Heming; Lou, Xiaotong; Li, Jianzhong; Cui, Yan

2015-09-01

To detect the number of cells and the level of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-γ and IL-17 cytokines in the peripheral blood of mice exposed to rocket kerosene by skin. ICR mice were randomly divided into the normal control group and RK experimental group (400 µl×1 group). RK undiluted fuel were applied directly to the dorsal skin of the mice. In control groups were treated with sesame oil (SO). the number of blood cells were detected by automatic blood cell counter and the level of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-γ and IL-17 cytokines in serum were detected by using flow cytometry and BD CBA Flex set kit. Compared with the normal group, WBC and LYM had a decreasing tendency 2 h and decreased significantly 6 h, 12 h and 1 d after RK exposure (P<0.05). They increased significantly 7 d after RK exposure (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the level of IL-6 increased significantly 2 h, 6 h, 12 h,1 d and 3 d (P<0.05). The level of TNF-α increased significantly 2h, 3d, 5d and 7d (P<0.05). The level of IL-10 increased significantly 2 h, 6 h, 3 d, 5 d and 7 d (P<0.05). The level of IFN-γ increased significantly 6 h and 3 d (P< 0.05). The level of IL-17 significantly increased 3 d, 5 d and 7d (P<0.05). RK can change the number of immune cells, causing the immune cytokine changes in mice after RK cutaneous exposure.

Adsorption of SO2 and NO from incineration flue gas onto activated carbon fibers.

PubMed

Liu, Zhen-Shu

2008-11-01

Activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were used to remove SO2 and NO from incineration flue gas. Three types of ACFs in their origin state and after pretreatment with HNO3, NaOH, and KOH were investigated. The removal efficiencies of SO2 and NO were determined experimentally at defined SO2 and NO concentrations and at temperatures of 150, 200 and 260 degrees C. Experimental results indicated that the removal efficiencies of SO2 and NO using the original ACFs were < 56% and < 27%, respectively. All ACFs modified with HNO3, NaOH, and KOH solution could increase the removal efficiencies of SO(2) and NO. The mesopore volumes and functional groups of ACFs are important in determining the removal of SO2 and NO. When the mesopore volumes of the ACFs are insufficient for removing SO2 and NO, the functional groups on the ACFs are not important in determining the removal of SO2 and NO. On the contrary, the effects of the functional groups on the removal of SO2 and NO are more important than the mesopore volumes as the amount of mesopores on the ACFs is sufficient to remove SO2 and NO. Moreover, the removal efficiencies of SO2 and NO were greatest at 200 degrees C. When the inlet concentration of SO2 increased to 600 ppm, the removal efficiency of SO2 increased slightly and the removal efficiency of NO decreased.

[Echocardiographic indices related with acute coronary anatomy in acute phase of myocardial infarction: our experience].

PubMed

Belluzzi, Fabio; Ciocca, Anna; Grosso Di Palma, Lucia; Cattaneo, Mattia; Conti, Caterina; Magrini, Fabio

2011-11-01

Inferior acute myocardial infarction (IAMI) is often associated with right ventricle involvement (RVAMI). Echocardiogram (Echo) shows the ischemic involvement of the right ventricle with an initial dilatation (RVD) and segmental cinetic abnormalities (RVSCS). During RVAMI the normal convexity of the interatrial septum (IAS) toward right atrium is inverted (IASI). 53 patients with IAMI were studied with ECG, echo and hemodinamic monitoring by a Swan-Ganz catheter. Echo was early performed and patients were subdivided into three groups: 1. IAMI with RVSCS and/or RVD with IASI (12 patients); 2. IAMI with RVSCS and/or RVD without IASI (8 patients); 3. IAMI without VSCS, RVD IASI (33 patients). ECG showed RV involvement only in A and B groups (ST-T segment elevation more than 2 mm in V3 r - V5 r). Echo-Doppler showed no statistically differences between the two groups on RV protodiastolic pression; no hemodinamic differences between the two groups (p = n.s.); no statistically differences in central venous pressure, right ventricular pressure, cardiac output, wedge pressure. Complications (arrhytmias, heart failure, ipotension, pericarditis, 3rd A-V block) were so subdivided: group A: 6 patients (50%); group B: 2 patients (24%); group C: 4 patients (12%) with statistical significance (p<0.03) between all three groups. Coronarography showed that in group A significative lesions were localized in the proximal tract of the right coronary and/or in the proximal tract of the circumflex coronary; on the contrary in B and C groups the lesions were localized in medium and distal tract of the two vessels. Mortality at six months was 41 % in group A (5 patients); 20 % in group B (2 patients); 6 % in group C (2 patients), with p<0.01 between all three groups. Echo after six months showed IASI only in two patients of group A. Patients with IASI revealed complications (residual angina, ventricular ipercinetic arrytmias). IASI in patients with IAMI and RVAMI seems to identify a group with higher risk in developing complications and with a more adverse prognosis.

[The effect of edaravone on MAPKs signal pathway associated with Abeta(25-35) treatment in PC12 cells].

PubMed

Zhang, Gui-lian; Guo, Ying-ying; Zhang, Lei; Li, Ting-ting; Du, Yun; Yao, Li; Zhang, Wang-gang; Wu, Hai-qin; Ma, Zhu-lin

2015-03-01

To explore whether edaravone protects cells damage via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signal pathway, and which procedure of p38 be affected so as to add theories for AD pathogenesis and treatments. According to different drugs treated, PC12 cells in vitro were divided into four groups. Negative control group: cells were treated with media alone. AD model group: cells were treated with 30 pmol/L Abeta(25-35). Inhibitor control group: cells were treated with 10 micromol/L SB203580 Cp38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) inhibitor], 10 micromol/L SP600125 [c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor], or 10 micromol/L PD98059 extracelular signal regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor]. Low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose edaravone group: cells plated for 24 hours treated with 30 micromol/L Abeta(25-35) and co-treated with 20, 40, 80 micromol/L edaravone 3 hours, respectively. The morphology of the treated cells were observed, the p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK proteins in each group were tested by the Western blot. The p38 mRNA were tested in each group above (only add SB203580 10 micromol/L in third group) by the real time PCR. (1) The p-p38 protein was significantly increased in model control group compared with that in negative control group (P<0.05). The p-p38 protein in the inhibitor group and edaravone groups was decreased significantly (P<0.05) when compared with that in model control group. The p-p38 proteins were significantly increased in the three edaravone groups compared with that in inhibiter control group (P<0.05). The p-p38 protein in middle-dose edaravone group was decreased compared with that in low-dose edaravone group (P<0.05). There was no relationship in dose-dependent manner about edaravone. Compared with three edaravone groups, the p-p38 protein was lower than it in high-dose edaravone & inhibiter group (P<0.05). (2) The p-JNK protein was significantly increased in model control group compared with that in negative control group (P<0.05). The p-JNK protein in the inhibitor group was decreased compared with that in model control group (P<0.05). (3) No significantly difference of p-ERK protein concentration was observed in other groups when compared with that in negative control group (P>0.05 each). (4) Compared with negative control group, the p38 mRNA in model control group was significantly increased, and it was significantly decreased in inhibitor control group (P<0.05 each). In 40 micromol/L and 80 micromol/L edaravone groups, the p38 mRNA was significantly decreased compared with that in model control group, and it still was decreased compared with that in inhibitor control group (P<0.05). The p38 mRNA in 40 micromol/L edaravone group was the lowest among three edaravone groups, and it was obviously different from that in 20 micromol/L and 80 micromol/L edaravone groups (P<0.05). Abeta(25-35) could increase the p-p38 and p-JNK protein expression in cultured PC12 cells, but there was no obviously expression of p-ERK protein. These indicated that Abeta(25-35) might activate MAPKs signal pathway, especially p38 and JNK, and lead to PC12 cell damage. Edaravone could decrease p38 mRNA induced-Abeta(25-35), which indicated edaravone could protect PC12 cell damage via blocking p38 signal pathway in mRNA stage and protein stage simultaneously. Hence, it is promising that edaravone would be a new medicine for AD.

[A retrospective analysis on the pernicious placenta previa from 2008 to 2014].

PubMed

Yu, L; Hu, K J; Yang, H X

2016-03-01

To investigate the incidence changes, clinical characteristics and pregnant outcomes of pernicious placenta previa. A retrospective cohort analysis on 316 cases with placenta previa in the Peking University First Hospital from January 2008 to December 2014. The research group were 60 cases with the patients of placenta previa with the history of cesarean section, and the control group were placenta previa without the history of cesarean section. Compared with the incidence, intraoperative blood loss, the pregnancy outcomes and so on. (1) The average incidence rate of placenta previa during the past 7 years was 10.96 ‰ (316/28 837). And the cases of pernicious placenta previa was 60 (2.08‰, 60/28 837), the incidence of pernicious placenta previa was rising from 2008 to 2014 (0.91‰-3.08‰). (2) There were 145 cases of placenta privia had been translation from other hospitals in the past 7 years. The referral rate of pregnant women with placenta previa was 45.9% (145/316), and the referral rate of pernicious placenta previa (63.3%, 38/60) was significantly higher than that of non-pernicious placenta previa group (41.8%, 107/256; χ(2)=9.080, P=0.003). Referral the outcomes of these patients were good, and no maternal death occurred. (3) The placenta in the research group were mainly adhered in the front wall of the uterine, and the incidence was 38.5% (15/39), higher than that in the group of non-pernicious placenta previa (12.1%, 21/174; χ(2)=57.636, P<0.01). The incidence rate of complicated placenta increased in research group was 53.3% (32/60), higher than that in the group of non-pernicious placenta previa, compared with the control group, there was significant difference (15.6%, 40/256; χ(2)= 39.041, P<0.01). (4) The incidence of blood loss was more than 1 000 ml, blood transfusion rate, the rate of hysterectomy and the rate of asphyxia of newborn in the research group were respectively 41.7% (25/60), 38.3% (23/60), 8.3% (5/60), 15.0% (9/60), and the incidence of the group of non-pernicious placenta previa were respectively 4.7% (12/256), 12.9% (33/256), 1.2% (3/256), 8.6% (22/256), compared those in other two groups, there were not significant difference (P<0.05). The incidence rate of placenta previa increased year by year, patients with placenta previa has a history of cesarean section often combined with placenta in anterior wall of the uterus, and often with poor pregnancy outcomes. Hierarchical referral system is an effective means to reduce the mortality of the pernicious placenta previa.

Polyoxotungstates now also with pentagonal units: supramolecular chemistry and tuning of magnetic exchange in {(M)M5}12V30 Keplerates (M = Mo, W).

PubMed

Todea, Ana Maria; Merca, Alice; Bögge, Hartmut; Glaser, Thorsten; Engelhardt, Larry; Prozorov, Ruslan; Luban, Marshall; Müller, Achim

2009-06-21

The deliberate synthesis of the Keplerate [K(20) subset{(W)W(5)O(21)(SO(4))}(12)(VO)(30)(SO(4))(H(2)O)(63)](18-) with 20 pores all closed by K(+) in a supramolecular fashion proves that it is possible to follow new routes in polyoxotungstate chemistry based on pentagonal {(W)W(5)}-type units and to tune magnetic exchange couplings in {(M)M(5)}(12)M'(30) type Keplerates.

Liposarcoma: multimodality management and future targeted therapies

PubMed Central

Crago, Aimee M.; Dickson, Mark A.

2016-01-01

SYNOPSIS There are three biologic groups of liposarcoma: well- and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (WD/DDLS), myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (M/RCLS) and pleomorphic liposarcoma. WD/DDLS is characterized by amplification of 12q13-15 (including the oncogenes MDM2 and CDK4), M/RCLS by FUS-DDIT3 translocations, and pleomorphic liposarcoma by loss of p53 and Rb. In all three groups, complete surgical resection is central in treatment aimed at cure and is based on grade. Radiation can reduce risk of local recurrence in high-grade lesions or minimize surgical morbidity in the highly radiosensitive M/RCLS group. The biologic groups differ greatly in their chemosensitivity, so adjuvant chemotherapy is selectively utilized in chemosensitive histologies with metastatic potential (i.e. round cell and pleomorphic liposarcomas) but not in the relatively resistant subtype DDLS. An improved understanding of the genetic aberrations that lead to liposarcoma initiation is also allowing for the rapid development of targeted therapies for liposarcoma. Among such therapies are CDK4 inhibitors in WD/DDLS and trabectedin, which prevents FUS-DDIT3 binding to DNA, in M/RCLS. PMID:27591497

Dental erosion in 12-year-old school children living in Jakarta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Septalita, A.; Bahar, A.; Agustanti, A.; Rahardjo, A.; Maharani, D. A.; Rosalien, R.

2017-08-01

This study assesses the dental erosion status of 12-year-old Indonesian children and studies the determinants of dental erosion of these children. The survey was performed in 2016 with ethics approval. A multistage cluster proportional to size random sampling method was adopted to select 12-year-old children in 24 primary schools in Jakarta. The parents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire concerning their children’s diet and oral health habits. The children were examined by a single calibrated examiner. Detection of dental erosion followed basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) criteria. A total of 487 children participated in the survey. Most children (88%) had at least some signs of erosion (BEWE > 0), with dentin being involved in 50% of the cases (BEWE = 2). Dental erosion was significantly related to gender, the frequencies of citric tea consumption, parent’s dental knowledge, father’s education, and dental caries (OR = 3.148). The 12-year-old Indonesian school children who lived in Jakarta had signs of erosion, although severe erosion was not found. Screening programs should be provided to identify risk groups so early preventive measures can be taken.

Profiling of Fatty Acids Composition in Suet Oil Based on GC–EI-qMS and Chemometrics Analysis

PubMed Central

Jiang, Jun; Jia, Xiaobin

2015-01-01

Fatty acid (FA) composition of suet oil (SO) was measured by precolumn methylesterification (PME) optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and gas chromatography/electron ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC–EI-qMS). A spectral library (NIST 08) and standard compounds were used to identify FAs in SO representing 90.89% of the total peak area. The ten most abundant FAs were derivatized into FA methyl esters (FAMEs) and quantified by GC–EI-qMS; the correlation coefficient of each FAME was 0.999 and the lowest concentration quantified was 0.01 μg/mL. The range of recovery of the FAMEs was 82.1%–98.7% (relative standard deviation 2.2%–6.8%). The limits of quantification (LOQ) were 1.25–5.95 μg/L. The number of carbon atoms in the FAs identified ranged from 12 to 20; hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids were the most abundant. Eighteen samples of SO purchased from Qinghai, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces of China were categorized into three groups by principal component analysis (PCA) according to the contents of the most abundant FAs. The results showed SOs samples were rich in FAs with significantly different profiles from different origins. The method described here can be used for quality control and SO differentiation on the basis of the FA profile. PMID:25636032

Effects of a Special Olympics Unified Sports soccer program on psycho-social attributes of youth with and without intellectual disability.

PubMed

Özer, D; Baran, F; Aktop, A; Nalbant, S; Ağlamış, E; Hutzler, Y

2012-01-01

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a Special Olympics (SO) Unified Sports (UNS) soccer program on psycho-social attributes of youth with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants were 76 male youth with (n=38) and without (n=38) ID. Participants with ID were randomly allocated into a SO athletes group (n=23, mean age=14.5; SD=1.2 years) and a control group (CG) (n=15, mean age=14.5; SD=.8 years). Twenty-three randomly selected youth without ID formed the partner group (mean age=14.1; SD=.9 years) and 15 youth without ID (mean age=13.8; SD=.5 years) formed the CG. Instruments included the Friendship Activity Scale (FAS) (Siperstein, 1980), the Adjective Checklist (Siperstein, 1980), and the Children Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991). The soccer training program lasted eight weeks, 1.5h per session, three times per week, in addition to school physical education (PE). The CG did not participate in any sports in addition to PE. The findings showed that the UNS program was effective in decreasing the problem behaviors of youth with ID and increasing their social competence and FAS scores. In addition, the program was found to be effective in improving the attitude of youth without disabilities toward participants with disabilities. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate the utility of a UNS program for both youth with and without disabilities. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Henderson Island, South Pacific

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-15

Uninhabited Henderson Island is part of the United Kingdom's Pitcairn Islands group in the South Pacific. According to a study by the University of Tasmania published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, the island has the highest density of plastic waste anywhere in the world, an estimated 38 million pieces of rubbish. The island is near the center of an ocean current, so it collects rubbish from boats and South America. The image was acquired February 7, 2012, covers an area of 10.3 by 12.3 km, and is located at 24.3 degrees south, 128.3 degrees west. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21691

Internet Impact on the Insertion of Genitourinary Tract Foreign Bodies in Childhood

PubMed Central

Sinopidis, Xenophon; Alexopoulos, Vasileios; Panagidis, Antonios; Ziova, Alexandra; Varvarigou, Anastasia; Georgiou, George

2012-01-01

Foreign body self-insertion into the urethra is an uncommon paraphilia. Variety in object form, motivation, clinical presentation, complications, and treatment options is a rule. In childhood it is very rare, and it is attributed to curiosity or mental disorders so far. However, the internet impact on daily life of all age groups has created a new category of sexual behavior in childhood and adolescence, the “internet induced paraphilia.” Such is the case of an electrical cable inserted in the urethra of a 12-year-old boy reported here, which is representative of this kind of impact. PMID:22997598

Clouds near New Zealand photographed from Skylab space station

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-12-12

SL4-137-3566 (12 Dec. 1973) --- A group of clouds near New Zealand, as photographed from the Skylab space station in Earth orbit by one of the Skylab 4 crew members. The camera used was a hand-held 70mm Hasselblad with SO-368 medium speed Ektachrome. This picture shows vividly how low sun angles enhance relief, giving these clouds a three-dimensional appearance. In addition to being "pretty," this photograph can be used to study the line of storms seen here at sunset. Relative heights of individuals cells can be measured, as well as their relation to the surrounding clouds. Photo credit: NASA

Hydrogen production by the decomposition of water

DOEpatents

Hollabaugh, Charles M.; Bowman, Melvin G.

1981-01-01

How to produce hydrogen from water was a problem addressed by this invention. The solution employs a combined electrolytical-thermochemical sulfuric acid process. Additionally, high purity sulfuric acid can be produced in the process. Water and SO.sub.2 react in electrolyzer (12) so that hydrogen is produced at the cathode and sulfuric acid is produced at the anode. Then the sulfuric acid is reacted with a particular compound M.sub.r X.sub.s so as to form at least one water insoluble sulfate and at least one water insoluble oxide of molybdenum, tungsten, or boron. Water is removed by filtration; and the sulfate is decomposed in the presence of the oxide in sulfate decomposition zone (21), thus forming SO.sub.3 and reforming M.sub.r X.sub.s. The M.sub.r X.sub.s is recycled to sulfate formation zone (16). If desired, the SO.sub.3 can be decomposed to SO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 ; and the SO.sub.2 can be recycled to electrolyzer (12) to provide a cycle for producing hydrogen.

Heterogeneous reaction of SO2 with soot: The roles of relative humidity and surface composition of soot in surface sulfate formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yan; Liu, Yongchun; Ma, Jinzhu; Ma, Qingxin; He, Hong

2017-03-01

The conversion of SO2 to sulfates on the surface of soot is still poorly understood. Soot samples with different fractions of unsaturated hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing groups were prepared by combusting n-hexane under well-controlled conditions. The heterogeneous reaction of SO2 with soot was investigated using in situ attenuated total internal reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, ion chromatography (IC) and a flow tube reactor at the ambient pressure and relative humidity (RH). Water promoted SO2 adsorption and sulfate formation at the RH range from 6% to 70%, while exceeded water condensed on soot was unfavorable for sulfate formation due to inhibition of SO2 adsorption when RH was higher than 80%. The surface composition of soot, which was governed by combustion conditions, also played an important role in the heterogeneous reaction of SO2 with soot. This effect was found to greatly depend on RH. At low RH of 6%, soot with the highest fuel/oxygen ratio of 0.162 exhibited a maximum uptake capacity for SO2 because it contained a large amount of aromatic Csbnd H groups, which acted as active sites for SO2 adsorption. At RH of 54%, soot produced with a fuel/oxygen ratio of 0.134 showed the highest reactivity toward SO2 because it contained appropriate amounts of aromatic Csbnd H groups and oxygen-containing groups, subsequently leading to the optimal surface concentrations of both SO2 and water. These results suggest that variation in the surface composition of soot from different sources and/or resulting from chemical aging in the atmosphere likely affects the conversion of SO2 to sulfates.

Consequence assessment for Airborne Releases of SO{sub 2} from the Y-12 Pilot Dechlorination Facility

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

Pendergrass, W.R.

The Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division was requested by the Department of Energy`s Oak Ridge Operations Office to conduct a consequence assessment for potential atmospheric releases of SO{sub 2} from the Y-12 Pilot Dechlorination Facility. The focus of the assessment was to identify ``worst`` case meteorology which posed the highest concentration exposure potential for both on-site as well as off-site populations. A series of plausible SO{sub 2} release scenarios were provided by Y-12 for the consequence assessment. Each scenario was evaluated for predictions of downwind concentration, estimates of a five-minute time weighted average, and estimate of the dimension of themore » puff. The highest hazard potential was associated with Scenario 1, in which a total of eight SO{sub 2} cylinders are released internally to the Pilot Facility and exhausted through the emergency venting system. A companion effort was also conducted to evaluate the potential for impact of releases of SO{sub 2} from the Pilot Facility on the population of Oak Ridge. While specific transport trajectory data is not available for the Pilot Facility, extrapolations based on the Oak Ridge Site Survey and climatological records from the Y-12 meteorological program does not indicate the potential for impact on the city of Oak Ridge. Steering by the local topographical features severely limits the potential impact ares. Due to the lack of specific observational data, both tracer and meteorological, only inferences can be made concerning impact zones. It is recommended tat the Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations examine the potential for off-site impact and develop the background data to prepare impact zones for releases of hazardous materials from the Y-12 facility.« less

e-Mental health in South Australia: impact of age, gender and region of residence.

PubMed

Keane, Miriam C; Roeger, Leigh S; Allison, Stephen; Reed, Richard L

2013-01-01

Respondents to the 2008 South Australian Health Omnibus survey (n=2996) indicated whether, in the previous 12 months, they had searched for information on the Internet relating to emotional issues such as depression, anxiety or relationship problems. Logistic regression was used to examine the penetration of e-mental health in rural and metropolitan areas (region of residence), and determine if other demographic variables (age group, gender) also impacted on the likelihood of an individual reporting that they had used the Internet to obtain such information. Overall, 9% of respondents reported that they had used the Internet for this purpose. The multivariate model was significant, F(11, 2985)=4.82, P<0.0001, with middle-aged rural females most likely to report doing so (18.1%), whereas older rural males were least likely to report doing so (2.2.%). These findings have important implications for the design of e-mental health promotional programs that provide information and interventions to improve mental health.

12 CFR 1402.12 - Identification of records requested.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Identification of records requested. 1402.12 Section 1402.12 Banks and Banking FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSURANCE CORPORATION RELEASING INFORMATION... information as to dates, titles, and subject matter, so that such records may be located without undue search...

[Role of creative discussion in the learning of critical reading of scientific articles].

PubMed

Cobos-Aguilar, Héctor; Viniegra-Velázquez, Leonardo; Pérez-Cortés, Patricia

2011-01-01

To compare two active educational strategies on critical reading (two and three stages) for research learning in medical students. Four groups were conformed in a quasi-experimental design. The medical student group, related to three stages (critical reading guide resolution, creative discussion, group discussion) g1, n = 9 with school marks > 90 and g2, n = 19 with a < 90, respectively. The two-stage groups (guide resolution and group discussion) were conformed by pre-graduate interns, g3, n = 17 and g4, n = 12, who attended social security general hospitals. A validated and consistent survey with 144 items was applied to the four groups before and after educational strategies. Critical reading with its subcomponents: interpretation, judgment and proposal were evaluated with 47, 49 and 48 items, respectively. The case control studies, cohort studies, diagnostic test and clinical trial designs were evaluated. Nonparametric significance tests were performed to compare the groups and their results. A bias calculation was performed for each group. The highest median was obtained by the three-stage groups (g1 and g2) and so were the medians in interpretation, judgment and proposal. The several research design results were higher in the same groups. An active educational strategy with three stages is superior to another with two stages in medical students. It is advisable to perform these activities in goal of better learning in our students.

[Study on early intervention of compound nutrition for cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease].

PubMed

Wang, Chao; Xie, Wei; Zhu, Jinfeng; Dang, Rui; Wang, Decai

2014-01-01

To observe the early prevention effect of the compound nutrients recipe for cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer' s disease model-APP-PSN transgenic mouse. 36 APP-PSN transgenic mice aged two months randomly were divided into the intervention group supplied with compound recipe in the diet and the control group fed based feed, the former had high dose and low dose, 12 APP-PSN transgenic negative mice aged two months as the negative control were fed based feed. After 3 months' intervention, four groups' cognitive functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze, active avoidance experiment and jumping stair experiment. There was not statistically different between all the four groups for the weight and food intake. Compared with the control group, Morris water maze's incubation period of the intervention group was lower obviously, and jumping stair experiment's incubation period of the intervention group was higher obviously. In the active avoidance experiment, the high and low dose intervention group' s conditioned response accounted about 46.67% and 45.00% respectively, and the control group's conditioned response accounted about 20.83%. The differences of the three behavioral experiments between control group and intervention group had the statistical significance (P < 0.05), so the same as between control group and negative control group (P < 0.05). And there was no difference between intervention group and negative control group for the three behavioral experiments. The early supplementation with compound nutrition could postpone the occurrence and development of Alzheimer' s disease mice model's cognitive dysfunction.

Effects and Mechanism of SO2 Inhalation on Rat Myocardial Collagen Fibers.

PubMed

Chen, Ping; Qiao, Decai; Liu, Xiaoli

2018-03-21

BACKGROUND This study investigates the effects and mechanism of sulfur dioxide (SO2) inhalation and exercise on rat myocardial collagen fiber. MATERIAL AND METHODS The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group (RG), an exercise group (EG), an SO2 pollution group (SRG), and an SO2 pollution and exercise group (SEG). Body weight, cardiac index, and left ventricular index in each group were compared. The myocardial hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentration was determined by pepsin acid hydrolysis. The interstitial myocardial collagen expression was measured by Sirius Red F3B in saturated carbazotic acid. The local myocardial angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression was tested by immunohistochemistry SABC method. RESULTS Compared with RG, the weight growth rate of EG, SRG, and SEG decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with EG, the body weight growth rate of SEG significantly decreased (P<0.01) and cardiac index and left ventricular index decreased but without a significant difference. Compared with EG, myocardial Hyp and collagen concentration, myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular collagen area (PVCA), and the expression of AT1R and CTGF in myocardium of SEG increased significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS SO2 inhalation and exercise will not only offset beneficial health effects of movement on the cardiovascular system, but also produce more unfavorable influences. People should pay attention to their environment when exercising, and try to avoid exercising in environments with SO2 pollution.

Determination of priority among air pollution factors in preventing COPD in residents of Shanghai City proper

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

Xuguang, Tao; Chuan-jie, Hong; Shun-zhang, Yu

The purpose of our study is to determine the priority among ambient sulphur dioxide (SO{sub 2}), inhalable particulates (IP), and indoor use of coal for cooking or heating to prevent COPD in residents of Shanghai city proper. We describe spatial and temporal distribution of the concentration of ambient SO{sub 2}, IP, and the proportion of families who use coal (1980-1985) by the trend surface simulating method and other statistics. Stratified by two sets of extreme levels of ambient SO{sub 2}, IP, and the proportion of coal-using families, we selected eight groups with different combinations of exposure levels. We analyzed themore » relationship between air pollution factors and their health effects at levels of mortality (1978-1987, 232,459 person years), prevalence (1987, 12,037 persons), lung function and local immunologic function (1987, 514 women) with logistic and stepwise regression, and ridit analysis. After controlling for possible confounders, e.g., tobacco smoking and occupational exposure, we found that indoor use of coal is a more important risk factor than ambient SO{sub 2} and IP. We then used canonical correlation analysis to evaluate the overall exposure-effect relationship between one set of air pollution and confounding factors and the other set of health effect indices. High correlation is found between the two. The indoor use of coal is more important for the overall health effects than the ambient SO{sub 2} and IP, to change from coal to gas could reduce the environmental exposure canonical variable more readily, with an effect equivalent to a reduction of 0.1839 mg/m{sup 3} for ambient SO{sub 2}, or 0.2806 mg/m{sup 3} for ambient IP in concentration.« less

Adsorption of dissymmetric cationic gemini surfactants at silica/water interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yuhai; Feng, Yujun; Dong, Hongwei; Chen, Zhi

2007-05-01

Adsorption of a series of cationic gemini surfactants 12-2- m ( m = 8, 12, 16) on the surface of silica was investigated. The critical micelle concentrations, cmcs, of cationic gemini surfactants in the initial solutions and in the supernatants were measured by conductometry and tensiometer. The changes in cmc values indicate that the ion exchanges take place between polar groups of gemini surfactants adsorbed and ions bound on the surface of silica. The adsorption isotherms of cationic gemini surfactants were obtained by a solution depletion method. Based on the driving force, the adsorption includes two steps, one of which is ion exchange, and the other is hydrophobic interaction. In each step, the tendency of surfactant molecules in the solution to form aggregates or to be adsorbed on the silica varies with their structures. The maximum adsorption amount of gemini surfactants on the silica, τmax, decreases as increasing in the length of one alkyl chain, m, from 8, 12 to 16. So the results show that the adsorption behaviors of gemini surfactants are closely related to the dissymmetry of gemini molecules.

Structural and thermodynamic insights into β-1,2-glucooligosaccharide capture by a solute-binding protein in Listeria innocua.

PubMed

Abe, Koichi; Sunagawa, Naoki; Terada, Tohru; Takahashi, Yuta; Arakawa, Takatoshi; Igarashi, Kiyohiko; Samejima, Masahiro; Nakai, Hiroyuki; Taguchi, Hayao; Nakajima, Masahiro; Fushinobu, Shinya

2018-06-08

β-1,2-Glucans are bacterial carbohydrates that exist in cyclic or linear forms and play an important role in infections and symbioses involving Gram-negative bacteria. Although several β-1,2-glucan-associated enzymes have been characterized, little is known about how β-1,2-glucan and its shorter oligosaccharides (Sop n s) are captured and imported into the bacterial cell. Here, we report the biochemical and structural characteristics of the Sop n -binding protein (SO-BP, Lin1841) associated with the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter from the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria innocua Calorimetric analysis revealed that SO-BP specifically binds to Sop n s with a degree of polymerization of 3 or more, with K d values in the micromolar range. The crystal structures of SO-BP in an unliganded open form and in closed complexes with tri-, tetra-, and pentaoligosaccharides (Sop 3-5 ) were determined to a maximum resolution of 1.6 Å. The binding site displayed shape complementarity to Sop n , which adopted a zigzag conformation. We noted that water-mediated hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions play a pivotal role in the recognition of Sop 3-5 by SO-BP, consistent with its binding thermodynamics. Computational free-energy calculations and a mutational analysis confirmed that interactions with the third glucose moiety of Sop n s are significantly responsible for ligand binding. A reduction in unfavorable changes in binding entropy that were in proportion to the lengths of the Sop n s was explained by conformational entropy changes. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses indicated that SO-BP ABC transporter homologs, glycoside hydrolases, and other related proteins are co-localized in the genomes of several bacteria. This study may improve our understanding of bacterial β-1,2-glucan metabolism and promote the discovery of unidentified β-1,2-glucan-associated proteins. © 2018 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

The success of primary chemotherapy for group D heritable retinoblastoma.

PubMed

Cohen, V M L; Kingston, J; Hungerford, J L

2009-07-01

To report the ocular survival and event-free survival following primary multiagent chemotherapy for group D, heritable bilateral retinoblastoma (RB). The RB database was used to identify children with heritable, bilateral RB treated with primary chemotherapy (six cycles of vincristine, etoposide and carboplatin). Only Group D eyes with more than 12 months' follow-up were analysed. The timing, number and type of salvage treatments were recorded. Kaplan-Meier estimates for the ocular survival and event-free survival (percentage of eyes that avoided external beam radiotherapy and/or enucleation) were performed as a function of time. Of 18 group D eyes, two (11%) were treated successfully with chemotherapy alone, nine (50%) underwent successful salvage treatment, and seven (39%) were enucleated. The median time from completing chemotherapy to enucleation was 9 months (range 4 to 25 months). Ocular survival was 67% at 2 years. External beam radiotherapy proved successful salvage treatment in five of nine eyes, so the event-free survival was 34% at 2 years. Multiagent chemotherapy alone is rarely sufficient for the preservation of group D eyes. External beam radiotherapy and plaque radiotherapy remain important salvage treatments for advanced, heritable retinoblastoma.

Coherent state constructions of bases for some physically relevant group chains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hecht, Karl T.

1995-01-01

Rotor coherent state constructions are given for the Wigner supermultiplet SU(4) contains SU(2)xSU(2) and for the special irreducible representations (N0) of the SO(5) contains SO(3) contains SO(2) group chain in exact parallel with the rotor coherent state construction for the SU(3) contains SO(3) contains SO(2) case given by Rowe, LeBlanc,, and Repka. Matrix elements of the coherent state realizations of the group generators are given in all cases by very simple expressions in terms of angular momentum Wigner coefficients involving intrinsic projection labels K. The K-matrix technique of vector coherent state theory is used to effectively elevate these K labels to the status of good quantum numbers. Analytic expressions are given for the (K K*)-matrices for many of the more important irreducible representations.

On the oxidation of the three-dimensional aromatics [B(12)X(12)](2-) (X=F, Cl, Br, I).

PubMed

Boeré, René T; Derendorf, Janis; Jenne, Carsten; Kacprzak, Sylwia; Kessler, Mathias; Riebau, Rainer; Riedel, Sebastian; Roemmele, Tracey L; Rühle, Monika; Scherer, Harald; Vent-Schmidt, Thomas; Warneke, Jonas; Weber, Stefan

2014-04-07

The perhalogenated closo-dodecaborate dianions [B12 X12 ](2-) (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I) are three-dimensional counterparts to the two-dimensional aromatics C6 X6 (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I). Whereas oxidation of the parent compounds [B12 H12 ](2-) and benzene does not lead to isolable radicals, the perhalogenated analogues can be oxidized by chemical or electrochemical methods to give stable radicals. The chemical oxidation of the closo-dodecaborate dianions [B12 X12 ](2-) with the strong oxidizer AsF5 in liquid sulfur dioxide (lSO2 ) yielded the corresponding radical anions [B12 X12 ](⋅-) (X=F, Cl, Br). The presence of radical ions was proven by EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and supported by quantum chemical calculations. Use of an excess amount of the oxidizing agent allowed the synthesis of the neutral perhalogenated hypercloso-boranes B12 X12 (X=Cl, Br). These compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction of dark blue B12 Cl12 and [Na(SO2 )6 ][B12 Br12 ]⋅B12 Br12 . Sublimation of the crude reaction products that contained B12 X12 (X=Cl, Br) resulted in pure dark blue B12 Cl12 or decomposition to red B9 Br9 , respectively. The energetics of the oxidation processes in the gas phase were calculated by DFT methods at the PBE0/def2-TZVPP level of theory. They revealed the trend of increasing ionization potentials of the [B12 X12 ](2-) dianions by going from fluorine to bromine as halogen substituent. The oxidation of all [B12 X12 ](2-) dianions was also studied in the gas phase by mass spectrometry in an ion trap. The electrochemical oxidation of the closo-dodecaborate dianions [B12 X12 ](2-) (X=F, Cl, Br, I) by cyclic and Osteryoung square-wave voltammetry in liquid sulfur dioxide or acetonitrile showed very good agreement with quantum chemical calculations in the gas phase. For [B12 X12 ](2-) (X=F, Cl, Br) the first and second oxidation processes are detected. Whereas the first process is quasi-reversible (with oxidation potentials in the range between +1.68 and +2.29 V (lSO2 , versus ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc(0/+) ))), the second process is irreversible (with oxidation potentials ranging from +2.63 to +2.71 V (lSO2 , versus Fc(0/+) )). [B12 I12 ](2-) showed a complex oxidation behavior in cyclic voltammetry experiments, presumably owing to decomposition of the cluster anion under release of iodide, which also explains the failure to isolate the respective radical by chemical oxidation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Experimental study on removals of SO2 and NOX using adsorption of activated carbon/microwave desorption.

PubMed

Ma, Shuang-Chen; Yao, Juan-Juan; Gao, Li; Ma, Xiao-Ying; Zhao, Yi

2012-09-01

Experimental studies on desulfurization and denitrification were carried out using activated carbon irradiated by microwave. The influences of the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), the flue gas coexisting compositions, on adsorption properties of activated carbon and efficiencies of desulfurization and denitrification were investigated. The results show that adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of NO decrease with the increasing of SO 2 concentrations in flue gas; adsorption capacity of NO increases slightly first and drops to 12.79 mg/g, and desulfurization efficiency descends with the increasing SO 2 concentrations. Adsorption capacity of SO 2 declines with the increasing of O 2 content in flue gas, but adsorption capacity of NO increases, and removal efficiencies of NO and SO 2 could be larger than 99%. Adsorption capacity of NO declines with the increase of moisture in the flue gas, but adsorption capacity of SO 2 increases and removal efficiencies of NO and SO 2 would be relatively stable. Adsorption capacities of both NO and SO 2 decrease with the increasing of CO 2 content; efficiencies of desulfurization and denitrification augment at the beginning stage, then start to fall when CO 2 content exceeds 12.4%. The mechanisms of this process are also discussed. [Box: see text].

Effects of magnesium sulfate on airway smooth muscle contraction in rats.

PubMed

Betul Altinisik, Hatice; Kirdemir, Pakize; Altinisik, Ugur; Gokalp, Osman

2016-08-01

Aim To investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) at different doses on isolated tracheal smooth muscle contraction in rats induced by different mechanisms. Methods Twelve rats' tracheas were placed into organ bath. Consecutively, acetylcholine (10-6,10-5,10-4 M), histamine(10-8,10-5,10-3 M) and KCl (30,60 mM) solutions was administered for contractions. MgSO4 from 10-4 to 10-1 M concentrations were subsequently administered after each constrictive agent and relaxation degrees were recorded. Results In the acetylcholine and KCl groups, dose dependent strong contractions were observed, but not in the histamine group and that group was excluded. Significant relaxation occurred with gradually increasing doses of MgSO4. In the high dose KCl group, a slight increase in contractions after the administration of 10-4 and 10-3 M MgSO4 was recorded. Conclusion We suggest that MgSO4 is effective in relaxing airway smooth muscle contractions caused by different factors; however, it must be considered that low doses of MgSO4 may only lead to a slight increase in contractions. Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.

'Seizure First Aid Training' for people with epilepsy who attend emergency departments, and their family and friends: study protocol for intervention development and a pilot randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Noble, A J; Marson, A G; Tudur-Smith, C; Morgan, M; Hughes, D A; Goodacre, S; Ridsdale, L

2015-07-24

People with chronic epilepsy (PWE) often make costly but clinically unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits. Offering them and their carers a self-management intervention that improves confidence and ability to manage seizures may lead to fewer visits. As no such intervention currently exists, we describe a project to develop and pilot one. To develop the intervention, an existing group-based seizure management course that has been offered by the Epilepsy Society within the voluntary sector to a broader audience will be adapted. Feedback from PWE, carers and representatives from the main groups caring for PWE will help refine the course so that it addresses the needs of ED attendees. Its behaviour change potential will also be optimised. A pilot randomised controlled trial will then be completed. 80 PWE aged ≥16 who have visited the ED in the prior 12 months on ≥2 occasions, along with one of their family members or friends, will be recruited from three NHS EDs. Dyads will be randomised to receive the intervention or treatment as usual alone. The proposed primary outcome is ED use in the 12 months following randomisation. For the pilot, this will be measured using routine hospital data. Secondary outcomes will be measured by patients and carers completing questionnaires 3, 6 and 12 months postrandomisation. Rates of recruitment, retention and unblinding will be calculated, along with the ED event rate in the control group and an estimate of the intervention's effect on the outcome measures. Ethical approval: NRES Committee North West-Liverpool East (Reference number 15/NW/0225). The project's findings will provide robust evidence on the acceptability of seizure management training and on the optimal design of a future definitive trial. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. ISRCTN13 871 327. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Ecabet sodium alleviates neomycin-induced hair cell damage.

PubMed

Rah, Yoon Chan; Choi, June; Yoo, Myung Hoon; Yum, Gunhwee; Park, Saemi; Oh, Kyoung Ho; Lee, Seung Hoon; Kwon, Soon Young; Cho, Seung Hyun; Kim, Suhyun; Park, Hae-Chul

2015-12-01

Ecabet sodium (ES) is currently applied to some clinical gastrointestinal disease primarily by the inhibition of the ROS production. In this study, the protective role of ES was evaluated against the neomycin-induced hair cell loss using zebrafish experimental animal model. Zebrafish larvae (5-7 dpf), were treated with each of the following concentrations of ES: 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL for 1 h, followed by 125 μM neomycin for 1h. The positive control group was established by 125 μM neomycin-only treatment (1h) and the negative control group with no additional chemicals was also established. Hair cells inside four neuromasts ( SO1, SO2, O1, OC1) were assessed using fluorescence microscopy (n = 10). Hair cell survival was calculated as the mean number of viable hair cells for each group. Apoptosis and mitochondrial damage were investigated using special staining (TUNEL and DASPEI assay, respectively), and compared among groups. Ultrastructural changes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Pre-treatment group with ES increased the mean number of viable hair cells as a dose-dependent manner achieving almost same number of viable hair cells with 40 μM/ml ES treatment (12.98 ± 2.59 cells) comparing to that of the negative control group (14.15 ± 1.39 cells, p = 0.72) and significantly more number of viable hair cells than that of the positive control group (7.45 ± 0.91 cells, p < 0.01). The production of reactive oxygen species significantly increased by 183% with 125 μM neomycin treatment than the negative control group and significantly decreased down to 105% with the pre-treatment with 40 μM/ml ES (n = 40, p = 0.04). A significantly less number of TUNEL-positive cells (reflecting apoptosis, p < 0.01) and a significantly increased DASPEI reactivity (reflecting viable mitochondria, p < 0.01) were observed in 40 μM/ml ES pre-treatment group. Our data suggest that ES could protect against neomycin-induced hair cell loss possibly by reducing apoptosis, mitochondrial damages, and the ROS generation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of a Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer training program on anthropometry, physical fitness and skilled performance in Special Olympics soccer athletes and non-disabled partners.

PubMed

Baran, Funda; Aktop, Abdurrahman; Özer, Dilara; Nalbant, Sibel; Ağlamış, Ece; Barak, Sharon; Hutzler, Yeshayahu

2013-01-01

The study investigated the effects of a Special Olympics (SO) Unified Sport (UNS) soccer program on anthropometry, physical fitness and soccer skills of male youth athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) who participated in a training group (TRG) and in a comparison group (CG) without specific training. Youth with ID (WID) were randomly selected out of all the students between the ages 12 and 15, with a diagnosis of educable mental retardation and no secondary disabilities, who were attending a special education school. Participants without ID (WoID) were randomly selected from a regular secondary school out of the same age groups of male students. All participants were given permission by their parents or guardians to participate in the study. Participants in the TRG included 23 youth WID and 23 youth WoID. Mean ages were = 14.1 (SD = 1.1) and 13.2 (SD = 0.79) respectively. Fifteen WID, and 15 WoID comprised the CG. Mean ages were 14.51 (SD = 0.81) and 13.78 (SD = 0.49) respectively. Prior to and following the program measurements were conducted, and data were collected on students' anthropometric and fitness components of the Brockport physical fitness test as well as a soccer skill performance based on the SO soccer skill test. Participants in the TRG trained 8 weeks, 1.5h per session, three times per week, in an after-school soccer program. CG did not participate in any sports program outside of the school physical education class. Dependent t tests and effect size calculations revealed that SO athletes and non-disabled partners scored significantly higher with regard to physical fitness and football skills in most variables compared with their CG. This Unified Program was successful in increasing fitness and soccer skill performance of youth WID as well as of those WoID. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

18 CFR 367.12 - Payroll distribution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Payroll distribution. 367.12 Section 367.12 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION... Instructions § 367.12 Payroll distribution. Underlying accounting data must be maintained so that the...

Polymer Vesicle Sensor for Visual and Sensitive Detection of SO2 in Water.

PubMed

Huang, Tong; Hou, Zhilin; Xu, Qingsong; Huang, Lei; Li, Chuanlong; Zhou, Yongfeng

2017-01-10

This study reports the first polymer vesicle sensor for the visual detection of SO 2 and its derivatives in water. A strong binding ability between tertiary alkanolamines and SO 2 has been used as the driving force for the detection by the graft of tertiary amine alcohol (TAA) groups onto an amphiphilic hyperbranched multiarm polymer, which can self-assemble into vesicles with enriched TAA groups on the surface. The polymer vesicles will undergo proton exchange with cresol red (CR) to produce CR-immobilized vesicles (CR@vesicles). Subsequently, through competitive binding with the TAA groups between CR and SO 2 or HSO 3 - , the CR@vesicles (purple) can quickly change into SO 2 @vesicles (colorless) with the release of protonated CR (yellow). Such a fast purple to yellow transition in the solution allows the visual detection of SO 2 or its derivatives in water by the naked eye. A visual test paper for SO 2 gas has also been demonstrated by the adsorption of CR@vesicles onto paper. Meanwhile, the detection limit of CR@vesicles for HSO 3 - is approximately 25 nM, which is improved by approximately 30 times when compared with that of small molecule-based sensors with a similar structure (0.83 μM). Such an enhanced detection sensitivity should be related to the enrichment of TAA groups as well as the CR in CR@vesicles. In addition, the CR@vesicle sensors also show selectivity and specificity for the detection of SO 2 or HSO 3 - among anions such as F - , Br - , Cl - , SO 4 2- , NO 2 - , C 2 O 4 2- , S 2 O 3 2- , SCN - , AcO - , SO 3 2- , S 2- , and HCO 3 - .

Comparative study of effect of Withania somnifera as an adjuvant to DOTS in patients of newly diagnosed sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis.

PubMed

Kumar, Ranjeet; Rai, Jaswant; Kajal, N C; Devi, Pushpa

2018-07-01

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn.) a rejuvenative herb has long been used as an immunomodulator in Indian subcontinent. As immunity plays an important role in pathogenesis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB), so role of W. somnifera as an adjuvant has been studied on selected parameter. A randomized, double-blind placebo-control study was conducted in two groups of 60 newly diagnosed sputum smear positive pulmonary TB patients on Directly Observed Treatment - short course (DOTS) regime. W. somnifera root extract or placebo capsules were given as add-on therapy for duration of 12 weeks. Effects on sputum conversion, Hemoglobin (Hb), body weight, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), RBC counts, WBC counts, CD4 and CD8 counts, Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), serum uric acid and HRQL (Health Related Quality of Life) Index scores were studied. At the end of 8 weeks, sputum conversion was seen in 86.6% patients in study group and 76.6% in placebo group. At the end of 12 weeks a highly significant increase was seen in both CD4 and CD8 counts in study group. A raised SGOT and SGPT levels (>35IU/L) were observed in 16.6% and 33.3% patients in study group; 43.33% and 53.33% in the placebo group of patients. Elevated serum uric acid levels (>6mg/dl) were observed in 20% and 33.33% in study and placebo group respectively. Average gain in HRQL score was better in patients of study group. Use of W. somnifera as an adjuvant in conjunction with anti-TB drugs used as DOTS showed a favorable effect on symptoms and immunological parameters in patients with pulmonary TB. Copyright © 2017 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

To Investigate the Effects of Air Pollution (PM10 and SO2) on the Respiratory Diseases Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Saygın, Mustafa; Gonca, Taner; Öztürk, Önder; Has, Mehmet; Çalışkan, Sadettin; Has, Zehra Güliz; Akkaya, Ahmet

2017-04-01

Effects of air pollution parameters of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) values on the respiratory system were investigated. Data of SO 2 and PM10 were obtained daily for air pollution and classified into two groups: Group I (2006-2007), coal burning years and Group II (2008-2009), natural gas+ coal burning. Groups I and II were divided into two subgroups according to the months of combustion as combustible (November-April) and noncombustible (May-October). The number of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) was recorded between 2006 and 2009. There was no statistically significant difference between Groups I and II for PM10 and SO 2 (p>0.05). Within the years, the values of SO 2 and PM10 were statistically different between the groups defined by month (p<0.01). The number of patients in the combustible and noncombustible subgroups were found to be different for every 4 years, and the numbers of patients with COPD or asthma were not changed through the years. There was a strong correlation between PM10 and COPD (r=0.59, p<0.01) and a weak correlation between PM10 and asthma (r=0.25, p>0.05). A correlation was found between SO 2 and COPD (p<0.01) but not between SO 2 and asthma (p>0.05). The number of visits for COPD and asthma was statistically different between combustible and noncombustible subgroups (X2:58.61, p=0.000; X2:34.55, p=0.000, respectively). The r2 values for SO 2 and PM10 for COPD patients were 17% and 24%, respectively, in contrast to 8% and 5%, respectivley for asthma patients. Air pollution is known to increase respiratory disease occurrences. With decrease in the usage of solid fuel, air pollution could be reduced and may be effective in preventing respiratory diseases.

Charitable Giving for HIV and AIDS: Results from a Canadian National Survey

PubMed Central

Allman, Dan; Calzavara, Liviana; Worthington, Catherine; Tyndall, Mark; Adrien, Alix; Walters, Melissa; White, Samantha; Jones, Marcella K.

2014-01-01

Background For the first time, a national survey of adults in Canada posed questions on charitable giving for HIV and AIDS. The objective of this analysis was to explore the behaviour and attitudes of this population in terms of charitable giving. Methods In 2011, individuals in Canada 16 years of age or older were recruited for a survey from an online panel supplemented by random digit dial telephone interviewing. The margin of error was +/−2.1 percentage points (95%). Chi-square tests were used to detect bivariate associations. A multivariate logistic regression model was fit to compare those who had donated to HIV and AIDS in the past 12 months with those who had donated to other disease or illness charities. Results 2,139 participated. 82.5% had donated to a charitable cause in the past 12 months. 22.2% had ever donated to HIV and AIDS, with 7.8% doing so in the past 12 months. Individuals who had donated to HIV and AIDS versus other disease or illness charities tended to be younger (p<0.05), single (p<0.005), more highly educated (p<0.001) and to self-identify as a member of a sexual minority group (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed individuals who self-identified as a member of a sexual minority group were significantly much more likely to have donated to HIV and AIDS than to other disease or illness charities in the past 12 months (OR, 7.73; p<0.001; CI 4.32–13.88). Discussion Despite a generally philanthropic orientation, relatively few respondents had ever been involved in charitable giving for HIV and AIDS. Those who had could be understood relationally as individuals at closer social proximity to HIV and AIDS such as members of sexual minority groups. PMID:25153827

Thrombus aspiration in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction - 12-month clinical outcome of the randomised TATORT-NSTEMI trial.

PubMed

Meyer-Saraei, Roza; de Waha, Suzanne; Eitel, Ingo; Desch, Steffen; Scheller, Bruno; Böhm, Michael; Lauer, Bernward; Gawaz, Meinrad; Geisler, Tobias; Gunkel, Oliver; Bruch, Leonhard; Klein, Norbert; Pfeiffer, Dietrich; Schuler, Gerhard; Zeymer, Uwe; Thiele, Holger

2017-02-01

In the randomised TATORT-NSTEMI trial routine thrombus aspiration in comparison with standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) did not reduce the primary endpoint of microvascular obstruction assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). So far, no data on long-term outcome of head-to-head comparisons between both treatment strategies in NSTEMI patients have been reported. The prospective, controlled, multicentre, randomised, open-label TATORT-NSTEMI trial assigned patients with NSTEMI and thrombus-containing lesions to aspiration thrombectomy plus PCI ( n=221) or standard PCI only ( n=219). The primary endpoint of the current analysis was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events defined as the composite of death, myocardial reinfarction, target vessel revascularisation, and new congestive heart failure at 12-month follow-up. In addition, functional outcome and quality of life were assessed. At one year, major adverse cardiac events occurred in 19 patients in the thrombectomy arm and 29 patients in the standard PCI group (8.7% vs. 13.4%, relative risk 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.35-1.12, p=0.11). The individual components of the combined endpoint such as death ( p=0.20), myocardial reinfarction ( p=0.73), target vessel revascularisation ( p=0.42), and congestive heart failure ( p=0.18) were similar in both groups. Functional outcome and quality of life did not differ significantly between both groups (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class: p=0.68, New York Heart Association class: p=0.70 and EuroQol5D score: p=0.96). Post-hoc analyses revealed consistent results with regard to the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events across a wide range of subgroups (all p>0.05). In this first randomised trial on thrombectomy in NSTEMI patients, routine thrombus aspiration before PCI did not improve clinical outcome at 12-month follow-up.

Characterization for elastic constants of fused deposition modelling-fabricated materials based on the virtual fields method and digital image correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Quankun; Xie, Huimin

2017-12-01

Fused deposition modelling (FDM), a widely used rapid prototyping process, is a promising technique in manufacturing engineering. In this work, a method for characterizing elastic constants of FDM-fabricated materials is proposed. First of all, according to the manufacturing process of FDM, orthotropic constitutive model is used to describe the mechanical behavior. Then the virtual fields method (VFM) is applied to characterize all the mechanical parameters (Q_{11}, Q_{22}, Q_{12}, Q_{66}) using the full-field strain, which is measured by digital image correlation (DIC). Since the principal axis of the FDM-fabricated structure is sometimes unknown due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, a disk in diametrical compression is used as the load configuration so that the loading angle can be changed conveniently. To verify the feasibility of the proposed method, finite element method (FEM) simulation is conducted to obtain the strain field of the disk. The simulation results show that higher accuracy can be achieved when the loading angle is close to 30°. Finally, a disk fabricated by FDM was used for the experiment. By rotating the disk, several tests with different loading angles were conducted. To determine the position of the principal axis in each test, two groups of parameters (Q_{11}, Q_{22}, Q_{12}, Q_{66}) are calculated by two different groups of virtual fields. Then the corresponding loading angle can be determined by minimizing the deviation between two groups of the parameters. After that, the four constants (Q_{11}, Q_{22}, Q_{12}, Q_{66}) were determined from the test with an angle of 27°.

Aster spathulifolius Maxim extract reduces body weight and fat mass in obese humans.

PubMed

Cho, In-Jin; Choung, Se Young; Hwang, You-Cheol; Ahn, Kyu Jeung; Chung, Ho Yeon; Jeong, In-Kyung

2016-07-01

Aster spathulifolius Maxim (AS), a perennial herb of the genus Aster within the family Asteraceae, induced weight loss in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that AS could also reduce body weight in obese humans. Therefore, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Korea to evaluate the effect of AS extract (ASE) on body weight and fat mass and its safety in obese humans. Forty-four obese participants (body mass index [BMI], 25-30 kg/m(2)) aged ≥20 years were randomly assigned to the placebo or ASE group (700 mg/d of ASE) and were instructed to take a once-daily pill for 12 weeks. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass (measured using bioimpedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and computed tomography), and laboratory tests were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Body weight significantly decreased after 12 weeks of treatment in the ASE group (placebo vs ASE: -0.08 ± 2.11 kg vs -3.30 ± 3.15 kg, P < .05), and so did body fat mass (placebo vs ASE; bioimpedance method: -0.51 ± 1.89 kg vs -2.38 ± 2.30 kg, P < .05; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: 0.38 ± 1.59 kg vs -2.26 ± 2.37 kg, P < .05). Changes in lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c did not differ between the 2 groups. No drug-related adverse events were observed during the study. In conclusion, ASE significantly decreases body weight and fat mass in obese humans, suggesting that ASE may be a potential therapeutic candidate for reducing obesity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Asthma in the vicinity of power stations: II. Outdoor air quality and symptoms

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

Henry, R.L.; Bridgman, H.A.; Wlodarczyk, J.

1991-01-01

To assess longitudinally the effect of living in the vicinity of coal-fired power stations on children with asthma, 99 schoolchildren with a history of wheezing in the previous 12 months were studied for 1 year, using daily diaries and measurements of air quality. The children had been identified in a cross-sectional survey of two coastal areas: Lake Munmorah (LM), within 5 km of two power stations, and Nelson Bay (NB), free from major industry. Daily air quality (sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)), respiratory symptoms, and treatment for asthma were recorded throughout the year. Measurements of SO2 and NOxmore » at LM were well within recommended guidelines although they were several times higher than at NB: maximum daily levels in SO2 (micrograms/m3) were 26 at LM, 11 at NB (standard, 365); yearly average SO2 was 2 at LM, 0.3 at NB (standard, 60); yearly average NOx (micrograms/m3) was 2 at LM, 0.4 at NB (standard, 94). Marked weekly fluctuations occurred in the prevalence of cough, wheezing, and breathlessness, without any substantial differences between LM and NB. Overall, the prevalence of symptoms was low (10% for wheezing, 20% for any symptom). Whether the daily SO2 and NOx levels affected the occurrence of respiratory symptoms was investigated in children at LM using a logistic regression (Korn and Whittemore technique). For these children as a group, air quality measurements were not associated with the occurrence of symptoms.« less

The mountains hold things in: the use of community research review work groups to address cancer disparities in Appalachia.

PubMed

Hutson, Sadie P; Dorgan, Kelly A; Phillips, Amber N; Behringer, Bruce

2007-11-01

To review regional findings about cancer disparities with grass roots community leaders in Appalachia and to identify perspectives about what makes the cancer experience unique in Appalachia. A community-based participatory approach that includes focus-group methodology. Work groups gathered in well-known community locations in northeastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. 22 lay adult community members (12 in Tennessee and 10 in Virginia), all of whom had a personal and community interest in cancer and were reputed as informal community leaders. Work groups engaged in a series of five sequential sessions designed to (a) review regional data about cancer disparities and identify perspectives about what makes the cancer experience unique in Appalachia, (b) promote dialogue between the work group members and healthcare providers to identify methods for improved collaboration, and (c) integrate the work group with regional efforts of the states' comprehensive cancer control plans. Four major themes emerged from the focus group sessions with each work group: cancer storytelling, cancer collectivism, healthcare challenges, and cancer expectations. The community research review work groups proved to be a successful method to disseminate information about regional cancer disparities. Study findings provide a unique foundation so that healthcare providers and researchers can begin to address cancer disparities in the Appalachian region. Nurses are in key positions to partner with trusted community leaders to address disparities across the cancer continuum in Appalachia.

Protective Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Experimental Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat Ovary.

PubMed

Bakacak, Murat; Bostanci, Mehmet Suhha; İnanc, Fatma; Yaylali, Asli; Serin, Salih; Attar, Rukset; Yildirim, Gazi; Yildirim, Ozge Kizilkale

2016-01-01

Ovarian torsion is a common cause of local ischemic damage, reduced follicular activity and infertility. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors with demonstrated cytoprotective properties; so we evaluated PRP efficacy in a rat ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. Sixty adult female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups of 8 animals each: Sham, Ischemia, I/R, Sham + PRP, I + PRP and I/R + PRP; and the remaining 12 used to prepare PRP. Ischemia groups were subjected to bilateral adnexal torsion for 3 h, while I/R and I/R + PRP groups received subsequent detorsion for 3 h. Intraperitoneal PRP was administered 30 min prior to ischemia (Ischemia + PRP) or reperfusion (I/R + PRP). Total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and total ovarian histopathological scores were higher in Ischemia and I/R groups than in the Sham group (p < 0.05). PRP decreased mean TOS, OSI and histopathological scores in I + PRP and I/R + PRP groups compared to the corresponding Ischemia and I/R groups (p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between total histopathological score and OSI (r = 0.877, p < 0.001). Peritoneal vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly higher in PRP-treated groups than corresponding untreated groups (p < 0.05). PRP is effective for the prevention of ischemia and reperfusion damage in rat ovary. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cation substitution in synthetic meridianiite (MgSO4·11H2O) I: X-ray powder diffraction analysis of quenched polycrystalline aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortes, A. Dominic; Browning, Frank; Wood, Ian G.

2012-05-01

Meridianiite, MgSO4·11H2O, is the most highly hydrated phase in the binary MgSO4-H2O system. Lower hydrates in the MgSO4-H2O system have end-member analogues containing alternative divalent metal cations (Ni2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Co2+) and exhibit extensive solid solution with MgSO4 and with one another, but no other undecahydrate is known. We have prepared aqueous MgSO4 solutions doped with these other cations in proportions up to and including the pure end-members. These liquids have been solidified into fine-grained polycrystalline blocks of metal sulfate hydrate + ice by rapid quenching in liquid nitrogen. The solid products have been characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, and the onset of partial melting has been quantified using a thermal probe. We have established that of the seven end-member metal sulfates studied, only MgSO4 forms an undecahydrate; ZnSO4 forms an orthorhombic heptahydrate (synthetic goslarite), MnSO4, FeSO4, and CoSO4 form monoclinic heptahydrates (syn. mallardite, melanterite, bieberite, respectively), and CuSO4 crystallises as the well-known triclinic pentahydrate (syn. chalcanthite). NiSO4 forms a new hydrate which has been indexed with a triclinic unit cell of dimensions a = 6.1275(1) Å, b = 6.8628(1) Å, c = 12.6318(2) Å, α = 92.904(2)°, β = 97.678(2)°, and γ = 96.618(2)°. The unit-cell volume of this crystal, V = 521.74(1) Å3, is consistent with it being an octahydrate, NiSO4·8H2O. Further analysis of doped specimens has shown that synthetic meridianiite is able to accommodate significant quantities of foreign cations in its structure; of the order 50 mol. % Co2+ or Mn2+, 20-30 mol. % Ni2+ or Zn2+, but less than 10 mol. % of Cu2+ or Fe2+. In three of the systems we examined, an `intermediate' phase occurred that differed in hydration state both from the Mg-bearing meridianiite end-member and the pure dopant end-member hydrate. In the case of CuSO4, we observed a melanterite-structured heptahydrate at Cu/(Cu + Mg) = 0.5, which we identify as synthetic alpersite [(Mg0.5Cu0.5)SO4·7H2O)]. In the NiSO4- and ZnSO4-doped systems we characterised an entirely new hydrate which could also be identified to a lesser degree in the CuSO4- and the FeSO4-doped systems. The Ni-doped substance has been indexed with a monoclinic unit-cell of dimensions a = 6.7488(2) Å, b = 11.9613(4) Å, c = 14.6321(5) Å, and β = 95.047(3)°, systematic absences being indicative of space-group P21/ c with Z = 4. The unit-cell volume, V = 1,176.59(5) Å3, is consistent with it being an enneahydrate [i.e. (Mg0.5Ni0.5)SO4·9H2O)]. Similarly, the new Zn-bearing enneahydrate has refined unit cell dimensions of a = 6.7555(3) Å, b = 11.9834(5) Å, c = 14.6666(8) Å, β = 95.020(4)°, V = 1,182.77(7) Å3, and the new Fe-bearing enneahydrate has refined unit cell dimensions of a = 6.7726(3) Å, b = 12.0077(3) Å, c = 14.6920(5) Å, β = 95.037(3)°, and V = 1,190.20(6) Å3. The observation that synthetic meridianiite can form in the presence of, and accommodate significant quantities of other ions increases the likelihood that this mineral will occur naturally on Mars—and elsewhere in the outer solar system—in metalliferous brines.

50 CFR 12.5 - Seizure by other agencies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Seizure by other agencies. 12.5 Section 12... SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE PROCEDURES General Provisions § 12.5 Seizure by other agencies. Any authorized... the laws listed in § 12.2 will, if so requested, deliver such seizure to the appropriate Special Agent...

Cerebral saturation in cardiac arrest patients measured with near-infrared technology during pre-hospital advanced life support. Results from Copernicus I cohort study.

PubMed

Genbrugge, Cornelia; De Deyne, Cathy; Eertmans, Ward; Anseeuw, Kurt; Voet, Dirk; Mertens, Ilse; Sabbe, Marc; Stroobants, Jan; Bruckers, Liesbeth; Mesotten, Dieter; Jans, Frank; Boer, Willem; Dens, Jo

2018-03-23

To date, monitoring options during pre-hospital advanced life support (ALS) are limited. Regional cerebral saturation (rSO 2 ) may provide more information concerning the brain during ALS. We hypothesized that an increase in rSO 2 during ALS in out-of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients is associated with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). A prospective, non-randomized multicenter study was conducted in the pre-hospital setting of six hospitals in Belgium. Cerebral saturation was measured during pre-hospital ALS by a medical emergency team in OHCA patients. Cerebral saturation was continuously measured until ALS efforts were terminated or until the patient with sustained ROSC (>20 min) arrived at the emergency department. To take the longitudinal nature of the data into account, a linear mixed model was used. The correlation between the repeated measures of a patient was handled by means of ​a random intercept and a random slope. Our primary analysis tested the association of rSO 2 with ROSC. Of the 329 patients 110 (33%) achieved ROSC. First measured rSO 2 was 30% ± 18 in the ROSC group and 24% ± 15 in the no-ROSC group (p = .004; mean ± SD). Higher mean rSO 2 values were observed in the ROSC group compared to the no-ROSC group (41% ± 13 versus 33% ± 13 respectively; p < 0.001). The median increase in rSO 2, measured from start until two minutes before ROSC, was higher in the ROSC group (ROSC group 17% (IQR 6-29)) than in the no-ROSC group (8% (IQR 2-13); p < 0.001). An increase in rSO 2 above 15% was associated with ROSC (OR 4.5; 95%CI 2.747-7.415; p < 0.001). Regional cerebral saturation measurements can be used during pre-hospital ALS as an additional marker to predict ROSC. An increase of at least 15% in rSO 2 during ALS is associated with a higher probability of ROSC. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

p53 and Bcl-2expression in response to boldenone induced liver cells injury.

PubMed

Tousson, Ehab; Alm-Eldeen, Abeer; El-Moghazy, Mostafa

2011-09-01

Boldenone is an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use. Recently, it is used by bodybuilders in both off-season and pre-contest, where it is well known for increasing vascularity while preparing for a bodybuilding contest. So, the present study was designed to investigate the possible effect of using growth promoter boldenone undecylenate on the rabbit liver tissue. Thirty-two adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups (8 animals each). Control group includes animals that injected intramuscularly with olive oil and dissected after 3 weeks. The experimental groups include animals that receive one, two and three intramuscular injections of 5 mg/kg body weight boldenone, respectively. The animals were dissected after 3, 6 and 9 weeks respectively, where the interval of each dose of boldenon was 3 weeks. Small pieces of the liver tissues were sent for the histopathological examination. Apoptotic p53 and antiapoptotic Bc1-2 proteins were localized immunohistochemically. Histological observations of the liver tissue showed that the sinusoidal congestion was the most prominent feature that extended from the centrilobular to the periportal regions. Hepatocellular vacuolation in the centrilobular region was also detected. Liver immunohistochemical observation showed a significant increase of the apoptotic protein p53 and a significant decrease in the antiapoptotic Bc1-2 proteins. The highest frequency of p53 positive cells was observed in the liver sections of three dose of boldenone injections, while the lowest in control group, also the highest frequency of Bcl-2 positive cells was observed in the liver sections of control group while the lowest in three dose of boldenone injections. The present results investigate that people should be careful if they want to use such steroids to enhance their strength and endurance.

Combined large field-of-view MRA and time-resolved MRA of the lower extremities: impact of acquisition order on image quality.

PubMed

Riffel, Philipp; Haneder, Stefan; Attenberger, Ulrike I; Brade, Joachim; Schoenberg, Stefan O; Michaely, Henrik J

2012-10-01

Different approaches exist for hybrid MRA of the calf station. So far, the order of the acquisition of the focused calf MRA and the large field-of-view MRA has not been scientifically evaluated. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate if the quality of the combined large field-of-view MRA (CTM MR angiography) and time-resolved MRA with stochastic interleaved trajectories (TWIST MRA) depends on the order of acquisition of the two contrast-enhanced studies. In this retrospective study, 40 consecutive patients (mean age 68.1 ± 8.7 years, 29 male/11 female) who had undergone an MR angiographic protocol that consisted of CTM-MRA (TR/TE, 2.4/1.0 ms; 21° flip angle; isotropic resolution 1.2mm; gadolinium dose, 0.07 mmol/kg) and TWIST-MRA (TR/TE 2.8/1.1; 20° flip angle; isotropic resolution 1.1mm; temporal resolution 5.5s, gadolinium dose, 0.03 mmol/kg), were included. In the first group (group 1) TWIST-MRA of the calf station was performed 1-2 min after CTM-MRA. In the second group (group 2) CTM-MRA was performed 1-2 min after TWIST-MRA of the calf station. The image quality of CTM-MRA and TWIST-MRA were evaluated by 2 two independent radiologists in consensus according to a 4-point Likert-like rating scale assessing overall image quality on a segmental basis. Venous overlay was assessed per examination. In the CTM-MRA, 1360 segments were included in the assessment of image quality. CTM-MRA was diagnostic in 95% (1289/1360) of segments. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) between both groups with regard to the number of segments rated as excellent and moderate. The image quality was rated as excellent in group 1 in 80% (514/640 segments) and in group 2 in 67% (432/649), respectively (p<0.0001). In contrast, the image quality was rated as moderate in the first group in 5% (33/640) and in the second group in 19% (121/649) respectively (p<0.0001). The venous overlay was disturbing in 10% in group 1 and 20% in group 2 (p=n.s.). If a combined hybrid MRA approach with large field-of-view and time-resolved MRA is acquired the large field-of-view MRA should be acquired first in order for optimal image quality. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DFT studies on the heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 by oxygen functional groups on graphene.

PubMed

He, Guangzhi; He, Hong

2016-11-23

The heterogeneous oxidation of SO 2 has been the subject of intense scrutiny in atmospheric chemistry because of the adverse effects of sulfate particles. Although it has been found that the soot particles with a graphene-like structure play an important role in the oxidation of SO 2 , little is known about the atomic-level mechanism involved. Here, we studied the oxidation of SO 2 on oxygen-functionalized graphene using density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The results showed that SO 2 is oxidized by the epoxide group via a two-step mechanism, where the C-O bond away from the SO 2 is broken first, followed by the breaking of the other C-O bond and the synchronous formation of a new S-O bond. The energy barriers are significantly decreased when solvation free energies are involved, suggesting that humidity is favorable for promoting the oxidation by reducing the reaction barrier. The energy barriers for H 2 SO 3 oxidation are much higher than that for SO 2 oxidation, indicating that the direct conversion of SO 2 to SO 3 is the main pathway for the oxidation of SO 2 by oxygen-functionalized graphene sheets in both the gas phase and solution. The reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis showed that the hydrogen bond formed between H 2 SO 3 and epoxide groups enhances the stability of the reaction complex, and is responsible for the high energy barrier that has to be overcome for the reaction to proceed. These atomistic studies proposed a two-step mechanism for the oxidation of SO 2 on the oxygen-functionalized graphene-like carbonaceous surfaces under ambient conditions.

Hydrophobic task-specific ionic liquids: synthesis, properties and application for the capture of SO2.

PubMed

Tian, Shidong; Hou, Yucui; Wu, Weize; Ren, Shuhang; Qian, Jianguo

2014-08-15

The capture of SO2 by ionic liquids (ILs) has drawn much attention all over the world. However, ILs can absorb not only SO2 but also water from flue gas. The removal of water from ILs is necessary for reusing the absorbent. In order to reduce the energy costs of removing water, it would be helpful to weaken the interactions between ILs and water. In this work, two kinds of hydrophobic task-specific ILs, 1-(2-diethyl-aminoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Et2NEmim] [PF6]) and 1-(2-diethyl-aminoethyl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium hexafluorophosphate ([Et2NEmpyr][PF6]), were designed and synthesized. Thermal stability and physical properties of the ILs were studied. Furthermore, the application of the ILs for the capture of SO2 and the absorption mechanism were systematically investigated. It has been found that both of the ILs are immiscible with water, and [Et2NEmim][PF6] has much lower viscosity, much higher thermal stability and much higher SO2 absorption rate than [Et2NEmpyr][PF6]. [Et2NEmim][PF6] shows high SO2 absorption capacities up to 2.11 mol SO2 per mole IL (pure SO2) and 0.94 mol SO2 per mole IL (3% SO2) under hydrous conditions at 30 °C. The result suggests that [Et2NEmim][PF6] is a promising recyclable absorbent for the capture of SO2. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Doctoral Programs Need Changes to Attract and Retain Underrepresented Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, R. E.; Mayfield, K. K.

2017-12-01

Geoscience is currently recognized as the least diverse of all STEM fields. While attention typically focuses on K-12 and undergraduate populations, the extreme lack of diversity among graduate students, and doctoral students in particular, should be examined and addressed. In 2016, members of underrepresented minority (URM) groups made up only 6% of those graduating with geoscience PhDs. In all STEM fields, only 48% of Hispanic/Latino and 38% of Black/African American doctoral studies had earned doctorates within 7 years, with 36% of members of these groups leaving the program entirely. Recent studies suggest that these high attrition rates can be attributed, in part, to a mismatch between motivations of URM members and PhD-granting institutions while students are pursuing scientific education and careers. Traditional STEM doctoral programs do not offer, facilitate, or incentivize substantial opportunities to integrate social justice issues, community involvement, and altruism—factors which have been found to be of more importance to these populations than to male members of well-represented groups. URM members are also less likely to be interested in purely academic research careers, so doctoral programs may be failing to attract (and failing to prepare) diverse populations by not offering experiences beyond typical research and TA duties. In this presentation, trends in motivation and persistence among URM students in STEM will be discussed, in addition to highlighting education and outreach activities that can be successfully incorporated for a more fulfilling, balanced, attractive, and preparatory education experience. Specific activities undertaken and recommended by the presenter in her PhD experience include the following: a federal research internship, a state government policy internship, a formal partnership with a local K-12 teacher though a former NSF GK-12 program, a two-week education workshop aboard a scientific research drillship, and attending a research conference geared towards URM students (SACNAS). Suggestions and recommendations will be made for meaningful changes at the institutional, funding agency, societal and community levels.

On-going electroencephalographic rhythms related to cortical arousal in wild-type mice: the effect of aging.

PubMed

Del Percio, Claudio; Drinkenburg, Wilhelmus; Lopez, Susanna; Infarinato, Francesco; Bastlund, Jesper Frank; Laursen, Bettina; Pedersen, Jan T; Christensen, Ditte Zerlang; Forloni, Gianluigi; Frasca, Angelisa; Noè, Francesco M; Bentivoglio, Marina; Fabene, Paolo Francesco; Bertini, Giuseppe; Colavito, Valeria; Kelley, Jonathan; Dix, Sophie; Richardson, Jill C; Babiloni, Claudio

2017-01-01

Resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms reflect the fluctuation of cortical arousal and vigilance in a typical clinical setting, namely the EEG recording for few minutes with eyes closed (i.e., passive condition) and eyes open (i.e., active condition). Can this procedure be back-translated to C57 (wild type) mice for aging studies? On-going EEG rhythms were recorded from a frontoparietal bipolar channel in 85 (19 females) C57 mice. Male mice were subdivided into 3 groups: 25 young (4.5-6 months), 18 middle-aged (12-15 months), and 23 old (20-24 months) mice to test the effect of aging. EEG power density was compared between short periods (about 5 minutes) of awake quiet behavior (passive) and dynamic exploration of the cage (active). Compared with the passive condition, the active condition induced decreased EEG power at 1-2 Hz and increased EEG power at 6-10 Hz in the group of 85 mice. Concerning the aging effects, the passive condition showed higher EEG power at 1-2 Hz in the old group than that in the others. Furthermore, the active condition exhibited a maximum EEG power at 6-8 Hz in the former group and 8-10 Hz in the latter. In the present conditions, delta and theta EEG rhythms reflected changes in cortical arousal and vigilance in freely behaving C57 mice across aging. These changes resemble the so-called slowing of resting state EEG rhythms observed in humans across physiological and pathological aging. The present EEG procedures may be used to enhance preclinical phases of drug discovery in mice for understanding the neurophysiological effects of new compounds against brain aging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Influence of pulsating magnetic field used in magnet therapy and magnet stimulation on cortisol secretion in human].

PubMed

Woldańska-Okońska, Maria; Czernicki, Jan

2003-01-01

The aim of our study was to test the influence of magnetic fields during magnetotherapy and magnetostimulation over a longer period of time (like in physiotherapy) on cortisol secretion in humans. The study population was divided into two groups: magnetotherapy group (16 men) and magnetostimulation group (10 men). Magnetotherapy in the form of magnetic field induction (2.9 microT; frequency--40 Hz; square wave; bipolar; Magnetronic MF--10 apparatus) was applied for 20 min to the lumbar area in patients with chronic low back pain. Magnetostimulation (Viofor JPS system; M2P2 program; induction--25-80 microT; frequency--200 Hz, complex saw-like shape with a plateau halfway the height of the wave; bipolar) was applied every day for 12 min in patients with the same health problem. In both groups, the procedures were repeated 15 times (about 10:00 a.m.) with weekend breaks. Serum samples were collected at 6:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 24:00 and estimated by the micromethod of chemiluminescence (DPC Poland; Cat. No. LKC01). The circadian profile of cortisol was determined prior to the application, a day and a month after application. The data were analyzed statistically, using paired and unpaired Student's test. Magnetotherapy affects the cortisol secretion in the circadian profile by decreasing its level at 16:00 a day after 15 applications, whereas magnetostimulation by increasing its level at 12:00 a month after 15 applications, which may suggest its long-term effect on hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The comparison of the results indicated that a day after magnetotherapy and magnetostimulation, the circadian curves of cortisol secretion differed significantly by about 100%. All hormone oscillations did not exceed the physiological norms of the circadian cortisol level, not reaching the level so high as in an intense stress. This suggests rather their controlling effect on the cortisol level than their significant stressogenic nature.

Effect of long-term isometric training on core/torso stiffness.

PubMed

Lee, Benjamin C Y; McGill, Stuart M

2015-06-01

Although core stiffness enhances athletic performance traits, controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of isometric vs. dynamic core training methods. This study aimed to determine whether long-term changes in stiffness can be trained, and if so, what is the most effective method. Twenty-four healthy male subjects (23 ± 3 years; 1.8 ± 0.06 m; 77.5 ± 10.8 kg) were recruited for passive and active stiffness measurements before and after a 6-week core training intervention. Twelve subjects (22 ± 2 years; 1.8 ± 0.08 m; 78.3 ± 12.3 kg) were considered naive to physical and core exercise. The other 12 subjects (24 ± 3 years; 1.8 ± 0.05 m; 76.8 ± 9.7 kg) were Muay Thai athletes (savvy). A repeated-measures design compared core training methods (isometric vs. dynamic, with a control group) and subject training experience (naive vs. savvy) before and after a 6-week training period. Passive stiffness was assessed on a "frictionless" bending apparatus and active stiffness assessed through a quick release mechanism. Passive stiffness increased after the isometric training protocol. Dynamic training produced a smaller effect, and as expected, there was no change in the control group. Active stiffness did not change in any group. Comparisons between subject and training groups did not reveal any interactions. Thus, an isometric training approach was superior in terms of enhancing core stiffness. This is important since increased core stiffness enhances load bearing ability, arrests painful vertebral micromovements, and enhances ballistic distal limb movement. This may explain the efficacy reported for back and knee injury reduction.

Information infrastructure for consumer health: a health information exchange stakeholder study.

PubMed

Thornewill, Judah; Dowling, Alan F; Cox, Barbara A; Esterhay, Robert J

2011-05-01

An enabling infrastructure for population-wide health information capture and transfer is beginning to emerge in the U.S. However, the essential infrastructure component that is still missing is effective health information exchange (HIE). Health record banks (HRBs) are one of several possible approaches to achieving HIE. Is the approach viable? If so, what requirements must be satisfied in order for it to succeed? The research, conducted in 2007-2008, explored HRB-related interests, concerns, benefits, payment preferences, design requirements, value propositions, and challenges for 12 healthcare stakeholder groups and the consumers they serve in a U.S. metropolitan area of 1.3 million people. A mixed-methods design was developed in a community action research context. Data were gathered and analyzed through 23 focus groups, 13 web surveys, a consumer phone survey (nonstratified random sample) and follow-up meetings. Recruiting goals for leaders representing targeted groups were achieved using a multi-channel communications strategy. Key themes were identified through data triangulation. Then, requirements, value propositions and challenges were developed through iterative processes of interaction with community members. Results include key themes, design requirements, value propositions, and challenges for 12 stakeholder groups and consumers. The research provides a framework for developing a consumer permission-driven, financially sustainable, community HRB model. However, for such a model to flourish, it will need to be part of a nationwide network of HIEs with compatible HRB approaches able to overcome a number of challenges. Copyright © 2011 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Productive and Reproductive Performance, Zinc Concentration and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Breeders.

PubMed

Zhang, Ling; Wang, Yong-Xia; Xiao, Xue; Wang, Jiang-Shui; Wang, Qian; Li, Kai-Xuan; Guo, Tian-Yu; Zhan, Xiu-An

2017-08-01

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulphate (ZnSO 4 ) on productive and reproductive performance, zinc (Zn) concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Six hundred 39-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 groups consisting of 4 replicates with 25 birds each. Breeders were fed a basal diet (control group, 24 mg Zn/kg diet), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg Zn/kg diet from ZnSO 4 or basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg Zn/kg diet from Zn-Gly. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-test with the basal diet, respectively. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of sources, improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (kilogram of feed/kilogram of egg) and decreased broken egg rate, and elevated (P < 0.05) the qualified chick rate. Compared with the ZnSO 4 group, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly increased (P < 0.05) average egg weight, fertility, hatchability and qualified chick rate, whereas it decreased (P < 0.05) broken egg rate. The Zn concentrations in liver and muscle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group than that in ZnSO 4 group. Compared with ZnSO 4 group, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly elevated (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundances of metallothionein (MT) and copper-zinc superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD), as well as the Cu-Zn SOD activity and MT concentration in liver. Moreover, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group had higher (P < 0.05) serum T-SOD and Cu-Zn SOD activities than that in the ZnSO 4 group. This study indicated that supplementation of Zn in basal diet improved productive and reproductive performance, Zn concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders, and the 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly was the optimum choice for broiler breeders compared with other levels of Zn from Zn-Gly and 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO 4 .

Characterizing severe obesity in children and youth referred for weight management.

PubMed

Salawi, Hebah A; Ambler, Kathryn A; Padwal, Rajdeep S; Mager, Diana R; Chan, Catherine B; Ball, Geoff D C

2014-06-19

Severe obesity (SO) in pediatrics has become increasing prevalent in recent decades.The objective of our study was to examine differences in demographic, anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and lifestyle variables in children and youth with SO versus their less overweight/obese (OW/OB) peers. A retrospective medical record review of 6-19 year old participants enrolled in an outpatient pediatric weight management clinic was conducted. SO (body mass index [BMI] ≥99(th) percentile) and OW/OB (BMI ≥85(th) and <99(th) percentile) groups were created according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. Demographic, anthropometric, cardiometabolic and lifestyle data reported at baseline (pre-intervention) were retrieved. Of the 345 participants, most were girls (56.2%), Caucasian (78.7%), and had family incomes > $50,000/year (65.7%). The SO group (n = 161) had lower HDL-cholesterol and higher liver enzymes, insulin resistance and blood pressure than the OW/OB group (n = 184; all p < 0.01). They also reported higher total energy intakes, fewer steps/day, less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and more leisure time screen time (all p < 0.02) than their leaner peers. Compared to the OW/OB group, a higher proportion of individuals in the SO group possessed cardiometabolic risk factors, including high triglycerides (45.8% vs 58.5%), alanine aminotransferase (55.4% vs 81.4%), insulin resistance (55.6% vs 82.1%), systolic blood pressure (11.5% vs 27.3%), diastolic blood pressure (17.8% vs 30.0%), and low HDL-cholesterol (44.6% vs 64.6%; all p < 0.02). Aside from the ~75% of participants (groups combined) who met the daily recommended intakes of grain and meat products, <50% of boys and girls met any of the remaining nutrition and physical activity-related recommendations. Compared to the OW/OB group, greater proportions of children and youth in the SO group failed to meet moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (48.4% vs 31.9%) and leisure-time-screen-time recommendations (43.4% vs 28.3%; both p < 0.05). Children and youth with SO have a worse cardiometabolic profile and less favorable lifestyle habits than their OW/OB peers. These differences emphasize the heightened obesity-related health risks associated with SO in the pediatric years.

A prospective randomized comparison of unsedated ultrathin versus standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy in routine outpatient gastroenterology practice: does it work better through the nose?

PubMed

Birkner, B; Fritz, N; Schatke, W; Hasford, J

2003-08-01

In an outpatient gastroenterological practice setting, highly effective diagnostic procedures and patient satisfaction play an important role. Ultrathin endoscopy in unsedated patients has been shown to be more cost-effective and time-efficient in comparison with standard endoscopy. A prospective randomized study was carried out in unsedated patients to compare performance, feasibility, safety, and patient tolerance between ultrathin transnasal (UT), ultrathin oral (UO), and standard (SO) esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). A total of 200 of 600 eligible patients consented to participate in the study, and were randomly assigned to undergo UT, UO, or SO. Patients reported their tolerance of the procedure (anxiety, pain, gagging, and overall satisfaction; Likert scale 1-10), and the endoscopists reported the effectiveness of the procedure (handling, picture quality, and overall performance; Likert scale 1-10). Statistics were calculated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. After randomization, 65, 67, and 68 patients were allocated to the UT, UO, and SO groups, respectively. Failure to achieve complete EGD by the intended route occurred in 14 patients (22 %) in the UT group. Compared to the SO group, patients in the UT and UO groups rated anxiety before the procedure as being more intense - median score (10 % quantile estimate; 90 % quantile estimate): UT, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); UO, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); SO, 0.0 (0.0; 2.0); p < 0.0001), whereas SO patients experienced a higher level of anxiety during the procedure ( P < 0.0001). Pain during insertion of the endoscope was the least intense in the UO group: UT, 2.0 (1.0; 5.0); UO, 1.0 (1.0; 3.0); SO, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); P < 0.001). Gagging during insertion was more pronounced in the UO group: UT, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); UO, 3.0 (1.0; 7.0); SO, 2.0 (1.0; 5.0); P < 0.01). The patients' score for the overall assessment was better in the SO group ( P < 0.0001). The endoscopists' overall assessment for ultrathin EGD was poorer than for standard EGD: UT, 3.0 (2.0; 5.0); UO, 3.0 (2.0; 5.0); SO, 2.0 (1.0; 3.0); P < 0.0001). Ultrathin endoscopy through both the transnasal and oral routes has limited use in routine outpatient practice. Techniques for reducing pain and gagging may improve patient tolerance. Further technical improvements are needed to allow routine implementation.

76 FR 16768 - Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Notification of a Public Teleconference of the Clean Air...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-25

... (NO X ) and Sulfur Oxides (SO X ) Secondary Review Panel (NO X -SO X Panel) and the CASAC Air..., including Oxides of Nitrogen and Oxides of Sulfur. As noticed in 76 FR 4109-4110, the NO X -SO X Panel held...). On May 12, 2011, CASAC will review the draft report of the NO X -SO X Panel that provides advice on...

A systematic resolution of sulfur in reticulated vitreous carbon using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Frank, Patrick; George, Serena DeBeer; Anxolabéhère-Mallart, Elodie; Hedman, Britt; Hodgson, Keith O

2006-11-27

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to characterize the approximately 0.1% sulfur found both in native reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foam and in RVC oxidatively modified using 0.2 M KMnO4 in 2 M H2SO4. Sulfur valences and functional groups were assessed using K-edge XAS spectral curve-fitting and employing explicit sulfur compounds as models. For native RVC, these were episulfide (approximately 3%), thianthrene (approximately 9%), disulfide (approximately 10%), sulfenate ester (approximately 12%), benzothiophene (approximately 24%), N,N'-thiobisphthalimide (approximately 30%), alkyl sulfonate (approximately 1.2%), alkyl sulfate monoester (approximately 6%), and sulfate dianion (approximately 6%). Permanganate oxidation of RVC diminished sulfenic sulfur to approximately 9%, thianthrenic sulfur to approximately 7%, and sulfate dianion to approximately 1% but increased sulfate monoester to approximately 12%, and newly produced sulfone (approximately 2%) and sulfate diester (approximately 5%). A simple thermodynamic model was derived that allows proportionate functional group comparisons despite differing (approximately +/-15%) total sulfur contents between RVC batches. The limits of accuracy in the XAS curve-fitting analysis are discussed in terms of microenvironments and extended structures in RVC carbon that cannot be exactly modeled by small molecules. Sulfate esters cover approximately 0.15% of the RVC surface, increasing to approximately 0.51% following permanganate/sulfuric acid treatment. The detection of episulfide directly corroborates a proposed mechanism for the migration of elemental sulfur through carbon.

Left spermatic vein retrograde sclerosis: comparison between sclerosant agent injection through a diagnostic catheter versus through an occluding balloon catheter.

PubMed

Basile, Antonio; Failla, Giovanni; La Vignera, Sandro; Condorelli, Rosita Angela; Calogero, Aldo; Vicari, Enzo; Granata, Antonio; Mundo, Elena; Caltabiano, Giuseppe; Pizzarelli, Marco; Messina, Martina; Scavone, Giovanni; Lanzafame, Franz; Iezzi, Roberto; Tsetis, Dimitrios

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to compare the technical success between left spermatic vein (LSV) scleroembolisation achieved with the injection of sclerosant through a diagnostic catheter and through an occluding balloon (OB), in the treatment of male varicocele. From January 2012 to September 2013, we prospectively enrolled 100 patients with left varicocele and an indication for LSV scleroembolisation related to symptoms or spermiogram anomalies; patients were randomised to two groups (we wrote a list of 100 lines assigned casually with A or B and each patient was consecutively allocated to group A or B on the basis of this list). Patients in group A underwent injection of the sclerosing agent through an angiographic diagnostic catheter (free catheter technique) and patients in group B through an OB catheter (OB technique). In cases of incomplete occlusion of the LSV, the procedure was completed with coils. Total occlusion of the LSV at post-treatment phlebography during a Valsalva manoeuvre before any coil embolisation was considered a technical success. The rate of complications was also evaluated. The Fischer's test was used for statistical analysis. We evaluated a total of 90 patients because five patients for each group were not included in the statistical analysis owing to technical problems or complications. In group A we had a technical success of 75.6 versus 93.4 % in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003); in particular, we had to complete the embolisation with insertion of coils in 11 cases (24.4 %) in group A, and in three cases in group B (6.6 %). In group A, LSV rupture occurred in four cases (8 %) so the procedure was completed by sclerosant injection through the OB located distally to the lesion. These patients were not considered for evaluation. In another case, a high flow shunt towards the inferior vena cava was detected, so the patient underwent OB injection to stop the flow to the shunt, and was not included for statistical evaluation. In group B, vein rupture with contrast leakage was noted in six cases (12 %); nonetheless, all the procedures were completed because the OB was positioned distally to the vessel tear, obviating any retrograde leakage of sclerosant. In group B, in five cases (10 %), we were unable to advance the OB though the LSV ostium so the procedures were completed with the diagnostic catheter and not considered for statistical evaluation. On the basis of our data, the embolisation of the LSV obtained by injecting the sclerosant through an OB rather than through a diagnostic catheter seems to be more effective in achieving total vein embolisation, as well as allowing a controlled injection of sclerosant even in cases of vein rupture.

Design strategies to improve patient motivation during robot-aided rehabilitation.

PubMed

Colombo, Roberto; Pisano, Fabrizio; Mazzone, Alessandra; Delconte, Carmen; Micera, Silvestro; Carrozza, M Chiara; Dario, Paolo; Minuco, Giuseppe

2007-02-19

Motivation is an important factor in rehabilitation and frequently used as a determinant of rehabilitation outcome. Several factors can influence patient motivation and so improve exercise adherence. This paper presents the design of two robot devices for use in the rehabilitation of upper limb movements, that can motivate patients during the execution of the assigned motor tasks by enhancing the gaming aspects of rehabilitation. In addition, a regular review of the obtained performance can reinforce in patients' minds the importance of exercising and encourage them to continue, so improving their motivation and consequently adherence to the program. In view of this, we also developed an evaluation metric that could characterize the rate of improvement and quantify the changes in the obtained performance. Two groups (G1, n = 8 and G2, n = 12) of patients with chronic stroke were enrolled in a 3-week rehabilitation program including standard physical therapy (45 min. daily) plus treatment by means of robot devices (40 min., twice daily) respectively for wrist (G1) and elbow-shoulder movements (G2). Both groups were evaluated by means of standard clinical assessment scales and the new robot measured evaluation metric. Patients' motivation was assessed in 9/12 G2 patients by means of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) questionnaire. Both groups reduced their motor deficit and showed a significant improvement in clinical scales and the robot measured parameters. The IMI assessed in G2 patients showed high scores for interest, usefulness and importance subscales and low values for tension and pain subscales. Thanks to the design features of the two robot devices the therapist could easily adapt training to the individual by selecting different difficulty levels of the motor task tailored to each patient's disability. The gaming aspects incorporated in the two rehabilitation robots helped maintain patients' interest high during execution of the assigned tasks by providing feedback on performance. The evaluation metric gave a precise measure of patients' performance and thus provides a tool to help therapists promote patient motivation and hence adherence to the training program.

The reproductive performance of female goats treated with melatonin is not improved after introduction to bucks displaying springtime sexual activity if these does are experiencing decreasing body weight/condition score.

PubMed

Zarazaga, L A; Gatica, M C; Gallego-Calvo, L; Guzmán, J L

2017-04-01

The aim of the present work was to determine whether treatment with melatonin modifies the reproductive response of female goats experiencing increasing or decreasing body weight (BW)/body condition score (BCS) when introduced to bucks displaying springtime sexual activity. During natural anoestrus, 53 does were isolated from bucks for a period of 42days and distributed into two groups: 1) low BW/low BCS animals (N=24) (LLg group), which were fed 1.9 times their maintenance requirements so they would experience increasing BW and BCS; and 2) high BW/high BCS animals (N=29) (HHl group), which were fed 0.4 times their maintenance requirements so they would experience decreasing BW and BCS. Half of each group was treated, or not, with melatonin (LLg+Mel N=12, HHl+Mel N=15, LLg-Mel N=12 and HHl-Mel N=14). On 6th May they were introduced to six males, showing natural sexual activity, fitted with marking harnesses (thus permitting the detection of oestrous activity). The ovulation rate was assessed by transrectal ultrasonography and confirmed via the plasma progesterone concentration (measured twice per week in blood samples). Plasma glucose, IGF-1 and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were also determined, along with the conception rate, fertility, prolificacy and productivity of the does. LH concentrations and LH pulsatility were also recorded in the hours around introduction to the males. 'Oestrous plus ovulation' was observed only in does treated with melatonin. A higher conception rate and greater fertility and productivity were observed among the LLg+Mel does. These females showed higher glucose and IGF-1 concentrations after the introduction of the males. LH concentrations increased after male introduction independent of all other conditions. In conclusion, the present results show that treatment with melatonin does not enhance reproductive performance in does experiencing decreasing BW/BCS, but can improve it when does are experiencing increasing BW/body fat reserves - even when exposed to males displaying only springtime sexual activity. This might be explained by the higher blood glucose and IGF-1 concentrations of the LLg+Mel females. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effects of a 6-Week Strength Training on Critical Velocity, Anaerobic Running Distance, 30-M Sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Running Test Performances in Male Soccer Players.

PubMed

Karsten, Bettina; Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko; Kandemir, Gokhan; Hazir, Tahir; Klose, Andreas; Naclerio, Fernando

2016-01-01

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of a moderate intensity strength training on changes in critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (D'), sprint performance and Yo-Yo intermittent running test (Yo-Yo IR1) performances. two recreational soccer teams were divided in a soccer training only group (SO; n = 13) and a strength and soccer training group (ST; n = 13). Both groups were tested for values of CV, D', Yo-Yo IR1 distance and 30-m sprint time on two separate occasions (pre and post intervention). The ST group performed a concurrent 6-week upper and lower body strength and soccer training, whilst the SO group performed a soccer only training. after the re-test of all variables, the ST demonstrated significant improvements for both, YoYo IR1 distance (p = 0.002) and CV values (p<0.001) with no significant changes in the SO group. 30-m sprint performance were slightly improved in the ST group with significantly decreased performance times identified in the SO group (p<0.001). Values for D' were slightly reduced in both groups (ST -44.5 m, 95% CI = -90.6 to 1.6; SO -42.6 m, 95% CI = -88.7 to 3.5). combining a 6-week moderate strength training with soccer training significantly improves CV, Yo-Yo IR1 whilst moderately improving 30-m sprint performances in non-previously resistance trained male soccer players. Critical Velocity can be recommended to coaches as an additional valid testing tool in soccer.

The Effects of a 6-Week Strength Training on Critical Velocity, Anaerobic Running Distance, 30-M Sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Running Test Performances in Male Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Karsten, Bettina; Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko; Kandemir, Gokhan; Hazir, Tahir; Klose, Andreas; Naclerio, Fernando

2016-01-01

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of a moderate intensity strength training on changes in critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (D'), sprint performance and Yo-Yo intermittent running test (Yo-Yo IR1) performances. Methods: two recreational soccer teams were divided in a soccer training only group (SO; n = 13) and a strength and soccer training group (ST; n = 13). Both groups were tested for values of CV, D', Yo-Yo IR1 distance and 30-m sprint time on two separate occasions (pre and post intervention). The ST group performed a concurrent 6-week upper and lower body strength and soccer training, whilst the SO group performed a soccer only training. Results: after the re-test of all variables, the ST demonstrated significant improvements for both, YoYo IR1 distance (p = 0.002) and CV values (p<0.001) with no significant changes in the SO group. 30-m sprint performance were slightly improved in the ST group with significantly decreased performance times identified in the SO group (p<0.001). Values for D' were slightly reduced in both groups (ST -44.5 m, 95% CI = -90.6 to 1.6; SO -42.6 m, 95% CI = -88.7 to 3.5). Conclusions: combining a 6-week moderate strength training with soccer training significantly improves CV, Yo-Yo IR1 whilst moderately improving 30-m sprint performances in non-previously resistance trained male soccer players. Critical Velocity can be recommended to coaches as an additional valid testing tool in soccer. PMID:27015418

SO3 formation from the X-ray photolysis of SO2 astrophysical ice analogues: FTIR spectroscopy and thermodynamic investigations.

PubMed

de Souza Bonfim, Víctor; Barbosa de Castilho, Roberto; Baptista, Leonardo; Pilling, Sergio

2017-10-11

In this combined experimental-theoretical work we focus on the physical and chemical changes induced by soft X-rays on sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) ice at a very low temperature, in an attempt to clarify and quantify its survival and chemical changes in some astrophysical environments. SO 2 is an important constituent of some Jupiter moons and has also been observed in ices around protostars. The measurements were performed at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Source (LNLS/CNPEM), in Campinas, Brazil. The SO 2 ice sample (12 K) was exposed to a broadband beam of mainly soft X-rays (6-2000 eV) and in situ analyses were performed by IR spectroscopy. The X-ray photodesorption yield (upper limit) was around 0.25 molecules per photon. The values determined for the effective destruction (SO 2 ) and formation (SO 3 ) cross sections were 2.5 × 10 -18 cm 2 and 2.1 × 10 -18 cm 2 , respectively. The chemical equilibrium (88% of SO 2 and 12% of SO 3 ) was reached after the fluence of 1.6 × 10 18 photons cm -2 . The SO 3 formation channels were studied at the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) level, which showed the three most favorable reaction routes (ΔH < -79 kcal mol -1 ) in simulated SO 2 ice: (i) SO + O 2 → SO 3 , (ii) SO 2 + O → SO 3 , and (iii) SO 2 + O + → SO 3 + + e - → SO 3 . The amorphous solid environment effect decreases the reactivity of intermediate species towards SO 3 formation, and ionic species are even more affected. The experimentally determined effective cross sections and theoretical reaction channels identified in this work allow us to better understand the chemical evolution of certain sulfur-rich astrophysical environments.

Chemiluminescence of neutrophiles stimulated by opsonized Zymosan in children with bronchial asthma and pneumonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewandowicz-Uszynska, A.; Jankowski, A.

2004-08-01

Oxygen metabolism of neutrophils after stimulation with opsonized zymosan was examined using chemiluminescence test (in the presence of the patient serum or pooled serum). Into the study 37 children aged from 2 to 12 years were enrolled (20 girls and 17 boys). 10 healthy volunteers comprised the control group (group III). Two groups of patients were established: group I -- children with bronchial asthma (without infection), group II -- children with pneumonia. The examination in both groups was performed twice -- in acute phase and in remission period. The group I in acute phase comprised 16 children and in remission phase 9 children, group II - 21 children in acute phase and 9 children in remission phase, respectively. The following parameters of CL were estimated average value of so called spontaneous CL, maximal excitation of neutrophils after stimulation by zymogen (CLmax), time of zymosan opsonization. The following results were obtained: increased spontaneous CL and CLmax (at the presence of both sera) in acute phase of bronchial asthma and pneumonia in comparison to the control group. In the period of remission both these parameters were insignificantly decreased. The longest time of zymosan opsonization in acute period of disease was observed in children with pneumonia (18 min.). This time did not change during remission phase. Only slightly longer time of opsonization was observed in the patients from group I (in exacerbation) (15 min) than in the control group (13,1 min). This time was prolonged in the clinical remission (20 min).

Maternal preoccupation and parenting as predictors of emotional and behavioral problems in children of women with breast cancer.

PubMed

Sigal, John J; Perry, J Christopher; Robbins, James M; Gagné, Marie-Anik; Nassif, Edgard

2003-03-15

To test the hypothesis that differences between sicker and not-so-sick women in their preoccupation with their illness and parenting behavior can explain why some investigators find that children of breast cancer patients fare better than controls and other investigators find the reverse. Forty-two women with metastasized breast cancer (sicker mothers) and 45 women with a first occurrence of nonmetastasized breast cancer (not-so-sick mothers) rated the degree of their preoccupation with the disease, their parenting behavior, mood, and social supports and the emotional and behavioral symptoms in one of their children. Their 12- to 18-year-old children rated their mothers' parenting behavior, their own emotional and behavioral symptoms, and their self-esteem. Sicker mothers reported relatively less preoccupation. They, and their children, reported less poor parenting and fewer externalizing symptoms in the children. Regression analyses revealed further differences between the groups. Less preoccupation with their illness and less poor parenting behavior by sicker mothers may explain why their children seem to fare better then those of not-so-sick mothers. Formulations concerning families of breast cancer patients should include consideration of the effect of the mothers' perception of the severity of their illness.

Mechanism of the formation and growth of fine particles clustered polymer microspheres by simple one-step polymerization in aqueous alcohol system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Hui; Wen, Chao; Wu, Shuyao; Liu, Daliang; Zhang, Yu; Song, Xi-Ming

2016-02-01

By using the one-step copolymerization of styrene (St) and 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide (VEIB), fine particles clustered (FPC) poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres have been successfully prepared in the present of sodium dodecylsulfonate (SDS) in aqueous alcohol system. The FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres are composed of small poly(St-co-VEIB) nanospheres with the average diameter of 40 nm. The formation mechanism of FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres is proposed by investigating the influence of reaction conditions on their morphologies and observing their growth process. It can be well convinced that VEIB not only acted as a kind of monomers, which participated in the polymerization and provided electropositivity for FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres, but also acted as emulsifier and reactive stabilizer. The FPC poly(St-co-VEI[SO3CF3]) microspheres, which were obtained by anion-exchange between -SO3CF3 of HSO3CF3 and Br- in FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres due to the existence of imidazolium groups with electropositivity, showed higher catalytic efficiency for hydration of 1,2-epoxypropane with H2O and esterification between acetic acid and ethanol than that of H2SO4.

Study of the adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at the air/water interface: targeting the sulfate headgroup using vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy.

PubMed

Johnson, C Magnus; Tyrode, Eric

2005-07-07

The surface sensitive technique vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy (VSFS), has been used to study the adsorption behaviour of SDS to the liquid/vapour interface of aqueous solutions, specifically targeting the sulfate headgroup stretches. In the spectral region extending from 980 to 1850 cm(-1), only the vibrations due to the SO(3) group were detectable. The fitted amplitudes for the symmetric SO(3) stretch observed at 1070 cm(-1) for the polarization combinations ssp and ppp, were seen to follow the adsorption isotherm calculated from surface tension measurements. The orientation of the sulfate headgroup in the concentration range spanning from 1.0 mM to above the critical micellar concentration (c.m.c.) was observed to remain constant within experimental error, with the pseudo-C(3) axis close to the surface normal. Furthermore, the effect of increasing amounts of sodium chloride at SDS concentrations above c.m.c. was also studied, showing an increase of approximately 12% in the fitted amplitude for the symmetric SO(3) stretch when increasing the ionic strength from 0 to 300 mM NaCl. Interestingly, the orientation of the SDS headgroup was also observed to remain constant within this concentration range and identical to the case without NaCl.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture on Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary (HPO) Axis in Rats with Peri-menopausal Depression].

PubMed

Jiang, Xi-Rong; Ren, Lu; Li, Chun-Ri

2017-02-25

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the hormones derived from the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis, so as to explore the neuroendocrine mechanism induced by EA on rats with perimenopausal depression disorder. Sixty female sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, sham-operation (sham) group, clomipramine group, and electroacupuncture (EA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Perimenopausal depression model was established by bilateral ovariectomy combined with chronic unpredictable stimulation.The EA group received continuous treatment at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) once a day for 28 days. Estrous cycle and sucrose preference test were monitored, and serum estradiol (E 2 ), luteinizing hormone (LH), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), and β-endorphin (β-EP) were detected by ELISA. Compared to the blank control group, sugar water consumpution rates decreased in the model group and sham group ( P <0.05). Compared to the blank group and sham group, the serum LH and GnRH levels increased ( P <0.05), companied with lower serum E 2 and β-EP levels in the model group ( P <0.05). Compared to the model group, sugar water consumpution rates increased in the clomipramine group and EA group ( P <0.05), both were companied with decreased serum LH and GnRH levels ( P <0.05), and higher serum E 2 and β-EP levels ( P <0.05). Electroacupuncture can relieve the symptoms of rat with perimenopausal depression by regulating the hormone secretion in HPO axis.

Tensor and Spin Representations of SO(4) and Discrete Quantum Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorente, M.; Kramer, P.

Starting from the defining transformations of complex matrices for the SO(4) group, we construct the fundamental representation and the tensor and spinor representations of the group SO(4). Given the commutation relations for the corresponding algebra, the unitary representations of the group in terms of the generalized Euler angles are constructed. These mathematical results help us to a more complete description of the Barret-Crane model in Quantum Gravity. In particular a complete realization of the weight function for the partition function is given and a new geometrical interpretation of the asymptotic limit for the Regge action is presented.

Evaluation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis SO2 vaccine using a natural tuberculosis infection model in goats.

PubMed

Bezos, J; Casal, C; Álvarez, J; Roy, A; Romero, B; Rodríguez-Bertos, A; Bárcena, C; Díez, A; Juste, R; Gortázar, C; Puentes, E; Aguiló, N; Martín, C; de Juan, L; Domínguez, L

2017-05-01

The development of new vaccines against animal tuberculosis (TB) is a priority for improving the control and eradication of this disease, particularly in those species not subjected to compulsory eradication programmes. In this study, the protection conferred by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis SO 2 experimental vaccine was evaluated using a natural infection model in goats. Twenty-six goats were distributed in three groups: (1) 10 goats served as a control group; (2) six goats were subcutaneously vaccinated with BCG; and (3) 10 goats were subcutaneously vaccinated with SO 2 . Four months after vaccination, all groups were merged with goats infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium caprae, and tested over a 40 week period using a tuberculin intradermal test and an interferon-γ assay for mycobacterial reactivity. The severity of lesions was determined at post-mortem examination and the bacterial load in tissues were evaluated by culture. The two vaccinated groups had significantly lower lesion and bacterial culture scores than the control group (P<0.05); at the end of the study, the SO 2 vaccinated goats had the lowest lesion and culture scores. These results suggest that the SO 2 vaccine provides some protection against TB infection acquired from natural exposure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of particle size of particulate nano-zinc oxide wood preservatives on termite mortality and leach resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clausen, Carol A.; Kartal, S. Nami; Arango, Rachel A.; Green, Frederick

2011-06-01

Historically most residential wood preservatives were aqueous soluble metal formulations, but recently metals ground to submicron size and dispersed in water to give particulate formulations have gained importance. In this study, the specific role nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) particle size and leach resistance plays in termite mortality resulting from exposure to particulate ZnO-treated wood was investigated. Southern yellow pine (SYP) sapwood impregnated with three concentrations of two particle sizes (30 and 70 nm) of ZnO were compared to wood treated with soluble zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) preservative for leach resistance and termite resistance. Less than four percent leached from the particulate nano-ZnO-treated specimens, while 13 to 25% of the zinc sulphate leached from the soluble treated wood. Nano-ZnO was essentially non-leachable from wood treated with 5% formulation for the 30-nm particle size. In a no-choice laboratory test, eastern subterranean termites ( Reticulitermes flavipes) consumed less than 10% of the leached nano-ZnO-treated wood with 93 to 100% mortality in all treatment concentrations. In contrast, termites consumed 10 to 12% of the leached ZnSO4-treated wood, but with lower mortality: 29% in the 1% treatment group and less than 10% (5 and 8%, respectively) in the group of wood blocks treated with 2.5 and 5.0% ZnSO4. We conclude that termites were repelled from consuming wood treated with nano-ZnO, but when consumed it was more toxic to eastern subterranean termites than wood treated with the soluble metal oxide formulation. There were no differences in leaching or termite mortality between the two particle sizes of nano-ZnO.

Effect of Carica papaya Leaf Extract Capsule on Platelet Count in Patients of Dengue Fever with Thrombocytopenia.

PubMed

Gadhwal, Ajeet Kumar; Ankit, B S; Chahar, Chitresh; Tantia, Pankaj; Sirohi, P; Agrawal, R P

2016-06-01

Thrombocytopenia in dengue fever is a common and serious complication. However, no specific treatment is available for dengue fever induced thrombocytopenia. In few countries (Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries) the leaf extract of Carica papaya has been effectively used for thrombocytopenia. So, the study is planned to access effect of Carica papaya leaf extract on platelet count in dengue fever patients. All participants were randomised into two groups, study group and control group; the study group was given papaya leaf extract capsule of 500 mg once daily and routine supportive treatment for consecutive five days. The controls were given only routine supportive treatment. Daily complete blood counts, platelet counts and haematocrit level, liver function test, renal function test of both groups were observed. On the first day platelet count of study group and control group was (59.82±18.63, 61.06±20.03 thousands, p value 0.36). On the 2nd day platelet count of both study and control groups was not significantly different (61.67±19.46 and 59.93±19.52 thousands, p value 0.20) but on 3rd day platelet count of study group was significantly higher than control group (82.96±16.72, 66.45±17.36 thousands, p value < 0.01). On 4th and 5th day platelet count of study group (122.43±19.36 and 112.47±17.49 thousands respectively) was also significantly higher than the control group (88.75±21.65 and 102.59±19.35 thousands) (p value < 0.01). On 7th day platelet count of study group and control group were not significantly different (124.47±12.35 and 122.46±19.76 thousands respectively, p value 0.08). Average hospitalization period of study group v/s control group was 3.65±0.97 v/s 5.42±0.98 days (p value < 0.01). Average platelet transfusion requirement in study group was significantly less than control group (0.685 units per patient v/s 1.19 units per patient) (p value <0.01). It is concluded that Carica papaya leaf extract increases the platelet count in dengue fever without any side effect and prevents the complication of thrombocytopenia. So, it can be used in dengue fever with thrombocytopenia patients.

[Streptozotocin-induced maternal intrauterine hyperglycemia environment and its influence on development and metabolic in adult offspring with high birth weight in rats].

PubMed

Li, Xin; Luo, Shu-jing; Zhang, Kai; Yang, Hui-xia

2012-10-01

To establish and assess the high-birth-weight offspring model of the diabetic rat induced by stueptozotocin, and the long-term metabolic impact of maternal hyperglycemia of those offsprings. Streptozotocin (STZ, 25 mg/kg) was given to Wistar rats (G group, n = 14) once intraperitoneally to induce maternal hyperglycemia model (blood glucose between 10 - 20 mmol/L), and there still had a number of rats defined as severe hyperglycemia model group (SG group, n = 5). The Control group (C group, n = 7) were given the same volume citrate buffer solution. The body weight and blood glucose were recorded, and the lavaging glucose tolerance test (LGTT) was performed by a glucose meter in the gestation. The offsprings were corresponding allocated into 2 groups, and the birth weight were recorded. All the offsprings were observated body weight, blood glucose blood pressure (male rats only), and so on. (1) The blood glucose of G group (16.8 ± 5.4 mmol/L) and SG group (20.5 ± 5.6 mmol/L) were increased significantly as compared with C group (7.0 ± 1.4 mmol/L) 5 days after the model was established (P < 0.01); and the average blood glucose of G group (16.6 ± 3.4 mmol/L) and SG group (23.8 ± 1.5 mmol/L) increased too as comparede with C group (5.8 ± 1.1 mmol/L), the difference was significance according to statistics (P < 0.01). (2) According to the LGTT result, which operationed on generation day 4 and day 10, the blood glucose of every time point of G group were increased significantly as compared with C group (P < 0.01). (3) The male and female birth weight of G group was remarkably higher than the C group and the SG group (P < 0.05), and the blood glucose of SG/G/C group was (6.5 ± 1.2) mmol/L, (4.1 ± 0.8) mmol/L, (4.1 ± 0.8) mmol/L respectively, according to the statistics results, the difference between SG group and G/C group respectively both remarkable (P < 0.05). (4) The body weight, Lee's index, fat weight, and the fat weight of mass ratio in C group mother rats after lactation presented dressed compared with the SG group (P < 0.05), and so as to the G group compared with the SG group (P < 0.05). (5) In the female offsprings of G group, the birth weight was remarkably increased compared with the C group (P < 0.05); the body weight of the female offsprings presented an increased trend compared with the C group since the 12 weeks, but had no statistical significance; there were significant differences of body weight between G group and C group since 15 weeks (P < 0.05), and the trend kept up until 26 weeks; in the male offsprings of G group, the body weight on birth day and 4 weeks had a marked rise compared with the C group (P < 0.05); and from then on, the body weight of the male offsprings presented an increased trend compared with the C group, but had no statistical significance until 26 weeks (P > 0.05). (6) In G group, the blood glucose on 30 min and 60 min of LGTT in female offsprings were increased than the C group since 20 weeks (P < 0.05); the blood glucose of LGTT (30 min) still had a marked rise until 24 weeks (P < 0.05); in G group, the blood glucose on 30 min of LGTT in male offsprings was remarkably increased than the C group since 16 weeks (P < 0.05) ; the blood glucose of LGTT (30 min) still had a marked rise until 24 weeks (P < 0.05). (7) The blood pressure of male offsprings in G group had a marked rise on 12 weeks compared with the C group (P < 0.05); from then on the blood pressure of G group kept up a rise trend until 26 weeks, but had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). The diabetic high-birth-weight rat model could be duplicated with STZ (25 mg/kg) once intrapertoneally on the first day of gestation, which were observed some evidently metabolic changes in weight, glucose tolerance and blood pressure. These results could represent an forward step in the clinical study of human gestational diabetes mellitus and their macrosomia babies, which may suffer some metabolic disease in their later life.

Dedicated Shift Wrap-up Time Does Not Improve Resident Sign-out Volume or Efficiency.

PubMed

Jeanmonod, Rebecca K; Brook, Christopher; Winther, Mark; Pathak, Soma; Boyd, Molly

2010-02-01

Sign-out (SO) is a challenge to the emergency physician. Some training programs have instituted overlapping 9-hour shifts. The residents see patients for eight hours, and have one hour of wrap-up time. This hour helps them complete patient care, leaving fewer patients to sign-out. We examined whether this strategy impacts SO burden. This is a retrospective review of patients evaluated by emergency medicine (EM) residents working 9-hour (eight hours of patient care, one hour wrap-up time) and 12-hour shifts (12 hours patient care, no reserved time for wrap-up). Data were collected by reviewing the clinical tracker. A patient was assigned to the resident who initiated care and dictated the chart. SO was defined as any patient in the ED without disposition at change of shift. Patient turn-around-time (TAT) was also recorded. One-hundred sixty-one postgraduate-year-one resident (PGY1), 264 postgraduate-year-two resident (PGY2), and 193 postgraduate-year-three resident (PGY3) shifts were included. PGY1s signed out 1.9 patients per 12-hour shift. PGY2s signed out 2.3 patients on 12-hour shifts and 1.8 patients on 9-hour shifts. PGY3s signed out 2.1 patients on 12-hour shifts and 2.0 patients on 9-hour shifts. When we controlled for patients seen per hour, SO burden was constant by class regardless of shift length, with PGY2s signing out 18% of patients seen compared to 15% for PGY3s. PGY1s signed out 18% of patients seen. TAT for patients seen by PGY1s and PGY2s was similar, at 189 and 187 minutes, respectively. TAT for patients seen by PGY3s was significantly less at 175 minutes. The additional hour devoted to wrapping up patients in the ED had no affect on SO burden. The SO burden represented a fixed percentage of the total number of patients seen by the residents. PGY3s sign-out a smaller percentage of patients seen compared to other classes, and have faster TATs.

A study on substance abuse among school going male adolescents of Doiwala Block, District Dehradun.

PubMed

Saxena, Vartika; Saxena, Yogesh; Kishore, Gaurav; Kumar, Pratap

2010-01-01

Adolescent boys are recognized as a vulnerable group to substance abuse. The present study has the objective to study the biosocial profile and habit pattern of substance abusers. The study was conducted on 511 male adolescents, students of 10 th to 12 th class from the four intermediate schools of the Doiwala block of Dehradun district. 46.9% students accepted substance abuse. In 75.5% cases, friends were providing the substances. 80.2% substance abusers expressed their desire to quit the habit. The study is indicative of need for developing a supportive environment involving both parents and teachers so that adolescent can decide and sustain with the right choices for healthy life.

Influence of the Organic Species and Oxoanion in the Synthesis of two Uranyl Sulfate Hydrates, (H 3 O) 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ­(H 2 O)]·7H 2 O and (H 3 O) 2 [(UO 2 ) 2 (SO 4 ) 3 (H 2 O)]·4H 2 O, and a Uranyl Selenate-Selenite [C 5 H 6 N][(UO 2 )(SeO 4 )(HSeO 3 )

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

Jouffret, Laurent J.; Wylie, Ernest M.; Burns, Peter C.

2012-08-08

Two uranyl sulfate hydrates, (H3O)2[(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)]·7H2O (NDUS) and (H3O)2[(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)]·4H2O (NDUS1), and one uranyl selenate-selenite [C5H6N][(UO2)(SeO4)(HSeO3)] (NDUSe), were obtained and their crystal structures solved. NDUS and NDUSe result from reactions in highly acidic media in the presence of L-cystine at 373 K. NDUS crystallized in a closed vial at 278 K after 5 days and NDUSe in an open beaker at 278 K after 2 weeks. NDUS1 was synthesized from aqueous solution at room temperature over the course of a month. NDUS, NDUS1, and NDUSe crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 15.0249(4) Å,b = 9.9320(2) Å, c = 15.6518(4)more » Å, β = 112.778(1)°, V = 2153.52(9) Å3,Z = 4, the tetragonal space group P43212, a = 10.6111(2) Å,c = 31.644(1) Å, V = 3563.0(2) Å3, Z = 8, and in the monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 8.993(3) Å, b = 13.399(5) Å, c = 10.640(4) Å,β = 108.230(4)°, V = 1217.7(8) Å3, Z = 4, respectively.The structural units of NDUS and NDUS1 are two-dimensional uranyl sulfate sheets with a U/S ratio of 2/3. The structural unit of NDUSe is a two-dimensional uranyl selenate-selenite sheets with a U/Se ratio of 1/2. In-situ reaction of the L-cystine ligands gives two distinct products for the different acids used here. Where sulfuric acid is used, only H3O+ cations are located in the interlayer space, where they balance the charge of the sheets, whereas where selenic acid is used, interlayer C5H6N+ cations result from the cyclization of the carboxyl groups of L-cystine, balancing the charge of the sheets.« less

Early results after vertebral body stenting for fractures of the anterior column of the thoracolumbar spine.

PubMed

Klezl, Zdenek; Majeed, Haroon; Bommireddy, Rajendranath; John, Joby

2011-10-01

Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty have shown to improve pain and functional outcome in cases with symptomatic vertebral fractures. Although restoration of the vertebral body height and kyphosis seemed to be easier with balloon kyphoplasty, it became clear that some of the correction achieved by the balloon is lost once it was deflated. Vertebral body stent was developed to eliminate this phenomenon. To our knowledge this is the first study in describing this technique in clinical settings. Seventeen patients with 20 fractured vertebral bodies were included. All fractures were Type A1.3 or A3.1 (incomplete burst). Information about pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) and function (Oswestry disability index-ODI) and vertebral body deformity (vertebral angle-VA) was recorded in a prospective way at regular intervals. Patients were classified into osteoporotic group (7 patients) and traumatic groups (10 patients, younger than 60 years). There were 6 male and 11 female patients with mean age of 58.1 years (31-88 years). Mean follow up was 12 months. The preoperative pain level showed a mean VAS score of 8.9 in osteoporotic group and 9.7 in traumatic group. Postoperatively, in osteoporotic group, mean VAS was 4.8 at 6 weeks, 4.0 at 6 months and 2.5 at 12 months compared with traumatic fracture group where it was 2.7 at 6 weeks, 2.2 at 6 months and 1.6 at 12 months. Mean ODI in osteoporotic group was 41.7% (14-58%) and in traumatic group it was 20.4% (6-33%). Mean vertebral body angle prior to surgery in osteoporotic group was 9.7 whilst postoperatively it was 5.2°; so the mean correction achieved was 4.5°. In traumatic group preoperative VA was 13° whilst postoperatively it was 5.7°; therefore the mean correction achieved was 7.3°. None of the patients lost reduction at their last follow up. Vertebral body stenting leads to satisfactory improvement in pain, function and kyphosis correction in the treatment of osteoporotic and traumatic fractures. Anterior spinal column, especially the fragmented superior endplate is nicely reconstructed by the stent provided it is inserted accurately. With addition of posterior transpedicular instrumentation, indications for this technique may be wider covering some Type B and C fractures with similar vertebral body damage. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interaction mechanism exploration of R-bicalutamide/S-1 with WT/W741L AR using molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Liu, Hongli; An, Xiaoli; Li, Shuyan; Wang, Yuwei; Li, Jiazhong; Liu, Huanxiang

2015-12-01

R-Bicalutamide is a first generation antiandrogen used to treat prostate cancer, which inhibits androgen action by competitively binding to the androgen receptor (AR). However, R-bicalutamide was discovered to exhibit some agonistic properties in clinical application. According to reports, the W741L AR mutation may lead to resistance towards R-bicalutamide. But the mechanism of the R-bicalutamide switch from an antagonist to an agonist due to the mutation of AR W741L is still not so clear. Another molecule, S-1, owing to a very similar structure to R-bicalutamide, is always agonistic to both the wild type and W741L AR. The main difference between these two chemicals is that S-1 has an ether linkage while R-bicalutamide has a sulfonyl group. To study the drug-resistant mechanism caused by W741L mutation and the opposite effects arising from subtle structure differences, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) calculations were employed to explore the interaction mechanisms between R-bicalutamide/S-1 and WT/W741L AR. The calculated binding free energies are in accordance with the reported experimental values. The obtained results indicate that M895 and W741 are vital amino acids in the antagonism of R-bicalutamide. The bulkier substitution of sulfonyl and tryptophan push aside M895, together with helix 12 (H12), to expose the ligand-binding domain resulting in the antagonistic conformation of the AR. If W741 is mutated to L741, the B-ring of these two chemicals would shift toward L741. At the same time, M895 dragging helix H12, would also move closer to L741. So H12 tends to cover the AR ligand-binding domain to a certain degree, changing the androgen receptor from an antagonistic to an agonistic conformation, which may explain the agonism of R-bicalutamide to the mutant W741L AR.

Development of N(2) Sensor for Determination of PN(2) in Body Tissues.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-08-01

NK3)4C1 2 ]Cl Acid -140 -340 Acid -120 -280 +500 . + Zn Amalgam +700 +900 2 cis-Ru(N( 3 )4C1 2 C1 Buffer -130 -305 (major) ,450 + Zn Amalgam -210...increase under N 2 -400 mV under N 2 cis- [1u (en) 2C12 )C1 Buffer -125 -350 Buffer + Zn - so -400 .475 Amalgam +780 cis-(Ru(en)2Br 2 ] r Acid -120...375 Acid + Zn - 0 -280 plateau Amalgam 600-8SO cis- ([ (bipyr)C12 1Cl Buffer .455 +320 Buffer + Zn +575 +380 Nme Amalgam 1Acid = 0.1M H2SO42Buffer

Very high-temperature impact melt products as evidence for cosmic airbursts and impacts 12,900 years ago.

PubMed

Bunch, Ted E; Hermes, Robert E; Moore, Andrew M T; Kennett, Douglas J; Weaver, James C; Wittke, James H; DeCarli, Paul S; Bischoff, James L; Hillman, Gordon C; Howard, George A; Kimbel, David R; Kletetschka, Gunther; Lipo, Carl P; Sakai, Sachiko; Revay, Zsolt; West, Allen; Firestone, Richard B; Kennett, James P

2012-07-10

It has been proposed that fragments of an asteroid or comet impacted Earth, deposited silica- and iron-rich microspherules and other proxies across several continents, and triggered the Younger Dryas cooling episode 12,900 years ago. Although many independent groups have confirmed the impact evidence, the hypothesis remains controversial because some groups have failed to do so. We examined sediment sequences from 18 dated Younger Dryas boundary (YDB) sites across three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia), spanning 12,000 km around nearly one-third of the planet. All sites display abundant microspherules in the YDB with none or few above and below. In addition, three sites (Abu Hureyra, Syria; Melrose, Pennsylvania; and Blackville, South Carolina) display vesicular, high-temperature, siliceous scoria-like objects, or SLOs, that match the spherules geochemically. We compared YDB objects with melt products from a known cosmic impact (Meteor Crater, Arizona) and from the 1945 Trinity nuclear airburst in Socorro, New Mexico, and found that all of these high-energy events produced material that is geochemically and morphologically comparable, including: (i) high-temperature, rapidly quenched microspherules and SLOs; (ii) corundum, mullite, and suessite (Fe(3)Si), a rare meteoritic mineral that forms under high temperatures; (iii) melted SiO(2) glass, or lechatelierite, with flow textures (or schlieren) that form at > 2,200 °C; and (iv) particles with features indicative of high-energy interparticle collisions. These results are inconsistent with anthropogenic, volcanic, authigenic, and cosmic materials, yet consistent with cosmic ejecta, supporting the hypothesis of extraterrestrial airbursts/impacts 12,900 years ago. The wide geographic distribution of SLOs is consistent with multiple impactors.

Pharmacokinetics of cefpirome during the posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

PubMed

Jacolot, A; Incagnoli, P; Edouard, A R; Tod, M; Petitjean, O; Samii, K; Mimoz, O

1999-05-01

To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of cefpirome, a new so-called fourth-generation cephalosporin, in previously healthy trauma patients with posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and to compare them to parameters obtained in matched, healthy volunteers. A prospective study. 12-bed surgical intensive care unit in a university hospital. 9 severe [Injury Severity Score, median (range) 29 (16-50)] trauma patients on mechanical ventilation with proven or suspected cefpirome-susceptible nosocomial infection, with no renal or hepatic failure, and healthy volunteers matched for age (+/- 5 years), sex, and body surface area (+/- 10%) were enrolled. All were men. Cefpirome (2 g twice daily) was continuously infused over a 0.5 h period alone or concomitantly with ciprofloxacin (400 mg over 1 h, twice daily). Antibiotic concentrations in plasma were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography; their pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated at 12 time points after the first drug administration using a noncompartmental model. Cefpirome pharmacokinetic parameters for the two groups were similar despite a wider variation for trauma patients. Specifically, the median (range) time during which the cefpirome concentration in plasma remained over 4 mg/l (corresponding to the French lower cutoff determining cefpirome susceptibility) was 9.5 (7- > 12) and 9 (8-12) h for trauma patients and healthy volunteers, respectively. In the group of five patients receiving combined antibiotic therapy, the interindividual variability of pharmacokinetics was wider for ciprofloxacin than for cefpirome. No major pharmacokinetic modification was noted when cefpirome was given to trauma patients with posttraumatic SIRS without significant organ failure, indicating that no dosage adjustment seems required in this population. However, larger studies including determination of antibiotic levels in tissues are warranted to confirm these results.

A phase I/II randomized, controlled, clinical trial for assessment of the efficacy and safety of β-D-mannuronic acid in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

PubMed

Ahmadi, Hossein; Jamshidi, Ahmad Reza; Gharibdoost, Farhad; Mahmoudi, Mahdi; Rastkari, Noushin; Mostafaei, Shayan; Fattahi, Mohammad Javad; Vojdanian, Mahdi; Cuzzocrea, Salvatore; Rehm, Bernd H A; Matsuo, Hidenori; Hosseini, Mostafa; Aghazadeh, Zahra; Mortazavi-Jahromi, Seyed Shahabeddin; Mirshafiey, Abbas

2018-06-01

Following the potent efficacy of β-D-mannuronic acid (M2000) in phase I/II trial in ankylosing spondylitis patients, the present clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this novel drug in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who had inadequate response to conventional therapy. The study was a 12-week randomized, controlled, phase I/II clinical trial with two treatment arms: M2000 and conventional treatment. Patients who had RA according to the modified American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, with active disease at baseline also inadequate response to conventional therapy, were enrolled in this study. M2000 was administrated at a dose of two capsules (500 mg) per day orally during a period of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients fulfilling the ACR 20% improvement criteria after 12 weeks of M2000 therapy. Moreover, the patients were also followed up for safety. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment and conventional groups at baseline characteristics. The ACR20 response rate was significantly higher among M2000-treated patients than conventional-treated control, so that 74% of patients in treatment group showed an ACR20 response after 12 weeks of M2000 therapy (74 versus 16%; P = 0.011). 10% of M2000-treated patients and 57.1% of conventional-treated patient's adverse events occurred during this study. Treatment with M2000 in combination with conventional therapy showed a significantly superior efficacy along with a high safety profile compared to conventional-treated patients. Thereby, M2000 might be suggested as a suitable option in the treatment of RA.

Very high-temperature impact melt products as evidence for cosmic airbursts and impacts 12,900 years ago

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bunch, Ted E.; Hermes, Robert E.; Moore, Andrew M.T.; Kennett, Douglas J.; Weaver, James C.; Wittke, James H.; DeCarli, Paul S.; Bischoff, James L.; Hillman, Gordon C.; Howard, George A.; Kimbel, David R.; Kletetschka, Gunther; Lipo, Carl P.; Sakai, Sachiko; Revay, Zsolt; West, Allen; Firestone, Richard B.; Kennett, James P.

2012-01-01

It has been proposed that fragments of an asteroid or comet impacted Earth, deposited silica-and iron-rich microspherules and other proxies across several continents, and triggered the Younger Dryas cooling episode 12,900 years ago. Although many independent groups have confirmed the impact evidence, the hypothesis remains controversial because some groups have failed to do so. We examined sediment sequences from 18 dated Younger Dryas boundary (YDB) sites across three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia), spanning 12,000 km around nearly one-third of the planet. All sites display abundant microspherules in the YDB with none or few above and below. In addition, three sites (Abu Hureyra, Syria; Melrose, Pennsylvania; and Blackville, South Carolina) display vesicular, high-temperature, siliceous scoria-like objects, or SLOs, that match the spherules geochemically. We compared YDB objects with melt products from a known cosmic impact (Meteor Crater, Arizona) and from the 1945 Trinity nuclear airburst in Socorro, New Mexico, and found that all of these high-energy events produced material that is geochemically and morphologically comparable, including: (i) high-temperature, rapidly quenched microspherules and SLOs; (ii) corundum, mullite, and suessite (Fe3,/sup>Si), a rare meteoritic mineral that forms under high temperatures; (iii) melted SiO2 glass, or lechatelierite, with flow textures (or schlieren) that form at > 2,200 °C; and (iv) particles with features indicative of high-energy interparticle collisions. These results are inconsistent with anthropogenic, volcanic, authigenic, and cosmic materials, yet consistent with cosmic ejecta, supporting the hypothesis of extraterrestrial airbursts/impacts 12,900 years ago. The wide geographic distribution of SLOs is consistent with multiple impactors.

Adsorption of SO2 onto oxidized and heat-treated activated carbon fibers (ACFs)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Daley, M.A.; Mangun, C.L.; DeBarr, J.A.; Riha, S.; Lizzio, A.A.; Donnals, G.L.; Economy, J.

1997-01-01

Oxidation of the ACFs, using an aqueous oxidant, decreased their adsorption capacity for SO2 from flue gas due to a decrease in pore volume and repulsion of the SO2 from acidic surface groups. If these samples were heat-treated to desorb the oxygen containing function groups, the amount of SO2 adsorption increased. This increase in adsorption capacity was directly correlated to the amount of CO2 evolved during heat-treatment of the oxidized ACFs. The amount of SO2 adsorbed for these samples was related to the pore size, pore surface chemistry and pore volume. This analysis is explained in more detail in this paper.

Deconfined quantum critical point on the triangular lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Chao-Ming; Thomson, Alex; Rasmussen, Alex; Bi, Zhen; Xu, Cenke

2018-05-01

In this work we propose a theory for the deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP) for spin-1/2 systems on a triangular lattice, which is a direct unfine-tuned quantum phase transition between the standard "√{3 }×√{3 } " noncollinear antiferromagnetic order (or the so-called 120∘ state) and the "√{12 }×√{12 } " valence solid bond (VBS) order, both of which are very standard ordered phases often observed in numerical simulations. This transition is beyond the standard Landau-Ginzburg paradigm and is also fundamentally different from the original DQCP theory on the square lattice due to the very different structures of both the magnetic and VBS order on frustrated lattices. We first propose a topological term in the effective-field theory that captures the "intertwinement" between the √{3 }×√{3 } antiferromagnetic order and the √{12 }×√{12 } VBS order. Then using a controlled renormalization-group calculation, we demonstrate that an unfine-tuned direct continuous DQCP exists between the two ordered phases mentioned above. This DQCP is described by the Nf=4 quantum electrodynamics (QED) with an emergent PSU(4)=SU(4)/Z4 symmetry only at the critical point. The aforementioned topological term is also naturally derived from the Nf=4 QED. We also point out that physics around this DQCP is analogous to the boundary of a 3 d bosonic symmetry- protected topological state with only on-site symmetries.

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

Bonner, H.W.; Buffington, C.K.; Leslie, S.W.

Following a 25 ..mu..Ci/kg i/p injection, /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity from the mitochondria and fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (FSR) of the superficial rectus femoris (FG-fibers) and combined soleus muscle (SO-fibers) of trained (T, N = 9) and untrained (UT, N = 8) male Wistar rats was determined. The FG mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity from rested animals was 3.9 (T) and 5.3 (UT) times greater than the FSR from this muscle group while the SO-mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity was 13.2 (T) and 20.5 (UT) times greater when compared with the respective SO-FSR (p less than 0.01). Themore » mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content of the SO-fibers from rested animals was 58% UT, (p less than 0.01) and 148% (T, p less than 0.001) greater than that of the FG mitochondria. After 20 to 26 weeks of exercise training the SO-mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content of the rested-T animals was approximately 18% lower (p less than 0.05) while the T-FG-mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content was 48% less than that of UT animals (p less than 0.01) with a concomitant 28% greater /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity in SO-FSR for the T-group as compared to UT (p less than 0.01). Following a rapidly exhaustive treadmill run the mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content in the UT group was depressed by 21% in SO-fibers and 37% in FG-fibers (p less than 0.01) with no changes occurring in the T-group. Exhaustion produced no significant changes in the /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity of the FSR from either group of animals.« less

A Comparison of Bilateral Side-by-Side Metal Stents Deployed Above and Across the Sphincter of Oddi in the Management of Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction.

PubMed

Cosgrove, Natalie; Siddiqui, Ali A; Adler, Douglas G; Shahid, Haroon; Sarkar, Avik; Sharma, Ashish; Kowalski, Thomas E; Loren, David; Warndorf, Matthew; Chennat, Jennifer; Munigala, Satish; Papachristou, Georgios I

2017-07-01

The optimal method for endoscopic placement of bilateral self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for the management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction has not been determined. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies and complication rates between SEMS placed above and across the sphincter of Oddi (SO) in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction. A retrospective review of patients with malignant hilar strictures who underwent bilateral SEMS placement at 3 centers was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (above SO, n=52) or B (across SO, n=120). Patient demographics, technical success (successful SEMS placement across the stricture), functional success (decrease in pretreatment bilirubin level), complications, stent occlusion, and patient survival in the 2 groups were evaluated. We identified 172 patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (106 males, mean age 67 y). Significantly more early complications (1.9% vs. 11.7%, P=0.04) were seen in group B, mainly post-endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography pancreatitis. Mean SEMS patency periods were 33 weeks for group A and 29.6 weeks for group B (P=0.3). Occlusion rates were 50% and 45% for groups A and B (P=0.61); occlusion was due to tumor in-growth or overgrowth in all patients. SEMS occlusion was successfully treated endoscopically in 85% (22/26) patients in group A and 96% (52/54) in group B (P=0.24). The median survival time was 26 weeks in the group A and 29 weeks in group B (P=0.49). Bilateral side-by-side SEMS placement above or below the SO results in similar success rates, stent patency duration, and stent occlusion rates. Significantly fewer complications, with a trend toward lower rates of pancreatitis, were observed for SEMS placed above the SO.

Current status and future trends of SO2 and NOx pollution during the 12th FYP period in Guiyang city of China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Hezhong; Qiu, Peipei; Cheng, Ke; Gao, Jiajia; Lu, Long; Liu, Kaiyun; Liu, Xingang

2013-04-01

In order to investigate the future trends of SO2 and NOx pollution in Guiyang city of China, the MM5/CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system is applied to assess the effects of air pollution improvement that would result from reduction targets for SO2 and NOx emissions during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015). Three scenarios are established for the objective year 2015 based on the reference emissions in base year 2010. Scenario analysis and modeling results show that emissions are projected to increase by 26.5% for SO2 and 138.0% for NOx in 2015 Business-As-Usual (BAU) relative to base year 2010, respectively, which will lead to a substantial worsening tendency of SO2 and NOx pollution. In comparison, both the 2015 Policy Reduction (PR) and 2015 Intensive Policy Reduction (IPR) scenarios would contribute to improve the urban air quality. Under 2015 PR scenario, the maximum annual average concentration of SO2 and NOx will reduce by 54.9% and 31.7%, respectively, relative to the year 2010, with only 2.1% of all individual gridded receptors exceed the national air quality standard limits; while the maximum annual average concentrations of SO2 and NOx can reduce further under 2015 IPR scenario and comply well with standards limits. In view of the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness, the emission reduction targets set in the 2015 PR scenario are regarded as more reasonable in order to further improve the air quality in Guiyang during the 12th FYP period and a series of comprehensive countermeasures should be effectively implemented.

Enantioconvergent hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxide at high concentration by a pair of novel epoxide hydrolases into (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol.

PubMed

Wang, Rui; Hu, Die; Zong, Xuncheng; Li, Jinping; Ding, Lei; Wu, Minchen; Li, Jianfang

2017-12-01

To prepare (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol ((R)-PED) with high enantiomeric excess (ee p ) and yield from racemic styrene oxide (rac-SO) at high concentration by bi-enzymatic catalysis. The bi-enzymatic catalysis was designed for enantioconvergent hydrolysis of rac-SO by a pair of novel epoxide hydrolases (EHs), a Vigna radiata EH3 (VrEH3) and a variant (AuEH2 A250I ) of Aspergillus usamii EH2. The simultaneous addition mode of VrEH3 and AuEH2 A250I , exhibiting the highest average turnover frequency (aTOF) of 0.12 g h -1 g -1 , was selected, by which rac-SO (10 mM) was converted into (R)-PED with 92.6% ee p and 96.3% yield. Under the optimized reaction conditions: dry weight ratio 14:1 of VrEH3-expressing E. coli/vreh3 to AuEH2 A250I -expressing E. coli/Aueh2 A250I and reaction at 20 °C, rac-SO (10 mM) was completely hydrolyzed in 2.3 h, affording (R)-PED with 98% ee p . At the weight ratio 0.8:1 of rac-SO to two mixed dry cells, (R)-PED with 97.4% ee p and 98.7% yield was produced from 200 mM (24 mg/ml) rac-SO in 10.5 h. Enantioconvergent hydrolysis of rac-SO at high concentration catalyzed by both VrEH3 and AuEH2 A250I is an effective method for preparing (R)-PED with high ee p and yield.

Hodoscope readout system

DOEpatents

Lee, L.Y.

1973-12-01

A readout system has been provided for reading out a radiation multidetector device with a reduced number of signal sensors. A radiation hodoscope, such as an array of scintillation counters, multiwire proportional counter array, or a set of multidetectors which do not receive signals simultaneously, is divided into equal numbered groups. A first group of signal terminals is connected to the equal numbered groups of detectors so that a signal from any one of the detectors of a group will be fed to one of the first group of terminals. A second group of signal terminals is connected to the detector groups so that a signal from a particular numbered detector of each of the detector groups is connected to one of the second group of terminals. Both groups of signal terminals are, in turn, coupled to signal sensors so that when a signal is simultaneously observed in one of the first group of terminals and one of the second group of tenniinals the specific detector detecting a radiation event is determined. The sensors are arranged in such a manner that a binary code is developed from their outputs which can be stored in a digital storage means according to the location of the event in the multidetector device. (Official Gazette)

7 CFR 29.12 - Terms defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... INSPECTION Regulations Definitions § 29.12 Terms defined. As used in this subpart and in all instructions... indicated meanings so assigned unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires. ...

7 CFR 29.12 - Terms defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... INSPECTION Regulations Definitions § 29.12 Terms defined. As used in this subpart and in all instructions... indicated meanings so assigned unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires. ...

7 CFR 29.12 - Terms defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INSPECTION Regulations Definitions § 29.12 Terms defined. As used in this subpart and in all instructions... indicated meanings so assigned unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires. ...

7 CFR 29.12 - Terms defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... INSPECTION Regulations Definitions § 29.12 Terms defined. As used in this subpart and in all instructions... indicated meanings so assigned unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires. ...

7 CFR 29.12 - Terms defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... INSPECTION Regulations Definitions § 29.12 Terms defined. As used in this subpart and in all instructions... indicated meanings so assigned unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires. ...

Parents' perspectives on talking to preteenage children about sex.

PubMed

Wilson, Ellen K; Dalberth, Barbara T; Koo, Helen P; Gard, Jennifer C

2010-03-01

Although parent-child communication about sex can significantly affect children's sexual behavior, many parents do not talk to their children about sex. Qualitative research can elucidate parents' attitudes toward and experiences with communicating with their children about sex. In 2007, 16 focus groups were conducted with 131 mothers and fathers of children aged 10-12 in three cities in different regions of the United States. Separate groups were conducted for mothers and fathers, and for black, white and Hispanic parents. Content analysis was used to identify core themes and patterns. Parents believed it is important to talk to their children about sex and believed that doing so can be effective, but many had not done so. Primary barriers were parents' perception that their children are too young and not knowing how to talk to their children about the subject. Parents found it easiest to talk to their children about sex if they had a good parent-child relationship, took advantage of opportunities to talk and began having the discussions when their children were very young. Some differences were noted by parents' race, ethnicity, gender and location. Interventions aimed at encouraging parents to talk to their children about sex should enhance parents' understanding of the stages of children's sexual development and focus on the parents of young children. In addition, interventions should support parents in a range of strategies that complement discussions about sex.

Carbidopa/levodopa-loaded biodegradable microspheres: in vivo evaluation on experimental Parkinsonism in rats.

PubMed

Arica, Betül; Kaş, H Süheyla; Moghdam, Amir; Akalan, Nejat; Hincal, A Atilla

2005-02-16

The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize injectable carbidopa (CD)/levodopa (LD)-loaded Poly(L-lactides) (L-PLA), Poly(D,L-lactides) (D,L-PLA) and Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLAGA) microspheres for the intracerebral treatment of Parkinson's disease. The microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method. The polymers' (L-PLA, D,L-PLA and PLAGA) concentrations were 10% (w/w) in the organic phase; the emulsifiers [sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC):sodium oleate (SO) and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA):SO mixture (4:1 w/v)] concentrations were 0.75% in the aqueous phase. Microspheres were analyzed for morphological characteristics, size distribution, drug loading and in vitro release. The release profile of CD/LD from microspheres was characterized in the range of 12-35% within the first hour of the in vitro release experiment. The efficiency of CD- and LD-encapsulated microspheres to striatal transplantation and the altering of apomorphine-induced rotational behavior in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) unilaterally lesioned rat model were also tested. 6-OHDA/CD-LD-loaded microsphere groups exhibited lower rotation scores than 6-OHDA/Blank microsphere groups as early as 1 week postlesion. These benefits continued throughout the entire experimental period and they were statistically significant during the 1, 2 and 8 weeks (p<0.05). CD/LD-loaded microspheres were specifically prepared to apply as an injectable dosage forms for brain implantation.

Presence of sulphites in different types of partly processed meat products prepared for grilling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korićanac, V.; Vranić, D.; Trbović, D.; Petronijević, R.; Parunović, N.

2017-09-01

In the period January 2016 to May 2017, the presence and levels of sulfite were examined in 270 samples of hamburger, sausage (various types), pljeskavica (Serbian-style meat patties of various types) and ćevapi or ćevapčići (grill kebabs) from the Serbian market. Some (12.59%) of these partly processed meat products contained sulfites, expressed as SO2, at levels above 10 mg/kg, and so did not meet requirements laid down in the National Regulation. In the remainder of the meat products (87.41%), sulfite contents were below 10 mg/kg, which is considered as “not detected”. By groups, 100% of hamburgers, 91.76% of sausages and 90.48% of pljeskavica met requirements of National Regulation. The meat product group with the biggest percentage of non-compliant meat products in which sulfites were detected was the ćevapi or ćevapčići - 18.10% of them contained sulfites. All in all, most of the partly processed meat products from the Serbian market met the National Regulation regarding sulfite content, and they were safe for consumption. Nonetheless, the high percentage of ćevapi or ćevapčići that contained sulfites leads us to conclude that regular and periodic control is necessary and one of the most important steps in ensuring safe and quality meat products for consumers.

Initial study of transdermal oxybutynin for treating hyperhidrosis.

PubMed

Millán-Cayetano, José Francisco; Del Boz, Javier; Toledo-Pastrana, Tomas; Nieto-Guindo, Miriam; García-Montero, Pablo; de Troya-Martín, Magdalena

2017-06-01

Oral oxybutynin for treating hyperhidrosis is effective and safe. Its side-effects are mild but frequent so we consider whether transdermal oxybutynin (considered to have a better side-effect profile) could be an alternative for treating hyperhidrosis. During 2015, a prospective study was conducted. Epidemiological variables, effectiveness (using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale) and tolerance to transdermal oxybutynin were compiled concerning two different groups (patients previously treated or untreated with oral oxybutynin), at baseline, and at 3 and 12 months. Seven previously treated and six previously untreated patients were included. Five patients in the first group discontinued the treatment within 3 months. Of the two remaining patients, one reported ineffectiveness and the other obtained an excellent response but discontinued due to local irritation. Among the untreated patients, two showed no response and four experienced improvement (three with "partial response" and one with "excellent response"). All patients discontinued treatment within 12 months. No major adverse effects were observed. The absence of active metabolites after transdermal oxybutynin could result in less effectiveness than oral oxybutynin, although it is usually well tolerated. In conclusion, transdermal oxybutynin could have low effectiveness for the treatment of hyperhidrosis in patients following intolerance to oral oxybutynin but could provide good results in patients who have never tried systemic drugs. © 2017 Japanese Dermatological Association.

β-Blockers on Discharge From Acute Atrial Fibrillation Are Associated With Decreased Mortality and Lower Cerebrovascular Accidents in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction.

PubMed

Abi Khalil, Charbel; Zubaid, Mohammad; Asaad, Nidal; Rashed, Wafa A; Hamad, Adel Khalifa; Singh, Rajvir; Al Suwaidi, Jassim

2018-04-01

The benefits of β-blockers in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are controversial. The Gulf Survey of Atrial Fibrillation Events was a prospective, multinational, observational registry of consecutive patients with AF recruited from the emergency department (ED). We studied the incidence of 6- and 12-month mortality, hospitalization for HF or AF, and stroke/transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in patients with HFrEF, in relation to β-blockers on discharge from the ED or the subsequent hospital stay. Of the 344 patients with HFrEF and AF in the GULF-SAFE, 177 patients (53%) were discharged on β-blockers. Mortality was lower in those patients compared with the non-β-blockers group at 6 and 12 months (odds ratios [ORs] 0.31, 95% CI [0.16-0.61]; OR 0.30, 95% CI [0.16-0.55]; P = .001 for both, respectively), so was the risk of stroke/TIAs. However, hospitalizations for AF increased in the β-blockers group. Even after adjustment for several risk variables in 2 different models, the beneficial effect of β-blockers on mortality persisted, at the cost of more hospitalization for AF.

Volatile organic compounds in ground water from rural private wells, 1986 to 1999

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moran, M.J.; Lapham, W.W.; Rowe, B.L.; Zogorski, J.S.

2004-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected or compiled data on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples of untreated ground water from 1,926 rural private wells during 1986 to 1999. At least one VOC was detected in 12 percent of samples from rural private wells. Individual VOCs were not commonly detected with the seven most frequently detected compounds found in only 1 to 5 percent of samples at or above a concentration of 0.2 microgram per liter (??g/l). An assessment level of 0.2 ??g/l was selected so that comparisons of detection frequencies between VOCs could be made. The seven most frequently detected VOCs were: trichloromethane, methyl tert-butyl ether, tetrachloroethene, dichlorodifluoromethane, methylbenzene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane. Solvents and trihalomethanes were the most frequently detected VOC groups in private wells. The distributions of detections of gasoline oxygenates and fumigants seemed to be related to the use patterns of compounds in these groups. Mixtures were a common mode of occurrence of VOCs with one-quarter of all samples with detections including two or more VOCs. The concentrations of most detected VOCs were relatively small and only 1.4 percent of samples had one or more VOC concentrations that exceeded a federally established drinking water standard or health criterion.

The Radical SAM enzyme NirJ catalyzes the removal of two propionate side chains during heme d1 biosynthesis.

PubMed

Boss, Linda; Oehme, Ramona; Billig, Susan; Birkemeyer, Claudia; Layer, Gunhild

2017-12-01

Heme d 1 is a modified tetrapyrrole playing an important role in denitrification by acting as the catalytically essential cofactor in the cytochrome cd 1 nitrite reductase of many denitrifying bacteria. In the course of heme d 1 biosynthesis, the two propionate side chains on pyrrole rings A and B of the intermediate 12,18-didecarboxysiroheme are removed from the tetrapyrrole macrocycle. In the final heme d 1 molecule, the propionate groups are replaced by two keto functions. Although it was speculated that the Radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme NirJ might be responsible for the removal of the propionate groups and introduction of the keto functions, this has not been shown experimentally, so far. Here, we demonstrate that NirJ is a Radical SAM enzyme carrying two iron-sulfur clusters. While the N-terminal [4Fe-4S] cluster is essential for the initial SAM cleavage reaction, it is not required for substrate binding. NirJ tightly binds its substrate 12,18-didecarboxysiroheme and, thus, can be purified in complex with the substrate. By using the purified NirJ/substrate complex in an in vitro enzyme activity assay, we show that NirJ indeed catalyzes the removal of the two propionate side chains under simultaneous SAM cleavage. However, under the reaction conditions employed, no keto group formation is observed indicating that an additional cofactor or enzyme is needed for this reaction. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Religious women's groups help promote child survival and development.

PubMed

Munir, L Z

1989-07-01

Indonesia faces the 2 major problems of high infant mortality and high child mortality at present. To improve the situation, the government urges the participation of all community members, especially those already organized in the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Because religion has a strong influence on people's daily lives in Indonesia, a special project called the Child Survival Project was established in 1986 as a joint undertaking of the government and UNICEF. Initially 12 religious NGOs (8 Islamic, 1 Hindu, 1 Protestant, and 2 Catholic) were involved as implementing agencies. The majority of members of these NGOs are women. The strategy used has been to establish, in cooperation with the 12 NGOs, a communication network through which child survival messages would be disseminated to help generate increased use of Posyandu services, especially immunization, oral rehydration therapy, and growth monitoring. Messages are incorporated into the normal activities of these religious groups, such as Al-Quran reading classes, Sunday schools, and Bible classes. In addition, guidelines for a reporting and feedback system have been prepared for use at village, subdistrict, district, and provincial levels for project monitoring. Religious women's NGOs can serve with their specific characteristics can serve as motivators, facilitators, and catalysts of child survival and development programs for their community target groups. NGOs should be considered as partners of the government in mobilizing the community to achieve a common goal. All endeavors undertaken so far in relation to child survival and development are expected to be institutionalized.

Influence of 12C6+ ion irradiation on mutant avermitilis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shu-Yang; Chen, Ji-Hong; Li, Wen-Jian; Liang, Jian-Ping; Bo, Yong-Heng; Ma, Xiao-Qi; Liu, Jing

2012-11-01

The effects of 12C+6 ion irradiation on colony morphology and mycelia morphology, as well as on mutation rate have been studied in the B1a high-product strains (ZJAV-Y1-203) mutated by heavy ion irradiation and compared with that in the original strain (ZJAV-A-1). After irradiating the rate of a straw hat colony type having a high ability of producing B1a in ZJAV-Y1-203 strains was higher than that found in ZJAV-A-1 strains. When strains were cultured in a liquid medium for 24 hours, the mycelium becoming thinner could be observed in all of the irradiated ZJAV- Y1-203 groups, but only in the ZJAV-A-1 groups irradiated at the dose of 50 Gy or more. The early growth of mycelium was inhibited in the ZJAV- Y1-203 group irradiated with a high dose. The highest positive mutation rate (23.5%) of ZJAV - Y1 - 203 was reached at the lower dose of 30 Gy while the highest positive mutation rate of 34.2% in ZJAV-A-1 appeared at 50 Gy. These results indicate that the effects of heavy ion irradiation still exist even in the mutated Streptomyces avermitilis, and only the dose is lower and the effects not so strong compared with the one that is first irradiated with optimized heavy ion doses. This is evidence of the one directional mutation being controlled by many more factors in a organism.

[Effects of carbon dioxide insufflation on regional cerebral oxygenation during laparoscopic surgery in children: a prospective study].

PubMed

Tuna, Ayca Tas; Akkoyun, Ibrahim; Darcin, Sevtap; Palabiyik, Onur

2016-01-01

Laparoscopic surgery has become a popular surgical tool when compared to traditional open surgery. There are limited data on pediatric patients regarding whether pneumoperitoneum affects cerebral oxygenation although end-tidal CO2 concentration remains normal. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the changes of cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscope during laparoscopic surgery in children. The study comprised forty children who were scheduled for laparoscopic (Group L, n=20) or open (Group O, n=20) appendectomy. Hemodynamic variables, right and left regional cerebral oxygen saturation (RrSO2 and LrSO2), fraction of inspired oxygen, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), respiratory minute volume, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of sevoflurane and body temperature were recorded. All parameters were recorded after anesthesia induction and before start of surgery (T0, baseline), 15min after start of surgery (T1), 30min after start of surgery (T2), 45min after start of surgery (T3), 60min after start of surgery (T4) and end of the surgery (T5). There were progressive decreases in both RrSO2 and LrSO2 levels in both groups, which were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3, T4. The RrSO2 levels of Group L at T5 were significantly lower than that of Group O. One patient in Group L had an rSO2 value <80% of the baseline value. Carbon dioxide insufflation during pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients may not affect cerebral oxygenation under laparoscopic surgery. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Effects of carbon dioxide insufflation on regional cerebral oxygenation during laparoscopic surgery in children: a prospective study.

PubMed

Tuna, Ayca Tas; Akkoyun, Ibrahim; Darcin, Sevtap; Palabiyik, Onur

2016-01-01

Laparoscopic surgery has become a popular surgical tool when compared to traditional open surgery. There are limited data on pediatric patients regarding whether pneumoperitoneum affects cerebral oxygenation although end-tidal CO2 concentration remains normal. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the changes of cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscope during laparoscopic surgery in children. The study comprised forty children who were scheduled for laparoscopic (Group L, n=20) or open (Group O, n=20) appendectomy. Hemodynamic variables, right and left regional cerebral oxygen saturation (RrSO2 and LrSO2), fraction of inspired oxygen, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), respiratory minute volume, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of sevoflurane and body temperature were recorded. All parameters were recorded after anesthesia induction and before start of surgery (T0, baseline), 15min after start of surgery (T1), 30min after start of surgery (T2), 45min after start of surgery (T3), 60min after start of surgery (T4) and end of the surgery (T5). There were progressive decreases in both RrSO2 and LrSO2 levels in both groups, which were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3, T4. The RrSO2 levels of Group L at T5 were significantly lower than that of Group O. One patient in Group L had an rSO2 value <80% of the baseline value. Carbon dioxide insufflation during pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients may not affect cerebral oxygenation under laparoscopic surgery. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

46 CFR 12.25-35 - Apprentice engineers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Apprentice engineers. 12.25-35 Section 12.25-35 Shipping... Department § 12.25-35 Apprentice engineers. (a) Persons enrolled in an apprentice engineer training program... evidence that they are so enrolled may be issued an endorsement as apprentice engineer and may be signed on...

46 CFR 12.25-35 - Apprentice engineers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Apprentice engineers. 12.25-35 Section 12.25-35 Shipping... Department § 12.25-35 Apprentice engineers. (a) Persons enrolled in an apprentice engineer training program... evidence that they are so enrolled may be issued an endorsement as apprentice engineer and may be signed on...

46 CFR 12.25-35 - Apprentice engineers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Apprentice engineers. 12.25-35 Section 12.25-35 Shipping... Department § 12.25-35 Apprentice engineers. (a) Persons enrolled in an apprentice engineer training program... evidence that they are so enrolled may be issued an endorsement as apprentice engineer and may be signed on...

46 CFR 12.25-35 - Apprentice engineers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Apprentice engineers. 12.25-35 Section 12.25-35 Shipping... Department § 12.25-35 Apprentice engineers. (a) Persons enrolled in an apprentice engineer training program... evidence that they are so enrolled may be issued an endorsement as apprentice engineer and may be signed on...

Comparative evaluation of molar distalization therapy with erupted second molar: Segmented versus Quad Pendulum appliance.

PubMed

Caprioglio, Alberto; Cozzani, Mauro; Fontana, Mattia

2014-01-01

There are controversial opinions about the effect of erupted second molars on distalization of the first molars. Most of the distalizing devices are anchored on the first molars, without including second molars; so, differences between sequentially distalize maxillary molars (second molar followed by the first molar) or distalize second and first molars together are not clear. The aim of the study was to compare sequential versus simultaneous molar distalization therapy with erupted second molar using two different modified Pendulum appliances followed by fixed appliances. The treatment sample consisted of 35 class II malocclusion subjects, divided in two groups: group 1 consisted of 24 patients (13 males and 11 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of 12.9 years, treated with the Segmented Pendulum (SP) and fixed appliances; group 2 consisted of 11 patients (6 males and 5 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of 13.2 years, treated with the Quad Pendulum (QP) and fixed appliances. Lateral cephalograms were obtained before treatment (T1), at the end of distalization (T2), and at the end of orthodontic fixed appliance therapy (T3). A Student t test was used to identify significant between-group differences between T1 to T2, T2 to T3, and T1 to T3. QP and SP were equally effective in distalizing maxillary molars (3.5 and 4 mm, respectively) between T1 and T2; however, the maxillary first molar showed less distal tipping (4.6° vs. 9.6°) and more extrusion (1.1 vs. 0.2 mm) in the QP group than in the SP group, as well as the vertical facial dimension, which increased more in the QP group (1.2°) than in the SP group (0.7°). At T3, the QP group maintained greater increase in lower anterior facial height and molar extrusion and decrease in overbite than the SP group. Quad Pendulum seems to have greater increase in vertical dimension and molar extrusion than the Segmented Pendulum.

Translating the link between social identity and health behavior into effective health communication strategies: An experimental application using antismoking advertisements.

PubMed

Moran, Meghan Bridgid; Sussman, Steve

2014-01-01

Social identity is a construct that has been linked to health behavior. Yet, limited research has attempted to translate this relationship into health communication strategies. The current study addresses this gap by examining the efficacy of social identity targeting (constructing ads so that they target a specific group with which an individual identifies) to increase anti-cigarette smoking beliefs among adolescents. Two hundred and fifty one adolescents aged 12-15, randomly selected from a nationally representative sample, completed an online survey. Participants indicated which of 11 peer groups (determined in pre-testing) they most identified with. Each participant was then randomly assigned to view an ad that either did or did not target that group. One week later participants reported level of agreement with two key antismoking beliefs presented in the ad. Multiple regression analyses indicated that if an individual identified with the group targeted by the ad, antismoking beliefs were more strongly endorsed. Based on these findings, we conclude that social identity targeting has the potential to increase the effectiveness of antismoking messages and should be considered when designing antismoking campaigns.

Association of phase angle on bioelectrical impedance analysis and dialysis frequency with survival of chronic hemodialysis patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzasti, R. A.; Lubis, H. R.

2018-03-01

Phase angle, a parameter by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, can detect body composition changes, so it can be used as a prognostic indicator in some chronic conditions. This study was for determining the relationship between PhA and hemodiálisis frequency with the survival of chronic hemodiálisis patients. This longitudinal retrospective study involved 173 chronic hemodiálisis patients at Rasyida Renal Hospital. The Kaplan-Meier method is used to determine the survival. Cox proportional hazard analysis is used to determine which variables significantly increase mortality. During the study period, 89 patients underwent hemodiálysis 3x a week (4 hours/session), and 84 patients underwent HD 2x a week (5 hours/session). Demographic and clinical characteristics in both groups were similar. There was no difference in PhA value in groups of 3x a week and group 2x a week (4.02 ± 1.13 vs 4.25 ± 1.12). Patients with twice a week hemodiálisis had a shorter survival than the 3x week group (35.14 ± 2.76 vs 38.62 ± 3.03) although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.126).

Developing social interaction and understanding in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a groupwork intervention.

PubMed

Mackay, Tommy; Knott, Fiona; Dunlop, Aline-Wendy

2007-12-01

Difficulties with social interaction and understanding lie at the heart of the communication disorder that characterises the autism spectrum. This study sought to improve social communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by means of a groupwork intervention focusing on social and emotional perspective-taking, conversation skills, and friendship skills. It also aimed to address some of the limitations of previous interventions, including a lack of generalisation to other settings, so as to maximise inclusion in the community. A group of 46 high functioning children and adolescents with ASD (38 boys, 8 girls, age range 6-16 years) were allocated to one of 6 intervention groups. Each group met over a period of 12-16 weeks for a minimum of one 1(1/2)-hour weekly session aimed at promoting key areas of social interaction and understanding, supported by home-based practice. Significant gains were achieved in comparison with a normative population, and individual parent ratings showed marked and sustained changes in the key areas targeted in the group sessions. Social communication in children and adolescents with ASD can be enhanced through the use of a groupwork intervention addressing social interaction and understanding.

Efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy by general practitioners for unexplained fatigue among employees: Randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Huibers, Marcus J H; Beurskens, Anna J H M; Van Schayck, Constant P; Bazelmans, Ellen; Metsemakers, Job F M; Knottnerus, J Andre; Bleijenberg, Gijs

2004-03-01

Fatigue is a common complaint that may lead to long-term sick leave and work disability. To assess the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy by general practitioners for unexplained, persistent fatigue among employees. A randomised controlled trial, using a pre-randomisation design in primary care, investigated 151 employees on sick leave with fatigue. Participants in the experimental group were offered five to seven 30 min sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy by a general practitioner; those in the control group were offered no treatment. Main outcome measures (fatigue severity, self-reported absenteeism, registered absenteeism and clinical recovery) were assessed at 4 months, 8 months and 12 months. At baseline, 44% of the patients already met research criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group on primary or secondary outcomes at any point. Cognitive-behavioural therapy by general practitioners for unexplained, persistent fatigue did not prove to be an effective intervention. Since these doctors were unable to deliver this therapy effectively under ideal circumstances, it is unlikely that doctors in routine practice would be more successful in doing so.

Effect of dignity therapy on end-of-life psychological distress in terminally ill Portuguese patients: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Julião, Miguel; Oliveira, Fátima; Nunes, Baltazar; Carneiro, António Vaz; Barbosa, António

2017-12-01

Dignity therapy (DT) is a brief form of psychotherapy developed for patients living with a life-limiting illness that has demonstrated efficacy in treating several dimensions of end-of-life psychological distress. Our aim was to determine the influence of DT on demoralization syndrome (DS), the desire for death (DfD), and a sense of dignity (SoD) in terminally ill inpatients experiencing a high level of distress in a palliative care unit. A nonblinded phase II randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 patients who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group (DT + standard palliative care [SPC]) or the control group (SPC alone). The main outcomes were DS, DfD, and SoD, as measured according to DS criteria, the Desire for Death Rating Scale, and the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), respectively. All scales were assessed at baseline (day 1) and at day 4 of follow-up. This study is registered with http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN34354086. Of the 80 participants, 41 were randomized to DT and 39 to SPC. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. DT was associated with a significant decrease in DS compared with SPC (DT DS prevalence = 12.1%; SPC DS prevalence = 60.0%; p < 0.001). Similarly, DT was associated with a significant decrease in DfD prevalence (DT DfD prevalence = 0%; SPC DfD prevalence = 14.3%; p = 0.054). Compared with participants allocated to the control group, those who received DT showed a statistically significant reduction in 19 of 25 PDI items. Dignity therapy had a beneficial effect on the psychological distress encountered by patients near the end of life. Our research suggests that DT is an important psychotherapeutic approach that should be included in clinical care programs, and it could help more patients to cope with their end-of-life experiences.

An REU Project on the Precambrian Rocks of Yellowstone National Park: Some lessons learned

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry, D.; Mogk, D. W.; Mueller, P. A.; Foster, D. A.

2014-12-01

An NSF-funded REU project (2011-2013), based in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), was designed to characterize the geology, geochemistry and geochronology of Precambrian rocks in northern YNP. Over two field seasons two cadres of 12 students (12 women and 12 men) were chosen from small-to-large state universities and private colleges. REU students participated in three major activities constituting a complete research experience: Field studies involved geologic mapping and sampling of Precambrian basement; formulation of testable research questions by smaller working groups; and mapping and sampling projects to address research questions; Analytical studies, sample preparation immediately followed field work with petrographic analysis at students' home institutions and a week-long visit to analytical laboratories to conduct follow-up studies by small research groups during the academic year (Univ. Florida - geochemistry and geochronology; Univ. Minnesota - EMPA analysis); Communicating results, each working group submitted an abstract and collectively presented 13 posters at the 2011 and 2012 GSA Rocky Mountain sectional meetings. We used directed discovery to engage students in a community of practice in the field and found that a long apprenticeship (2-3 weeks) is optimal for novice-master interactions in exploring natural setting. Initial group hikes were used to normalize methods and language of the discipline. Students developed a sense of ownership of the overall project and assumed personal responsibility for directed research projects. Training was provided to: guide students in selection and appropriate use of tools; develop sampling strategies; discuss communal ethics, values, and expectations; develop efficient work habits; stimulate independent thinking; and engage decision-making. It was important to scaffold the field experience to students' level of development to lead to mastery. Analytical activities were designed from rock to analysis so that each group mastered all preparation steps and instrumental techniques under supervision of graduate mentors and lab managers leading to a clearer understanding of data interpretation. Students were communally engaged in abstract and poster preparation to ensure proper focus, scientific breadth, and style of presentation.

The Working After Cancer Study (WACS): a population-based study of middle-aged workers diagnosed with colorectal cancer and their return to work experiences.

PubMed

Gordon, Louisa G; Lynch, Brigid M; Beesley, Vanessa L; Graves, Nicholas; McGrath, Catherine; O'Rourke, Peter; Webb, Penelope M

2011-07-29

The number of middle-aged working individuals being diagnosed with cancer is increasing and so too will disruptions to their employment. The aim of the Working After Cancer Study is to examine the changes to work participation in the 12 months following a diagnosis of primary colorectal cancer. The study will identify barriers to work resumption, describe limitations on workforce participation, and evaluate the influence of these factors on health-related quality of life. An observational population-based study has been designed involving 260 adults newly-diagnosed with colorectal cancer between January 2010 and September 2011 and who were in paid employment at the time they were diagnosed. These cancer cases will be compared to a nationally representative comparison group of 520 adults with no history of cancer from the general population. Eligible cases will have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer and will be identified through the Queensland Cancer Registry. Data on the comparison group will be drawn from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. Data collection for the cancer group will occur at 6 and 12 months after diagnosis, with work questions also asked about the time of diagnosis, while retrospective data on the comparison group will be come from HILDA Waves 2009 and 2010. Using validated instruments administered via telephone and postal surveys, data will be collected on socio-demographic factors, work status and circumstances, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for both groups while the cases will have additional data collected on cancer treatment and symptoms, work productivity and cancer-related HRQoL. Primary outcomes include change in work participation at 12 months, time to work re-entry, work limitations and change in HRQoL status. This study will address the reasons for work cessation after cancer, the mechanisms people use to remain working and existing workplace support structures and the implications for individuals, families and workplaces. It may also provide key information for governments on productivity losses. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry No. ACTRN12611000530921.

[Salubrinal protects human lens epithelial cells against endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated apoptosis].

PubMed

Li, Y; Zheng, G Y; Liu, Y

2016-06-11

To study the protective effect of Salubrinal on human lens epithelial cells and its mechanism in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 200 μmol/L) was used to intervene in the cultured human lens epithelial cells B3 (HLE-B3) so as to create an oxidative stress model and induce ERS in the model. Different concentration of Salubrinal (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 μmol/L) were added to the cultured HLE-B3 with or without H2O2 intervention. Then the cells were cultured for 24 hours. The cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay was used to test the viability of HLE-B3. The HLE-B3 cells were divided into three groups: Group A (normal control group), Group B (H2O2 200 μmol/L group), and Group C (H2O2 200 μmol/L+ Salubrinal 25 μmol/L group). After 48 h, TUNEL and flow cytometry assay (FCM) were used to examine the effect of Salubrinal on HLE-B3 apoptosis. The expression of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 12 (Caspase-12) and phosphorylation eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (p-elF2α) were tested by western blot at different points in time. Data from different groups was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) while Dunnett t test was used under an equal condition, Dunnett's T3 for the unequal variances. CCK-8 results showed that without the intervention of H2O2, different concentrations of Salubrinal had no inhibitive effect on HLE-B3 viability, and that survival rates were (98.6±3.3) %, (98.7±2.6) %, (99.4±3.2) %, (98.6±1.9) %, (98.8±2.5) %, (99.3±3.2) % and (99.5±2.4) %. There was no statistically significant difference between them (F=0.09, P=0.10). With the increasing of Salubrinal concentration, the survival rates of HLE-B3 in the presence of H2O2 intervention were (52.9±4.7) %, (65.0±3.6) %, (72.9±3.8) %, (84.5±3.6) %, (91.6±2.1) %, (93.1±2.9) %, (92.0±3.3) %. There was statistically significant difference from the control group (all P<0.01). However, the survival rates no longer increased (P=0.56, 0.88) if the Salubrinal concentration was greater than 25 μmol/L. FCM results indicated that apoptosis rates of Group A, B and C were (1.9±0.7) %, (8.8±0.5) %, (4.3±0.3) %, respectively and the differences were statistically significant (F=396.26, P<0.01, comparing with Group A, all P<0.01). TUNEL results showed that apoptosis indexes of Group A, B, and C were (7.7±1.0) %, (36.9±1.0) %, (16.7±2.2) %, respectively and the differences were statistically significant. (F=618.39, P<0.01, comparing with Group A, all P<0.01). RESULTS of western blotting in group B at different points in time (0, 12, 24, 36, 48 h) showed that p-elF2α had increased by (2.16±0.38) times at 6 h; GRP78 had increased by (2.56±0.15) times at 12 h; CHOP started to rise after 12 h until it dropped after 24 h, and its amount had increased by (2.49±0.23) times at 48 h; Caspase-12 had increased significantly by (3.53±0.30) times at 48 h. The expression of GRP78, CHOP and p-elF2α in group C was greater than that in Group B, but the expression of Caspase-12 in Group C was lower than that in Group B (GRP78: F=37.85, P<0.01; CHOP: F=61.09, P<0.01; Caspse-12: F=22.27, P<0.01; p-eIF2α: F=15.11, P<0.01). Salubrinal might protect HLE-B3 against H2O2-induced apoptosis by inhibiting ERS related apoptosis pathways.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 437-443).

[Changing laws of serum high mobility group box 1 protein in septic rats and the intervention effect of xuebijing].

PubMed

Zhao, Shi-bing; He, Xian-di; Wang, Hua-xue; Zheng, Sheng-yong; Deng, Xi-ming; Duan, Li-bin

2014-06-01

To investigate the changing laws of serum high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in septic rats and intervention effect of Xuebijing on it. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg BW) was intravenously injected into the tail vein of healthy male Wistar rats to prepare the sepsis rat model. In Experiment 1: 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the normal group (A, n=10); the LPS model group (B, n=10), the LPS +Xuebijing treatment group (C, n=30). Rats in the C group were further divided into three subgroups, i.e., 2 h before LPS injection (group C1), 2 h after LPS injection (group C2), and 8 h after LPS injection (group C3), 10 in each group. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein to detect serum HMGB1 levels by Western blot at 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after LPS injection. Experiment 2: 30 Wistar rats were equally divided into the LPS model group (D) and the LPS + Xuebijing treatment group (E), 15 in each group. They were treated as rats in the B group and the C1 group respectively. Five rats were sacrificed at 12, 24, and 48 h after LPS injection in the two groups. Blood as well as the tissue samples were harvested to measure such indices as ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN, as well as pathological changes of liver, lung, and kidney. (1) Compared with the A group, serum HMGB1 levels were higher at various time points in the B group (P < 0.05). Compared with the B group, serum HMGB1 levels at 12,24,48, and 72 h decreased in the C1, C2, and C3 groups. Besides, the decrease was more obvious at 24 h and 48 h.The decrement in the C3 group was less than that in the C1 and C2 groups (P < 0.05). (2) In the D group, ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN were significantly higher than those in the A group and reached the peak at 24 h (P < 0.05). Compared with the E group, AST, Cr, and BUN at 24 and 48 h, and ALT at each time point decreased significantly in the E group (P < 0.05). (3)The results of pathological section of liver, lung, and kidney showed local congestion and hemorrhage, cell edema/necrosis/degeneration, infiltration of inflammatory cells, damage of characteristic structures and so on; particularly serious lesion occurred at 24 and 48 h in the D group. The microscopic lesion was obviously alleviated in the E group than in the D group at corresponding time points. The serum HMGB1 levels increased in septic rats, with late occurrence of peak value and longer duration of the high value. HMGB1 played an important role in excessive inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunction. Xuebijing could reduce the serum levels of HMGB1, improve biochemical parameters, and attenuate severe inflammatory response of liver, lung, and kidney tissues in septic rats. Besides, the earlier use, the better effect obtained.

The effect of bevacizumab for anterior segment neovascularization after silicone oil removal in eyes with previous vitreoretinal surgery.

PubMed

Batman, C; Ozdamar, Y

2010-07-01

To report the outcomes of the use of intracameral bevacizumab for iris neovascularization occurring after silicone oil (SO) removal in eyes undergoing vitreoretinal surgery (VRS). This study included 12 eyes that had iris neovascularization after SO removal. The clinical outcomes of 12 eyes after intravitreal bevacizumab injection were reviewed. There were eight men and four women with an average age of 41.58+/-12.68 years. All eyes had VRS for various vitreoretinal diseases. After the mean follow-up period of 9.7+/-5.3 months, SO removal was performed. Then, the patients were followed for more than 2 months and detailed retinal examinations and intraocular pressure (IOP) were normal during this period, but rubeosis iridis (RI) developed. RI was treated with 1 dose of 1.25 mg bevacizumab into the anterior chamber. After a mean follow-up period of 4.8+/-2.2 months, the regression of iris neovacularization was detected and IOP was below 21 mmHg in all eyes. Anterior segment neovascularization (ASNV) may develop through various mechanisms in patients with VRS after SO removal, and anterior chamber injection of bevacizumab may lead to regression of ASNV.

Spinal Orthoses: The Crucial Role of Comfort on Compliance of Wearing - Monocentric Prospective Pilot Study of Randomized Cross-Over Design.

PubMed

Herget, G W; Patermann, S; Strohm, P C; Zwingmann, J; Eichelberger, P; Südkamp, N P; Hirschmüller, A

2017-01-01

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Various spine disorders are regularly treated by orthoses, and success of treatment depends on wearing these devices. In this study we examined the compliance, wear comfort, subjective stabilization and side effects associated with spinal orthoses using an individualized questionnaire and the Compact Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12). MATERIAL AND METHODS In this prospective pilot study of randomized cross-over design, twelve healthy volunteers with a mean age of 31.2 years wore three different types of orthoses, each for one week: A hyperextension brace (HB), a custom-made semirigid orthosis (SO) and a custom-made rigid orthosis (RO). The daily duration of wearing the orthosis was defined as primary endpoint; contentment was measured using an individualized questionnaire and the standardized SF-12. RESULTS In the study population calculated probability of wearing the HB and RO was between 0.2 und 38.5% (95% confidence interval). No volunteer wore the SO orthosis for the predefined time. The SO and RO each displayed high subjective stabilization, while the RO was more often associated with side effects like skin pressure marks than the SO. The need for rework due to discomfort was mainly necessary with the RO. We observed no substantial differences in feeling compression and sweating. Noteworthy, eight of 12 subjects complained of uncomfortable sternal pressure due to the upper pad of the HB. The SF-12: scores ranged from 52.1 to 48.6 on the physical (PCS), and from 53.7 to 50.8 on the mental component score (MCS), demonstrating an influence on QoL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The design as well as the orthosis itself influence the compliance of wearing and exert a moderate negative, but acceptable impact on QoL. The SO appeared to correlate with the best overall compromise between comfort and subjective stabilization. Further investigations are necessary in patients with spinal diseases, for whom the effect of orthosis wearing may surpass the potential discomfort. Key words: thoracolumbar spine, orthoses, SF-12 - Quality of Life - QoL, comfort, compliance.

Components of the Bond Energy in Polar Diatomic Molecules, Radicals, and Ions Formed by Group-1 and Group-2 Metal Atoms.

PubMed

Yu, Haoyu; Truhlar, Donald G

2015-07-14

Although many transition metal complexes are known to have high multireference character, the multireference character of main-group closed-shell singlet diatomic molecules like BeF, CaO, and MgO has been less studied. However, many group-1 and group-2 diatomic molecules do have multireference character, and they provide informative systems for studying multireference character because they are simpler than transition metal compounds. The goal of the present work is to understand these multireference systems better so that, ultimately, we can apply what we learn to more complicated multireference systems and to the design of new exchange-correlation functionals for treating multireference systems more adequately. Fourteen main-group diatomic molecules and one triatomic molecule (including radicals, cations, and anions, as well as neutral closed-shell species) have been studied for this article. Eight of these molecules contain a group-1 element, and six contain a group-2 element. Seven of these molecules are multireference systems, and eight of them are single-reference systems. Fifty-three exchange-correlation functionals of 11 types [local spin-density approximation (LSDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), nonseparable gradient approximation (NGA), global-hybrid GGA, meta-GGA, meta-NGA, global-hybrid meta GGA, range-separated hybrid GGA, range-separated hybrid meta-GGA, range-separated hybrid meta-NGA, and DFT augmented with molecular mechanics damped dispersion (DFT-D)] and the Hartree-Fock method have been applied to calculate the bond distance, bond dissociation energy (BDE), and dipole moment of these molecules. All of the calculations are converged to a stable solution by allowing the symmetry of the Slater determinant to be broken. A reliable functional should not only predict an accurate BDE but also predict accurate components of the BDE, so each bond dissociation energy has been decomposed into ionization potential (IP) of the electropositive element, electron affinity of the electronegative bonding partner (EA), atomic excitation energy (EE) to prepare the valence states of the interacting partners, and interaction energy (IE) of the valence-prepared states. Adding Hartree-Fock exchange helps to obtain better results for atomic excitation energy, and this leads to improvements in getting the right answer for the right reason. The following functionals are singled out for reasonably good performance on all three of bond distance, BDE, and dipole moment: B97-1, B97-3, MPW1B95, M05, M06, M06-2X, M08-SO, N12-SX, O3LYP, TPSS, τ-HCTHhyb, and GAM; all but two (TPSS and GAM) of these functionals are hybrid functionals.

Low Mass Members in Nearby Young Moving Groups Revealed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlieder, Joshua; Simon, Michal; Rice, Emily; Lepine, Sebastien

2010-08-01

We are now ready to expand our program that identifies highly probable low-mass members of the nearby young moving groups (NYMGs) to stars of mass ~ 0.1 Msun. This is important 1) To provide high priority targets for exoplanet searches by direct imaging, 2) To complete the census of the membership in the NYMGs, and 3) To provide a well-characterized sample of nearby young stars for detailed study of their physical properties and multiplicity (the median distances of the (beta) Pic and AB Dor groups are ~ 35 pc with ages ~ 12 and 50 Myr respectively). Our proven technique starts with a proper motion selection algorithm, proceeds to vet the sample for indicators of youth, and requires as its last step the measurement of candidate member radial velocities (RVs). So far, we have obtained all RV measurements with the high resolution IR spectrometer at the NASA-IRTF and have reached the limits of its applicability. To identify probable new members in the south, and also those of the lowest mass, we need the sensitivity of PHOENIX at Gemini-S and NIRSPEC at Keck-II.

Unified gauge theories with right-handed currents and heavy fermions

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

Mohapatra, R.N.

Gauge models with heavy fermions and right-handed currents are discussed based on the gauge groups SU(2)/subA/ x U(1) x SU(4) ', SU(2)/subA/ x SU(2)/subB/ x SU(4) ', and SU(4) x SU(4) ' and are constructed so as to lead to the $delta$I = 1/2 rule. SU(4) x SU(4) ' is advocated as the ultimate unifying gauge group of nature, and it is shown how at various stages of spontaneous breakdown both the SU(2)/subA/ x SU(2)/subB/ x SU(4) ' and SU(2)/subA/ x U(1) x SU(4) ' groups manifest themselves. It is also shown that CP violation takes an interesting complexion inmore » these models and leads to exactly the relations eta/sub +//sub -/ approx. = eta$sub 00$ in K/subL/ $Yields$ 2$pi$ decays. Furthermore, it is shown that the magnitude of CP violation is related to gauge interactions that violate the heavy quark degeneracy. (AIP)« less

Utility approach to decision-making in extended T1 and limited T2 glottic carcinoma.

PubMed

van Loon, Yda; Stiggelbout, Anne M; Hakkesteegt, Marieke M; Langeveld, Ton P M; de Jong, Rob J Baatenburg; Sjögren, Elisabeth V

2017-04-01

It is still undecided if endoscopic laser surgery or radiotherapy is the preferable treatment in extended T1 and limited T2 glottic tumors. Health utilities assessed from patients can aid in decision-making. Patients treated for extended T1 or limited T2 glottic carcinoma by laser surgery (n = 12) or radiotherapy (n = 14) assigned health utilities using a visual analog scale (VAS), time tradeoff (TTO) technique and scored their voice handicap using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). VAS and TTO scores were slightly lower for the laser group compared to the radiotherapy group, however, not significantly so. The VHI showed a correlation with the VAS score, which was very low in both groups and can be considered (near) normal. Patients show no clear preference for the outcomes of laser surgery or radiotherapy from a quality of life (QOL) or voice handicap point of view. These data can now be incorporated into decision-making models. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2017 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 779-785, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High level of dietary soybean oil depresses the growth and anti-oxidative capacity and induces inflammatory response in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea.

PubMed

Mu, Hua; Shen, Haohao; Liu, Jiahuan; Xie, Fangli; Zhang, Wenbing; Mai, Kangsen

2018-06-01

Increasing demand, uncertain availability and high price of fish oil with the expansion of aquaculture made it essential to search alternative lipid sources. Vegetable oil has been proved to be the best candidate for the replacement of fish oil in aquafeeds. However, this replacement especially in high level potentially has some negative effects on fish. The present study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, anti-oxidative and inflammatory responses of large yellow croaker to replacement of dietary fish oil by soybean oil. Three isonitrogenous (46% crude protein) and isolipidic (13% crude lipids) diets were formulated to feed fish (initial body weight: 36.80 ± 0.39 g) for 12 weeks. The control diet was designed to contain 6.5% of fish oil, and named as FO. On the basis of the control diet, the fish oil was 50% and 100% replaced by soybean oil, and these two diets were named as FS and SO, respectively. Results showed that the specific growth rate significantly decreased in the SO group. Crude lipid contents in muscle and liver of fish fed SO diet were significantly higher than those in the FO group. The ratio of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to identified fatty acids in liver decreased significantly, while n-6 PUFAs increased significantly with increasing dietary soybean oil inclusion. The levels of triacylglycerol, non-esterified fatty acid and tumour necrosis factor α, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in serum significantly increased in SO group. The total anti-oxidative capacity and expressions of the anti-oxidation-related genes (superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, catalase, glutathion peroxidase and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) were significantly decreased by dietary soybean inclusion. Dietary soybean oil significantly decreased the gene expressions of the anti-inflammatory cytokines (arginase I and interleukin 10), and increased the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β). The replacement of dietary fish oil by soybean oil also induced an over-expression of toll-like receptor 22 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in liver. In conclusion, dietary soybean oil could suppress growth performance and liver anti-oxidative capacity, and induce inflammatory responses of large yellow croaker. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Alginate beads as a tool to handle, cryopreserve and culture isolated human primordial/primary follicles.

PubMed

Camboni, A; Van Langendonckt, A; Donnez, J; Vanacker, J; Dolmans, M M; Amorim, C A

2013-08-01

One major concern of grafting cryopreserved ovarian tissue to restore fertility in cancer patients is the possibility of reintroducing tumor cells. Cryopreservation of isolated primordial/primary follicles (PFs) may circumvent this problem. The aim of our work was to compare dimethyl sulfoxide (ME2SO) and ethylene glycol (EG) as cryoprotectants (CPAs) for slow-freezing of isolated human PFs in alginate. Ovarian biopsies from four women were processed for follicle isolation. PFs were embedded in alginate (5-15 per group). Follicles were frozen-thawed using 1.4M ME2SO or 1.5M EG as CPAs. Fresh and cryopreserved isolated follicles were in vitro cultured (IVC) for 7 days. At different time periods (after isolation, cryopreservation and IVC), follicles were evaluated with live/dead assay (using fluorescent probes) and diameter measurement. Follicle viability was calculated according to the percentage of dead follicular cells and the presence of a live/dead oocyte. A total of 841 PFs were isolated, embedded in alginate and cryopreserved with ME2SO (n=424) or EG (n=259), or used as controls (n=158). After 7 days of IVC, a significant increase in follicle size was observed in the fresh and ME2SO groups, but not in the EG group. The percentage of totally viable PFs was not significantly different before or after seven days of culture in fresh (100% and 82%) or ME2SO (93.2% and 85.1%) tissue. The EG group showed significantly lower viability before (63.9%) and after IVC (66.2%) than the fresh and ME2SO groups. Our results show that 1.4M ME2SO yields better preservation of isolated PF viability after thawing and 7 days of IVC than 1.5M EG. Alginate constitutes an easy, safe hydrogel matrix to handle and cryopreserve isolated human follicles using ME2SO as a CPA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 922.32 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... communication between all such groups and the availability of loud speaker receivers for each group so that each... vote by telegraph, telephone, or other means of communication, and any votes so cast shall be confirmed...

7 CFR 922.32 - Procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... communication between all such groups and the availability of loud speaker receivers for each group so that each... vote by telegraph, telephone, or other means of communication, and any votes so cast shall be confirmed...

Group differences in adult simple arithmetic: good retrievers, not-so-good retrievers, and perfectionists.

PubMed

Hecht, Steven A

2006-01-01

We used the choice/no-choice methodology in two experiments to examine patterns of strategy selection and execution in groups of undergraduates. Comparisons between choice and no-choice trials revealed three groups. Some participants good retrievers) were consistently able to use retrieval to solve almost all arithmetic problems. Other participants (perfectionists) successfully used retrieval substantially less often in choice-allowed trials than when strategy choices were prohibited. Not-so-good retrievers retrieved correct answers less often than the other participants in both the choice-allowed and no-choice conditions. No group differences emerged with respect to time needed to search and access answers from long-term memory; however, not-so-good retrievers were consistently slower than the other subgroups at executing fact-retrieval processes that are peripheral to memory search and access. Theoretical models of simple arithmetic, such as the Strategy Choice and Discovery Simulation (Shrager & Siegler, 1998), should be updated to include the existence of both perfectionist and not-so-good retriever adults.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic study of the yeast Malassezia sympodialis allergen Mala s 1

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

Vilhelmsson, Monica, E-mail: monica.vilhelmsson@medks.ki.se; Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm; Hallberg, B. Martin

2006-02-01

Crystals of the M. sympodialis allergen Mala s 1 have been obtained using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. A diffraction data set has been collected from native crystals to 1.35 Å resolution. The opportunistic yeast Malassezia sympodialis can act as an allergen and elicit specific IgE- and T-cell reactivity in patients with atopic eczema. The first identified major allergen from M. sympodialis, Mala s 1, is present on the cell surface of the yeast. Recombinant Mala s 1 was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and refolded in a soluble form. Crystals of Mala s 1 were obtained in 25% PEG 8K,more » 0.2 M (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}SO{sub 4}. Crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2, with unit-cell parameters a = 44.4, b = 163.7, c = 50.6 Å, and diffract to 1.35 Å resolution.« less

[DRG systems in Europe. Incentives, purposes and differences in 12 countries].

PubMed

Geissler, A; Scheller-Kreinsen, D; Quentin, W; Busse, R

2012-05-01

DRG systems were introduced across Europe based on expected transparency and efficiency gains. However, European DRG systems have not been systematically analysed so far. As a consequence little is known about the relative strengths and weaknesses of different DRG systems. The EuroDRG project closed this research and knowledge gap by systematically analysing and comparing the DRG systems of 12 countries with different health systems (Austria, the UK, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden).This article summarizes the results of this analysis illustrating how DRG systems across Europe differ with regard to policy goals, patient classification, data collection, price setting and actual reimbursement. Moreover, it outlines which main challenges arise within and across the different types of DRG systems. The results show that the European DRG systems are very heterogeneous. Even if the basic DRG approach of grouping similar patients remains the same across countries, the design of the main building blocks differs to a great extent.

Proceedings of the Annual Acquisition Research Symposium (7th), Acquistion Research: Creating Synergy for Informed Change 12-13 May 2010. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-30

be challenged since there will be so much more information immediately available about emerging systems. So, how can PMs once and for all silence the...obpb^o`e=pvjmlpfrj== tbakbpa^v=pbppflkp== slirjb=f= Acquisition Research Creating Synergy for Informed Change May 12 - 13, 2010 Published: 30...April 2010 Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to

[{(Mo)Mo5O21(H2O)3(SO4)}12(VO)30(H2O)20]36-: a molecular quantum spin icosidodecahedron.

PubMed

Botar, Bogdan; Kögerler, Paul; Hill, Craig L

2005-07-07

Self-assembly of aqueous solutions of molybdate and vanadate under reducing, mildly acidic conditions results in a polyoxomolybdate-based {Mo72V30} cluster compound Na8K16(VO)(H2O)5[K10 subset{(Mo)Mo5O21(H2O)3(SO4)}12(VO)30(H2O)20].150H2O, 1, a quantum spin-based Keplerate structure.

Estimating attendance for breast cancer screening in ethnic groups in London.

PubMed

Renshaw, Christine; Jack, Ruth H; Dixon, Steve; Møller, Henrik; Davies, Elizabeth A

2010-03-25

Breast screening uptake in London is below the Government's target of 70% and we investigate whether ethnicity affects this. Information on the ethnicity for the individual women invited is unavailable, so we use an area-based method similar to that routinely used to derive a geographical measure for socioeconomic deprivation. We extracted 742,786 observations on attendance for routine appointments between 2004 and 2007 collected by the London Quality Assurance Reference Centre. Each woman was assigned to a lower super output (LSOA) based on her postcode of residence. The proportions of the ethnic groups within each LSOA are known, so that the likelihood of a woman belonging to White, Black and Asian groups can be assigned. We investigated screening attendance by age group, socioeconomic deprivation using the Index of Deprivation 2004 income quintile, invitation type and breast screening service. Using logistic regression analysis we calculated odds ratios for attendance based on ethnic composition of the population, adjusting for age, socioeconomic status, the invitation type and screening service. The unadjusted attendance odds ratios were high for the White population (OR: 3.34 95% CI [3.26-3.42]) and low for the Black population (0.13 [0.12-0.13]) and the Asian population (0.55 [0.53-0.56]). Multivariate adjustment reduced the differences, but the Black population remained below unity (0.47 [0.44-0.50]); while the White (1.30 [1.26-1.35]) and Asian populations (1.10 [1.05-1.15]) were higher. There was little difference in the attendance between age groups. Attendance was highest for the most affluent group and fell sharply with increasing deprivation. For invitation type, the routine recall was higher than the first call. There were wide variations in the attendance for different ethnic groups between the individual screening services. Overall breast screening attendance is low in communities with large Black populations, suggesting the need to improve participation of Black women. Variations in attendance for the Asian population require further investigation at an individual screening service level.

Osteoporosis and gait and balance disturbances in older sarcopenic obese New Zealanders.

PubMed

Waters, D L; Hale, L; Grant, A M; Herbison, P; Goulding, A

2010-02-01

Bone, muscle, and fat may affect gait and balance in older adults. Osteoporosis was prevalent in low muscle mass participants and related to gait and balance deficits. Low muscle combined with high fat mass had more functional deficits and poorer bone health, which has implications for falls risk and fractures. Decreasing bone density and muscle mass and increasing fat mass may act synergistically to affect gait and balance in older adults. One hundred eighty-three older adults (age 72.7 +/- 6 years, range 56-93; body mass index 28.2 +/- 4.9, range 16.6-46.0) were recruited from a New Zealand falls prevention intervention trial. Total and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), percent fat, and bone mineralization were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and used to characterize normal lean (NL, n = 51), sarcopenic (SS, n = 18), sarcopenic obese (SO, n = 29), and obese (OO, n = 85) phenotypes. Functional performance was assessed using timed up and go, chair stand, single leg stand, and step test. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, medications, and physical activity. Femoral neck osteoporosis was present in 22% SS, 17% SO, 12% NL, and 7% OO. Femoral neck osteoporosis with low ASM predicted poor chair stand performance (beta -3.3, standard error 1.6, p = 0.04). SO scored lowest on the chair stand (p = 0.03) and step test (p = 0.03). Higher ASM predicted faster timed up and go performance (p = 0.001). Osteoporosis was prevalent in low ASM groups (SS and SO) and related to gait and balance deficits, particularly in the SO. This has implications for falls risk, fractures, and interventions.

Cerebral and Renal Oxygen Saturation Are Not Compromised in the Presence of Retrograde Blood Flow in either the Ascending or Descending Aorta in Term or Near-Term Infants with Left-Sided Obstructive Lesions.

PubMed

van der Laan, Michelle E; Mebius, Mirthe J; Roofthooft, Marcus T R; Bos, Arend F; Berger, Rolf M F; Kooi, Elisabeth M W

2017-01-01

In infants with left-sided obstructive lesions (LSOL), the presence of retrograde blood flow in either the ascending or descending aorta may lead to diminished cerebral and renal blood flow, respectively. Our aim was to compare cerebral and renal tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) between infants with LSOL with antegrade and retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta and with and without diastolic backflow in the descending aorta. Based on 2 echocardiograms, the study group was categorized according to the direction of blood flow in the ascending and descending aorta. We measured cerebral and renal rSO2 using near-infrared spectroscopy and calculated fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE). Nineteen infants with LSOL, admitted to the NICU between 0 and 28 days after birth, were included. Infants with antegrade blood flow (n = 12) and infants with retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta (n = 7) had similar cerebral rSO2 and FTOE during both echocardiograms. Only during the first echocardiogram, infants with retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta had lower renal FTOE (0.14 vs. 0.32, p = 0.04) and tended to have higher renal rSO2 (80 vs. 65%, p = 0.09). The presence of diastolic backflow in the descending aorta was not associated with cerebral or renal rSO2 and FTOE during the first (n = 8) as well as the second echocardiogram (n = 10). Retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta was not associated with cerebral oxygenation, while diastolic backflow in the descending aorta was not associated with renal oxygenation in infants with LSOL. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Challenges in the Search for Magnetic Coupling in 3d/4f Materials: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties of the Lanthanide Copper Heterobimetallic Compounds, RE 2 Cu(TeO 3 ) 2 (SO 4 ) 2

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

Lin, Jian; Chai, Ping; Diefenbach, Kariem

2014-03-03

Twelve new lanthanide copper heterobimetallic compounds, RE2Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2 (RE = Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), with two different structural topologies, have been prepared by hydrothermal treatment. Both structure types crystallize in the triclinic space group, Pmore » $$\\bar{1}$$, but the unit cell parameters and structures are quite different. The earlier RE2Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2 (RE = Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) share a common structural motif consisting of edge-sharing LnO8 chains and [Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2]6– units. The later lanthanide version (Yb and Lu) is composed of edge-sharing LnO7 dimers bridged by similar [Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2]6– units. The change in the structure type can be attributed to the decreasing ionic radii of the lanthanides. The compounds containing RE3+ ions with diamagnetic ground states (Y3+ and Eu3+) exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering at 12.5 K and 15 K, respectively, owing to the magnetic exchange between Cu2+ moments. No magnetic phase transition was observed in all the other phases. The lack of magnetic ordering is attributed to the competing magnetic interactions caused by the presence of paramagnetic RE3+ ions. The magnetism data suggests that substantial 3d–4f coupling only occurs in the Yb analogue.« less

Anti-inflammatory properties of blended edible oil with synergistic antioxidants.

PubMed

Upadya, Haridas; Devaraju, C J; Joshi, Shashank R

2015-01-01

Blending of oil combines the potency of two edible oils and offers a balance of fatty acids. Various cooking preparations existing across different ethnicities and regions subject oil to different cooking temperatures thereby causing deterioration of the oil due to oxidative stress. In order to prevent the oxidative damage of unsaturated fatty acid, a blend of rice bran oil (RBO) and safflower oil (SO) (70:30) with an antioxidant technology was designed. A controlled trial was carried out to assess the efficacy of the blend on different biomarkers including lipid parameters and some important inflammatory markers that have the potency to lead to various lifestyle diseases. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel group study (on 80 adult hyperlipidemic patients) was conducted for 3 months. During the study, all the subjects were recommended lifestyle modifications, which included, exercise regime and diet counseling; oil quantity consumed was 1 L/person/month for both the groups. The subjects were divided into two groups; one group, continued with their regularly consumed oil whereas, the other was given the test oil. Biomarkers assessed were lipid profile and seven other inflammatory markers were assessed. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) the primary marker for cardiovascular diseases showed a decrease of 56.07 ± 04.31 mg/dL and 31.98 ± 03.81 mg/dL (P < 0.001 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]) from baseline in test and control group, respectively, during 3 months. Similar reduction trends were observed for total cholesterol where -52.31 ± 13.04 mg/dL and 31.98 ± 04.12 mg/dL (P < 0.001 by ANOVA, between the groups) were seen in test and control group, respectively. Oxidized LDL and high sensitivity C-reactive protein showed a reduction of 2.23 ± 1.3 units/dL and 0.87 ± 2.85 mg/L in test group whereas; an increase of 1.04 ± 1.73 units/dL and 0.44 ± 2.37 mg/L was seen in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05 by Student's t-test, between the groups). The study showed that the blend of RBO and SO with antioxidant technology along with other lifestyle changes helps lowering of blood lipids and stated inflammatory biomarkers and thus, in turn may help prevent lifestyle diseases.

Anti-inflammatory properties of blended edible oil with synergistic antioxidants

PubMed Central

Upadya, Haridas; Devaraju, C. J.; Joshi, Shashank R.

2015-01-01

Background: Blending of oil combines the potency of two edible oils and offers a balance of fatty acids. Various cooking preparations existing across different ethnicities and regions subject oil to different cooking temperatures thereby causing deterioration of the oil due to oxidative stress. In order to prevent the oxidative damage of unsaturated fatty acid, a blend of rice bran oil (RBO) and safflower oil (SO) (70:30) with an antioxidant technology was designed. A controlled trial was carried out to assess the efficacy of the blend on different biomarkers including lipid parameters and some important inflammatory markers that have the potency to lead to various lifestyle diseases. Study Design: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel group study (on 80 adult hyperlipidemic patients) was conducted for 3 months. During the study, all the subjects were recommended lifestyle modifications, which included, exercise regime and diet counseling; oil quantity consumed was 1 L/person/month for both the groups. The subjects were divided into two groups; one group, continued with their regularly consumed oil whereas, the other was given the test oil. Biomarkers assessed were lipid profile and seven other inflammatory markers were assessed. Results: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) the primary marker for cardiovascular diseases showed a decrease of 56.07 ± 04.31 mg/dL and 31.98 ± 03.81 mg/dL (P < 0.001 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]) from baseline in test and control group, respectively, during 3 months. Similar reduction trends were observed for total cholesterol where −52.31 ± 13.04 mg/dL and 31.98 ± 04.12 mg/dL (P < 0.001 by ANOVA, between the groups) were seen in test and control group, respectively. Oxidized LDL and high sensitivity C-reactive protein showed a reduction of 2.23 ± 1.3 units/dL and 0.87 ± 2.85 mg/L in test group whereas; an increase of 1.04 ± 1.73 units/dL and 0.44 ± 2.37 mg/L was seen in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05 by Student's t-test, between the groups). Conclusion: The study showed that the blend of RBO and SO with antioxidant technology along with other lifestyle changes helps lowering of blood lipids and stated inflammatory biomarkers and thus, in turn may help prevent lifestyle diseases. PMID:26180768

Synthesis and crystal structure of the solid solution Co3(SeO3)3-x(PO3OH)x(H2O) involving crystallographic split positions of Se4+ and P5+.

PubMed

Zimmermann, Iwan; Johnsson, Mats

2013-10-21

Three new cobalt selenite hydroxo-phosphates laying in the solid solution Co3(SeO3)3-x(PO3OH)x(H2O), with x = 0.8, x = 1.0, and x = 1.2 are reported. Single crystals were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis and the crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure can be described as a 3D framework having selenite and hydroxo-phosphate groups protruding into channels in the crystal structure. Se(4+) and P(5+) share a split position in the structure so that either SeO3 groups having a stereochemically active lone pair or tetrahedrally coordinated PO3OH groups are present. The OH-group is thus only present when the split position is occupied by P(5+). The crystal water is coordinated to a cobalt atom and TG and IR measurements show that the water and hydroxyl groups leave the structure at unusually high temperatures (>450 °C). Magnetic susceptibility measurements show antiferromagnetic coupling below 16 K and a magnetic moment of 4.02(3) μB per Co atom was observed.

Epidemiologic Study of Malassezia Yeasts in Patients with Malassezia Folliculitis by 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP Analysis

PubMed Central

Ko, Jong Hyun; Choe, Yong Beom; Ahn, Kyu Joong

2011-01-01

Background So far, studies on the inter-relationship between Malassezia and Malassezia folliculitis have been rather scarce. Objective We sought to analyze the differences in body sites, gender and age groups, and to determine whether there is a relationship between certain types of Malassezia species and Malassezia folliculitis. Methods Specimens were taken from the forehead, cheek and chest of 60 patients with Malassezia folliculitis and from the normal skin of 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls by 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP. Results M. restricta was dominant in the patients with Malassezia folliculitis (20.6%), while M. globosa was the most common species (26.7%) in the controls. The rate of identification was the highest in the teens for the patient group, whereas it was the highest in the thirties for the control group. M. globosa was the most predominant species on the chest with 13 cases (21.7%), and M. restricta was the most commonly identified species, with 17 (28.3%) and 12 (20%) cases on the forehead and cheek, respectively, for the patient group. Conclusion Statistically significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups for the people in their teens and twenties, and in terms of the body site, on the forehead only. PMID:21747616

Analysis of cardiopulmonary stress during endoscopy: Is unsedated transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy appropriate for elderly patients?

PubMed Central

Uchiyama, Kazuhiko; Ishikawa, Takeshi; Sakamoto, Naoyuki; Kajikawa, Hirokazu; Takagi, Tomohisa; Handa, Osamu; Tatsumi, Yoshihide; Yagi, Nobuaki; Naito, Yuji; Itoh, Yoshito; Takemura, Shuhei

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND: Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) without sedation has been reported to be safe and tolerable. It has recently been used widely in Japan for the detection of upper gastrointestinal disease. Alternatively, transoral examination using a thin endoscope has also been reported to be highly tolerable. OBJECTIVE: To examine the cardiocirculatory effects of transoral versus transnasal EGD in an attempt to determine the most suitable endoscopic methods for patients ≥75 years of age. METHODS: Subjects who underwent monitoring of respiratory and circulatory dynamics without sedation during endoscopic screening examinations were enrolled at the New Ooe Hospital (Kyoto, Japan) between April 2008 and March 2009. A total of 165 patients (age ≥75 years) provided written informed consent and were investigated in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into three subgroups: UO group – thin endoscope; SO group – standard endoscope; and UT group – transnasal EGD. Percutaneous arterial blood oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure were evaluated just before EGD and at five time points during EGD. After transnasal EGD, patients who had previously been examined using transoral EGD with a standard endoscope were asked about preferences for their next examination. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the characteristics among the groups. Percutaneous oxygen saturation in the UT group showed a transient drop compared with the SO and UO groups at the beginning of the endoscopic procedure. Heart rate showed no significant differences among the SO, UO and UT groups; Systolic blood pressure in the UO group was lower immediately after insertion compared with the SO and UT groups. The rate pressure product in the UO group was comparable with that in the UT group during endoscopy, and the SO group showed a continuously higher level than the UO and UT groups. More than one-half (54.4%) of patients were ‘willing to choose transnasal EGD for next examination’. CONCLUSIONS: For elderly patients, unsedated transnasal EGD failed to show an advantage over unsedated standard endoscopy. Transoral thin EGD was estimated to be safe and tolerable. PMID:24288691

Infrared telephoto lenses design for joint transform correlator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu; Huo, Furong; Zheng, Liqin

2014-11-01

Joint transform correlator (JTC) is quite useful for pattern recognition in many fields, which can realize automatic real-time recognition of target in cluttered background with high precision. For military application, JTC can also be applied for thermo target recognition especially at night. To make JTC recognize thermo targets, an infrared telephoto lens is designed in this paper. Long focal length and short tube length are required for this usage. So the structure of a positive lens group and a negative lens group are adopted. Besides, the effective focal length and relative aperture should be large enough to ensure the distant targets can be detected with adequate illumination. In this paper, the working waveband of adopted infrared CCD detector is 8-12μm. According to Nyquist law, the characteristic frequency of the system is 14lp/mm. The optional materials are very few for infrared optical systems, in which only several kinds of materials such as Germanium, ZnSe, ZnS are commonly used. Various aberrations are not easy to be corrected. So it is very difficult to design a good infrared optical system. Besides, doublet or triplet should be avoided to be used in infrared optical system considering possible cracking for different thermal expansion coefficients of different infrared materials. The original configuration is composed of three lenses. After optimization, the image quality can get limit diffraction. The root mean square (RMS) radii of three fields are 6.754μm, 7.301μm and 12.158μm respectively. They are all less than the Airy spot diameter 48.8μm. Wavefront aberration at 0.707 field of view (FOV) is only 0.1wavelength. After adjusting the radius to surface templates, setting tolerances and giving element drawings, this system has been fabricated successfully. Optical experimental results of infrared target recognition using JTC are given in this paper. The correlation peaks can be detected and located easily, which confirms the good image quality of the designed infrared telephoto lens.

How Accurate Are the Minnesota Density Functionals for Noncovalent Interactions, Isomerization Energies, Thermochemistry, and Barrier Heights Involving Molecules Composed of Main-Group Elements?

DOE PAGES

Mardirossian, Narbe; Head-Gordon, Martin

2016-08-18

The 14 Minnesota density functionals published between the years 2005 and early 2016 are benchmarked on a comprehensive database of 4986 data points (84 data sets) involving molecules composed of main-group elements. The database includes noncovalent interactions, isomerization energies, thermochemistry, and barrier heights, as well as equilibrium bond lengths and equilibrium binding energies of noncovalent dimers. Additionally, the sensitivity of the Minnesota density functionals to the choice of basis set and integration grid is explored for both noncovalent interactions and thermochemistry. By and large, the main strength of the hybrid Minnesota density functionals is that the best ones provide verymore » good performance for thermochemistry (e.g., M06-2X), barrier heights (e.g., M08-HX, M08-SO, MN15), and systems heavily characterized by self-interaction error (e.g., M06-2X, M08-HX, M08-SO, MN15), while the main weakness is that none of them are state-of-the-art for the full spectrum of noncovalent interactions and isomerization energies (although M06-2X is recommended from the 10 hybrid Minnesota functionals). Similarly, the main strength of the local Minnesota density functionals is that the best ones provide very good performance for thermochemistry (e.g., MN15-L), barrier heights (e.g., MN12-L), and systems heavily characterized by self-interaction error (e.g., MN12-L and MN15-L), while the main weakness is that none of them are state-of-the-art for the full spectrum of noncovalent interactions and isomerization energies (although M06-L is clearly the best from the four local Minnesota functionals). Finally, as an overall guide, M06-2X and MN15 are perhaps the most broadly useful hybrid Minnesota functionals, while M06-L and MN15-L are perhaps the most broadly useful local Minnesota functionals, although each has different strengths and weaknesses.« less

Vitamin B12 and folate levels in healthy Swiss senior citizens: a prospective study evaluating reference intervals and decision limits.

PubMed

Risch, Martin; Meier, Dominik W; Sakem, Benjamin; Medina Escobar, Pedro; Risch, Corina; Nydegger, Urs; Risch, Lorenz

2015-07-11

The vitamin B12 and folate status in nonanaemic healthy older persons needs attention the more so as decrease in levels may be anticipated from reduced haematinic provision and/or impaired intestinal uptake. A total of 1143 subjectively healthy Swiss midlands participants (637 females and 506 males), ≥60 years of age were included in this study. Levels of vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine (Hcy), serum folate, red blood cell (RBC) folate were measured. Further, Fedosov's wellness score was determined. Associations of age, gender, and cystatin C/creatinine-based estimated kidney function, with the investigated parameters were assessed. Reference intervals were calculated. Further, ROC analysis was done to assess accuracy of the individual parameters in recognizing a deficient vitamin B12 status. Finally, decision limits for sensitive, specific and optimal recognition of vitamin B12 status with individual parameters were derived. Three age groups: 60-69, 70-79 and ≥ 80 had median B12 (pmol/L) levels of 237, 228 and 231 respectively (p = 0.22), holoTC (pmol/L) of 52, 546 and 52 (p = 0.60) but Hcy (μmol/L) 12, 15 and 16 (p < 0.001), MMA (nmol/L) 207, 221 and 244 (p < 0.001). Hcy and MMA (both p < 0.001), but not holoTC (p = 0.12) and vitamin B12 (p = 0.44) were found to be affected by kidney function. In a linear regression model Fedosov's wellness score was independently associated with kidney function (p < 0.001) but not with age. Total serum folate and red blood cell (RBC) folate drift apart with increasing age: whereas the former decreases (p = 0.01) RBC folate remains in the same bandwidth across all age groups (p = 0.12) A common reference interval combining age and gender strata can be obtained for vitamin B12 and holoTC, whereas a more differentiated approach seems warranted for serum folate and RBC folate. Whereas the vitamin B12 and holoTC levels remain steady after 60 years of age, we observed a significant increment in MMA levels accompanied by increments in Hcy; this is better explained by age-related reduced kidney function than by vitamin B12 insufficiency. Total serum folate levels but not RBC folate levels decreased with progressing age.

Crystal-structure analysis of four mineral samples of anhydrite, CaSO[subscript 4], using synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction data

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

Antao, Sytle M.

2014-05-28

The crystal structures of four samples of anhydrite, CaSO{sub 4}, were obtained by Rietveld refinements using synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (HRPXRD) data and space group Amma. As an example, for one sample of anhydrite from Hants County, Nova Scotia, the unit-cell parameters are a = 7.00032(2), b = 6.99234(1), c = 6.24097(1) {angstrom}, and V = 305.487(1) {angstrom}{sup 3} with a > b. The eight-coordinated Ca atom has an average distance of 2.4667(4) {angstrom}. The tetrahedral SO{sub 4} group has two independent S-O distances of 1.484(1) to O1 and 1.478(1) {angstrom} to O2 and an average distancemore » of 1.4810(5) {angstrom}. The three independent O-S-O angles [108.99(8) x 1, 110.38(3) x 4, 106.34(9){sup o} x 1; average [6] = 109.47(2){sup o}] and S-O distances indicate that the geometry of the SO{sub 4} group is quite distorted in anhydrite. The four anhydrite samples have structural trends where the a, b, and c unit-cell parameters increase linearly with increasing unit-cell volume, V, and their average and distances are nearly constant. The grand mean = 2.4660(2) {angstrom}, and grand mean = 1.4848(3) {angstrom}, the latter is longer than 1.480(1) {angstrom} in celestite, SrSO{sub 4}, as expected.« less

Sulfur Dioxide Enhances Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Accumulation and Alleviates Oxidative Stress Induced by Aluminum Stress in Germinating Wheat Seeds

PubMed Central

Zhu, Dong-Bo; Hu, Kang-Di; Guo, Xi-Kai; Liu, Yong; Hu, Lan-Ying; Li, Yan-Hong; Wang, Song-Hua; Zhang, Hua

2015-01-01

Aluminum ions are especially toxic to plants in acidic soils. Here we present evidences that SO2 protects germinating wheat grains against aluminum stress. SO2 donor (NaHSO3/Na2SO3) pretreatment at 1.2 mM reduced the accumulation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde, enhanced the activities of guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, and decreased the activity of lipoxygenase in germinating wheat grains exposed to Al stress. We also observed higher accumulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in SO2-pretreated grain, suggesting the tight relation between sulfite and sulfide. Wheat grains geminated in water for 36 h were pretreated with or without 1 mM SO2 donor for 12 h prior to exposure to Al stress for 48 h and the ameliorating effects of SO2 on wheat radicles were studied. SO2 donor pretreatment reduced the content of reactive oxygen species, protected membrane integrity, and reduced Al accumulation in wheat radicles. Gene expression analysis showed that SO2 donor pretreatment decreased the expression of Al-responsive genes TaWali1, TaWali2, TaWali3, TaWali5, TaWali6, and TaALMT1 in radicles exposed to Al stress. These results suggested that SO2 could increase endogenous H2S accumulation and the antioxidant capability and decrease endogenous Al content in wheat grains to alleviate Al stress. PMID:26078810

[Short-term deep sedation strategy in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial].

PubMed

Wang, Zhuheng; Shi, Chunzhi; Sun, Liping; Guo, Qinghua; Qiao, Wei; Zhou, Guanhua

2017-11-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term deep sedation strategy in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after surgery. A perspective, randomized, parallel-group study was conducted. Adult patients with spontaneous ICH and undergoing craniotomy admitted to Daxing Teaching Hospital of Capital Medical University from December 2015 to November 2016 were enrolled. The patients who received surgery were randomly divided into a short-term deep sedation and a slight and middle sedation group. Sufentanil was used as an analgesic drug in all patients and midazolam was used as a sedative after the operation. The patients in the slight and middle sedation group received midazolam 0.05-0.10 mg/kg with a goal of mild sedation [Richmond agitation and sedation scale (RASS) score of -2-1]. The patients in the short-term deep sedation group received midazolam 0.1-0.2 mg/kg with a goal of deep sedation (RASS score of -4 to -3) and a duration of no more than 12 hours. Postoperative sedation, blood pressure changes, laboratory indexes, residual hematoma and clinical outcomes were recorded in two groups. During the study, a total of 183 patients with spontaneous ICH were collected, excluding who was older than 65 years, with shock, and with preoperative Glasgow coma score (GCS) of 3. 106 patients were enrolled in this study, and 53 patients were assigned to the short-term deep sedation group and slight and middle sedation group, respectively. In the slight and middle sedation group, 4 patients received reoperation because of repeated hemorrhage and no patient operated repeatedly in the short-term deep sedation group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (χ 2 = 4.000, P = 0.045). The number of patients undergoing tracheotomy in the short-term deep sedation group was significantly lower than that in the slight and middle sedation group (9 cases vs. 21 cases, P < 0.05). RASS score within 12 hours after operation of the patients in the short-term deep sedation group was lower than that in slight and middle sedation group [-4 (-4, -2) vs. -2 (-3, -1) at 4 hours, -4 (-4, -2) vs. -1 (-2, 0) at 8 hours, -3 (-4, -2) vs. 0 (-2, 1) at 12 hours, all P < 0.01], sudden restlessness was significantly reduced [times: 1 (0, 1) vs. 3 (2, 3), P < 0.01], and postoperative sedation duration was significantly prolonged [hours: 14.0 (8.3, 20.8) vs. 8.9 (3.4, 15.3), P < 0.05]. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 12 hours after operation in the short-term deep sedation group were significantly lower than those of the slight and middle sedation group [SBP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 136.8±30.5 vs. 149.1±33.5, DBP (mmHg): 85.0 (70.8, 102.3) vs. 89.0 (69.2, 116.7), both P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the arterial blood gas, routine blood test or coagulation function between the two groups at 24 hours after operation. The volume of residual hematoma at 2, 7 and 14 days after operation in the short-term deep sedation group was significantly decreased as compared with slight and middle sedation group (mL: 16.4±15.6 vs. 38.2±22.2 at 2 days, 9.6±8.7 vs. 20.6±18.6 at 7 days, 1.2±1.0 vs. 4.4±3.6 at 14 days, all P < 0.05), number of deaths in 3 months were significantly less (5 cases vs. 13 cases), and the patients with favorable prognosis were increased significantly (39 cases vs. 12 cases, both P < 0.05). The study results showed that short-term deep sedation strategy after surgery can reduce the incidence of adverse events and improve the prognosis of patients with spontaneous ICH, so it is safe and effective.

Weather resistance of CaSO4 ṡ 1/2H2O-based sand-fixation material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xin; Tie, Shengnian

2017-07-01

Searching for an economical and effective sand-fixing material and technology is of great importance in Northwest China. This paper described the use of a semihydrated gypsum-(CaSO4 ṡ 1/2H2O-)based composite as a sand-fixing material. Its morphology and composition were characterized by SEM, and its water resistance, freezing-thawing resistance and wind erosion resistance were tested in the field. The results indicated that semihydrated gypsum-(CaSO4 ṡ 1/2H2O-)based sand-fixing composite has good water resistance and water-holding capacity. Its strength is maintained at 1.42 MPa after 50 freezing and thawing cycles, and its wind erosion increases with increasing wind speed and slope. Its compressive strength starts to decrease after nine months of field tests with no change in appearance, but it still satisfies the requirements of fixation technology. This sand-fixing material should have wide application owing to its good weather resistance.

Improvement of cloning efficiency in minipigs using post-thawed donor cells treated with roscovitine.

PubMed

Hwang, Seongsoo; Oh, Keon Bong; Kwon, Dae-Jin; Ock, Sun-A; Lee, Jeong-Woong; Im, Gi-Sun; Lee, Sung-Soo; Lee, Kichoon; Park, Jin-Ki

2013-11-01

Massachusetts General Hospital miniature pigs (MGH minipigs) have been established for organ transplantation studies across the homozygous major histocompatibility complex, but cloning efficiency of MGH minipigs is extremely low. This study was designed to increase the productivity of MGH minipigs by nuclear transfer of post-thaw donor cells after 1 h co-incubation with roscovitine. The MGH minipig cells were genetically modified with GT KO (alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase knock-out) and hCD46 KI (human CD46 knock-in) and used as donor cells. The GT KO/hCD46 KI donor cells were cultured for either 3 days (control group) or 1 h after thawing with 15 μM roscovitine (experimental group) prior to the nuclear transfer. The relative percentage of the transgenic donor cells that entered into G0/G1 was 93.7 % (±2.54). This was different from the donor cells cultured for 1 h with the roscovitine-treated group (84.6 % ±4.6) (P < 0.05) and without roscovitine (78.6 % ±5.5) (P < 0.01), respectively. The pregnancy rate and delivery rate in the roscovitine group (8/12 and 6/8, respectively) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those in the control group (6/19 and 3/6, respectively). In the experimental group, 12 GT KO/hCD46 KI transgenic minipigs were successfully generated, and five minipigs among them survived for more than 6 months so far. The recipient-based individual cloning efficiency ranged from 0.74 to 2.54 %. In conclusion, gene-modified donor cells can be used for cloning of MGH minipigs if the cells are post-thawed and treated with roscovitine for 1 h prior to nuclear transfer.

The importance of psychosexual counselling in the re-establishment of organic and erotic functions after penile prosthesis implantation.

PubMed

Pisano, F; Falcone, M; Abbona, A; Oderda, M; Soria, F; Peraldo, F; Marson, F; Barale, M; Fiorito, C; Gurioli, A; Frea, B; Gontero, P

2015-01-01

Although many studies about penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) have been published so far, only a small amount of them take into account patients and partners outcome in terms of satisfaction and erotic function. The aim of this study is to explore the value of psycosexual counselling in and the sexual and erotic function of penile prosthesis recipients. Thirty patients and their partners were randomised into two groups. In arm A (case group) patients and their partners underwent a multistep psychosexual counselling before and after surgery. In arm B (control group) surgery was performed without the specific psychosexual counselling scheme. Specific questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Sexual Daydreaming Scale (SDS)) were administered before surgery and 12 months afterwards. Twenty-four months postoperatively patients were asked to complete the Global Assessment Questions (GAQ) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), while their partners were asked to answer to the EDITS partner's section. Between January 2009 and October 2011, we enrolled 30 patients undergoing PPI in our institution (15 in each arm). Twenty-four months postoperative follow-up is available for all of them. No significant differences between the two groups in terms of baseline questionnaires scores were observed. Mean IIEF score was significantly higher in case group (arm A 68.3, arm B 53.4, P-value<0.001). At 12 months after PPI the improvement of erotic function according to SDS was significantly higher in the study group for both patients and their partners. Improvement in satisfaction rates were confirmed at 24 months, with statistically significant scores for EDITS in arm A patients and partners as compared with arm B. PPI with a pre- and postoperative psychosexual counselling scheme resulted in better postoperative sexual activity and erotic function for both patients and partners than PPI alone.

Traditional Chinese medicine for stable angina pectoris via TCM pattern differentiation and TCM mechanism: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhe; Zhang, Fan; Wang, Yang; Du, Yi; Zhang, Huiyong; Kong, Dezhao; Liu, Yue; Yang, Guanlin

2014-10-30

Stable angina pectoris is experienced as trans-sternal or retro-sternal pressure or pain that may radiate to the left arm, neck or back. Although available evidence relating to its effectiveness and mechanism are weak, traditional Chinese medicine is used as an alternative therapy for stable angina pectoris. We report a protocol of a randomized controlled trial using traditional Chinese medicine to investigate the effectiveness, mechanism and safety for patients with stable angina pectoris. This is a north-east Chinese, multi-center, multi-blinded, placebo-controlled and superiority randomized trail. A total of 240 patients with stable angina pectoris will be randomly assigned to three groups: two treatment groups and a control group. The treatment groups will receive Chinese herbal medicine consisting of Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi and Qu-Tan-Hua-Zhuo granule and Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi and Qu-Tan-Hua-Yu granule, respectively, and conventional medicine. The control group will receive placebo medicine in addition to conventional medicine. All 3 groups will undergo a 12-week treatment and 2-week follow-up. Four visits in sum will be scheduled for each subject: 1 visit each in week 0, week 4, week 12 and week 14. The primary outcomes include: the frequency of angina pectoris attack; the dosage of nitroglycerin; body limited dimension of Seattle Angina Questionnaire. The secondary outcomes include: except for the body limited dimension of SAQ, traditional Chinese medicine pattern questionnaire and so on. Therapeutic mechanism outcomes, safety outcomes and endpoint outcomes will be also assessed. The primary aim of this trial is to develop a standard protocol to utilize high-quality EBM evidence for assessing the effectiveness and safety of SAP via TCM pattern differentiation as well as exploring the efficacy mechanism and regulation with the molecular biology and systems biology. ChiCTR-TRC-13003608, registered 18 June 2013.

Technology-assisted balance and gait training reduces falls in patients with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up.

PubMed

Shen, Xia; Mak, Margaret K Y

2015-02-01

Objective. To examine the effects of technology-assisted balance and gait training on reducing falls in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods. Eligible subjects were randomly allocated to an experimental group given technology-assisted balance and gait training (BAL, n = 26) and an active control group undertaking strengthening exercises (CON, n = 25). The training in each group lasted for 3 months. The number of fallers and fall rate were used as primary outcomes, and single-leg-stance-time, latency of postural response to perturbation, self-selected gait velocity, and stride length as secondary outcomes. Fall incidence was recorded over 15 months after the baseline assessment (Pre). Other tests were performed at Pre, after 3-month intervention (Post(3m)), at 3 months (Post(6m)), and 12 months (Post(15m)) after treatment completion. Results. Forty-five subjects who completed the 3-month training were included in the data analysis. There were fewer fallers in the BAL than in the CON group at Post(3m), Post(6m), and Post(15m) (P < .05). In addition, the BAL group had lower fall rate than the CON group at Post(3m) and Post(6m) (incidence rate ratio: 0.111-0.188, P < .05), and marginally so at Post(15m) (incidence rate ratio: 0.407, P = .057). Compared with the CON subjects, the BAL subjects demonstrated greater reduction in the postural response latency and increase in the stride length against baseline at each assessment interval (P < .05), and marginally more increases of single-leg-stance-time at Post(3m) (P = .064), Post(6m) (P = .041) and Post(15m) (P = .087). Conclusions. Our positive findings provide evidence for the clinical use of technology-assisted balance and gait training in reducing falls in people with PD. © The Author(s) 2014.

Perceptions of genetic testing for personalized nutrition: a randomized trial of DNA-based dietary advice.

PubMed

Nielsen, Daiva E; Shih, Sarah; El-Sohemy, Ahmed

2014-01-01

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests have facilitated easy access to personal genetic information related to health and nutrition; however, consumer perceptions of the nutritional information provided by these tests have not been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to assess individual perceptions of personalized nutrition and genetic testing and to determine whether a personalized nutrition intervention modifies perceptions. A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted among healthy men and women aged 20-35 years (n = 138). Participants in the intervention group (n = 92) were given a report of DNA-based dietary advice and those in the control group (n = 46) were given a general dietary advice report. A survey was completed at baseline and 3 and 12 months after distributing the reports to assess perceptions between the two groups. No significant differences in perceptions of personalized nutrition and genetic testing were observed between the intervention and control group, so responses of both groups were combined. As compared to baseline, participant responses increased significantly toward the positive end of a Likert scale at 3 months for the statement 'I am interested in the relationship between diet and genetics' (mean change ± SD: 0.28 ± 0.99, p = 0.0002). The majority of participants indicated that a university research lab (47%) or health care professional (41%) were the best sources for obtaining accurate personal genetic information, while a DTC genetic testing company received the fewest selections (12%). Most participants (56%) considered dietitians to be the best source of personalized nutrition followed by medical doctors (27%), naturopaths (8%) and nurses (6%). These results suggest that perceptions of personalized nutrition changed over the course of the intervention. Individuals view a research lab or health care professional as better providers of genetic information than a DTC genetic testing company, and registered dietitians are considered to be the best providers of personalized nutrition advice. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

7 CFR 1219.12 - Hass avocado.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hass avocado. 1219.12 Section 1219.12 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Secretary, is so similar to the Hass variety avocado as to be indistinguishable to consumers in fresh form...

[Are journalists more frequently victims of stalking? Results of first empirical examinations].

PubMed

Dressing, H; Martini, M; Witthöft, M; Bailer, J; Gass, P

2007-12-01

The lifetime prevalence of stalking is about 12% in the general population. The risk to become a stalking victim is increased for psychiatrists and psychologists. However, there are no studies with regard to other professions. The present study analyses the lifetime prevalence of stalking victimization for journalists, because some professional tasks may also put members of this professional group at a higher risk to become a stalking victim. 493 journalists answered an internet questionnaire. 12% of the journalists reported stalking victimization due to private or other non-professional reasons. This is nearly exactly the same lifetime prevalence that was found in a German community sample. However, 2.2% of the journalists reported stalking victimization that was related to their professional work. This is the first empirical study on this issue. Due to methodological problems no other studies have been published on this topic so far. The reported data of this study have to be interpreted cautiously, because the data are not based on a representative sample. However, comparisons with community-based epidemiological studies render our data a valid basis for starting a discussion of a so far neglected research issue. Our preliminary data suggest that journalists may be at higher risk to become a stalking victim because of their professional activities. Since stalking may cause severe psychological distress in the victims and, in some cases, puts them in severe risk of aggressive violence, preventive strategies should be considered.

The dissimilar effect of diacylglycerols on Ca(2+)-induced phosphatidylserine vesicle fusion.

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Migallón, M P; Aranda, F J; Gómez-Fernández, J C

1995-01-01

We have studied the effect of physiological concentrations of different diacylglycerols on Ca(2+)-induced fusion between phosphatidylserine vesicles. We monitored vesicle fusion as mixing of membrane lipids under conditions where the limiting factor was the aggregation and also in conditions where this aggregation was not the limiting factor. We found that diacylglycerols have a different modulating effect on the Ca(2+)-induced fusion: i) depending on their interfacial conformation, so that 1,2-isomers of diacylglycerols containing unsaturated or short saturated acyl chains stimulated fusion and their 1,3-isomers did not, and ii) depending on their specific type of bilayer interior perturbation, so that diacylglycerols containing unsaturated or short chain saturated acyl chains stimulated fusion but those containing long-chain saturated acyl chains did not. These requirements resembled those required for the diacylglycerol activation of protein kinase C, suggesting that diacylglycerol acts in both the specific activation of this enzyme and the induction of membrane fusion through the same perturbation of lipid structure. We found that polylysine affected the stimulatory role of 1,2-dioleoylglycerol differently, depending on whether aggregation was the limiting factor of fusion. When we studied the effect of very low concentrations of diacylglycerols on the bulk structural properties of phosphatidylserine, we found that they neither significantly perturbed the thermotropic transitions of phosphatidylserine nor affected the interaction of Ca2+ with the phosphate group of phosphatidylserine. The underlying mechanism of fusion between phosphatidylserine vesicles is discussed. PMID:7696508

50 CFR 11.12 - Petition for relief.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., POSSESSION, TRANSPORTATION, SALE, PURCHASE, BARTER, EXPORTATION, AND IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND PLANTS CIVIL PROCEDURES Assessment Procedure § 11.12 Petition for relief. If the respondent so chooses he may ask that no...

50 CFR 11.12 - Petition for relief.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., POSSESSION, TRANSPORTATION, SALE, PURCHASE, BARTER, EXPORTATION, AND IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND PLANTS CIVIL PROCEDURES Assessment Procedure § 11.12 Petition for relief. If the respondent so chooses he may ask that no...

The Influence of Two Different Doses of Magnesium Sulfate on Intraocular Pressure Variations after Injection of Succinylcholine and Endotracheal Intubation: A Prospective, Randomized, Parallel Three-Arm, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Yassin, Hany Mahmoud; Abdel Moneim, Ahmed Tohamy; Mostafa Bayoumy, Ahmed Sherin; Bayoumy, Hasan Metwally; Taher, Sameh Galal

2017-01-01

The use of succinylcholine for rapid sequence induction in patients with open globe injuries may be detrimental to the eye. The aim of this study is to determine if the premedication with magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) could attenuate the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with succinylcholine injection and intubation. Operation theaters in a tertiary care University Hospital between December 2014 and July 215. This was a prospective, randomized, parallel three-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. One hundred and thirteen patients' physical status ASA Classes I and II underwent elective cataract surgery under general anesthesia. These patients allocated into three groups: Group C (control group) received 100 ml normal saline, Group M1 received 30 mg/kg MgSO 4 in 100 ml normal saline, and Group M2 received 50 mg/kg MgSO 4 in 100 ml normal saline. IOP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) reported at 5-time points related to study drug administration. In addition, any adverse effects related to MgSO 4 were recorded. Intragroup and between-groups differences were examined by analysis of variance test. We noticed a significant decrease in IOP in M1 ( n = 38) and M2 ( n = 37) groups as compared with C group ( n = 38) after study drugs infusion, 2 and 5 min after intubation, P < 0.001. While the difference between M1 and M2 groups was insignificant, P = 0.296 and P = 0.647, respectively. There was a significant decrease in MAP and HR in M1 and M2 groups as compared with C group 2 and 5 min after intubation, P = 0.01. While the difference between M1 and M2 groups was insignificant, P = 1. MgSO 4 30 mg/kg as well as 50 mg/kg effectively prevented the rise in IOP, MAP, and HR associated with rapid sequence induction by succinylcholine and endotracheal intubation.

Adsorption and desorption of SO2, NO and chlorobenzene on activated carbon.

PubMed

Li, Yuran; Guo, Yangyang; Zhu, Tingyu; Ding, Song

2016-05-01

Activated carbon (AC) is very effective for multi-pollutant removal; however, the complicated components in flue gas can influence each other's adsorption. A series of adsorption experiments for multicomponents, including SO2, NO, chlorobenzene and H2O, on AC were performed in a fixed-bed reactor. For single-component adsorption, the adsorption amount for chlorobenzene was larger than for SO2 and NO on the AC. In the multi-component atmosphere, the adsorption amount decreased by 27.6% for chlorobenzene and decreased by 95.6% for NO, whereas it increased by a factor of two for SO2, demonstrating that a complex atmosphere is unfavorable for chlorobenzene adsorption and inhibits NO adsorption. In contrast, it is very beneficial for SO2 adsorption. The temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) results indicated that the binding strength between the gas adsorbates and the AC follows the order of SO2>chlorobenzene > NO. The adsorption amount is independent of the binding strength. The presence of H2O enhanced the component effects, while it weakened the binding force between the gas adsorbates and the AC. AC oxygen functional groups were analyzed using TPD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The results reveal the reason why the chlorobenzene adsorption is less affected by the presence of other components. Lactone groups partly transform into carbonyl and quinone groups after chlorobenzene desorption. The chlorobenzene adsorption increases the number of C=O groups, which explains the positive effect of chlorobenzene on SO2 adsorption and the strong NO adsorption. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cervical vertebral maturation of female children with orofacial clefts.

PubMed

Sun, Ling; Li, Wei Ran

2013-09-01

Objective : To evaluate the skeletal maturation of girls with orofacial clefts using the cervical vertebral maturation method. Design : Case-control study. Setting : The School of Stomatology, Peking University. Patients : A total of 173 girls with cleft lip and/or palate from 8 to 16 years old were compared with 1038 age-matched girls without clefts. Results : In the 8- to 9-year-olds, most of the girls from both groups were in cervical stage 1. In the 14- to 15-year-olds and 15- to 16-year-olds, almost all the girls from both groups were in cervical stages 5 and 6, and most of the 15- to 16-year-old girls were in cervical stage 6. Differences existed in each year for 9- to 14-year-olds, which was confirmed by statistical analysis. After ordinal logistical regression of data from girls 9 to 14 years of age, girls of the same age in the non-cleft lip and/or palate group were associated with 1.559 times the odds of having achieved higher cervical stages than those in the cleft lip and/or palate group. Most girls without cleft lip and/or palate were in cervical stages 3 and 4 in the 11- to 12-year-olds; whereas, it was not so obvious in the girls with cleft lip and/or palate. By the age of 12, girls with cleft lip and/or palate had 2.667 times the risk of delayed cervical stage 3, and the 95% confidence interval for the odds ratio was 1.013 to 7.019. Conclusions : Girls with cleft lip and/or palate are at a higher risk of delayed pubertal growth.

[Home mechanical ventilation: dependency and burden of care in the home].

PubMed

Fernández-Alvarez, Ramón; Rubinos-Cuadrado, Gemma; Cabrera-Lacalzada, Cristina; Galindo-Morales, Rosa; Gullón-Blanco, José Antonio; González-Martín, Isidro

2009-08-01

While home mechanical ventilation (HMV) prolongs survival in selected groups of patients, its use is associated with progressive dependency in basic activities, and many users will require informal care in their homes. The workload assumed by the informal caregivers can have financial, physical, and psychological repercussions. Our objective was to study dependent patients on HMV, and to describe the impact of the situation on their caregivers. In November 2007, we undertook a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients in stable condition who had been receiving HMV for at least 6 months. Using the Katz index, we identified dependent patients (class C and higher). In this group we studied social and economic variables, comorbidity, and need for care. The Zarit interview was used to evaluate the caregiver burden. Of the 66 patients enrolled, 20 (30%) were dependent. The mean (SD) age in this group was 60 (12) years and 46% were women. These patients had been on HMV for a mean of 45 months, and 40% were using ventilatory support for over 12 hours per day. Care was provided by women in the majority of cases (77%), and 58% were sole caregivers. The mean age of these carers was 51 years, and 70% of them also worked outside the home. In 7 cases (35%), the caregiver scored over 40 on the Zarit index. One third of the patients required informal care in order to remain in their homes. Most of the caregivers were women, and one third were overburdened or were at risk of becoming so. Changes involving both physicians and the health authorities are needed to provide satisfactory care to this group of patients.

The differences in electrocardiogram interpretation in top-level athletes.

PubMed

Jakubiak, Agnieszka A; Burkhard-Jagodzińska, Krystyna; Król, Wojciech; Konopka, Marcin; Bursa, Dominik; Sitkowski, Dariusz; Kuch, Marek; Braksator, Wojciech

2017-01-01

The Ministry of Health in Poland recommends electrocardiogram (ECG)-based cardiovascular screening in athletes, but so far there has been a lack of guidelines on preparticipation assessment. We compared different criteria of ECG screening assessment in a group of top-level athletes. The aims were to evaluate the prevalence of ECG changes in athletes that necessitate further cardiological work-up according to three criteria in various age groups as well as to identify factors determining the occurrence of changes related and unrelated to the training. 262 high-dynamic, high-static Polish athletes (rowers, cyclists, canoeists) were divided into two age categories: young (≤ 18 years of age; n = 177, mean age 16.9 ± 0.8; 15-18 years) and elite (> 18 years of age; n = 85, mean age 22.9 ± 3.4; 19-34 years). All sports persons had a 12-lead ECG performed and evaluated according to 2010 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommendations, 2012 Seattle criteria, and 2014 Refined criteria. The Refined criteria reduced (p < 0.001) the number of training-unrelated ECG findings to 8.0% vs. 12.6% (Seattle criteria) and 30.5% (ESC recommendations). All three criteria revealed more training-related changes in the group of older athletes (76.5% vs. 55.9%, p = 0.001). Predictors that significantly (p < 0.005) affected the occurrence of adaptive changes were the age of the athlete, training duration (in years), and male gender. 1. The ESC criteria identified a group of athletes that was unacceptably large, as for the screening test, requiring verification with other methods (every fourth athlete). 2. The use of the Refined criteria helps to significantly reduce the frequency and necessity for additional tests. 3. The dependence of adaptive changes on training duration and athletes' age confirms the benign nature of those ECG findings.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of 4% Hydroquinone vs 0.75% Kojic Acid Cream in the Treatment of Facial Melasma.

PubMed

Monteiro, Rochelle C; Kishore, B Nanda; Bhat, Ramesh M; Sukumar, D; Martis, Jacintha; Ganesh, H Kamath

2013-03-01

Melasma is a common acquired cause of facial hyperpigmentation seen predominantly among females with significant psychological and social impact. It is often recalcitrant to treatment. Several topical hypopigmenting agents have been used to combat melasma. Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid are well established monotherapeutic agents for treating melasma. This study focuses mainly on the efficacy of once daily application of 4% Hydroquinone and 0.75% Kojic Acid cream (containing 0.75% Kojic acid and 2.5% vitamin C) so as to determine an effective modality of treatment for facial melasma. A total number of 60 patients with facial melasma attending the Out-patient department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore from Oct 2008-April 2010 were studied. Patients were allocated alternately to group A and group B. Group A patients received 4% Hydroquinone cream and group B patient received a Kojic Acid cream (which contained 0.75% Kojic acid and 2.5% vitamin C) and were advised to apply topically once daily at night. Patients were followed up on 4(th), 8(th) and 12(th) week. At each visit side effects were noted and clinical response to treatment was calculated using the MASI score. Chi square test, student 't' test. At the 4(th) week post treatment evaluation, facial hyperpigmentation responded early to 4% Hydroquinone cream than to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream. At the end of 12 week treatment period, 4% Hydroquinone cream had an overall superiority to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream as a topical hypopigmenting agent. The results of the study show that 4% Hydroquinone cream is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.

Evaluation of the net energy value of glucose (cerelose) and maize starch in diets for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

PubMed

Hilton, J W; Atkinson, J L; Slinger, S J

1987-11-01

1. Quadruplicate groups of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) (mean body-weight 24.9 g) were reared on six dietary treatments (practical-type diets) in a modified paired-feeding experiment for 12 weeks at 15 degrees to determine the net energy (NE) value of starch and glucose to rainbow trout. 2. Three test diets were prepared to contain (g/kg): 0 supplemented carbohydrate (diet 1), 250 maize starch (diet 2) and 250 glucose (diet 3) and were given ad lib. to the trout with the feeding rate of the glucose- and starch-fed groups being monitored after each feeding. The remaining three treatments involved controlled feeding of the trout with diet 1 at 75% of the feed intake of trout reared on diets 2 and 3, so as to provide the same levels of protein and lipids without carbohydrate, and with diet 2 at 100% of the feed intake of trout reared on diet 3. 3. The difference in the final carcass energy of the ad lib.-fed group and the respective controlled-fed group divided by the amount of dietary glucose or starch energy consumed by the trout is the NE value for that carbohydrate. 4. The determined NE value of glucose was 3.99 kJ/g and starch 2.17 kJ/g, which is 24.6 and 12.6% respectively of the gross energy values of these carbohydrates in rainbow trout. 5. The results indicate that digestible energy and calculated metabolizable energy values for carbohydrates in rainbow trout overestimate the utilizable energy content of the diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of a trampoline exercise intervention on motor performance and balance ability of children with intellectual disabilities.

PubMed

Giagazoglou, Paraskevi; Kokaridas, Dimitrios; Sidiropoulou, Maria; Patsiaouras, Asterios; Karra, Chrisanthi; Neofotistou, Konstantina

2013-09-01

Balance and motor impairments are most evident among inactive individuals with ID that might be particularly susceptible to a loss of basic functioning and further limit the person's autonomy in activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a 12-week trampoline exercise intervention program on motor and balance ability of school aged children with intellectual disability (ID). Eighteen healthy schools aged children (mean age=10.3 ± 1.6 years) with moderate ID were assigned either to an experimental group (n=9) or a control group (n=9). The experiment group attended a 12 weeks trampoline training intervention program consisting of daily individualized 20-min sessions, while the control group followed the regular school schedule. Balance was assessed using three tasks of increased difficulty (double-leg stance with eyes opened or closed, and one-leg stance with eyes opened) performed while standing on an electronic pressure platform (EPS). Motor performance of all participants was tested using sit and reach test and long and vertical jump tests all derived from the Eurofit Test Battery of physical fitness. Trampoline intervention resulted in significant improvements of participants' performance in all motor and balance tests. In conclusion, trampoline training can be an effective intervention for improving functional outcomes and can be recommended as an alternative mode of physical activity programming for improving balance and motor performance. Furthermore, it also supports the idea that individuals with ID require enjoyable and interesting intervention programs such as the trampoline program used in this study so as to remain active and consequently to facilitate their overall development and promote a more active and healthier way of life. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stereochemical and electronic control of M-SO/sub 2/ bonding geometry in d/sup 6/ molybdenum and tungsten SO/sub 2/ complexes: novel n/sup 1/reverse arrown/sup 2/ SO/sub 2/ linkage isomerization in Mo(CO)/sub 2/(PPh/sub 3/)/sub 2/(CNR)(SO/sub 2/) and structures of Mo(CO)/sub 3/(P-i-Pr/sub 3/)/sub 2/(SO/sub 2/) and (Mo(CO)/sub 2/(py)(PPh/sub 3/)(. mu. -SO/sub 2/))/sub 2/

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

Kubas, G.J.; Jarvinen, G.D.; Ryan, R.R.

1983-04-06

New complexes, mer,trans,M(CO)/sub 3/(PR/sub 3/)/sub 2/(SO/sub 2/) (M = Mo,W; R = Ph,Cy,i-Pr) (I), cis,trans-Mo(CO)/sub 2/-(PPh/sub 3/)/sub 2/(SO/sub 2/)(L) (L = NCMe,py,CNCy,CN-t-Bu and CN(p-tolyl))(II), and (Mo(CO)/sub 2/(py)(PPh/sub 3/)(..mu..-SO/sub 2/))/sub 2/, have been prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, /sup 17/O and /sup 31/P NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Syntheses for fac-Mo(CO)/sub 3/(n/sup 2/-SO/sub 2/)(LL) (LL = dppe,bpy,phen,2 py) have also been developed. Depending upon L, II has been found to coordinate SO/sub 2/ either in the S-bonded (n/sup 1/ planar) or O,S-bonded (n/sup 2/) geometries. Remarkably, for L = CNCy or CN-t-Bu, II has been found to contain, in themore » solid state, an apparent equimixture of both coordination types. Isomerization of fac-M(CO)/sub 3/(dppe)(n/sup 2/-SO/sub 2/) (M=Mo,w; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) to an n/sup 1/-planar SO/sub 2/ form, mer-M(CO)/sub 3/(dppe)(SO/sub 2/), has also been found to occur. Thus, control of the SO/sub 2/ coordination geometry has been achieved by varying either the electronic properties of the ancillary ligands or their disposition with respect to the SO/sub 2/. The X-ray crystal structure of mer,trans-Mo(CO)/sub 3/(P-i-Pr/sub 3/)/sub 2/(SO/sub 2/) revealed n/sup 1/-planar SO/sub 2/ binding, the first example of this geometry for group 6 metals. The M-S distance, 2.239 (3) angstrom, is the longest such distance for this geometry recorded to date. Crystal data: Pbca, Z=8, a=24.712(8) angstrom, b=16.033(6) angstrom, c=14.058(5) angstrom, R=0.079 for 2934 reflections with Igreater than or equal to2sigma(I). The structure of (Mo(CO)/sub 2/(py)(PPh/sub 3/)(..mu..-SO/sub 2/))/sub 2/ showed a novel SO/sub 2/ bridging geometry in which all three atoms of SO/sub 2/ are metal coordinated. Crystal data: P1, Z=1, a=14.883(4) angstrom, b=9.264(2) angstrom, c=10.808(2) angstrom, R=0.039 for 3282 reflections with Igreater than or equal to2sigma(I).« less

[Evaluating fatigue resistance effect of health food by near-infrared tissue oximeter].

PubMed

Wu, Jian; Ding, Hai-shu; Ye, Da-tian

2009-09-01

Currently, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) seriously affects people's normal living and work. In the present paper, the physiological parameters, such as tissue oxygenation saturation and heart rate, were used to evaluate the subjects' fatigue degree, and the fatigue resistance capsule and coffee were taken as a measure to adjust the fatigue. Human tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) can be monitored noninvasively and in real time by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) based on spatially-resolved spectroscopy. Aiming at those brainworkers who need to work in an office for a long time; two static experiments were designed to evaluate the fatigue degree of the subjects who either take the fatigue resistance capsules/coffee or not. The rSO2 and heart rate (HR) of the subjects in the experiment group and contrast group were measured respectively for fatigue evaluation. This work particularly analyzed the changes in rSO2 in these two groups. The results show that the rSO2 of subjects in the experiment group evidently increased compared to that in the contrast group when the subjects took the fatigue resistance capsule or coffee, thereby show that the health food can reduce the fatigue to a certain extent.

Effect of dissolved oxygen tension and agitation rates on sulfur-utilizing autotrophic denitrification: batch tests.

PubMed

Qambrani, Naveed Ahmed; Oh, Sang-Eun

2013-01-01

The effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) and agitation rate in open and closed reactors was examined for sulfur-utilizing autotrophic denitrification. The reaction rate constants were determined based on a half-order kinetic model. Declining denitrification rate constants obtained for open reactors those of 8.46, 8.03, and 2.18 for 50 mg NO(3) (-)-N/L, while 11.12, 9.14, and 0.12 mg(1/2)/L(1/2) h were for 100 mg NO(3) (-)-N/L at agitation speeds of 0, 100, and 200 rpm. In closed reactors, the ever-increasing denitrification rates were 10.13, 22.56, and 37.03, whereas for the same nitrate concentrations and speeds the rates were 13.17, 15.63, and 26.67 mg(1/2)/L(1/2) h. The rate constants correlated well (r ( 2 ) = 0.89-0.99) with a half-order kinetic model. In open reactors, high SO(4) (2-)/N ratios (8.02-75.10) while in closed reactors comparatively low SO(4) (2-)/N ratios (6.10-13.39) were obtained. Sulfur oxidation occurred continuously in the presence of DO, resulting in mixed cultures acclimated to sulfur and nitrate. SO(4) (2-) was produced as an end product, which reduced alkalinity and lowered pH over time. Furthermore, DO inhibited sulfur denitrification in open reactors, while agitation in closed reactors increased the rate of denitrification.

[Associations of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function with plasma glucose level in type 2 diabetes].

PubMed

Nian, Xiaoping; Sun, Gaisheng; Dou, Chunmei; Hou, Hongbo; Fan, Xiuping; Yu, Hongmei; Ma, Ling; He, Bingxian

2002-06-10

To investigate the influence of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function on plasma glucose level in type 2 diabetes so as to provide theoretical basis for reasonable selection of hypoglycemic agents. The plasma non-specific insulin (NSINS), true insulin (TI) and glucose in eight-one type 2 diabetics, 38 males and 43 females, with a mean age of 53 years, were examined 0, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after they had 75 grams of instant noodles. The patients were divided into two groups according to their fasting plasma glucose (FPG): group A (FPG < 8.89 mmol/L) and group B (FPG> = 8.89 mmol/L). The insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-IR, the beta-cell function was evaluated by HOMA-beta formula and the formula deltaI(30)/deltaG(30) = (deltaI(30)-deltaI(0))/(deltaG(30)-deltaG(0)). The insulin area under curve (INSAUC) was evaluated by the formula INSAUC=FINS/2+INS(30)+INS(60)+INS(120)/2. The mean FPG was 6.23 mmol/L in group A and 12.6 mmol/L in group B. PG2H was 11.7 mmol/L in group A and 19.2 mmol/L in group B. The TI levels in group B at 0, 30, 60, 120 min during standard meal test were significantly higher than those in group A: 6.15 +/- 1.06 vs 4.77 +/- 1.06, 9.76 +/- 1.1 vs 5.88 +/- 1.1,14.68 +/- 1.11 vs 6.87 +/- 1.1 and 17.13 +/- 1.12 vs 8.0 +/- 1.1 microU/dl (all P< 0.01). The NSINS showed the same trend. The insulin resistance in group B was 1.5 times that in group A. With the insulin resistance adjusted, the beta cell function in group A was 5 to 6 times that in group B. The INSAUC in group A was 1.66 times larger than that in group B, especially the INSAUC for true insulin (2 times larger). The contribution of insulin resistance and beta cell function to PG2H was half by half in group A and 1:8 in group B. beta cell function calculated by insulin (Homa-beta) explained 41% of the plasma glucose changes in group A and 54% of the plasma glucose changes in group B. The contribution of insulin deficiency to plasma glocose was 3.3.times that of insulin resistance in group A and was 9.5 times that of insulin resistance in group B. Insulin sensitivity explained 12% of the plasma glucose changes in group A, and only 5.7% of the plasma glucose changes in group B. Diabetics with FPG greater than 8.89 mmol/L have both higher insulin resistance and poorer beta-cell function, their hyperglycemia being caused mainly by beta-cell failure, The combined use of insulin sensitizer and insulin or insulintropic agents during the initial stage of treatment is effective.

Increased Endogenous Sulfur Dioxide Involved in the Pathogenesis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Children: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Li, Hong-Xia; Zheng, Xiao-Chun; Chen, Si-Yao; Liao, Ying; Han, Zhen-Hui; Huang, Pan; Sun, Chu-Fan; Liu, Jia; Song, Jing-Yuan; Tang, Chao-Shu; Du, Jun-Bao; Chen, Yong-Hong; Jin, Hong-Fang

2018-02-20

The pathogenesis of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the changes and significance of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) in patients with POTS. The study included 31 children with POTS and 27 healthy children from Peking University First Hospital between December 2013 and October 2015. A detailed medical history, physical examination results, and demographic characteristics were collected. Hemodynamics was recorded and the plasma SO 2 was determined. The plasma SO 2 was significantly higher in POTS children compared to healthy children (64.0 ± 20.8 μmol/L vs. 27.2 ± 9.6 μmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). The symptom scores in POTS were positively correlated with plasma SO 2 levels (r = 0.398, P < 0.05). In all the study participants, the maximum heart rate (HR) was positively correlated with plasma levels of SO 2 (r = 0.679, P < 0.01). The change in systolic blood pressure from the supine to upright (ΔSBP) in POTS group was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The ΔSBP was negatively correlated with baseline plasma SO 2 levels in all participants (r = -0.28, P < 0.05). In the control group, ΔSBP was positively correlated with the plasma levels of SO 2 (r = 0.487, P < 0.01). The change in HR from the supine to upright in POTS was obvious compared to that of the control group. The area under curve was 0.967 (95% confidence interval: 0.928-1.000), and the cutoff value of plasma SO 2 level >38.17 μmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 92.6% for predicting the diagnosis of POTS. Increased endogenous SO 2 levels might be involved in the pathogenesis of POTS.

Improving excellence in scoliosis rehabilitation: a controlled study of matched pairs.

PubMed

Weiss, H-R; Klein, R

2006-01-01

Physiotherapy programmes so far mainly address the lateral deformity of scoliosis, a few aim at the correction of rotation and only very few address the sagittal profile. Meanwhile, there is evidence that correction forces applied in the sagittal plane are also able to correct the scoliotic deformity in the coronal and frontal planes. So it should be possible to improve excellence in scoliosis rehabilitation by the implementation of exercises to correct the sagittal deformity in scoliosis patients. An exercise programme (physio-logic exercises) aiming at a physiologic sagittal profile was developed to add to the programme applied at the centre or to replace certain exercises or exercising positions. To test the hypothesis that physio-logic exercises improve the outcome of Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (SIR), the following study design was chosen: Prospective controlled trial of pairs of patients with idiopathic scoliosis matched by sex, age, Cobb angle and curve pattern. There were 18 patients in the treatment group (SIR + physio-logic exercises) and 18 patients in the control group (SIR only), all in matched pairs. Average Cobb angle in the treatment group was 34.5 degrees (SD 7.8) Cobb angle in the control group was 31.6 degrees (SD 5.8). Age in the treatment group was at average 15.3 years (SD 1.1) and in the control group 14.7 years (SD 1.3). Thirteen of the 18 patients in either group had a brace. Outcome parameter: average lateral deviation (mm), average surface rotation ( degrees ) and maximum Kyphosis angle ( degrees ) as evaluated with the help of surface topography (Formetric-system). Lateral deviation (mm) decreased significantly after the performance of the physio-logic programme and highly significantly in the physio-logic ADL posture; however, it was not significant after completion of the whole rehabilitation programme (2.3 vs 0.3 mm in the controls). Surface rotation improved at average 1.2 degrees in the treatment group and 0.8 degrees in the controls while Kyphosis angle did not improve in both groups. The physio-logic programme has to be regarded as a useful 'add on' to Scoliosis Rehabilitation with regards to the lateral deviation of the scoliotic trunk. A longitudinal controlled study is necessary to evaluate the long-term effect of the the physio-logic programme also with the help of X-rays.

Randomised Clinical Efficacy Trial of Topiramate and Nitrazepam in Treatment of Infantile Spasms

PubMed Central

FALLAH, Razieh; SALOR, Fahimah; AKHAVAN KARBASI, Sedighah; MOTAGHIPISHEH, Hadi

2014-01-01

Objective Infantile spasms (IS) are among the most catastrophic epileptic syndromes of infancy. The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of topiramate (TPM) and nitrazepam (NZP) as first-line drugs in the treatment of IS. Materials & Methods In a parallel single-blinded randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with IS referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, were evaluated from September 2008 to March 2010. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups to be treated with TPM or with NZP for 6 months. The primary endpoint was efficacy in cessation of all spasms or reduction of more than 50% in weekly seizure frequency, which was evaluated before and 6 months after the drug use. Secondary outcome was clinical sideeffects of the drugs. Results Twenty boys (40%) and 30 girls (60%) with the mean age of 9.4±3.8 months were evaluated. Cessation of all spasms occurred in 12 (48%) infants in TPM group and 4(16%) in NZP group. Eight (32%) children in TPM group and 7 (28%) in NZP group had more than 50% reduction in spasms frequency. So, TPM was more effective. Side effects were seen in 32% of TPM and in 36% of NZP groups. Conclusion Topiramate is an effective and safe drug, which might be considered as the firstline drug for the treatment of ISs. PMID:24665322

Explaining Behavior Change after Genetic Testing: The Problem of Collinearity between Test Results and Risk Estimates

PubMed Central

Fanshawe, Thomas R.; Prevost, A. Toby; Roberts, J. Scott; Green, Robert C.; Armstrong, David; Marteau, Theresa M.

2010-01-01

This paper explores whether and how the behavioral impact of genotype disclosure can be disentangled from the impact of numerical risk estimates generated by genetic tests. Secondary data analyses are presented from a randomized controlled trial of 162 first-degree relatives of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Each participant received a lifetime risk estimate of AD. Control group estimates were based on age, gender, family history, and assumed ε4-negative apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype; intervention group estimates were based upon the first three variables plus true APOE genotype, which was also disclosed. AD-specific self-reported behavior change (diet, exercise, and medication use) was assessed at 12 months. Behavior change was significantly more likely with increasing risk estimates, and also more likely, but not significantly so, in ε4-positive intervention group participants (53% changed behavior) than in control group participants (31%). Intervention group participants receiving ε4-negative genotype feedback (24% changed behavior) and control group participants had similar rates of behavior change and risk estimates, the latter allowing assessment of the independent effects of genotype disclosure. However, collinearity between risk estimates and ε4-positive genotypes, which engender high-risk estimates, prevented assessment of the independent effect of the disclosure of an ε4 genotype. Novel study designs are proposed to determine whether genotype disclosure has an impact upon behavior beyond that of numerical risk estimates. PMID:18666860

Explaining behavior change after genetic testing: the problem of collinearity between test results and risk estimates.

PubMed

Fanshawe, Thomas R; Prevost, A Toby; Roberts, J Scott; Green, Robert C; Armstrong, David; Marteau, Theresa M

2008-09-01

This paper explores whether and how the behavioral impact of genotype disclosure can be disentangled from the impact of numerical risk estimates generated by genetic tests. Secondary data analyses are presented from a randomized controlled trial of 162 first-degree relatives of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Each participant received a lifetime risk estimate of AD. Control group estimates were based on age, gender, family history, and assumed epsilon4-negative apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype; intervention group estimates were based upon the first three variables plus true APOE genotype, which was also disclosed. AD-specific self-reported behavior change (diet, exercise, and medication use) was assessed at 12 months. Behavior change was significantly more likely with increasing risk estimates, and also more likely, but not significantly so, in epsilon4-positive intervention group participants (53% changed behavior) than in control group participants (31%). Intervention group participants receiving epsilon4-negative genotype feedback (24% changed behavior) and control group participants had similar rates of behavior change and risk estimates, the latter allowing assessment of the independent effects of genotype disclosure. However, collinearity between risk estimates and epsilon4-positive genotypes, which engender high-risk estimates, prevented assessment of the independent effect of the disclosure of an epsilon4 genotype. Novel study designs are proposed to determine whether genotype disclosure has an impact upon behavior beyond that of numerical risk estimates.

Caries Risk Assessment of 12-13-year-old Government and Private School Going Children of Mysore City Using Cariogram: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Naik, Sandhya P; Moyin, Shabna; Patel, Bhakti; Warad, Lata Prabhu; Punathil, Sameer; Sudeep, C B

2018-01-01

The aim of this study is to assess the caries risk assessment of 12-13-year-old government and private school going children of Mysore city using Cariogram. A cross-sectional examination was carried out on a total of 104 government and private schoolchildren aged 12-13 years. Ten factors from the Cariogram software(D Bratthall, Computer software, Malmo, Sweden) were included from study participant's records to complete the Cariogram. The percentage of "chances of avoiding new lesions" (caries risk) among government and private school study participants were obtained from Cariogram, and the participants were classified into five risk groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the software program Statistical Package of Social Science (version 17.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago IL, USA). Findings revealed that there is slight difference in caries risk among government and private schoolchildren, where 48% caries risk development and 52% chance to avoid dental caries were showed in government schoolchildren, and 51% caries risk development and 49% chance to avoid dental caries were showed in private schoolchildren, according to Cariogram. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth component, mutans streptococci, and Lactobacillus counts were slightly higher in private schoolchildren compared with government schoolchildren. The private schoolchildren had less favorable values than government schoolchildren for most of the caries-related factors. Cariogram can be the most modest and reliable tool for caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive strategies can be provided to overcome new carious lesion formation.

The usability of allele-specific PCR and reverse-hybridization assays for KRAS genotyping in Serbian colorectal cancer patients.

PubMed

Brotto, Ksenija; Malisic, Emina; Cavic, Milena; Krivokuca, Ana; Jankovic, Radmila

2013-04-01

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) with wild-type KRAS respond to EGFR-targeted antibody treatment. Analysis of the hotspot clustered mutations in codons 12 and 13 is compulsory before therapy and no standardized methodology for that purpose has been established so far. Since these mutations may have different biological effects and clinical outcome, reliable frequency and types of KRAS mutations need to be determined for individual therapy. The purpose of this study was to describe the KRAS mutation spectrum in a group of 481 Serbian mCRC patients and to compare the general performances of allele-specific PCR and reverse-hybridization assays. KRAS testing was performed with two diagnostic analyses, DxS TheraScreen K-RAS PCR Kit and KRAS StripAssay™. KRAS mutations in codons 12 and 13 were present in 37.6 % of analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA samples. The seven most frequent mutation types were observed with both assays: p.G12D 34.6 %, p.G12V 24.9 %, p.G12A 10.3 %, p.G12C 8.1 %, p.G12S 5.4 %, p.G12R 1.6 %, and p.G13D 15.1 %. Regarding double mutants, 0.8 % of them were present among all tested samples and 2.2 % among KRAS mutated ones. Two screening approaches that were used in this study have been shown as suitable tests for detecting KRAS mutations in diagnostic settings. In addition, they appear to be good alternatives to methods presently in use. In our experience, both methods showed capacity to detect and identify double mutations which may be important for potential further subgrouping of CRC patients.

Effect of metformin and rosiglitazone on lipid metabolism in HIV infected patients receiving protease inhibitor containing HAART.

PubMed

Tomazic, Janez; Karner, Primoz; Vidmar, Ludvik; Maticic, Mojca; Sharma, Prem M; Janez, Andrej

2005-09-01

Insulin resistance may be the primary event in the protease inhibitor-associated metabolic syndrome. Treatment with insulin sensitizers (metformin, rosiglitazone) can ameliorate insulin resistance. So far, the effects of these agents on blood lipids have not been well determined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone treatment on lipid metabolism in HIV infected patients receiving protease inhibitors containing HAART. HIV infected male patients (>18 years) were eligible for the study if they had impaired glucose tolerance with insulin resistance, characterized by fasting insulin concentration greater then 20 mIU/L and if they were on stable antiretroviral therapy regimen including a protease inhibitor for at least 12 months prior to the study enrolment. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1g/day metformin (metformin group, n=30) or 4 mg/day rosiglitazone maleate (rosiglitazone group, n=30) or no treatment (control group, n=30). The primary efficacy parameters were fasting plasma lipids, glucose levels and fasting insulin levels compared between baseline and week 48, by treatment groups. The total cholesterol concentration in rosiglitazone group increased from 5.76 -/+1.2 to 7.1-/+1.6 mmol/l (23% increase, p<0.05), HDL levels increased from 0.91-/+0.44 to 1.3-/+0.2 (38% increase, p<0.01) and LDL levels increased from 3.5-/+0.98 to 4.5-/+1.0 (28% increase, p<0.05). Treatment with metformin had no significant effect on total, HDL and LDL cholesterol. After 48 weeks of treatment, the fasting triglycerides concentration in the metformin group declined from 4.1-/+1.6 to 3.2-/+1.3 mmol/l (22% decrease,p<0.05) but in the rosiglitazone group no statistically significant effect on plasma triglycerides was noted. Furthermore, after 48 weeks of treatment the fasting insulin concentration in the rosiglitazone group declined by 49% and in the metformin group by 28%. This improvement in insulin secretion could be clearly demonstrated when the sums of insulin concentrations after oral glucose tolerance test were compared: 548-/+13 to 345-/+11.8 mIU/l in the rosiglitazone group (37% decrease, p<0.01) and from 552-/+15 to 420-/+12 mIU/l in the metformin group (24% decrease, p<0.01). The study demonstrates that both therapies improve insulin resistance. However, treatment with metformin has no effect on total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, but significantly reduces triglycerides, which has beneficial effect on the lipid status in these patients. Rosiglitazone causes significant increases in total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, but has no effect on triglycerides concentrations.

7 CFR 407.12 - Group risk plan for cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Group risk plan for cotton. 407.12 Section 407.12..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GROUP RISK PLAN OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS § 407.12 Group risk plan for cotton. The provisions of the Group Risk Plan for Cotton for the 2000 and succeeding crop years are as follows: 1...

7 CFR 407.12 - Group risk plan for cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Group risk plan for cotton. 407.12 Section 407.12..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GROUP RISK PLAN OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS § 407.12 Group risk plan for cotton. The provisions of the Group Risk Plan for Cotton for the 2000 and succeeding crop years are as follows: 1...

7 CFR 407.12 - Group risk plan for cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Group risk plan for cotton. 407.12 Section 407.12..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GROUP RISK PLAN OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS § 407.12 Group risk plan for cotton. The provisions of the Group Risk Plan for Cotton for the 2000 and succeeding crop years are as follows: 1...

7 CFR 407.12 - Group risk plan for cotton.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Group risk plan for cotton. 407.12 Section 407.12..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GROUP RISK PLAN OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS § 407.12 Group risk plan for cotton. The provisions of the Group Risk Plan for Cotton for the 2000 and succeeding crop years are as follows: 1...

The effect of peer support on breast-feeding duration among primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Dennis, Cindy-Lee; Hodnett, Ellen; Gallop, Ruth; Chalmers, Beverley

2002-01-08

Most mothers stop breast-feeding before the recommended 6 months post partum. A systematic review showed that breast-feeding support programs by health care professionals did not substantially improve breast-feeding outcomes beyond 2 months post partum. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of peer (mother-to-mother) support on breast-feeding duration among first-time breast-feeding mothers. We recruited 256 breast-feeding mothers from 2 semi-urban community hospitals near Toronto and randomly assigned them to a control group (conventional care) or a peer support group (conventional care plus telephone-based support, initiated within 48 hours after hospital discharge, from a woman experienced with breast-feeding who attended a 2.5-hour orientation session). Follow-up of breast-feeding duration, maternal satisfaction with infant feeding method and perceptions of peer support received was conducted at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post partum. Significantly more mothers in the peer support group than in the control group continued to breast-feed at 3 months post partum (81.1% v. 66.9%, p = 0.01) and did so exclusively (56.8% v. 40.3%, p = 0.01). Breast-feeding rates at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post partum were 92.4%, 84.8% and 81.1% respectively among the mothers in the peer support group, as compared with 83.9%, 75.0% and 66.9% among those in the control group (p < or = 0.05 for all time periods). The corresponding relative risks were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.72) at 4 weeks, 1.13 (95% CI 1.00-1.28) at 8 weeks and 1.21 (95% CI 1.04-1.41) at 12 weeks post partum. In addition, when asked for an overall rating of their feeding experience, significantly fewer mothers in the peer support group than in the control group were dissatisfied (1.5% v. 10.5%) (p = 0.02). Of the 130 mothers who evaluated the peer support intervention, 81.6% were satisfied with their peer volunteer experience and 100% felt that all new breast-feeding mothers should be offered this peer support intervention. The telephone-based peer support intervention was effective in maintaining breast-feeding to 3 months post partum and improving satisfaction with the infant feeding experience. The high satisfaction with and acceptance of the intervention indicates that breast-feeding peer support programs, in conjunction with professional health services, are effective.

The effect of peer support on breast-feeding duration among primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Dennis, Cindy-Lee; Hodnett, Ellen; Gallop, Ruth; Chalmers, Beverley

2002-01-01

Background Most mothers stop breast-feeding before the recommended 6 months post partum. A systematic review showed that breast-feeding support programs by health care professionals did not substantially improve breast-feeding outcomes beyond 2 months post partum. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of peer (mother-to-mother) support on breast-feeding duration among first-time breast-feeding mothers. Methods We recruited 256 breast-feeding mothers from 2 semi-urban community hospitals near Toronto and randomly assigned them to a control group (conventional care) or a peer support group (conventional care plus telephone-based support, initiated within 48 hours after hospital discharge, from a woman experienced with breast-feeding who attended a 2.5-hour orientation session). Follow-up of breast-feeding duration, maternal satisfaction with infant feeding method and perceptions of peer support received was conducted at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post partum. Results Significantly more mothers in the peer support group than in the control group continued to breast-feed at 3 months post partum (81.1% v. 66.9%, p = 0.01) and did so exclusively (56.8% v. 40.3%, p = 0.01). Breast-feeding rates at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post partum were 92.4%, 84.8% and 81.1% respectively among the mothers in the peer support group, as compared with 83.9%, 75.0% and 66.9% among those in the control group (p ≤ 0.05 for all time periods). The corresponding relative risks were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.72) at 4 weeks, 1.13 (95% CI 1.00–1.28) at 8 weeks and 1.21 (95% CI 1.04–1.41) at 12 weeks post partum. In addition, when asked for an overall rating of their feeding experience, significantly fewer mothers in the peer support group than in the control group were dissatisfied (1.5% v. 10.5%) (p = 0.02). Of the 130 mothers who evaluated the peer support intervention, 81.6% were satisfied with their peer volunteer experience and 100% felt that all new breast-feeding mothers should be offered this peer support intervention. Interpretation The telephone-based peer support intervention was effective in maintaining breast-feeding to 3 months post partum and improving satisfaction with the infant feeding experience. The high satisfaction with and acceptance of the intervention indicates that breast-feeding peer support programs, in conjunction with professional health services, are effective. PMID:11800243

K-12 Education Nonprofit Employees' Perceptions of Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Employees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byrne, Tara Marie

2013-01-01

This qualitative study explored the key reasons individuals who work in K-12 education nonprofit organizations enter the field of K-12 nonprofit education and their motivations for doing so. The purpose of this study was to find new strategies for recruiting and retaining K-12 education nonprofit employees by examining the obstacles that exist to…

East German children's and adolescents' friendship and moral reasoning before and after German reunification.

PubMed

Gummerum, Michaela; Keller, Monika

2012-01-01

Few studies so far have investigated whether abrupt social changes in a society affect the development of friendship and moral reasoning. In this study, 2 cohorts of 188 East German children and adolescents (aged 7, 9, 12, and 15 years) were interviewed in 1990 and 2005. Participants were asked about the importance of close friendship (friendship concept) as well as their moral decisions and reasoning in a friendship dilemma. Overall, results show that in 2005, East German participants referred to normative and interpersonal-altruistic-empathic concerns significantly more often than participants interviewed in 1990. Reference to relationship concerns decreased from 1990 to 2005. With few exceptions, these cohort effects were equally found in younger (children) and older (adolescents) age groups.

Goal perspectives and sport participation motivation of Special Olympians and typically developing athletes.

PubMed

Hutzler, Yeshayahu; Oz, Mali; Barak, Sharon

2013-07-01

Based on social-learning and self-determination motivational theories, the purpose of this study was to determine the sources of motivation in youth and young adults with intellectual disability (ID) who participate in Special Olympics (SO) competitions and those of typically developed (TD) age- and activity-matched athletes. A convenience sample of 63 SO (25 females and 38 males) and 59 TD (16 females and 43 males) athletes was retrieved through communication with local club coaches. Three sub-groups of SO athletes were identified based on disability, including non specified intellectual disability (NSID=39), Down syndrome (DS=17), and Autism (Aut=7). Mean SO and TD athlete ages were 20.35 (SD=7) and 18.8 (SD=8), respectively. For analysis purposes four age groups were created (<15, 15-17, 18-20, >20 years). Participants completed the 13-item, two-factor Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) and a 16-item four-factor abridged version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS). SO and TD athletes were active in swimming (54 and 48, respectively) and basketball (9 and 11, respectively). Groups with and without ID were compared by means of t-tests in the dichotomized variables gender and activity, as well as by 1-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc comparisons across disability and age groups. Gender distribution was the same in both groups. Participants with DS and NSID scored significantly higher than TD athletes in most motivational scales. Participants with ID increased their external motivation with increasing age, while a reversed pattern was observed in TD. In summary, significant differences between motivational patterns of SO athletes with ID and TD athletes can be observed. These differences should be considered when developing training and competition programs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SDG Fermion-Pair Algebraic SO(12) and Sp(10) Models and Their Boson Realizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navratil, P.; Geyer, H. B.; Dobes, J.; Dobaczewski, J.

1995-11-01

It is shown how the boson mapping formalism may be applied as a useful many-body tool to solve a fermion problem. This is done in the context of generalized Ginocchio models for which we introduce S-, D-, and G-pairs of fermions and subsequently construct the sdg-boson realizations of the generalized Dyson type. The constructed SO(12) and Sp(10) fermion models are solved beyond the explicit symmetry limits. Phase transitions to rotational structures are obtained also in situations where there is no underlying SU(3) symmetry.

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

Williams, S.N.; Schaefer, S.J.; Calvache V., M.L.

Global emission of carbon dioxide by subaerial volcanoes is calculated, using CO{sub 2}/SO{sub 2} from volcanic gas analyses and SO{sub 2} flux, to be 34 {plus minus} 24 {times} 10{sup 12} g CO{sub 2}/yr from passive degassing and 31 {plus minus} 22 {times} 10{sup 12} g CO{sub 2}/yr from eruptions. Volcanic CO{sub 2} presently represents only 0.22% of anthropogenic emissions but may have contributed to significant greenhouse' effects at times in Earth history. Models of climate response to CO{sub 2} increases may be tested against geological data.

Incorporation of Alkylamine into Metal-Organic Frameworks through a Brønsted Acid-Base Reaction for CO2 Capture.

PubMed

Li, Hao; Wang, Kecheng; Feng, Dawei; Chen, Ying-Pin; Verdegaal, Wolfgang; Zhou, Hong-Cai

2016-10-06

The escalating atmospheric CO 2 concentration is one of the most urgent environmental concerns of our age. To effectively capture CO 2 , various materials have been studied. Among them, alkylamine-modified metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered to be promising candidates. In most cases, alkylamine molecules are integrated into MOFs through the coordination bonds formed between open metal sites (OMSs) and amine groups. Thus, the alkylamine density, as well as the corresponding CO 2 uptake in MOFs, are severely restricted by the density of OMSs. To overcome this limit, other approaches to incorporating alkylamine into MOFs are highly desired. We have developed a new method based on Brønsted acid-base reaction to tether alkylamines into Cr-MIL-101-SO 3 H for CO 2 capture. A systematic optimization of the amine tethering process was also conducted to maximize the CO 2 uptake of the modified MOF. Under the optimal amine tethering condition, the obtained tris(2-aminoethyl)amine-functionalized Cr-MIL-101-SO 3 H (Cr-MIL-101-SO 3 H-TAEA) has a cyclic CO 2 uptake of 2.28 mmol g -1 at 150 mbar and 40 °C, and 1.12 mmol g -1 at 0.4 mbar and 20 °C. The low-cost starting materials and simple synthetic procedure for the preparation of Cr-MIL-101-SO 3 H-TAEA suggest that it has the potential for large-scale production and practical applications. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Infrared spectra of the ammonium ion in ammonium hexavanadate (NH 4) 2V 6O 16

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Waal, D.; Heyns, A. M.; Range, K.-J.; Eglmeier, C.

The infrared bands of the NH +4 and ND +4 groups in (NH 4) 2V 6O 16 and its deuterated analogue can be assigned with a fair amount of certainty at 90 K under the space group P2 1/ m( C22 h). The ND stretching modes of isotopically dilute NH 3D + ions in the crystal are in agreement with the predicted splitting into Cs, Cs and C1(2) components. The frequencies, shapes and temperature dependence of these modes suggest that both normal and bifurcated hydrogen bonds are formed. The latter closely resembles corresponding bonds in NH 4VO 3, but the normal hydrogen bonds are not as strong as the similar bonds in NH 4VO 3. This can be expected as NH +4 ions are dynamic in character in (NH 4) 2V 6O 16 and remain so down to temperatures of 90 K.

Molecular Mechanism Responsible for Reentrance to Ia3d Gyroid Phase in Cubic Mesogen BABH(n)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakazawa, Yuri; Yamamura, Yasuhisa; Kutsumizu, Shoichi; Saito, Kazuya

2012-09-01

Maximum entropy analyses of small-angle X-ray diffraction patterns of a series of title compounds [1,2-bis(4'-n-alkyloxybenzoyl)hydrazine, n: number of carbon atoms in an alkyl group] yield a new description of the so-called gyroid phase. The structure is described as two sets of connected triangles, instead of jungle gyms consisting of rods, embedded in two spaces separated by a mathematical gyroid. The reconstructed electron density provides new evidence of molecular packing: While molecules having short alkyl chains laterally aggregate to form single layers of triangular shape with nearly vertical alignments, those with long chains split into two groups on both sides of the triangular planes. The formation of double layers of the molecular cores is tolerable with the possible formation of hydrogen bonds between shifted molecules, and adjusts the volume fraction of the core part to attain the stability of the reentrant gyroid phase upon chain elongation.

Two spin-canting textures in the antiferromagnetic phase AF1 of MnWO4 based on the new polar atomistic model in P2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, S.-H.; Liu, B.-Q.; Behal, D.; Pedersen, B.; Schneidewind, A.

2018-04-01

The low temperature antiferromagnetic (AF) phase of MnWO4 (the so-called AF1 phase) exhibits different spin-canting configurations at two Mn2+ sublattices of the (3  +  1)-dimensional magnetic structure. The suggested superspace group {{\\boldsymbol P}}2.1^\\prime(α, 1/2, γ)0s is a significant consequence of the polar space group {{\\boldsymbol P}} 2 true for the nuclear structure of MnWO4. Density functional theory calculations showed that its ground state prefers this two spin-canting system. The structural difference between two independent atomic sites for Mn (Mn a , Mn b ) is too small to allow microscopically detectable electric polarisation. However, this hidden intrinsic polar character allows AF1 two commensurately modulated spin-canting textures. This is considered as the prerequisite onset of the improper ferroelectricity enhanced by the helical spin order in the multiferroic phase AF2 of MnWO4.

[Expression and significance of respiratory chain enzyme of cells in urine sediment in MELAS syndrome].

PubMed

Wu, Hai-rong; Ma, Yi-nan; Qi, Yu; Liu, Hong-gang

2013-04-23

To explore the expression and significance of respiratory chain enzyme of cells in urine sediment in mitochondrial encephalopathy myopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. Through enzyme histochemistry, the authors analyzed the changes of respiratory chain enzyme in urine sediment in 20 MELAS patients due to mitochondrial A3243G mutation (MELAS group) and 20 health peoples (control group). And the impact on the expression of protein encoded by nuclear DNA (A21347) and mitochondrial DNA (A6404) was detected by immunochemistry. Image pro Plus 6.0 software was used for analysis of absorbance (A) of staining images as staining intensity. The data were expressed as M (Q1, Q3) and analyzed through statistical software. The staining intensity of complexes Iin the MELAS group was lower than that in the control group (0.06(0.01, 0.12) vs 0.12(0.01, 0.62), P = 0.010). The intergroup staining intensity of complex II showed no marked difference. Increased density of blue particle and cytoplasmic gathering was found in 13 cased (65%) of the MELAS group under light microscope. The staining intensity of complexes IV was expressed at a low level in the MELAS group (0.14(0.03, 0.32) vs 0.23(0.06, 0.43), P = 0.038). The expression of protein encoded by nuclear DNA (A21347) was lower than that in the control group (0.05(0.02, 0.45) vs 0.17(0.03, 0.70), P = 0.000). The expression of protein encoded by mitochondrial DNA (A6404) was also lower than that in the control group (0.03(0.01, 0.07) vs 0.15 (0.09, 0.23), P = 0.000). Abnormal change of respiratory chain enzyme in urine sediment in MELAS due to mitochondrial A3243G mutation and a low expression of proteins encoded by two kinds of DNA in complexes IV can help to confirm the genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalomyopathies so that different subtypes may be classified and its pathogenesis elucidated.