High-Force Versus Low-Force Lumbar Traction in Acute Lumbar Sciatica Due to Disc Herniation: A Preliminary Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Isner-Horobeti, Marie-Eve; Dufour, Stéphane Pascal; Schaeffer, Michael; Sauleau, Erik; Vautravers, Philippe; Lecocq, Jehan; Dupeyron, Arnaud

This study compared the effects of high-force versus low-force lumbar traction in the treatment of acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation. A randomized double blind trial was performed, and 17 subjects with acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation were assigned to high-force traction at 50% body weight (BW; LT50, n = 8) or low force traction at 10% BW (LT10, n = 9) for 10 sessions in 2 weeks. Radicular pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), lumbo-pelvic-hip complex motion (finger-to-toe test), lumbar-spine mobility (Schöber-Macrae test), nerve root compression (straight-leg-raising test), disability (EIFEL score), drug consumption, and overall evaluation of each patient were measured at days 0, 7, 1, 4, and 28. Significant (P < .05) improvements were observed in the LT50 and LT10 groups, respectively, between day 0 and day 14 (end of treatment) for VAS (-44% and -36%), EIFEL score (-43% and -28%) and overall patient evaluation (+3.1 and +2.0 points). At that time, LT50 specifically improved in the finger-to-toe test (-42%), the straight-leg-raising test (+58), and drug consumption (-50%). No significant interaction effect (group-by-time) was revealed, and the effect of traction treatment was independent of the level of medication. During the 2-week follow-up at day 28, only the LT10 group improved (P < .05) in VAS (-52%) and EIFEL scores (-46%). During this period, no interaction effect (group-by-time) was identified, and the observed responses were independent of the level of medication. For this preliminary study, patients with acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation who received 2 weeks of lumbar traction reported reduced radicular pain and functional impairment and improved well-being regardless of the traction force group to which they were assigned. The effects of the traction treatment were independent of the initial level of medication and appeared to be maintained at the 2-week follow-up. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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

PubMed Central

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

2016-01-01

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

In vitro control of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator, with doramectin, lavender, camphor, and onion oils.

PubMed

Khater, Hanem F; Ramadan, Mohamed Y; Mageid, Abla D Abdel

2013-07-01

Camels are very important livestock particularly in arid and semiarid lands. The oestrid fly, Cephalopina titillator (Clark), causes nasopharyngeal myiasis in camels, and it is widely distributed in many camel breeding areas triggering health hazards and severe economic losses in camels. The prevalence of infestation of camels (slaughtered at Tokh's slaughterhouse, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, during the period from September 2011 to March 2012) was 41.67 % (100 out of 240). Most infested camels developed clinical signs of nasal discharge, restlessness, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, frequent sneezing, and snoring. Postmortem examination of infested camels explained that breathing of the animal is greatly impaired because of blockage of the nasopharynx by larvae and/or mucofibrinous secretions. The larval count per camel ranged from 1 to 250 (mean 28.45 ± 6.48). In vitro larval immersion tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of doramectin (0.003 %) as well as some essential oils (50 % each) such as lavender, camphor, and onion oils against the second and third larval stages (L2 and L3) of C. titillator. Another trial had been done for imitating what could happen if the area around camels were treated with an insecticide or an insect repellent. All treated L2 died 18 h posttreatment (PT) with both doramectin and lavender, and 100 % mortality was reached for L3 after 24 and 30 h PT with lavender and doramectin, respectively. Doramectin and lavender induced the highest response against C. titillator as their lethal time (LT50) values after treatment of L2 were 3.40 and 3.60 h, respectively, and those of L3 were 4.99 and 5.53 h, respectively. Against both L2 and L3 of C. titillator and based on LT50 values of onion oil and those of other applied materials, doramectin and lavender oil were four times more effective than onion oil, and camphor oil was two times more effective than onion oil. Based on LT50 values of essential oils and those of doramectin, as a reference substance, the relative speed of efficacy indicated that camphor and onion oils were, respectively, two and four times less effective than doramectin and lavender. With regard to fumigant technique, neither the insecticide, New Pyrosol, nor the insect repellent, Keto, was effective in controlling C. titillator larvae. Our results indicated that doramectin and lavender could be selected as drugs of choice for controlling C. titillator, but it is not permitted to use doramectin on dairy animals during lactation. Lavender (50 %) has a great potential to be developed as a novel larvicide and could be used as nasal drench against nasal botfly which will reflect on camel production and the national economy.

Sub-optimal pH Preadaptation Improves the Survival of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains and the Malic Acid Consumption in Wine-Like Medium

PubMed Central

Succi, Mariantonietta; Pannella, Gianfranco; Tremonte, Patrizio; Tipaldi, Luca; Coppola, Raffaele; Iorizzo, Massimo; Lombardi, Silvia Jane; Sorrentino, Elena

2017-01-01

Forty-two oenological strains of Lb. plantarum were assessed for their response to ethanol and pH values generally encountered in wines. Strains showed a higher variability in the survival when exposed to low pH (3.5 or 3.0) than when exposed to ethanol (10 or 14%). The study allowed to individuate the highest ethanol concentration (8%) and the lowest pH value (4.0) for the growth of strains, even if the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) resulted significantly reduced by these conditions. Two strains (GT1 and LT11) preadapted to 2% ethanol and cultured up to 14% of ethanol showed a higher growth than those non-preadapted when they were cultivated at 8% of ethanol. The evaluation of the same strains preadapted to low pH values (5.0 and 4.0) and then grown at pH 3.5 or 3.0 showed only for GT1 a sensitive μmax increment when it was cultivated in MRS at pH 3 after a preadaptation to pH 5.0. The survival of GT1 and LT11 was evaluated in Ringer's solution at 14% ethanol after a long-term adaptation in MRS with 2% ethanol or in MRS with 2% ethanol acidified at pH 5.0 (both conditions, BC). Analogously, the survival was evaluated at pH 3.5 after a long-term adaptation in MRS at pH 5.0 or in MRS BC. The impact of the physiologic state (exponential phase vs stationary phase) on the survival was also evaluated. Preadapted cells showed the same behavior of non-preadapted cells only when cultures were recovered in the stationary phase. Mathematical functions were individuated for the description of the survival of GT1 and LT11 in MRS at 14% ethanol or at pH 3.5. Finally, a synthetic wine (SW) was used to assess the behavior of Lb. plantarum GT1 and LT11 preadapted in MRS at 2% ethanol or at pH 5.0 or in BC. Only GT1 preadapted to pH 5.0 and collected in the stationary phase showed constant values of microbial counts after incubation for 15 days at 20°C. In addition, after 15 days the L-malic acid resulted completely degraded and the pH value increased of about 0.3 units. PMID:28382030

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

PubMed

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

2016-02-14

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

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

PubMed

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

2015-04-01

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

Prediction of lactate threshold and fixed blood lactate concentrations from 3200-m running performance in male runners.

PubMed

Weltman, A; Snead, D; Seip, R; Schurrer, R; Levine, S; Rutt, R; Reilly, T; Weltman, J; Rogol, A

1987-12-01

To determine the effectiveness of a 3200-m time trial for predicting VO2 and running velocity at lactate threshold (LT), fixed blood lactate concentrations of 2.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mM, and peak, 42 male runners (means age = 31.1 +/- 8.3 years; means ht = 176.8 +/- 6.6 cm; means wt = 70.4 +/- 10.0 kg) completed a VO2 peak/LT test and a 3200-m time trial. The continuous treadmill protocol started at 0% grade 150 m/min and increased 10 m/min every 3 min until exhaustion. Velocity at LT, 2.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mM was determined from individual velocity blood lactate relationships, and VO2 values were determined from individual plots ov VO2 vs velocity. VO2 peak and velocity peak were chosen as the highest values observed. Oxygen uptake at LT, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0 mM, and peak was 52.51, 56.61, 58.31, 61.70, and 64.21 ml/kg.min-1, respectively, while the velocities associated with LT, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0 mM, and peak were 235.5, 251.5, 259.8, 273.5, and 285.5 m/min, respectively. During the 3200-m time trial (means time = 11.28 +/- 0.96 min), 400-m split times and cumulative times were recorded. Twenty-nine subjects were randomly assigned to a validation sample and the remaining subjects were used for cross-validation purposes. Regression analysis revealed that a 3200-m time trial was a good predictor of both VO2 (ml/kg.min-1) and velocity (m/min) at LT, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0 mM, and peak.

Effect of tidal regime on the thermal tolerance of the marine gastropod Lunella smaragda (Gmelin 1791).

PubMed

Mortensen, B J D; Dunphy, B J

2016-08-01

The tidal cycle around New Zealand results in spring low tides consistently occurring during the hottest part of the day (mid-afternoon) in north-eastern New Zealand, and during the cooler dawn/dusk periods in the north-west of the country. We hypothesised that due to mid-afternoon spring low tides, intertidal populations residing at north-eastern sites would show greater thermotolerance than their north-west conspecifics. To test this we used the marine gastropod, Lunella smaragda, which were collected from sites on both the East and West coasts of the Auckland region and exposed to an acute heat shock. Thermotolerance was measured as survivorship (LT50), drop down time (time to heat coma) and thermal stability of the anaerobic energy producing enzyme Tauropine dehydrogenase. Furthermore, temperature loggers were deployed at each site so as to record and compare thermal regimes among sites. A strong temperature spike associated with spring low tide was found at all sites, and maximal temperatures of all East coast sites were higher than West coast sites (in some case by up to 10°C). In terms of thermotolerance, mortality of L. smaragda occurred at 42°C leading to 100% mortality at 45°C. However, comparison of LT50 showed snails were equally thermotolerant regardless of site of collection. Similar results were found in TDH thermal stability with animals from all sites showing an approximately 80% decrease in enzyme activity after 10min exposure to 42°C. Whilst drop down times were different among sites these were correlated with animal size as opposed to site of collection. Thus, East coast populations of L. smaragda appear no more thermotolerant than their West coast counterparts. Such a result is concerning as maximal temperatures at East coast sites already exceed the LT50 values of L. smaragda recorded in the lab suggesting these populations have less of a thermal safety margin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2016-09-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-02-09

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

Bioactivity and structure-activity relationship of cinnamic acid derivatives and its heteroaromatic ring analogues as potential high-efficient acaricides against Psoroptes cuniculi.

PubMed

Chen, Dong-Dong; Zhang, Bing-Yu; Liu, Xiu-Xiu; Li, Xing-Qiang; Yang, Xin-Juan; Zhou, Le

2018-04-01

A series of cinnamic acid derivatives and its heteroaromatic ring analogues were synthesized and evaluated for acaricidal activity in vitro against Psoroptes cuniculi, a mange mite. Among them, eight compounds showed the higher activity with median lethal concentrations (LC 50 ) of 0.36-1.07mM (60.4-192.1µg/mL) and great potential for the development of novel acaricidal agent. Compound 40 showed both the lowest LC 50 value of 0.36mM (60.4µg/mL) and the smallest median lethal time (LT 50 ) of 2.6h at 4.5mM, comparable with ivermectin [LC 50 =0.28mM (247.4µg/mL), LT 50 =8.9h], an acaricidal drug standard. SAR analysis showed that the carbonyl group is crucial for the activity. The type and chain length of the alkoxy in the ester moiety and the steric hindrance near the ester group significantly influence the activity. The esters were more active than the corresponding thiol esters, amides, ketones or acids. Replacement of the phenyl group of cinnamic esters with α-pyridyl or α-furanyl significantly increase the activity. Thus, a series of cinnamic esters and its heteroaromatic ring analogues with excellent acaricidal activity emerged. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the time-concentration-mortality responses of Plutella xylostella larvae to the interaction of Isaria fumosorosea with the insecticides beta-cypermethrin and Bacillus thuringiensis.

PubMed

Nian, Xiao-ge; He, Yu-rong; Lu, Li-hua; Zhao, Rui

2015-02-01

Entomopathogenic fungi are potential candidates for controlling Plutella xylostella, a cosmopolitan pest of crucifers. In this study, bioassays were conducted to evaluate the interaction between Isaria fumosorosea and sublethal doses of two insecticides, beta-cypermethrin and Bacillus thuringiensis, against P. xylostella. Data of each assay were in good agreement with the time-concentration-mortality model, indicating a strong dependence of the fungus and insecticide interaction on both concentration and post-exposure time. Using beta-cypermethrin 58-116 µg mL(-1) or B. thuringiensis 222.5-890 µg mL(-1) with the fungus significantly enhanced fungal efficacy. The LC50 values of the fungus declined over a 1-7 day period after exposure, and the LT50 values decreased with increasing concentration. Based on LC50 or LC90 estimates, synergism between the fungus and beta-cypermethrin resulted in a 2.7-28.3-fold reduction in LC50 values and a 12.1-19.6-fold reduction in LC90 values, while synergism of the fungus with B. thuringiensis led to a 2.4-385.0-fold reduction in LC50 values and a 4.4-151.7-fold reduction in LC90 values. Results show that sublethal doses of B. thuringiensis and beta-cypermethrin can synergise I. fumosorosea activity on P. xylostella, suggesting that combination of I. fumosorosea with the two insecticides might offer an integrated approach to controlling P. xylostella in practice. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

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

PubMed

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

2015-11-01

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

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

PubMed Central

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

2016-01-01

AIM: To investigate the impact of minimum tacrolimus (TAC) on new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 973 liver transplant recipients between March 1999 and September 2014 in West China Hospital Liver Transplantation Center. Following the exclusion of ineligible recipients, 528 recipients with a TAC-dominant regimen were included in our study. We calculated and determined the mean trough concentration of TAC (cTAC) in the year of diabetes diagnosis in NODM recipients or in the last year of the follow-up in non-NODM recipients. A cutoff of mean cTAC value for predicting NODM 6 mo after LT was identified using a receptor operating characteristic curve. TAC-related complications after LT was evaluated by χ2 test, and the overall and allograft survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for NODM after LT were examined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the 528 transplant recipients, 131 (24.8%) developed NODM after 6 mo after LT, and the cumulative incidence of NODM progressively increased. The mean cTAC of NODM group recipients was significantly higher than that of recipients in the non-NODM group (7.66 ± 3.41 ng/mL vs 4.47 ± 2.22 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Furthermore, NODM group recipients had lower 1-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates (86.7%, 71.3%, and 61.1% vs 94.7%, 86.1%, and 83.7%, P < 0.05) and allograft survival rates (92.8%, 84.6%, and 75.7% vs 96.1%, 91%, and 86.1%, P < 0.05) than the others. The best cutoff of mean cTAC for predicting NODM was 5.89 ng/mL after 6 mo after LT. Multivariate analysis showed that old age at the time of LT (> 50 years), hypertension pre-LT, and high mean cTAC (≥ 5.89 ng/mL) after 6 mo after LT were independent risk factors for developing NODM. Concurrently, recipients with a low cTAC (< 5.89 ng/mL) were less likely to become obese (21.3% vs 30.2%, P < 0.05) or to develop dyslipidemia (27.5% vs 44.8%, P <0.05), chronic kidney dysfunction (14.6% vs 22.7%, P < 0.05), and moderate to severe infection (24.7% vs 33.1%, P < 0.05) after LT than recipients in the high mean cTAC group. However, the two groups showed no significant difference in the incidence of acute and chronic rejection, hypertension, cardiovascular events and new-onset malignancy. CONCLUSION: A minimal TAC regimen can decrease the risk of long-term NODM after LT. Maintaining a cTAC value below 5.89 ng/mL after LT is safe and beneficial. PMID:26877618

Delayed toxicity of two chitinolytic enzyme inhibitors (psammaplin a and pentoxifylline) against eastern subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

PubMed

Hiusen, Timothy J; Kamble-Shripat, T

2013-08-01

By using a no-choice feeding bioassay, delayed toxicity and concentration-dependent mortality of two chitinolytic enzyme inhibitors, pentoxifylline and psammaplin A, were evaluated by determining LT50, LT90, and LT99 (lethal time) against the economically important eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Pentoxifylline- and psammaplin A-incorporated diets (filter paper) were assayed at 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.21% and 0.0375, 0.075, 0.15, and 0.3% active ingredient (wt:wt), respectively. Acetone-only treated filter paper served as diet for the control treatments. Termite workers were allowed to feed on diet until 100% test population mortality occurred (80-95 d). Both chitinase inhibitors were shown to be toxic to R. flavipes. Concentration-dependent toxicity occurred within the pentoxifylline treatments over the range of 0.01-0.08%, with 0.08% treatments producing an LT50 of 32.2 d. However, mortality in response to psammaplin A treatments lacked concentration-dependent toxicity. Treatment with 0.3% psammaplin A produced an LT50 of 21.3 d. Mortality in response to lower psammaplin A treatments displayed no concentration-dependent trends. This study provides the first report on delayed toxicity of chitinolytic enzyme inhibitors against eastern subterranean termites (order Isoptera) and toxicological data on pentoxifylline and psammaplin A over a range of concentrations.

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

PubMed

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

2017-01-16

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

The effects of finishing diet and postmortem ageing on the eating quality of the M. longissimus thoracis of electrically stimulated Brahman steer carcasses.

PubMed

Bruce, H L; Stark, J L; Beilken, S L

2004-06-01

Beef from cattle finished on grass will be of similar quality to that from cattle finished on grain when their carcasses are processed using best practice protocols. To test this hypothesis, carcasses of twenty Brahman steers, finished to 400 kg live weight on either Buffel grass pasture (n=10) or grain (n=10), were electrically stimulated with 400 V for 50 s 45 min postmortem, and their beef quality assessed 1 and 14 days postmortem. Hot weight, rump subcutaneous fat thickness and animal rate of growth in the 205 days preceding slaughter were recorded for each carcass as potential influences on beef quality. Quality of the M. longissimus thoracis (LT) at 1 and 14 days postmortem was evaluated using peak Warner-Bratzler shear force, compression, pH, cooking loss and taste panel acceptability, as well as by moisture and crude fat contents measured at 1 day postmortem. Results showed that steers finished on pasture grew the slowest and had the least subcutaneous fat at the same carcass weight. LT from carcasses of steers finished on pasture also had the shortest mean sarcomere lengths, suggesting these muscles may have been cold-affected, but there was no effect of diet on peak shear force. LT from carcasses of steers finished on pasture had the highest mean compression value, possibly because of increased collagen cross-linking associated with slow growth or increased exercise. Ageing significantly decreased LT peak shear force and compression values and increased cooking loss, L (∗), a (∗) and b (∗) values. Taste panellists rated the aged, grass-finished beef the most tender and the best quality; however, the taste panel in this study may have favoured LT from grass-finished steers because it was significantly juicier than LT from the grain-finished steer carcasses. These results indicated that carcass composition and processing conditions interact to exert a greater effect on LT toughness and sensory acceptability than finishing diet. Ageing LT from steers finished on grass improved its colour, and thus may enhance its consumer acceptability.

The hemostatic profile of recombinant activated factor VII. Can low concentrations stop bleeding in off-label indications?

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background High concentrations of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) can stop bleeding in hemophilic patients. However the rFVIIa dose needed for stopping haemhorrage in off-label indications is unknown. Since thrombin is the main hemostatic agent, this study investigated the effect of rFVIIa and tissue factor (TF) on thrombin generation (TG) in vitro. Methods Lag time (LT), time to peak (TTP), peak TG (PTG), and area under the curve after 35 min (AUCo-35 min) with the calibrated automated thrombography was used to evaluate TG. TG was assayed in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples from 29 healthy volunteers under basal conditions and after platelet stimulation with 5.0 μg/ml, 2.6 μg/ml, 0.5 μg/ml, 0.25 μg/ml, and 0.125 μg/ml rFVIIa alone and in normal platelet-poor plasma (PPP) samples from 22 healthy volunteers, rFVIIa in combination with various concentrations of TF (5.0, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.5 pM). Results In PRP activated by rFVIIa, there was a statistically significant increase in TG compared to basal values. A significant TF dose-dependent shortening of LT and increased PTG and AUCo→35 min were obtained in PPP. The addition of rFVIIa increased the effect of TF in shorting the LT and increasing the AUCo→35 min with no effect on PTG but were independent of rFVIIa concentration. Conclusion Low concentrations of rFVIIa were sufficient to form enough thrombin in normal PRP or in PPP when combined with TF, and suggest low concentrations for normalizing hemostasis in off-label indications. PMID:20444280

Fumigant Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of Artemisia khorassanica and Artemisia sieberi on Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

PubMed Central

Abedi, Z; Abdolmaleki, A; Jafary-Jahed, M; Borzoui, E; Mozaffar Mansouri, Seyed

2017-01-01

Abstract Fumigant toxicity and sublethal effects of essential oils from Artemisia khorassanica Podl. and Artemisia sieberi Bess were investigated against adults of Sitotroga cerealella Olivier. To assess the sublethal effects, adult moths were exposed to the LC30 of each essential oil, and life table parameters of the surviving S. cerealella were studied. Higher fumigant toxicity of A. khorassanica (LC50: 7.38 µl/liter air) than A. sieberi (LC50: 9.26 µl/liter air) was observed against S. cerealella. Also, the insecticidal effects of A. khorassanica (LT50: 9.01 h) were faster than A. sieberi (LT50: 14.37 h). A significant extension was observed in the developmental time (egg to adult) of S. cerealella treated with the essential oils. In addition, fecundity of S. cerealella reduced by 25.29 and 35.78% following exposure to sublethal concentrations of A. sieberi and A. khorassanica, respectively. Both tested essential oils caused a significant reduction in the gross and net reproductive rates, intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase of S. cerealella. The rm values following exposure to A. sieberi, A. khorassanica, and control were 0.098, 0.094, and 0.107 d−1, respectively. The results of this study suggest that tested essential oils have a good potential to apply in integrated pest management of S. cerealella. PMID:29117375

Massage therapy decreases cancer-related fatigue: Results from a randomized early phase trial.

PubMed

Kinkead, Becky; Schettler, Pamela J; Larson, Erika R; Carroll, Dedric; Sharenko, Margaret; Nettles, James; Edwards, Sherry A; Miller, Andrew H; Torres, Mylin A; Dunlop, Boadie W; Rakofsky, Jeffrey J; Rapaport, Mark Hyman

2018-02-01

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a prevalent and debilitating symptom experienced by cancer survivors, yet treatment options for CRF are limited. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of weekly Swedish massage therapy (SMT) versus an active control condition (light touch [LT]) and waitlist control (WLC) on persistent CRF in breast cancer survivors. This early phase, randomized, single-masked, 6-week investigation of SMT, LT, and WLC enrolled 66 female stage 0-III breast cancer survivors (age range, 32-72 years) who had received surgery plus radiation and/or chemotherapy/chemoprevention with CRF (Brief Fatigue Inventory > 25). The primary outcome was the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), with the National Institutes of Health PROMIS Fatigue scale secondary. Mean baseline MFI scores for 57 evaluable subjects were 62.95 for SMT, 55.00 for LT, and 60.41 for WLC. SMT resulted in a mean (standard deviation) 6-week reduction in MFI total scores of -16.50 (6.37) (n = 20) versus -8.06 (6.50) for LT (n = 20) and an increase of 5.88 (6.48) points for WLC (n = 17) (treatment-by-time P < .0001). The mean baseline PROMIS Fatigue scores were SMT, 22.25; LT, 22.05; and WLC, 23.24. The mean (standard deviation) reduction in PROMIS Fatigue scores was -5.49 (2.53) points for SMT versus -3.24 (2.57) points for LT and -0.06 (1.88) points for WLC (treatment-by-time P = .0008). Higher credibility, expectancy, and preference for SMT than for LT did not account for these results. SMT produced clinically significant relief of CRF. This finding suggests that 6 weeks of a safe, widely accepted manual intervention causes a significant reduction in fatigue, a debilitating sequela for cancer survivors. Cancer 2018;124:546-54. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Insecticidal and repellent activity of Hiptage benghalensis L. Kruz (Malpighiaceae) against mosquito vectors.

PubMed

Lalrotluanga; Ngente, Lalchawimawii; Nachimuthu, Senthil Kumar; Guruswami, Gurusubramanian

2012-09-01

Plant-based insecticides for vector control are urgently needed for Anopheles barbirostris, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes albopictus which are the primary vectors of malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and dengue, respectively, in India and other South East Asian countries. In the present study, larvicidal, adulticidal, and repellent activities of acetone root bark extract of Hiptage benghalensis were tested against the larvae and adults of the three mosquito vectors. The acetone root bark extracts of H. benghalensis was more effective as larvicides with low LC(50) (11.15-16.78 ppm) and LT50 (1.25-4.84 h at 200 and 400 ppm) values. Results of log probit analysis (at 95 % confidence level) and regression analysis of crude acetone root bark extract of H. benghalensis revealed that lethal concentration (LC(50)) values gradually decreased with the exposure periods; lethal time (LT(50)) decreased with the concentration, and the mortality is positively correlated with the concentration. The order of susceptibility of the three mosquito species was as follows: A. albopictus > A. barbirostris > C. quinquefascitus. Biochemical changes were also evidenced in third instar larvae of three mosquito species following a sublethal exposure for 24 h. The level of sugar, glycogen, lipids, and proteins was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in larvae treated with H. benghalensis. The acetone root bark extracts of H. benghalensis is less toxic to adults and repelled laboratory-reared female A. barbirostris, A. albopictus, and C. quinquefascitus with the short median protection times of 57.66-135, 72.41-134.16, and 47.66-93 min, respectively. The present investigation proves it as a potent larvicide against A. albopictus, A. barbirostris, and C. quinquefascitus, which can be recommended to control these mosquito species on its breeding site. However, further investigations are needed to confirm the lethal effects of H. benghalensis in field conditions and its impact on the nontarget organisms.

Pharmacodynamics of recombinant activated factor VII and plasma-derived factor VII in a cohort of severe FVII deficient patients.

PubMed

van Geffen, Mark; Mathijssen, Natascha C J; Holme, Pål A; Laros-van Gorkom, Britta A P; van Kraaij, Marian G J; Masereeuw, Roselinde; Peyvandi, Flora; van Heerde, Waander L

2013-07-01

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) and plasma-derived factor VII (pdFVII) are used to prevent bleedings in severe FVII deficient patients, despite their short half-lifes. It is suggested that FVII levels of 15-20 IU/dL are sufficient to maintain hemostasis. We analyzed the pharmacodynamic effects of FVII substitution therapy in the Nijmegen Hemostasis Assay (NHA) that simultaneously measures thrombin and plasmin generation. Ten severe FVII deficient patients were treated with 20 μg/kg rFVIIa or 25 IU/kg pdFVII in a cross-over design. Thrombin generation lag-time (TG-LT) was identified as an effect-response parameter. Pharmacodynamic analysis using a maximum effect model showed 50% reduction of the TG-LT effect at ~2 IU/dL FVII activity for both rFVIIa and pdFVII. The FVII activity to obtain TG-LT comparable to the upper limit of normal range in healthy controls (4 min) was given by the effective concentration (ECnormal), showing sufficient hemostasis at 3-4 IU/dL FVII activity. No association was seen between FVII activity and other thrombin or plasmin generation parameters as measured by NHA. In conclusion, 3-4 IU/dL FVII activity seems sufficient to maintain hemostasis in patients with severe FVII deficiency during prophylaxis. These data may suggest a potential value for measurement of TG-LT in the monitoring of FVII(a) therapy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-20

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

Automatic Threshold Detector Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-15

Averaging CFAR in Non- Stationary Weibull Clutter, " L. Novak, (1974 IEEE Symposium on Information Theory ). 8. "The Weibull Distribution Applied to the... UGTS (K) ,Kml NPTS) 140 DO 153 K~lvNPT9 IF(SIGCSO(K) .LT.0. )SIOCSO(K).1 .E-50 IF(SIOWSO(K) .LT.0. )SIGWSQ(K)-1 .E-50 IF(SIONSG(K) .LT.O. )SIG3NSQCIO-1.E

An empirical model of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) near the crest of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajra, Rajkumar; Chakraborty, Shyamal Kumar; Tsurutani, Bruce T.; DasGupta, Ashish; Echer, Ezequiel; Brum, Christiano G. M.; Gonzalez, Walter D.; Sobral, José Humberto Andrade

2016-07-01

We present a geomagnetic quiet time (Dst > -50 nT) empirical model of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) for the northern equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest over Calcutta, India. The model is based on the 1980-1990 TEC measurements from the geostationary Engineering Test Satellite-2 (ETS-2) at the Haringhata (University of Calcutta, India: 22.58° N, 88.38° E geographic; 12.09° N, 160.46° E geomagnetic) ionospheric field station using the technique of Faraday rotation of plane polarized VHF (136.11 MHz) signals. The ground station is situated virtually underneath the northern EIA crest. The monthly mean TEC increases linearly with F10.7 solar ionizing flux, with a significantly high correlation coefficient (r = 0.89-0.99) between the two. For the same solar flux level, the TEC values are found to be significantly different between the descending and ascending phases of the solar cycle. This ionospheric hysteresis effect depends on the local time as well as on the solar flux level. On an annual scale, TEC exhibits semiannual variations with maximum TEC values occurring during the two equinoxes and minimum at summer solstice. The semiannual variation is strongest during local noon with a summer-to-equinox variability of ~50-100 TEC units. The diurnal pattern of TEC is characterized by a pre-sunrise (0400-0500 LT) minimum and near-noon (1300-1400 LT) maximum. Equatorial electrodynamics is dominated by the equatorial electrojet which in turn controls the daytime TEC variation and its maximum. We combine these long-term analyses to develop an empirical model of monthly mean TEC. The model is validated using both ETS-2 measurements and recent GNSS measurements. It is found that the present model efficiently estimates the TEC values within a 1-σ range from the observed mean values.

Effect of a prior intermittent run at vVO2max on oxygen kinetics during an all-out severe run in humans.

PubMed

Billat, V L; Bocquet, V; Slawinski, J; Laffite, L; Demarle, A; Chassaing, P; Koralsztein, J P

2000-09-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of prior intermittent running at VO2max on oxygen kinetics during a continuous severe intensity run and the time spent at VO2max. Eight long-distance runners performed three maximal tests on a synthetic track (400 m) whilst breathing through the COSMED K4 portable telemetric metabolic analyser: i) an incremental test which determined velocity at the lactate threshold (vLT), VO2max and velocity associated with VO2max (vVO2max), ii) a continuous severe intensity run at vLT+50% (vdelta50) of the difference between vLT and vVO2max (91.3+/-1.6% VO2max)preceded by a light continuous 20 minute run at 50% of vVO2max (light warm-up), iii) the same continuous severe intensity run at vdelta50 with a prior interval training exercise (hard warm-up) of repeated hard running bouts performed at 100% of vVO2max and light running at 50% of vVO2max (of 30 seconds each) performed until exhaustion (on average 19+/-5 min with 19+/-5 interval repetitions). This hard warm-up speeded the VO2 kinetics: the time constant was reduced by 45% (28+/-7 sec vs 51+/-37 sec) and the slow component of VO2 (deltaVO2 6-3 min) was deleted (-143+/-271 ml x min(-1) vs 291+/-153 ml x min(-1)). In conclusion, despite a significantly lower total run time at vdelta50 (6 min 19+/-0) min 17 vs 8 min 20+/-1 min 45, p=0.02) after the intermittent warm-up at VO2max, the time spent specifically at VO2max in the severe continuous run at vdelta50 was not significantly different.

Liver transplantation: Fifty years of experience

PubMed Central

Song, Alice Tung Wan; Avelino-Silva, Vivian Iida; Pecora, Rafael Antonio Arruda; Pugliese, Vincenzo; D’Albuquerque, Luiz Augusto Carneiro; Abdala, Edson

2014-01-01

Since 1963, when the first human liver transplantation (LT) was performed by Thomas Starzl, the world has witnessed 50 years of development in surgical techniques, immunosuppression, organ allocation, donor selection, and the indications and contraindications for LT. This has led to the mainstream, well-established procedure that has saved innumerable lives worldwide. Today, there are hundreds of liver transplant centres in over 80 countries. This review aims to describe the main aspects of LT regarding the progressive changes that have occurred over the years. We herein review historical aspects since the first experimental studies and the first attempts at human transplantation. We also provide an overview of immunosuppressive agents and their potential side effects, the evolution of the indications and contraindications of LT, the evolution of survival according to different time periods, and the evolution of methods of organ allocation. PMID:24833866

Determination of hepatocellular carcinoma grade by needle biopsy is unreliable for liver transplant candidate selection.

PubMed

Court, Colin M; Harlander-Locke, Michael P; Markovic, Daniela; French, Samuel W; Naini, Bita V; Lu, David S; Raman, Steven S; Kaldas, Fady M; Zarrinpar, Ali; Farmer, Douglas G; Finn, Richard S; Sadeghi, Saeed; Tomlinson, James S; Busuttil, Ronald W; Agopian, Vatche G

2017-09-01

The objective of this article is to evaluate the utility of preoperative needle biopsy (PNB) grading of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a biomarker for liver transplantation (LT) candidate selection. Given the prognostic significance of HCC tumor grade, PNB grading has been proposed as a biomarker for LT candidate selection. Clinicopathologic characteristics of HCC LT recipients (1989-2014) with a PNB were analyzed, and the concordance of PNB grade to explant grade and vascular invasion was assessed to determine whether incorporation of PNB grade to accepted transplant criteria improved candidate selection. Of 965 patients undergoing LT for HCC, 234 (24%) underwent PNB at a median of 280 days prior to transplant. Grade by PNB had poor concordance to final explant pathology (κ = 0.22; P = 0.003), and low sensitivity (29%) and positive predictive value (35%) in identifying poorly differentiated tumors. Vascular invasion was predicted by explant pathologic grade (r s = 0.24; P < 0.001) but not PNB grade (r s = -0.05; P = 0.50). Increasing explant pathology grade (P = 0.02), but not PNB grade (P = 0.65), discriminated post-LT HCC recurrence risk. The incorporation of PNB grade to the established radiologic Milan criteria (MC) did not result in improved prognostication of post-LT recurrence (net reclassification index [NRI] = 0%), whereas grade by explant pathology resulted in significantly improved reclassification of risk (NRI = 19%). Preoperative determination of HCC grade by PNB has low concordance with explant pathologic grade and low sensitivity and positive predictive value in identifying poorly differentiated tumors. PNB grade did not accurately discriminate post-LT HCC recurrence and had no utility in improving prognostication compared with the MC alone. Incorporation of PNB to guide transplant candidate selection appears unjustified. Liver Transplantation 23 1123-1132 2017 AASLD. © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Virulence and site of infection of the fungus, Hirsutella thompsonii, to the honey bee ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor.

PubMed

Peng, Christine Y S; Zhou, Xinsheng; Kaya, Harry K

2002-11-01

The Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is recognized as the most serious pest of both managed and feral Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) in the world. The mite has developed resistance to fluvalinate, an acaricide used to control it in beehives, and fluvalinate residues have been found in the beeswax, necessitating an urgent need to find alternative control measures to suppress this pest. Accordingly, we investigated the possibility of using the fungus, Hirsutella thompsonii, as a biocontrol agent of the Varroa mite. Among the 9 isolates of H. thompsonii obtained from the University of Florida and the USDA, only the 3 USDA isolates (ARSEF 257, 1947 and 3323) were infectious to the Varroa mite in laboratory tests. The mite became infected when it was allowed to walk on a sporulating H. thompsonii culture for 5 min. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the membranous arolium of the mite leg sucker is the focus of infection where the fungal conidia adhered and germinated. The infected mites died from mycosis, with the lethal times to kill 50% (LT(50)s) dependent on the fungal isolates. Thus, the LT(50)s were 52.7, 77.2, and 96.7h for isolates 3323, 257, and 1947, respectively. Passage of H. thompsonii through Varroa mite three times significantly reduced the LT(50)s of isolates 257 and 1947 (P<0.05) but not the LT(50) of isolate 3323. The fungus did not infect the honey bee in larval, prepupal, pupal, and adult stages under our laboratory rearing conditions. Our encouraging results suggest that some isolates of H. thompsonii have the potential to be developed as a biocontrol agent for V. destructor. However, fungal infectivity against the mites under beehive conditions needs to be studied before any conclusion can be made.

Fumigant Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of Artemisia khorassanica and Artemisia sieberi on Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

PubMed

Naseri, B; Abedi, Z; Abdolmaleki, A; Jafary-Jahed, M; Borzoui, E; Mozaffar Mansouri, Seyed

2017-09-01

Fumigant toxicity and sublethal effects of essential oils from Artemisia khorassanica Podl. and Artemisia sieberi Bess were investigated against adults of Sitotroga cerealella Olivier. To assess the sublethal effects, adult moths were exposed to the LC30 of each essential oil, and life table parameters of the surviving S. cerealella were studied. Higher fumigant toxicity of A. khorassanica (LC50: 7.38 µl/liter air) than A. sieberi (LC50: 9.26 µl/liter air) was observed against S. cerealella. Also, the insecticidal effects of A. khorassanica (LT50: 9.01 h) were faster than A. sieberi (LT50: 14.37 h). A significant extension was observed in the developmental time (egg to adult) of S. cerealella treated with the essential oils. In addition, fecundity of S. cerealella reduced by 25.29 and 35.78% following exposure to sublethal concentrations of A. sieberi and A. khorassanica, respectively. Both tested essential oils caused a significant reduction in the gross and net reproductive rates, intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase of S. cerealella. The rm values following exposure to A. sieberi, A. khorassanica, and control were 0.098, 0.094, and 0.107 d-1, respectively. The results of this study suggest that tested essential oils have a good potential to apply in integrated pest management of S. cerealella. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.

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

PubMed

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

2001-02-15

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

Experimental and numerical investigation of DNAPL infiltration and spreading in a 2-D sandbox by means of light transmission method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, F.; Shi, X.; Wu, J.; Gao, Y. W.

2013-12-01

Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) are widespread groundwater contaminants often referred to as dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Accuracy description of the spreading behavior and configuration for subsurface DNAPL migration is important, especially favourable for design effective remediation strategies. In this study, a 2-D experiment was conducted to investigate the infiltration behavior and spatial distribution of PCE in saturated porous media. Accusand 20/30 mesh sand (Unimin, Le Sueur, MN) was used as the background medium with two 70/80 and 60/70 mesh lenses embedded to simulate heterogeneous conditions. Dyed PCE of 100 ml was released into the flow cell at a constant rate of 2ml/min using a Harvard Apparatus syringe pump with a 50 ml glass syringe for two times, and 5 ml/min water was continuously injected through the inlet at the left side of the sandbox, while kept the same effluent rate at right side to create hydrodynamic condition. A light transmission (LT) system was used to record the migration of PCE and determine the saturation distribution of PCE in the sandbox experiment with a thermoelectrically air-cooled charged-coupled device (CCD) camera. All images were processed using MATLAB to calculate thickness-averaged PCE saturation for each pixel. Mass balance was checked through comparing injected known mounts of PCE with that calculated from LT analysis. Results showed that LT method is effective to delineate PCE migration pathways and quantify the saturation distribution. The relative errors of total PCE volumes calculated by LT analysis at different times were within 15% of the injected PCE volumes. The simulation are conducted using the multiphase modeling software T2VOC, which calibrated by the LT analysis results of three recorded time steps to fit with the complete spatial-temporal distribution of the PCE saturation. Model verification was then performed using the other eight recorded time steps. Simulated results showed that the model could successfully reproduce the migration pathways and distribution configuration observed from the laboratory experiment and LT analysis, excepted for a smaller pool height on the lenses, and a lower saturation values in PCE accumulation area due to local heterogeneities. Due to the influence of water flow, the PCE distribution was asymmetrical, and the PCE distribution area, pool height as well as PCE saturation in the accumulation region at right side was much greater. Acknowledge: This work is financially supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China grants No. 41030746 and 41172206.

Affective stress responses during leisure time: Validity evaluation of a modified version of the Stress-Energy Questionnaire.

PubMed

Hadžibajramović, Emina; Ahlborg, Gunnar; Håkansson, Carita; Lundgren-Nilsson, Åsa; Grimby-Ekman, Anna

2015-12-01

Psychosocial stress at work is one of the most important factors behind increasing sick-leave rates. In addition to work stressors, it is important to account for non-work-related stressors when assessing stress responses. In this study, a modified version of the Stress-Energy Questionnaire (SEQ), the SEQ during leisure time (SEQ-LT) was introduced for assessing the affective stress response during leisure time. The aim of this study was to investigate the internal construct validity of the SEQ-LT. A second aim was to define the cut-off points for the scales, which could indicate high and low levels of leisure-time stress and energy, respectively. Internal construct validity of the SEQ-LT was evaluated using a Rasch analysis. We examined the unidimensionality and other psychometric properties of the scale by the fit to the Rasch model. A criterion-based approach was used for classification into high and low stress/energy levels. The psychometric properties of the stress and energy scales of the SEQ-LT were satisfactory, having accommodated for local dependency. The cut-off point for low stress was proposed to be in the interval between 2.45 and 3.02 on the Rasch metric score; while for high stress, it was between 3.65 and 3.90. The suggested cut-off points for the low and high energy levels were values between 1.73-1.97 and 2.66-3.08, respectively. The stress and energy scale of the SEQ-LT satisfied the measurement criteria defined by the Rasch analysis and it provided a useful tool for non-work-related assessment of stress responses. We provide guidelines on how to interpret the scale values. © 2015 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.

Substitution of Liothyronine at a 1:5 Ratio for a Portion of Levothyroxine: Effect on Fatigue, Symptoms of Depression, and Working Memory Versus Treatment with Levothyroxine Alone

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Tom; Lavis, Victor R.; Meininger, Janet Ck.; Kapadia, Asha S.; Stafford, Linda F.

2006-01-01

Background This study was planned at a time when important questions were being raised about the adequacy of using one hormone to treat hypothyroidism instead of two. Methods This trial attempted to replicate prior findings which suggested that substituting 12.5 μg of liothyronine for 50 μg of levothyroxine might improve mood, cognition, and physical symptoms in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Additionally, this trial aimed to extend the above findings to fatigue and to assess for differential effects in subjects with low and high fatigue at baseline. A randomized, double-blind, two-period, crossover design was used. Thirty subjects stabilized on levothyroxine (L-T4) at an endocrinology and diabetes clinic were recruited. Sequence one received their standard L-T4 dose in one capsule and placebo in another. Sequence two received their usual L-T4 dose minus 50 μg in one capsule and 10 μg of liothyronine (L-T3) in the other. At the end of the first six weeks, subjects were crossed over. T tests were used to assess carry-over and treatment effects. Results Twenty-seven subjects completed the trial. Mean L-T4 dose was 121 μg/d (± 26.0) at baseline. There were no significant differences in fatigue and symptoms of depression between treatments. Measures of working memory were unchanged. While on substitution treatment, free thyroxine index was reduced by 0.7 (p<0.001), total serum thyroxine was reduced by 3.0 μg/dl (p<0.001), and total serum triiodothyronine was increased by 20.5 ng/dl (p=0.004). Conclusions With regard to the outcomes measured, substitution of L-T3 at a 1:5 ratio for a portion of baseline L-T4 was no better than treatment with the original dose of L-T4 alone. PMID:16006298

Analysis of the temporal-spatial distribution of ionosphere scale height based on COSMIC occultation data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xin-Xin; Lin, Zhan; Jin, Hong-Lin; Chen, Hua-Ran; Jiao, Li-Guo

2017-11-01

In this study, the distribution characteristics of scale height at various solar activity levels were statistically analyzed using the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) radio occultation data for 2007-2013. The results show that: (1) in the mid-high latitude region, the daytime (06-17LT) scale height exhibits annual variations in the form of a single peak structure with the crest appearing in summer. At the high latitude region, an annual variation is also observed for nighttime (18-05LT) scale height; (2) changes in the spatial distribution of the scale height occur. The crests are deflected towards the north during daytime (12-14LT) at a geomagnetic longitude of 60°W-180°W, and they are distributed roughly along the geomagnetic equator at 60°W-180°E. In the approximate region of 120°W-150°E and 50°S-80°S, the scale height values are significantly higher than those in other mid-latitude areas. This region enlarges with increased solar activity, and shows an approximately symmetric distribution about 0° geomagnetic longitude. Nighttime (00-02LT) scale height values in the high-latitude region are larger than those in the low-mid latitude region. These results could serve as reference for the study of ionosphere distribution and construction of the corresponding profile model.

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

PubMed Central

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

2009-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-07-01

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

How useful are ARFI elastography cut-off values proposed by meta-analysis for predicting the significant fibrosis and compensated liver cirrhosis?

PubMed

Bota, Simona; Sporea, Ioan; Sirli, Roxana; Popescu, Alina; Gradinaru-Tascau, Oana

2015-06-01

To evaluate how often do we "miss" chronic hepatitis C patients with at least significant fibrosis (F>/=2) and those with compensated cirrhosis, by using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography cut-off values proposed by meta-analysis. Our study included 132 patients with chronic hepatitis C, evaluated by means of ARFI and liver biopsy (LB), in the same session. Reliable measurements were defined as: median value of 10 liver stiffness (LS) measurements with a success rate>/=60% and an interquartile range interval<30%. For predicting F>/=2 and F=4 we used the LS cut-offs proposed in the last published meta-analysis: 1.35 m/s and 1.87 m/s, respectively. Reliable LS measurements by means of ARFI were obtained in 117 patients (87.9%). In our study, 58 patients (49.6%) had LS values <1.35 m/s; from these 75.8% had F>/=2 in LB. From the 59 patients (50.4%) with LS values>/=1.35 m/s, only 6.8% had F0 or F1 in LB. Also, in our study, 88 patients (75.3%) had LS values <1.87 m/s; from these only 2.2 % had F4 in LB. From the 29 patients (24.7%) with LS values>/=1.87 m/s, 41.3% had F4 in LB. Both for prediction of at least significant fibrosis and liver cirrhosis, higher aminotransferases levels were associated with wrongly classified patients, in univariate and multivariate analysis. ARFI elastography had a very good positive predictive value (93.2%) for predicting the presence of significant fibrosis and excellent negative predictive value (97.8%) for excluding the presence of compensated liver cirrhosis.

New results on equatorial thermospheric winds and temperatures from Ethiopia, Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesema, Fasil; Mesquita, Rafael; Meriwether, John; Damtie, Baylie; Nigussie, Melessew; Makela, Jonathan; Fisher, Daniel; Harding, Brian; Yizengaw, Endawoke; Sanders, Samuel

2017-03-01

Measurements of equatorial thermospheric winds, temperatures, and 630 nm relative intensities were obtained using an imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI), which was recently deployed at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia (11.6° N, 37.4° E, 3.7° N magnetic). The results obtained in this study cover 6 months (53 nights of useable data) between November 2015 and April 2016. The monthly-averaged values, which include local winter and equinox seasons, show the magnitude of the maximum monthly-averaged zonal wind is typically within the range of 70 to 90 ms-1 and is eastward between 19:00 and 21:00 LT. Compared to prior studies of the equatorial thermospheric wind for this local time period, the magnitude is considerably weaker as compared to the maximum zonal wind speed observed in the Peruvian sector but comparable to Brazilian FPI results. During the early evening, the meridional wind speeds are 30 to 50 ms-1 poleward during the winter months and 10 to 25 ms-1 equatorward in the equinox months. The direction of the poleward wind during the winter months is believed to be mainly caused by the existence of the interhemispheric wind flow from the summer to winter hemispheres. An equatorial wind surge is observed later in the evening and is shifted to later local times during the winter months and to earlier local times during the equinox months. Significant night-to-night variations are also observed in the maximum speed of both zonal and meridional winds. The temperature observations show the midnight temperature maximum (MTM) to be generally present between 00:30 and 02:00 LT. The amplitude of the MTM was ˜ 110 K in January 2016 with values smaller than this in the other months. The local time difference between the appearance of the MTM and a pre-midnight equatorial wind was generally 60 to 180 min. A meridional wind reversal was also observed after the appearance of the MTM (after 02:00 LT). Climatological models, HWM14 and MSIS-00, were compared to the observations and the HWM14 model generally predicted the zonal wind observations well with the exception of higher model values by 25 ms-1 in the winter months. The HWM14 model meridional wind showed generally good agreement with the observations. Finally, the MSIS-00 model overestimated the temperature by 50 to 75 K during the early evening hours of local winter months. Otherwise, the agreement was generally good, although, in line with prior studies, the model failed to reproduce the MTM peak for any of the 6 months compared with the FPI data.

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

PubMed

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

2011-01-01

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

Montelukast potentiates the anticonvulsant effect of phenobarbital in mice: an isobolographic analysis.

PubMed

Fleck, Juliana; Marafiga, Joseane Righes; Jesse, Ana Cláudia; Ribeiro, Leandro Rodrigo; Rambo, Leonardo Magno; Mello, Carlos Fernando

2015-04-01

Although leukotrienes have been implicated in seizures, no study has systematically investigated whether the blockade of CysLT1 receptors synergistically increases the anticonvulsant action of classic antiepileptics. In this study, behavioral and electroencephalographic methods, as well as isobolographic analysis, are used to show that the CysLT1 inverse agonist montelukast synergistically increases the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Moreover, it is shown that LTD4 reverses the effect of montelukast. The experimentally derived ED50mix value for a fixed-ratio combination (1:1 proportion) of montelukast plus phenobarbital was 0.06±0.02 μmol, whereas the additively calculated ED50add value was 0.49±0.03 μmol. The calculated interaction index was 0.12, indicating a synergistic interaction. The association of montelukast significantly decreased the antiseizure ED50 for phenobarbital (0.74 and 0.04 μmol in the absence and presence of montelukast, respectively) and, consequently, phenobarbital-induced sedation at equieffective doses. The demonstration of a strong synergism between montelukast and phenobarbital is particularly relevant because both drugs are already used in the clinics, foreseeing an immediate translational application for epileptic patients who have drug-resistant seizures. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproductive biology of the crocodile shark Pseudocarcharias kamoharai.

PubMed

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

2010-05-01

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

Photo-enhanced toxicity of fluoranthene to Gulf of Mexico marine organisms at different larval ages and ultraviolet light intensities.

PubMed

Finch, Bryson E; Stubblefield, William A

2016-05-01

Significant increases in toxicity have been observed as a result of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in aquatic organisms. Early life stage aquatic organisms are predicted to be more susceptible to PAH photo-enhanced toxicity as a result of their translucence and tendency to inhabit shallow littoral or surface waters. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the sensitivity of varying ages of larval mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia), inland silverside (Menidia beryllina), sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), and Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) to photo-enhanced toxicity and to examine the correlation between photo-enhanced toxicity and organism pigmentation. Organisms were exposed to fluoranthene and artificial UV light at different larval ages and results were compared using median lethal concentrations (LC50s) and the lethal time-to-death (LT50s). In addition, a high UV light intensity, short-duration (4-h) experiment was conducted at approximately 24 W/m(2) of ultraviolet radiation A (UV-A) and compared with a low-intensity, long-duration (12-h) experiment at approximately 8 W/m(2) of UV-A. The results indicated decreased toxicity with increasing age for all larval organisms. The amount of organism pigmentation was correlated with observed LC50 and LT50 values. High-intensity short-duration exposure resulted in greater toxicity than low-intensity long-duration UV treatments for mysid shrimp, inland silverside, and sheepshead minnow. Data from these experiments suggest that toxicity is dependent on age, pigmentation, UV light intensity, and fluoranthene concentration. © 2015 SETAC.

Mosquito larvicidal activity of botanical-based mosquito repellents.

PubMed

Zhu, Junwei; Zeng, Xiaopeng; O'Neal, Megan; Schultz, Gretchen; Tucker, Brad; Coats, Joel; Bartholomay, Lyric; Xue, Rui-De

2008-03-01

The larvicidal activity of 4 plant essential oils--innamon oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, sandalwood oil, and turmeric oil--previously reported as insect repellents was evaluated in the laboratory against 4th instars of Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, and Culex pipiens. Sandalwood oil appeared to be the most effective of the larvicides, killing larvae of all 3 mosquito species in relatively short times. The values of LT50 and LT90 at the application dosage (0.2 mg/ml) were 1.06 +/- 0.11 and 3.24 +/- 0.14 h for Ae. aegypti, 1.82 +/- 0.06 and 3.33 +/- 0.48 h for Ae. albopictus, and 1.55 +/- 0.07 and 3.91 +/- 0.44 h for Cx. pipiens, respectively. Chemical compositions of these essential oils were also studied, and the lavicidal activity of their major ingredient compounds was compared with that of each of the essential oils. The acute toxicity of the 4 essential oils to fathead minnows was also evaluated. The safe use of these natural plant essential oils in future applications of mosquito control was discussed.

Survival of indianmeal moth and navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) at low temperatures.

PubMed

Johnson, J A

2007-08-01

Concerns over insect resistance, regulatory action, and the needs of organic processors have generated renewed interest in developing nonchemical alternative postharvest treatments to fumigants used on dried fruits and nuts. Low-temperature storage has been identified as one alternative for the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hiibner), and navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), common postharvest pests in California dried fruits and nuts. The response of eggs, nondiapausing larvae, and pupae of both species to exposure to low temperatures (0, 5, and 10 degrees C) was evaluated. Eggs of both species were the least tolerant of low temperatures. At 0 and 5 degrees C, pupae were most tolerant, but at 10 degrees C, nondiapausing larvae of both species were most tolerant, with lethal time (LT)95 values of 127 and 100 d for Indianmeal moth and navel orangeworm, respectively. The response of diapausing Indianmeal moth larvae to subfreezing temperatures also was evaluated. Diapausing larvae were very cold tolerant at -10 degrees C, with LT95 values of 20 and 17 d for long-term laboratory and recently isolated cultures, respectively. Diapausing larvae were far less tolerant at lower temperatures. At -15 degrees C, LT95 values for both cultures were <23 h, and at -20 degrees C, LT95 values were <7 h. Refrigeration temperatures of 0-5 degrees C should be useful in disinfesting product contaminated with nondiapausing insects, with storage times of 3 wk needed for adequate control. Relatively brief storage in commercial freezers, provided that the temperature throughout the product was below -15 degrees C for at least 48 h, also shows potential as a disinfestation treatment, and it is necessary when diapausing Indianmeal moth larvae are present.

Ultrasonography and optical low-coherence interferometry compared in the chicken eye.

PubMed

Penha, Alexandra Marcha; Burkhardt, Eva; Schaeffel, Frank; Feldkaemper, Marita P

2012-06-01

To compare ocular biometry [anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), and axial length (AL)] using A-scan ultrasonography and optical low-coherence interferometry (OLCI) in the chicken eye. Two-week-old chicks (n = 42) were measured. Bland-Altman plots and repeatability and correlation analyses were calculated for both methods. There was a high correlation between both methods for ACD (r = 0.6144, p < 0.0001), VCD (r = 0.9595, p < 0.0001), and AL (r = 0.9290, p < 0.0001) but not for LT (r = 0.1604, p = 0.144). Measurements by OLCI were more consistent (smaller coefficients of variation and higher intraclass correlation). Bland-Altman plots showed that ultrasound provided larger values for LT, VCD, and AL but not for ACD [differences between ultrasound and OLCI (mean ± SD): ACD = -0.11 ± 0.12 mm; LT = 0.10 ± 0.09 mm; VCD = 0.25 ± 0.08 mm; AL = 0.50 ± 0.16 mm]. A high correlation between both techniques was found for three of the four parameters (ACD, VCD, and AL). However, as the absolute values were different, both techniques cannot replace each other mainly because (1) one is non-contact and the other contact and can induce a minor indentation of the cornea and (2) each device uses different types of waves that cross the ocular interfaces differently. While consistency and repeatability were better by OLCI, a disadvantage is that, different from humans, it can only be used in anesthetized chicks.

Diagnostic Usefulness of APRI and FIB-4 for the Prediction of Liver Fibrosis After Liver Transplantation in Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus.

PubMed

Imai, H; Kamei, H; Onishi, Y; Ishizu, Y; Ishigami, M; Goto, H; Ogura, Y

2018-06-01

Aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) are well known as representative indirect serum biomarkers related to liver fibrosis. The usefulness of these markers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis after liver transplantation (LT) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients and the influence of splenectomy were investigated. From June 2003 to May 2014, 31 HCV-infected patients who underwent LT and postoperative follow-up liver biopsies were included in this study. The association between liver fibrosis and serum biomarkers and the influence of splenectomy on APRI and FIB-4 were also investigated. A total of 195 biopsy specimens were collected, and liver fibrosis was identified as: F0, 59.7%; F1, 34.1%; and F2, 6.3%. Both APRI and FIB-4 were significantly higher in patients who showed F1 and F2 in liver biopsy specimen than F0 (P values, .009 and .022, respectively); sensitivity and specificity of APRI were, respectively, 63.4% and 66.7%, and those of FIB-4 were 57.7% and 69.6%. In 11 patients (35.5%) who underwent splenectomy at the time of LT, the cutoff values for APRI and FIB-4 were 0.61 and 1.41, which were significantly lower than the corresponding values (1.00 and 3.64) of patients without splenectomy. APRI and FIB-4 could effectively estimate liver fibrosis after LT for HCV-related liver disease. For LT patients with splenectomy, APRI and FIB-4 were also useful to estimate liver fibrosis, but the standard values should be adjusted lower than those for patients without splenectomy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Masking properties of ceramics for veneer restorations.

PubMed

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

2017-10-01

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

The Romanian National Program for Liver Transplantation - 852 Procedures in 815 Patients over 17 Years (2000-2017): A Continuous Evolution to Success.

PubMed

Popescu, Irinel; Ionescu, Mihnea; Braşoveanu, Vladislav; Hrehoreţ, Doina; Copca, Narcis; Lupaşcu, Cristian; Botea, Florin; Dorobanţu, Bogdan; Alexandrescu, Sorin; Grigorie, Mihai; Matei, Emil; Zamfir, Radu; Lungu, Vasile; Tomescu, Dana; Droc, Gabriela; Ungureanu, Daniela; Fota, Ruxandra; Manga, Graţiela; Popescu, Mihai; Popa, Laura; Gheorghe, Liana; Iacob, Speranţa; Pietrăreanu, Corina; Mihailă, Mariana; Mic, Laurenţiu; Constantinescu, Sanda; Gheorghe, Cristian; Cotruta, Bogdan; Lupescu, Ioana; Grasu, Mugur; Boroş, Mirela; Dumitru, Radu; Toma, Mihai; Paslaru, Liliana; Vlad, Laura; Constantinescu, Ileana; Dima, Ileana; Herlea, Vlad; Becheanu, Gabriel; Pecheanu, Cătălin; Sasalovici, Daniela

2017-01-01

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) has become an established treatment for end-stage liver disease, with more than 20.000 procedures yearly worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of Romanian National Program of LT. Methods: Between April 2000 and April 2017, 817 pts received 852 LTs in Romania. Male/female ratio was 487/330, while adult/pediatric ratio was 753/64, with a mean age of 46 years (median 50 yrs; range 7 months - 68 yrs). Main LT indications were HBV cirrhosis (230 pts; 28.2%), HCC (173 pts; 21.2%), and HCV cirrhosis (137 pts; 16.8%). Waiting time and indications for LT, patient and donor demographics, graft features, surgical procedures, and short and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: DDLT was performed in 682 pts (83.9%): whole LT in 662 pts (81%), split LT in 16 pts (2.3%), reduced LT in 2 pts (0.2%), and domino LT in 1 pts (0.1%). LDLT was performed in 135 pts (16.5%): right hemiliver in 93 pts (11.4%), left lateral section in 28 pts (3.4%), left hemiliver in 8 pts (1%), left hemiliver with segment 1 in 4 pts (0.5%), and dual graft LDLT in 2 pts (0.2%). Overall major morbidity rate was 31.4% (268 pts), while perioperative mortality was 7.9% (65 pts). Retransplantation rate was 4.3% (35 pts): 27 whole LTs, 3 reduced LTs, 3 split LTs, and 2 LDLT. Long-term overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimated survival rates for patients were 87.9%, 81.5%, and 79.1%, respectively. One-, 3-, and 5-year overall mortality on waiting list also decreased significantly over time from 31.4%, 54.1% and 63.5%, to 4.4%, 13.9% and 23.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The Romanian National program for liver transplantation addresses all causes of acute and chronic liver failure or liver tumors in adults and children, using all surgical techniques, with good long-term outcome. The program constantly evolved over time, leading to decreased mortality rate on the waiting list. Celsius.

Crisis -- A Leadership Opportunity

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

recognized the great value in understanding crisis theory and the leadership strategies to employ during these situations. Additionally, we discovered...ed.: 50. Mitroff, Ian I. Crisis leadership : Planning for the Unthinkable. Hoboken: Wiley, 2004. Murphy, P. (1996). "Chaos Theory as a Model...Crisis–A Leadership Opportunity COL Victor Braden, ARNG CAPT Justin Cooper II, USN COL Michael Klingele, USA Lt Col John P

Susceptibility of adults of the cerambycid beetle Hedypathes betulinus to the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Purpureocillium lilacinum

PubMed Central

Schapovaloff, M. E.; Alves, L. F. A.; Fanti, A. L.; Alzogaray, R. A.; López Lastra, C. C.

2014-01-01

Abstract The cerambycid beetle Hedypathes betulinus (Klug) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) causes severe damage to yerba mate plants ( Ilex paraguariensis (St. Hilaire) (Aquifoliales: Aquifoliaceae)), which results in large losses of production. In this study, the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi of the species Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), and Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom) Luangsa-ard, Hywel-Jones, Houbraken and Samson (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) on yerba mate were evaluated. Fifteen isolates of B. bassiana , two of M. anisopliae , and seven of P. lilacinum on H. betulinus adults were analyzed under laboratory conditions. The raw mortality rate caused by B. bassiana isolates varied from 51.1 to 86.3%, and their LT 50 values varied between 8.7 and 13.6 d. The isolates of M. anisopliae caused 69.6‒81.8% mortality, and their LT 50 values varied between 7.4 and 7.9 d. In contrast, isolates of P. lilacinum were not pathogenic. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana isolates were pathogenic against H. betulinus adults, suggesting that they may be useful in biological control programs for insect pests of yerba mate. PMID:25368071

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-01

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

Adulticidal activity of some Malaysian plant extracts against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus.

PubMed

Hidayatulfathi, O; Sallehuddin, S; Ibrahim, J

2004-12-01

The adulticidal activity of methanol extracts from three Malaysian plants namely Acorus calamus Linn., Litsea elliptica Blume and Piper aduncum Linn. against adult of Aedes aegypti (L.) were studied. Standard WHO bioassay tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of these plant extracts. The hexane fraction from methanol extract of Acorus calamus rhizome was the most effective, exhibiting LC50 and LC90 values of 0.04 mgcm(-2) and 0.09 mgcm(-2) respectively. For L. elliptica, the methanol fraction also displayed good adulticidal property with the LC50 and LC90 values of 0.11 mgcm(-2) and 6.08 mgcm(-2) respectively. It is found that hexane fraction of the P. aduncum crude extract was the least effective among the three plants showing LC50 and LC90 values of 0.20 mgcm(-2) and 5.32 mgcm(-2), respectively. However, although A. calamus showed lowest LC values, the LT50 results indicated that the methanol fraction of L. elliptica was most potent extract among the extracts tested.

Lognormals for SETI, Evolution and Mass Extinctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maccone, Claudio

2014-12-01

In a series of recent papers (Refs. [1-5,7,8]) and in a book (Ref. [6]), this author suggested a new mathematical theory capable of merging Darwinian Evolution and SETI into a unified statistical framework. In this new vision, Darwinian Evolution, as it unfolded on Earth over the last 3.5 billion years, is defined as just one particular realization of a certain lognormal stochastic process in the number of living species on Earth, whose mean value increased in time exponentially. SETI also may be brought into this vision since the number of communicating civilizations in the Galaxy is given by a lognormal distribution (Statistical Drake Equation). Now, in this paper we further elaborate on all that particularly with regard to two important topics: The introduction of the general lognormal stochastic process L(t) whose mean value may be an arbitrary continuous function of the time, m(t), rather than just the exponential mGBM (t) =N0eμt typical of the Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM). This is a considerable generalization of the GBM-based theory used in Refs. [1-8]. The particular application of the general stochastic process L(t) to the understanding of Mass Extinctions like the K-Pg one that marked the dinosaurs' end 65 million years ago. We first model this Mass Extinction as a decreasing Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM) extending from the asteroid's impact time all through the ensuing 'nuclear winter'. However, this model has a flaw: the 'final value' of the GBM cannot have a horizontal tangent, as requested to enable the recovery of life again after this 'final extinction value'. That flaw, however, is removed if the rapidly decreasing mean value function of L(t) is the left branch of a parabola extending from the asteroid's impact time all through the ensuing 'nuclear winter' and up to the time when the number of living species on Earth started growing up again, as we show mathematically in Section 3. In conclusion, we have uncovered an important generalization of the GBM into the general lognormal stochastic process L(t), paving the way to a better, future understanding the evolution of life on Exoplanets on the basis of what Evolution unfolded on Earth in the last 3.5 billion years. That will be the goal of further research papers in the future.

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

PubMed

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

2016-11-01

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

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM LOG INACTIVATION CALCULATION METHODS

EPA Science Inventory

Appendix O of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) Guidance Manual introduces the CeffT10 (i.e., reaction zone outlet C value and T10 time) method for calculating ozone CT value and Giardia and virus log inactivation. The LT2ESWTR Pre-proposal Draft Regulatory Language for St...

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

PubMed

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

2015-08-01

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

Selection of entomopathogenic fungi for aphid control.

PubMed

Vu, Van Hanh; Hong, Suk Il; Kim, Keun

2007-12-01

Twelve strains of entomopathogenic fungi such as Lecanicillium lecanii, Paecilomyces farinosus, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Cordyceps scarabaeicola, and Nomuraea rileyi were screened for aphid control. At 25 degrees C and 75% relative humidity (RH), among tested entomopathogenic fungi, L. lecanii 41185 showed the highest virulent pathogenicity for both Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii, and their control values were both nearly 100% 5 and 2 d after treatment, respectively. Moreover, at an RH of 45% and in a wide temperature range (20-30 degrees C), L. lecanii 41185 also exhibited the highest virulence to M. persicae. The control value of M. persicae and the 50% lethal time (LT50) decreased significantly as the applied conidial concentration increased. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of the conidial suspension of this fungus was determined to be 6.55x10(5) conidia/ml. The control values of M. persicae resulting from the application of 1x10(7) and 1x10(8) conidia/ml were nearly the same and were significantly higher than that of 1x10(6) conidia/ml. The tested entomopathogenic fungi grew in a broad temperature range (15-30 degrees C). Lecanicillium strains showed optimum growth at 25 degrees C. The aerial conidia of Lecanicillium strains also could germinate in a broad temperature range (15-30 degrees C) and L. lecanii 41185 was the only strain with conidial germination at 35 degrees C.

Accuracy of non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring by pulse CO-oximeter during liver transplantation.

PubMed

Erdogan Kayhan, Gulay; Colak, Yusuf Z; Sanli, Mukadder; Ucar, Muharrem; Toprak, Huseyin I

2017-05-01

Hemoglobin level monitoring is essential during liver transplantation (LT) due to substantial blood loss. We evaluated the accuracy of non-invasive and continuous hemoglobin monitoring (SpHb) obtained by a transcutaneous spectrophotometry-based technology (Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA) compared with conventional laboratory Hb measurement (HbL) during LT. Additionally, we made subgroup analyses for distinct surgical phases that have special features and hemodynamic problems and thus may affect the accuracy of SpHb. During LT, blood samples were obtained twice for each of the three phases of LT (pre-anhepatic, anhepatic, and neohepatic) and were analyzed by the central laboratory. The HbL measurements were compared with SpHb obtained at the time of the blood draws. A total of 282 data pairs obtained from 53 patients were analyzed. The SpHb values ranged from 6.9 to 17.7 g/dL, and the HbL values ranged from 5.4 to 17.1 g/dL. The correlation coefficient between SpHb and HbL was 0.73 (P<0.001), and change in SpHb versus change in HbL was 0.76 (P<0.001). The sensitivity value determined using a 4-quadrant plot was 79%. The bias and precision of SpHb to HbL were 0.86±1.58 g/dL; the limits of agreement were -2.25 to 3.96 g/dL. The overall correlation between SpHb and HbL remained stable in different phases of surgical procedure. SpHb was demonstrated to have a clinically acceptable accuracy of hemoglobin measurement in comparison with a standard laboratory device when used during LT. This technology can be useful as a trend monitor during all surgical phases of LT and can supplement HbL to optimize transfusion decisions or to detect occult bleeding.

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

PubMed

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

2010-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-04-01

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

Extracts of the unripe fruit of Ilex paraguariensis as a potential chemical control against the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Gastropoda, Ampullariidae).

PubMed

Brito, Fabiano Carvalho de; Gosmann, Grace; Oliveira, Guendalina Turcato

2018-02-22

Plant extracts can provide a viable alternative to controlling many crop pests. This study sought to assess the efficacy of vegetable extracts of the unripe fruits of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba maté) for chemical control of the channeled apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) and of non-target species as the South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen) under laboratory conditions. In P. canaliculata, the LC 50 of the decoction extract was 31.39 mg.L -1 and the LT 50 was over 26 h. The LC 50 of the butanol extract was 24.75 mg.L -1 and the LT 50 was in the range of 28 to 32 h. In juvenile R. quelen, the LC 50 of the decoction was 17.98 mg.L -1 and the LT 50 was in the range of 10-12 h. These extracts are particularly attractive considering the source of compounds and their effectiveness as molluscicides.

Divergent thermal specialisation of two South African entomopathogenic nematodes.

PubMed

Hill, Matthew P; Malan, Antoinette P; Terblanche, John S

2015-01-01

Thermal physiology of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) is a critical aspect of field performance and fitness. Thermal limits for survival and activity, and the ability of these limits to adjust (i.e., show phenotypic flexibility) depending on recent thermal history, are generally poorly established, especially for non-model nematode species. Here we report the acute thermal limits for survival, and the thermal acclimation-related plasticity thereof for two key endemic South African EPN species, Steinernema yirgalemense and Heterorhabditis zealandica. Results including LT50 indicate S. yirgalemense (LT50 = 40.8 ± 0.3 °C) has greater high temperature tolerance than H. zealandica (LT50 = 36.7 ± 0.2 °C), but S. yirgalemense (LT50 = -2.4 ± 0 °C) has poorer low temperature tolerance in comparison to H. zealandica (LT50 = -9.7 ± 0.3 °C), suggesting these two EPN species occupy divergent thermal niches to one another. Acclimation had both negative and positive effects on temperature stress survival of both species, although the overall variation meant that many of these effects were non-significant. There was no indication of a consistent loss of plasticity with improved basal thermal tolerance for either species at upper lethal temperatures. At lower temperatures measured for H. zealandica, the 5 °C acclimation lowered survival until below -12.5 °C, where after it increased survival. Such results indicate that the thermal niche breadth of EPN species can differ significantly depending on recent thermal conditions, and should be characterized across a broad range of species to understand the evolution of thermal limits to performance and survival in this group.

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

PubMed

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

2017-11-26

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

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

PubMed

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

2014-02-01

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

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

PubMed

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

1998-08-01

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

Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin induces TNF-α–independent hypoxia-mediated toxicity in mice

PubMed Central

Moayeri, Mahtab; Haines, Diana; Young, Howard A.; Leppla, Stephen H.

2003-01-01

Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT) is the major virulence factor of anthrax and reproduces most of the laboratory manifestations of the disease in animals. We studied LT toxicity in BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J mice. BALB/cJ mice became terminally ill earlier and with higher frequency than C57BL/6J mice. Timed histopathological analysis identified bone marrow, spleen, and liver as major affected organs in both mouse strains. LT induced extensive hypoxia. Crisis was due to extensive liver necrosis accompanied by pleural edema. There was no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation or renal dysfunction. Instead, analyses revealed hepatic dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and vascular/oxygenation insufficiency. Of 50 cytokines analyzed, BALB/cJ mice showed rapid but transitory increases in specific factors including KC, MCP-1/JE, IL-6, MIP-2, G-CSF, GM-CSF, eotaxin, FasL, and IL-1β. No changes in TNF-α occurred. The C57BL/6J mice did not mount a similar cytokine response. These factors were not induced in vitro by LT treatment of toxin-sensitive macrophages. The evidence presented shows that LT kills mice through a TNF-α–independent, FasL-independent, noninflammatory mechanism that involves hypoxic tissue injury but does not require macrophage sensitivity to toxin. PMID:12952916

Effects of dietary potato by-product and rumen-protected histidine on growth, carcass characteristics and quality attributes of beef.

PubMed

Thornton, K J; Richard, R P; Colle, M J; Doumit, M E; de Veth, M J; Hunt, C W; Murdoch, G K

2015-09-01

We hypothesized that variable composition in finishing rations, more specifically; the proportion of potato-by-product (PBP) and rumen protected histidine (His) supplementation may influence growth and meat quality attributes. Two different diets were fed (1) finishing ration with corn and barley as grains (CB, n = 20) and (2) substitution of 10% corn, DM basis, with PBP (PBP, n = 20). Additionally, half of each dietary treatment received 50 g/hd/d rumen protected His (HS, n= 20) while the other half received no supplement (NS, n = 20). Inclusion of 10% PBP or HS did not affect growth or carcass traits. Color stability was analyzed using Hunter color values as well as AMSA visual appraisal in both longissimus thoracis (LT) and gluteus medius (GM) muscles. The LT, but not the GM, of CB steers was more color stable over a 9 d simulated retail display compared to those fed a PB diet. Steers receiving HS produced significantly (P < 0.05) more color stable LT and GM steaks. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2014-01-01

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

[Clonal variability in longevity of the cercariae of Himasthla elongata (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)].

PubMed

Levakin, I A; Losev, E A; Zavirskiĭ, Ia V; Galaktionov, K V

2013-01-01

The study was carried out on Himasthla elongata cercariae shed by infected Littorina littorea snails. The infected periwinkles were collected from the settlement with the low prevalence of H. elongata. As shown earlier with the use of AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) method, rediae groups in all the infected periwinkles of this settlement arise from the infection of a mollusc with a single miracidium. Therefore, the cercariae shed by an infected mollusc have the same genotype or, in other words, represent a clone. The LT50 (the time during which 50% of cercariae perish in the experimental dish) were measured experimentally for cercariae Himasthla elongata belong to different clones. The investigated parameter demonstrated a high level of interclonal variability. Two groups of cercarial clones were identified: one of them was characterized by the high level of intraclonal variability in LT50 and the second, by the low one. It is assumed that the observed heterogeneity may be stipulated by different degrees of mitotic recombinations during formation of different cercarial clones.

Satellite bulk tropospheric temperatures as a metric for climate sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christy, John R.; McNider, Richard T.

2017-11-01

We identify and remove the main natural perturbations (e.g. volcanic activity, ENSOs) from the global mean lower tropospheric temperatures ( T LT ) over January 1979 - June 2017 to estimate the underlying, potentially human-forced trend. The unaltered value is +0.155 K dec-1 while the adjusted trend is +0.096 K dec-1, related primarily to the removal of volcanic cooling in the early part of the record. This is essentially the same value we determined in 1994 (+0.09 K dec-1, Christy and McNider, 1994) using only 15 years of data. If the warming rate of +0.096 K dec-1 represents the net T LT response to increasing greenhouse radiative forcings, this implies that the T LT tropospheric transient climate response (Δ T LT at the time CO2 doubles) is +1.10 ± 0.26 K which is about half of the average of the IPCC AR5 climate models of 2.31 ± 0.20 K. Assuming that the net remaining unknown internal and external natural forcing over this period is near zero, the mismatch since 1979 between observations and CMIP-5 model values suggests that excessive sensitivity to enhanced radiative forcing in the models can be appreciable. The tropical region is mainly responsible for this discrepancy suggesting processes that are the likely sources of the extra sensitivity are (a) the parameterized hydrology of the deep atmosphere, (b) the parameterized heat-partitioning at the oceanatmosphere interface and/or (c) unknown natural variations.

Horizontal transfer of fipronil is enhanced with increased group size in Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

PubMed

Wang, Cai; Henderson, Gregg; Chen, Xuan; Gautam, Bal K

2013-12-01

Fipronil is a widely used insecticide for termite control. Although transfer of fipronil among termite cohorts has been investigated in previous studies, no study has yet focused on the influence of termite group size (density) on horizontal transfer. In this study, the mortality of donor and recipient Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) was compared among groups of 10, 25, and 50 workers. Most donor termites were dead within 20 h. There was a significantly higher mortality of recipient termites starting at 44 h when in bigger groups. LT50 and LT90 of recipient termites decreased with increase in group size, being significantly shorter in groups of 50 termites compared with groups of 10 termites. Moreover, the variance (within-group difference) of recipient mortality and lethal time estimations was lowest in the groups of 50 termites, indicating a more uniform horizontal transfer of fipronil by termites in bigger groups. Our findings suggest that group size has an influence on fipronil transfer among C. formosanus workers and should be considered as a variable of importance.

First report of toxicity of Xylopiaparviflora (A. Rich.) Benth (Annonaceae) root bark's essential oil against cowpea seed bruchid, Callososbruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae).

PubMed

Babarinde, Samuel Adelani; Pitan, Olufemi Olutoyin Richard; Olatunde, Ganiyu Olatunji; Ajala, Michael Oluwole

2015-01-01

The fumigant toxicity of Xylopia parviflora (A. Rich.) Benth (Annonaceae) root bark's essential oil (EO) against cowpea seed bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus, was investigated in the laboratory. Dose had significant (P < 0.0001) effect on mortality at 6 hours after treatment (HAT) at a concentration of 6.25 μL/mL air which exerted 81.70% mortality, while there was no mortality in all other lower doses. At 12 HAT, 75.05% and 90.00% mortality were observed at doses of 3.15 and 6.25 μL/mL air, respectively. It was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the mortality (50.58%) observed when 0.78 μL/mL air was applied. The lethal time for 50% of assayed adults (LT50) obtained when the bruchid was exposed to X. parviflora EO at a dose of 6.25 μL/mL air (2.71 h) was significantly lower than LT50 obtained at exposure of bruchid to other lower doses of 0.78-3.15 μL/mL air.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-11-01

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

Braving the attitude of altitude: Caragana jubata at work in cold desert of Himalaya

PubMed Central

Bhardwaj, Pardeep Kumar; Kapoor, Ritu; Mala, Deep; Bhagwat, Geetika; Acharya, Vishal; Singh, Anil Kumar; Vats, Surender Kumar; Ahuja, Paramvir Singh; Kumar, Sanjay

2013-01-01

The present work was conducted to understand the basis of adaptation in Caragana jubata in its niche environment at high altitude cold desert of Himalaya. Molecular data showed predominance of genes encoding chaperones and those involved in growth and development at low temperature (LT), a major cue operative at high altitude. Importantly, these genes expressed in C. jubata in its natural habitat. Their homologues in Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Glycine max did not exhibit similar trend of gene expression at LT. Constitutive expression and a quick up-regulation of the above genes suggested the ability of C. jubata to adjust its cellular machinery to maintain growth and development in its niche. This was reflected in LT50 (the temperature at which 50% injury occurred) and LT mediated photosynthetic acclimatory response. Such molecular and physiological plasticity enables C. jubata to thrive in the high altitude cold desert of Himalayas. PMID:23289064

Effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic measurements in healthy adult horses.

PubMed

Frank, Nicholas; Buchanan, Benjamin R; Elliott, Sarah B

2008-01-01

To determine the effects of long-term oral levothyroxine sodium (L-T(4)) administration on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, thyroid gland function, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic examination measurements in adult euthyroid horses. 6 healthy adult mares. Horses received L-T(4) (48 mg/d) orally for 48 weeks. Every 4 weeks, physical examinations were performed; blood samples were collected for CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and assessments of serum total triiodothyronine (tT(3)) and thyroxine (tT(4)) concentrations. Plasma creatine kinase MB activity and cardiac troponin I concentration were also measured. Echocardiographic examinations were performed before and at 16, 32, and 48 weeks during the treatment period. During the treatment period, mean body weight decreased significantly; heart rate varied significantly, but the pattern of variation was not consistent. Significant time effects were detected for certain clinicopathologic variables, but mean values remained within reference ranges. Cardiac troponin I was only detectable in 8 of 24 plasma samples (concentration range, 0.01 to 0.03 ng/mL). Serum creatine kinase MB activity did not change significantly over time. Compared with the pretreatment value, 5.4-, 4.0-, and 3.7-fold increases in mean serum tT(4) concentrations were detected at 16, 32, and 48 weeks, respectively. Some cardiac measurements changed significantly over time, but mean values remained within published reference ranges. Mean fractional shortening was lower than the pretreatment mean value at 16 and 32 weeks. In horses, long-term oral administration of 48 mg of L-T(4)/d significantly increased serum tT(4) concentrations and did not appear to adversely affect health.

Reproductive parameters of the Pacific angel shark Squatina californica (Selachii: Squatinidae).

PubMed

Romero-Caicedo, A F; Galván-Magaña, F; Hernández-Herrera, A; Carrera-Fernández, M

2016-04-01

Reproductive characteristics of the Pacific angel shark, Squatina californica, were evaluated from 420 specimens obtained from the artisanal fishery in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, Mexico. Females (99 cm, 6000 g) were larger than males (95 cm, 5000 g) in terms of both total length (L(T)) and body mass (M(T)). The overall sex ratio was significantly different from the expected 1:1, suggesting sexual segregation of mature individuals in La Paz Bay. Males had developed reproductive organs and calcified claspers from 72 cm L(T); the median size at maturity (LT50 ) was 75.6 cm. In females, only the left ovary was functional and mature ovarian follicles were present from 77 cm L(T); the estimated LT50 was 77.7 cm. For the 10 gravid females sampled, uterine fecundity was between two and 10 embryos. Mature, non-gravid females with small and large ovarian follicles appeared simultaneously with gravid females with follicles that did not exceed 1.9 cm diameter. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

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

PubMed

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

2008-04-01

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

Landsat Spectral Indices Applied to Chl-a Monitoring in Finnish Lakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, E. E.; Lisboa, F. B.; Brotas, V.; Kuikka, S.; Kaikkonen, L.

2017-12-01

With the launch of a new generation of multispectral space borne sensors, remote sensing of lakes has seen large progress in recent years. However, estimating the spatial and temporal distribution of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) across different environmental conditions remains challenging. In particular, constructing long time series of chl-a concentrations is hindered by the relatively recent use of ocean color satellites. The Landsat (LT) archive currently provides over three decades of images with suitable spatial resolution, and previous studies demonstrated good relationships between in situ measurements and LT reflectance bands. However, the estimation of limnological phytoplankton biomass based on LT data remains elusive, given its coarse spectral and temporal resolutions. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between chl-a concentrations, taken from in situ measurements, and LT spectral indices across 19 Finnish lakes. Image gathering and analysis of remotely sensed data were carried out using Google Earth Engine, allowing the assessment of the entire LT 5 and 7 archives. The boundaries of lakes' surfaces were defined using the permanent water regions of the Global Surface Water data set. We developed algorithms to iteratively derive models for chl-a estimation in all 19 lakes, resulting in a data set of correlation coefficients and statistical significances, from which we identified the best models for each lake. We evaluated models driven by single bands, band ratios, and multivariate fittings. Additionally, we included a variable time-window for matching up our imagery with the in situ data. Our results showed that the correlation between LT data and in-situ chl-a varies strongly among lakes. In some cases, a strong correlation can be found over specific bands or reflectance indices: Pyhäjärvi, multivariable model, R2 = 0.9, p-values = {0.04, 0.03} and Köyliönjärvi, R2 = 0.6, p-value = 0.009. Further studies will evaluate the reasons for discrepancies between lakes, as well as the chl-a threshold detection level among lakes with different trophic states.

Observations of the Weddell Sea Anomaly in the ground-based and space-borne TEC measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharenkova, Irina; Cherniak, Iurii; Shagimuratov, Irk

2017-08-01

The Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) is a summer ionospheric anomaly, which is characterized by a greater nighttime ionospheric density than that in daytime in the region near the Weddell Sea. We investigate the WSA signatures in the ground-based TEC (vertical total electron content) by using GPS and GLONASS measurements of the dense regional GNSS networks in South America. We constructed the high-resolution regional TEC maps for December 2014-January 2015. The WSA effects of the TEC exceed the noontime values are registered starting from 17 LT, it reaches its maximum at 01-05 LT and starts to disappear after 09 LT. Maximal TEC enhancements were as large as a factor of 2.5-3.5 and were registered at 03-04 LT. This effect was mainly localized in the geographical region of 55°S-75°S latitude and 80°W-30°W longitude, close to the Antarctic Peninsula. Further, we examined the WSA occurrence in the topside ionosphere by using GPS measurements from a zenith-looking GPS antenna on board three Swarm satellites to determine topside TEC (above ∼500 km altitude) at the topside ionosphere-plasmasphere system. Global maps of the topside TEC indicated that the zone with significant WSA effect in the topside TEC (TEC increase ∼2-4 times the noontime level) had a large spatial extent over southern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It was observed around 150°W-20°W and between 40°S and 70°S during 23 LT - 06 LT. For the first time, the WSA signatures were shown in the topside TEC data derived from the GPS measurements onboard the Swarm constellation. Independently, two other instruments - FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC radio occultation electron density profiles and in situ measurements by the Langmuir Probe instrument onboard Swarm satellites - were able to confirm: (1) the same location of the WSA zone as revealed in Swarm TEC; (2) the most-pronounced WSA effect, as a maximal electron density exceed over the noontime values, corresponds to altitudes above 400-500 km.

The acute toxicity evaluation of a low-temperature hydraulic fluid.

PubMed

Kinkead, E R; Wolfe, R E; Bunger, S K; Leahy, H F

1992-03-01

A low-temperature version of MIL-H-83282 (LT 83282) is a candidate hydraulic fluid to be used as a replacement for the current low-temperature fluid used on Strategic Air Command aircraft. A single neat dose of 0.1 mL LT 83282 into New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit eyes resulted in slight conjunctival irritation for up to 24 hr after treatment in two of nine rabbits. Rinsing the eyes after treatment appeared beneficial. A single treatment of 0.5 mL neat LT 83282 to rabbit skin produced no irritation. A total of 40% of the guinea pigs receiving repeated dermal application of the fluid demonstrated a positive sensitization response. A single oral dose of 5 g LT 83282/kg body weight given to five male and five female Fischer 344 (F-344) rats and a single dermal application of 2 g LT 83282/kg body weight applied to five male and five female NZW rabbits resulted in no deaths. Inhalation exposures to aerosol concentrations of LT 83282 resulted in an LC50 of 2.13 and 1.50 mg/L for male and female F-344 rats, respectively. No clinical signs of acute delayed neurotoxicity were observed in hens twice dosed at limit levels (5 g/kg) and observed for 21 days.

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

PubMed

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

2014-12-01

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

Cold temperature tolerance of apple rootstock trunk and root tissues

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

G.11, G.30, G.41, P.2 and B.9 apple (Malus xdomestica) rootstocks have root tissue hardiness similar to M.26, but G.935 has greater hardiness than M.26 when based on shoot regrowth in ungrafted trees. The LT50 of M.26 and P.2 roots ranged from -12 to -14 degrees C. The LT50 of B.9 was -13 degrees ...

A score model for predicting post-liver transplantation survival in HBV cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma recipients: a single center 5-year experience.

PubMed

Wang, Li-Ying; Zheng, Shu-Sen; Xu, Xiao; Wang, Wei-Lin; Wu, Jian; Zhang, Min; Shen, Yan; Yan, Sheng; Xie, Hai-Yang; Chen, Xin-Hua; Jiang, Tian-An; Chen, Fen

2015-02-01

The prognostic prediction of liver transplantation (LT) guides the donor organ allocation. However, there is currently no satisfactory model to predict the recipients' outcome, especially for the patients with HBV cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was to develop a quantitative assessment model for predicting the post-LT survival in HBV-related HCC patients. Two hundred and thirty-eight LT recipients at the Liver Transplant Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between 2008 and 2013 were included in this study. Their post-LT prognosis was recorded and multiple risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses in Cox regression. The score model was as follows: 0.114X(Child-Pugh score)-0.002X(positive HBV DNA detection time)+0.647X(number of tumor nodules)+0.055X(max diameter of tumor nodules)+0.231XlnAFP+0.437X(tumor differentiation grade). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the scoring model for predicting the post-LT survival was 0.887. The cut-off value was 1.27, which was associated with a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 90.7%, respectively. The quantitative score model for predicting post-LT survival proved to be sensitive and specific.

Imperfect coupling between northern and southern ionospheres: asymmetry in TEC anomalies before earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jhuang, Hau-Kun; Ho, Yi-Ying; Lee, Lou-Chuang

2016-04-01

The northern ionosphere is coupled to the conjugate southern ionosphere through the highly conducting geomagenetic field lines. The coupling is very strong or "perfect" if the geomagnetic field lines are equipotential (the parallel electric field E||=0) and hence the perpendicular electric field (E⊥) at the conjugate sites of both ionospheres are equal. The coupling is "imperfect" if some of the geomagnetic field lines are non-equipotential (E||≠0). The field-aligned electric field E|| can be associated with electron inertia, pressure gradient and collisions appearing in the form of double layer, kinetic Alfvén waves and finite field-aligned conductivity σ||. We use the Global Ionospheric Maps (GIM) data to examine the conjugate effect of total electron content (TEC) for six significant earthquakes. The anomalous (ΔTEC)source in the source ionosphere and (ΔTEC)conjugate in the conjugate ionosphere are obtained for 85 events before the six earthquakes. The ΔTEC ratio β = (ΔTEC)conjugate / (ΔTEC)source is calculated for each anomaly. For a "perfect" coupling, β=1. There are 85 anomalous events before the six significant earthquakes, with 62 events occurring in the daytime (07-18 LT) and 23 events in the nighttime (19-06 LT). The average value of daytime (07-18 LT) TEC variations in the source ionosphere is |ΔTEC|source =20.13 TECu, while the average value in the nighttime (19-06 LT) ionosphere is |ΔTEC|source=14.43 TECu. The value of ΔTEC ratio β ranges from 0.05 (very weak coupling) to 0.98 (nearly perfect coupling) with an average of 0.52. There are 14 strong coupling cases with β ≥0.8, which take place from 11 LT to 19 LT. The daytime (07-18 LT) β average value is 0.57 and the nighttime (19-06 LT) β average is 0.37. The south-north ionosphere coupling is stronger (weaker) in the daytime (nighttime).

Normal Values of Tissue-Muscle Perfusion Indexes of Lower Limbs Obtained with a Scintigraphic Method.

PubMed

Manevska, Nevena; Stojanoski, Sinisa; Pop Gjorceva, Daniela; Todorovska, Lidija; Miladinova, Daniela; Zafirova, Beti

2017-09-01

Introduction Muscle perfusion is a physiologic process that can undergo quantitative assessment and thus define the range of normal values of perfusion indexes and perfusion reserve. The investigation of the microcirculation has a crucial role in determining the muscle perfusion. Materials and method The study included 30 examinees, 24-74 years of age, without a history of confirmed peripheral artery disease and all had normal findings on Doppler ultrasonography and pedo-brachial index of lower extremity (PBI). 99mTc-MIBI tissue muscle perfusion scintigraphy of lower limbs evaluates tissue perfusion in resting condition "rest study" and after workload "stress study", through quantitative parameters: Inter-extremity index (for both studies), left thigh/right thigh (LT/RT) left calf/right calf (LC/RC) and perfusion reserve (PR) for both thighs and calves. Results In our investigated group we assessed the normal values of quantitative parameters of perfusion indexes. Indexes ranged for LT/RT in rest study 0.91-1.05, in stress study 0.92-1.04. LC/RC in rest 0.93-1.07 and in stress study 0.93-1.09. The examinees older than 50 years had insignificantly lower perfusion reserve of these parameters compared with those younger than 50, LC (p=0.98), and RC (p=0.6). Conclusion This non-invasive scintigraphic method allows in individuals without peripheral artery disease to determine the range of normal values of muscle perfusion at rest and stress condition and to clinically implement them in evaluation of patients with peripheral artery disease for differentiating patients with normal from those with impaired lower limbs circulation.

Larvicidal Activity of Citrus Limonoids against Aedes albopictus Larvae.

PubMed

Bilal, Hazrat; Akram, Waseem; Ali-Hassan, Soaib

2012-12-01

Development of insecticide resistance occurred due to the continuous and misuse of synthetic insecticides therefore, the recent study was conducted to explore eco-friendly plant extracts that have some potential to suppress mosquito larval population. WHO recommended mosquito larval bioassay method for insecticide was used while for the analysis of citrus oils for limonin and nomilin content HPLC was used. Among the two citrus cultivars tested as larvicide against Aedes albopictus, valencia late (Citrus sinensis) was the best in terms of LC(50) (297 ppm), % mortality (97%) and LT(50) (18.49 hours) then freutrall early (Citrus reticulate) with LC(50) (377.4 ppm), % mortality (88%) and LT(50) (31 hours), While nomilin gave lowest LC(50) (121.04 ppm) than limonin (382.22 ppm) after 72 hours of exposure. Valencia late also had more limonin and nomilin (377 μg/ml and 21.19 μg/ml) than freutrall early (5.29 μg/ml and 3.89 μg/ml) respectively. Valencia late showed best results in term of LC(50), LT(50) and percentage mortality against Aedes albopictus as it has more amount of nomilin then freutrall early, however further evaluation in the field conditions is required.

Larvicidal Activity of Citrus Limonoids against Aedes albopictus Larvae

PubMed Central

Bilal, Hazrat; Akram, Waseem; Ali-Hassan, Soaib

2012-01-01

Background: Development of insecticide resistance occurred due to the continuous and misuse of synthetic insecticides therefore, the recent study was conducted to explore eco-friendly plant extracts that have some potential to suppress mosquito larval population. Methods: WHO recommended mosquito larval bioassay method for insecticide was used while for the analysis of citrus oils for limonin and nomilin content HPLC was used. Results: Among the two citrus cultivars tested as larvicide against Aedes albopictus, valencia late (Citrus sinensis) was the best in terms of LC50 (297 ppm), % mortality (97%) and LT50 (18.49 hours) then freutrall early (Citrus reticulate) with LC50 (377.4 ppm), % mortality (88%) and LT50 (31 hours), While nomilin gave lowest LC50 (121.04 ppm) than limonin (382.22 ppm) after 72 hours of exposure. Valencia late also had more limonin and nomilin (377 μg/ml and 21.19 μg/ml) than freutrall early (5.29 μg/ml and 3.89 μg/ml) respectively. Conclusion: Valencia late showed best results in term of LC50, LT50 and percentage mortality against Aedes albopictus as it has more amount of nomilin then freutrall early, however further evaluation in the field conditions is required. PMID:23378967

Contact and fumigant toxicity of hexane flower bud extract of Syzygium aromaticum and its compounds against Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae).

PubMed

Bagavan, Asokan; Rahuman, Abdul Abdul; Kamaraj, Chinnaperumal; Elango, Gandhi; Zahir, Abdul Abduz; Jayaseelan, Chidambaram; Santhoshkumar, Thirunavukkarasu; Marimuthu, Sampath

2011-11-01

The head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer is an obligate ectoparasite of humans that causes pediculosis capitis, a nuisance for millions of people worldwide, with high prevalence in children. P. humanus capitis has been treated by methods that include the physical remotion of lice, various domestic treatments, and conventional insecticides. None of these methods render complete protection, and there is clear evidence for the evolution of resistance and cross-resistance to conventional insecticides. Non-toxic alternative options are hence needed for head lice treatment and/or prevention, and natural products from plants are good candidates for safer control agents that may provide good anti-lice activity. The plant extracts are good and safe alternatives due to their low toxicity to mammals and easy biodegradability. The present study carried out the pediculocidal activity using the hexane flower bud extract of Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtaceae) against P. humanus capitis examined by direct contact and fumigant toxicity (closed- and open-container methods) bioassay. The chemical composition of S. aromaticum flower bud hexane extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major chemical constituent (58.79%) of flower bud hexane extract S. aromaticum was identified as chavibetol (5-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) by comparison of mass spectral data and retention times. The hexane extract of S. aromaticum was subjected to gas chromatography analysis, and totally 47 compounds were detected, of which chavibetol was predominantly present. The other major constituents present in the hexane extract were eugenol acetate (phenol,2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-,acetate (15.09%), caryophyllene-(I1) (2,6,10,10-tetramethyl bicyclo [7.2.0] undeca-1,6-diene (13.75%), caryophyllene oxide (3.04%), 2,6,6,9-tetramethyl-1,4,8-cycloundecatriene (1.67%), and copaene (1.33%). The filter paper contact bioassay study showed pronounced pediculicidal activity in the flower bud hexane extract of S. aromaticum. The toxic effect was determined for every five in an 80-min treatment. The result showed percent mortality of 40, 82, and 100 at 5, 10, and 20 min, and the median lethal time (LT(50)) value was 5.83 (0.5 mg/cm(2)); 28, 82, and 100 at 5, 10, and 30 min. (LT(50) = 6.54; 0.25 mg/cm(2)); and 13, 22, 42, 80, and 100 at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 min (LT(50) = 18.68; 0.125 mg/cm(2)), respectively. The vapor phase toxicity was tested at 0.25 mg/cm(2). There was a significant difference in pediculicidal activity of S. aromaticum extract against P. humanus capitis between closed- and open-container methods. Adult mortalities were determined for every five in 60 min (closed method) and for every ten in 180 min (open method). The closed method showed the percent mortality was 45, 88, and 100 at 5, 10, and 15 min (LT(50) = 5.39), respectively. In the open-container method, the percent mortality was observed 5, 20, 47, 84, and 100 at 10, 20, 60, 120, and 180 min (LT(50) = 47.91), respectively. The mortality was more effective in the closed containers than in open ones, indicating that the effect of hexane extract was largely a result of action in the vapor phase exhibited fumigant toxicity. Studies of anti-lice activity of extract provide the basis for preliminary conclusions of structure activity relationships; although no clear patterns can yet be drawn. We here attempt to provide a concise compilation of the available information on anti-lice activity of plant extracts and plant-derived compounds.

Muscle synergies may improve optimization prediction of knee contact forces during walking.

PubMed

Walter, Jonathan P; Kinney, Allison L; Banks, Scott A; D'Lima, Darryl D; Besier, Thor F; Lloyd, David G; Fregly, Benjamin J

2014-02-01

The ability to predict patient-specific joint contact and muscle forces accurately could improve the treatment of walking-related disorders. Muscle synergy analysis, which decomposes a large number of muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals into a small number of synergy control signals, could reduce the dimensionality and thus redundancy of the muscle and contact force prediction process. This study investigated whether use of subject-specific synergy controls can improve optimization prediction of knee contact forces during walking. To generate the predictions, we performed mixed dynamic muscle force optimizations (i.e., inverse skeletal dynamics with forward muscle activation and contraction dynamics) using data collected from a subject implanted with a force-measuring knee replacement. Twelve optimization problems (three cases with four subcases each) that minimized the sum of squares of muscle excitations were formulated to investigate how synergy controls affect knee contact force predictions. The three cases were: (1) Calibrate+Match where muscle model parameter values were calibrated and experimental knee contact forces were simultaneously matched, (2) Precalibrate+Predict where experimental knee contact forces were predicted using precalibrated muscle model parameters values from the first case, and (3) Calibrate+Predict where muscle model parameter values were calibrated and experimental knee contact forces were simultaneously predicted, all while matching inverse dynamic loads at the hip, knee, and ankle. The four subcases used either 44 independent controls or five synergy controls with and without EMG shape tracking. For the Calibrate+Match case, all four subcases closely reproduced the measured medial and lateral knee contact forces (R2 ≥ 0.94, root-mean-square (RMS) error < 66 N), indicating sufficient model fidelity for contact force prediction. For the Precalibrate+Predict and Calibrate+Predict cases, synergy controls yielded better contact force predictions (0.61 < R2 < 0.90, 83 N < RMS error < 161 N) than did independent controls (-0.15 < R2 < 0.79, 124 N < RMS error < 343 N) for corresponding subcases. For independent controls, contact force predictions improved when precalibrated model parameter values or EMG shape tracking was used. For synergy controls, contact force predictions were relatively insensitive to how model parameter values were calibrated, while EMG shape tracking made lateral (but not medial) contact force predictions worse. For the subject and optimization cost function analyzed in this study, use of subject-specific synergy controls improved the accuracy of knee contact force predictions, especially for lateral contact force when EMG shape tracking was omitted, and reduced prediction sensitivity to uncertainties in muscle model parameter values.

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM LOG-INACTIVATION WITH OZONE USING EFFLUENT CT 10, GEOMETRIC MEAN CT 10 EXTENDED INTEGRATED CT 10 AND EXTENDED-CSTR CALCULATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The draft Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule ("LT2ESWTR") contains Cryptosporidium log-inactivation CT tables. Depending on the water temperature, the Cryptosporidium CT values that are listed are 15 to 25 times greater than CT values fo...

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-01

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

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

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

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

The influence of exercise duration at VO2 max on the off-transient pulmonary oxygen uptake phase during high intensity running activity.

PubMed

Billat, V L; Hamard, L; Koralsztein, J P

2002-12-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of time run at maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) on the off-transient pulmonary oxygen uptake phase after supra-lactate threshold runs. We hypothesised: 1) that among the velocities eliciting VO2 max there is a velocity threshold from which there is a slow component in the VO2-off transient, and 2) that at this velocity the longer the duration of this time at VO2 max (associated with an accumulated oxygen kinetics since VO2 can not overlap VO2 max), the longer is the off-transient phase of oxygen uptake kinetics. Nine long-distance runners performed five maximal tests on a synthetic track (400 m) while breathing through the COSMED K4b2 portable, telemetric metabolic analyser: i) an incremental test which determined VO2 max, the minimal velocity associated with VO2 max (vVO2 max) and the velocity at the lactate threshold (vLT), ii) and in a random order, four supra-lactate threshold runs performed until exhaustion at vLT + 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the difference between vLT and vVO2 max (vdelta25, vdelta50, vdelta75, vdelta100). At vdelta25, vdelta50 (= 91.0 +/- 0.9% vVO2 max) and vdelta75, an asymmetry was found between the VO2 on (double exponential) and off-transient (mono exponential) phases. Only at vdelta75 there was at positive relationship between the time run at VO2 max (%tlimtot) and the VO2 recovery time constant (Z = 1.8, P = 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that among the velocities eliciting VO2 max, vdelta75 is the velocity at which the longer the duration of the time at VO2 max, the longer is the off-transient phase of oxygen uptake kinetics. It may be possible that at vdelta50 there is not an accumulated oxygen deficit during the plateau of VO2 at VO2 max and that the duration of the time at VO2 max during the exhaustive runs at vdelta100, could be too short to induce an accumulating oxygen deficit affecting the oxygen recovery.

Selectivity of recombinant human leukotriene D(4), leukotriene B(4), and lipoxin A(4) receptors with aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA(4) and regulation of vascular and inflammatory responses.

PubMed

Gronert, K; Martinsson-Niskanen, T; Ravasi, S; Chiang, N; Serhan, C N

2001-01-01

Aspirin-triggered lipoxin A(4) (ATL, 15-epi-LXA(4)) and leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)) possess opposing vascular actions mediated via receptors distinct from the LXA(4) receptor (ALX) that is involved in leukocyte trafficking. Here, we identified these receptors by nucleotide sequencing and demonstrate that LTD(4) receptor (CysLT(1)) is induced in human vascular endothelia by interleukin-1beta. Recombinant CysLT(1) receptor gave stereospecific binding with both [(3)H]-LTD(4) and a novel labeled mimetic of ATL ([(3)H]-ATLa) that was displaced with LTD(4) and ATLa ( approximately IC(50) 0.2 to 0.9 nmol/L), but not with a bioinactive ATL isomer. The clinically used CysLT(1) receptor antagonist, Singulair, showed a lower rank order for competition with [(3)H]-ATLa (IC(50) approximately 8.3 nmol/L). In contrast, LTD(4) was an ineffective competitive ligand for recombinant ALX receptor with [(3)H]-ATLa, and ATLa did not compete for [(3)H]-LTB(4) binding with recombinant LTB(4) receptor. Endogenous murine CysLT(1) receptors also gave specific [(3)H]-ATLa binding that was displaced with essentially equal affinity by LTD(4) or ATLa. Systemic ATLa proved to be a potent inhibitor (>50%) of CysLT(1)-mediated vascular leakage in murine skin (200 microg/kg) in addition to its ability to block polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment to dorsal air pouch (4 microg/kg). These results indicate that ATL and LTD(4) bind and compete with equal affinity at CysLT(1), providing a molecular basis for aspirin-triggered LXs serving as a local damper of both vascular CysLT(1) signals as well as ALX receptor-regulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte traffic.

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

PubMed

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

2017-05-01

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

Locomotor Training Restores Walking in a Nonambulatory Child With Chronic, Severe, Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

PubMed Central

Behrman, Andrea L; Nair, Preeti M; Bowden, Mark G; Dauser, Robert C; Herget, Benjamin R; Martin, Jennifer B; Phadke, Chetan P; Reier, Paul J; Senesac, Claudia R; Thompson, Floyd J; Howland, Dena R

2008-01-01

Background and Purpose: Locomotor training (LT) enhances walking in adult experimental animals and humans with mild-to-moderate spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The animal literature suggests that the effects of LT may be greater on an immature nervous system than on a mature nervous system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LT in a child with chronic, incomplete SCI. Subject: The subject was a nonambulatory 4½-year-old boy with an American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) C Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) of 4/50 who was deemed permanently wheelchair-dependent and was enrolled in an LT program 16 months after a severe cervical SCI. Methods: A pretest-posttest design was used in the study. Over 16 weeks, the child received 76 LT sessions using both treadmill and over-ground settings in which graded sensory cues were provided. The outcome measures were ASIA Impairment Scale score, gait speed, walking independence, and number of steps. Result: One month into LT, voluntary stepping began, and the child progressed from having no ability to use his legs to community ambulation with a rolling walker. By the end of LT, his walking independence score had increased from 0 to 13/20, despite no change in LEMS. The child's final self-selected gait speed was 0.29 m/s, with an average of 2,488 community-based steps per day and a maximum speed of 0.48 m/s. He then attended kindergarten using a walker full-time. Discussion and Conclusion: A simple, context-dependent stepping pattern sufficient for community ambulation was recovered in the absence of substantial voluntary isolated lower-extremity movement in a child with chronic, severe SCI. These novel data suggest that some children with severe, incomplete SCI may recover community ambulation after undergoing LT and that the LEMS cannot identify this subpopulation. PMID:18326054

Polyethylene Glycol Camouflaged Earthworm Hemoglobin.

PubMed

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

2017-01-01

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

Clinical Characteristics of Transplant-associated Encephalopathy in Children.

PubMed

Lee, Yun Jeong; Yum, Mi Sun; Kim, Eun Hee; Kim, Min Jee; Kim, Kyung Mo; Im, Ho Joon; Kim, Young Hwue; Park, Young Seo; Ko, Tae Sung

2017-03-01

We aimed to analyze characteristics of encephalopathy after both hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ pediatric transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 662 pediatric transplant recipients (201 with liver transplantation [LT], 55 with heart transplantation [HT], and 67 with kidney transplantation [KT], 339 with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT]) who received their graft organs at Asan Medical Center between January 2000 and July 2014. Of the 662 patients, 50 (7.6%) experienced encephalopathy after transplantation. The incidence of encephalopathy was significantly different according to the type of organ transplant: LT, 16/201 (8.0%), HT, 13/55 (23.6%), KT, 5/67 (7.5%), and HSCT, 16/339 (4.7%) (P < 0.001). Drug-induced encephalopathy (n = 14) was the most common encephalopathy for all transplant types, but particularly after HSCT. Hypertensive encephalopathy was the most common after KT and HT, whereas metabolic encephalopathy was the most common after LT. The median time to encephalopathy onset also differed according to the transplant type: 5 days after KT (range 0-491 days), 10 days after HT (1-296 days), 49.5 days after HSCT (9-1,405 days), and 39 days after LT (1-1,092 days) (P = 0.018). The mortality rate among patients with encephalopathy was 42.0% (n = 21/50). Only 5 patients died of neurologic complications. Transplant-associated encephalopathy presented different characteristics according to the type of transplant. Specialized diagnostic approach for neurologic complications specific to the type of transplant may improve survival and quality of life in children after transplantation.

Clinical Characteristics of Transplant-associated Encephalopathy in Children

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We aimed to analyze characteristics of encephalopathy after both hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ pediatric transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 662 pediatric transplant recipients (201 with liver transplantation [LT], 55 with heart transplantation [HT], and 67 with kidney transplantation [KT], 339 with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT]) who received their graft organs at Asan Medical Center between January 2000 and July 2014. Of the 662 patients, 50 (7.6%) experienced encephalopathy after transplantation. The incidence of encephalopathy was significantly different according to the type of organ transplant: LT, 16/201 (8.0%), HT, 13/55 (23.6%), KT, 5/67 (7.5%), and HSCT, 16/339 (4.7%) (P < 0.001). Drug-induced encephalopathy (n = 14) was the most common encephalopathy for all transplant types, but particularly after HSCT. Hypertensive encephalopathy was the most common after KT and HT, whereas metabolic encephalopathy was the most common after LT. The median time to encephalopathy onset also differed according to the transplant type: 5 days after KT (range 0–491 days), 10 days after HT (1–296 days), 49.5 days after HSCT (9–1,405 days), and 39 days after LT (1–1,092 days) (P = 0.018). The mortality rate among patients with encephalopathy was 42.0% (n = 21/50). Only 5 patients died of neurologic complications. Transplant-associated encephalopathy presented different characteristics according to the type of transplant. Specialized diagnostic approach for neurologic complications specific to the type of transplant may improve survival and quality of life in children after transplantation. PMID:28145649

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-01

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

Portal Hypertension Complications Are Frequently the First Presentation of NAFLD in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation Evaluation.

PubMed

Nagpal, Sajan Jiv Singh; Kabbany, Mohammad Nasser; Mohamad, Bashar; Lopez, Rocio; Zein, Nizar N; Alkhouri, Naim

2016-07-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is likely to replace Hepatitis C as the leading cause of cirrhosis resulting in liver transplantation (LT) within a few years. Unfortunately, due to the lack of established guidelines for the screening of NAFLD in high-risk populations, many patients present with portal hypertension complications as their first manifestation of NAFLD require a LT evaluation. We aimed to investigate what proportion of patients who underwent LT for NAFLD-cirrhosis had knowledge of their liver disease prior to presenting with portal hypertension complications and to identify differences in clinical parameters between those with and without knowledge of preexisting NAFLD. Consecutive patients who underwent LT for NAFLD-cirrhosis at a tertiary referral center were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data at the time of the first LT evaluation visit were collected, and patient knowledge of previous NAFLD was documented. Ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and thrombocytopenia leading to diagnosis of underlying cirrhosis were considered as the presenting symptoms of portal hypertension. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 124 subjects who received LT for NAFLD-cirrhosis were included, 58 % (n = 72) were male. At the time of the first LT evaluation visit, 60 % had diabetes, the mean body mass index was 33.2 [28.6, 37.6] kg/m(2), and the mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 14.0 [11.0, 19.0]. More importantly, 85/124 patients (68.5 %) had no knowledge of preexisting NAFLD prior to presentation with symptoms of portal hypertension. The presenting symptoms were new-onset ascites in 61 %, hepatic encephalopathy in 25 %, variceal bleeding in 18 %, thrombocytopenia in 9 %, and other in 9 % (non-exclusive). Patients with no prior knowledge of NAFLD were less likely to have a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia (30 vs. 50 %, p = 0.035) and had a trend toward having higher MELD scores at the time of the first LT evaluation visit (15 vs. 13.5, p = 0.05) and presenting with encephalopathy (25 vs. 10 %, p = 0.06) compared to those with previous knowledge of NAFLD diagnosis. The majority of patients undergoing liver transplant evaluation for NAFLD-cirrhosis are not aware of underlying NAFLD until they present with features of portal hypertension. New guidelines should consider screening for NAFLD in certain high-risk groups as more effective treatments for NAFLD are emerging.

[The establishment of the immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericytes model and its preliminary application in screening of cerebrovascular toxicants].

PubMed

Zhao, H P; Gao, Y F; Xia, D; Zhao, Z Q; Wu, S; Wang, X H; Liu, H X; Xiao, C; Xing, X M; He, Y

2018-05-06

Objective: To establish the immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericytes model and to apply to the cerebrovascular toxicants screening study. Methods: Brain pericytes were isolated from 3 weeks of mice by tissue digestion. Immortalized pericyte cell line was constructed by infecting with LT retrovirus. Monoclone was selected to purify the immortalized pericyte cell line. The pericyte characteristics and purity were explored by immunocytochemistry. Cell proliferation was measured by using the Pomega MTS cell Proliferation Colorimetric Assay Kit. Pericytes were treated with 0, 160, 320, 640, 1 280, 2 560 μmol/L lead acetate, 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L cadmium chloride and 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 μmol/L sodium arsenite in 24 hours. Cell toxicity of each group was determined by MTS assay, median lethal dose (LD(50)) was calculated in linear regression. Results: Mouse brain pericytes were successfully isolated by tissue separation and enzyme digestion method. After immortalized by LT retroviruses, monoclone was selected and expanded to establish pericyte cell line. The brain pericytes exhibited typical long spindle morphology and positive staining for α-SMA and Vimentin. The proliferation of brain pericytes cell lines was very slowly, and the doubling time was about 48 hours. The proliferation of immortalized brain pericytes cell lines was very quickly, and the doubling time was about 24 hours. After lead acetate, cadmium chloride and sodium arsenite treatment for 24 hours respectively, gradual declines in cell viability were observed. The LD(50) of lead acetate was 2 025.0 μmol/L, the LD(50) of cadmium chloride was 36.6 μmol/L, and the LD(50) of sodium arsenite was 33.2 μmol/L. Conclusion: The immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericyte model is established successfully by infecting with LT retrovirus, and can be applied to screen cerebrovascular toxicants. The toxicity of these toxicants to immortalized mouse brain microvascular pericyte is in sequence: sodium arsenite,cadmium chloride, lead acetate.

Forecasting Ionospheric Real-time Scintillation Tool (FIRST)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, D. N.; Redmon, R.; Bullett, T.; Caton, R. G.; Retterer, J. M.

2009-05-01

It is well-known that the generation of equatorial, F-region plasma density irregularities, via the Generalized Rayleigh-Taylor instability mechanism is critically dependent on the magnitude of the pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) in upward ExB drift velocity after sunset. These plasma density bubbles that are generated after sunset lead to the scintillation of trans-ionospheric radio wave signals that pass through these bubbles and is commonly referred to as scintillation activity. Communication and Navigation systems can be severely disrupted by these plasma density irregularities. A measure of scintillation activity is given by the S4 Index and a network of Air Force, ground-based UHF and L-band receivers measuring the S4 Index is called the SCIntillation Network Decision Aid (SCINDA) network. After sunset, the height-rise with time of the bottom- side of the F-layer reflects the magnitude of the upward ExB drift velocity. The value of the ionospheric parameter, h'F (the virtual height of the bottom-side F-layer) at 1930 LT reflects the integrated ExB drift effect on lifting the F-layer to an altitude where the Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability mechanism becomes important. It is found that there exists a threshold in the h'F value at 1930 LT and the onset of scintillation activity as measured by the S4 Index value in the Peruvian longitude sector. This h'F threshold value is found to decrease with decreasing F10.7 cm fluxes in a linear manner (R = 0.99). T o examine this relationship, theoretically, we incorporate a suite of first-principle models of the ambient ionosphere (PBMOD) developed at the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to investigate R-T growth rates and threshold h'F (1930 LT) values as a function of solar cycle activity. In addition, this paper describes a technique for automatically forecasting, in real-time, the occurrence or non-occurrence of scintillation activity that relies on real-time data from a ground-based ionospheric sounder at or near the geomagnetic equator. We describe how FIRST has been developed into a real-time capability for automatically forecasting scintillation activity that is available on Google Earth to all interested parties.

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-23

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

Assessment of levothyroxine sodium bioavailability: recommendations for an improved methodology based on the pooled analysis of eight identically designed trials with 396 drug exposures.

PubMed

Walter-Sack, Ingeborg; Clanget, Christof; Ding, Reinhard; Goeggelmann, Christoph; Hinke, Vera; Lang, Matthias; Pfeilschifter, Johannes; Tayrouz, Yorki; Wegscheider, Karl

2004-01-01

Assessment of dosage form performance in delivering endogenous compounds, such as hormones, in vivo requires a specific approach. Assessment of relative bioavailability of levothyroxine sodium (L-T4) from eight solid preparations, compared with a liquid formulation, by using pharmacological doses, and critical evaluation of trial methodology based on the pooled analysis of individual data. Eight open-label, randomised, single-dose, crossover phase I studies using eight solid L-T4 dosage forms (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 microg per tablet; administered total doses 600, 625 or 700 microg) and a liquid formulation; assessment of relative bioavailability by 90% confidence intervals for the relative area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of total thyroxine (TT4), i.e. protein-bound plus free thyroxine, calculated by using the recommended log AUC four-way analysis of variance models for crossover designs. For the pooled analysis, general linear models were applied to assess the validity of model assumptions, to identify potential sources of effect modification, to discuss alternative modelling approaches with respect to endogenous hormone secretion and to give recommendations for future designs and sample sizes. One hundred and sixty-nine healthy males; 29 of these individuals participating in two studies. Single oral doses of L-T4 tablets and the liquid formulation administered after fasting, separated by at least 6 weeks; a total of 396 drug exposures. TT4 AUC from 0 to 48 hours and peak plasma concentration with and without baseline correction. Each study demonstrated equivalence of the tablets to the drinking solution, independent of the chosen analysis model. Sequence effects that could devalidate the chosen crossover approach were not found. Period effects with changing directions that could best be explained by seasonal variation were detected. While the pre-specified method of baseline correction of simply subtracting individual time-zero TT4 values was disadvantageous, the analysis of total AUC could be improved considerably by covariate adjustment for baseline TT4. With this approach, sample sizes could have been substantially reduced or, alternatively, the recommended equivalence ranges could be reduced to +/-6%. Using a single pharmacological dose of L-T4 in two-period crossover designs is a safe and reliable procedure to assess L-T4 dosage form performance. With an adequate statistical modelling approach, the design is efficient and allows general conclusions with moderate sample sizes.

Development of Predictive Models for the Growth Kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes on Fresh Pork under Different Storage Temperatures.

PubMed

Luo, Ke; Hong, Sung-Sam; Wang, Jun; Chung, Mi-Ja; Deog-Hwan, Oh

2015-05-01

This study was conducted to develop a predictive model to estimate the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on fresh pork during storage at constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The Baranyi model was fitted to growth data (log CFU per gram) to calculate the specific growth rate (SGR) and lag time (LT) with a high coefficient of determination (R(2) > 0.98). As expected, SGR increased with a decline in LT with rising temperatures in all samples. Secondary models were then developed to describe the variation of SGR and LT as a function of temperature. Subsequently, the developed models were validated with additional independent growth data collected at 7, 17, 27, and 37°C and from published reports using proportion of relative errors and proportion of standard error of prediction. The proportion of relative errors of the SGR and LT models developed herein were 0.79 and 0.18, respectively. In addition, the standard error of prediction values of the SGR and LT of L. monocytogenes ranged from 25.7 to 33.1% and from 44.92 to 58.44%, respectively. These results suggest that the model developed in this study was capable of predicting the growth of L. monocytogenes under various isothermal conditions.

Clustered lot quality assurance sampling to assess immunisation coverage: increasing rapidity and maintaining precision.

PubMed

Pezzoli, Lorenzo; Andrews, Nick; Ronveaux, Olivier

2010-05-01

Vaccination programmes targeting disease elimination aim to achieve very high coverage levels (e.g. 95%). We calculated the precision of different clustered lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) designs in computer-simulated surveys to provide local health officers in the field with preset LQAS plans to simply and rapidly assess programmes with high coverage targets. We calculated sample size (N), decision value (d) and misclassification errors (alpha and beta) of several LQAS plans by running 10 000 simulations. We kept the upper coverage threshold (UT) at 90% or 95% and decreased the lower threshold (LT) progressively by 5%. We measured the proportion of simulations with < or =d individuals unvaccinated or lower if the coverage was set at the UT (pUT) to calculate beta (1-pUT) and the proportion of simulations with >d unvaccinated individuals if the coverage was LT% (pLT) to calculate alpha (1-pLT). We divided N in clusters (between 5 and 10) and recalculated the errors hypothesising that the coverage would vary in the clusters according to a binomial distribution with preset standard deviations of 0.05 and 0.1 from the mean lot coverage. We selected the plans fulfilling these criteria: alpha < or = 5% beta < or = 20% in the unclustered design; alpha < or = 10% beta < or = 25% when the lots were divided in five clusters. When the interval between UT and LT was larger than 10% (e.g. 15%), we were able to select precise LQAS plans dividing the lot in five clusters with N = 50 (5 x 10) and d = 4 to evaluate programmes with 95% coverage target and d = 7 to evaluate programmes with 90% target. These plans will considerably increase the feasibility and the rapidity of conducting the LQAS in the field.

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

PubMed

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

2016-02-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-09-01

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

A case study of Membrane Testing, Integrity and Estimations of Log Removal Value per the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

EPA Science Inventory

The SWTR-LT2 Rule addresses the use of membranes that may be used to achieve credits for the reduction of Cryptosporidium. The LT2 Rule requires product-specific testing of membranes, considered an alternative filtration technology by the rule. LT2 Rule allows the product speci...

The Xenon Test Chamber Q-SUN® for testing realistic tolerances of fungi exposed to simulated full spectrum solar radiation.

PubMed

Dias, Luciana P; Araújo, Claudinéia A S; Pupin, Breno; Ferreira, Paulo C; Braga, Gilberto Ú L; Rangel, Drauzio E N

2018-06-01

The low survival of insect-pathogenic fungi when used for insect control in agriculture is mainly due to the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation and heat from solar irradiation. In this study, conidia of 15 species of entomopathogenic fungi were exposed to simulated full-spectrum solar radiation emitted by a Xenon Test Chamber Q-SUN XE-3-HC 340S (Q-LAB ® Corporation, Westlake, OH, USA), which very closely simulates full-spectrum solar radiation. A dendrogram obtained from cluster analyses, based on lethal time 50 % and 90 % calculated by Probit analyses, separated the fungi into three clusters: cluster 3 contains species with highest tolerance to simulated full-spectrum solar radiation, included Metarhizium acridum, Cladosporium herbarum, and Trichothecium roseum with LT 50  > 200 min irradiation. Cluster 2 contains eight species with moderate UV tolerance: Aschersonia aleyrodis, Isaria fumosorosea, Mariannaea pruinosa, Metarhizium anisopliae, Metarhizium brunneum, Metarhizium robertsii, Simplicillium lanosoniveum, and Torrubiella homopterorum with LT 50 between 120 and 150 min irradiation. The four species in cluster 1 had the lowest UV tolerance: Lecanicillium aphanocladii, Beauveria bassiana, Tolypocladium cylindrosporum, and Tolypocladium inflatum with LT 50  < 120 min irradiation. The QSUN Xenon Test Chamber XE3 is often used by the pharmaceutical and automotive industry to test light stability and weathering, respectively, but it was never used to evaluate fungal tolerance to full-spectrum solar radiation before. We conclude that the equipment provided an excellent tool for testing realistic tolerances of fungi to full-spectrum solar radiation of microbial agents for insect biological control in agriculture. Copyright © 2018 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigating energy deposition within cell populations using Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Oliver, Patricia A K; Thomson, Rowan M

2018-06-27

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

Carcass and meat quality in double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls and cows.

PubMed

Fiems, L O; De Campeneere, S; Van Caelenbergh, W; De Boever, J L; Vanacker, J M

2003-03-01

Carcass and meat quality of 37 bulls and 91 cows of the Belgian Blue breed (double-muscled type) were compared. Age at slaughter averaged 648±73 and 1820±689 days, respectively. Both groups of cattle were finished on maize silage supplemented with concentrate, and were slaughtered at about 750 kg live weight. Females had a lower (P=0.004) cold carcass weight (469.7 kg) in comparison with bulls (500.8 kg), due to a reduced dressing percentage (63.8 vs. 66.6; P <0.001). SEUROP conformation was better for bulls. SEUROP fat covering (P=0.007) and fat content in the carcass (16.4 vs. 12.9%; P <0.001) and in the M. longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle (2.3 vs. 1.1%; P <0.001) were higher for females than for males. The LT of cows was darker (lower L* and higher a*-value; P <0.001), had a better waterholding capacity (P⩽0.063) and was slightly more tender (P=0.120) than the LT of bulls. Increasing parity reduced dressing percentage and increased LT lightness (L*-value) in cows. Several carcass (SEUROP-grading, composition, LT-area) and meat quality traits (protein and fat contents, drip and cooking losses, a*-value) were better correlated with carcass weight than parity. It is concluded that meat quality of the aged LT of cows is not negatively affected by age, while some carcass quality traits decreased with advancing age. Carcass quality traits adjusted for age at slaughter were better for bulls, but LT meat quality characteristics were at least as good for females as for males.

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

PubMed

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

2010-05-01

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

Latitudinal variation of freeze tolerance in intertidal marine snails of the genus Melampus (Gastropoda: Ellobiidae).

PubMed

Dennis, A B; Loomis, S H; Hellberg, M E

2014-01-01

Abstract Low temperatures limit the poleward distribution of many species such that the expansion of geographic range can only be accomplished via evolutionary innovation. We have tested for physiological differences among closely related species to determine whether their poleward latitudinal ranges are limited by tolerance to cold. We measured lower temperature tolerance (LT50) among a group of intertidal pulmonate snails from six congeneric species and nine locales. Differences in tolerance are placed in the context of a molecular phylogeny based on one mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and two nuclear (histone 3 and a mitochondrial phosphate carrier protein) markers. Temperate species from two separate lineages had significantly lower measures of LT50 than related tropical species. Range differences within the temperate zone, however, were not explained by LT50. These results show that multiple adaptations to cold and freezing may have enabled range expansions out of the tropics in Melampus. However, northern range limits within temperate species are not governed by cold tolerance alone.

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

PubMed

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

2016-02-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-03-01

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

Successful resolution of severe hepatopulmonary syndrome following liver transplantation.

PubMed

Asthana, Sonal; Maguire, Connor; Lou, Lawrence; Meier, Michael; Bain, Vincent; Townsend, Derek R; Townsend, Rex; Lien, Dale; Bigam, David; Kneteman, Norman; Shapiro, Andrew Mark James

2010-04-01

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a complication of portal hypertension, defined by the presence of liver disease, abnormal pulmonary gas exchange and evidence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations producing a right-to-left intrapulmonary shunt. Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice; however, severe hypoxemia (PaO(2) < 50 mmHg on room air) is considered a contraindication to LT. This approach disadvantages some patients, particularly young patients with no intrinsic cardio-respiratory disease. We discuss one such patient who improved with LT despite having extremely severe HPS (PaO2 < 29 mmHg).

Adaptation of the length-active tension relationship in rabbit detrusor

PubMed Central

Almasri, Atheer M.; Bhatia, Hersch; Klausner, Adam P.; Ratz, Paul H.

2009-01-01

Studies have shown that the length-tension (L-T) relationships in airway and vascular smooth muscles are dynamic and can adapt to length changes over a period of time. Our prior studies have shown that the passive L-T relationship in rabbit detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) is also dynamic and that DSM exhibits adjustable passive stiffness (APS) characterized by a passive L-T curve that can shift along the length axis as a function of strain history and activation history. The present study demonstrates that the active L-T curve for DSM is also dynamic and that the peak active tension produced at a particular muscle length is a function of both strain and activation history. More specifically, this study reveals that the active L-T relationship, or curve, does not have a unique peak tension value with a single ascending and descending limb, but instead reveals that multiple ascending and descending limbs can be exhibited in the same DSM strip. This study also demonstrates that for DSM strips not stretched far enough to reveal a descending limb, the peak active tension produced by a maximal KCl-induced contraction at a short, passively slack muscle length of 3 mm was reduced by 58.6 ± 4.1% (n = 15) following stretches to and contractions at threefold the original muscle length, 9 mm. Moreover, five subsequent contractions at the short muscle length displayed increasingly greater tension; active tension produced by the sixth contraction was 91.5 ± 9.1% of that produced by the prestretch contraction at that length. Together, these findings indicate for the first time that DSM exhibits length adaptation, similar to vascular and airway smooth muscles. In addition, our findings demonstrate that preconditioning, APS and adaptation of the active L-T curve can each impact the maximum total tension observed at a particular DSM length. PMID:19675182

Racial differences in biochemical knee cartilage composition between African-American and Caucasian-American women with 3Tesla MR-based T2 relaxation time measurements – Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

PubMed Central

YU, A.; Heilmeier, U.; Kretzschmar, M.; Joseph, G.B.; Liu, F.; Liebl, H.; McCulloch, C.E.; Nevitt, M.C.; Lane, Nancy E.; Link, T.M.

2015-01-01

Objective To determine whether knee cartilage composition differs between African-American and Caucasian-American women at risk for Osteoarthritis using in-vivo 3 Tesla MRI T2 relaxation time measurements. Methods Right knee MRI studies of 200 subjects (100 African-American women, and 100 closely matched Caucasian-American women) were selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Knee cartilage was segmented in the patellar (PAT), medial and lateral femoral (MF/LF), and medial and lateral tibial compartments (MT/LT)). Mean T2 relaxation time values per compartment and per whole joint cartilage were generated and analyzed spatially via laminar and grey-level co-occurrence matrix texture methods. Presence and severity of cartilage lesions per compartment were graded using a modified WORMS grading. Statistical analysis employed paired t- and McNemar testing. Results While African-American women and Caucasian-Americans had similar WORMS cartilage lesion scores (p=0.970), African-Americans showed significantly lower mean T2 values (~1ms difference; ~0.5SD) than Caucasian-Americans in the whole knee cartilage (p<0.001), and in the subcompartments (LF: p=0.001, MF: p<0.001, LT: p=0.019, MT: p=0.001) and particularly in the superficial cartilage layer (whole cartilage: p<0.001, LF: p<0.001, MF: p<0.001, LT: p=0.003, MT: p<0.001). T2 texture parameters were also significantly lower in the whole joint cartilage of African-Americans than in Caucasian-Americans (variance: p=0.001; contrast: p=0.018). In analyses limited to matched pairs with no cartilage lesions in a given compartment, T2 values remained significantly lower in African-Americans. Conclusion Using T2 relaxation time as a biomarker for the cartilage collagen network, our findings suggest racial differences in the biochemical knee cartilage composition between African-American and Caucasian-American women. PMID:25937026

Wet-milling transgenic maize seed for fraction enrichment of recombinant subunit vaccine.

PubMed

Moeller, Lorena; Taylor-Vokes, Raye; Fox, Steve; Gan, Qinglei; Johnson, Lawrence; Wang, Kan

2010-01-01

The production of recombinant proteins in plants continues to be of great interest for prospective large-scale manufacturing of industrial enzymes, nutrition products, and vaccines. This work describes fractionation by wet-milling of transgenic maize expressing the B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LT-B), a potent immunogen and candidate for oral vaccine and vaccine components. The LT-B gene was directed to express in seed by an endosperm specific promoter. Two steeping treatments, traditional steeping (TS, 0.2% SO(2) + 0.5% lactic acid) and water steeping (WS, water only), were evaluated to determine effects on recovery of functional LT-B in wet-milled fractions. The overall recovery of the LT-B protein from WS treatment was 1.5-fold greater than that from TS treatment. In both steeping types, LT-B was distributed similarly among the fractions, resulting in enrichment of functional LT-B in fine fiber, coarse fiber and pericarp fractions by concentration factors of 1.5 to 8 relative to the whole kernels on a per-mass basis. Combined with endosperm-specific expression and secretory pathway targeting, wet-milling enables enrichment of high-value recombinant proteins in low-value fractions, such as the fine fiber, and co-utilization of remaining fractions in alternative industrial applications.

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

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

Dan Protopopescu; et. Al.

2005-02-21

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

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

PubMed

Schröder, J; Bucher, M; Meyer, O

2016-09-01

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

Meat quality and intramuscular fatty acid composition of Catria Horse.

PubMed

Trombetta, Maria Federica; Nocelli, Francesco; Pasquini, Marina

2017-08-01

In order to extend scientific knowledge on autochthonous Italian equine meat, the physical-chemical parameters of Catria Horse Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle and its nutritional characteristics have been investigated. Ten steaks of Catria foal raised at pasture and fattened indoors for 2 months were dissected, and LT muscle was analyzed for chemical composition, total iron, drip loss, colorimetric characteristics, intramuscular fat, fatty acid profile and nutritional indexes. Steak dissection showed that LT muscle accounted for 36.78% and fat accounted for 9.19% of weight of steak. Regarding chemical composition, protein and fat content was 20.31% and 2.83%, respectively. Total iron content (1.95 mg/100 g) was lower than data reported in the literature. Color parameters showed a luminous and intense red hue muscle. The sum of unsaturated fatty acid composition (50.3%) was higher than the sum of saturated fatty acids (46.64 %). The fatty acid profile and nutritional values of Catria Horse meat could be modified adopting extensive rearing systems and grazing. The data suggests that further investigation on the composition of Catria Horse meat should be carried out to valorize this autochthonous breed, reared in sustainable livestock systems, and its meat in local short-chain systems. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

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

PubMed

Plews, Daniel J; Laursen, Paul B

2017-09-27

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

Selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for liver transplantation: Past and future.

PubMed

Soriano, Arturo; Varona, Aranzazu; Gianchandani, Rajesh; Moneva, Modesto Enrique; Arranz, Javier; Gonzalez, Antonio; Barrera, Manuel

2016-01-08

The aim of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is to ensure a rate of disease-free survival similar to that of patients transplanted due to benign disease. Therefore, we are forced to adopt strict criteria when selecting candidates for LT and prioritizing patients on the waiting list (WL), to have clarified indications for bridging therapy for groups at risk for progression or recurrence, and to establish certain limits for downstaging therapies. Although the Milan criteria (MC) remain the standard and most employed criteria for indication of HCC patients for LT by far, in the coming years, criteria will be consolidated that take into account not only data regarding the size/volume and number of tumors but also their biology. This criteria will mainly include the alpha fetoprotein (AFP) values and, in view of their wide variability, any of the published logarithmic models for the selection of candidates for LT. Bridging therapy is necessary for HCC patients on the WL who meet the MC and have the possibility of experiencing a delay for LT greater than 6 mo or any of the known risk factors for recurrence. It is difficult to define single AFP values that would indicate bridging therapy (200, 300 or 400 ng/mL); therefore, it is preferable to rely on the criteria of a French AFP model score > 2. Other single indications for bridging therapy include a tumor diameter greater than 3 cm, more than one tumor, and having an AFP slope greater than 15 ng/mL per month or > 50 ng/mL for three months during strict monitoring while on the WL. When considering the inclusion of patients on the WL who do not meet the MC, it is mandatory to determine their eligibility for downstaging therapy prior to inclusion. The upper limit for this therapy could be one lesion up to 8 cm, 2-3 lesions with a total tumor diameter up to 8 cm, or a total tumor volume of 115 cm(3). Lastly, liver allocation and the prioritization of patients with HCC on the WL should take into account the recently described HCC model for end-stage liver disease, which considers hepatic function, HCC size and the number and the log of AFP values. This formula has been calibrated with the survival data of non-HCC patients and produces a dynamic and more accurate assessment model.

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

PubMed

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

2015-06-01

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

Histological findings in protocol biopsies following pediatric liver transplant: Low incidence of abnormalities at 5 years.

PubMed

Sheikh, Amin; Chau, Kai Y; Evans, Helen M

2018-05-11

Histological abnormalities, including chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, and steatosis, are increasingly reported in liver biopsies of children after LT. These changes may be progressive and represent a form of rejection. Liver biochemistry is often initially normal. Our LT program began in 2002, utilizing tacrolimus and low-dose steroids for the first year post-LT. Patients undergo a protocol biopsy at 1 year post-LT prior to stopping steroids, then at 5 years and every 5 years thereafter. Target tacrolimus levels are 5-8 μg/L and 3-5 μg/L after 3 and 12 months, respectively. Between 2002 and 2009, 51 LT were performed; 50 (98%) and 49 (96%) patients survived for 1 and 5 years, respectively. A total of 43 patients (median age at LT 2.3 years) underwent a protocol biopsy at 1 year (16 male; median time post-LT 12.5 months), and 44 (20 male; median time post-LT 5.1 years) at 5 years. By 5 years, 3 had transferred to adult services; 1 was re-transplanted for graft failure and 1 moved overseas. Biopsies were reviewed by 2 pathologists. Most patients (31/44) were on tacrolimus monotherapy at 5 years. At 1 and 5 years, 29 of 43 (67.5%) and 31 of 44 (71%) biopsies were normal, respectively. Two of 44 had chronic allograft hepatitis at 5 years. Two of 43 and 1 of 44 had isolated fibrosis, 3 of 43 and 3 of 44 steatosis, and 3 of 43 and 4 of 44 acute rejection at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Other findings included predominantly biliary changes (6/43 & 3/44 at 1 and 5 years, respectively). Tacrolimus levels at 5 years were slightly higher than anticipated (median trough level 5.8 μg/L). With an immunosuppressive regimen of tacrolimus and low-dose steroids for 1 year followed by tacrolimus monotherapy thereafter, the majority of PLB were normal and no progressive changes were observed at 5 years. Compared to other LT programs, we have lower rates of chronic allograft hepatitis, steatosis, and fibrosis at 5 years. However, the tacrolimus levels at 5 years were higher than planned and this may have played a role. Further evaluation is also required to determine the potential long-term adverse effects of corticosteroid use on linear growth and bone mineral density. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The use of Aedes aegypti larvae attractants to enhance the effectiveness of larvicides.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Paula V; Harburguer, Laura; González-Audino, Paola A; Masuh, Héctor M

2016-06-01

Aedes aegypti (L.) is an important dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever vector. Immature stages of this species inhabit human-made containers placed in residential landscapes, and the application of larvicides inside containers that cannot be eliminated is still considered a priority in control programs. Larvicidal efficacy is influenced by several factors, including the formulation used, the water quality, and the susceptibility of larvae, among others. If an attractant can be incorporated into a slow-release larvicide formulation, it will be feasible to direct the larvae into the source of insecticide and thereby improving its efficacy. We studied the influence of 1-octen-3ol and 3-methylphenol on the rate of Ae. aegypti larvae mortality using the larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), temephos, and spinosad. These chemicals were combined with the larvicides mixed with agar during the bioassays. Mortality was registered every 10 min, and a lethal time 50 (LT50) was calculated. The inclusion of the Ae. aegypti larvae attractants with the larvicides into a solid agar matrix improved their efficiency obtaining a strong and marked reduction in the LT50 compared with the use of larvicides alone.

Comparison of skin smears and biopsy specimens for demonstration of Leishmania tropica bodies in cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PubMed

Dar, Nasser Rashid; Khurshid, Tariq

2005-12-01

To determine and compare the diagnostic value of skin biopsy, saline aspirate smears, skin slit smears and skin biopsy impression smears to demonstrate Leishmania tropica (LT) bodies in cutaneous leishmaniasis and to determine any association within the applied diagnostic tests. An analytical study. Department of Dermatology, PNS Shifa, Karachi from January to December 2003. Seventyeight patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis were subjected to saline aspirate smears, skin slit smears, skin biopsy impression smears and skin biopsy and looked for LT bodies. The percentage positivity of all methods was calculated. McNemar test was applied to determine the association between percentage positivities of methods. Skin biopsy showed LT bodies in 70 (89.74%) patients, saline aspirate smears in 24 (30.76%), skin slit smears in 25 (32.05%) and skin biopsy impression smears in 27 (34.61%) patients. Smears demonstrated LT bodies in 10.25% cases in which biopsy was negative. Skin biopsy impression smears showed concordant results with skin biopsy in 20.51%, skin slit smears in 16.66% and saline aspirate smears in 19.25% of cases. Saline aspirate smears were positive in 48.1% of cases in which biopsy impression smears were negative, slit smears were positive in 50.9 % of cases in which biopsy impression smears were negative and slit smears were positive in 37% of cases in which saline aspirate smears were negative. Skin biopsy for histopathology is the most useful method in the demonstration of Leishmania parasite. Sensitivity of smears can be increased by a combination of various skin smears.

Ocular biometric measurements in cataract surgery candidates in Portugal.

PubMed

Ferreira, Tiago B; Hoffer, Kenneth J; Ribeiro, Filomena; Ribeiro, Paulo; O'Neill, João G

2017-01-01

Describe the ocular biometric parameters and their associations in a population of cataract surgery candidates. A cross-sectional study of 13,012 eyes of 6,506 patients was performed. Biometric parameters of the eyes were measured by optical low-coherence reflectometry. The axial length (AL), mean keratometry (K) and astigmatism, anterior chamber depth (ACD) (epithelium to lens), lens thickness (LT), and Corneal Diameter (CD) were evaluated. The mean age was 69 ± 10 years (44-99 years). Mean AL, Km, and ACD were 23.87 ± 1.55 mm (19.8-31.92 mm), 43.91 ± 1.71 D (40.61-51.14 D), and 3.25 ± 0.44 mm (2.04-5.28 mm), respectively. The mean LT was 4.32 ± 0.49 mm (2.73-5.77 mm) and the mean CD was 12.02 ± 0.46 mm (10.50-14.15 mm). The mean corneal astigmatism was 1.08 ± 0.84 D (0.00-7.58 D) and 43.5% of eyes had astigmatism ≥ 1.00 D. Male patients had longer AL and ACDs (p < .001) and flatter corneas (p < .001). In regression models considering age, gender, Km, ACD, LT, and CD, a longer AL was associated with being male and having higher ACD, LT and CD. These data represent normative biometric values for the Portuguese population. The greatest predictor of ocular biometrics was gender. There was no significant correlation between age and AL, ACD, or Km. These results may be relevant in the evaluation of refractive error and in the calculation of intraocular lens power.

Dynamic load indicators for take-off-landing sequence in blocks and attacks of elite female volleyball players.

PubMed

Kabaciński, Jarosław; Dworak, Lechosław Bogdan; Murawa, Michał; Rzepnicka, Agata

2016-01-01

Dynamic loads during landings determined by the ground reaction forces (GRFs) may elaborate internal loads and increase the risk of overload knee injuries as a result of performing volleyball jumps many times. The study dealt with a biomechanical assessment of dynamic load indicators in female volleyball players for the motion sequence of take-off-landing in blocks and attacks. Twelve professional female volleyball players participated in the study. Blocks and attacks were filmed by two cameras. GRFs vs. time graphs were recorded with the use of a force platform. Values of dynamic load indicators in terms of the relations of peak of vertical component of GRF, build-up index of this force (BIF), and power output (P) during landing to the vGRF, BIF and P during take-off (L/T) were calculated. The statistically significant ( p < 0.05) highest values of L/T indicators were found for back row attack spikes: 2.4 (vGRF), 12.2 (BIF) and 3.1 (P). In the case of blocks, slide attack spikes and attack line spikes, results of these variables were in range: 1.8÷2.1, 5.9÷7.6 and 2.1÷2.9, respectively. The reduction of GRFs during landings contributes to decreasing the level of the load indicators L/T which should minimize the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament and patellar tendon injuries in female volleyball players.

360-Degree Feedback: Key to Translating Air Force Core Values into Behavioral Change

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-01

Their Say.” People Management 2, no. 6 (March 1996): 28-31. Tornow , Walter W ., Manuel London, et al. Maximizing the Value of 360-Degree Feedback...Leadership Effectiveness While 360-degree feedback has yet to be adopted by the military, Lt Gen Walter F. Ulmer, Jr., USA (Ret), former Director of the...United States Air Force Corps Values. January 1997. n.p. 8 Lt Gen Walter F. Ulmer, “Leadership Learnings and Relearnings,” 21 July, 1996. n.p. On

Formulation optimization of transdermal meloxicam potassium-loaded mesomorphic phases containing ethanol, oleic acid and mixture surfactant using the statistical experimental design methodology.

PubMed

Huang, Chi-Te; Tsai, Chia-Hsun; Tsou, Hsin-Yeh; Huang, Yaw-Bin; Tsai, Yi-Hung; Wu, Pao-Chu

2011-01-01

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop and optimize the mesomorphic phase formulation for a meloxicam transdermal dosage form. A mixture design was applied to prepare formulations which consisted of three independent variables including oleic acid (X(1)), distilled water (X(2)) and ethanol (X(3)). The flux and lag time (LT) were selected as dependent variables. The result showed that using mesomorphic phases as vehicles can significantly increase flux and shorten LT of drug. The analysis of variance showed that the permeation parameters of meloxicam from formulations were significantly influenced by the independent variables and their interactions. The X(3) (ethanol) had the greatest potential influence on the flux and LT, followed by X(1) and X(2). A new formulation was prepared according to the independent levels provided by RSM. The observed responses were in close agreement with the predicted values, demonstrating that RSM could be successfully used to optimize mesomorphic phase formulations.

Effects of doping on ferroelectric properties and leakage current behavior of KNN-LT-LS thin films on SrTiO3 substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abazari, M.; Safari, A.

2009-05-01

We report the effects of Ba, Ti, and Mn dopants on ferroelectric polarization and leakage current of (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)(Nb0.84Ta0.1Sb0.06)O3 (KNN-LT-LS) thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition. It is shown that donor dopants such as Ba2+, which increased the resistivity in bulk KNN-LT-LS, had an opposite effect in the thin film. Ti4+ as an acceptor B-site dopant reduces the leakage current by an order of magnitude, while the polarization values showed a slight degradation. Mn4+, however, was found to effectively suppress the leakage current by over two orders of magnitude while enhancing the polarization, with 15 and 23 μC/cm2 remanent and saturated polarization, whose values are ˜70% and 82% of the reported values for bulk composition. This phenomenon has been associated with the dual effect of Mn4+ in KNN-LT-LS thin film, by substituting both A- and B-site cations. A detailed description on how each dopant affects the concentrations of vacancies in the lattice is presented. Mn-doped KNN-LT-LS thin films are shown to be a promising candidate for lead-free thin films and applications.

Horizontal Transfer of Diatomaceous Earth and Botanical Insecticides in the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius L.; Hemiptera: Cimicidae

PubMed Central

Akhtar, Yasmin; Isman, Murray B.

2013-01-01

Background Horizontal transfer of insecticide occurs when insects contact or ingest an insecticide, return to an aggregation or a nest, and transfer the insecticide to other conspecific insects through contact. This phenomenon has been reported in a number of insects including social insects, however it has not been reported in bed bugs. Since horizontal transfer can facilitate the spread of insecticide into hard to reach spaces, it could contribute greatly to the management of these public health pests. Methodology/Results To demonstrate horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in C. lectularius, an exposed (donor) bed bug, following a 10-minute acquisition period, was placed with unexposed (recipient) bed bugs. Mortality data clearly demonstrates that diatomaceous earth (DE 51) was actively transferred from a single exposed bug to unexposed bugs in a concentration dependent manner. LC50 values varied from 24.4 mg at 48 h to 5.1 mg at 216 h when a single exposed bed bug was placed with 5 unexposed bed bugs. LT50 values also exhibited a concentration response. LT50 values varied from 1.8 days to 8.4 days when a ‘donor’ bug exposed to 20 and 5 mg of dust respectively was placed with 5 ‘recipient’ bugs. Dust was also actively transferred from adult bed bugs to the nymphs. In addition we observed horizontal transfer of botanical insecticides including neem, ryania, and rotenone to varying degrees. Conclusion/Significance Our data clearly demonstrate horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in the common bed bug, C. lectularius. Use of a fluorescent dust provided visual confirmation that contaminated bed bugs transfer dust to untreated bed bugs in harborage. This result is important because bedbugs live in hard-to-reach places and interaction between conspecifics can be exploited for delivery and dissemination of management products directed at this public health pest. PMID:24086593

Horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L.; hemiptera: cimicidae.

PubMed

Akhtar, Yasmin; Isman, Murray B

2013-01-01

Horizontal transfer of insecticide occurs when insects contact or ingest an insecticide, return to an aggregation or a nest, and transfer the insecticide to other conspecific insects through contact. This phenomenon has been reported in a number of insects including social insects, however it has not been reported in bed bugs. Since horizontal transfer can facilitate the spread of insecticide into hard to reach spaces, it could contribute greatly to the management of these public health pests. To demonstrate horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in C. lectularius, an exposed (donor) bed bug, following a 10-minute acquisition period, was placed with unexposed (recipient) bed bugs. Mortality data clearly demonstrates that diatomaceous earth (DE 51) was actively transferred from a single exposed bug to unexposed bugs in a concentration dependent manner. LC50 values varied from 24.4 mg at 48 h to 5.1 mg at 216 h when a single exposed bed bug was placed with 5 unexposed bed bugs. LT50 values also exhibited a concentration response. LT50 values varied from 1.8 days to 8.4 days when a 'donor' bug exposed to 20 and 5 mg of dust respectively was placed with 5 'recipient' bugs. Dust was also actively transferred from adult bed bugs to the nymphs. In addition we observed horizontal transfer of botanical insecticides including neem, ryania, and rotenone to varying degrees. Our data clearly demonstrate horizontal transfer of diatomaceous earth and botanical insecticides in the common bed bug, C. lectularius. Use of a fluorescent dust provided visual confirmation that contaminated bed bugs transfer dust to untreated bed bugs in harborage. This result is important because bedbugs live in hard-to-reach places and interaction between conspecifics can be exploited for delivery and dissemination of management products directed at this public health pest.

Using the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory LT-MDL to Evaluate and Analyze Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bonn, Bernadine A.

2008-01-01

A long-term method detection level (LT-MDL) and laboratory reporting level (LRL) are used by the U.S. Geological Survey?s National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) when reporting results from most chemical analyses of water samples. Changing to this method provided data users with additional information about their data and often resulted in more reported values in the low concentration range. Before this method was implemented, many of these values would have been censored. The use of the LT-MDL and LRL presents some challenges for the data user. Interpreting data in the low concentration range increases the need for adequate quality assurance because even small contamination or recovery problems can be relatively large compared to concentrations near the LT-MDL and LRL. In addition, the definition of the LT-MDL, as well as the inclusion of low values, can result in complex data sets with multiple censoring levels and reported values that are less than a censoring level. Improper interpretation or statistical manipulation of low-range results in these data sets can result in bias and incorrect conclusions. This document is designed to help data users use and interpret data reported with the LTMDL/ LRL method. The calculation and application of the LT-MDL and LRL are described. This document shows how to extract statistical information from the LT-MDL and LRL and how to use that information in USGS investigations, such as assessing the quality of field data, interpreting field data, and planning data collection for new projects. A set of 19 detailed examples are included in this document to help data users think about their data and properly interpret lowrange data without introducing bias. Although this document is not meant to be a comprehensive resource of statistical methods, several useful methods of analyzing censored data are demonstrated, including Regression on Order Statistics and Kaplan-Meier Estimation. These two statistical methods handle complex censored data sets without resorting to substitution, thereby avoiding a common source of bias and inaccuracy.

In vitro pediculicidal activity of herbal shampoo base on Thai local plants against head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer).

PubMed

Rassami, Watcharawit; Soonwera, Mayura

2013-04-01

Head lice infestation, a worldwide head infestation caused Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, is an important public health problem in Thailand. Several chemical pediculicides have lost in efficacy due to increasing resistance of lice against insecticide. Therefore, non-toxic alternative products, such as natural products from plants, e.g. plant extract pediculicides, are needed for head lice control. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential of pediculicidal activity of herbal shampoo base on three species of Thai local plants (Accacia concinna (Willd.) DC, Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. and Tamarindus indica Linn.) against head lice and to compare them with carbaryl shampoo (Hafif shampoo®; 0.6% w/v carbaryl) and non-treatment control in order to assess their in vitro. Doses of 0.12 and 0.25 ml/cm2 of each herbal shampoo were applied to filter paper, and ten head lice were place on the filter paper. The mortalities of head lice on the filter paper were recorded at 1, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min by sterio-microscope. All herbal shampoos at 0.25 ml/cm2 were more effective pediculicide than carbaryl shampoo with 100% mortality at 5 min. The median lethal time (LT50) of all herbal shampoos at 0.25 ml/cm2 showed no significant differences over at 0.12 ml/cm2 (P<0.01). The most effective pediculicide was T. indica extract shampoo, followed by Av. bilimbi extract shampoo and Ac. concinna extract shampoo, with LT50 values<1.0 min. Our data showed that all herbal shampoos have high potential of pediculicide to head lice treatments for schoolchildren.

The influence of toothbrushing and coffee staining on different composite surface coatings.

PubMed

Zimmerli, Brigitte; Koch, Tamara; Flury, Simon; Lussi, Adrian

2012-04-01

The aim of our study is to evaluate the performance of surface sealants and conventional polishing after ageing procedures. Eighty circular composite restorations were performed on extracted human molars. After standardised roughening, the restorations were either sealed with one of three surface sealants (Lasting Touch (LT), BisCover LV (BC), G-Coat Plus (GP) or a dentin adhesive Heliobond (HB)) or were manually polished with silicon polishers (MP) (n = 16). The average roughness (Ra) and colourimetric parameters (CP) (L*a*b*) were evaluated. The specimens underwent an artificial ageing process by thermocycling, staining (coffee) and abrasive (toothbrushing) procedures. After each ageing step, Ra and CP measurements were repeated. A qualitative surface analysis was performed with SEM. The differences between the test groups regarding Ra and CP values were analysed with nonparametric ANOVA analysis (α = 0.05). The lowest Ra values were achieved with HB. BC and GP resulted in Ra values below 0.2 μm (clinically relevant threshold), whereas LT and MP sometimes led to higher Ra values. LT showed a significantly higher discolouration after the first coffee staining, but this was normalised to the other groups after toothbrushing. The differences between the measurements and test groups for Ra and CP were statistically significant. However, the final colour difference showed no statistical difference among the five groups. SEM evaluation showed clear alterations after ageing in all coating groups. Surface sealants and dentin adhesives have the potential to reduce surface roughness but tend to debond over time. Surface sealants can only be recommended for polishing provisional restorations.

[Thermal tolerance of some marine copepods].

PubMed

Liao, Yi-Bo; Chen, Quan-Zhen; Zeng, Jiang-Ning; Xu, Xiao-Qun; Shou, Lu; Liu, Jing-Jing; Jiang, Zhi-Bing; Zheng, Ping

2008-02-01

By using experimental ecological methods, the 24 hours semi-lethal temperature (24 h LT50) of typical copepods living in the coastal area of East China Sea was determined to elucidate the effects of thermal discharge from power station on the coastal ecosystem. The results indicated that different copepods at same natural acclimated temperature and specific copepod at different initial acclimated temperature had different thermal tolerance capability. The 24h LT50 of Calanus sinicus and Sinocalanus tenellus at natural acclimated temperature 13.5 degrees C was 26.9 degrees C and 25.4 degrees C, of Acartiella sinensis and Corycaeus affinis at natural acclimated temperature 14.2 degrees C was 26.7 degrees C and 30.5 degrees C, and of Centropages dorsispinatus, Paracalanus crassirostris, Acartia spinicauda and Euterpina acutifrons at natural acclimated temperature 28.0 degrees C was 34.0 degrees C, 34.3 degrees C, 35.7 degrees C and 36.0 degrees C, respectively. The 24h LT50 of S. tenellus at natural acclimated temperature 13.5 degrees C and 23.5 degrees C was 25.4 degrees C and 33.0 degrees C, respectively.

Inference of equatorial field-line-integrated electron density values using whistlers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, D. N.; Kintner, P. M.; Kelley, M. C.

1985-01-01

The nighttime electron density integrated along a magnetic field line at very small L-values (about 1.06) is inferred by comparing whistler dispersions, measured from a sounding rocket, with model ionospheric calculations. At a local time of 0500 LT, the electron density in the F-layer valley was found to be about 1000 per cu cm. It is suggested that this technique can be applied to earlier times in the local evening to determine ionospheric conditions which benefit the growth of low-latitude plasma instabilities.

Popularity of Russian information sources of medical education.

PubMed

Vasilyeva, Irina V; Arseniev, Sergey B

2014-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2012-05-01

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

Electronic and Thermal Effects in the Insulator-Metal Phase Transition in VO2 Nano-Gap Junctions

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-27

VO2 , air, or SiO2, the 2 -0.50 -0.25 0.00 0.25 0.50 0 2 4 6 V Gap V App V o lt ag e (V ) time (ms) t p V I→M V M→I 100 400 700 1000 0.0 2.5 5.0 7.5...Electronic and thermal effects in the insulator-metal phase transition in VO2 nano-gap junctions Arash Joushaghani,1 Junho Jeong,1 Suzanne Paradis,2...Canada (Dated: 27 November 2014) By controlling the thermal transport of VO2 nano-gap junctions using device geometry, contact material, and applied

Pneumonia relevant to lung transplantation and pathogen distribution.

PubMed

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

2013-01-01

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

Hepatic encephalopathy in a liver transplant recipient with stable liver function.

PubMed

Arab, Juan Pablo; Meneses, Luis; Pérez, Rosa M; Arrese, Marco; Benítez, Carlos

2013-04-01

Postshunt hepatic encephalopathy after liver transplantation (LT) is an infrequent condition and is commonly associated with portal occlusion or stenosis and the presence of a patent portosystemic shunt. Portal vein stenosis (PVS) or thrombosis (PVT) are uncommon complications after LT. The overall frequency of both complications is reported to be less than 3%. When PVS or PVT develop early after LT, the occlusion of the portal vein can have catastrophic consequences to the graft including acute liver failure and graft loss. Late PVT/PVS are asymptomatic in approximately 50% of the cases and mainly diagnosed by a routine ultrasound. Symptomatic postshunt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a very infrequent condition after LT that has been scarcely reported in the literature. We present here the case of a liver recipient with normal graft function who presented with hepatic encephalopathy 3 months after LT with stable liver function but a severe portal stenosis and the presence of a spontaneous portosystemic shunt whose successful endovascular treatment was followed by the complete resolution of the HE.

Development and application of a species sensitivity distribution for temperature-induced mortality in the aquatic environment.

PubMed

de Vries, Pepijn; Tamis, Jacqueline E; Murk, Albertinka J; Smit, Mathijs G D

2008-12-01

Current European legislation has static water quality objectives for temperature effects, based on the most sensitive species. In the present study a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) for elevated temperatures is developed on the basis of temperature sensitivity data (mortality) of 50 aquatic species. The SSD applies to risk assessment of heat discharges that are localized in space or time. As collected median lethal temperatures (LT50 values) for different species depend on the acclimation temperature, the SSD is also a function of the acclimation temperature. Data from a thermal discharge in The Netherlands are used to show the applicability of the developed SSD in environmental risk assessment. Although restrictions exist in the application of the developed SSD, it is concluded that the SSD approach can be applied to assess the effects of elevated temperature. Application of the concept of SSD to temperature changes allows harmonization of environmental risk assessment for stressors in the aquatic environment. When a synchronization of the assessment methods is achieved, the steps to integration of risks from toxic and nontoxic stressors can be made.

Nanoscale characterization and local piezoelectric properties of lead-free KNN-LT-LS thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abazari, M.; Choi, T.; Cheong, S.-W.; Safari, A.

2010-01-01

We report the observation of domain structure and piezoelectric properties of pure and Mn-doped (K0.44,Na0.52,Li0.04)(Nb0.84,Ta0.1,Sb0.06)O3 (KNN-LT-LS) thin films on SrTiO3 substrates. It is revealed that, using piezoresponse force microscopy, ferroelectric domain structure in such 500 nm thin films comprised of primarily 180° domains. This was in accordance with the tetragonal structure of the films, confirmed by relative permittivity measurements and x-ray diffraction patterns. Effective piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of the films were calculated using piezoelectric displacement curves and shown to be ~53 pm V-1 for pure KNN-LT-LS thin films. This value is among the highest values reported for an epitaxial lead-free thin film and shows a great potential for KNN-LT-LS to serve as an alternative to PZT thin films in future applications.

[Bile duct atresia: outline for a solution].

PubMed

Broto, J; Asensio, M; Gil Vernet, J M; Marhuenda, C; Boix Ochoa, J

2000-07-01

Biliary atresia continues to be a serious and relatively rare disease (1/50,000 newborns) and whose long-term prognosis has changed drastically since the appearance of liver transplant (LT) as a therapeutic weapon. The combination of two factors, early diagnosis and correct application of Kasai's surgical technique, is essential to obtain acceptable results and sufficient biliary drainage allowing the children to overcome the critical 7 kg barrier and place them in the lesser morbi-mortality range in relation to a possible LT. But we must keep in mind that despite its critics, Kasai's technique can guarantee, both in our own experience and in the literature, ten years survival percentages over 50% with correct hepatic function, as well as clinical normality and a quality of life clearly superior to first years post-LT. We present the evolution of a group of 20 patients affected with biliary atresia, diagnosed in our center since 1985, the year when pediatric LT began to be used as a therapeutic procedure in this country. We valued the age of intervention, technique, immediate and long-term results and the evolution and necessity of LT. All 20 patients were analyzed individually, and they currently have an age range from 2-14 years and were all operated by Kasai's technique. We classified the patients as having good, regular or poor results with regards to biliary flow, normalization of billirubin levels and clinical evolution. Sixteen patients presented biliary flow of such an extent that 14 of them, classified as good, completely normalized the billirubin levels. Two others, presently aged 14 and 8 years respectively, present average levels of 2.5-5.5 mg/100 ml and are classified as regular in a situation of advisable transplant, although with an acceptable hepatic function. Only one case, the first in the poor group, did not initially present biliary elimination and died at age six months while on the waiting list. Three other cases in the same group presented insufficient biliary elimination and were transplanted with 7, 11 and 12.5 kg, respectively. The second died in the first year post-transplant. In our opinion, action in biliary atresia must be early and based on the correct application of Kasai's technique, seeking to achieve a biliar flow that eliminates or distances the patient as far as possible from the necessity of a future LT. Three lines come together to obtain this target: an early diagnosis, a correct application of Kasai's technique, and an implication in the follow-up and treatment of these children by the hepatic transplant groups. All this advises us, as is done in other countries, to create reference centers for the study of neonatal cholestasis where an accumulated experience of a relatively rare pathology can be taken advantage of.

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

PubMed

Vasilyeva, Irina V; Arseniev, Sergey B

2016-01-01

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

Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes virulence in the Galleria mellonella insect larvae model.

PubMed

Rakic Martinez, Mira; Wiedmann, Martin; Ferguson, Martine; Datta, Atin R

2017-01-01

Several animal models have been used to understand the molecular basis of the pathogenicity, infectious dose and strain to strain variation of Listeria monocytogenes. The greater wax worm Galleria mellonella, as an alternative model, provides some useful advantages not available with other models and has already been described as suitable for the virulence assessment of various pathogens including L. monocytogenes. The objectives of this study are: 1) confirming the usefulness of this model with a wide panel of Listeria spp. including non-pathogenic L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri and animal pathogen L. ivanovii; 2) assessment of virulence of several isogenic in-frame deletion mutants in virulence and stress related genes of L. monocytogenes and 3) virulence assessment of paired food and clinical isolates of L. monocytogenes from 14 major listeriosis outbreaks occurred worldwide between 1980 and 2015. Larvae injected with different concentrations of Listeria were incubated at 37°C and monitored over seven days for time needed to kill 50% of larvae (LT50) and to determine change of bacterial population in G. mellonella, 2 and 24 hours post-inoculation. Non-pathogenic members of Listeria and L. ivanovii showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher LT50 (lower virulence) than the wild type L. monocytogenes strains. Isogenic mutants of L. monocytogenes with the deletions in prfA, plcA, hly, actA and virR genes, also showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher LT50 than the wild type strain at the inoculum of 106CFU/larva. Food isolates had significantly (P < 0.05) lower virulence than the paired clinical isolates, at all three inoculum concentrations. L. monocytogenes strains related to non-invasive (gastroenteritis) outbreaks of listeriosis showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower virulence than isolates of the same serotype obtained from outbreaks with invasive symptoms. The difference, however, was dose and strain- dependent. No significant differences in virulence were observed among the serotype tested in this study.

Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes virulence in the Galleria mellonella insect larvae model

PubMed Central

Rakic Martinez, Mira; Ferguson, Martine; Datta, Atin R.

2017-01-01

Several animal models have been used to understand the molecular basis of the pathogenicity, infectious dose and strain to strain variation of Listeria monocytogenes. The greater wax worm Galleria mellonella, as an alternative model, provides some useful advantages not available with other models and has already been described as suitable for the virulence assessment of various pathogens including L. monocytogenes. The objectives of this study are: 1) confirming the usefulness of this model with a wide panel of Listeria spp. including non-pathogenic L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri and animal pathogen L. ivanovii; 2) assessment of virulence of several isogenic in-frame deletion mutants in virulence and stress related genes of L. monocytogenes and 3) virulence assessment of paired food and clinical isolates of L. monocytogenes from 14 major listeriosis outbreaks occurred worldwide between 1980 and 2015. Larvae injected with different concentrations of Listeria were incubated at 37°C and monitored over seven days for time needed to kill 50% of larvae (LT50) and to determine change of bacterial population in G. mellonella, 2 and 24 hours post-inoculation. Non-pathogenic members of Listeria and L. ivanovii showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher LT50 (lower virulence) than the wild type L. monocytogenes strains. Isogenic mutants of L. monocytogenes with the deletions in prfA, plcA, hly, actA and virR genes, also showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher LT50 than the wild type strain at the inoculum of 106CFU/larva. Food isolates had significantly (P < 0.05) lower virulence than the paired clinical isolates, at all three inoculum concentrations. L. monocytogenes strains related to non-invasive (gastroenteritis) outbreaks of listeriosis showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower virulence than isolates of the same serotype obtained from outbreaks with invasive symptoms. The difference, however, was dose and strain- dependent. No significant differences in virulence were observed among the serotype tested in this study. PMID:28898264

New levothyroxine formulation meeting 95-105% specification over the whole shelf-life: results from two pharmacokinetic trials.

PubMed

Gottwald-Hostalek, Ulrike; Uhl, Wolfgang; Wolna, Peter; Kahaly, George J

2017-02-01

Small levothyroxine (L-T4) dose changes can lead to significant clinical effects. To ensure thyroid hormone levels are safely maintained, authorities are increasingly adopting stricter potency specifications for L-T4, the most stringent of these being 95-105% of the labeled dose over the whole shelf-life. Levothyroxine sodium (Euthyrox, Eutirox, Lévothyrox ) has been reformulated, and two studies performed, to ensure bioequivalence to the currently marketed formulation and dosage form proportionality of the new formulation. The bioequivalence study was an open-label, randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-sequence crossover comparing the highest dosage strengths of the currently marketed and the new L-T4 formulation at a total dose of 600 μg. The dosage form proportionality study was an open-label, randomized, three-period, six-sequence crossover, comparing 50 μg, 100 μg, and 200 μg L-T4 tablets, at a total dose of 600 μg. Blood samples were taken at predefined time intervals. Primary outcomes were area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (C max ) of thyroxine (T4) in plasma. In the bioequivalence study, comparing the T4 profiles for the new and current formulation of L-T4, the geometric least square mean ratio of the baseline-adjusted AUC 0-72,adj was 99.3% (90% confidence interval [CI]: 95.6-103.2) and the C max,adj was 101.7% (90% CI: 98.8-104.6). Bioequivalence was established if the 90% CI lay within the predefined 0.9-1.11 limits. In the dosage form proportionality study, pairwise comparisons ranged from 99.3% to 104.8%, and all 95% CIs were within the predefined CI range (0.8-1.25): the three dose strengths were dosage form proportional. The new formulation of L-T4 meets the most stringent potency specification guidelines, and has been demonstrated to be bioequivalent to the current formulation and to show dosage form proportionality. The new formulation will enable patients to receive a dose fine tuned to their medical needs, contributing to improved safety in the use of L-T4.

The Rate of Core Collapse Supernovae to Redshift 2.5 from the CANDELS and CLASH Supernova Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strolger, Louis-Gregory; Dahlen, Tomas; Rodney, Steven A.; Graur, Or; Riess, Adam G.; McCully, Curtis; Ravindranath, Swara; Mobasher, Bahram; Shahady, A. Kristin

2015-11-01

The Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey and Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with Hubble multi-cycle treasury programs with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have provided new opportunities to probe the rate of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) at high redshift, now extending to z≈ 2.5. Here we use a sample of approximately 44 CCSNe to determine volumetric rates, RCC, in six redshift bins in the range 0.1\\lt z\\lt 2.5. Together with rates from our previous HST program, and rates from the literature, we trace a more complete history of {R}{CC}(z), with {R}{CC}=0.72+/- 0.06 yr-1 Mpc-3 10-4{h}703 at z\\lt 0.08, and increasing to {3.7}-1.6+3.1 yr-1 Mpc-3 10-4{h}703 to z≈ 2.0. The statistical precision in each bin is several factors better than than the systematic error, with significant contributions from host extinction, and average peak absolute magnitudes of the assumed luminosity functions for CCSN types. Assuming negligible time delays from stellar formation to explosion, we find these composite CCSN rates to be in excellent agreement with cosmic star formation rate density (SFRs) derived largely from dust-corrected rest-frame UV emission, with a scaling factor of k=0.0091+/- 0.0017 {M}⊙ -1, and inconsistent (to \\gt 95% confidence) with SFRs from IR luminous galaxies, or with SFR models that include simple evolution in the initial mass function over time. This scaling factor is expected if the fraction of the IMF contributing to CCSN progenitors is in the 8-50 M⊙ range. It is not supportive, however, of an upper mass limit for progenitors at \\lt 20 {M}⊙ .

Occurrence of thyroxine tablet (Thyradin S(®)) - induced liver dysfunction in a patient with subclinical hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Kang, Shino; Amino, Nobuyuki; Kudo, Takumi; Nishihara, Eijun; Ito, Mitsuru; Hirokawa, Mitsuyoshi; Miyauchi, Akira; Tamada, Daisuke; Yasuda, Takenori

2015-01-01

A 54-year-old woman with subclinical hypothyroidism developed liver dysfunction after increasing dose of levothyroxine (L-T4) in tablet form (Thyradin S(®)) from 25μg to 50μg. Viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis and NASH were ruled out with examinations. After cessation of levothyroxine in 50μg tablet form, liver enzymes gradually returned to normal. She was diagnosed levothyroxine-induced liver injury, based on criteria proposed in DDW-J 2004 workshop. Thyradin S(®) powder 0.01% (here in after referred to as L-T4 in powder form) was tried as an alternative, and liver enzymes have remained within normal range. As for Thyradin S(®) tablet, additives are different for each type of levothyroxine sodium content. The difference of additive is whether Fe2O3 is contained or not: it is not included in Thyradin S(®) 50μg tablet and powder form. Although there are two case reports in the Japanese literature and three case reports in the English literature of liver dysfunction suspected due to L-T4, we cannot find past reports about cases of drug induced liver dysfunction due to Fe2O3 free levothyroxine tablet form. This is a rare case report of drug induced liver injury due to Fe2O3 free levothyroxine tablet form, and administration of L-T4 in powder form may be useful for treatment of cases similar to this one.

Effects of cholinergic and beta-adrenergic blockade on orthostatic tolerance in healthy subjects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Convertino, V. A.; Sather, T. M.

2000-01-01

Cardiovascular responses during a graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol were compared before and after atropine and propranolol administration to test the hypothesis that both sympathetic and parasympathetic control of cardio-acceleration are associated with syncopal predisposition to orthostatic stress in healthy subjects. Eleven men were categorized into two groups having high (HT, N = 6) or low (LT, N = 5) tolerance based on their total time before the onset of presyncopal symptoms. HT and LT groups were similar in physical characteristics, fitness, and baseline cardiovascular measurements. Atropine treatment had no effect on LBNP tolerance or mean arterial pressure at presyncope, despite an atropine-induced increase in heart rate. Propranolol treatment reduced (p<0.05) LBNP tolerance in both groups. Diminished LBNP tolerance after propranolol administration was associated with reductions in cardiac output, whereas increase in systemic peripheral resistance from baseline to presyncope was unaffected by propranolol. Reduction in cardiac output and LBNP tolerance after beta blockade reflected a chronotropic effect because lower LBNP tolerance for the HT (-50%) and LT (-39%) groups was associated with dramatic reductions (p <0.05) in the magnitude of LBNP-induced tachycardia without significant effects on stroke volume at presyncope. Absence of an atropine-induced difference in cardiac output and systemic peripheral resistance between HT and LT groups failed to support the notion that cardiac vagal withdrawal represents a predominant mechanism that could account for differences in orthostatic tolerance. Because a reduction in LBNP tolerance in both HT and LT groups after propranolol treatment was most closely associated with reduced tachycardia, the data suggest that a primary autonomically mediated mechanism for maintenance of mean arterial pressure and orthostatic tolerance in healthy subjects is beta adrenergic-induced tachycardia.

A cost-effective, community-based, mosquito-trapping scheme that captures spatial and temporal heterogeneities of malaria transmission in rural Zambia

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Monitoring mosquito population dynamics is essential to guide selection and evaluation of malaria vector control interventions but is typically implemented by mobile, centrally-managed teams who can only visit a limited number of locations frequently enough to capture longitudinal trends. Community-based (CB) mosquito trapping schemes for parallel, continuous monitoring of multiple locations are therefore required that are practical, affordable, effective, and reliable. Methods A CB surveillance scheme, with a monthly sampling and reporting cycle for capturing malaria vectors, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps (LT) and Ifakara Tent Traps (ITT), were conducted by trained community health workers (CHW) in 14 clusters of households immediately surrounding health facilities in rural south-east Zambia. At the end of the study, a controlled quality assurance (QA) survey was conducted by a centrally supervised expert team using human landing catch (HLC), LT and ITT to evaluate accuracy of the CB trapping data. Active surveillance of malaria parasite infection rates amongst humans was conducted by CHWs in the same clusters to determine the epidemiological relevance of these CB entomological surveys. Results CB-LT and CB-ITT exhibited relative sampling efficiencies of 50 and 7%, respectively, compared with QA surveys using the same traps. However, cost per sampling night was lowest for CB-LT ($13.6), followed closely by CB-ITT ($18.0), both of which were far less expensive than any QA survey (HLC: $138, LT: $289, ITT: $269). Cost per specimen of Anopheles funestus captured was lowest for CB-LT ($5.3), followed by potentially hazardous QA-HLC ($10.5) and then CB-ITT ($28.0), all of which were far more cost-effective than QA-LT ($141) and QA-ITT ($168). Time-trends of malaria diagnostic positivity (DP) followed those of An. funestus density with a one-month lag and the wide range of mean DP across clusters was closely associated with mean densities of An. funestus caught by CB-LT (P < 0.001). Conclusions CB trapping schemes appear to be far more affordable, epidemiologically relevant and cost-effective than centrally supervised trapping schemes and may well be applicable to enhance intervention trials and even enable routine programmatic monitoring of vector population dynamics on unprecedented national scales. PMID:24906704

Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Speech Handicap Index.

PubMed

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

2018-05-01

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

Impact of arachidonic versus eicosapentaenoic acid on exotonin-induced lung vascular leakage: relation to 4-series versus 5-series leukotriene generation.

PubMed

Grimminger, F; Wahn, H; Mayer, K; Kiss, L; Walmrath, D; Seeger, W

1997-02-01

Escherichia coli hemolysin (HlyA) is a proteinaceous pore-forming exotoxin that is implicated as a significant pathogenicity factor in extraintestinal E. coli infections including sepsis. In perfused rabbit lungs, subcytolytic concentrations of the toxin evoke thromboxane-mediated vasoconstriction and prostanoid-independent protracted vascular permeability increase (11). In the present study, the influence of submicromolar concentrations of free arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the HlyA-induced leakage response was investigated. HlyA at concentration from 0.02 to 0.06 hemolytic units/ml provoked a dose-dependent, severalfold increase in the capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc), accompanied by the release of leukotriene(LT)B4, LTC4, and LTE4 into the recirculating buffer fluid. Simultaneous application of 100 nmol/L AA markedly augmented the HlyA-elicited leakage response, concomitant with an amplification of LTB4 release and a change in the kinetics of cysteinyl-LT generation. In contrast, 50 to 200 nmol/L EPA suppressed in a dose-dependent manner the HlyA-induced increase in Kfc values. This was accompanied by a blockage of 4-series LT generation and a dose-dependent appearance of LTB5, LTC5, and LTE5. In addition, EPA fully antagonized the AA-induced amplification of the HlyA-provoked Kfc increase, again accompanied by a shift from 4-series to 5-series LT generation. We conclude that the vascular leakage provoked by HlyA in rabbit lungs is differentially influenced by free AA versus free EPA, related to the generation of 4- versus 5-series leukotrienes. The composition of lipid emulsions used for parenteral nutrition may thus influence inflammatory capillary leakage.

Ocular biometric measurements in cataract surgery candidates in Portugal

PubMed Central

Hoffer, Kenneth J.; Ribeiro, Filomena; Ribeiro, Paulo; O’Neill, João G.

2017-01-01

Objective Describe the ocular biometric parameters and their associations in a population of cataract surgery candidates. Methods A cross-sectional study of 13,012 eyes of 6,506 patients was performed. Biometric parameters of the eyes were measured by optical low-coherence reflectometry. The axial length (AL), mean keratometry (K) and astigmatism, anterior chamber depth (ACD) (epithelium to lens), lens thickness (LT), and Corneal Diameter (CD) were evaluated. Results The mean age was 69 ± 10 years (44–99 years). Mean AL, Km, and ACD were 23.87 ± 1.55 mm (19.8–31.92 mm), 43.91 ± 1.71 D (40.61–51.14 D), and 3.25 ± 0.44 mm (2.04–5.28 mm), respectively. The mean LT was 4.32 ± 0.49 mm (2.73–5.77 mm) and the mean CD was 12.02 ± 0.46 mm (10.50–14.15 mm). The mean corneal astigmatism was 1.08 ± 0.84 D (0.00–7.58 D) and 43.5% of eyes had astigmatism ≥ 1.00 D. Male patients had longer AL and ACDs (p < .001) and flatter corneas (p < .001). In regression models considering age, gender, Km, ACD, LT, and CD, a longer AL was associated with being male and having higher ACD, LT and CD. Conclusions These data represent normative biometric values for the Portuguese population. The greatest predictor of ocular biometrics was gender. There was no significant correlation between age and AL, ACD, or Km. These results may be relevant in the evaluation of refractive error and in the calculation of intraocular lens power. PMID:28982150

Phenotype-based Discovery of 2-[(E)-2-(Quinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenol as a Novel Regulator of Ocular Angiogenesis*

PubMed Central

Reynolds, Alison L.; Alvarez, Yolanda; Sasore, Temitope; Waghorne, Nora; Butler, Clare T.; Kilty, Claire; Smith, Andrew J.; McVicar, Carmel; Wong, Vickie H. Y.; Galvin, Orla; Merrigan, Stephanie; Osman, Janina; Grebnev, Gleb; Sjölander, Anita; Stitt, Alan W.; Kennedy, Breandán N.

2016-01-01

Retinal angiogenesis is tightly regulated to meet oxygenation and nutritional requirements. In diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, uncontrolled angiogenesis can lead to blindness. Our goal is to better understand the molecular processes controlling retinal angiogenesis and discover novel drugs that inhibit retinal neovascularization. Phenotype-based chemical screens were performed using the ChemBridge DiversetTM library and inhibition of hyaloid vessel angiogenesis in Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish. 2-[(E)-2-(Quinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenol, (quininib) robustly inhibits developmental angiogenesis at 4–10 μm in zebrafish and significantly inhibits angiogenic tubule formation in HMEC-1 cells, angiogenic sprouting in aortic ring explants, and retinal revascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. Quininib is well tolerated in zebrafish, human cell lines, and murine eyes. Profiling screens of 153 angiogenic and inflammatory targets revealed that quininib does not directly target VEGF receptors but antagonizes cysteinyl leukotriene receptors 1 and 2 (CysLT1–2) at micromolar IC50 values. In summary, quininib is a novel anti-angiogenic small-molecule CysLT receptor antagonist. Quininib inhibits angiogenesis in a range of cell and tissue systems, revealing novel physiological roles for CysLT signaling. Quininib has potential as a novel therapeutic agent to treat ocular neovascular pathologies and may complement current anti-VEGF biological agents. PMID:26846851

Accurate computation of survival statistics in genome-wide studies.

PubMed

Vandin, Fabio; Papoutsaki, Alexandra; Raphael, Benjamin J; Upfal, Eli

2015-05-01

A key challenge in genomics is to identify genetic variants that distinguish patients with different survival time following diagnosis or treatment. While the log-rank test is widely used for this purpose, nearly all implementations of the log-rank test rely on an asymptotic approximation that is not appropriate in many genomics applications. This is because: the two populations determined by a genetic variant may have very different sizes; and the evaluation of many possible variants demands highly accurate computation of very small p-values. We demonstrate this problem for cancer genomics data where the standard log-rank test leads to many false positive associations between somatic mutations and survival time. We develop and analyze a novel algorithm, Exact Log-rank Test (ExaLT), that accurately computes the p-value of the log-rank statistic under an exact distribution that is appropriate for any size populations. We demonstrate the advantages of ExaLT on data from published cancer genomics studies, finding significant differences from the reported p-values. We analyze somatic mutations in six cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), finding mutations with known association to survival as well as several novel associations. In contrast, standard implementations of the log-rank test report dozens-hundreds of likely false positive associations as more significant than these known associations.

Accurate Computation of Survival Statistics in Genome-Wide Studies

PubMed Central

Vandin, Fabio; Papoutsaki, Alexandra; Raphael, Benjamin J.; Upfal, Eli

2015-01-01

A key challenge in genomics is to identify genetic variants that distinguish patients with different survival time following diagnosis or treatment. While the log-rank test is widely used for this purpose, nearly all implementations of the log-rank test rely on an asymptotic approximation that is not appropriate in many genomics applications. This is because: the two populations determined by a genetic variant may have very different sizes; and the evaluation of many possible variants demands highly accurate computation of very small p-values. We demonstrate this problem for cancer genomics data where the standard log-rank test leads to many false positive associations between somatic mutations and survival time. We develop and analyze a novel algorithm, Exact Log-rank Test (ExaLT), that accurately computes the p-value of the log-rank statistic under an exact distribution that is appropriate for any size populations. We demonstrate the advantages of ExaLT on data from published cancer genomics studies, finding significant differences from the reported p-values. We analyze somatic mutations in six cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), finding mutations with known association to survival as well as several novel associations. In contrast, standard implementations of the log-rank test report dozens-hundreds of likely false positive associations as more significant than these known associations. PMID:25950620

Metformin Does Not Suppress Serum Thyrotropin by Increasing Levothyroxine Absorption

PubMed Central

Al-Alusi, Mostafa A.; Du, Lin; Li, Ning; Yeh, Michael W.; He, Xuemei; Braverman, Lewis E.

2015-01-01

Background: Levothyroxine (LT4) absorption is affected by concomitant ingestion of certain minerals, medications, and foods. It has been hypothesized that metformin may suppress serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations by enhancing LT4 absorption or by directly affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. This study examined the effect of metformin ingestion on LT4 absorption, as assessed by serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations. Methods: A modified Food and Drug Administration LT4 bioequivalence protocol was applied to healthy, metformin-naïve, euthyroid adult volunteers. Following an overnight fast, 600 μg LT4 was administered orally. Serum TT4 concentrations were measured at baseline and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 6 h following LT4 administration. Measurements were performed before and after one week of metformin ingestion (850 mg three times daily). Peak serum TT4 concentrations, time to peak TT4 concentrations, and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: Twenty-six subjects (54% men, 27% white, age 33 ± 10 years) were studied. There were no significant differences in peak serum TT4 concentrations (p = 0.13) and time to peak TT4 concentrations (p = 0.19) before and after one week of metformin use. A trend toward reduced TT4 AUC was observed after metformin ingestion (pre-metformin 3893 ± 568 μg/dL-min, post-metformin 3765 ± 588 μg/dL-min, p = 0.09). Conclusions: LT4 absorption is unchanged by concomitant metformin ingestion. Mechanisms other than increased LT4 absorption may be responsible for the suppressed TSH concentrations observed in patients ingesting both drugs. PMID:26191653

Evaluation of CDC light traps for mosquito surveillance in a malaria endemic area on the Thai-Myanmar border.

PubMed

Sriwichai, Patchara; Karl, Stephan; Samung, Yudthana; Sumruayphol, Suchada; Kiattibutr, Kirakorn; Payakkapol, Anon; Mueller, Ivo; Yan, Guiyun; Cui, Liwang; Sattabongkot, Jetsumon

2015-12-15

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps (CDC-LT) baited with CO2 are a routine tool for adult mosquito sampling used in entomological surveys, and for monitoring and surveillance of disease vectors. The present study was aimed at evaluating the performance of baited and unbaited CDC-LT for indoor and outdoor trapping of endemic mosquito species in northwestern Thailand. CDC-LT (n = 112) with and without dry ice baits were set both indoors and outdoors in 88 selected houses for stretches of 5 consecutive nights per month in 7 villages in Tha Song Yang district, Tak province between January 2011 and March 2013. Individual traps were repeatedly placed in the same location for a median of 6 (range 1-10) times. Mosquitoes were identified by morphological characteristics and classified into blood-fed, empty, male/female and gravid. Absolute mosquito numbers were converted to capture rates (i.e., mosquitoes per trap and year). Capture rates were compared using multilevel negative binomial regression to account for multiple trap placements and adjust for regional and seasonal differences. A total of 6,668 mosquitoes from 9 genera were collected from 576 individual CDC-LT placements. Culex was the predominant captured genus (46%), followed by anopheline mosquitoes (45%). Overall, CO2 baited traps captured significantly more Culex (especially Culex vishnui Theobald) and Anopheles mosquitoes per unit time (adjusted capture rate ratio (aCRR) 1.64 and 1.38, respectively). Armigeres spp. mosquitoes were trapped in outdoor traps with significantly higher frequency (aCRR: 1.50), whereas Aedes albopictus (Skuse) had a tendency to be trapped more frequently indoors (aCRR: 1.89, p = 0.07). Furthermore, capture rate ratios between CO2 baited and non-baited CDC-LT were significantly influenced by seasonality and indoor vs. outdoor trap placement. The present study shows that CDC-LT with CO2 baiting capture significantly more Culex and Anopheles mosquitoes, some of which (e.g., Cx. vishnui, Cx. quinquefasciatus Say, An. minimus s.l. Theobald, An. maculatus s.l. Theobald) represent important disease vectors in Thailand. This study also shows significant differences in the capture efficiency of CDC-LT when placed indoors or outdoors and in different seasons. Our study thus provides important guidelines for more targeted future vector trapping studies on the Thai-Myanmar border, which is an important cross-border malaria transmission region in Thailand.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2016-01-01

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

On the Occurrence of Afternoon Counter Electrojet Over Indian Longitudes During June Solstice in Solar Minimum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Kuldeep; Sekar, R.; Anandarao, B. G.; Gupta, S. P.; Chakrabarty, D.

2018-03-01

Studies made earlier using ground-based observations of geomagnetic field over the Indian longitudes revealed that the occurrence of equatorial counter electrojet (CEJ) events in afternoon hours is more frequent during June solstice (May-June-July-August) in solar minimum than in other periods. In general, the June solstice solar minimum CEJ events occur between 1500 local time (LT) and 1800 LT with peak strength of about -10 nT at around 1600 LT. In order to understand the frequent occurrence of these CEJ events, an investigation is carried out using an equatorial electrojet model (Anandarao, 1976, https://doi.org/10.1029/GL003i009p00545) and the empirical vertical drift model by Fejer et al. (2008, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JA012801). The strength, duration, peak value, and the occurrence time of CEJ obtained using electrojet model match remarkably well with the corresponding observation of average geomagnetic field variations. The occurrence of CEJ is found to be due to solar quiet (Sq) electric field in the westward direction which is manifested as downward drift in Fejer et al. (2008, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JA012801) model output during 1500-1800 LT. Further, the occurrence of afternoon reversal of Sq electric field in this season is shown to be consistent with earlier studies from Indian sector. Therefore, this investigation provides explicit evidence for the role of westward Sq electric field on the generation of afternoon CEJ during June solstice in solar minimum periods over the Indian sector indicating the global nature of these CEJ events.

Recent Advances in Laplace Transform Analytic Element Method (LT-AEM) Theory and Application to Transient Groundwater Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhlman, K. L.; Neuman, S. P.

2006-12-01

Furman and Neuman (2003) proposed a Laplace Transform Analytic Element Method (LT-AEM) for transient groundwater flow. LT-AEM applies the traditionally steady-state AEM to the Laplace transformed groundwater flow equation, and back-transforms the resulting solution to the time domain using a Fourier Series numerical inverse Laplace transform method (de Hoog, et.al., 1982). We have extended the method so it can compute hydraulic head and flow velocity distributions due to any two-dimensional combination and arrangement of point, line, circular and elliptical area sinks and sources, nested circular or elliptical regions having different hydraulic properties, and areas of specified head, flux or initial condition. The strengths of all sinks and sources, and the specified head and flux values, can all vary in both space and time in an independent and arbitrary fashion. Initial conditions may vary from one area element to another. A solution is obtained by matching heads and normal fluxes along the boundary of each element. The effect which each element has on the total flow is expressed in terms of generalized Fourier series which converge rapidly (<20 terms) in most cases. As there are more matching points than unknown Fourier terms, the matching is accomplished in Laplace space using least-squares. The method is illustrated by calculating the resulting transient head and flow velocities due to an arrangement of elements in both finite and infinite domains. The 2D LT-AEM elements already developed and implemented are currently being extended to solve the 3D groundwater flow equation.

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-03-05

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

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

PubMed Central

Devitt, Brian M; Arora, Manit

2018-01-01

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

Role of alkoxyl radicals on the fluorescein-based ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay.

PubMed

Dorta, E; Atala, E; Aspee, A; Speisky, H; Lissi, E; Lopez-Alarcon, C

2014-10-01

During the last decades the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay has been widely employed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of polyphenol-rich fruits, vegetables and beverages. The method employs fluorescein (FLH) as target molecule and AAPH (2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride) as the source of peroxyl radicals (ROO•). The protection of FLH, afforded by antioxidants (XH), is often characterized by kinetic profiles with clear lag times (LT), which are directly associated with the stoichiometry (n) of the XH-ROO• reaction. However, even for simple phenolic compounds, the LT measured imply large n values (defined as the number of ROO• moles trapped by each antioxidant molecule) which cannot be explained by a simple reaction mechanism. Nonetheless, they can be explained when considering the formation of alkoxyl radicals (RO•) from the recombination of two AAPH-derived ROO•. In the present work, we provide kinetic data showing that, in the zero order kinetic limit of FLH consumption, there is a low reaction rate incompatible with total trapping of ROO•. Thus, the consumption of FLH should be mostly related to its reaction with RO•. In addition, we present data regarding the assumption that in competitive measurements, the LT is due to efficient trapping of the ROO• by the added phenols, leading to high n values (1.7 to 23) for mono and polyphenols. These values are not in agreement with kinetic studies of the antioxidant consumption mediated by the presence of AAPH carried out by HPLC-DAD technique, which imply a competition by RO•. The results suggest that the use of FLH as probe at low concentrations give, for several antioxidants, ORAC values mainly related to their reaction towards RO• radicals instead of primary ROO•radicals. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Leukotriene E4 induces airflow obstruction and mast cell activation through the cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor.

PubMed

Lazarinis, Nikolaos; Bood, Johan; Gomez, Cristina; Kolmert, Johan; Lantz, Ann-Sofie; Gyllfors, Pär; Davis, Andy; Wheelock, Craig E; Dahlén, Sven-Erik; Dahlén, Barbro

2018-03-05

Leukotriene (LT) E 4 is the final active metabolite among the cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs). Animal studies have identified a distinct LTE 4 receptor, suggesting that current cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 (CysLT 1 ) receptor antagonists can provide incomplete inhibition of CysLT responses. We tested this hypothesis by assessing the influence of the CysLT 1 antagonist montelukast on responses induced by means of inhalation of LTE 4 in asthmatic patients. Fourteen patients with mild intermittent asthma and 2 patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease received 20 mg of montelukast twice daily and placebo for 5 to 7 days in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study (NCT01841164). The PD 20 value was determined at the end of each treatment period based on an increasing dose challenge. Measurements included lipid mediators in urine and sputum cells 4 hours after LTE 4 challenge. Montelukast completely blocked LTE 4 -induced bronchoconstriction. Despite tolerating an at least 10 times higher dose of LTE 4 after montelukast, there was no difference in the percentage of eosinophils in sputum. Urinary excretion of all major lipid mediators increased after LTE 4 inhalation. Montelukast blocked release of the mast cell product prostaglandin (PG) D 2 , as well as release of PGF 2α and thromboxane (Tx) A 2 , but not increased excretion of PGE 2 and its metabolites or isoprostanes. LTE 4 induces airflow obstruction and mast cell activation through the CysLT 1 receptor. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Problem video game playing is related to emotional distress in adolescents.

PubMed

Gonzálvez, María T; Espada, José P; Tejeiro, Ricardo

2017-06-28

Problem use of video games is an increasing risk behaviour. High exposure of adolescents to video games has been linked to a variety of disorders, but the relationship between problem video game playing and emotional welfare is unknown. The aim of the study is to analyse problem video game playing in a sample of adolescents and to determine whether there are differences between online and offline players, in addition to examining its relationship with anxiety and depressive symptomatology. A sample of adolescents (N = 380) completed self-reports measuring video game use and symptoms of anxiety and depression. We found that 7.4% of females and 30% of males can be considered as playing at problem levels. Online players were almost 12 times more likely to play at high frequency than offline players (χ2 (1, 267) = 72.72, p < .001, OR = 11.63, 95% CI [6.31, 21.43]). Males play more frequently, and play more online (χ2 (1, 267) = 50.85, p < .001, OR = 6.74, 95% CI [3.90, 11.64]), with a clear relationship between problem video game playing and anxiety (r = .24; p < .001). In females, there is a relationship between problem video game playing and depression (r = .19; p < .05). Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the psychological variables involved in problem video game playing. The implementation of strategies is suggested in order to prevent pathological gaming and associated problems.

Intraspecific Variation in Pinus Pinaster PSII Photochemical Efficiency in Response to Winter Stress and Freezing Temperatures

PubMed Central

Corcuera, Leyre; Gil-Pelegrin, Eustaquio; Notivol, Eduardo

2011-01-01

As part of a program to select maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) genotypes for resistance to low winter temperatures, we examined variation in photosystem II activity by chlorophyll fluorescence. Populations and families within populations from contrasting climates were tested during two consecutive winters through two progeny trials, one located at a continental and xeric site and one at a mesic site with Atlantic influence. We also obtained the LT50, or the temperature that causes 50% damage, by controlled freezing and the subsequent analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence in needles and stems that were collected from populations at the continental trial site. P. pinaster showed sensitivity to winter stress at the continental site, during the colder winter. The combination of low temperatures, high solar irradiation and low precipitation caused sustained decreases in maximal photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), quantum yield of non-cyclic electron transport (ΦPSII) and photochemical quenching (qP). The variation in photochemical parameters was larger among families than among populations, and population differences appeared only under the harshest conditions at the continental site. As expected, the environmental effects (winter and site) on the photochemical parameters were much larger than the genotypic effects (population or family). LT50 was closely related to the minimum winter temperatures of the population's range. The dark-adapted Fv/Fm ratio discriminated clearly between interior and coastal populations. In conclusion, variations in Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, qP and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in response to winter stress were primarily due to the differences between the winter conditions and the sites and secondarily due to the differences among families and their interactions with the environment. Populations from continental climates showed higher frost tolerance (LT50) than coastal populations that typically experience mild winters. Therefore, LT50, as estimated by Fv/Fm, is a reliable indicator of frost tolerance among P. pinaster populations. PMID:22220195

Cost effectiveness of a protocol using palivizumab in preterm infants.

PubMed

Hernández-Gago, Yolanda; Lombardero-Pin, Marina; Ortega de la Cruz, Casilda; Maciuniak, Pablo A; Díez Del Pino, Alicia

2017-03-01

The main objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of protocol use of palivizumab in premature established by consensus in our Hospital comparing it based on the recommendations of various Scientific Societies. As a secondary objective risk factors and severity of hospitalized patients attending the established protocol in our Hospital were analyzed. The study period was 4 seasons with the expanded protocol (retrospective data) versus 2 with restricted or agreed protocol (prospective data). The perspective of the study was the Health System, including the costs of hospitalization and palivizumab our center. The calculation of the effectiveness was determined with the admission rate of premature patients stratified by weeks of gestational age <29, <32; and <35. For the analysis of risk factors and severity in patients admitted seasons with the new protocol are collected prospectively clinical data and environmental and social factors. In the range of gestational age <29 years old and <32 greater effectiveness of the extended protocol was not demonstrated against the consensus. Only more effective for EG <35 in the accumulated data and comparing seasons 12/13 and 08/09 to 13/14 for individual data was observed. This range has an associated incremental cost effectiveness ratio of € 53 250,07 (range: € 14 793,39 to € 90 446,47 for singles data and € 50 525,53 (€ 28 688.22 to € 211 575,65) for accumulated. The establishment of this protocol in our center meant an average saving per season € 169 911,51. A cost-effectiveness of the extended protocol appropriate relationship is found if the cost of palivizumab per patient was less than € 1 206,67 (calculated for maximum use of the vial) and a higher rate of hospitalization of 9.21%. Children entering the season with the new protocol (season 12/13 and 13/14) are 63.4% in children under 3 months and 90% are term infants who do not belong to any population at risk, while many of them have associated risk factors you vary as have school-age siblings, rural residence, parental smoking, poor educational background of parents, lack of artificial feeding and family history of allergy. The consensus protocol has not been a significant increase in hospitalization rates in preterm infants <32 weeks gestational age patients. In those <35 has been observed a higher rate of hospitalization, with a very unfavorable cost-effectiveness for all clinical scenarios valued relationship. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Radar observations of a tornado-spawning storm complex in Southeast Brazil and Meso-Eta forecasts of this extreme event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Held, Gerhard; Gomes, Jorge Luis; Gomes, Ana Maria

2014-05-01

During the early afternoon of 22 September 2013, severe storms, accompanied by large hail, damaging winds, heavy precipitation and intense lightning activity, devastated a region in the southeast State of São Paulo. Several extremely intense storm cells moved at up to 80 km/h east-southeastwards, ahead of a strong cold front approaching through Paraná, which created extremely unstable conditions that led to deep convection and overshooting towers up to 18 km. At least one of theses cells spawned a tornado when it reached the town of Taquarituba. The tornado traversed the town from south-southwest to north-northeast and was responsible for 63 people injured and two fatalities. Based on the damage reported, it was at least an F3 according to the Fujita scale. The objective of the present study is to characterize this severe thunderstorm event, using different types of data, and to evaluate the forecasts provided by the Meso-Eta model centered over Bauru. The pre-frontal and frontal convective cells were tracked throughout their life-time by IPMet's Doppler radars, which cover the western and central regions of the State São Paulo, as well as northern Paraná State. Radar volume scans, generated every 7,5 min, were processed with the TITAN (Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis and Nowcasting) Software, yielding the following preliminary results: as the storm complex traversed the Paranapanema River, which forms the border between the two states, the cells intensified drastically and shortly before reaching the town of Taquarituba, that particular cell displayed extremely strong radial shear just above the cloud base (about -20 to +35 m/s), which led to the formation of a deep meso-cyclone, from which the tornado spawned and touched down at around 14:30 LT (LT=UT-3h). Cell properties calculated by TITAN showed a drastic increase of VIL (Vertically Integrated Liquid water content) from 13:52 LT (7,9 kg/m2) to a maximum of 61,8 kg/m2 at 14:15 LT. From 14:22 LT to 14:45 LT the VIL dropped to 14,2 kg/m2, indicative of destructive winds reaching the ground, coincident with the tornado touch-down. Simultaneously, the accumulated hail mass aloft increased from 0 to 802 ktons at 14:22 LT, which subsequently dropped to the ground, confirmed by the likewise decrease of VIL. Furthermore, the fact that the 40 dBZ radar reflectivity reached up to 16,6 km at the time of the tornado occurrence was also outstanding, while maximum reflectivities varied between 50 and 60 dBZ during 90 min. The Meso-Eta model is initiated twice daily (00 and 12 UT) for a domain, which amply covers the State of São Paulo at a resolution of 10x10km horizontally and 38 levels from 1000 to 50 hPa. It also computes additional convective parameters (Storm Relative Helicity (SRH), BRN Shear, supercell index, etc), as well as vertical profiles (Skew-T-Log-P) at any specified grid point. Furthermore, each run of the model is executed twice, using the convection parameterization of Betts & Miller and Kain-Fritsch, respectively. Based on the forecast from the 21Sept2013-12UT and 22Sept2013-00UT model runs (+27h & +30h and +15h & +18h, respectively), a warning for very severe storms to occur in the region from Ourinhos to Taquarituba could be emitted during the night before the extreme event. Some of the indicators were: CAPE 3000-4000 J/kg; K Index 38-42; strong wind shear between 500 hPa and 250 hPa (northwest at ±20 m/s to west at 30m/s); Omega at 500 hPa -1,0 to -1,4 Pa/s; Supercell Parameter -1 and SRH 150-200 m2/s2. The time window ranged from 12:00 to 18:00 LT. The Skew-T diagram at 09:00LT at Taquarituba indicated relatively dry air between 600-200hPa, which was quickly moistened as the cold front approached.

Longitudinal structure of the equatorial ionosphere: Time evolution of the four-peaked EIA structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, C. H.; Hsiao, C. C.; Liu, J. Y.; Liu, C. H.

2007-12-01

Longitudinal structure of the equatorial ionosphere during the 24 h local time period is observed by the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC (F3/C) satellite constellation. By binning the F3/C radio occultation observations during September and October 2006, global ionospheric total electron content (TEC) maps at a constant local time map (local time TEC map, referred as LT map) can be obtained to monitor the development and subsidence of the four-peaked longitudinal structure of the equatorial ionosphere. From LT maps, the four-peaked structure starts to develop at 0800-1000 LT and becomes most prominent at 1200-1600 LT. The longitudinal structure starts to subside after 2200-2400 LT and becomes indiscernible after 0400-0600 LT. In addition to TEC, ionospheric peak altitude also shows a four-peaked longitudinal structure with variation very similar to TEC during daytime. The four-peaked structure of the ionospheric peak altitude is indiscernible at night. With global local time maps of ionospheric TEC and peak altitude, we compare temporal variations of the longitudinal structure with variations of E × B drift from the empirical model. Our results indicate that the observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the four-peaked longitudinal structure is caused by the equatorial plasma fountain modulated by the E3 nonmigrating tide. Additionally, the four maximum regions show a tendency of moving eastward with propagation velocity of several 10 s m/s.

Laboratory Evaluation of Isaria fumosorosea CCM 8367 and Steinernema feltiae Ustinov against Immature Stages of the Colorado Potato Beetle

PubMed Central

Hussein, Hany M.; Skoková Habuštová, Oxana; Půža, Vladimír; Zemek, Rostislav

2016-01-01

The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, has developed resistance to most registered pesticides and has become one of the most difficult insect pests to control. Development of new biopesticides targeting this pest might solve the resistance problem and contribute to sustainable crop production. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of Isaria fumosorosea (syn. Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) strain CCM 8367 against L. decemlineata when applied alone or combined with the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae. The last-instar larvae of the Colorado potato beetle showed the highest susceptibility to I. fumosorosea followed by pre-pupae and pupae. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was estimated to be 1.03×106 blastospores/ml. The strain CCM 8367 was more virulent, causing 92.6% mortality of larvae (LT50 = 5.0 days) compared to the reference strain Apopka 97, which caused 54.5% mortality (LT50 = 7.0 days). The combined application of the fungus with the nematodes increased the mortality up to 98.0%. The best results were obtained when S. feltiae was applied simultaneously with I. fumosorosea (LT50 = 2.0 days); later application negatively affected both the penetration rate and the development of the nematodes. We can conclude that the strain CCM 8367 of I. fumosorosea is a prospective biocontrol agent against immature stages of L. decemlineata. For higher efficacy, application together with an entomopathogenic nematode is recommended. PMID:27015633

Orientation effects on the measurement and analysis of critical CTOA in an aluminum alloy sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutton, M. A.; Dawicke, D. S.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

1994-01-01

Fracture tests were conducted on 76.2mm wide, 2.3mm thick middle crack tension (M(T)) specimens machined from 2024-T3 aluminum sheet. The specimens were tested on the T-L orientation and comparisons were made to similar tests conducted in the L-T orientation. Measurement of critical crack tip opening angle (CTOA), applied stress, and crack front shape were made as a function of crack extension. A two-dimensional, elastic-plastic finite element analysis was used to simulate the fracture behavior for both orientations. The results indicate that the T-L orientation had a 10 percent lower stress at fracture than similar tests conducted in the L-T orientation. Correspondingly, the critical CTOA in the T-L tests reached a constant value of 4.7 degrees after 2-3mm of crack extension and the L-T tests reached a value of 6 degrees. The fracture surfaces of the T-L specimens were observed to remain flat, while those of the L-T specimens transitioned to a 45 degree slant fracture after about 2-3mm of crack extension. The tunneling behavior of the two orientations also differed; the T-L specimens reached a deeply tunneled stabilized crack front shape while, the L-T specimens were observed to have only a small amount of tunneling once the crack began to grow on the 45 degree slant. The two-dimensional, elastic-plastic finite element analysis was able to simulate the fracture behavior for both the T-L and L-T orientations.

Struggling to Target: Airpower’s Historical Challenge Continues

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

targeting. Notes 1 Larry A. Weaver and Robert D. Pollock, “Campaign Planning for the 21st Century,” in Airpower Studies Coursebook , ed. Lt...Around,” in Airpower Studies Coursebook , ed. Lt Colonel Anthony C. Cain, Dr. Doug Peifer, Llewellyn A. Lamar et al. (Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air Command...In addition, the list of installations considered viable targets increased by 50% during the same timeframe.26 These statistics are only a small

Satisfaction and motivation of general physicians toward their career.

PubMed

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

2012-11-18

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

A study of multi-GNSS ionospheric scintillation and cycle-slip over Hong Kong region for moderate solar flux conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Xiaomin; Liu, Zhizhao; Lou, Yidong; Gu, Shengfeng; Chen, Biyan

2017-09-01

This study presents the characteristics of Multiple Global Navigation Satellite System (Multi-GNSS) ionospheric scintillation and cycle-slip occurrence through the analysis of Multi-GNSS data collected by a newly installed receiver located at Sha Tin of Hong Kong from 6 October 2015 to 31 December 2016. This period of time was under a moderate solar activity condition with average sunspot number and F10.7 as 44 and 92, respectively. Considering the frequent occurrence of loss of lock in satellites measurements in the presence of ionospheric scintillation, a rate of geometry-free (ROGF) combination is proposed to take the time gap size between two data arcs into account in the cycle-slip detection. The results show that most ionospheric scintillation events and cycle-slips are observed from 20:00 LT to 0:00 LT. Under the strong scintillation (S4 > 0.6) conditions, it is found that the time series of wide-land (WL) ambiguity NWL and ROGF vary significantly and their range can reach more than 50 cycles and 0.1 m/s, respectively. However, the variations of the NWL and ROGF are generally small under weak scintillation (0.2 < S4 ≤ 0.6) or non-scintillation (S4 ≤ 0.2) conditions. A strong correlation of scintillation and cycle-slip occurrence is also verified by the daily and spatial statistics results. In addition, it is found that on average every 1000 strong scintillation events can result in 200, 124, and 171 cycle-slip occurrences in GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, respectively, whereas these values are 7, 12, and 12 per 1000 under weak scintillation conditions. This study suggests that cautions be taken when GNSS measurements are contaminated by the strong ionospheric scintillation in GNSS applications such as real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP).

Applying an orographic precipitation model to improve mass balance modeling of the Juneau Icefield, AK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, A. C.; Hock, R.; Schuler, T.; Bieniek, P.; Aschwanden, A.

2017-12-01

Mass loss from glaciers in Southeast Alaska is expected to alter downstream ecological systems as runoff patterns change. To investigate these potential changes under future climate scenarios, distributed glacier mass balance modeling is required. However, the spatial resolution gap between global or regional climate models and the requirements for glacier mass balance modeling studies must be addressed first. We have used a linear theory of orographic precipitation model to downscale precipitation from both the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and ERA-Interim to the Juneau Icefield region over the period 1979-2013. This implementation of the LT model is a unique parameterization that relies on the specification of snow fall speed and rain fall speed as tuning parameters to calculate the cloud time delay, τ. We assessed the LT model results by considering winter precipitation so the effect of melt was minimized. The downscaled precipitation pattern produced by the LT model captures the orographic precipitation pattern absent from the coarse resolution WRF and ERA-Interim precipitation fields. Observational data constraints limited our ability to determine a unique parameter combination and calibrate the LT model to glaciological observations. We established a reference run of parameter values based on literature and performed a sensitivity analysis of the LT model parameters, horizontal resolution, and climate input data on the average winter precipitation. The results of the reference run showed reasonable agreement with the available glaciological measurements. The precipitation pattern produced by the LT model was consistent regardless of parameter combination, horizontal resolution, and climate input data, but the precipitation amount varied strongly with these factors. Due to the consistency of the winter precipitation pattern and the uncertainty in precipitation amount, we suggest a precipitation index map approach to be used in combination with a distributed mass balance model for future mass balance modeling studies of the Juneau Icefield. The LT model has potential to be used in other regions in Alaska and elsewhere with strong orographic effects for improved glacier mass balance modeling and/or hydrological modeling.

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

PubMed

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

2003-11-01

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

Should possible recurrence of disease contraindicate liver transplantation in patients with end-stage alveolar echinococcosis? A 20-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Bresson-Hadni, Solange; Blagosklonov, Oleg; Knapp, Jenny; Grenouillet, Frédéric; Sako, Yasuhito; Delabrousse, Eric; Brientini, Marie-Pascale; Richou, Carine; Minello, Anne; Antonino, Anca-Teodora; Gillet, Michel; Ito, Akira; Mantion, Georges André; Vuitton, Dominique Angèle

2011-07-01

Liver transplantation (LT) is currently contraindicated in patients with residual or metastatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) lesions. We evaluated the long-term course of such patients who underwent LT and were subsequently treated with benzimidazoles. Clinical, imaging, serological, and therapeutic data were collected from 5 patients with residual/recurrent AE lesions who survived for more than 15 years. Since 2004, [(18) F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) images were available, and the levels of serum antibodies (Abs) against Echinococcus multilocularis-recombinant antigens were evaluated. Median survival time after LT was 21 years. These patients were from a prospective cohort of 23 patients with AE who underwent LT: 5 of 8 patients with residual/recurrent AE and 4 of 9 patients without residual/recurrent AE were alive in September 2009. High doses of immunosuppressive drugs, the late introduction of therapy with benzimidazoles, its withdrawal due to side effects, and nonadherence to this therapy adversely affected the prognosis. Anti-Em2(plus) and anti-rEm18 Ab levels and standard FDG-PET enabled the efficacy of therapy on the growth of EA lesions to be assessed. However, meaningful variations in Ab levels were observed below diagnostic cutoff values; and in monitoring AE lesions, images of FDG uptake taken 3 hours after its injection were more sensitive than images obtained 1 hour after its injection. In conclusion, benzimidazoles can control residual/recurrent AE lesions after LT. Using anti-rEm18 or anti-Em2(plus) Ab levels and the delayed acquisition of FDG-PET images can improve the functional assessment of disease activity. The potential recurrence of disease, especially in patients with residual or metastatic AE lesions, should not be regarded as a contraindication to LT when AE is considered to be lethal in the short term. Copyright © 2011 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

How endangered is sexual reproduction of high-mountain plants by summer frosts? Frost resistance, frequency of frost events and risk assessment.

PubMed

Ladinig, Ursula; Hacker, Jürgen; Neuner, Gilbert; Wagner, Johanna

2013-03-01

In temperate-zone mountains, summer frosts usually occur during unpredictable cold spells with snow-falls. Earlier studies have shown that vegetative aboveground organs of most high-mountain plants tolerate extracellular ice in the active state. However, little is known about the impact of frost on reproductive development and reproductive success. In common plant species from the European Alps (Cerastium uniflorum, Loiseleuria procumbens, Ranunculus glacialis, Rhododendron ferrugineum, Saxifraga bryoides, S. moschata, S. caesia), differing in growth form, altitudinal distribution and phenology, frost resistance of reproductive and vegetative shoots was assessed in different reproductive stages. Intact plants were exposed to simulated night frosts between -2 and -14 °C in temperature-controlled freezers. Nucleation temperatures, freezing damage and subsequent reproductive success (fruit and seed set, seed germination) were determined. During all reproductive stages, reproductive shoots were significantly less frost resistant than vegetative shoots (mean difference for LT50 -4.2 ± 2.7 K). In most species, reproductive shoots were ice tolerant before bolting and during fruiting (mean LT50 -7 and -5.7 °C), but were ice sensitive during bolting and anthesis (mean LT50 around -4 °C). Only R. glacialis remained ice tolerant during all reproductive stages. Frost injury in reproductive shoots usually led to full fruit loss. Reproductive success of frost-treated but undamaged shoots did not differ significantly from control values. Assessing the frost damage risk on the basis of summer frost frequency and frost resistance shows that, in the alpine zone, low-statured species are rarely endangered as long as they are protected by snow. The situation is different in the subnival and nival zone, where frost-sensitive reproductive shoots may become frost damaged even when covered by snow. Unprotected individuals are at high risk of suffering from frost damage, particularly at higher elevations. It appears that ice tolerance in reproductive structures is an advantage but not an absolute precondition for colonizing high altitudes with frequent frost events.

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

PubMed

Meyer, O; Bucher, M; Schröder, J

2016-03-01

The laryngeal tube (LT) is a recommended alternative to endotracheal intubation during advanced life support (ALS). Its insertion is relatively simple; therefore, it may also serve as an alternative to bag mask ventilation (BMV) for untrained personnel performing basic life support (BLS). Data support the influence of LT on the no-flow time (NFT) compared with BMV during ALS in manikin studies. We performed a manikin study to investigate the effect of using the LT for ventilation instead of BMV on the NFT during BLS in a prospective, randomized, single-rescuer study. All 209 participants were trained in BMV, but were inexperienced in using LT; each participant performed BLS during a 4-min time period. No significant difference in total NFT (LT: mean 81.1 ± 22.7 s; BMV: mean 83.2 ± 13.1 s, p = 0.414) was found; however, significant differences in the later periods of the scenario were identified. While ventilating with the LT, the proportion of chest compressions increased significantly from 67.2 to 73.2%, whereas the proportion of chest compressions increased only marginally when performing BMV. The quality of the chest compressions and the associated ventilation rate did not differ significantly. The mean tidal volume and mean minute volume were significantly lower when performing BMV. The NFT was significantly shorter in the later periods in a single-rescuer, cardiac arrest scenario when using an LT without previous training compared with BMV with previous training. A possible explanation for this result may be the complexity and workload of alternating tasks (e.g., time loss when reclining the head and positioning the mask for each ventilation during BMV).

Everolimus immunosuppression reduces the serum expression of fibrosis markers in liver transplant recipients.

PubMed

Fernández-Yunquera, Ainhoa; Ripoll, Cristina; Bañares, Rafael; Puerto, Marta; Rincón, Diego; Yepes, Ismael; Catalina, Vega; Salcedo, Magdalena

2014-06-24

To evaluate the expression of serum fibrosis markers in liver transplantation (LT) recipients on everolimus monotherapy compared to patients on an anti-calcineurin regimen. This cross-sectional case-control study included LT patients on everolimus monotherapy (cases) (E) (n = 30) and matched controls on an anti-calcineurin regimen (calcineurin inhibitors, CNI), paired by etiology of liver disease and time since LT (n = 30). Clinical characteristics, blood tests and elastography were collected. Serum levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), angiopoietin-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), platelet derived growth factor, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), hyaluronic acid (HA), VCM-1 (ng/mL), interleukin (IL)-10, interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (pg/mL) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of these markers between E and CNI was compared. Stratified analysis was done according to factors that may influence liver fibrosis. Variables are described with medians (interquartillic range) or percentages. A total of 60 patients [age: 59 (49-64), hepatitis C virus (HCV): n = 21 (35%), time from LT: 73 mo (16-105)] were included. Patients had been on everolimus for a median of 15 mo. No differences in inflammatory activity, APRI test or liver elastography were found between the groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups in serum levels of PIIINP, metalloproteinase type = 1, angiopoietin, HGF, IP-10, TNF-α, IL-10 and vascular cell adhesion molecule. Patients on E had a lower expression of TGF-β [E: 12.7 (3.7-133.6), CNI: 152.5 (14.4-333.2), P = 0.009] and HA [E: 702.89 (329.4-838.2), CNI: 1513.6 (691.9-1951.4), P = 0.001] than those on CNI. This difference was maintained in the stratified analysis when recipient age is more than 50 years (TFG-β1: P = 0.06; HA: P = 0.005), in patients without active neoplasia (TFG-β1, P = 0.009; HA: P = 0.01), according to time since LT (> than 5 years, TFG-β1: P = 0.001; HA: P = 0.002), related to previous history of biliary complications (HA: P = 0.01) and HCV recurrence (HA: P = 0.004). Liver transplant recipients with everolimus monotherapy had less serum expression of TGF-β y HA than matched patients with anti-calcineurins. This difference remains when classifying patients according to donor age and time since LT. Due to the small sample size, when examining patients with a prior history of biliary complications or recurrent HCV, the difference was non-significant but trends towards the lower expression of TFG-β1 in the everolimus group. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a role in the transformation of quiescent hepatocellular stellate cell to their active profibrotic state, and experimental models have demonstrated the potential activity of mTOR inhibition in attenuating fibrogenesis. This study supports a possible role of everolimus in liver fibrosis modulation after LT in a clinical setting and suggests that tailoring immunosuppression could avoid fibrosis progression in the allograft.

Everolimus immunosuppression reduces the serum expression of fibrosis markers in liver transplant recipients

PubMed Central

Fernández-Yunquera, Ainhoa; Ripoll, Cristina; Bañares, Rafael; Puerto, Marta; Rincón, Diego; Yepes, Ismael; Catalina, Vega; Salcedo, Magdalena

2014-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the expression of serum fibrosis markers in liver transplantation (LT) recipients on everolimus monotherapy compared to patients on an anti-calcineurin regimen. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study included LT patients on everolimus monotherapy (cases) (E) (n = 30) and matched controls on an anti-calcineurin regimen (calcineurin inhibitors, CNI), paired by etiology of liver disease and time since LT (n = 30). Clinical characteristics, blood tests and elastography were collected. Serum levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), angiopoietin-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), platelet derived growth factor, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), hyaluronic acid (HA), VCM-1 (ng/mL), interleukin (IL)-10, interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (pg/mL) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of these markers between E and CNI was compared. Stratified analysis was done according to factors that may influence liver fibrosis. Variables are described with medians (interquartillic range) or percentages. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients [age: 59 (49-64), hepatitis C virus (HCV): n = 21 (35%), time from LT: 73 mo (16-105)] were included. Patients had been on everolimus for a median of 15 mo. No differences in inflammatory activity, APRI test or liver elastography were found between the groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups in serum levels of PIIINP, metalloproteinase type = 1, angiopoietin, HGF, IP-10, TNF-α, IL-10 and vascular cell adhesion molecule. Patients on E had a lower expression of TGF-β [E: 12.7 (3.7-133.6), CNI: 152.5 (14.4-333.2), P = 0.009] and HA [E: 702.89 (329.4-838.2), CNI: 1513.6 (691.9-1951.4), P = 0.001] than those on CNI. This difference was maintained in the stratified analysis when recipient age is more than 50 years (TFG-β1: P = 0.06; HA: P = 0.005), in patients without active neoplasia (TFG-β1, P = 0.009; HA: P = 0.01), according to time since LT (> than 5 years, TFG-β1: P = 0.001; HA: P = 0.002), related to previous history of biliary complications (HA: P = 0.01) and HCV recurrence (HA: P = 0.004). Liver transplant recipients with everolimus monotherapy had less serum expression of TGF-β y HA than matched patients with anti-calcineurins. This difference remains when classifying patients according to donor age and time since LT. Due to the small sample size, when examining patients with a prior history of biliary complications or recurrent HCV, the difference was non-significant but trends towards the lower expression of TFG-β1 in the everolimus group. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a role in the transformation of quiescent hepatocellular stellate cell to their active profibrotic state, and experimental models have demonstrated the potential activity of mTOR inhibition in attenuating fibrogenesis. CONCLUSION: This study supports a possible role of everolimus in liver fibrosis modulation after LT in a clinical setting and suggests that tailoring immunosuppression could avoid fibrosis progression in the allograft. PMID:25032102

Memory is Not Enough: The Neurobiological Substrates of Dynamic Cognitive Reserve.

PubMed

Serra, Laura; Bruschini, Michela; Di Domenico, Carlotta; Gabrielli, Giulia Bechi; Marra, Camillo; Caltagirone, Carlo; Cercignani, Mara; Bozzali, Marco

2017-01-01

Changes in the residual memory variance are considered as a dynamic aspect of cognitive reserve (d-CR). We aimed to investigate for the first time the neural substrate associated with changes in the residual memory variance overtime in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Thirty-four aMCI patients followed-up for 36 months and 48 healthy elderly individuals (HE) were recruited. All participants underwent 3T MRI, collecting T1-weighted images for voxel-based morphometry (VBM). They underwent an extensive neuropsychological battery, including six episodic memory tests. In patients and controls, factor analyses were used on the episodic memory scores to obtain a composite memory score (C-MS). Partial Least Square analyses were used to decompose the variance of C-MS in latent variables (LT scores), accounting for demographic variables and for the general cognitive efficiency level; linear regressions were applied on LT scores, striping off any contribution of general cognitive abilities, to obtain the residual value of memory variance, considered as an index of d-CR. LT scores and d-CR were used in discriminant analysis, in patients only. Finally, LT scores and d-CR were used as variable of interest in VBM analysis. The d-CR score was not able to correctly classify patients. In both aMCI patients and HE, LT1st and d-CR scores showed correlations with grey matter volumes in common and in specific brain areas. Using CR measures limited to assess memory function is likely less sensitive to detect the cognitive decline and predict the evolution of Alzheimer's disease. In conclusion, d-CR needs a measure of general cognition to identify conversion to Alzheimer's disease efficiently.

Metabolic Depression is Delayed and Mitochondrial Impairment Averted during Prolonged Anoxia in the ghost shrimp, Lepidophthalmus louisianensis (Schmitt, 1935)

PubMed Central

Holman, Jeremy D.; Hand, Steven C.

2009-01-01

Lepidophthalmus louisianensis burrows deeply into oxygen-limited estuarine sediments and is subjected to extended anoxia at low tides. Large specimens (>2 g) have a lethal time for 50% mortality (LT50) of 64 h under anoxia at 25º C. Small specimens (<1 g) have a significantly higher LT50 of 113 h, which is the longest ever reported for a crustacean. Whole body lactate levels rise dramatically under anoxia and exceed 120 µmol g.f.w.−1 by 72 h. ATP, ADP, and AMP do not change during 48 h of anoxia, but arginine phosphate declines by over 50%. Thus arginine phosphate may help stabilize the ATP pool. Surprisingly, when compared to the aerobic resting rate, ATP production under anoxia is unchanged during the first 12 h, and drops to only about 50% between 12 and 48 h. Finally, after 48 h of anoxia, a major metabolic depression to less than 5% occurs. Downregulation of metabolism is delayed in L. louisianensis compared to many invertebrates that exhibit facultative anaerobiosis. Bioenergetic constraints as a result of eventual metabolic depression led to ionic disturbances like calcium overload and compromised membrane potential of mitochondria. Because these phenomena trigger apoptosis in mammalian species, we evaluated the susceptibility of ghost shrimp mitochondria to opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and associated damage. Energized mitochondria isolated from hepatopancreas possess a pronounced capacity for calcium uptake. Exogenous calcium does not stimulate opening of the MPTP, which potentially could reduce cell death during prolonged anoxia. PMID:20160865

Quantification of physical activity using the QAPACE questionnaire: A two stage cluster sample design survey of children and adolescents attending urban school.

PubMed

Barbosa, N; Sanchez, C E; Patiño, E; Lozano, B; Thalabard, J; Le Bozec, S; Rieu, M

2015-07-01

Quantification of physical activity as energy expenditure is important since youth for the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases in adulthood. It is necessary to quantify physical activity expressed in daily energy expenditure (DEE) in school children and adolescents between 8-16 years, by age, gender and socioeconomic level (SEL) in Bogotá. This is a Two Stage Cluster Survey Sample. From a universe of 4700 schools and 760000 students from three existing socioeconomic levels in Bogotá (low, medium and high). The random sample was 20 schools and 1840 students (904 boys and 936 girls). Foreshadowing desertion of participants and inconsistency in the questionnaire responses, the sample size was increased. Thus, six individuals of each gender for each of the nine age groups were selected, resulting in a total sample of 2160 individuals. Selected students filled the QAPACE questionnaire under supervision. The data was analyzed comparing means with multivariate general linear model. Fixed factors used were: gender (boys and girls), age (8 to 16 years old) and tri-strata SEL (low, medium and high); as independent variables were assessed: height, weight, leisure time, expressed in hours/day and dependent variable: daily energy expenditure DEE (kJ.kg-1.day-1): during leisure time (DEE-LT), during school time (DEE-ST), during vacation time (DEE-VT), and total mean DEE per year (DEEm-TY) RESULTS: Differences in DEE by gender, in boys, LT and all DEE, with the SEL all variables were significant; but age-SEL was only significant in DEE-VT. In girls, with the SEL all variables were significant. The Post-hoc multiple comparisons tests were significant with age using Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test in all variables. For both genders and for all SELs the values in girls had the higher value except SEL high (5-6) The boys have higher values in DEE-LT, DEE-ST, DEE-VT; except in DEEm-TY in SEL (5-6) In SEL (5-6) all DEEs for both genders are highest. For SEL (3-4) all DEEs are lowest. Children and adolescents in Bogotá have less DEE than at other latitudes. Girls have more free time but lower energy expenditure in their different activities. The socioeconomic level has influence in DEE.

Quantification of physical activity using the QAPACE Questionnaire: a two stage cluster sample design survey of children and adolescents attending urban school.

PubMed

Barbosa, Nicolas; Sanchez, Carlos E; Patino, Efrain; Lozano, Benigno; Thalabard, Jean C; LE Bozec, Serge; Rieu, Michel

2016-05-01

Quantification of physical activity as energy expenditure is important since youth for the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases in adulthood. It is necessary to quantify physical activity expressed in daily energy expenditure (DEE) in school children and adolescents between 8-16 years, by age, gender and socioeconomic level (SEL) in Bogotá. This is a Two Stage Cluster Survey Sample. From a universe of 4700 schools and 760000 students from three existing socioeconomic levels in Bogotá (low, medium and high). The random sample was 20 schools and 1840 students (904 boys and 936 girls). Foreshadowing desertion of participants and inconsistency in the questionnaire responses, the sample size was increased. Thus, 6 individuals of each gender for each of the nine age groups were selected, resulting in a total sample of 2160 individuals. Selected students filled the QAPACE questionnaire under supervision. The data was analyzed comparing means with multivariate general linear model. Fixed factors used were: gender (boys and girls), age (8 to 16 years old) and tri-strata SEL (low, medium and high); as independent variables were assessed: height, weight, leisure time, expressed in hours/day and dependent variable: daily energy expenditure DEE (kJ.kg-1.day-1): during leisure time (DEE-LT), during school time (DEE-ST), during vacation time (DEE-VT), and total mean DEE per year (DEEm-TY) RESULTS: Differences in DEE by gender, in boys, LT and all DEE, with the SEL all variables were significant; but age-SEL was only significant in DEE-VT. In girls, with the SEL all variables were significant. The post hoc multiple comparisons tests were significant with age using Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test in all variables. For both genders and for all SELs the values in girls had the higher value except SEL high (5-6) The boys have higher values in DEE-LT, DEE-ST, DEE-VT; except in DEEm-TY in SEL (5-6) In SEL (5-6) all DEEs for both genders are highest. For SEL (3-4) all DEEs are lowest. Children and adolescents in Bogotá have less DEE than at other latitudes. Girls have more free time but lower energy expenditure in their different activities. The socioeconomic level has influence in DEE.

Development and Testing of a Device Capable of Placing Model Piles by Driving and Pushing in the Centrifuge

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

Cohesion C M /LT 2 5 , D ynamic Time T T 5 "I Wave Speed P L/T7 IT Yield Strength F I/LT2 a I9 i spl acement D L 9 It Area A L2 10 T Permeability K L/T 11...by the square of the dynamic time scale factor (1/n), or I/n2 . The two scaling laws derived are summarized below. The subscripts m and p designate the...4-1(b) depicts the model pile groups and test gravity levels. InUd ~ cial’odel Piles a~ft -to Ri ght--49.3, 5.,3. ana g o d ’iaeIs~ M )uodel Pile

Acute, sublethal, and combination effects of azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis on the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

PubMed Central

Abedi, Zahra; Saber, Moosa; Vojoudi, Samad; Mahdavi, Vahid; Parsaeyan, Ehsan

2014-01-01

Abstract The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous and cosmopolitan insect pest that causes damage to various plants. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner sub sp . kurstaki (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) were evaluated on third instar H. armigera under laboratory conditions. The LC50 values of azadirachtin and Bt were 12.95 and 96.8 µg a.i./mL, respectively. A total mortality of 56.7% was caused on third instar larvae when LC20 values of the insecticides were applied in combination with each other. The LT50 values of azadirachtin and Bt were 4.8 and 3.6 days, respectively. The results of the sublethal study showed that the application of LC30 value of azadirachtin and Bt reduced the larval and pupal weight and increased larval and pupal duration of H. armigera . The longevity and fecundity of female adults were affected significantly by the insecticides. Female fecundity was reduced by the treatments, respectively. The lowest adult emergence ratio and pupation ratio were observed in the azadirachtin treatment. The results indicated that both insecticides have high potential for controlling of the pest. PMID:25373177

Acute Versus Delayed Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Associated Abnormalities in Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocations

PubMed Central

Orvets, Nathan D.; Parisien, Robert L.; Curry, Emily J.; Chung, Justin S.; Eichinger, Josef K.; Murakami, Akira M.; Li, Xinning

2017-01-01

Background: The delayed management of patients with shoulder instability may increase the prevalence and severity of concomitant intra-articular shoulder injuries resulting from persistent subluxations and dislocations. Hypothesis: Patients with a longer delay from the initial dislocation event to undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance arthrography will demonstrate more subluxations or dislocations and a greater amount of intra-articular shoulder damage. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 89 patients from a single institution with clinically and radiographically confirmed primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those undergoing MRI less than 6 months (n = 44; LT6) or greater than 6 months (n = 45; GT6) from the initial dislocation event. The MRI assessment included evaluation of soft tissue injuries, including the labrum, capsule, rotator cuff, and cartilage damage severity along with bone loss. Results: The delayed MRI group (GT6) demonstrated a greater degree of intra-articular abnormalities compared to the early MRI group (LT6). A greater percentage of superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears (58% vs 34%, respectively) and cartilage damage (73% vs 27%, respectively) was present in the GT6 group compared to the LT6 group. Cartilage damage was 18% mild, 7% moderate, and 2% severe for the LT6 group as compared to 38% mild, 31% moderate, and 4% severe for the GT6 group. Additionally, more recurrent shoulder dislocations were seen in the GT6 group (n = 6) compared to the LT6 group (n = 2). In the LT6 group, there were more rotator cuff tears (50% vs 24%, respectively) and capsular tears (25% vs 9%, respectively) than the GT6 group. There was no difference in anterior glenoid bone loss, glenoid version, or humeral head subluxation between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Patients who undergo MRI greater than 6 months from the time of primary or initial shoulder dislocation had significantly more recurrent shoulder instability events and demonstrated a greater incidence and severity of intra-articular abnormalities, including SLAP tears, posterior labral tears, and anterior glenoid cartilage damage. PMID:28975132

Donor Indocyanine Green Clearance Test Predicts Graft Quality and Early Graft Prognosis After Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Tang, Yunhua; Han, Ming; Chen, Maogen; Wang, Xiaoping; Ji, Fei; Zhao, Qiang; Zhang, Zhiheng; Ju, Weiqiang; Wang, Dongping; Guo, Zhiyong; He, Xiaoshun

2017-11-01

Transplantation centers have given much attention to donor availability. However, no reliable quantitative methods have been employed to accurately assess graft quality before transplantation. Here, we report that the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test is a valuable index for liver grafts. We performed the ICG clearance test on 90 brain-dead donors within 6 h before organ procurement between March 2015 and November 2016. We also analyzed the relationship between graft liver function and early graft survival after liver transplantation (LT). Our results suggest that the ICG retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) of donors before procurement was independently associated with 3-month graft survival after LT. The best donor ICGR15 cutoff value was 11.0%/min, and we observed a significant increase in 3-month graft failure among patients with a donor ICGR15 above this value. On the other hand, a donor ICGR15 value of ≤ 11.0%/min could be used as an early assessment index of graft quality because it provides additional information to the transplant surgeon or organ procurement organization members who must maintain or improve organ function to adapt the LT. An ICG clearance test before liver procurement might be an effective quantitative method to predict graft availability and improve early graft prognosis after LT.

Liver transplantation with piggyback anastomosis using a linear stapler: a case report.

PubMed

Akbulut, S; Wojcicki, M; Kayaalp, C; Yilmaz, S

2013-04-01

The so-called piggyback technique of liver transplantation (PB-LT) preserves the recipient's caval vein, shortening the warm ischemic time. It can be reduced even further by using a linear stapler for the cavocaval anastomosis. Herein, we have presented a case of a patient undergoing a side-to-side, whole-organ PB-LT for cryptogenic cirrhosis. Upper and lower orifices of the donor caval vein were closed at the back table using a running 5-0 polypropylene suture. Three stay sutures were then placed on caudal parts of both the recipient and donor caval with a 5-mm venotomies. The endoscopic linear stapler was placed upward through the orifices and fired. A second stapler was placed more cranially and fired resulting in a 8-9 cm long cavocavostomy. Some loose clips were flushed away from the caval lumen. The caval anastomosis was performed within 4 minutes; the time needed to close the caval vein stapler insertion orifices (4-0 polypropylene running suture) before reperfusion was 1 minute. All other anastomoses were performed as typically sutured. The presented technique enables one to reduce the warm ischemic time, which can be of particular importance with marginal grafts. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chilling and cooking rate effects on some myofibrillar determinants of tenderness of beef.

PubMed

King, D A; Dikeman, M E; Wheeler, T L; Kastner, C L; Koohmaraie, M

2003-06-01

Our objectives were to examine the effects of prerigor excision and rapid chilling vs. conventional carcass chilling of two muscles on proteolysis and tenderness during the postmortem storage, as well as the effects of fast and slow rates of cooking on myofibrillar characteristics and tenderness. The longissimus thoracis (LT) and triceps brachii (TB), long head muscles were removed 45 min after exsanguination from the left side of 12 carcasses and chilled in an ice bath to induce cold shortening (excised, rapidly chilled). At 24 h postmortem, the corresponding muscles were removed from the right side (conventionally chilled). All muscles were cut into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and assigned to one of two postmortem times (1 or 14 d), and to raw and cooking treatments. Steaks were cooked at 260 degrees C (FAST) or 93 degrees C (SLOW) in a forced-air convection oven to an internal temperature of 70 degrees C. Cooking loss, cooking time, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were measured on cooked steaks. Sarcomere length (SL) and the extent of proteolysis of desmin were measured on raw and cooked steaks. As expected, the excised, rapidly chilled muscles had a much more rapid (P < 0.05) temperature decline than those that were conventionally chilled. The excised, rapidly chilled treatment resulted in shorter (P < 0.05) SL, and SL was shorter (P < 0.05) in LT than in TB steaks. Raw steaks had longer (P < 0.05) SL than cooked steaks, regardless of chilling treatment. The FAST cooking resulted in shorter (P < 0.05) SL than SLOW cooking in conventionally chilled steaks, but cooking rate had no effect (P > 0.05) on SL of rapidly chilled steaks. Generally, TB steaks required longer (P < 0.05) cooking times and had higher (P < 0.05) cooking losses than LT steaks, and FAST-cooked steaks had greater (P < 0.05) cooking losses than SLOW-cooked steaks. Rapidly chilled steaks had less (P < 0.05) degradation of desmin than conventionally chilled steaks (31 vs. 41%). Aging for 14 d increased (P < 0.05) desmin degradation. Rapid chilling of muscles resulted in much higher (P < 0.05) WBSF values, whereas aging resulted in lower (P < 0.05) WBSF values. The SLOW-cooked TB steaks were more tender (P < 0.05) than FAST-cooked TB steaks and LT steaks cooked at either rate. Excised, rapidly chilled muscles underwent proteolysis, but it occurred at a slower rate during the first 24 h postmortem than it did in conventionally chilled muscles. Cooking rate did not affect tenderness of LT steaks, but SLOW cooking resulted in more tender TB steaks.

Laboratory Evaluation of the Toxicity of Systemic Insecticides to Emerald Ash Borer Larvae.

PubMed

Poland, Therese M; Ciaramitaro, Tina M; McCullough, Deborah G

2016-04-01

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive phloem-feeding insect native to Asia, threatens at least 16 North American ash (Fraxinus) species and has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in landscapes and forests. We conducted laboratory bioassays to assess the relative efficacy of systemic insecticides to control emerald ash borer larvae in winter 2009 and 2010. Second- and third-instar larvae were reared on artificial diet treated with varying doses of emamectin benzoate (TREE-äge, Arborjet, Inc., Woburn, MA), imidacloprid (Imicide, J. J Mauget Co., Arcadia, CA), dinotefuran (Safari, Valent Professional Products, Walnut Creek, CA), and azadirachtin (TreeAzin, BioForest Technologies, Inc., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Azasol, Arborjet, Inc., Woburn, MA). All of the insecticides were toxic to emerald ash borer larvae, but lethal concentrations needed to kill 50% of the larvae (LC50), standardized by larval weight, varied with insecticide and time. On the earliest date with a significant fit of the probit model, LC50 values were 0.024 ppm/g at day 29 for TREE-äge, 0.015 ppm/g at day 63 for Imicide, 0.030 ppm/g at day 46 for Safari, 0.025 ppm/g at day 24 for TreeAzin, and 0.027 ppm/g at day 27 for Azasol. The median lethal time to kill 50% (LT50) of the tested larvae also varied with insecticide product and dose, and was longer for Imicide and Safari than for TREE-äge or the azadirachtin products. Insecticide efficacy in the field will depend on adult and larval mortality as well as leaf and phloem insecticide residues.

A literature-based cost analysis of tissue plasminogen activator for prevention of biliary stricture in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation.

PubMed

Jones, J M; Bhutiani, N; Wei, D; Goldstein, L; Jones, C M; Cannon, R M

2018-04-17

This study sought to approximate the cost-effectiveness of tPA utilization for prevention of biliary strictures (PTBS) in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation (DCD-LT). Previously-reported PTBS rates in DCD-LT with and without tPA were used to calculate the number needed to treat (NNT) for prevention of one PTBS. The incremental cost of PTBS was then used to determine the cost effectiveness of tPA for prevention of PTBS. The incidence of PTBS in the setting of tPA administration was 20%, while incidence in patients without tPA use was 43% (p < 0.001). Meta-analysis demonstrated a risk reduction of 15.7%, which translated into a NNT of 6.4. Cost associated with treating 6.4 patients was $50,353. Based on an incremental cost of $81,888 associated with PTBS management, use of tPA in DCD-LT protocols was estimated to save $31,528 per PTBS prevented. Utilization of tPA in DCD-LT protocols represents one possible cost-effective strategy for prevention of PTBS in DCD-LT. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decrease of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence by Helcococcus kunzii in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model.

PubMed

Ngba Essebe, Christelle; Visvikis, Orane; Fines-Guyon, Marguerite; Vergne, Anne; Cattoir, Vincent; Lecoustumier, Alain; Lemichez, Emmanuel; Sotto, Albert; Lavigne, Jean-Philippe; Dunyach-Remy, Catherine

2017-01-01

Social bacterial interactions are considered essential in numerous infectious diseases, particularly in wounds. Foot ulcers are a common complication in diabetic patients and these ulcers become frequently infected. This infection is usually polymicrobial promoting cell-to-cell communications. Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent pathogen isolated. Its association with Helcococcus kunzii , commensal Gram-positive cocci, is frequently described. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of co-infection on virulence of both H. kunzii and S. aureus strains in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. To study the host response, qRT-PCRs targeting host defense genes were performed. We observed that H. kunzii strains harbored a very low (LT50: 5.7 days ± 0.4) or an absence of virulence (LT50: 6.9 days ± 0.5). In contrast, S. aureus strains (LT50: 2.9 days ± 0.4) were significantly more virulent than all H. kunzii ( P < 0.001). When H. kunzii and S. aureus strains were associated, H. kunzii significantly reduced the virulence of the S. aureus strain in nematodes (LT50 between 4.4 and 5.2 days; P < 0.001). To evaluate the impact of these strains on host response, transcriptomic analysis showed that the ingestion of S. aureus led to a strong induction of defense genes ( lys-5, sodh-1 , and cyp-37B1 ) while H. kunzii did not. No statistical difference of host response genes expression was observed when C. elegans were infected with either S. aureus alone or with S. aureus + H. kunzii . Moreover, two well-characterized virulence factors ( hla and agr ) present in S. aureus were down-regulated when S. aureus were co-infected with H. kunzii . This study showed that H. kunzii decreased the virulence of S. aureus without modifying directly the host defense response. Factor(s) produced by this bacterium modulating the staphylococci virulence must be investigated.

Decrease of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence by Helcococcus kunzii in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

PubMed Central

Ngba Essebe, Christelle; Visvikis, Orane; Fines-Guyon, Marguerite; Vergne, Anne; Cattoir, Vincent; Lecoustumier, Alain; Lemichez, Emmanuel; Sotto, Albert; Lavigne, Jean-Philippe; Dunyach-Remy, Catherine

2017-01-01

Social bacterial interactions are considered essential in numerous infectious diseases, particularly in wounds. Foot ulcers are a common complication in diabetic patients and these ulcers become frequently infected. This infection is usually polymicrobial promoting cell-to-cell communications. Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent pathogen isolated. Its association with Helcococcus kunzii, commensal Gram-positive cocci, is frequently described. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of co-infection on virulence of both H. kunzii and S. aureus strains in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. To study the host response, qRT-PCRs targeting host defense genes were performed. We observed that H. kunzii strains harbored a very low (LT50: 5.7 days ± 0.4) or an absence of virulence (LT50: 6.9 days ± 0.5). In contrast, S. aureus strains (LT50: 2.9 days ± 0.4) were significantly more virulent than all H. kunzii (P < 0.001). When H. kunzii and S. aureus strains were associated, H. kunzii significantly reduced the virulence of the S. aureus strain in nematodes (LT50 between 4.4 and 5.2 days; P < 0.001). To evaluate the impact of these strains on host response, transcriptomic analysis showed that the ingestion of S. aureus led to a strong induction of defense genes (lys-5, sodh-1, and cyp-37B1) while H. kunzii did not. No statistical difference of host response genes expression was observed when C. elegans were infected with either S. aureus alone or with S. aureus + H. kunzii. Moreover, two well-characterized virulence factors (hla and agr) present in S. aureus were down-regulated when S. aureus were co-infected with H. kunzii. This study showed that H. kunzii decreased the virulence of S. aureus without modifying directly the host defense response. Factor(s) produced by this bacterium modulating the staphylococci virulence must be investigated. PMID:28361041

Aging implications on fresh muscle traits of Certified Angus Beef steaks.

PubMed

Adcock, L A; Sawyer, J T; Lambert, B D; Jones, T N; Ball, J J; Wyatt, R P; Jackson, J

2015-12-01

Vacuum-packaged Certified Angus Beef (CAB) subprimals ( = 72) that included the longissimus thoracis (LT), longissimus lumborum (LL), gluteus medius (GM), and infraspinatus (IF) muscles were purchased from a major beef packing facility. Subprimals were allocated to 1 of 3 aging periods (14, 28, or 42 d) and aged at 2°C. After aging, 5 steaks were cut from each subprimal and assigned to pH, water-holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), cooked color, cooking yield, cooking loss, and sensory panel analysis. Infraspinatus steaks were more tender ( < 0.05) than all other steaks, and subprimals aged 14 d had greater ( < 0.05) WBSF values than the other 2 aging periods, regardless of muscle. Water-holding capacity and cook yield were greater ( < 0.05) for LL and LT than IF and GM steaks, whereas purge loss was greater ( < 0.05) for IF and GM than LL and LT steaks. Throughout the aging periods, pH declined for all muscle groups, with IF steaks having the greatest ( < 0.05) pH values among all muscles. Among IF steaks, sensory evaluations of all attributes did not ( ≥ 0.26) differ across aging periods; yet among LT steaks, consumers rated those aged 14 d greater ( < 0.05) in overall impression than LT steaks aged 28 and 42 d. Among LT steaks, those aged 14 d received greater ( < 0.05) flavor ratings than LT steaks subjected to longer aging periods, and LT steaks aged 14 d received the greatest ( < 0.05) overall impression, with consumers giving greater ( < 0.05) overall impression scores to LT steaks aged 42 d over those aged 28 d. Aging period had no effect ( ≥ 0.017) on consumer ratings for flavor, tenderness, juiciness, or overall impression of LL steaks. Among GM steaks, consumers rated steaks aged 14 and 28 d more ( < 0.05) flavorful than those aged 42 d, and consumer ratings for overall impression were greater ( < 0.05) for GM steaks aged 28 d than for GM steaks aged 42 d; however, consumers failed ( = 0.035) to note differences in tenderness scores of GM steaks in response to aging period. Furthermore, consumers indicated a greater ( < 0.05) likelihood to purchase LT steaks aged 14 d over LT steaks aged 28 d, LL steaks aged 42 d over LL steaks aged 14 d, and GM steaks aged 14 and 28 d over GM steaks aged 42 d. These results indicate that consumers struggled to identify steak flavor attributes and suggest that the benefit of aging for premium beef products does not offer a tremendous sensory advantage to the consumer.

Reduced-dose telaprevir-based triple antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation.

PubMed

Ikegami, Toru; Yoshizumi, Tomoharu; Kato, Masaki; Yamamoto, Satomi; Fukuhara, Takasuke; Matsuura, Yoshiharu; Nakamura, Shota; Itoh, Shinji; Shirabe, Ken; Maehara, Yoshihiko

2014-11-15

The feasibility of telaprevir-based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation (LT) has not been evaluated in Asian patients. Eleven Japanese patients received reduced-dose telaprevir (1500 mg) and adjusted-dose cyclosporine after LT. Six patients were nonresponders and three were transient responders to dual therapy. Rapid viral response, early viral response, end of treatment response, and sustained viral response were achieved in 27.3%, 90.9%, 90.9%, and 81.8% of patients, respectively. One patient had viral breakthrough at week 8 with a T54A mutation in NS3. Deep sequence analysis showed that the T54A mutation reverted to wild-type after stopping telaprevir administration. Seven patients developed severe anemia, and six received blood transfusions (4-20 U). Their hemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate remained significantly lower than pretreatment values at 36 weeks after treatment. Four patients developed plasma cell hepatitis after completing telaprevir treatment, and it was treated by increasing the immunosuppressants. Although the cyclosporine level/dose ratio was 2.7 times higher at week 4 than before treatment, it was 0.7 times lower at week 36. Reduced-dosed telaprevir-based triple antiviral therapy achieved a high viral clearance rate in Japanese patients after LT. Major adverse events included severe anemia, renal dysfunction, and plasma cell hepatitis.

The Italian compassionate use of sofosbuvir in HCV patients waitlisted for liver transplantation: A national real-life experience.

PubMed

Martini, Silvia; Donato, Maria Francesca; Mazzarelli, Chiara; Rendina, Maria; Visco-Comandini, Ubaldo; Filì, Daniela; Gianstefani, Alice; Fagiuoli, Stefano; Melazzini, Mario; Montilla, Simona; Pani, Luca; Petraglia, Sandra; Russo, Pierluigi; Trotta, Maria Paola; Carrai, Paola; Caraceni, Paolo

2018-04-01

This study aimed to assess the real-life clinical and virological outcomes of HCV waitlisted patients for liver transplantation (LT) who received sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SOF/R) within the Italian compassionate use program. Clinical and virological data were collected in 224 patients with decompensated cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving daily SOF/R until LT or up a maximum of 48 weeks. Of 100 transplanted patients, 51 were HCV-RNA negative for >4 weeks before LT (SVR12: 88%) and 49 negative for <4 weeks or still viraemic at transplant: 34 patients continued treatment after LT (bridging therapy) (SVR12: 88%), while 15 stopped treatment (SVR12: 53%). 98 patients completed SOF/R without LT (SVR12: 73%). In patients with advanced decompensated cirrhosis (basal MELD ≥15 and/or C-P ≥B8), a marked improvement of the scores occurred in about 50% of cases and almost 20% of decompensated patients without HCC reached a condition suitable for inactivation and delisting. These real-life data indicate that in waitlisted patients: (i) bridging antiviral therapy can be an option for patients still viraemic or negative <4 weeks at LT; and (ii) clinical improvement to a condition suitable for delisting can occur even in patients with advanced decompensated cirrhosis. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Optimal methods for measuring eligibility for liver transplant in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.

PubMed

Kim, Hyung-Don; Shim, Ju Hyun; Kim, Gi-Ae; Shin, Yong Moon; Yu, Eunsil; Lee, Sung-Gyu; Lee, Danbi; Kim, Kang Mo; Lim, Young-Suk; Lee, Han Chu; Chung, Young-Hwa; Lee, Yung Sang

2015-05-01

We investigated the optimal radiologic method for measuring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in order to assess suitability for liver transplantation (LT). 271 HCC patients undergoing TACE prior to LT were classified according to both Milan and up-to-seven criteria after TACE by using the enhancement or size method on computed tomography images. The cumulative incidence function curves with competing risks regression was used in post-LT time-to-recurrence analysis. The predictive accuracy for recurrence was compared using area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) estimation. Of the 271 patients, 246 (90.8%) and 164 (60.5%) fell within Milan and 252 (93.0%) and 210 (77.5%) fell within up-to-seven criteria, when assessed by enhancement and size methods, respectively. Competing risks regression analyses adjusting for covariates indicated that meeting the criteria by enhancement and by size methods was independently related to post-LT time-to-recurrence in the Milan or up-to-seven model. Higher AUC values were observed with the size method only in the up-to-seven model (p<0.05). Mean differences in the sum of tumor diameter and number of tumors between pathologic and radiologic findings were significantly less by the enhancement method (p<0.05). Cumulative incidence curves showed similar recurrence results between patients with and without prior TACE within the criteria based on either method, except for the within up-to-seven by the enhancement method (p=0.017). The enhancement method is a reliable tool for assessing the control or downstaging of HCC within Milan after TACE, although the size method may be preferable when applying the up-to-seven criterion. Copyright © 2014 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance investigation on dissipative dielectric elastomer generators with a triangular energy harvesting scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Peng; Chen, Hualing; Li, Bo; Wang, Yongquan

2017-11-01

In this letter, a theoretical framework describing an energy harvesting cycle including the loss of tension (LT) process is proposed to investigate the energy harvesting performance of a dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) with a triangular energy harvesting scheme by considering material viscosity and leakage current. As the external force that is applied to the membrane decreases, the membrane is relaxed. When the external force decreases to zero, the condition is known as LT. Then the membrane undergoing LT can further relax, which is referred to as the LT process. The LT process is usually ignored in theoretical analysis but observed from energy harvesting experiments of DEGs. It is also studied how shrinking time and transfer capacitor affect the energy conversion of a DEG. The results indicate that energy density and conversion efficiency can be simultaneously improved by choosing appropriate shrinking time and transfer capacitor to optimize the energy harvesting cycle. The results and methods are expected to provide guidelines for the optimal design and assessment of DEGs.

[Indications of lung transplantation: Patients selection, timing of listing, and choice of procedure].

PubMed

Morisse Pradier, H; Sénéchal, A; Philit, F; Tronc, F; Maury, J-M; Grima, R; Flamens, C; Paulus, S; Neidecker, J; Mornex, J-F

2016-02-01

Lung transplantation (LT) is now considered as an excellent treatment option for selected patients with end-stage pulmonary diseases, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The 2 goals of LT are to provide a survival benefit and to improve quality of life. The 3-step decision process leading to LT is discussed in this review. The first step is the selection of candidates, which requires a careful examination in order to check absolute and relative contraindications. The second step is the timing of listing for LT; it requires the knowledge of disease-specific prognostic factors available in international guidelines, and discussed in this paper. The third step is the choice of procedure: indications of heart-lung, single-lung, and bilateral-lung transplantation are described. In conclusion, this document provides guidelines to help pulmonologists in the referral and selection processes of candidates for transplantation in order to optimize the outcome of LT. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Liver transplantation may prevent neurodevelopmental deterioration in high-risk patients with urea cycle disorders.

PubMed

Kido, Jun; Matsumoto, Shirou; Momosaki, Ken; Sakamoto, Rieko; Mitsubuchi, Hiroshi; Endo, Fumio; Nakamura, Kimitoshi

2017-09-01

UCDs are among the most common inherited metabolic diseases in Japan. We investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognoses of 177 patients with UCDs who were evaluated and treated from January 1999 to March 2009 in Japan, using a questionnaire survey. Among these 177 patients, 42 (seven with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency, 27 with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, seven with argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency, and one with arginase 1 deficiency) underwent living-donor LT. Although this study was retrospective and included limited neurodevelopmental information before and after LT, we evaluated whether LT could improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with UCDs. The neurodevelopmental outcomes of patients with a MAC of <300 μmol/L at the time of onset were not significantly different between the LT and non-LT groups (P=.222). LT may have prevented further neurodevelopmental complications in children with MAC ≥300 μmol/L (P=.008) compared with non-transplant management. Therefore, Liver transplant should be considered in patients with UCD with a MAC of ≥300 μmol/L at the time of disease onset. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

PubMed

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

2015-09-01

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

Analysis of heart rate deflection points to predict the anaerobic threshold by a computerized method.

PubMed

Marques-Neto, Silvio R; Maior, Alex S; Maranhão Neto, Geraldo A; Santos, Edil L

2012-07-01

Many studies have used the heart rate deflection points (HRDPs) during incremental exercise tests, because of their strong correlation with the anaerobic threshold. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of the HRDPs identified by a computerized method and compare them with ventilatory and lactate thresholds. Twenty-four professional soccer players (age, 22 ± 5 years; body mass, 74 ± 7 kg; height 177 ± 7 cm) volunteered for the study. The subjects completed a Bruce-protocol incremental treadmill exercise test to volitional fatigue. Heart rate (HR) and alveolar gas exchange were recorded continuously at ≥1 Hz during exercise testing. Subsequently, the time course of the HR was fit by a computer algorithm, and a set of lines yielding the lowest pooled residual sum of squares was chosen as the best fit. This procedure defined 2 HRDPs (HRDP1 and HRDP2). The HR break points averaged 43.9 ± 5.9 and 89.7 ± 7.5% of the VO2peak. The HRDP1 showed a poor correlation with ventilatory threshold (VT; r = 0.50), but HRDP2 was highly correlated to the respiratory compensation (RC) point (r = 0.98). Neither HRDP1 nor HRDP2 was correlated with LT1 (at VO2 = 2.26 ± 0.72 L·min(-1); r = 0.26) or LT2 (2.79 ± 0.59 L·min(-1); r = 0.49), respectively. LT1 and LT2 also were not well correlated with VT (2.93 ± 0.68 L·min(-1); r = 0.20) or RC (3.82 ± 0.60 L·min(-1); r = 0.58), respectively. Although the HR deflection points were not correlated to LT, HRDP2 could be identified in all the subjects and was strongly correlated with RC, consistent with a relationship to cardiorespiratory fatigue and endurance performance.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lun; Zhang, Renhe; Wen, Min

2018-06-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2016-03-01

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

Arctic skate Amblyraja hyperborea preys on remarkably large glacial eelpouts Lycodes frigidus.

PubMed

Byrkjedal, I; Christiansen, J S; Karamushko, O V; Langhelle, G; Lynghammar, A

2015-01-01

During scientific surveys on the continental slopes north-west of Spitsbergen and off north-east Greenland (c. 600 and 1000 m depths), two female Arctic skates Amblyraja hyperborea were caught while swallowing extraordinary large individuals of glacial eelpout Lycodes frigidus. The total length (LT) of the prey constituted 50 and 80% of the LT of the skates, which reveal that A. hyperborea are capable predators of fishes of surprisingly large relative size. © 2014 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

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

PubMed Central

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

2007-01-01

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

The variability and IRI2007-predictability of hmF2 over South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbambo, M. C.; McKinnell, Lee-Anne; Habarulema, J. B.

2013-11-01

This paper presents an investigation into the variability and predictability of the maximum height of the ionospheric F2 layer, hmF2 over the South African region. Data from three South African stations, namely Madimbo (22.4°S, 26.5°E, dip angle: -61.47°), Grahamstown (33.3°S, 26.5°E, dip angle: -64.08°) and Louisvale (28.5°S, 21.2°E, dip angle: -65.44°) were used in this study. The results indicate that hmF2 shows a larger variability around midnight than during the daytime for all seasons. Monthly median hmF2 values were used in all cases and were compared with predictions from the IRI-2007 model, using the URSI (Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale) coefficient option. The analysis covers the diurnal and seasonal hourly hmF2 values for the selected months and time sectors e.g. January, July, April and October for 2003 and 2005. The time ranges between (03h00-23h00 UT; LT = UT + 2h) representing the local sunrise, midday, sunset and midnight hours. The time covers sunrise, midday, sunrise, and midnight hours (03-06h00 UT, 07-11h00 UT, sunrise 16-18h00 UT and 22-23h00 UT; LT = UT + 2h). The dependence of the results on solar activity levels was also investigated. The IRI-2007 predictions follow fairly well the diurnal and seasonal variation patterns of the observed hmF2 values at all the stations. However, the IRI-2007 model overestimates and underestimates the hmF2 value during different months for all the solar activity periods.

Predictive model for the growth kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus in raw pork developed using Integrated Pathogen Modeling Program (IPMP) 2013.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Ju; Jung, Byeong Su; Kim, Kee-Tae; Paik, Hyun-Dong

2015-09-01

A predictive model was performed to describe the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in raw pork by using Integrated Pathogen Modeling Program 2013 and a polynomial model as a secondary predictive model. S. aureus requires approximately 180 h to reach 5-6 log CFU/g at 10 °C. At 15 °C and 25 °C, approximately 48 and 20 h, respectively, are required to cause food poisoning. Predicted data using the Gompertz model was the most accurate in this study. For lag time (LT) model, bias factor (Bf) and accuracy factor (Af) values were both 1.014, showing that the predictions were within a reliable range. For specific growth rate (SGR) model, Bf and Af were 1.188 and 1.190, respectively. Additionally, both Bf and Af values of the LT and SGR models were close to 1, indicating that IPMP Gompertz model is more adequate for predicting the growth of S. aureus on raw pork than other models. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2012-08-10

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

Defining the determinants of endurance running performance in the heat

PubMed Central

James, Carl A.; Hayes, Mark; Willmott, Ashley G. B.; Gibson, Oliver R.; Schlader, Zachary J.; Maxwell, Neil S.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT In cool conditions, physiologic markers accurately predict endurance performance, but it is unclear whether thermal strain and perceived thermal strain modify the strength of these relationships. This study examined the relationships between traditional determinants of endurance performance and time to complete a 5-km time trial in the heat. Seventeen club runners completed graded exercise tests (GXT) in hot (GXTHOT; 32°C, 60% RH, 27.2°C WBGT) and cool conditions (GXTCOOL; 13°C, 50% RH, 9.3°C WBGT) to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), running economy (RE), velocity at V̇O2max (vV̇O2max), and running speeds corresponding to the lactate threshold (LT, 2 mmol.l−1) and lactate turnpoint (LTP, 4 mmol.l−1). Simultaneous multiple linear regression was used to predict 5 km time, using these determinants, indicating neither GXTHOT (R2 = 0.72) nor GXTCOOL (R2 = 0.86) predicted performance in the heat as strongly has previously been reported in cool conditions. vV̇O2max was the strongest individual predictor of performance, both when assessed in GXTHOT (r = −0.83) and GXTCOOL (r = −0.90). The GXTs revealed the following correlations for individual predictors in GXTHOT; V̇O2max r = −0.7, RE r = 0.36, LT r = −0.77, LTP r = −0.78 and in GXTCOOL; V̇O2max r = −0.67, RE r = 0.62, LT r = −0.79, LTP r = −0.8. These data indicate (i) GXTHOT does not predict 5 km running performance in the heat as strongly as a GXTCOOL, (ii) as in cool conditions, vV̇O2max may best predict running performance in the heat. PMID:28944273

Reversible non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction after liver transplantation: a single-centre experience.

PubMed

Yataco, Maria L; Difato, Thomas; Bargehr, Johannes; Rosser, Barry G; Patel, Tushar; Trejo-Gutierrez, Jorge F; Pungpapong, Surakit; Taner, C Burcin; Aranda-Michel, Jaime

2014-07-01

Non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NIC) is an early complication of liver transplantation (LT). Our aims were to define the prevalence, associated clinical factors, and prognosis of this condition. A retrospective study was performed on patients undergoing LT at our institution from January 2005 to December 2012. Patients who developed NIC were identified. Data collected included demographic and clinical data. A total 1460 transplants were performed in this period and seventeen patients developed NIC. Pretransplant median QTc interval was 459 (range, 405-530), and median E/A ratio was 1 (range, 0.71-1.67). Fourteen patients (82%) were severely malnourished and required nutritional support. Thirteen patients (76%) had renal insufficiency. Median time to onset was 2 days post-transplant (range, 0-20). Echocardiograms showed global left ventricular hypokinesis and a decrease in ejection fraction (EF) from a median of 65% (range, 50-81) pretransplant to a median of 21% (range, 15-32). Median raw model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 29 in patients with NIC vs. 18 in patients without cardiomyopathy (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between recipients with NIC vs. recipients without cardiomyopathy regarding donor age, donor risk index, and cold and warm ischaemia time. Recovery of cardiac function occurred in 16 patients, with a median EF of 44% (range, 25-65%) at the time of discharge. The last echocardiogram available showed a median EF of 59% (range, 49-73%). One-year survival of NIC patients was 94.1%. Non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy is a rare complication after LT. Patients with NIC are critically ill, with high MELD score, and severe malnutrition. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

PubMed

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

2016-10-15

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

Treatment carryover impacts on effectiveness of intraocular pressure lowering agents, estimated by a discrete event simulation model.

PubMed

Denis, P; Le Pen, C; Umuhire, D; Berdeaux, G

2008-01-01

To compare the effectiveness of two treatment sequences, latanoprost-latanoprost timolol fixed combination (L-LT) versus travoprost-travoprost timolol fixed combination (T-TT), in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). A discrete event simulation (DES) model was constructed. Patients with either OAG or OHT were treated first-line with a prostaglandin, either latanoprost or travoprost. In case of treatment failure, patients were switched to the specific prostaglandin-timolol sequence LT or TT. Failure was defined as intraocular pressure higher than or equal to 18 mmHg at two visits. Time to failure was estimated from two randomized clinical trials. Log-rank tests were computed. Linear functions after log-log transformation were used to model time to failure. The time horizon of the model was 60 months. Outcomes included treatment failure and disease progression. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Latanoprost treatment resulted in more treatment failures than travoprost (p<0.01), and LT more than TT (p<0.01). At 60 months, the probability of starting a third treatment line was 39.2% with L-LT versus 29.9% with T-TT. On average, L-LT patients developed 0.55 new visual field defects versus 0.48 for T-TT patients. The probability of no disease progression at 60 months was 61.4% with L-LT and 65.5% with T-TT. Based on randomized clinical trial results and using a DES model, the T-TT sequence was more effective at avoiding starting a third line treatment than the L-LT sequence. T-TT treated patients developed less glaucoma progression.

Acaricidal activities of the essential oil from Rhododendron nivale Hook. f. and its main compund, δ-cadinene against Psoroptes cuniculi.

PubMed

Guo, Xiao; Shang, Xiaofei; Li, Bing; Zhou, Xu Zheng; Wen, Hao; Zhang, Jiyu

2017-03-15

In this paper, the acaricidal activities of Rhododendron nivale Hook. f. and its main compound, δ-cadinene were investigated, and the chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed. The results showed that among aqueous, 70% ethanols, acetic ether, chloroform, petroleum ether and essential oil extracts from the shoots and leaves, the essential oil showed the best in vitro acaricidal activity against adult P. cuniculi, which occurred in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The median lethal time (LT 50 ) values of four concentrations (33.33-4.17mg/ml) of the essential oil ranged from 1.476 to 25.900h, respectively. After the treatment of P. cuniculi with the essential oil and ivermectin, infected rabbits were free of scabs or secretions in the ear canal by day 20. Then, the percent yield of essential oil from the leaves and shoots was 2.45% (w/w), which includes 50 compounds. The primary component identified was terpenes, and among of compounds identified from the essential oil of R. nivale the highest relative content was δ-cadinene, which also presented the marked acaricidal activity against Psoroptes cuniculi in vitro. These findings provide evidence for the use of acaricides as a traditional medicine and indicate that the essential oil and δ-cadinene could be used to control mites in livestock. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Homeostasis of the temperature sensitivity of respiration over a range of growth temperatures indicated by a modified Arrhenius model.

PubMed

Noguchi, Ko; Yamori, Wataru; Hikosaka, Kouki; Terashima, Ichiro

2015-07-01

The temperature dependence of plant respiratory rate (R) changes in response to growth temperature. Here, we used a modified Arrhenius model incorporating the temperature dependence of activation energy (Eo ), and compared the temperature dependence of R between cold-sensitive and cold-tolerant species. We analyzed the temperature dependences of leaf CO2 efflux rate of plants cultivated at low (LT) or high temperature (HT). In plants grown at HT (HT plants), Eo at low measurement temperature varied among species, but Eo at growth temperature in HT plants did not vary and was comparable to that in plants grown at LT (LT plants), suggesting that the limiting process was similar at the respective growth temperatures. In LT plants, the integrated value of loge R, a measure of respiratory capacity, in cold-sensitive species was lower than that in cold-tolerant species. When plants were transferred from HT to LT, the respiratory capacity changed promptly after the transfer compared with the other parameters. These results suggest that a similar process limits R at different growth temperatures, and that the lower capacity of the respiratory system in cold-sensitive species may explain their low growth rate at LT. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Studies of dijet transverse momentum balance and pseudorapidity distributions in pPb collisions at $$\\sqrt{s_{\\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$$ $$\\,\\text {TeV}$$

DOE PAGES

Chatrchyan, Serguei

2014-07-23

Dijet production has been measured in pPb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. A data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35 inverse-nanobarns was collected using the Compact Muon Solenoid detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dijet transverse momentum balance, azimuthal angle correlations, and pseudorapidity distributions are studied as a function of the transverse energy in the forward calorimeters (more » $$E_T^{4\\lt |\\eta| \\lt 5.2}$$). For pPb collisions, the dijet transverse momentum ratio and the width of the distribution of dijet azimuthal angle difference are comparable to the same quantities obtained from a simulated pp reference and insensitive to $$E_T^{4\\lt |\\eta| \\lt 5.2}$$. In contrast, the mean value of the dijet pseudorapidity is found to change monotonically with increasing $$E_T^{4\\lt |\\eta| \\lt 5.2}$$, indicating a correlation between the energy emitted at large pseudorapidity and the longitudinal motion of the dijet frame. As a result, the pseudorapidity distribution of the dijet system is compared with next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD predictions obtained from both nucleon and nuclear parton distribution functions, and the data more closely match the latter.« less

The upper atmosphere layer height changes as a precursor of the Padang earthquake on 30 September 2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ednofri, Ednofri; Wu, Falin; Ahmed, Wasiu Akande; Zhao, Yan

2017-09-01

This research investigated the potential of the upper atmosphere layer height changes as precursor of the Padang Earthquake on 30 September 2009. We analyzed the occurrence of atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) in all-sky imager (ASI) images and h'F in ionosonde mounted on Kototabang (0.2°S, 100.3°E, -10.4° magnetic latitude) Indonesia from seven days before and after the earthquake and found that there was an unusual evening in h'F variation on 24 and 29 September 2009. A positive h'F deviation on 24 and 29 September 2009 are with a maximum value of 42 and 31.5. For both these dates, the maximum h'F value reached 234 km and 261 km at 00:30 LT and 20:30 LT with the median value of 192 km and 229.5 km, respectively. The increase in h'F on 24 September 2009 before the midnight was caused by encouragement from AGW observed at a wavelength of OH bands ( 86 km) that happened a few minutes earlier. While the increase in h'F on 29 September 2009, suspected to be caused by the emergence of the AGW, though it cannot be proven because ASI does not operate due to rainy weather over Kototabang. For Dst index during the month of September 2009, there is nothing worth under -50 nT, this means a change of altitude h'F six and one days before the earthquake is not caused by the influence of magnetic storm but caused by AGW resulting from the epicenter.

Entomopathogenic potential of Trichoderma longibrachiatum and its comparative evaluation with malathion against the insect pest Leucinodes orbonalis.

PubMed

Ghosh, Swapan Kr; Pal, Sujoy

2016-01-01

The widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture has led to the pollution of environmental systems and has caused various health disorders in animals and humans. Biological pest control is one of the most environmentally friendly methods in modern agriscience. Such methods protect crops from pests and do not pollute the environment. A strain of Trichoderma longibrachiatum was isolated and identified from the soil environment of the North 24 Parganas District, eastern India. A spore suspension of this fungus was used to treat Leucinodes orbonalis, one of the major pests of brinjal (eggplant, Solanum melongena). In an in vitro system, fungal antagonism was determined by median lethal dose (LD50) and median lethal time (LT50) tests against insect larvae. The LD50 and LT50 of T. longibrachiatum were 2.87 × 10(7) spores ml(-1) and 11.7 days, respectively. T. longibrachiatum was formulated into a biopesticide, and its performance was evaluated in brinjal field trials in 2012 and 2013. In the field trials, brinjal treated with three spray applications of T. longibrachiatum (10(8) spores/ml) at 15-day intervals showed a 56.02 % higher crop yield than that of the control. This treatment showed similar efficacy to that of the pesticide malathion in the field trials. The results of this study indicate that this formulation may replace malathion to control the insect pest L. orbonalis in brinjal crops. This is the first report of the entomopathogenic property of T. longibrachiatum and its evaluation against an insect pest in field trials.

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

PubMed

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

2016-04-01

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

Red-Light-Running Crashes' Classification, Comparison, and Risk Analysis Based on General Estimates System (GES) Crash Database.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuting; Yan, Xuedong; Li, Xiaomeng; Wu, Jiawei; Dixit, Vinayak V

2018-06-19

Red-light running (RLR) has been identified as one of the prominent contributing factors involved in signalized intersection crashes. In order to reduce RLR crashes, primarily, a better understanding of RLR behavior and crashes is needed. In this study, three RLR crash types were extracted from the general estimates system (GES), including go-straight (GS) RLR vehicle colliding with go-straight non-RLR vehicle, go-straight RLR vehicle colliding with left-turn (LT) non-RLR vehicle, and left-turn RLR vehicle colliding with go-straight non-RLR vehicle. Then, crash features within each crash type scenario were compared, and risk analyses of GS RLR and LT RLR were also conducted. The results indicated that for the GS RLR driver, the speed limit displayed the highest effects on the percentages of GS RLR collision scenarios. For the LT RLR driver, the number of lanes displayed the highest effects on the percentages of LT RLR collision scenarios. Additionally, the drivers who were older than 50 years, distracted, and had a limited view were more likely to be involved in LT RLR accidents. Furthermore, the speeding drivers were more likely to be involved in GS RLR accidents. These findings could give a comprehensive understanding of RLR crash features and propensities for each RLR crash type.

Long-Term Cold Acclimation Extends Survival Time at 0°C and Modifies the Metabolomic Profiles of the Larvae of the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Koštál, Vladimír; Korbelová, Jaroslava; Rozsypal, Jan; Zahradníčková, Helena; Cimlová, Jana; Tomčala, Aleš; Šimek, Petr

2011-01-01

Background Drosophila melanogaster is a chill-susceptible insect. Previous studies on this fly focused on acute direct chilling injury during cold shock and showed that lower lethal temperature (LLT, approximately −5°C) exhibits relatively low plasticity and that acclimations, both rapid cold hardening (RCH) and long-term cold acclimation, shift the LLT by only a few degrees at the maximum. Principal Findings We found that long-term cold acclimation considerably improved cold tolerance in fully grown third-instar larvae of D. melanogaster. A comparison of the larvae acclimated at constant 25°C with those acclimated at constant 15°C followed by constant 6°C for 2 d (15°C→6°C) showed that long-term cold acclimation extended the lethal time for 50% of the population (Lt50) during exposure to constant 0°C as much as 630-fold (from 0.137 h to 86.658 h). Such marked physiological plasticity in Lt50 (in contrast to LLT) suggested that chronic indirect chilling injury at 0°C differs from that caused by cold shock. Long-term cold acclimation modified the metabolomic profiles of the larvae. Accumulations of proline (up to 17.7 mM) and trehalose (up to 36.5 mM) were the two most prominent responses. In addition, restructuring of the glycerophospholipid composition of biological membranes was observed. The relative proportion of glycerophosphoethanolamines (especially those with linoleic acid at the sn-2 position) increased at the expense of glycerophosphocholines. Conclusion Third-instar larvae of D. melanogaster improved their cold tolerance in response to long-term cold acclimation and showed metabolic potential for the accumulation of proline and trehalose and for membrane restructuring. PMID:21957472

Placement of Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway Is Easier than Placement of Laryngeal Tube during Manual In-Line Stabilisation of The Neck

PubMed Central

Komatsu, R.; Nagata, O.; Kamata, K.; Yamagata, K.; Sessler, D.I.; Ozaki, M.

2005-01-01

Summary We compared the usefulness of the laryngeal tube (LT) with the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in 51 patients whose necks were stabilised by manual in-line traction. After induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular block, the LT and ILMA were inserted consecutively in a randomised, crossover design. During pressure-controlled ventilation (20 cmH2O inspiratory pressure), we measured insertion attempts, time to establish positive-pressure ventilation, tidal volume, gastric insufflation, and minimum airway pressure at which gas leaked around the cuff. Data were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; P<0.05 was considered significant. Insertion was more difficult with the LT (successful at first attempt in 16 patients) than with the ILMA (successful at first attempt in 42 patients, P<0.0001). Time required for insertion was longer for the LT (28 [23–35] sec, median [interquartile range]) than the ILMA (20 [15–25] sec, P=0.0009). Tidal volume was less for the LT (440 [290–670] ml) than the ILMA. (630 [440–750] ml, P=0.013). Minimum airway pressure at which gas leak occurred and incidence of gastric insufflation were similar with two devices. In patients whose necks were stabilised with manual in-line traction, insertion of the ILMA was easier and quicker than insertion of the LT and tidal volume was greater with the ILMA than the LT. PMID:15644005

Review article: liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma - a critical appraisal of the current worldwide listing criteria.

PubMed

Menon, K V; Hakeem, A R; Heaton, N D

2014-10-01

Liver transplantation (LT) plays an important role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although early results following LT for HCC were poor, since the introduction of the Milan criteria in 1996 morphological criteria have since been well established. Thereafter, various expansions of the Milan criteria were introduced worldwide. Listing criteria for LT for HCC in the United Kingdom (UK) initially conformed to the Milan criteria but were re-defined in 2009 by expansion of the Milan criteria. To look at the evidence in literature on listing criteria and management of HCC worldwide in comparison with the UK. Secondly, we aim to review worldwide vs. UK literature on prioritisation models, loco-regional therapy protocols and role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in LT for HCC. An electronic literature search with Medline was carried out to identify articles related to LT for HCC. Although various expansions of the Milan criteria have been described, they remain the gold standard against which other criteria are measured. The UK criteria are an expansion of the Milan criteria that go beyond Milan and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. The current UK listing criteria for LT for HCC when compared to the worldwide criteria have a worse survival benefit (projected 5-year survival between 35-50%) when plotted on the metroticket calculator. In keeping with most transplant centres worldwide, the UK have adopted expansions to Milan to allow more patients to benefit from LT. However, currently, as it stands the UK criteria when plotted in the modification of the Metroticket model project worse survival that would seem unjustified. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Alterations of intercellular junctions in peritoneal mesothelial cells from patients undergoing dialysis: effect of retinoic Acid.

PubMed

Retana, Carmen; Sanchez, Elsa; Perez-Lopez, Alejandro; Cruz, Armando; Lagunas, Jesus; Cruz, Carmen; Vital, Socorro; Reyes, Jose L

2015-01-01

Dialysis patients are classified according to their peritoneal permeability as low transporter (LT, low solute permeability) or high transporter (HT, high solute permeability). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical to maintain ions, molecules and water paracellular transport through peritoneum. Exposure to peritoneal dialysis solutions causes damage to TJ in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We analyzed the quantity, distribution and function of TJ proteins: claudin-1, -2 and -8, ZO-1 and occludin, in HPMC cultures from LT and HT patients. Since all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) might modify the expression of TJ proteins, we studied its effect on HPMCs. Control HPMCs were isolated from human omentum, while HT or LT cells were obtained from dialysis effluents. Cells were cultured in presence of ATRA 0, 50 or 100 nM. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, immunostaining and Western blot analyses were performed. HT exhibited lower TER than control and LT monolayers. Immunofluorescence for TJ was weak and discontinuous along the cell contour, in LT and HT. Furthermore, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expressions were decreased. In all groups, claudin-2 was localized at nuclei. We observed that ATRA improved TJ distribution and increased TJ expression in HT. This retinoid did not modify claudin-2 and -8 expressions. All-trans retinoic acid decreased TER in HT, but had no effect in LT. Tight junctions were altered in HPMCs from dialyzed patients. The HT monolayer has lower TER than LT, which might be associated with the peritoneal permeability in these patients. ATRA might be a therapeutic alternative to maintain mesothelial integrity, since it improved TJ localization and expression. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

Alterations of Intercellular Junctions in Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells from Patients Undergoing Dialysis: Effect of Retinoic Acid

PubMed Central

Retana, Carmen; Sanchez, Elsa; Perez-Lopez, Alejandro; Cruz, Armando; Lagunas, Jesus; Cruz, Carmen; Vital, Socorro; Reyes, Jose L.

2015-01-01

♦ Background: Dialysis patients are classified according to their peritoneal permeability as low transporter (LT, low solute permeability) or high transporter (HT, high solute permeability). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical to maintain ions, molecules and water paracellular transport through peritoneum. Exposure to peritoneal dialysis solutions causes damage to TJ in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We analyzed the quantity, distribution and function of TJ proteins: claudin-1, -2 and -8, ZO-1 and occludin, in HPMC cultures from LT and HT patients. Since all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) might modify the expression of TJ proteins, we studied its effect on HPMCs. ♦ Methods: Control HPMCs were isolated from human omentum, while HT or LT cells were obtained from dialysis effluents. Cells were cultured in presence of ATRA 0, 50 or 100 nM. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, immunostaining and Western blot analyses were performed. ♦ Results: HT exhibited lower TER than control and LT monolayers. Immunofluorescence for TJ was weak and discontinuous along the cell contour, in LT and HT. Furthermore, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expressions were decreased. In all groups, claudin-2 was localized at nuclei. We observed that ATRA improved TJ distribution and increased TJ expression in HT. This retinoid did not modify claudin-2 and -8 expressions. All-trans retinoic acid decreased TER in HT, but had no effect in LT. ♦ Conclusions: Tight junctions were altered in HPMCs from dialyzed patients. The HT monolayer has lower TER than LT, which might be associated with the peritoneal permeability in these patients. ATRA might be a therapeutic alternative to maintain mesothelial integrity, since it improved TJ localization and expression. PMID:24584604

A statistical analysis of equatorial plasma bubble structures based on an all-sky airglow imager network in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Longchang; Xu, Jiyao; Wang, Wenbin; Yuan, Wei; Li, Qinzeng; Jiang, Chaowei

2016-11-01

This paper investigates the statistical features of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) using airglow images from 2012 to 2014 from a ground-based network of four imagers in the equatorial region of China. It is found that (1) EPBs mainly occur during 21:00-00:00 local time (LT) in equinoxes. There is an asymmetry in occurrence rates between March (June) and September equinoxes (December solstices). (2) Most EPBs occur in groups of two to six depletions. The distance between adjacent EPB depletions is 100-700 km, and the average is 200-300 km. The zonal extension of an EPB group is usually less than 1500 km but can reach 3000 km. (3) EPBs usually have a maximum drift velocity near 100 m/s at 21:00-22:00 LT in 9.5° ± 1.5° geomagnetic latitude and then decrease to 50-70 m/s toward sunrise. (4) The averaged westward tilt angle of most EPBs (with respect to the geographic north-south) increased from 5°-10° to 23°-30° with LT between 20:00 and 03:00 LT, then decreasing to 10°-20° toward sunrise. (5) When 90 < F10.7 < 140, the maximum magnetic latitudinal extension (PMLE) is usually lower than 15.0° (apex height 725 km), but it can reach 23.0° (apex height 1330 km) when F10.7 > 140. The maximum PMLE increases by 3.4°-5.5° when F10.7 changes from 90 to 190. (6) The EPB occurrence patterns and zonal drift velocities are significantly different from those at Kolhapur, India, which locates west to our stations by 20.0°-32.0° in longitude.

Efficacy of osteopathic manipulation as an adjunctive treatment for hospitalized patients with pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The Multicenter Osteopathic Pneumonia Study in the Elderly (MOPSE) is a registered, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as an adjunctive treatment in elderly patients with pneumonia. Methods 406 subjects aged ≥ 50 years hospitalized with pneumonia at 7 community hospitals were randomized using concealed allocation to conventional care only (CCO), light-touch treatment (LT), or OMT groups. All subjects received conventional treatment for pneumonia. OMT and LT groups received group-specific protocols for 15 minutes, twice daily until discharge, cessation of antibiotics, respiratory failure, death, or withdrawal from the study. The primary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), time to clinical stability, and a symptomatic and functional recovery score. Results Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (n = 387) found no significant differences between groups. Per-protocol (PP) analysis (n = 318) found a significant difference between groups (P = 0.01) in LOS. Multiple comparisons indicated a reduction in median LOS (95% confidence interval) for the OMT group (3.5 [3.2-4.0] days) versus the CCO group (4.5 [3.9-4.9] days), but not versus the LT group (3.9 [3.5-4.8] days). Secondary outcomes of duration of intravenous antibiotics and treatment endpoint were also significantly different between groups (P = 0.05 and 0.006, respectively). Duration of intravenous antibiotics and death or respiratory failure were lower for the OMT group versus the CCO group, but not versus the LT group. Conclusions ITT analysis found no differences between groups. PP analysis found significant reductions in LOS, duration of intravenous antibiotics, and respiratory failure or death when OMT was compared to CCO. Given the prevalence of pneumonia, adjunctive OMT merits further study. PMID:20302619

Primary Graft Dysfunction and Mortality Following Lung Transplantation: A Role for Proadrenomedullin Plasma Levels.

PubMed

Riera, J; Senna, A; Cubero, M; Roman, A; Rello, J

2016-02-01

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation (LT) is a heterogeneous syndrome that comprises clinical presentations with diverse grades of severity. Proadrenomedullin (proADM) levels may be associated with PGD and may enhance its relationship with outcomes. We prospectively included 100 LT recipients. Plasma levels of proADM were measured at 24, 48 and 72 h after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). We assessed their relationship with PGD grade and ICU mortality. Fifty patients (50%) presented grade 3 PGD at ICU admission. Twenty-two patients (22%) developed grade 3 PGD at 72 h, the only grade associated with higher mortality (odds ratio 6.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-38.44). ProADM levels measured at 24 h (3.25 vs. 1.61 nmol/L; p = 0.016) and 72 h (2.17 vs. 1.35 nmol/L; p = 0.011) were higher in these patients than the rest of the population. When we added the individual predictive utility of grade 3 PGD at 72 h for ICU mortality (area under the curve [AUC] 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.90) to that of ProADM at 72 h, the predictive value of the model improved (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.65-0.97). Higher levels of proADM measured following LT are associated with grade 3 PGD at 72 h. ProADM enhances the association of this entity with mortality. © Copyright 2015 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

[Analysis and comprehensive evaluation on cold resistance of six varieties of Michelia].

PubMed

Li, Rui Xue; Jin, Xiao Ling; Hu, Xi Jun; Chai, Yi Xia; Cai, Meng Ying; Luo, Feng; Zhang, Fang Jing

2017-05-18

Taking six varieties of Michelia as test materials, their responses under cold situation in the field were investigated and the semilethal low temperatures were calculated by fitting Logistic equation. The nine structure indexes of leaf tissue were observed by paraffin section, and a comprehensive evaluation on cold resistance of different varieties was given according to subordinate function value analysis. The results showed that the relative electrical conductivity of six varieties of Michelia was significantly positively correlated with the semilethal low temperature (LT 50 ) of 3 h 0-25 ℃ treatment. From high to low, the order of LT 50 , which ranged between -20.48 ℃and -8.67 ℃, was M. maudiae ＞ M. maudiae var. rubicunda ＞ M. wilsonii ＞ M. 'liubanhanxiao' ♀× M. shiluensis ♂ ＞ M. platypetala ＞ M. 'liubanhanxiao'. The epidermal anticlinal walls of six varieties of Michelia leaves had 1-2 layers and showed slightly sinuated shape. The leaf had 1-3 layers of palisade tissue cells and the differences among the indexes of nine anatomical structures were extremely significant. The thickness of palisade tissue, ratio between palisade tissue and spongy tissue, and thickness of the vein were the key factors affecting cold resistance. The order of cold resistance of six varieties of Michelia, from the strong to the weak, was M. 'liubanhanxiao' ＞ M. platypetala ＞ M. 'liubanhanxiao' ♀× M. shiluensis ♂＞M. wilsonii ＞ M. maudiae var. rubicunda ＞ M. maudiae, which was basically consistent with the result of field investigation.

Statistical evidence of seismo-ionospheric precursors of the GPS total electron content in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yuh-Ing; Huang, Chi-Shen; Liu, Jann-Yenq

2015-04-01

Evidence of the seismo-ionospheric precursor (SIP) is reported by statistically investigating the relationship between the total electron content (TEC) in global ionosphere map (GIM) and 56 M≥6.0 earthquakes during 1998-2013 in China. A median-based method together with the z test is employed to examine the TEC variations 30 days before and after the earthquake. It is found that the TEC significantly decreases 0600-1000 LT 1-6 days before the earthquake, and anomalously increases in 3 time periods of 1300-1700 LT 12-15 days; 0000-0500 LT 15-17 days; and 0500-0900 LT 22-28 days before the earthquake. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is then used to evaluate the efficiency of TEC for predicting M≥6.0 earthquakes in China during a specified time period. Statistical results suggest that the SIP is the significant TEC reduction in the morning period of 0600-1000 LT. The SIP is further confirmed since the area under the ROC curve is positively associated with the earthquake magnitude.

Statistical evidences of seismo-ionospheric precursors applying receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve on the GPS total electron content in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yuh-Ing; Huang, Chi-Shen; Liu, Jann-Yenq

2015-12-01

Evidence of the seismo-ionospheric precursor (SIP) is reported by statistically investigating the relationship between the total electron content (TEC) in global ionosphere map (GIM) and 56 M ⩾ 6.0 earthquakes during 1998-2013 in China. A median-based method together with the z test is employed to examine the TEC variations 30 days before and after the earthquake. It is found that the TEC significantly decreases 0600-1000 LT 1-6 days before the earthquake, and anomalously increases in 3 time periods of 1300-1700 LT 12-15 days; 0000-0500 LT 15-17 days; and 0500-0900 LT 22-28 days before the earthquake. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is then used to evaluate the efficiency of TEC for predicting M ⩾ 6.0 earthquakes in China during a specified time period. Statistical results suggest that the SIP is the significant TEC reduction in the morning period of 0600-1000 LT. The SIP is further confirmed since the area under the ROC curve is positively associated with the earthquake magnitude.

F2 layer characteristics and electrojet strength over an equatorial station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adebesin, B. O.; Adeniyi, J. O.; Adimula, I. A.; Reinisch, B. W.; Yumoto, K.

2013-09-01

The data presented in this work describes the diurnal and seasonal variation in hmF2, NmF2, and the electrojet current strength over an African equatorial station during a period of low solar activity. The F2 region horizontal magnetic element H revealed that the Solar quiet Sq(H) daily variation rises from early morning period to maximum around local noon and falls to lower values towards evening. The F2 ionospheric current responsible for the magnetic field variations is inferred to build up at the early morning hours, attaining maximum strength around 1200 LT. The Sq variation across the entire months was higher during the daytime than nighttime. This is ascribed to the variability of the ionospheric parameters like conductivity and winds structure in this region. Seasonal daytime electrojet (EEJ) current strength for June solstice, March and September equinoxes, respectively had peak values ranging within 27-35 nT (at 1400 LT) , 30-40 nT (at 1200 LT) and 35-45 nT (at 1500 LT). The different peak periods of the EEJ strength were attributed to the combined effects of the peak electron density and electric field. Lastly, the EEJ strength was observed to be higher during the equinoxes than the solstice period.

Growth and survival of Apache Trout under static and fluctuating temperature regimes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Recsetar, Matthew S.; Bonar, Scott A.; Feuerbacher, Olin

2014-01-01

Increasing stream temperatures have important implications for arid-region fishes. Little is known about effects of high water temperatures that fluctuate over extended periods on Apache Trout Oncorhynchus gilae apache, a federally threatened species of southwestern USA streams. We compared survival and growth of juvenile Apache Trout held for 30 d in static temperatures (16, 19, 22, 25, and 28°C) and fluctuating diel temperatures (±3°C from 16, 19, 22 and 25°C midpoints and ±6°C from 19°C and 22°C midpoints). Lethal temperature for 50% (LT50) of the Apache Trout under static temperatures (mean [SD] = 22.8 [0.6]°C) was similar to that of ±3°C diel temperature fluctuations (23.1 [0.1]°C). Mean LT50 for the midpoint of the ±6°C fluctuations could not be calculated because survival in the two treatments (19 ± 6°C and 22 ± 6°C) was not below 50%; however, it probably was also between 22°C and 25°C because the upper limb of a ±6°C fluctuation on a 25°C midpoint is above critical thermal maximum for Apache Trout (28.5–30.4°C). Growth decreased as temperatures approached the LT50. Apache Trout can survive short-term exposure to water temperatures with daily maxima that remain below 25°C and midpoint diel temperatures below 22°C. However, median summer stream temperatures must remain below 19°C for best growth and even lower if daily fluctuations are high (≥12°C).

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

PubMed

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

2015-06-01

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

Discovery of the first dual inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and soluble epoxide hydrolase using pharmacophore-based virtual screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Temml, Veronika; Garscha, Ulrike; Romp, Erik; Schubert, Gregor; Gerstmeier, Jana; Kutil, Zsofia; Matuszczak, Barbara; Waltenberger, Birgit; Stuppner, Hermann; Werz, Oliver; Schuster, Daniela

2017-02-01

Leukotrienes (LTs) are pro-inflammatory lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) with roles in inflammatory and allergic diseases. The biosynthesis of LTs is initiated by transfer of AA via the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) to 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). FLAP inhibition abolishes LT formation exerting anti-inflammatory effects. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) converts AA-derived anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (di-HETEs). Its inhibition consequently also counteracts inflammation. Targeting both LT biosynthesis and the conversion of EETs with a dual inhibitor of FLAP and sEH may represent a novel, powerful anti-inflammatory strategy. We present a pharmacophore-based virtual screening campaign that led to 20 hit compounds of which 4 targeted FLAP and 4 were sEH inhibitors. Among them, the first dual inhibitor for sEH and FLAP was identified, N-[4-(benzothiazol-2-ylmethoxy)-2-methylphenyl]-N’-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea with IC50 values of 200 nM in a cell-based FLAP test system and 20 nM for sEH activity in a cell-free assay.

Low-Temperature Desorption of N2O from NO on Rutile TiO2(110)-1x1

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

Kim, Boseong; Li, Zhenjun; Kay, Bruce D.

2014-05-08

We find that NO dosed on rutile TiO2(110)-1×1 at substrate temperatures as low as 50 K readily reacts to produce N2O which desorbs promptly from the surface leaving an oxygen adatom behind. The desorption rate of N2O reaches a maximum value after 1 – 2 sec at an NO flux of 1.2 ×1014 NO/cm2∙sec and then decreases rapidly as the initially clean, reduced TiO2(110) surface with ~5% oxygen vacancies (VO’s) becomes covered with oxygen adatoms and unreacted NO. The maximum desorption rate is also found to increase as the substrate temperature is raised up to about 100 K. Interestingly, themore » N2O desorption during the low-temperature (LT) NO dose is strongly suppressed when molecular oxygen is predosed, whereas it persists on the surface with VO’s passivated by surface hydroxyls. Our results show that the surface charge, not the VO sites, plays a dominant role in the LT N2O desorption induced by a facile NO reduction at such low temperatures.« less

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

PubMed

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

2013-07-01

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

Karnofsky Performance Status Before and After Liver Transplantation Predicts Graft and Patient Survival.

PubMed

Thuluvath, Paul J; Thuluvath, Avesh J; Savva, Yulia

2018-06-05

The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) has been used for almost 70 years for clinical assessment of patients. Our objective was to determine whether KPS is an independent predictor of post-liver transplant (LT) survival after adjusting for known confounders. Adult patients listed with UNOS from 2006 to 2016 were grouped patients into low (10-40%, n=15,103), intermediate (50-70%, n=22,183) and high (80-100%, n=13,131) KPS based on KPS scores at the time of LT after excluding those on ventilators or life support. We determined the trends in KPS before and after LT, and survival probabilities based on KPS. There was a decline in KPS scores between listing and LT and there was significant improvement after LT. The graft and patient survival differences were significantly lower (p<0.0001) in those with low KPS. After adjusting for other confounders, the hazard ratios (HR) for graft failure were 1.17 (1.12-1.22, p <0.01) for the intermediate and 1.38 (1.31-1.46, p <0.01) for the low group. Similarly, HR for patient failure were 1.18 (1.13-1.24, p <0.01) for the intermediate and 1.43 (1.35-1.52, p <0.01) for the low group. Other independent negative predictors for graft and patient survival were older age, Black ethnicity, presence of hepatic encephalopathy and donor risk index. Those who did not show significant improvements in post-LT KPS scores had poorer outcomes in all three KPS groups, but it was most obvious in the low KPS group with 1-year patient survival of 33%. The KPS, before and after LT, is an independent predictor of graft and patient survival after adjusting for other important predictors of survival. The overall health of liver transplant recipients could be assessed by a simple clinical assessment tool called Karnofsky Performance Status which assess an individual's overall functional status on 11-point scale, in increments of 10, where a score of 0 is considered dead and 100 is considered perfect health. In this study, using a large dataset, we show that the performance status before and after liver transplant could have an effect on survival. More importantly, those who have low performance status before transplant and do not show an improvement in performance status between 3-12 months after liver transplant have very poor survival. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Transient hyperglycemia during liver transplantation does not affect the early graft function.

PubMed

Blasi, Annabel; Beltran, Joan; Martin, Nuria; Martinez-Pallí, Graciela; Lozano, Juan J; Balust, Jaume; Torrents, Abigail; Taura, Pilar

2015-01-01

Background and rationale for the study. Hyperglycemia after graft reperfusion is a consistent finding in liver transplantation (LT) that remains poorly studied. We aim to describe its appearance in LT recipients of different types of grafts and its relation to the graft function. 436 LT recipients of donors after brain death (DBD), donors after cardiac death (DCD), and familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) donors were reviewed. Serum glucose was measured at baseline, during the anhepatic phase, after graft reperfusion, and at the end of surgery. Early graft dysfunction (EAD) was assessed by Olthoff criteria. Caspase-3, IFN-γ, IL1β, and IL6 gene expression were measured in liver biopsy. The highest increase in glucose levels after reperfusion was observed in FAP LT recipients and the lowest in DCD LT recipients. Glucose level during the anhepatic phase was the only modifiable predictive variable of hyperglycemia after reperfusion. No relation was found between hyperglycemia after reperfusion and EAD. However, recipients with the highest glucose levels after reperfusion tended to achieve the best glucose control at the end of surgery and those who were unable to control the glucose value after reperfusion showed EAD more frequently. The highest levels of caspase-3 were found in recipients with the lowest glucose values after reperfusion. In conclusion, glucose levels increased after graft reperfusion to a different extent according to the donor type. Contrary to general belief, transient hyperglycemia after reperfusion does not appear to impact negatively on the liver graft function and could even be suggested as a marker of graft quality.

Correlation between ocular parameters and amplitude of accommodation

PubMed Central

Abraham, Lekha Mary; Kuriakose, Thomas; Sivanandam, Viswanathan; Venkatesan, Nithya; Thomas, Ravi; Muliyil, Jayaprakash

2010-01-01

Aim: To study the relationship between ocular parameters and amplitude of accommodation (AA) in the peri-presbyopic age group (35–50 years). Materials and Methods: Three hundred and sixteen right eyes of consecutive patients in the age group 35–50 years, who attended our outpatient clinic, were studied. Emmetropes, hypermetropes and myopes with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20, J1 in both eyes were included. The AA was calculated by measuring the near point of accommodation. The axial length (AL), central anterior chamber depth (CACD) and lens thickness (LT) were also measured. Results: There was moderate correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.56) between AL and AA as well as between CACD and AA (r = 0.53) in myopes in the age group 35–39 years. In the other age groups and the groups taken as a whole, there was no correlation. In hypermetropes and emmetropes, there was no correlation between AA and the above ocular parameters. No significant correlation existed between LT and AA across different age groups and refractive errors. Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between AA and ocular parameters like anterior chamber depth, AL and LT. PMID:20952831

Importance of 18F-FDG PET/CT to select patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastases for liver transplantation.

PubMed

Grut, Harald; Revheim, Mona-Elisabeth; Line, Pål-Dag; Dueland, Svein

2018-04-20

The aim of this study was to evaluate fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/CT for the selection of patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastases (NCLM) for liver transplantation (LT). In the secondary cancer study, we reported an improved 5-year overall survival in patients treated with LT for NCLM (56%) compared with chemotherapy (9%). However, many patients were rejected for LT owing to the detection of extrahepatic disease at preoperative imaging. F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) examinations before tentative LT for NCLM were assessed, and findings contraindicating LT were registered. Maximum, mean and peak standardized uptake values; tumor-to-background ratio; metabolic tumor volume; and total lesion glycolysis were measured and calculated for all liver metastases. Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Thirty-two patients excluded by F-FDG PET/CT and/or ceCT before tentative LT for NCLM were identified. F-FDG PET/CT from 20 of the 32 excluded patients revealed extrahepatic disease. Eight of the other 12 patients had a negative F-FDG PET/CT finding but were excluded by ceCT. Ten patients were excluded by F-FDG PET/CT only. Four patients were excluded owing to detected malignancy from frozen sections at the start of the intended transplant operation. Tumor-to-background ratio of the liver metastases was significantly higher in patients where F-FDG PET/CT detected extrahepatic disease (P=0.03). The median (range) survival after exclusion was 16 (0-52) months. The ability of F-FDG PET/CT to detect extrahepatic disease before LT for NCLM is vital to establish LT as a treatment option.

Effects of the type and thickness of ceramic, substrate, and cement on the optical color of a lithium disilicate ceramic.

PubMed

Pires, Laís A; Novais, Pollyanna M R; Araújo, Vinícius D; Pegoraro, Luiz F

2017-01-01

Reproducing the characteristics of natural teeth in ceramic crowns remains a complex and difficult process. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the substrate, cement, type, and thickness of the ceramic on the resulting color of a lithium disilicate ceramic. Forty ceramic disks were prepared from IPS e.max Press LT (low translucency) and HO (high opacity) in 2 different thicknesses (1.5 and 2 mm). The LT groups were composed of monolithic ceramic disks, and the HO groups were composed of disks fabricated with a 0.5-mm thickness combined with a 1- or 1.5-mm veneering ceramic thickness. Disks made of composite resin (R) and alloy (A) were used as substrate structures. The resin cement used was Variolink II. Color was measured with a spectrophotometer and expressed in CIELAB coordinates. Color differences (ΔE) were calculated. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). When the ΔE of ceramic disks with both substrates, with and without cement, were compared, the lowest value (3) was obtained for ceramic HO with a 2-mm thickness/alloy substrate/without cement; the highest value (10) was obtained for ceramic LT with a1.5-mm thickness/alloy substrate/with cement. This difference was statistically significant. When the effect of cement on the ΔE of ceramics in both substrates was compared, the lowest value (1.1) occurred with ceramic HO with a 1.5-mm thickness/resin substrate, and the highest was observed for ceramic LT with a 1.5-mm thickness/alloy substrate (6.4). This difference was statistically significant. The substrate color, type and thickness of ceramic, and presence of the cement significantly influenced the resulting optical color. The ΔE values of cemented HO ceramics were lower than that of the LT ceramic. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of the low latitude ionospheric storm in the East-Asian region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, B.; Wan, W.; Liu, L.

2009-04-01

First, an classification of ionospheric storm effects in the sub-equatorial ionization anomaly(SEIA) region at 120°E has been performed through the analysis of ionogram data at two ionosonde stations, Wuhan (114.4°, 30.5°) and Chung-Li (121.2°, 25°), and total electron content (TEC) derived from GPS network distributed around 120°E during the year 1999-2004. Three types of negative phase are identified. One is shown to be varied in phase of F-layer height variation and the other two out of phase. Two types of positive phase are also found. The mechanisms to cause these types of ionospheric effects has been considered to be related with storm meridional thermospheric wind including traveling atmosphere disturbance(TAD), electric fields and composition changes. Then based on the 50 years of ionosonde and 8 years of global ionospheric maps (GIMs) data, features of low latitude ionospheric storm were obtained. Results shows that positive phases during 18:00-2400 LT with its center near the 21:00 LT and 24:00-08:00 LT with its center near the sunrise time have predomination in controlling the storm behavior at low latitudes. It is shown that the distortion of EIA under the effects of the above factors have significant influence on the behavior of SEIA ionogram parameters.

Fertility after implementation of long- and short-term progesterone-based ovulation synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination in beef heifers.

PubMed

Kasimanickam, R; Schroeder, S; Hall, J B; Whittier, W D

2015-04-15

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of long-term (LT; a 14-day controlled internal drug release insert [CIDR]-PGF2α [PGF]-GnRH) and short-term (ST; 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR) progesterone-based protocols on pregnancy rate to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in beef heifers. In experiment 1, Angus cross beef heifers (N = 1887) at nine locations received a body condition score and a reproductive tract score (RTS). Within the herd, heifers were randomly assigned to LT-72 and ST-56 protocol groups. Heifers in the LT-72 group received a CIDR from Days 0 to 14, followed by 25 mg of PGF 16 days later (Day 30). Heifers in the ST-56 group received a CIDR and 100 μg of gonadorelin hydrochloride (GnRH) on Day 25 followed by 25 mg of PGF at CIDR removal on Day 30 and a second dose of PGF 6 hours later (Day 30). Artificial insemination was performed at 56 hours (Day 32) after CIDR removal for the ST-56 group and at 72 hours (Day 33) after CIDR removal for the LT-72 group, and all heifers were given GnRH (100 μg, intramuscular) at the time of AI. In experiment 2, Angus cross beef heifers (N = 718) at four locations received a body condition score and an RTS. Within the herd, heifers were randomly assigned to LT-72 and ST-72 protocol groups. The protocol was similar to experiment 1 except that AI was performed at 72 hours after CIDR removal for both LT-72 and ST-72 groups. In experiment 1, no difference in AI pregnancy rates between the LT-72 and ST-56 groups was observed (54.5% [489 of 897] and 55.5% [549 of 990], respectively; P = 0.92) after accounting for the RTS. The AI pregnancy rates for heifers with RTS 3 or less, 4, and 5 were 52.6%, 53.6%, and 59.9%, respectively (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, controlling for the RTS, no difference in AI pregnancy rates was observed between the LT-72 and ST-72 groups, 56.9% (198 of 347) and 57.8% (214 of 371), respectively (P = 0.87). The AI pregnancy rates for heifers with RTS 3 or less, 4, and 5 were 49.3%, 58.4%, and 62.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, heifers synchronized for fixed-time AI with LT and ST protocols resulted in a similar AI pregnancy rate. Approximately, 55% of the herd was pregnant to one insemination in 33 days with the LT protocol compared with just 8 days with the ST protocol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Variation in the biochemical response to l-thyroxine therapy and relationship with peripheral thyroid hormone conversion efficiency

PubMed Central

Midgley, John E M; Larisch, Rolf; Dietrich, Johannes W; Hoermann, Rudolf

2015-01-01

Several influences modulate biochemical responses to a weight-adjusted levothyroxine (l-T4) replacement dose. We conducted a secondary analysis of the relationship of l-T4 dose to TSH and free T3 (FT3), using a prospective observational study examining the interacting equilibria between thyroid parameters. We studied 353 patients on steady-state l-T4 replacement for autoimmune thyroiditis or after surgery for malignant or benign thyroid disease. Peripheral deiodinase activity was calculated as a measure of T4–T3 conversion efficiency. In euthyroid subjects, the median l-T4 dose was 1.3 μg/kg per day (interquartile range (IQR) 0.94,1.60). The dose was independently associated with gender, age, aetiology and deiodinase activity (all P<0.001). Comparable FT3 levels required higher l-T4 doses in the carcinoma group (n=143), even after adjusting for different TSH levels. Euthyroid athyreotic thyroid carcinoma patients (n=50) received 1.57 μg/kg per day l-T4 (IQR 1.40, 1.69), compared to 1.19 μg/kg per day (0.85,1.47) in autoimmune thyroiditis (P<0.01, n=76) and 1.08 μg/kg per day (0.82, 1.44) in patients operated on for benign disease (P< 0.01, n=80). Stratifying patients by deiodinase activity categories of <23, 23–29 and >29 nmol/s revealed an increasing FT3–FT4 dissociation; the poorest converters showed the lowest FT3 levels in spite of the highest dose and circulating FT4 (P<0.001). An l-T4-related FT3–TSH disjoint was also apparent; some patients with fully suppressed TSH failed to raise FT3 above the median level. These findings imply that thyroid hormone conversion efficiency is an important modulator of the biochemical response to l-T4; FT3 measurement may be an additional treatment target; and l-T4 dose escalation may have limited success to raise FT3 appropriately in some cases. PMID:26335522

The effect of the hypohydration on the lactate threshold in a hot and humid environment.

PubMed

Papadopoulos, C; Doyle, J; Rupp, J; Brandon, L; Benardot, D; Thompson, W

2008-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hypohydration (HH) on the lactate threshold (LT) in a hot and humid environment. Ten apparently healthy males (age 25+/-3 yrs; height 1.8+/-0.04 m; mass 78+/-12 kg; VO2peak 3.7+/-0.4 L/min) underwent four randomly assigned maximal treadmill tests. Two trials were at room temperature (22+/-1 degrees C; RH = 50%) under two different hydration conditions: euhydrated (EH-RM) and hypohydrated (HH-RM), and two trials were performed in a warm chamber (37+/-0.5 degrees C; RH = 70%) under two different hydration conditions: euhydrated (EH-HT) and hypohydrated (HH-HT). The desired HH level (2-4%) was accomplished in the 24+ hours before testing by fluid restriction. Mean HH was 2.6+/-1.0% body weight. Capillary blood samples were collected at the end of each stage and analyzed for lactic acid (LA). LA concentrations were plotted for each exercise stage, and the LT was determined by visual inspection as the highest exercise stage at which blood LA concentration began to increase above each individual's resting levels. LT and body temperature were analyzed with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (P < 0.05). During the trials in the warm chamber, the LT occurred at a significantly earlier stage compared to the thermoneutral environment (4.4+/-0.09 vs 5.8+/-0.10) and with a significantly lower oxygen consumption (2.38+/-0.09 L.min(-1) vs 2.86+/-0.13 L.min(-1)). Body temperature at the LT was significantly higher in the heat trials compared to room temperature (38.7+/-0.12 degrees C vs 37.6+/-0.14 degrees C). LT determination was not significantly altered by hydration. These results suggest that during progressive incremental maximal treadmill exercise, moderate HH does not affect the LT, whereas exercise in a hot and humid environment induces a downward shift in the LT. The elevated body temperature during the heat trials suggests that body temperature may affect running performance associated with the LT.

International Symposium on Mechanism of Cyanide Toxicity and Antagonism (1st), Proceedings Held on 15-19 August 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

intraventricular contents, and toxicologically significant concentrations of cyanide could still be measured at 3 weeks STORAGE TIME DAYS) in blood samples ...thi- rhod~,iit m lt~ tilt, h v - lt i~ tni ii t iituMtil tmn 1 hu’I-huct~ irt, ig thtu t\\ttlottiimmtii.tt rtighl% equ~.il %i/emiid thc toinnt tig...loopr’ tnbth’id’ wt~hlu ~ Ih l vmhttiblliii thtu unity o~th t * ’ it thu- tjrt~ikt’ tit thc m lt t lt , l I lit it ttvt’ ’itc’ Io,,-~ it, tlt, thgUrt’ 11

Effects of oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on concentrations of plasma lipids, concentration and composition of very-low-density lipoproteins, and glucose dynamics in healthy adult mares.

PubMed

Frank, Nicholas; Sommardahl, Carla S; Eiler, Hugo; Webb, Latisha L; Denhart, Joseph W; Boston, Ray C

2005-06-01

To evaluate glucose and lipid metabolism in healthy adult horses administered levothyroxine sodium (L-T4). 12 healthy adult mares. 8 horses received an incrementally increasing dosage of L-T4 (24, 48, 72, or 96 mg of L-T4/d) for weeks 1 to 8. Each dose was provide between 7 AM and 8 AM in the morning grain meal for 2 weeks. Four additional horses remained untreated. Serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured and composition of VLDL examined in samples obtained between 8 AM and 9 AM at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Glucose dynamics were assessed by use of a combined IV glucose-insulin tolerance test (IVGITT) conducted before and at the end of the 8-week treatment period. Data for each combined IVGITT were interpreted by use of the minimal model. Plasma TG, TC, and VLDL concentrations significantly decreased over time in treated horses. At the completion of the 8-week treatment period, mean plasma VLDL concentration was 46% of the mean value for week 0 in treated horses. Insulin sensitivity significantly increased (> 2-fold) in treated horses, but glucose effectiveness and net insulin response were not affected. Levothyroxine sodium significantly increased the rate of insulin disposal. Administration of L-T4 decreases blood lipid concentrations, improves insulin sensitivity, and increases insulin disposal in horses. Levothyroxine sodium may have potential as a treatment for horses with reduced insulin sensitivity.

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

PubMed

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

2002-11-01

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

3-T direct MR arthrography of the wrist: value of finger trap distraction to assess intrinsic ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears.

PubMed

Cerny, Milena; Marlois, Romain; Theumann, Nicolas; Bollmann, Christof; Wehrli, Laurent; Richarme, Delphine; Meuli, Reto; Becce, Fabio

2013-10-01

To determine the value of applying finger trap distraction during direct MR arthrography of the wrist to assess intrinsic ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. Twenty consecutive patients were prospectively investigated by three-compartment wrist MR arthrography. Imaging was performed with 3-T scanners using a three-dimensional isotropic (0.4 mm) T1-weighted gradient-recalled echo sequence, with and without finger trap distraction (4 kg). In a blind and independent fashion, two musculoskeletal radiologists measured the width of the scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral (LT) and ulna-TFC (UTFC) joint spaces. They evaluated the amount of contrast medium within these spaces using a four-point scale, and assessed SL, LT and TFCC tears, as well as the disruption of Gilula's carpal arcs. With finger trap distraction, both readers found a significant increase in width of the SL space (mean Δ = +0.1mm, p ≤ 0.040), and noticed more contrast medium therein (p ≤ 0.035). In contrast, the differences in width of the LT (mean Δ = +0.1 mm, p ≥ 0.057) and UTFC (mean Δ = 0mm, p ≥ 0.728) spaces, as well as the amount of contrast material within these spaces were not statistically significant (p = 0.607 and ≥ 0.157, respectively). Both readers detected more SL (Δ = +1, p = 0.157) and LT (Δ = +2, p = 0.223) tears, although statistical significance was not reached, and Gilula's carpal arcs were more frequently disrupted during finger trap distraction (Δ = +5, p = 0.025). The application of finger trap distraction during direct wrist MR arthrography may enhance both detection and characterisation of SL and LT ligament tears by widening the SL space and increasing the amount of contrast within the SL and LT joint spaces. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical Outcomes of Lung Transplantation in Patients with Telomerase Mutations

PubMed Central

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

2017-01-01

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

A phase II, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of Curcumina and Calendula suppositories for the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III.

PubMed

Morgia, Giuseppe; Russo, Giorgio Ivan; Urzì, Daniele; Privitera, Salvatore; Castelli, Tommaso; Favilla, Vincenzo; Cimino, Sebastiano

2017-06-30

The management of chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III (CP/CPPS) has been always considered complex due to several biopsychological factors underling the disease. In this clinical study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment with Curcumin and Calendula extract in patients with CP/CPPS III. From June 2015 to January 2016 we enrolled 60 consecutive patients affected by CP/CPPS III in our institution. Patients between 20 and 50 year of age with symptoms of pelvic pain for 3 months or more before study, a total National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score ≥ 15 point and diagnosed with NIH category III. Patients were then allocated to receive placebo (Group A) or treatment (Group B). Treatment consisted of rectal suppositories of Curcumin extract 350 mg (95%) and Calendula extract 80 mg (1 suppository/die for 1 month). Patients of Group B received 1 suppository/die for 1 month of placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was the reduction of NIH-CPSI. The secondary outcomes were the change of peak flow, IIEF-5, VAS score and of premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT). A total of 48 patients concluded the study protocol. The median age of the all cohort was 32.0 years, the median NIH-CPSI was 20.5, the median IIEF-5 was 18.5, the median PEDT was 11.0, the median VAS score was 7.5 and the median peak flow was 14.0. After 3 months of therapy in group A we observed a significant improvement of NIH-CPSI (-5.5; p < 0.01), IIEF-5 (+ 3.5; p < 0.01), PEDT (-6.5; p < 0.01), peak flow (+2.8; p < 0.01) and VAS (-6.5; p < 0.01) with significant differences over placebo group (all p-value significant). In this phase II clinical trial we showed the clinical efficacy of the treatment with Curcumin and Calendula in patients with CP/CPPS III. The benefits of this treatment could be related to the reduction of inflammatory cytokines and of inflammatory cells. These results should be confirmed in further studies with greater sample size.

GPS TEC Fluctuations in the Low and High Latitudes During the 2015 St. Patrick`s Day Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Jong-Kyun; Hong, Junseok; Yoo, Sung-Moon; Kim, Jeong-Han; Jee, Geonhwa; Hegai, Valery V.

2017-12-01

As a part of collaborative efforts to understand ionospheric irregularities, the Korea ionospheric scintillation sites (KISS) network has been built based on global positioning system (GPS) receivers with sampling rates higher than 1 Hz. We produce the rate of TEC index (ROTI) to represent GPS TEC fluctuations related to ionospheric irregularities. In the KISS network, two ground-based GPS sites at Kiruna (marker: KIRN; geographic: 67.9° N, 21.4° E; geomagnetic: 65.2° N) and Chuuk (marker: CHUK; geographic: 7.5° N, 151.9° E; geomagnetic: 0.4° N) were selected to evaluate the ROTI value for ionospheric irregularities during the occurrence of the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day storm. The KIRN ROTI values in the aurora region appear to be generally much higher than the CHUK ROTI values in the EIA region. The CHUK ROTI values increased to 0.5 TECU/min around UT=13:00 (LT=23:00) on March 16 in the quiet geomagnetic condition. On March 17, 2015, CHUK ROTI values more than 1.0 TECU/min were measured between UT=9:00 and 12:00 (LT=19:00 and 22:00) during the first main phase of the St. Patrick’s Day storm. This may be due to ionospheric irregularities by increased pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) after sunset during the geomagnetic storm. Post-midnight, the CHUK ROTI showed two peaks of 0.5 TECU/min and 0.3 TECU/min near UT=15:00 (LT=01:00) and UT=18:00 (LT=04:00) at the second main phase. The KIRN site showed significant peaks of ROTI around geomagnetic latitude=63.3° N and MLT=15:40 on the same day. These can be explained by enhanced ionospheric irregularities in the auroral oval at the maximum of AE index

Congenital hypothyroidism treatment in infants: a comparative study between liquid and tablet formulations of levothyroxine.

PubMed

Peroni, Elena; Vigone, Maria Cristina; Mora, Stefano; Bassi, Lorenzo Andrea; Pozzi, Clara; Passoni, Arianna; Weber, Giovanna

2014-01-01

To compare the effects of liquid and tablet formulations of levothyroxine (L-T4) in 78 newborns with congenital hypothyroidism (CH). 39 patients received liquid L-T4 (group A) and 39 patients received tablets (group B). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) were measured and L-T4 dose recorded at onset of therapy and during the first year of treatment. Developmental quotient (DQ) was assessed by Griffiths' mental development scales at 12 months of age. Gestational age, birth weight, screening TSH, etiology and severity of CH, age at onset of therapy and median initial L-T4 dose were similar in both groups. fT4 concentration normalized before 10 days of treatment in all patients. Normalization of TSH concentration was achieved after 7-10 days of therapy in 87% of group A patients and in 82% of group B patients. Group A patients had significantly lower TSH values compared with those of group B at 7-10 days (p = 0.05) and 6-8 months (p = 0.043) of treatment, despite similar L-T4 dose and fT4 concentration. Mean DQ scores were within normal range in all patients. We confirmed the efficacy and safety of both formulations. The TSH inhibition trend when using liquid L-T4 may be linked to a higher absorption in comparison to the tablets.

The use of the cannibalistic habit and elevated relative humidity to improve the storage and shipment of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

PubMed

Ghazy, Noureldin Abuelfadl; Amano, Hiroshi

2016-07-01

This study investigated the feasibility of using the cannibalistic habits of the mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and controlling the relative humidity (RH) to prolong the survival time during the storage or shipment of this predatory mite. Three-day-old mated and unmated females were individually kept at 25 ± 1 °C in polypropylene vials (1.5 mL), each containing one of the following items or combinations of items: a kidney bean leaf disk (L), N. californicus eggs (E), and both a leaf disk and the eggs (LE). Because the leaf disk increased the RH in the vials, the RH was 95 ± 2 % under the L and LE treatments and 56 ± 6 % under the E treatment. The median lethal time (LT50) exceeded 50 days for the mated and unmated females under the LE treatment. However, it did not exceed 11 or 3 days for all females under the L or E treatments, respectively. Under the LE treatment, the mated and unmated females showed cannibalistic behavior and consumed an average of 5.2 and 4.6 eggs/female/10 days. Some of the females that survived for LT50 under each treatment were transferred and fed normally with a constant supply of Tetranychus urticae Koch. Unmated females were provided with adult males for 24 h for mating. Only females previously kept at LE treatment produced numbers of eggs equivalent to the control females (no treatment is applied). The results suggested that a supply of predator eggs and leaf material might have furnished nutrition and water vapor, respectively, and that this combination prolonged the survival time of N. californicus during storage. Moreover, this approach poses no risk of pest contamination in commercial products.

Causes of Rapid Carrion Beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) Death in Flooded Pitfall Traps, Response to Soil Flooding, Immersion Tolerance, and Swimming Behavior.

PubMed

Cavallaro, Michael C; Barnhart, M Christopher; Hoback, W Wyatt

2017-04-01

Terrestrial insects in water can often delay or escape drowning by floating and swimming. However, we observed that flooding of pitfall traps baited with rotting carrion results in high overnight mortality of captured beetles and reasoned that this risk may be enhanced by microbial respiration. By assessing carrion beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) response to flooding, tolerance to immersion, and swimming behavior, we offer insights to this cause of death and beetle behavioral physiology. Response of buried Nicrophorus orbicollis Say to soil flooding resulted in beetles moving to the soil surface. The lethal time to 50% mortality (LT50 (immersion); mean ± 95% CI) for Nicrophorus investigator Zetterstedt, Nicrophorus marginatus F., Necrodes surinamensis F., and Thanatophilus lapponicus Herbst was 14.8 ± 2.3, 9.0 ± 3.3, 3.2 ± 1.1, and 12.1 ± 2.5 h, respectively. Swimming behavior and survival time of N. investigator was tested using yeast:sucrose (Y:S) solutions to create a eutrophic, severely hypoxic aqueous environment. LT50 (swimming) for N. investigator was 7.5 ± 1.4, 6.0 ± 1.7, and 4.2 ± 1.2 h for the low, medium, and high Y:S solutions, respectively, and >24.0 h in control treatments. Nicrophorus investigator survived nearly twice as long when completely immersed in deoxygenated water, as might occur in flooded burrows, than when swimming on the surface. We document for the first time, the rapid induction of hypoxic coma and death for a terrestrial insect from enhanced microbial activity and CO2 production of an aqueous environment, as well as suggestions on trapping protocols related to the federally endangered Nicrophorus americanus Olivier. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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

PubMed

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

2010-01-01

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

Role of Abscisic Acid in the Induction of Freezing Tolerance in Brassica napus Suspension-Cultured Cells 1

PubMed Central

Johnson-Flanagan, Anne M.; Huiwen, Zhong; Thiagarajah, Mohan R.; Saini, Hargurdeep S.

1991-01-01

Brassica napus suspension-cultured cells could be hardened in 6 days at 25°C by the addition of mefluidide or ABA to the culture medium. Cells treated with mefluidide (10 milligrams per liter) or ABA (50 micromolar) attained an LT50 of −17.5°C or −18°C, respectively, while the LT50 for the comparable nonhardened control (sucrose) was −10°C. The increased freezing tolerance of mefluidide-treated cells was paralleled by a 4- to 23-fold increase in ABA, as measured by gas-liquid chromatography using electron capture detection. Application of 1 milligram per liter of fluridone, an inhibitor of abscisic acid biosynthesis, prevented the mefluidide-induced increase in freezing tolerance and the accumulation of ABA. Both these inhibitory effects of fluridone were overridden by 50 micromolar ABA in the culture medium. On the basis of these results, we concluded that increased ABA levels are important for the induction of freezing tolerance in suspension-cultured cells. PMID:16668089

Lactate threshold by muscle electrical impedance in professional rowers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jotta, B.; Coutinho, A. B. B.; Pino, A. V.; Souza, M. N.

2017-04-01

Lactate threshold (LT) is one of the physiological parameters usually used in rowing sport training prescription because it indicates the transitions from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Assessment of LT is classically based on a series of values of blood lactate concentrations obtained during progressive exercise tests and thus has an invasive aspect. The feasibility of noninvasive LT estimative through bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) data collected in thigh muscles during rowing ergometer exercise tests was investigated. Nineteen professional rowers, age 19 (mean) ± 4.8 (standard deviation) yr, height 187.3 ± 6.6 cm, body mass 83 ± 7.7 kg, and training experience of 7 ± 4 yr, were evaluated in a rowing ergometer progressive test with paired measures of blood lactate concentration and BIS in thigh muscles. Bioelectrical impedance data were obtained by using a bipolar method of spectroscopy based on the current response to a voltage step. An electrical model was used to interpret BIS data and to derive parameters that were investigated to estimate LT noninvasively. From the serial blood lactate measurements, LT was also determined through Dmax method (LTDmax). The zero crossing of the second derivative of kinetic of the capacitance electrode (Ce), one of the BIS parameters, was used to estimate LT. The agreement between the LT estimates through BIS (LTBIS) and through Dmax method (LTDmax) was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots, leading to a mean difference between the estimates of just 0.07 W and a Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.85. This result supports the utilization of the proposed method based on BIS parameters for estimating noninvasively the lactate threshold in rowing.

BRP-187: A potent inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis that acts through impeding the dynamic 5-lipoxygenase/5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) complex assembly.

PubMed

Garscha, Ulrike; Voelker, Susanna; Pace, Simona; Gerstmeier, Jana; Emini, Besa; Liening, Stefanie; Rossi, Antonietta; Weinigel, Christina; Rummler, Silke; Schubert, Ulrich S; Scriba, Gerhard K E; Çelikoğlu, Erşan; Çalışkan, Burcu; Banoglu, Erden; Sautebin, Lidia; Werz, Oliver

2016-11-01

The pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) are formed from arachidonic acid (AA) in activated leukocytes, where 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) translocates to the nuclear envelope to assemble a functional complex with the integral nuclear membrane protein 5-LO-activating protein (FLAP). FLAP, a MAPEG family member, facilitates AA transfer to 5-LO for efficient conversion, and LT biosynthesis critically depends on FLAP. Here we show that the novel LT biosynthesis inhibitor BRP-187 prevents the 5-LO/FLAP interaction at the nuclear envelope of human leukocytes without blocking 5-LO nuclear redistribution. BRP-187 inhibited 5-LO product formation in human monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide plus N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (IC 50 =7-10nM), and upon activation by ionophore A23187 (IC 50 =10-60nM). Excess of exogenous AA markedly impaired the potency of BRP-187. Direct 5-LO inhibition in cell-free assays was evident only at >35-fold higher concentrations, which was reversible and not improved under reducing conditions. BRP-187 prevented A23187-induced 5-LO/FLAP complex assembly in leukocytes but failed to block 5-LO nuclear translocation, features that were shared with the FLAP inhibitor MK886. Whereas AA release, cyclooxygenases and related LOs were unaffected, BRP-187 also potently inhibited microsomal prostaglandin E 2 synthase-1 (IC 50 =0.2μM), another MAPEG member. In vivo, BRP-187 (10mg/kg) exhibited significant effectiveness in zymosan-induced murine peritonitis, suppressing LT levels in peritoneal exudates as well as vascular permeability and neutrophil infiltration. Together, BRP-187 potently inhibits LT biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo, which seemingly is caused by preventing the 5-LO/FLAP complex assembly and warrants further preclinical evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of a passive exhalation port on tracheostomy ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Vianello, Andrea; Arcaro, Giovanna; Molena, Beatrice; Iovino, Silvia; Gallan, Federico; Turato, Cristian; Marchese-Ragona, Rosario

2018-02-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients often require long-term tracheostomy ventilation (LT-TV) because of progressive ventilatory failure. Although widely used for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), passive exhalation port systems have not been gaining popularity for TV because of the possibility of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) rebreathing. The current study set out to investigate the effect of a Whisper Swivel connector in comparison to an active exhalation valve on gas exchange and symptoms in ALS patients requiring LT-TV. A prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out to compare the clinical outcome of ten ALS patients receiving LT-TV by means of a Trilogy 100 ventilator with a Whisper Swivel passive exhalation port (group A) and of 10 ALS patients connected to an Airox Legendair ventilator with an active exhalation valve (group B). The study's main outcome measure was CO 2 retention at the 30-day follow-up assessment. One patient in each of the two cohorts showed significant CO 2 retention. At the 30-day assessment, scores on the following measures were not significantly different in the two groups: the Borg dyspnea scale {2 [1-3] vs. 1 [1-3]; P=0.2891}, the visual analogue scale (VAS) dyspnea {20 [10-85] vs. 20 [0-50]; P=0.8571}, the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) {8 [4-10] vs. 5.5 [0-12]; P=0.1443}, the EuroQol-VAS (EQ-VAS) {55 [50-80] vs. 50 [30-80]; P=0.4593} and the relative stress scale (RSS) {49 [30-65] vs. 52 [25-64]; P=0.8650}. At the 3-month follow-up assessment, the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths were likewise similar in the two groups. The efficacy of the Whisper Swivel connector is similar to that of an active exhalation valve in ALS patients undergoing LT-TV.

Quantitative T2-Mapping and T2⁎-Mapping Evaluation of Changes in Cartilage Matrix after Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and the Correlation between the Results of Both Methods.

PubMed

Tao, Hongyue; Qiao, Yang; Hu, Yiwen; Xie, Yuxue; Lu, Rong; Yan, Xu; Chen, Shuang

2018-01-01

To quantitatively assess changes in cartilage matrix after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture using T2- and T2 ⁎ -mapping and analyze the correlation between the results of both methods. Twenty-three patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled and underwent quantitative MRI examination. The knee cartilage was segmented into six compartments, including lateral femur (LF), lateral tibia (LT), medial femur (MF), medial tibia (MT), trochlea (Tr), and patella (Pa). T2 and T2 ⁎ values were measured in full-thickness as well as superficial and deep layers of each cartilage compartment. Differences of T2 and T2 ⁎ values between patients and controls were compared using unpaired Student's t -test, and the correlation between their reciprocals was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. ACL-ruptured patients showed higher T2 and T2 ⁎ values in full-thickness and superficial layers of medial and lateral tibiofemoral joint. Meanwhile, patients exhibited higher T2 ⁎ values in deep layers of lateral tibiofemoral joint. The elevated percentages of T2 and T2 ⁎ value in superficial LT were most significant (20.738%, 17.525%). The reciprocal of T2 ⁎ value was correlated with that of T2 value ( r = 0.886, P < 0.001). The early degeneration could occur in various knee cartilage compartments after acute ACL rupture, especially in the superficial layer of LT. T2 ⁎ -mapping might be more sensitive in detecting deep layer of cartilage than T2-mapping.

Chronic Inhalation Toxicity of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine: Oncogenic Effects

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

maintained for various time periods postexposure as long as: hamsters, 17 months; mice and rats, 19 months; and dogs , 54 months. The lung was a target organ...Force Base, Ohio R. H. Bruner, Lt Col United States Army BLOCK 18. Subject Terms Peroral Dogs Rats Neoplastic Mice Non-Neoplastic Hamsters BLOCK 19...Abstract An indication of hepatotoxicity in dogs was revealed by transitory elevation in SGPT and BSP values for dogs exposed to 5 ppm. Since the UDMH

Time-to-death approach to reveal chronic and cumulative toxicity of a fungicide for honeybees not revealed with the standard ten-day test.

PubMed

Simon-Delso, Noa; San Martin, Gilles; Bruneau, Etienne; Hautier, Louis

2018-05-08

Synthetic fungicides are pesticides widely used in agriculture to control phytopathogenic fungi. The systemicity, persistency and intense application of some of these fungicides, such as boscalid, leads to long periods of exposure for honeybees via contaminated water, pollen and nectar. We exposed adult honeybees in the lab to food contaminated with boscalid for 33 days instead of the standard 10-day test. Most of the toxic effects were observed after 10 days. The median time to death (LT 50 ) ranged from 24.9 days (lowest concentration) to 7.1 days (highest concentration) and was significantly shorter in all cases than with the control (32.0 days). The concentration and dietary doses of boscalid inducing 50% mortality (LC 50 and LDD 50 , respectively) decreased strongly with the time of exposure: LC 50  = 14,729 and 1,174 mg/l and LDD 50  = 0.318 and 0.0301 mg bee -1 day -1 at days 8 and 25, respectively. We found evidence of reinforced toxicity when exposure is prolonged, but with an unusual pattern: no cumulative toxicity is observed until 17-18 days, when a point of inflexion appears that suggests a reduced capacity of bees to deal with the toxicant. Our results show the importance of time-to-death experiments rather than fixed-duration studies for evaluating chronic toxicity.

Local H i emissivity measured with FERMI-LAT and implications for Cosmic-ray spectra

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

Casandjian, Jean -Marc

Cosmic-ray (CR) electrons and nuclei interact with the Galactic interstellar gas and produce high-energy γ-rays. The γ-ray emission rate per hydrogen atom, called emissivity, provides a unique indirect probe of the CR flux. We present the measurement and the interpretation of the emissivity in the solar neighborhood for γ-ray energy from 50 MeV to 50 GeV. We analyzed a subset of 4 yr of observations from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope ( Fermi) restricted to absolute latitudesmore » $$10^\\circ \\lt | b| \\lt 70^\\circ $$. From a fit to the LAT data including atomic, molecular, and ionized hydrogen column density templates, as well as a dust optical depth map, we derived the emissivities, the molecular hydrogen–to–CO conversion factor $${X}_{\\mathrm{CO}}=(0.902\\pm 0.007)\\times {10}^{20}$$ cm–2 (K km s–1)–1, and the dust-to-gas ratio $${X}_{\\mathrm{DUST}}=(41.4\\pm 0.3)\\times {10}^{20}$$ cm–2 mag–1. Moreover, we detected for the first time γ-ray emission from ionized hydrogen. We compared the extracted emissivities to those calculated from γ-ray production cross sections and to CR spectra measured in the heliosphere. We observed that the experimental emissivities are reproduced only if the solar modulation is accounted for. This provides a direct detection of solar modulation observed previously through the anticorrelation between CR fluxes and solar activity. Lastly, we fitted a parameterized spectral form to the heliospheric CR observations and to the Fermi-LAT emissivity and obtained compatible local interstellar spectra for proton and helium kinetic energy per nucleon between between 1 and 100 GeV and for electron–positrons between 0.1 and 100 GeV.« less

Local H i emissivity measured with FERMI-LAT and implications for Cosmic-ray spectra

DOE PAGES

Casandjian, Jean -Marc

2015-06-20

Cosmic-ray (CR) electrons and nuclei interact with the Galactic interstellar gas and produce high-energy γ-rays. The γ-ray emission rate per hydrogen atom, called emissivity, provides a unique indirect probe of the CR flux. We present the measurement and the interpretation of the emissivity in the solar neighborhood for γ-ray energy from 50 MeV to 50 GeV. We analyzed a subset of 4 yr of observations from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope ( Fermi) restricted to absolute latitudesmore » $$10^\\circ \\lt | b| \\lt 70^\\circ $$. From a fit to the LAT data including atomic, molecular, and ionized hydrogen column density templates, as well as a dust optical depth map, we derived the emissivities, the molecular hydrogen–to–CO conversion factor $${X}_{\\mathrm{CO}}=(0.902\\pm 0.007)\\times {10}^{20}$$ cm–2 (K km s–1)–1, and the dust-to-gas ratio $${X}_{\\mathrm{DUST}}=(41.4\\pm 0.3)\\times {10}^{20}$$ cm–2 mag–1. Moreover, we detected for the first time γ-ray emission from ionized hydrogen. We compared the extracted emissivities to those calculated from γ-ray production cross sections and to CR spectra measured in the heliosphere. We observed that the experimental emissivities are reproduced only if the solar modulation is accounted for. This provides a direct detection of solar modulation observed previously through the anticorrelation between CR fluxes and solar activity. Lastly, we fitted a parameterized spectral form to the heliospheric CR observations and to the Fermi-LAT emissivity and obtained compatible local interstellar spectra for proton and helium kinetic energy per nucleon between between 1 and 100 GeV and for electron–positrons between 0.1 and 100 GeV.« less

Feasibility of UltraFast Doppler in Post-operative Evaluation of Hepatic Artery in Recipients following Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Kim, Se-Young; Kim, Kyoung Won; Choi, Sang Hyun; Kwon, Jae Hyun; Song, Gi-Won; Kwon, Heon-Ju; Yun, Young Ju; Lee, Jeongjin; Lee, Sung-Gyu

2017-11-01

To determine the feasibility of using UltraFast Doppler in post-operative evaluation of the hepatic artery (HA) after liver transplantation (LT), we evaluated 283 simultaneous conventional and UltraFast Doppler sessions in 126 recipients over a 2-mo period after LT, using an Aixplorer scanner The Doppler indexes of the HA (peak systolic velocity [PSV], end-diastolic velocity [EDV], resistive index [RI] and systolic acceleration time [SAT]) by retrospective analysis of retrieved waves from UltraFast Doppler clips were compared with those obtained by conventional spectral Doppler. Correlation, performance in diagnosing the pathologic wave, examination time and reproducibility were evaluated. The PSV, EDV, RI and SAT of spectral and UltraFast Doppler measurements exhibited excellent correlation with favorable diagnostic performance. During the bedside examination, the mean time spent for UltraFast clip storing was significantly shorter than that for conventional Doppler US measurements. Both conventional and UltraFast Doppler exhibited good to excellent inter-analysis consistency. In conclusion, compared with conventional spectral Doppler, UltraFast Doppler values correlated excellently and yielded acceptable pathologic wave diagnostic performance with reduced examination time at the bedside and excellent reproducibility. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Rate of Binary Black Hole Mergers Inferred from Advanced LIGO Observations Surrounding GW150914

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, R.; Abbott, T. D.; Abernathy, M. R.; Acernese, F.; Ackley, K.; Adams, C.; Adams, T.; Addesso, P.; Adhikari, R. X.; Adya, V. B.; Affeldt, C.; Agathos, M.; Agatsuma, K.; Aggarwal, N.; Aguiar, O. D.; Aiello, L.; Ain, A.; Ajith, P.; Allen, B.; Allocca, A.; Altin, P. A.; Anderson, S. B.; Anderson, W. G.; Arai, K.; Araya, M. C.; Arceneaux, C. C.; Areeda, J. S.; Arnaud, N.; Arun, K. G.; Ascenzi, S.; Ashton, G.; Ast, M.; Aston, S. M.; Astone, P.; Aufmuth, P.; Aulbert, C.; Babak, S.; Bacon, P.; Bader, M. K. M.; Baker, P. T.; Baldaccini, F.; Ballardin, G.; Ballmer, S. W.; Barayoga, J. C.; Barclay, S. E.; Barish, B. C.; Barker, D.; Barone, F.; Barr, B.; Barsotti, L.; Barsuglia, M.; Barta, D.; Bartlett, J.; Bartos, I.; Bassiri, R.; Basti, A.; Batch, J. C.; Baune, C.; Bavigadda, V.; Bazzan, M.; Behnke, B.; Bejger, M.; Bell, A. S.; Bell, C. J.; Berger, B. K.; Bergman, J.; Bergmann, G.; Berry, C. P. L.; Bersanetti, D.; Bertolini, A.; Betzwieser, J.; Bhagwat, S.; Bhandare, R.; Bilenko, I. A.; Billingsley, G.; Birch, J.; Birney, R.; Biscans, S.; Bisht, A.; Bitossi, M.; Biwer, C.; Bizouard, M. A.; Blackburn, J. K.; Blair, C. D.; Blair, D. G.; Blair, R. M.; Bloemen, S.; Bock, O.; Bodiya, T. P.; Boer, M.; Bogaert, G.; Bogan, C.; Bohe, A.; Bojtos, P.; Bond, C.; Bondu, F.; Bonnand, R.; Boom, B. A.; Bork, R.; Boschi, V.; Bose, S.; Bouffanais, Y.; Bozzi, A.; Bradaschia, C.; Brady, P. R.; Braginsky, V. B.; Branchesi, M.; Brau, J. E.; Briant, T.; Brillet, A.; Brinkmann, M.; Brisson, V.; Brockill, P.; Brooks, A. F.; Brown, D. A.; Brown, D. D.; Brown, N. M.; Buchanan, C. C.; Buikema, A.; Bulik, T.; Bulten, H. J.; Buonanno, A.; Buskulic, D.; Buy, C.; Byer, R. L.; Cadonati, L.; Cagnoli, G.; Cahillane, C.; Calderón Bustillo, J.; Callister, T.; Calloni, E.; Camp, J. B.; Cannon, K. C.; Cao, J.; Capano, C. D.; Capocasa, E.; Carbognani, F.; Caride, S.; Casanueva Diaz, J.; Casentini, C.; Caudill, S.; Cavaglià, M.; Cavalier, F.; Cavalieri, R.; Cella, G.; Cepeda, C. B.; Cerboni Baiardi, L.; Cerretani, G.; Cesarini, E.; Chakraborty, R.; Chalermsongsak, T.; Chamberlin, S. J.; Chan, M.; Chao, S.; Charlton, P.; Chassande-Mottin, E.; Chen, H. Y.; Chen, Y.; Cheng, C.; Chincarini, A.; Chiummo, A.; Cho, H. S.; Cho, M.; Chow, J. H.; Christensen, N.; Chu, Q.; Chua, S.; Chung, S.; Ciani, G.; Clara, F.; Clark, J. A.; Cleva, F.; Coccia, E.; Cohadon, P.-F.; Colla, A.; Collette, C. G.; Cominsky, L.; Constancio, M., Jr.; Conte, A.; Conti, L.; Cook, D.; Corbitt, T. R.; Cornish, N.; Corsi, A.; Cortese, S.; Costa, C. A.; Coughlin, M. W.; Coughlin, S. B.; Coulon, J.-P.; Countryman, S. T.; Couvares, P.; Cowan, E. E.; Coward, D. M.; Cowart, M. J.; Coyne, D. C.; Coyne, R.; Craig, K.; Creighton, J. D. E.; Cripe, J.; Crowder, S. G.; Cumming, A.; Cunningham, L.; Cuoco, E.; Dal Canton, T.; Danilishin, S. L.; D'Antonio, S.; Danzmann, K.; Darman, N. S.; Dattilo, V.; Dave, I.; Daveloza, H. P.; Davier, M.; Davies, G. S.; Daw, E. J.; Day, R.; De, S.; DeBra, D.; Debreczeni, G.; Degallaix, J.; De Laurentis, M.; Deléglise, S.; Del Pozzo, W.; Denker, T.; Dent, T.; Dereli, H.; Dergachev, V.; De Rosa, R.; DeRosa, R. T.; DeSalvo, R.; Dhurandhar, S.; Díaz, M. C.; Di Fiore, L.; Di Giovanni, M.; Di Lieto, A.; Di Pace, S.; Di Palma, I.; Di Virgilio, A.; Dojcinoski, G.; Dolique, V.; Donovan, F.; Dooley, K. L.; Doravari, S.; Douglas, R.; Downes, T. P.; Drago, M.; Drever, R. W. P.; Driggers, J. C.; Du, Z.; Ducrot, M.; Dwyer, S. E.; Edo, T. B.; Edwards, M. C.; Effler, A.; Eggenstein, H.-B.; Ehrens, P.; Eichholz, J.; Eikenberry, S. S.; Engels, W.; Essick, R. C.; Etzel, T.; Evans, M.; Evans, T. M.; Everett, R.; Factourovich, M.; Fafone, V.; Fair, H.; Fairhurst, S.; Fan, X.; Fang, Q.; Farinon, S.; Farr, B.; Farr, W. M.; Favata, M.; Fays, M.; Fehrmann, H.; Fejer, M. M.; Ferrante, I.; Ferreira, E. C.; Ferrini, F.; Fidecaro, F.; Fiori, I.; Fiorucci, D.; Fisher, R. P.; Flaminio, R.; Fletcher, M.; Fong, H.; Fournier, J.-D.; Franco, S.; Frasca, S.; Frasconi, F.; Frei, Z.; Freise, A.; Frey, R.; Frey, V.; Fricke, T. T.; Fritschel, P.; Frolov, V. V.; Fulda, P.; Fyffe, M.; Gabbard, H. A. G.; Gair, J. R.; Gammaitoni, L.; Gaonkar, S. G.; Garufi, F.; Gatto, A.; Gaur, G.; Gehrels, N.; Gemme, G.; Gendre, B.; Genin, E.; Gennai, A.; George, J.; Gergely, L.; Germain, V.; Ghosh, Archisman; Ghosh, S.; Giaime, J. A.; Giardina, K. D.; Giazotto, A.; Gill, K.; Glaefke, A.; Goetz, E.; Goetz, R.; Gondan, L.; González, G.; Gonzalez Castro, J. M.; Gopakumar, A.; Gordon, N. A.; Gorodetsky, M. L.; Gossan, S. E.; Gosselin, M.; Gouaty, R.; Graef, C.; Graff, P. B.; Granata, M.; Grant, A.; Gras, S.; Gray, C.; Greco, G.; Green, A. C.; Groot, P.; Grote, H.; Grunewald, S.; Guidi, G. M.; Guo, X.; Gupta, A.; Gupta, M. K.; Gushwa, K. E.; Gustafson, E. K.; Gustafson, R.; Hacker, J. J.; Hall, B. R.; Hall, E. D.; Hammond, G.; Haney, M.; Hanke, M. M.; Hanks, J.; Hanna, C.; Hannam, M. D.; Hanson, J.; Hardwick, T.; Harms, J.; Harry, G. M.; Harry, I. W.; Hart, M. J.; Hartman, M. T.; Haster, C.-J.; Haughian, K.; Heidmann, A.; Heintze, M. C.; Heitmann, H.; Hello, P.; Hemming, G.; Hendry, M.; Heng, I. S.; Hennig, J.; Heptonstall, A. W.; Heurs, M.; Hild, S.; Hoak, D.; Hodge, K. A.; Hofman, D.; Hollitt, S. E.; Holt, K.; Holz, D. E.; Hopkins, P.; Hosken, D. J.; Hough, J.; Houston, E. A.; Howell, E. J.; Hu, Y. M.; Huang, S.; Huerta, E. A.; Huet, D.; Hughey, B.; Husa, S.; Huttner, S. H.; Huynh-Dinh, T.; Idrisy, A.; Indik, N.; Ingram, D. R.; Inta, R.; Isa, H. N.; Isac, J.-M.; Isi, M.; Islas, G.; Isogai, T.; Iyer, B. R.; Izumi, K.; Jacqmin, T.; Jang, H.; Jani, K.; Jaranowski, P.; Jawahar, S.; Jiménez-Forteza, F.; Johnson, W. W.; Jones, D. I.; Jones, R.; Jonker, R. J. G.; Ju, L.; K, Haris; Kalaghatgi, C. V.; Kalogera, V.; Kandhasamy, S.; Kang, G.; Kanner, J. B.; Karki, S.; Kasprzack, M.; Katsavounidis, E.; Katzman, W.; Kaufer, S.; Kaur, T.; Kawabe, K.; Kawazoe, F.; Kéfélian, F.; Kehl, M. S.; Keitel, D.; Kelley, D. B.; Kells, W.; Kennedy, R.; Key, J. S.; Khalaidovski, A.; Khalili, F. Y.; Khan, I.; Khan, S.; Khan, Z.; Khazanov, E. A.; Kijbunchoo, N.; Kim, C.; Kim, J.; Kim, K.; Kim, Nam-Gyu; Kim, Namjun; Kim, Y.-M.; King, E. J.; King, P. J.; Kinzel, D. L.; Kissel, J. S.; Kleybolte, L.; Klimenko, S.; Koehlenbeck, S. M.; Kokeyama, K.; Koley, S.; Kondrashov, V.; Kontos, A.; Korobko, M.; Korth, W. Z.; Kowalska, I.; Kozak, D. B.; Kringel, V.; Krishnan, B.; Królak, A.; Krueger, C.; Kuehn, G.; Kumar, P.; Kuo, L.; Kutynia, A.; Lackey, B. D.; Landry, M.; Lange, J.; Lantz, B.; Lasky, P. D.; Lazzarini, A.; Lazzaro, C.; Leaci, P.; Leavey, S.; Lebigot, E. O.; Lee, C. H.; Lee, H. K.; Lee, H. M.; Lee, K.; Lenon, A.; Leonardi, M.; Leong, J. R.; Leroy, N.; Letendre, N.; Levin, Y.; Levine, B. M.; Li, T. G. F.; Libson, A.; Littenberg, T. B.; Lockerbie, N. A.; Logue, J.; Lombardi, A. L.; Lord, J. E.; Lorenzini, M.; Loriette, V.; Lormand, M.; Losurdo, G.; Lough, J. D.; Lück, H.; Lundgren, A. P.; Luo, J.; Lynch, R.; Ma, Y.; MacDonald, T.; Machenschalk, B.; MacInnis, M.; Macleod, D. M.; Magaña-Sandoval, F.; Magee, R. M.; Mageswaran, M.; Majorana, E.; Maksimovic, I.; Malvezzi, V.; Man, N.; Mandel, I.; Mandic, V.; Mangano, V.; Mansell, G. L.; Manske, M.; Mantovani, M.; Marchesoni, F.; Marion, F.; Márka, S.; Márka, Z.; Markosyan, A. S.; Maros, E.; Martelli, F.; Martellini, L.; Martin, I. W.; Martin, R. M.; Martynov, D. V.; Marx, J. N.; Mason, K.; Masserot, A.; Massinger, T. J.; Masso-Reid, M.; Matichard, F.; Matone, L.; Mavalvala, N.; Mazumder, N.; Mazzolo, G.; McCarthy, R.; McClelland, D. E.; McCormick, S.; McGuire, S. C.; McIntyre, G.; McIver, J.; McManus, D. J.; McWilliams, S. T.; Meacher, D.; Meadors, G. D.; Meidam, J.; Melatos, A.; Mendell, G.; Mendoza-Gandara, D.; Mercer, R. A.; Merilh, E.; Merzougui, M.; Meshkov, S.; Messenger, C.; Messick, C.; Meyers, P. M.; Mezzani, F.; Miao, H.; Michel, C.; Middleton, H.; Mikhailov, E. E.; Milano, L.; Miller, J.; Millhouse, M.; Minenkov, Y.; Ming, J.; Mirshekari, S.; Mishra, C.; Mitra, S.; Mitrofanov, V. P.; Mitselmakher, G.; Mittleman, R.; Moggi, A.; Mohan, M.; Mohapatra, S. R. P.; Montani, M.; Moore, B. C.; Moore, C. J.; Moraru, D.; Moreno, G.; Morriss, S. R.; Mossavi, K.; Mours, B.; Mow-Lowry, C. M.; Mueller, C. L.; Mueller, G.; Muir, A. W.; Mukherjee, Arunava; Mukherjee, D.; Mukherjee, S.; Mukund, N.; Mullavey, A.; Munch, J.; Murphy, D. J.; Murray, P. G.; Mytidis, A.; Nardecchia, I.; Naticchioni, L.; Nayak, R. K.; Necula, V.; Nedkova, K.; Nelemans, G.; Neri, M.; Neunzert, A.; Newton, G.; Nguyen, T. T.; Nielsen, A. B.; Nissanke, S.; Nitz, A.; Nocera, F.; Nolting, D.; Normandin, M. E.; Nuttall, L. K.; Oberling, J.; Ochsner, E.; O'Dell, J.; Oelker, E.; Ogin, G. H.; Oh, J. J.; Oh, S. H.; Ohme, F.; Oliver, M.; Oppermann, P.; Oram, Richard J.; O'Reilly, B.; O'Shaughnessy, R.; Ottaway, D. J.; Ottens, R. S.; Overmier, H.; Owen, B. J.; Pai, A.; Pai, S. A.; Palamos, J. R.; Palashov, O.; Palomba, C.; Pal-Singh, A.; Pan, H.; Pankow, C.; Pannarale, F.; Pant, B. C.; Paoletti, F.; Paoli, A.; Papa, M. A.; Paris, H. R.; Parker, W.; Pascucci, D.; Pasqualetti, A.; Passaquieti, R.; Passuello, D.; Patricelli, B.; Patrick, Z.; Pearlstone, B. L.; Pedraza, M.; Pedurand, R.; Pekowsky, L.; Pele, A.; Penn, S.; Perreca, A.; Phelps, M.; Piccinni, O.; Pichot, M.; Piergiovanni, F.; Pierro, V.; Pillant, G.; Pinard, L.; Pinto, I. M.; Pitkin, M.; Poggiani, R.; Popolizio, P.; Porter, E. K.; Post, A.; Powell, J.; Prasad, J.; Predoi, V.; Premachandra, S. S.; Prestegard, T.; Price, L. R.; Prijatelj, M.; Principe, M.; Privitera, S.; Prodi, G. A.; Prokhorov, L.; Puncken, O.; Punturo, M.; Puppo, P.; Pürrer, M.; Qi, H.; Qin, J.; Quetschke, V.; Quintero, E. A.; Quitzow-James, R.; Raab, F. J.; Rabeling, D. S.; Radkins, H.; Raffai, P.; Raja, S.; Rakhmanov, M.; Rapagnani, P.; Raymond, V.; Razzano, M.; Re, V.; Read, J.; Reed, C. M.; Regimbau, T.; Rei, L.; Reid, S.; Reitze, D. H.; Rew, H.; Reyes, S. D.; Ricci, F.; Riles, K.; Robertson, N. A.; Robie, R.; Robinet, F.; Rocchi, A.; Rolland, L.; Rollins, J. G.; Roma, V. J.; Romano, R.; Romanov, G.; Romie, J. H.; Rosińska, D.; Rowan, S.; Rüdiger, A.; Ruggi, P.; Ryan, K.; Sachdev, S.; Sadecki, T.; Sadeghian, L.; Salconi, L.; Saleem, M.; Salemi, F.; Samajdar, A.; Sammut, L.; Sampson, L.; Sanchez, E. J.; Sandberg, V.; Sandeen, B.; Sanders, J. R.; Sassolas, B.; Sathyaprakash, B. S.; Saulson, P. R.; Sauter, O.; Savage, R. L.; Sawadsky, A.; Schale, P.; Schilling, R.; Schmidt, J.; Schmidt, P.; Schnabel, R.; Schofield, R. M. S.; Schönbeck, A.; Schreiber, E.; Schuette, D.; Schutz, B. F.; Scott, J.; Scott, S. M.; Sellers, D.; Sengupta, A. S.; Sentenac, D.; Sequino, V.; Sergeev, A.; Serna, G.; Setyawati, Y.; Sevigny, A.; Shaddock, D. A.; Shah, S.; Shahriar, M. S.; Shaltev, M.; Shao, Z.; Shapiro, B.; Shawhan, P.; Sheperd, A.; Shoemaker, D. H.; Shoemaker, D. M.; Siellez, K.; Siemens, X.; Sigg, D.; Silva, A. D.; Simakov, D.; Singer, A.; Singer, L. P.; Singh, A.; Singh, R.; Singhal, A.; Sintes, A. M.; Slagmolen, B. J. J.; Smith, J. R.; Smith, N. D.; Smith, R. J. E.; Son, E. J.; Sorazu, B.; Sorrentino, F.; Souradeep, T.; Srivastava, A. K.; Staley, A.; Steinke, M.; Steinlechner, J.; Steinlechner, S.; Steinmeyer, D.; Stephens, B. C.; Stevenson, S.; Stone, R.; Strain, K. A.; Straniero, N.; Stratta, G.; Strauss, N. A.; Strigin, S.; Sturani, R.; Stuver, A. L.; Summerscales, T. Z.; Sun, L.; Sutton, P. J.; Swinkels, B. L.; Szczepańczyk, M. J.; Tacca, M.; Talukder, D.; Tanner, D. B.; Tápai, M.; Tarabrin, S. P.; Taracchini, A.; Taylor, R.; Theeg, T.; Thirugnanasambandam, M. P.; Thomas, E. G.; Thomas, M.; Thomas, P.; Thorne, K. A.; Thorne, K. S.; Thrane, E.; Tiwari, S.; Tiwari, V.; Tokmakov, K. V.; Tomlinson, C.; Tonelli, M.; Torres, C. V.; Torrie, C. I.; Töyrä, D.; Travasso, F.; Traylor, G.; Trifirò, D.; Tringali, M. C.; Trozzo, L.; Tse, M.; Turconi, M.; Tuyenbayev, D.; Ugolini, D.; Unnikrishnan, C. S.; Urban, A. L.; Usman, S. A.; Vahlbruch, H.; Vajente, G.; Valdes, G.; Vallisneri, M.; van Bakel, N.; van Beuzekom, M.; van den Brand, J. F. J.; Van Den Broeck, C.; Vander-Hyde, D. C.; van der Schaaf, L.; van Heijningen, J. V.; van Veggel, A. A.; Vardaro, M.; Vass, S.; Vasúth, M.; Vaulin, R.; Vecchio, A.; Vedovato, G.; Veitch, J.; Veitch, P. J.; Venkateswara, K.; Verkindt, D.; Vetrano, F.; Viceré, A.; Vinciguerra, S.; Vine, D. J.; Vinet, J.-Y.; Vitale, S.; Vo, T.; Vocca, H.; Vorvick, C.; Voss, D.; Vousden, W. D.; Vyatchanin, S. P.; Wade, A. R.; Wade, L. E.; Wade, M.; Walker, M.; Wallace, L.; Walsh, S.; Wang, G.; Wang, H.; Wang, M.; Wang, X.; Wang, Y.; Ward, R. L.; Warner, J.; Was, M.; Weaver, B.; Wei, L.-W.; Weinert, M.; Weinstein, A. J.; Weiss, R.; Welborn, T.; Wen, L.; Weßels, P.; Westphal, T.; Wette, K.; Whelan, J. T.; White, D. J.; Whiting, B. F.; Williams, R. D.; Williamson, A. R.; Willis, J. L.; Willke, B.; Wimmer, M. H.; Winkler, W.; Wipf, C. C.; Wittel, H.; Woan, G.; Worden, J.; Wright, J. L.; Wu, G.; Yablon, J.; Yam, W.; Yamamoto, H.; Yancey, C. C.; Yap, M. J.; Yu, H.; Yvert, M.; Zadrożny, A.; Zangrando, L.; Zanolin, M.; Zendri, J.-P.; Zevin, M.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, M.; Zhang, Y.; Zhao, C.; Zhou, M.; Zhou, Z.; Zhu, X. J.; Zucker, M. E.; Zuraw, S. E.; Zweizig, J.; LIGO Scientific Collaboration; Virgo Collaboration

2016-12-01

A transient gravitational-wave signal, GW150914, was identified in the twin Advanced LIGO detectors on 2015 September 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC. To assess the implications of this discovery, the detectors remained in operation with unchanged configurations over a period of 39 days around the time of the signal. At the detection statistic threshold corresponding to that observed for GW150914, our search of the 16 days of simultaneous two-detector observational data is estimated to have a false-alarm rate (FAR) of \\lt 4.9× {10}-6 {{yr}}-1, yielding a p-value for GW150914 of \\lt 2× {10}-7. Parameter estimation follow-up on this trigger identifies its source as a binary black hole (BBH) merger with component masses ({m}1,{m}2)=({36}-4+5,{29}-4+4) {M}⊙ at redshift z={0.09}-0.04+0.03 (median and 90% credible range). Here, we report on the constraints these observations place on the rate of BBH coalescences. Considering only GW150914, assuming that all BBHs in the universe have the same masses and spins as this event, imposing a search FAR threshold of 1 per 100 years, and assuming that the BBH merger rate is constant in the comoving frame, we infer a 90% credible range of merger rates between 2{--}53 {{Gpc}}-3 {{yr}}-1 (comoving frame). Incorporating all search triggers that pass a much lower threshold while accounting for the uncertainty in the astrophysical origin of each trigger, we estimate a higher rate, ranging from 13{--}600 {{Gpc}}-3 {{yr}}-1 depending on assumptions about the BBH mass distribution. All together, our various rate estimates fall in the conservative range 2{--}600 {{Gpc}}-3 {{yr}}-1.

GPS TEC near the crest of the EIA at 95°E during the ascending half of solar cycle 24 and comparison with IRI simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhuyan, Pradip Kumar; Hazarika, Rumajyoti

2013-10-01

Total electron content (TEC) data obtained from GPS dual frequency measurements during the ascending half of the solar cycle 24 from 2009 to 2012 over Dibrugarh (27.5°N, 94.9°E; 17.6°N MLAT) have been used to study the diurnal, seasonal, annual and solar cycle variation of TEC. The measurements reported here are for the first time from the location situated at the poleward edge of the northern equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) and within the peak region of the longitudinal wave number 4 (WN4) structure in EIA crest TEC. TEC exhibits a minimum around 0600 LT and diurnal maximum around 1300-1600 LT. In the low and moderate solar activity years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, average daytime (1000-1600 LT) TEC in summer was higher (25.4 and 36.6 TECU) compared to that in winter (21.5 and 26.1 TECU). However, at the peak of the solar cycle in 2011-2012, reversal in the level of ionization between winter and summer takes place and winter TEC becomes higher (50.6 TECU) than that in summer (45.0 TECU). Further, TEC in spring (34.1, 49.9 and 63.3 TECU respectively in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12) is higher than that in autumn (24.2, 32.3 and 51.9 TECU respectively) thus showing equinoctial asymmetry in all the years of observation. The winter anomaly in high solar activity years and equinoctial asymmetry all throughout may be largely attributed to changes in the thermospheric O/N2 density ratio. A winter to summer delay of ˜1 h in the time of occurrence of the diurnal maximum has also been observed. Daytime maximum TEC bears a nonlinear relationship with F10.7 cm solar flux. TEC increases linearly with F10.7 cm solar flux initially up to about 140 sfu (1 sfu = 10-22 W m-2 Hz-1) after which it tends to saturate. On the contrary, TEC increases linearly with solar EUV flux (photons cm-2 s-1, 0.5-50 nm) during the same period. TEC predicted by the IRI 2012 are lower than the measured TEC for nearly 90% of the time.

Coupling a Reactive Transport Code with a Global Land Surface Model for Mechanistic Biogeochemistry Representation: 1. Addressing the Challenge of Nonnegativity

DOE PAGES

Tang, Guoping; Yuan, Fengming; Bisht, Gautam; ...

2016-01-01

Reactive transport codes (e.g., PFLOTRAN) are increasingly used to improve the representation of biogeochemical processes in terrestrial ecosystem models (e.g., the Community Land Model, CLM). As CLM and PFLOTRAN use explicit and implicit time stepping, implementation of CLM biogeochemical reactions in PFLOTRAN can result in negative concentration, which is not physical and can cause numerical instability and errors. The objective of this work is to address the nonnegativity challenge to obtain accurate, efficient, and robust solutions. We illustrate the implementation of a reaction network with the CLM-CN decomposition, nitrification, denitrification, and plant nitrogen uptake reactions and test the implementation atmore » arctic, temperate, and tropical sites. We examine use of scaling back the update during each iteration (SU), log transformation (LT), and downregulating the reaction rate to account for reactant availability limitation to enforce nonnegativity. Both SU and LT guarantee nonnegativity but with implications. When a very small scaling factor occurs due to either consumption or numerical overshoot, and the iterations are deemed converged because of too small an update, SU can introduce excessive numerical error. LT involves multiplication of the Jacobian matrix by the concentration vector, which increases the condition number, decreases the time step size, and increases the computational cost. Neither SU nor SE prevents zero concentration. When the concentration is close to machine precision or 0, a small positive update stops all reactions for SU, and LT can fail due to a singular Jacobian matrix. The consumption rate has to be downregulated such that the solution to the mathematical representation is positive. A first-order rate downregulates consumption and is nonnegative, and adding a residual concentration makes it positive. For zero-order rate or when the reaction rate is not a function of a reactant, representing the availability limitation of each reactant with a Monod substrate limiting function provides a smooth transition between a zero-order rate when the reactant is abundant and first-order rate when the reactant becomes limiting. When the half saturation is small, marching through the transition may require small time step sizes to resolve the sharp change within a small range of concentration values. Our results from simple tests and CLM-PFLOTRAN simulations caution against use of SU and indicate that accurate, stable, and relatively efficient solutions can be achieved with LT and downregulation with Monod substrate limiting function and residual concentration.« less

Alpha-Fetoprotein Slope >7.5 ng/mL per Month Predicts Microvascular Invasion and Tumor Recurrence After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PubMed

Giard, Jeanne-Marie; Mehta, Neil; Dodge, Jennifer L; Roberts, John P; Yao, Francis Y

2018-05-01

Rising alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a potential marker of worse prognosis after liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but prior studies relied on only 2 data points and were imprecise in assessing AFP slope. The aim of this study was to examine the association between AFP slope and post-LT HCC recurrence, with AFP slope estimated from multiple data points over time. Our cohort included 336 patients undergoing LT with Model for End Stage Liver Disease exception for HCC within Milan criteria from 2003 to 2013. Most (98%) had pre-LT locoregional therapy. AFP slope was estimated by fitting a regression line to the AFP levels over time. The 1- and 5-year post-LT survivals were 94% and 77% and 1- and 5-year recurrence-free probabilities were 95% and 86%, respectively. In univariate analysis, HCC recurrence was significantly associated with microvascular invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 13.1; P<0.001), tumor grade (HR, 1.8; P<0.001), pathologic stage >Milan criteria (HR, 8.9; P<0.001), 3 tumor nodules (HR, 5.5; P=0.002), AFP slope greater than 7.5 ng/mL per month (HR, 3.9; P=0.005), and female sex (HR, 2.3; P=0.01). In multivariable analysis of factors known before LT, 3 tumor nodules (HR, 7.6; P<0.001), female sex (HR, 2.5; P=0.01), and AFP slope >7.5 (HR, 3.0; P=0.03) were significantly associated with HCC recurrence. AFP slope greater than 7.5 was also associated with microvascular invasion (odds ratio, 6.8; P=0.008). AFP slope increasing greater than 7.5 ng/mL per month despite locoregional therapy is associated with post-LT HCC recurrence and may serve as a surrogate for microvascular invasion. These findings support incorporating changes in the AFP into candidate selection for LT.

Endotracheal Intubation with the King Laryngeal Tube™ In Situ Using Video Laryngoscopy and a Bougie: A Retrospective Case Series and Cadaveric Crossover Study.

PubMed

Dodd, Kenneth W; Kornas, Rebecca L; Prekker, Matthew E; Klein, Lauren R; Reardon, Robert F; Driver, Brian E

2017-04-01

Removal of a functioning King laryngeal tube (LT) prior to establishing a definitive airway increases the risk of a "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" scenario. We previously described a technique utilizing video laryngoscopy (VL) and a bougie to intubate around a well-seated King LT with the balloons deflated; if necessary, the balloons can be rapidly re-inflated and ventilation resumed. Our objective is to provide preliminary validation of this technique. Emergency physicians performed all orotracheal intubations in this two-part study. Part 1 consisted of a historical analysis of VL recordings from emergency department (ED) patients intubated with the King LT in place over a two-year period at our institution. In Part 2, we analyzed VL recordings from paired attempts at intubating a cadaver, first with a King LT in place and then with the device removed, with each physician serving as his or her own control. The primary outcome for all analyses was first-pass success. There were 11 VL recordings of ED patients intubated with the King LT in place (Part 1) and 11 pairs of cadaveric VL recordings (Part 2). The first-pass success rate was 100% in both parts. In Part 1, the median time to intubation was 43 s (interquartile range [IQR] 36-60 s). In Part 2, the median time to intubation was 23 s (IQR 18-35 s) with the King LT in place and 17 s (IQR 14-18 s) with the King LT removed. Emergency physicians successfully intubated on the first attempt with the King LT in situ. The technique described in this proof-of-concept study seems promising and merits further validation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Restricting liver transplant recipients to younger donors does not increase the wait-list time or the dropout rate: the hepatitis C experience.

PubMed

Flemming, Jennifer A; Vagefi, Parsia A; Freise, Chris E; Yao, Francis Y; Terrault, Norah A

2014-10-01

Older donor age is associated with lower graft and patient survival among all recipients of liver transplantation (LT). Among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), donor age is one of the strongest predictors of fibrosis severity and graft loss. We evaluated the implementation of a donor age restriction policy for LT patients with HCV at a single center and the effects that this policy had on wait-list (WL) and post-LT outcomes for HCV and non-HCV patients. This was a cohort study of 2388 WL patients and 1015 LT recipients between March 2002 and January 2013 and reflected 3 different eras of donor age policies. With the donor age restriction, the median donor age was reduced in LT recipients with HCV versus LT recipients without HCV (30 versus 48 years, P < 0.001) without differences in the WL time (10.6 versus 8.0 months, P = 0.23). According to a competing risks regression, those with HCV and those without HCV had lower subhazard ratios (SHRs) of dropout or death on the WL during the donor age restriction era versus the era without donor age restriction [SHR = 0.68 (P < 0.01) and SHR = 0.64 (P = 0.01), respectively]. No differences were seen in early post-LT survival for patients with or without HCV between eras (P = 0.7 and P = 0.88, respectively). In conclusion, we show that donor age restriction for HCV results in a lower donor age for HCV recipients without obvious adverse WL consequences. Although additional studies are needed, our results demonstrate the feasibility of donor age restriction for LT recipients with HCV, and such information may be relevant to programs with limited access to new antiviral therapies for which modifying the risk of severe disease remains of paramount importance. © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

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

Gustafsson, Karin; Heffner, Garrett; Wenzel, Pamela L.

The widely expressed adaptor protein Shb has previously been reported to contribute to T cell function due to its association with the T cell receptor and furthermore, several of Shb's known interaction partners are established regulators of blood cell development and function. In addition, Shb deficient embryonic stem cells displayed reduced blood cell colony formation upon differentiation in vitro. The aim of the current study was therefore to explore hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function in the Shb knockout mouse. Shb deficient bone marrow contained reduced relative numbers of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) that exhibited lower proliferation rates. Despitemore » this, Shb knockout LT-HSCs responded promptly by entering the cell cycle in response to genotoxic stress by 5-fluorouracil treatment. In competitive LT-HSC transplantations, Shb null cells initially engrafted as well as the wild-type cells but provided less myeloid expansion over time. Moreover, Shb knockout bone marrow cells exhibited elevated basal activities of focal adhesion kinase/Rac1/p21-activated kinase signaling and reduced responsiveness to Stem Cell Factor stimulation. Consequently, treatment with a focal adhesion kinase inhibitor increased Shb knockout LT-HSC proliferation. The altered signaling characteristics thus provide a plausible mechanistic explanation for the changes in LT-HSC proliferation since these signaling intermediates have all been shown to participate in LT-HSC cell cycle control. In summary, the loss of Shb dependent signaling in bone marrow cells, resulting in elevated focal adhesion kinase activity and reduced proliferative responses in LT-HSCs under steady state hematopoiesis, confers a disadvantage to the maintenance of LT-HSCs over time. -- Highlights: • Shb is an adaptor protein operating downstream of tyrosine kinase receptors. • Shb deficiency reduces hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. • The proliferative effect of Shb occurs via increased focal adhesion kinase activity. • Shb is critical for the long-term maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell pool.« less

Development of ELISA-detected anti-HLA antibodies precedes the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and correlates with progressive decline in pulmonary function after lung transplantation.

PubMed

Jaramillo, A; Smith, M A; Phelan, D; Sundaresan, S; Trulock, E P; Lynch, J P; Cooper, J D; Patterson, G A; Mohanakumar, T

1999-04-27

Development of anti-HLA antibodies after lung transplantation (LT) is thought to play an important role in the etiology of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). However, a cause-effect relationship between anti-HLA antibodies and BOS has not been established. This study was conducted to determine the temporal relationship between the development of anti-HLA antibodies and BOS after LT, and to determine the antigenic specificity of the antibodies developed in BOS patients. Sera from 15 BOS+ LT patients and 12 BOS- LT patients were obtained before LT and collected again at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after LT. Anti-HLA antibodies were detected by the PRA-STAT ELISA system and by complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. Anti-HLA reactivity was further characterized by flow cytometry and absorption/elution with human platelets. When analyzed by ELISA, 10 of 15 BOS+ patients developed anti-HLA antibodies, whereas 0 of 12 BOS- patients developed anti-HLA antibodies (P<0.001). When analyzed by complement-dependent cytotoxicity, only 2 of 15 BOS+ patients developed anti-HLA antibodies and 1 of 12 BOS- patients developed anti-HLA antibodies (P = 0.99). There was a significant difference of 20.1 months between the time of anti-HLA antibody detection and the time of BOS diagnosis (P = 0.005). A progressive decrease in pulmonary function correlated with a progressive increase in the anti-HLA reactivity 36 months after LT. The anti-HLA reactivity was directed to one of the donor HLA class I antigens and to other unrelated HLA class I antigens. No anti-HLA reactivity was found against HLA class II molecules. Our study indicates that anti-HLA class I antibodies play an important role in the pathogenesis of BOS and that monitoring of anti-HLA class I antibody development by a highly sensitive assay such as the PRA-STAT ELISA after LT can provide an early identification of an important subset of LT patients with an increased risk of developing BOS.

Liver Transplantation in Hepatitis C-Infected Patients: Experience From a South American Transplant Center.

PubMed

Caicedo, L A; Delgado, A; Garcia, V H; Aristizabal, A M; Gomez, C; Jiménez, D F; Sepulveda, M; García, J A; Rosso, F; Castro, A M; Alcazar, K; Villegas, J I; Serrano, O; Echeverri, G J

2018-03-01

Around 2.4% of the world's population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and it is the most common cause of liver transplantation (LT) in the world. Latin America (LA), with nearly 9% of the world population, has had a continuous increase in the number of LTs per year. Yet, due to the lack of mandatory data collection and a well-developed health-care system, access to transplantation is limited in most LA countries. We report the first LA experience of HCV-infected LT patients. We performed a retrospective cohort study by reviewing the medical histories of all HCV-infected LT patients between 1996 and 2016 who acquired HCV before their LT, at the Fundación Valle del Lilí, Cali, Colombia. Between January 1996 and December 2015, a total of 770 LTs were performed, of which 75 had a cirrhotic liver due to HCV infection. With a median follow-up time of 24.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 4.7-61.2 months), patient survival was 44.9% and 66.9% for the time periods 1996-2006 and 2007-2015, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was present in 30.6% of the patients, and overall postoperative complications had an incidence of 80%. This is the first report of LT in HCV-infected patients in Colombia and in LA. Our results are comparable to those of other transplant centers worldwide with regard to postoperative complications and patient survival. Patients with LT in the 1996-2006 time frame had higher morbidity and mortality. Studies including larger numbers of patients are needed to determine the reason for this finding. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Early and Extended Helium Reionization over More Than 600 Million Years of Cosmic Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worseck, Gábor; Prochaska, J. Xavier; Hennawi, Joseph F.; McQuinn, Matthew

2016-07-01

We measure the effective optical depth of He II Lyα absorption {τ }{eff,{He}{{II}}} at 2.3\\lt z\\lt 3.5 in 17 UV-transmitting quasars observed with UV spectrographs on the Hubble Space Telescope. The median {τ }{eff,{He}{{II}}} values increase gradually from 1.95 at z=2.7 to 5.17 at z=3.4, but with a strong sightline-to-sightline variance. Many ≃ 35 comoving Mpc regions of the z\\gt 3 intergalactic medium (IGM) remain transmissive ({τ }{eff,{He}{{II}}}\\lt 4), and the gradual trend with redshift appears consistent with density evolution of a fully reionized IGM. These modest optical depths imply average He II fractions of {x}{He{{II}}}\\lt 0.01 and He II ionizing photon mean free paths of ≃ 50 comoving Mpc at z≃ 3.4, thus requiring that a substantial volume of the helium in the universe was already doubly ionized at early times; this stands in conflict with current models of He II reionization driven by luminous quasars. Along 10 sightlines we measure the coeval H I Lyα effective optical depths, allowing us to study the density dependence of {τ }{eff,{He}{{II}}} at z˜ 3. We establish that the dependence of {τ }{eff,{He}{{II}}} on increasing {τ }{eff,{{H}}{{I}}} is significantly shallower than expected from simple models of an IGM reionized in He II. This requires higher He II photoionization rates in overdense regions or underdense regions being not in photoionization equilibrium. Moreover, there are very large fluctuations in {τ }{eff,{He}{{II}}} at all {τ }{eff,{{H}}{{I}}} which greatly exceed the expectations from these simple models. These data present a distinct challenge to scenarios of He II reionization—an IGM where He II appears to be predominantly ionized at z≃ 3.4, and with a radiation field strength that may be correlated with the density field, but exhibits large fluctuations at all densities. Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope (HST), obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555. These observations are associated with Program #11742. Archival HST data (#7575, 9350, 11528, 12178, 12249) were obtained from the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST). Several HST programs provided ancillary calibration data (#11860, 11895, 12414, 12423, 12716, 12775, 12870, 13108). Some of the data presented herein were obtained at the W.M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and NASA; it was made possible by the generous financial support of the W.M. Keck Foundation. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under program IDs 166.A-0106, 071.A-0066 and 083.A-0421.

The Optimal Timing of Hepatitis C Therapy in Transplant Eligible Patients With Child B and C Cirrhosis: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

PubMed

Tapper, Elliot B; Hughes, Michael S; Buti, Maria; Dufour, Jean-Francois; Flamm, Steve; Firdoos, Saima; Curry, Michael P; Afdhal, Nezam H

2017-05-01

Ledipasvir (LDV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) has demonstrated high efficacy, safety, and tolerability in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. There is limited data, however, regarding the optimal timing of therapy in the context of possible liver transplantation (LT). We compared the cost-effectiveness of 12 weeks of HCV therapy before or after LT or nontreatment using a decision analytical microsimulation state-transition model for a simulated cohort of 10 000 patients with HCV Genotype 1 or 4 with Child B or C cirrhosis. All model parameters regarding the efficacy of therapy, adverse events and the effect of therapy on changes in model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were derived from the SOLAR-1 and 2 trials. The simulations were repeated with 10 000 samples from the parameter distributions. The primary outcome was cost (2014 US dollars) per quality adjusted life year. Treatment before LT yielded more quality-adjusted life year for less money than treatment after LT or nontreatment. Treatment before LT was cost-effective in 100% of samples at a willingness-to-pay threshold of US $100 000 in the base-case and when the analysis was restricted to Child B alone, Child C, or MELD > 15. Treatment before transplant was not cost-effective when MELD was 6-10. In sensitivity analyses, the MELD after which treatment before transplant was cost-effective was 13 and the maximum cost of LDV/SOF therapy at which treatment before LT is cost-effective is US $177 381. From a societal perspective, HCV therapy using LDV/SOF with ribavirin before LT is the most cost-effective strategy for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and MELD score greater than 13.

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after single-lung transplantation: impact of time to onset on functional pattern and survival.

PubMed

Brugière, Olivier; Pessione, Fabienne; Thabut, Gabriel; Mal, Hervé; Jebrak, Gilles; Lesèche, Guy; Fournier, Michel

2002-06-01

Among risk factors for the progression of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation (LT), the influence of time to BOS onset is not known. The aim of the study was to assess if BOS occurring earlier after LT is associated with worse functional prognosis and worse graft survival. We retrospectively compared functional outcome and survival of all single-LT (SLT) recipients who had BOS develop during follow-up in our center according to time to onset of BOS (< 3 years or > or = 3 years after transplantation). Among the 29 SLT recipients with BOS identified during the study period, 20 patients had early-onset BOS and 9 patients had late-onset BOS. The mean decline of FEV(1) over time during the first 9 months in patients with early-onset BOS was significantly greater than in patients with of late-onset BOS (p = 0.04). At last follow-up, patients with early-onset BOS had a lower mean FEV(1) value (25% vs 39% of predicted, p = 0.004), a lower mean PaO(2) value (54 mm Hg vs 73 mm Hg, p = 0.0005), a lower 6-min walk test distance (241 m vs 414 m, p = 0.001), a higher Medical Research Council index value (3.6 vs 1.6, p = 0.0001), and a higher percentage of oxygen dependency (90% vs 11%, p = 0.001) compared with patients with late-onset BOS. In addition, graft survival of patients with early-onset BOS was significantly lower than that of patients with late-onset BOS (log-rank test, p = 0.04). There were 18 of 20 graft failures (90%) in the early-onset BOS group, directly attributable to BOS in all cases (deaths [n = 10] or retransplantation [n = 8]). In the late-onset BOS group, graft failure occurred in four of nine patients due to death from extrapulmonary causes in three of four cases. The median duration of follow-up after occurrence of BOS was not statistically different between patients with early-onset BOS and patients with late-onset BOS (31 +/- 28 months and 37 +/- 26 months, respectively; p = not significant). The subgroup of patients who had BOS develop > or = 3 years after SLT are less likely to have worrisome functional impairment develop in long-term follow-up. Considering the balance between the advantages and risks, enhancement of immunosuppression should be regarded with more caution in this subgroup than in patients with early-onset BOS.

--No Title--

Science.gov Websites

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

PubMed

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

2015-07-01

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

Relationship between mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) landing rates on a human subject and numbers captured using CO2-baited light traps.

PubMed

Barnard, D R; Knue, G J; Dickerson, C Z; Bernier, U R; Kline, D L

2011-06-01

Capture rates of insectary-reared female Aedes albopictus (Skuse), Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes triseriatus (Say) in CDC-type light traps (LT) supplemented with CO2 and using the human landing (HL) collection method were observed in matched-pair experiments in outdoor screened enclosures. Mosquito responses were compared on a catch-per-unit-effort basis using regression analysis with LT and HL as the dependent and independent variables, respectively. The average number of mosquitoes captured in 1 min by LT over a 24-h period was significantly related to the average number captured in 1 min by HL only for Cx. nigripalpus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Patterns of diel activity indicated by a comparison of the mean response to LT and HL at eight different times in a 24-h period were not superposable for any species. The capture rate efficiency of LT when compared with HL was ≤15% for all mosquitoes except Cx. quinquefasciatus (43%). Statistical models of the relationship between mosquito responses to each collection method indicate that, except for Ae. albopictus, LT and HL capture rates are significantly related only during certain times of the diel period. Estimates of mosquito activity based on observations made between sunset and sunrise were most precise in this regard for An. quadrimaculatus and Cx. nigripalpus, as were those between sunrise and sunset for Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. triseriatus.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure : Comparing Guidelines on the Prediction of Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Yoshida, Kazuhiro; Umeda, Yuzo; Takaki, Akinobu; Nagasaka, Takeshi; Yoshida, Ryuichi; Nobuoka, Daisuke; Kuise, Takashi; Takagi, Kosei; Yasunaka, Tetsuya; Okada, Hiroyuki; Yagi, Takahito; Fujiwara, Toshiyoshi

2017-10-01

Determining the indications for and timing of liver transplantation (LT) for acute liver failure (ALF) is essential. The King's College Hospital (KCH) guidelines and Japanese guidelines are used to predict the need for LT and the outcomes in ALF. These guidelines' accuracy when applied to ALF in different regional and etiological backgrounds may differ. Here we compared the accuracy of new (2010) Japanese guidelines that use a simple scoring system with the 1996 Japanese guidelines and the KCH criteria for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We retrospectively analyzed 24 adult ALF patients (18 acute type, 6 sub-acute type) who underwent LDLT in 1998-2009 at our institution. We assessed the accuracies of the 3 guidelines' criteria for ALF. The overall 1-year survival rate was 87.5%. The new and previous Japanese guidelines were superior to the KCH criteria for accurately predicting LT for acute-type ALF (72% vs. 17%). The new Japanese guidelines could identify 13 acute-type ALF patients for LT, based on the timing of encephalopathy onset. Using the previous Japanese guidelines, although the same 13 acute-type ALF patients (72%) had indications for LT, only 4 patients were indicated at the 1st step, and it took an additional 5 days to decide the indication at the 2nd step in the other 9 cases. Our findings showed that the new Japanese guidelines can predict the indications for LT and provide a reliable alternative to the previous Japanese and KCH guidelines.

Diabetes mellitus may affect the long-term survival of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Zhang, Qing; Deng, Yong-Lin; Liu, Chang; Huang, Li-Hong; Shang, Lei; Chen, Xin-Guo; Wang, Le-Tian; Du, Jin-Zan; Wang, Ying; Wang, Pei-Xiao; Zhang, Hui; Shen, Zhong-Yang

2016-11-21

To determine whether diabetes mellitus (DM) affects prognosis/recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A retrospective study was conducted between January 2000 and August 2013 on 1631 patients with HBV-related HCC who underwent LT with antiviral prophylaxis. Patient data were obtained from the China Liver Transplant Registry (https://www.cltr.org/). To compare the outcomes and tumor recurrence in the HBV-related HCC patients with or without DM, statistical analyses were conducted using χ 2 tests, Mann-Whitney tests, the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank tests and multivariate step-wise Cox regression analysis. Univariate analysis of 1631 patients who underwent LT found overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 79%, 73% and 71% respectively in the DM patients, and 84%, 78% and 76% in the non-DM patients respectively. Overall survival rate differences after LT between the two groups were significant ( P = 0.041), but recurrence-free survival rates were not ( P = 0.096). By stratified analysis, the overall survival rates in DM patients for age > 50 years ( P = 0.002), the presence of vascular invasion ( P = 0.096), tumors ≤ 3 cm ( P = 0.047), two to three tumor nodules ( P = 0.007), Child-Pugh grade B ( P = 0.018), and pre-LT alanine aminotransferase levels between 40 and 80 IU/L ( P = 0.017) were significantly lower than in non-DM patients. Additionally, serum α-fetoprotein level > 2000 ng/mL ( P = 0.052) was associated with a significant survival difference trend between DM and non-DM patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of DM ( P < 0.001, HR = 1.591; 95%CI: 1.239-2.041) was an independent predictor associated with poor survival after LT. HBV-related HCC patients with DM have decreased long-term overall survival and poor LT outcomes. Prevention strategies for HCC patients with DM are recommended.

Delayed rearterialization unlikely leads to nonanastomotic stricture but causes temporary injury on bile duct after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Wang, Jiazhong; Yang, Peng; Lu, Hongwei; Lu, Le; Wang, Jinlong; Li, Hua; Duan, Yanxia; Wang, Jun; Li, Yiming

2015-03-01

Nonanastomotic strictures (NAS) are common biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT). Delayed rearterialization induces biliary injury in several hours. However, whether this injury can be prolonged remains unknown. The correlation of this injury with NAS occurrence remains obscure. Different delayed rearterialization times were compared using a porcine LT model. Morphological and functional changes in bile canaliculus were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL were performed to validate intrahepatic bile duct injury. Three months after LT was performed, biliary duct stricture was determined by cholangiography; the tissue of common bile duct was detected by real-time PCR. Bile canaliculi were impaired in early postoperative stage and then exacerbated as delayed rearterialization time was prolonged. Nevertheless, damaged bile canaliculi could fully recover in subsequent months. TNF-α and TGF-β expressions and apoptosis cell ratio increased in the intrahepatic bile duct only during early postoperative period in a time-dependent manner. No abnormality was observed by cholangiography and common bile duct examination after 3 months. Delayed rearterialization caused temporary injury to bile canaliculi and intrahepatic bile duct in a time-dependent manner. Injury could be fully treated in succeeding months. Solo delayed rearterialization cannot induce NAS after LT. © 2014 The Authors. Transplant International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Steunstichting ESOT.

Characterization of Inorganic Filler Content, Mechanical Properties, and Light Transmission of Bulk-fill Resin Composites.

PubMed

Fronza, B M; Ayres, Apa; Pacheco, R R; Rueggeberg, F A; Dias, Cts; Giannini, M

The aims of this study were to characterize inorganic content (IC), light transmission (LT), biaxial flexural strength (BFS), and flexural modulus (FM) of one conventional (layered) and four bulk-fill composites at different depths. Bulk-fill composites tested were Surefil SDR flow (SDR), Filtek Bulk Fill (FBF), Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TEC), and EverX Posterior (EXP). Herculite Classic (HER) was used as a control. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize filler particle composition and morphology. The LT through different composite thicknesses (1, 2, 3, and 4 mm) was measured using a laboratory-grade spectral radiometer system (n=5). For the BFS and FM tests, sets of eight stacked composite discs (0.5-mm thick) were prepared simulating bulk filling of a 4-mm-thick increment (n=8). SDR demonstrated larger, irregular particles than those observed in TEC or HER. Filler particles in FBF were spherical, while those in EXP were composed of fiberglass strands. The LT decreased with increased composite thickness for all materials. Bulk-fill composites allowed higher LT than the HER. Furthermore, HER proved to be the unique material, having lower BFS values at deeper regions. SDR, FBF, and TEC bulk-fill composites presented reduced FM with increasing composite depth. The bulk-fill composites investigated exhibited higher LT, independent of different filler content and characteristics. Although an increase in composite thickness reduced LT, the BFS of bulk-fill composites at deeper layers was not compromised.

Oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion at the lactate threshold and maximal fat oxidation rate in untrained adults

PubMed Central

Rynders, Corey A.; Angadi, Siddhartha S.; Weltman, Nathan Y.; Gaesser, Glenn A.; Weltman, Arthur

2014-01-01

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between VO2 and RPE at the lactate threshold (LT) and maximal fat oxidation rate (FATMAX) in untrained adults and determine the stability of the relationship across sex, age, and fitness status. A total of 148 untrained adults (mean age [year] = 30.5 ± 13.9, height [m] = 1.72 ± 0.08 m, body mass [kg] = 82.6 ± 20.5, body fat [%] = 28.7 ± 12.0) completed a continuous incremental VO2 peak/LT protocol. Fat oxidation rates were determined using indirect calorimetry. The highest recorded fat oxidation rate was chosen as FATMAX. The breakpoint in the VO2–blood lactate relationship was chosen as LT. RPE was based on the Borg 6–20 scale. Bland–Altman plot analysis demonstrated that VO2 FATMAX systematically preceded VO2 LT (mean bias = 1.3 ml kg−1 min−1) with wide limits of agreement (+9.6 to −6.9 ml kg−1 min−1). Multivariate ANOVA revealed a significant difference between VO2 FATMAX (12.7 ± 7.5 ml kg−1 min−1) and VO2 LT (14.1 ± 5.9 ml kg−1 min−1) in the total sample (p = 0.04). There were no differences between the intensities when the sample was divided into sex, age, and fitness comparison groups (p values [0.05). RPE FATMAX (9.4 ± 2.5) preceded RPE LT (10.4 ± 2.0) in the total sample (p = 0.008), but was not different across comparison groups (p > 0.05). The present data indicate that the highest rate of fat oxidation slightly precedes the LT in untrained adults. For exercise prescription, a Borg-RPE of 9–12 identifies both FATMAX and LT. PMID:21259025

Pharmacokinetics of total thyroxine after repeated oral administration of levothyroxine solution and its clinical efficacy in hypothyroid dogs.

PubMed

van Dijl, I C; Le Traon, G; van de Meulengraaf, B D A M; Burgaud, S; Horspool, L J I; Kooistra, H S

2014-01-01

Oral levothyroxine (l-T4 ) supplementation is commonly used to treat hypothyroid dogs. Investigate the plasma profile and pharmacokinetics of total thyroxine (tT4 ) after PO administration of a l-T4 solution and its clinical efficacy in hypothyroid dogs. Ten dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism. After hypothyroidism diagnosis and supplementation with l-T4 solution PO q24h at 20 μg/kg BW for minimum 4 weeks, the plasma profile and pharmacokinetics of tT4 were determined over 34 hours and the clinical condition of the dogs was evaluated. Before dosing for pharmacokinetic evaluation, mean tT4 concentration was 23 ± 9 nmol/L. l-T4 was absorbed rapidly (tmax , 5 hours), reaching a mean maximal tT4 concentration of 56 ± 11 nmol/L. The apparent terminal half-life was 11.8 hours. Clinical signs of hypothyroidism improved or resolved in all dogs after 4 weeks of treatment. The dosage of 20 μg/kg PO q24h was judged appropriate in 5 dogs, and 4 dogs required slight increases (9-16%). Twice daily treatment, with a 30% increase in dosage, was necessary for 1 dog. The pharmacokinetics of l-T4 in hypothyroid dogs was similar to that reported in healthy euthyroid dogs. Clinical and hormonal responses to l-T4 solution were rapid in all dogs. The starting dosage of 20 μg/kg PO q24h was suitable for maintenance supplementation in 50% of the dogs, minor dosage modification was required in 4 other dogs, and treatment q12h was required in 1 dog. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Effects of levothyroxine on learning and memory deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: the role of BDNF and oxidative stress.

PubMed

Bavarsad, Kowsar; Hadjzadeh, Mousa-Al-Reza; Hosseini, Mahmoud; Pakdel, Roghayeh; Beheshti, Farimah; Bafadam, Soleyman; Ashaari, Zeinab

2018-06-21

The effect of levothyroxine (L-T4) on the learning and memory impairment induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and brain tissue oxidative damage in rats was evaluated. An animal model of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) was established by intracerebroventricular injection of STZ (3 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats (250 ± 50 g). After that, the rats were treated for 3 weeks with L-T4 (10, 100 μg/kg) or normal saline. Passive avoidance (PA) learning and spatial memory were evaluated using shuttle box and Morris water maze (MWM), respectively. Finally, the rats were euthanized, their blood samples were collected for further thyroxine assessment and their brains were removed after decapitation in order to measure the oxidative stress parameters and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the MWM, latency (s) increased in the AD rats compared with the normal control group while it decreased in the 10 μg/kg L-T4 injected AD rats compared with the AD group. In the PA, the latency for entering the dark compartment was lower in the AD group than in the normal control group and it decreased in the 10 μg/kg L-T4 injected AD rats. The low dose of L-T4 (10 μg/kg) reduced malondialdehyde concentration but increased thiols concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and BDNF level in hippocampal tissues of the AD rats. Injection of L-T4 (10 μg/kg) alleviated memory deficits and also improved factors of oxidative stress and BDNF level in the STZ-induced AD rats.

Mixed Model Association with Family-Biased Case-Control Ascertainment.

PubMed

Hayeck, Tristan J; Loh, Po-Ru; Pollack, Samuela; Gusev, Alexander; Patterson, Nick; Zaitlen, Noah A; Price, Alkes L

2017-01-05

Mixed models have become the tool of choice for genetic association studies; however, standard mixed model methods may be poorly calibrated or underpowered under family sampling bias and/or case-control ascertainment. Previously, we introduced a liability threshold-based mixed model association statistic (LTMLM) to address case-control ascertainment in unrelated samples. Here, we consider family-biased case-control ascertainment, where case and control subjects are ascertained non-randomly with respect to family relatedness. Previous work has shown that this type of ascertainment can severely bias heritability estimates; we show here that it also impacts mixed model association statistics. We introduce a family-based association statistic (LT-Fam) that is robust to this problem. Similar to LTMLM, LT-Fam is computed from posterior mean liabilities (PML) under a liability threshold model; however, LT-Fam uses published narrow-sense heritability estimates to avoid the problem of biased heritability estimation, enabling correct calibration. In simulations with family-biased case-control ascertainment, LT-Fam was correctly calibrated (average χ 2 = 1.00-1.02 for null SNPs), whereas the Armitage trend test (ATT), standard mixed model association (MLM), and case-control retrospective association test (CARAT) were mis-calibrated (e.g., average χ 2 = 0.50-1.22 for MLM, 0.89-2.65 for CARAT). LT-Fam also attained higher power than other methods in some settings. In 1,259 type 2 diabetes-affected case subjects and 5,765 control subjects from the CARe cohort, downsampled to induce family-biased ascertainment, LT-Fam was correctly calibrated whereas ATT, MLM, and CARAT were again mis-calibrated. Our results highlight the importance of modeling family sampling bias in case-control datasets with related samples. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Nigeria Grown Hoslundia opposita Vahl (Lamiaceae) Dried Leaves and Its Bioactivity against Cowpea Seed Bruchid.

PubMed

Babarinde, Samuel Adelani; Pitan, Olufemi Olutoyin Richard; Olatunde, Ganiyu Olatunji; Ajala, Michael Oluwole

2017-06-01

Due to several ecological and human hazards of synthetic pesticides in postharvest crop protection, there is the need to search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, chemical composition and insecticidal activities of essential oil (EO) obtained from Hoslundia opposita dried leaves were evaluated against cowpea seed bruchid. Eight constituents, predominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (78.86%), were identified using Gas Chromatography (GC)/MS. The constituents were 1,8-cineole (1; 61.15%), followed by α-terpineol (2; 16.81%), β-phellandrene (3; 13.24%), β-farnesene (4; 3.55%), α-pinene (5; 1.89%), Germacrene D (6; 1.83%), cis-sabinene hydrate (7; 0.90%) and caryophyllene (8; 0.63%). In fumigation bioassay, at 6 h after exposure (HAE), 0.78 ml EO/l air caused 35.33% mortality which was significantly lower than 60.90% and 63.6% observed at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air, respectively. Mortality reached 90.0% at 24 HAE regardless of the applied concentration. Lethal time for 50% of the bruchids (LT 50 ) at concentration of 0.78 ml/l air (6.89 h) was higher than the LT 50 at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air (4.72 and 4.44 h, respectively). H. opposita EO reduced Callosobruchus maculatus oviposition, while progeny emergence observed in EO-treated seeds (2.42 - 25.73) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than 51.56 observed in control. The results confirm H. opposita EO's potentials for control of cowpea bruchids. © 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

Prognostic Value of Metabolic Liver Function Tests: a Study on 711 Cirrhotic Patients.

PubMed

Lebossé, Fanny; Guillaud, Olivier; Forestier, Julien; Ecochard, Marie; Boillot, Olivier; Roman, Sabine; Mion, François; Dumortier, Jérôme

2016-09-01

The prognosis of cirrhotic patients is usually assessed by Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Metabolic liver function tests such as aminopyrine breath test (ABT) and indocyanine green clearance (IGC) have been shown to reveal hepatocellular dysfunction. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the prognostic value of the MELD score, Child-Pugh score, ABT and IGC in a large cohort of cirrhotic patients. Between January 1996 and June 2008, 711 cirrhotic patients were included and the primary endpoint was survival without LT. The ROC curves with c-statistics, correlation coefficient and survival were calculated. Metabolic function tests and scores were strongly correlated. At the time of evaluation, 111 patients had died and 520 had received a transplant. Prognostic ability (estimated by the AUROC curve) to predict survival without LT at 6 months was 0.662, 0.691, 0.738 and 0.715 for ABT, IGC, Child-Pugh score and MELD score, respectively. Similarly, at 1 year, AUROC was 0.738 for Child-Pugh score, 0.716 for MELD score, 0.693 for IGC clearance and 0.651 for ABT. Our results strongly confirm that IGC and ABT have a high prognostic value in cirrhotic patients, similar to Child-Pugh and MELD scores. They could be developed to routinely evaluate the prognosis of patients in addition to clinical and biochemical data.

West Europe Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-15

Lisbon TAL & QUAL in Portuguese 17 May 85 p 3 [Text] Manuel da Costa Bras, Lt Col in the reserves and High Commissioner against Corruption, is facing...people around Gen Eanes, starting with Lt Col Melo Antunes. The PRD itself has already announced many times that it would not oppose such an

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

PubMed Central

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

2013-01-01

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

Quantitative T2-Mapping and T2⁎-Mapping Evaluation of Changes in Cartilage Matrix after Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and the Correlation between the Results of Both Methods

PubMed Central

Tao, Hongyue; Qiao, Yang; Hu, Yiwen; Xie, Yuxue; Lu, Rong; Yan, Xu

2018-01-01

Objectives To quantitatively assess changes in cartilage matrix after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture using T2- and T2⁎-mapping and analyze the correlation between the results of both methods. Methods Twenty-three patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled and underwent quantitative MRI examination. The knee cartilage was segmented into six compartments, including lateral femur (LF), lateral tibia (LT), medial femur (MF), medial tibia (MT), trochlea (Tr), and patella (Pa). T2 and T2⁎ values were measured in full-thickness as well as superficial and deep layers of each cartilage compartment. Differences of T2 and T2⁎ values between patients and controls were compared using unpaired Student's t-test, and the correlation between their reciprocals was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results ACL-ruptured patients showed higher T2 and T2⁎ values in full-thickness and superficial layers of medial and lateral tibiofemoral joint. Meanwhile, patients exhibited higher T2⁎ values in deep layers of lateral tibiofemoral joint. The elevated percentages of T2 and T2⁎ value in superficial LT were most significant (20.738%, 17.525%). The reciprocal of T2⁎ value was correlated with that of T2 value (r = 0.886, P < 0.001). Conclusion The early degeneration could occur in various knee cartilage compartments after acute ACL rupture, especially in the superficial layer of LT. T2⁎-mapping might be more sensitive in detecting deep layer of cartilage than T2-mapping. PMID:29888279

Direct comparison of oligochaete erythrocruorins as potential blood substitutes

PubMed Central

Zimmerman, Devon; DiIusto, Matthew; Dienes, Jack; Abdulmalik, Osheiza

2017-01-01

Abstract While many blood substitutes are based on mammalian hemoglobins (e.g., human hemoglobin, HbA), the naturally extracellular hemoglobins of invertebrates (a.k.a. erythrocruorins, Ecs) are intriguing alternative oxygen carriers. Specifically, the erythrocruorin of Lumbricus terrestris has been shown to effectively deliver oxygen in mice and rats without the negative side effects observed with HbA. In this study, the properties of six oligochaete Ecs (Lumbricus terrestris, Eisenia hortensis, Eisenia fetida, Eisenia veneta, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Amynthas gracilis) were compared in vitro to identify the most promising blood substitute candidate(s). Several metrics were used to compare the Ecs, including their oxidation rates, dissociation at physiological pH, thermal stability, and oxygen transport characteristics. Overall, the Ecs of Lumbricus terrestris (LtEc) and Eisenia fetida (EfEc) were identified as promising candidates, since they demonstrated high thermal and oligomeric stability, while also exhibiting relatively low oxidation rates. Interestingly, the O2 affinity of LtEc (P 50 = 26.25 mmHg at 37 °C) was also observed to be uniquely lower than EfEc and all of the other Ecs (P 50 = 9.29–13.62 mmHg). Subsequent alignment of the primary sequences of LtEc and EfEc revealed several significant amino acid substitutions within the D subunit interfaces that may be responsible for this significant change in O2 affinity. Nonetheless, these results show that LtEc and EfEc are promising potential blood substitutes that are resistant to oxidation and denaturation, but additional experiments will need to be conducted to determine their safety, efficacy, and the effects of their disparate oxygen affinities in vivo. PMID:29313031

Influence of Route of Administration on Immediate and Extended Protection in Rats Immunized with Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin

PubMed Central

Klipstein, Frederick A.; Engert, Richard F.

1980-01-01

The effect of route of administration, dosage, and number of boosts employed during immunization with the polymyxin-release form of Escherichia coli heat-labile (LT) enterotoxin on the degree and duration of protection afforded was evaluated in rats which were challenged by the ligated loop technique. Increasing the boosting dosage by fivefold from 50 to 250 μg resulted in a marked increase in protection against challenge with toxin in rats immunized either just by the parenteral route (i.p./i.p.) or by a parenteral prime, followed by peroral boosts (i.p./p.o.) in rats pretreated with cimetidine to ablate gastric secretions; such was not the case, however, even with a 50-fold increase in dosage in rats immunized just by the peroral route (p.o./p.o.). Four weekly peroral boosts were required to achieve the strongest degree of protection. Increasing the boosting dosage also increased the degree of protection against challenge with viable LT+/ST− and LT+/ST+ strains (ST indicates heat-stable enterotoxin) in rats immunized by the i.p./p.o., but not by the i.p./i.p., route; no protection was evident against an LT−/ST+ strain. Protection was lost within 3 weeks after immunization in rats immunized by the i.p./i.p. route. In contrast, protection was extended over the 3-month observation period in those immunized by the i.p./p.o. route; the degree of protection was enhanced in rats which received an additional boost at 2 months. These observations establish the fact that immunization with LT is similar to that with cholera toxin in that arousal of the local immune intestinal response by means of peroral immunization provides maximal extended protection. PMID:6987180

Turbulent flame propagation and combustion in spark ignition engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beretta, G. P.; Rashidi, M.; Keck, J. C.

1983-01-01

Pressure measurements synchronized with high-speed motion-picture records of flame propagation have been made in a transparent-piston engine. The data show that the initial expansion speed of the flame front is close to that of a laminar flame. As the flame expands, its speed rapidly accelerates to a quasi-steady value comparable with that of the turbulent velocity fluctuations in the unburned gas. During the quasi-steady propagation phase, a significant fraction of the gas behind the visible front is unburned. Final burnout of the charge may be approximated by an exponential decay in time. The data have been analyzed in a model-independent way to obtain a set of empirical equations for calculating mass burning rates in spark-ignition engines. The burning equations contain three parameters: the laminar burning speed, a characteristic speed (uT), and a characteristic length (lT). The laminar burning speed is known from laboratory measurements. Tentative correlations relating uT and lT to engine geometry and operating variables have been derived from the engine data.

A detailed research study of learning and teaching core chemical engineering to a high standard in a mixed-ability small class in industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davey, Kenneth

2017-11-01

A detailed study of learning and teaching (L&T) of chemical engineering distillation to a mixed-ability small class of 13 students who are ordinarily full-time in-house employees in industry is reported. The course consisted of 9 × 2-h lectures (18 hours) and 9 × 2-h tutorials (18 hours). It was delivered over nine business days in situ in an established distillery. The purpose was to (re)learn core distillation of ethanol-water mixes at the level of higher education of a bachelor programme. There was 90% broad agreement that the course encouraged more learning. Students (40%) felt the course was too mathematical, however. Pointedly, there was good agreement (63%) that the course stimulated communication with each other professionally, and customers of the distillery. Results overall provide good evidence that students valued their L&T. The experimental design(s) could be readily applied to a range of fields of knowledge.

Complement

MedlinePlus

... activity (CH50, CH100) looks at the overall activity of the complement system. In most cases, other tests that are more ... Church SE, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Roumenina LT. Complement system part I - molecular mechanisms of activation and regulation. Front Immunol . 2015;6:262. ...

Assessment of School Readiness in Chronic Cholestatic Liver Disease: A Pilot Study Examining Children with and without Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Gold, Anna; Rogers, Alaine; Cruchley, Elizabeth; Rankin, Stephanie; Parmar, Arpita; Kamath, Binita M; Avitzur, Yaron; Ng, Vicky Lee

2017-01-01

Background. Assessment of school readiness evaluates physical, social-emotional, and neuropsychological domains essential for educational success. Cognitive testing of preschool aged children with chronic liver disease may guide more timely interventions and focused efforts by health care providers. Patients and Methods. Children with chronic cholestatic liver disease diagnosed as an infant and still with their native liver (NL) and children who received a liver transplant (LT) before age of 2 years underwent testing with a battery of well-validated pediatric psychometric measures. Results. Eighteen (13 LT, 5 NL) patients (median age of 4.45 and 4.05 years, resp.) were tested. Median Full-Scale IQ was 98 (range 102-116) for LT and 116 [(range 90-106), p = 0.35, NS] for NL subjects. LT recipients had significantly greater visual based difficulties, poorer caregiver rated daily living skills ( p = 0.04), and higher levels of executive function based difficulties (e.g., inattention, inhibition). Conclusion. This pilot study highlights the risk of neuropsychological difficulties in early school age children who were under 2 years of age at time of LT. Comprehensive early school age assessment should integrate psychometric measures to identify children at greatest risk, thus allowing for proactive educational intervention.

The efficacy of direct anti-HCV drugs improves early post-liver transplant survival and induces significant changes in waiting list composition.

PubMed

Crespo, Gonzalo; Trota, Núria; Londoño, Maria-Carlota; Mauro, Ezequiel; Baliellas, Carme; Castells, Lluís; Castellote, Jose; Tort, Jaume; Forns, Xavier; Navasa, Miquel

2018-07-01

The efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed the prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C. We aimed to evaluate the impact of DAA therapy on the composition of the liver transplant (LT) waiting list and the early post-transplant survival. We evaluated all patients admitted to the waiting list for a primary LT between 1st January 2008 and 31st of December 2016 in Catalonia, Spain. Time span was divided into two periods according to the availability of different antiviral therapies: 2008-2013 (interferon-based therapies) and 2014-2016 (DAA). Changes in the indications of LT and the aetiology of liver disease, as well as post-LT patient survival, were evaluated according to the year of inclusion and transplantation, respectively. We included 1,483 patients. Admissions in the waiting list for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease decreased significantly, from 47% in 2008-2013 to 35% in 2014-2016 (p <0.001), particularly because of a reduction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In contrast, NASH-related inclusions increased from 4% to 7% (p = 0.003). Three-year post-LT patient survival increased significantly in the second period in the whole cohort (82% vs. 91%, p = 0.002), because of better survival in anti-HCV positive patients (76% vs. 91%, p = 0.001), but not in anti-HCV negative patients (88% vs. 91% p = 0.359). Anti-HCV positive serology, the time period of 2008-2013 and higher donor age were independently associated with post-LT mortality in the whole cohort; while time period and donor age were independently associated with post-LT mortality in anti-HCV positive recipients. The high efficacy of DAAs is associated with significant changes in the composition of the LT waiting list and, more importantly, results in improved post-transplant survival. The efficacy of the new direct-acting antivirals is associated with a significant improvement in survival of patients undergoing liver transplantation because of hepatitis C virus-related liver disease. In addition, it has decreased the number of patients with hepatitis C that need a liver transplant. Copyright © 2018 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of variations in translucency and background on color differences in CAD/CAM lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

PubMed

Al Ben Ali, Abdulaziz; Kang, Kiho; Finkelman, Matthew D; Zandparsa, Roya; Hirayama, Hiroshi

2014-04-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of variations in translucency and background on color differences (ΔE) for different shades of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) lithium disilicate glass ceramics. A pilot study suggested n = 10 as an appropriate sample size for the number of lithium disilicate glass ceramic cylinders per group. High-transparency (HT) and low-transparency (LT) cylinders (diameter, 12 mm; length, 13 mm) were fabricated in three ceramic shades (BL1, A2, C3) using CAD/CAM technology and were cut into specimen disks (thickness, 1.2 mm; diameter, 12 mm) for placement on Natural Die (ND1 and ND4) backgrounds. Four combinations of translucency and background color were evaluated in terms of color differences for the three ceramic shades: group 1 (HT ND1, reference), group 2 (HT ND4), group 3 (LT ND1), and group 4 (LT ND4). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color differences. Nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used to evaluate the color differences among the tested groups, and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction were used as post hoc tests. Furthermore, for each ceramic shade, the HT groups were compared to the LT groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Significant differences were present among the tested groups of the same ceramic shade (p < 0.001). The highest ΔE values were observed in the HT ND4 group for BL1, while the lowest ΔE values were found in the LT ND1 group for both A2 and C3. Further, the HT groups and the groups with a darker background (ND4) showed increased ΔE values compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that the translucency and background color significantly influenced the lithium disilicate glass ceramic color among the BL1, A2, and C3 ceramic shades. Changing the underlying color from a lighter background to a darker background resulted in increased color differences. © 2013 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Japanese Studies on Manchuria. Volume 11. Part 3. Book B. Small Wars and Border Problems, The Nomonhan Incident

DTIC Science & Technology

1956-09-05

Section (Operations) : Col. Masao Terada Senior Operations Staff Officer s Lt. Col. Takuahiro Hattori 174 Oparatlons ataff Offleart t Lt...2 cos, aprx 10 tks ea) and the 4th Tk Regt (Lt. Col. Tamada ; Type 95 It tks, 3 cos, aprr 10 vks eaj. — Ed. 260 t ! ^ ’if1! jflfl Ist...Col, Tamada ) was killed in action. At .out the same time, on the right flank, the 3d Tank Regiment (medium armor) pene- trated the enemy’s

Commissioning and quality assurance for the treatment delivery components of the AccuBoost system.

PubMed

Iftimia, Ileana; Talmadge, Mike; Ladd, Ron; Halvorsen, Per

2015-03-08

The objective for this work was to develop a commissioning methodology for the treatment delivery components of the AccuBoost system, as well as to establish a routine quality assurance program and appropriate guidance for clinical use based on the commissioning results. Various tests were developed: 1) assessment of the accuracy of the displayed separation value; 2) validation of the dwell positions within each applicator; 3) assessment of the accuracy and precision of the applicator localization system; 4) assessment of the combined dose profile of two opposed applicators to confirm that they are coaxial; 5) measurement of the absolute dose delivered with each applicator to confirm acceptable agreement with dose based on Monte Carlo modeling; 6) measurements of the skin-to-center dose ratio using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters; and 7) assessment of the mammopad cushion's effect on the center dose. We found that the difference between the measured and the actual paddle separation is < 0.1 cm for the separation range of 3 cm to 7.5 cm. Radiochromic film measurements demonstrated that the number of dwell positions inside the applicators agree with the values from the vendor, for each applicator type and size. The shift needed for a good applicator-grid alignment was within 0.2 cm. The dry-run test using film demonstrated that the shift of the dosimetric center is within 0.15 cm. Dose measurements in water converted to polystyrene agreed within 5.0% with the Monte Carlo data in polystyrene for the same applicator type, size, and depth. A solid water-to-water (phantom) factor was obtained for each applicator, and all future annual quality assurance tests will be performed in solid water using an average value of 1.07 for the solid water-to-water factor. The skin-to-center dose ratio measurements support the Monte Carlo-based values within 5.0% agreement. For the treatment separation range of 4 cm to 8cm, the change in center dose would be < 1.0% for all applicators when using a compressed pad of 0.2 cm to 0.3 cm. The tests performed ensured that all treatment components of the AccuBoost system are functional and that a treatment plan can be delivered with acceptable accuracy. Based on the commissioning results, a quality assurance manual and guidance documents for clinical use were developed.

Recognition of predictors for mid-long term runoff prediction based on lasso

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, S.; Huang, Y.

2017-12-01

Reliable and accuracy mid-long term runoff prediction is of great importance in integrated management of reservoir. And many methods are proposed to model runoff time series. Almost all forecast lead times (LT) of these models are 1 month, and the predictors are previous runoff with different time lags. However, runoff prediction with increased LT, which is more beneficial, is not popular in current researches. It is because the connection between previous runoff and current runoff will be weakened with the increase of LT. So 74 atmospheric circulation factors (ACFs) together with pre-runoff are used as alternative predictors for mid-long term runoff prediction of Longyangxia reservoir in this study. Because pre-runoff and 74 ACFs with different time lags are so many and most of these factors are useless, lasso, which means `least absolutely shrinkage and selection operator', is used to recognize predictors. And the result demonstrates that 74 ACFs are beneficial for runoff prediction in both validation and test sets when LT is greater than 6. And there are 6 factors other than pre-runoff, most of which are with big time lag, are selected as predictors frequently. In order to verify the effect of 74 ACFs, 74 stochastic time series generated from normalized 74 ACFs are used as input of model. The result shows that these 74 stochastic time series are useless, which confirm the effect of 74 ACFs on mid-long term runoff prediction.

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

PubMed

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

2016-09-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-10

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

Acute, sublethal, and combination effects of azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis on the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera.

PubMed

Abedi, Zahra; Saber, Moosa; Vojoudi, Samad; Mahdavi, Vahid; Parsaeyan, Ehsan

2014-02-26

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous and cosmopolitan insect pest that causes damage to various plants. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner sub sp . kurstaki (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) were evaluated on third instar H. armigera under laboratory conditions. The LC50 values of azadirachtin and Bt were 12.95 and 96.8 µg a.i./mL, respectively. A total mortality of 56.7% was caused on third instar larvae when LC20 values of the insecticides were applied in combination with each other. The LT50 values of azadirachtin and Bt were 4.8 and 3.6 days, respectively. The results of the sublethal study showed that the application of LC30 value of azadirachtin and Bt reduced the larval and pupal weight and increased larval and pupal duration of H. armigera. The longevity and fecundity of female adults were affected significantly by the insecticides. Female fecundity was reduced by the treatments, respectively. The lowest adult emergence ratio and pupation ratio were observed in the azadirachtin treatment. The results indicated that both insecticides have high potential for controlling of the pest. This is an open access paper. We use the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license that permits unrestricted use, provided that the paper is properly attributed.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of potentially curative and combination treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma with person-level data in a Canadian setting.

PubMed

Thein, Hla-Hla; Isaranuwatchai, Wanrudee; Qiao, Yao; Wong, Kenny; Sapisochin, Gonzalo; Chan, Kelvin K W; Yoshida, Eric M; Earle, Craig C

2017-09-01

Patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are potential candidates for curative treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), surgical resection (SR), or liver transplantation (LT), which have demonstrated a significant survival benefit. We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of curative and combination treatment strategies among patients diagnosed with HCC during 2002-2010. This study used Ontario Cancer Registry-linked administrative data to estimate effectiveness and costs (2013 USD) of the treatment strategies from the healthcare payer's perspective. Multiple imputation by logistic regression was used to handle missing data. A net benefit regression approach of baseline important covariates and propensity score adjustment were used to calculate incremental net benefit to generate incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and uncertainty measures. Among 2,222 patients diagnosed with HCC, 10.5%, 14.1%, and 10.3% received RFA, SR, and LT monotherapy, respectively; 0.5-3.1% dual treatments; and 0.5% triple treatments. Compared with no treatment (53.2%), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) + RFA (average $2,465, 95% CI: -$20,000-$36,600/quality-adjusted life years [QALY]) or RFA monotherapy ($15,553, 95% CI: $3,500-$28,500/QALY) appears to be the most cost-effective modality with lowest ICER value. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed that if the relevant threshold was $50,000/QALY, RFA monotherapy and TACE+ RFA would have a cost-effectiveness probability of 100%. Strategies using LT delivered the most additional QALYs and became cost-effective at a threshold of $77,000/QALY. Our findings found that TACE+ RFA dual treatment or RFA monotherapy appears to be the most cost-effective curative treatment for patients with potential early stage of HCC in Ontario. These findings highlight the importance of identifying and measuring differential benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of alternative HCC curative treatments in order to evaluate whether they are providing good value for money in the real world. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Lactate-related factors as a critical determinant of endurance.

PubMed

Tanaka, K

1990-04-01

Many interrelated physiological and/or morphological factors have been demonstrated to influence endurance exercise performance. Some of these factors include skeletal musculature, running economy, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal steady state (MSS), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), onset of plasma lactate accumulation (OPLA), and anaerobic (or lactate) threshold (AT or LT). The present paper focuses mainly on VO2max, MSS, OBLA, OPLA and LT, all of which have been postulated as a prerequisite in endurance exercise success. This paper consists of: (1) significance of La-related variables, (2) longitudinal studies, (3) comments, and (4) conclusion. Briefly, it is suggested that estimation of endurance exercise potential could be obtained with relatively high precision using laboratoriously measured La-related variables. The most critical determinant of endurance exercise performance such as marathon time is considered running velocity (V) at which LT is detected (V / LT), VO2 / LT, or V / MSS, while V / OBLA appears to be the best predictor of performance in endurance events of 16 km or shorter distances.

Effect of tensile pre-strain at different orientation on martensitic transformation and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wibowo, F.; Zulfi, F. R.; Korda, A. A.

2017-01-01

Deformation induced martensite was studied in 316L stainless steel through tensile pre-strain deformation in the rolling direction (RD) and perpendicular to the rolling direction (LT) at various %pre-strain. The experiment was carried out at various given %pre-strain, which were 0%, 4.6%, 12%, 17.4%, and 25.2% for the RD, whereas for LT were 0%, 4.6%, 12%, 18%, and 26% for LT. Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties were observed using optical microscope, tensile testing, hardness testing, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The experimental results showed that the volume fraction of martensite was increased as the %pre-strain increased. In the same level of deformation by tensile pre-strain, the volume of martensite for RD was higher than that with LT direction. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and hardness of the steel were increased proportionally with the increases in %pre-strain, while the value of elongation and toughness were decreased with the increases in %pre-strain.

Role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in freezing-induced freezing resistance of Populus suaveolens.

PubMed

Lin, Shan-Zhi; Zhang, Zhi-Yi; Liu, Wen-Feng; Lin, Yuan-Zhen; Zhang, Qian; Zhu, Bao-Qing

2005-02-01

To explore the role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH, EC 1.1.1.49) in the enhancement of freezing resistance induced by freezing acclimation, G6PDH was purified from the leaves of 8-week-old Populus suaveolens cuttings. The G6PDH activity in the absence or the presence of reduced dithiothreitol (DTT(red)) were determined, and the changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxides (POD) and cytosolic G6PDH activities, malondial-dehyde (MDA) content as well as freezing resistance (expressed as LT(50)) of P. suaveolens cuttings during freezing acclimation at -20 degrees C were investigated. The results showed that the purified G6PDH was probably located in the cytosol of P. suaveolens. Freezing acclimation increased the activities of SOD, POD and cytosolic G6PDH, and decreased the MDA content and LT(50) of cuttings, while 2 d of de-acclimation at 25 degrees C resulted in a decrease in SOD, POD and cytosolic G6PDH activities, and caused an increase in MDA content and LT(50). The change in cytosolic G6PDH activity was found to be closely correlated to the levels of SOD, POD and MDA, and to the degree of freezing resistance of cuttings during freezing acclimation. It is suggested that the enhancement of freezing resistance of cuttings induced by freezing acclimation is related to the distinct increase in cytosolic G6PDH activity, which may be involved in the activation of SOD and POD, and the induction of freezing resistance of cuttings.

Upper thermal tolerances of early life stages of freshwater mussels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pandolfo, Tamara J.; Cope, W. Gregory; Arellano, Consuelo; Bringolf, Robert B.; Barnhart, M. Christopher; Hammer, E

2010-01-01

Freshwater mussels (order Unioniformes) fulfill an essential role in benthic aquatic communities, but also are among the most sensitive and rapidly declining faunal groups in North America. Rising water temperatures, caused by global climate change, industrial discharges, drought, or land development, could further challenge imperiled unionid communities. The aim of our study was to determine the upper thermal tolerances of the larval (glochidia) and juvenile life stages of freshwater mussels. Glochidia of 8 species of mussels were tested: Lampsilis siliquoidea, Potamilus alatus, Ligumia recta, Ellipsaria lineolata,Lasmigona complanata, Megalonaias nervosa, Alasmidonta varicosa, and Villosa delumbis. Seven of these species also were tested as juveniles. Survival trends were monitored while mussels held at 3 acclimation temperatures (17, 22, and 27°C) were exposed to a range of common and extreme water temperatures (20–42°C) in standard acute laboratory tests. The average median lethal temperature (LT50) among species in 24-h tests with glochidia was 31.6°C and ranged from 21.4 to 42.7°C. The mean LT50 in 96-h juvenile tests was 34.7°C and ranged from 32.5 to 38.8°C. Based on comparisons of LT50s, thermal tolerances differed among species for glochidia, but not for juveniles. Acclimation temperature did not affect thermal tolerance for either life stage. Our results indicate that freshwater mussels already might be living close to their upper thermal tolerances in some systems and, thus, might be at risk from rising environmental temperatures.

Active retroreflector with in situ beam analysis to measure the rotational orientation in conjunction with a laser tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofherr, O.; Wachten, C.; Müller, C.; Reinecke, H.

2013-04-01

High precision optical non-contact position measurement is a key technology in modern engineering. Laser trackers (LT) can determine accurately x-y-z coordinates of passive retroreflectors. Next-generation systems answer the additional need to measure an object`s rotational orientation (pitch, yaw, roll). These devices are based either on photogrammetry or on enhanced retroreflectors. However, photogrammetry relies on costly camera systems and time-consuming image processing. Enhanced retroreflectors analyze the LT`s beam but are restricted in roll angle measurements. In the past we have presented a new method [1][2] to measure all six degrees of freedom in conjunction with a LT. Now we dramatically optimized the method and designed a new prototype, e.g. taking into consideration optical alignment, reduced power loss, highly optimized measuring signals and higher resolution. A method is described that allows compensating the influence of the LT's beam offset during tracking the active retroreflector. We prove the functionality of the active retroreflector with the LT and, furthermore, demonstrate the capability of the system to characterize the tracking behavior of a LT. The measurement range for the incident laser beam is +/-12° with a resolution of 0.6".

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-04

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

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

PubMed

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

2014-05-01

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

Liver transplantation for Wilson disease.

PubMed

Catana, Andreea M; Medici, Valentina

2012-01-27

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of liver transplantation (LT) for Wilson disease (WD), focusing on indications and controversies, especially in patients with neuropsychiatric disease, and on identification of acute liver failure (ALF) cases related to WD. LT remains the treatment of choice for patients with ALF, as initial presentation of WD or when anti-copper agents are stopped, and for patients with chronic liver disease progressed to cirrhosis, unresponsive to chelating medications or not timely treated with copper chelating agents. The indication for LT in WD remains highly debated in patients with progressive neurological deterioration and failure to improve with appropriate medical treatment. In case of Wilsonian ALF, early identification is key as mortality is 100% without emergency LT. As many of the copper metabolism parameters are believed to be less reliable in ALF, simple biochemical tests have been proposed for diagnosis of acute WD with good sensitivity and specificity. LT corrects copper metabolism and complications resulting from WD with excellent 1 and 5 year survival. Living related liver transplantation represents an alternative to deceased donor LT with excellent long-term survival, without disease recurrence. Future options may include hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy. Although both of these have shown promising results in animal models of WD, prospective human studies are much needed to demonstrate their long-term beneficial effects and their potential to replace the need for medical therapy and LT in patients with WD.

Family strain and its relation to psychosocial dysfunction in children and adolescents after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Kaller, T; Petersen, I; Petermann, F; Fischer, L; Grabhorn, E; Schulz, K-H

2014-12-01

Parental functioning is essential to children's development. Therefore, this cross-sectional single-center study examined the prevalence of family strain in 181 parents and its associations to psychosocial functioning in their children after LT. Median age at LT was one yr. Mean time elapsed since LT was 5.8 yr. The IFS, and the SDQ were applied to parents. Family strain in the present sample was comparable to that in the German normative group of families with a chronically ill or disabled child, but families of LT recipients showed a significantly higher financial impact, impact on coping, and impact on siblings (p < 0.001). Younger age of patients at survey, a more severe clinical course, child's restrictions, and financial losses following LT were determined as significant predictors of family strain (R(2)  = 0.42). Parents reported less family strain after living-related compared with deceased donation. Family strain was significantly correlated to psychosocial dysfunction in children post-LT. Present findings demonstrate a risk of maladjustment to the post-LT condition in families. They emphasize the importance of psychological assessment of parents and patients during transplant and follow-up to ensure the best achievable long-term outcome of patients. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Patent foramen ovale in liver transplant recipients does not negatively impact short-term outcomes.

PubMed

Werlang, Monia E; Palmer, William C; Boyd, Evelyn A; Cangemi, David J; Harnois, Denise M; Taner, Cemal B; Stancampiano, Fernando F

2016-01-01

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common atrial septal defect that is largely asymptomatic and often undiagnosed. The impact of a PFO in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is unknown. Assess the impact of PFO and physiologic intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) on the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent LT. We performed a retrospective, intention-to-treat analysis of patients with PFO and controls without PFO who underwent LT at Mayo Clinic in Florida between 2008 and 2013. Patients with physiologic IPS were also analyzed. The cohorts were compared for baseline characteristics, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), postoperative oxygen requirements, 30-d cerebrovascular accidents, and mortality. Of the 935 patients who underwent LT, 10.4% had proven PFO by pre-LT echocardiogram. Control patients (n = 101) were statistically older than PFO and IPS (n = 56) patients, but similar in sex, BMI, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, and left ventricular ejection fraction. PFO and IPS patients had similar length of stay in the ICU, mechanical ventilation times, post-LT oxygen requirements, and 30-d mortality compared to controls. Subgroup analysis showed similar outcomes for large PFO and IPS patients to controls. The presence of PFO did not have a negative impact on perioperative LT outcomes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-07

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

Overwork accelerates thrombotic reaction: implications for the pathogenesis of Karoshi.

PubMed

Otsui, Kazunori; Yamamoto, Junichiro; Inoue, Nobutaka

2018-02-01

Work-related stressors are potential causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and stroke; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms by which occupational stress induces and exacerbates CVDs remain unclear. The global thrombosis test (GTT) is a novel in vitro assay for evaluating both thrombotic reactions and subsequent thrombolysis. The time required to form an occlusive thrombus with the GTT, called as the occlusion time (OT), and the time to lyse the thrombus, the lysis time (LT), are markers of thrombotic and thrombolytic reactions, respectively. We investigated the impact of work-related stress on the thrombotic and thrombolytic reactions in 46 healthy medical residents. Off-duty or on-duty blood samples were collected on the mornings of non-work days or after the night duty on the emergent room respectively. The duration of sleep was significantly shorter during night duty than during off-duty nights [2.25 (1.0, 3.0) h vs. 6.0 (5.0, 7.0) h; p < 0.001]. Baseline OT was 310.3 (260.9, 437.7) s. whereas the on-duty OT was significantly shortened [284.2 (230.5, 355.8) s; p < 0.01]. LT was significantly prolonged during overwork conditions compared with off-duty conditions [1547 (1346, 1908) s vs. 1470 (1219, 1692) s; p < 0.05]. Overwork accelerates the thrombotic reactions. These reactions might explain the pathogenesis of overwork-related CVDs. The GTT is a good tool for evaluating of the level of fatigue.

Abscisic acid induced freezing tolerance in chilling-sensitive suspension cultures and seedlings of rice

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The role of abscisic acid (ABA) as a possible activator of cold acclimation process was postulated since endogenous levels of ABA increase temporarily or constitutively during cold-hardening. Exogenous application of ABA has been known to induce freezing tolerance at ambient temperatures in in vitro systems derived from cold hardy plants. Yet, some cell cultures acquired much greater freezing tolerance by ABA than by cold whilst maintaining active growth. This raises questions about the relationships among ABA, cold acclimation and growth cessation. To address this question, we attempted to 1) determine whether exogenous ABA can confer freezing tolerance in chilling-sensitive rice suspension cells and seedlings, which obviously lack the mechanisms to acquire freezing tolerance in response to cold; 2) characterize this phenomenon by optimizing the conditions and compare with the case of cold hardy bromegrass cells. Results Non-embryogenic suspension cells of rice suffered serious chilling injury when exposed to 4°C. When incubated with ABA at the optimal conditions (0.5-1 g cell inoculum, 75 μM ABA, 25-30°C, 7–10 days), they survived slow freezing (2°C/h) to −9.0 ~ −9.3°C (LT50: 50% killing temperature) while control cells were mostly injured at −3°C (LT50: -0.5 ~ −1.5°C). Ice-inoculation of the cell suspension at −3°C and survival determination by regrowth confirmed that ABA-treated rice cells survived extracellular freezing at −9°C. ABA-induced freezing tolerance did not require any exposure to cold and was best achieved at 25-30°C where the rice cells maintained high growth even in the presence of ABA. ABA treatment also increased tolerance to heat (43°C) as determined by regrowth. ABA-treated cells tended to have more augmented cytoplasm and/or reduced vacuole sizes compared to control cultures with a concomitant increase in osmolarity and a decrease in water content. ABA-treated (2–7 days) in vitro grown seedlings and their leaves survived slow freezing to −3°C with only marginal injury (LT50: -4°C) whereas untreated seedlings were killed at −3°C (LT50: -2°C). Conclusions The results indicate that exogenous ABA can induce some levels of freezing tolerance in chilling-sensitive rice cells and seedlings, probably by eliciting mechanisms different from low temperature-induced cold acclimation. PMID:24004611

Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Women Planning Conception and During Pregnancy: Who Should Be Treated and How?

PubMed

Maraka, Spyridoula; Singh Ospina, Naykky M; Mastorakos, George; O'Keeffe, Derek T

2018-06-01

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), a mild form of hypothyroidism defined as elevated TSH with normal free thyroxine levels, is a common diagnosis among women of reproductive age. In some, but not all, studies, it has been associated with infertility, an increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and possibly with an increased risk of neurocognitive deficits in offspring. Despite well-established recommendations on treatment of overt hypothyroid pregnant women, a consensus has not yet been reached on whether to treat women with SCH. This review focuses on examining the evidence informing the clinical strategy for using levothyroxine (LT4) in women with SCH during pregnancy and those who are planning conception. A crucial first step is to accurately diagnose SCH using the appropriate population-based reference range. For pregnant women, if this is unavailable, the recommended TSH upper normal limit cutoff is 4.0 mIU/L. There is evidence supporting a decreased risk for pregnancy loss and preterm delivery for pregnant women with TSH > 4.0 mIU/L receiving LT4 therapy. LT4 treatment has been associated with better reproductive outcomes in women with SCH undergoing artificial reproductive techniques, but not in those who are attempting natural conception. Thyroid function tests need to be repeated throughout pregnancy to monitor LT4 therapy. In addition to potential harms, LT4 contributes to treatment burden. During a consultation, clinicians and patients should engage in a careful consideration of the current evidence in the context of the patients' values and preferences to determine whether LT4 therapy initiation is the best next step.

Longitudinal Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota in Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

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

2017-04-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-03-01

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

Longitudinal Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota in Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

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

2017-01-01

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

An Online Survey of Hypothyroid Patients Demonstrates Prominent Dissatisfaction.

PubMed

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

2018-06-01

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

Antifungal catheter lock therapy for the management of a persistent Candida albicans bloodstream infection in an adult receiving hemodialysis.

PubMed

Paul DiMondi, V; Townsend, Mary L; Johnson, Melissa; Durkin, Michael

2014-07-01

Antifungal catheter lock therapy (AfLT) with liposomal amphotericin B has been used in the treatment of pediatric central line infections caused by Candida species; however, reports describing the use of liposomal amphotericin B lock therapy in the adult hemodialysis patient population are lacking. Management of central line-associated candidemia with systemic therapy alone is often challenging due to the propensity of Candida species to form biofilms on foreign bodies. We describe a 64-year-old woman who was receiving hemodialysis 3 times/week and was hospitalized with persistent fungemia. Despite receiving intravenous micafungin, she had multiple positive blood cultures for Candida albicans, which finally cleared after 7 days. Her double-lumen catheter was considered the most likely nidus of infection. Although catheter removal would have been preferred, this was not possible given her vasculopathy, history of multiple bloodstream infections, and lack of other available sites for vascular access. Catheter exchange was performed, and liposomal amphotericin B AfLT was administered in combination with intravenous micafungin for a total of 6 days. During this time, the patient experienced no discernible adverse effects secondary to AfLT. At discharge, AfLT was discontinued, and intravenous micafungin was changed to oral fluconazole. After 6 months of treatment, the patient remained culture negative and maintained her dialysis access. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of liposomal amphotericin B catheter lock therapy used to manage a persistent C. albicans bloodstream infection in an adult receiving hemodialysis. AfLT is a novel concept for treating catheter-associated fungal infections. Liposomal amphotericin B was chosen based on its favorable in vitro activity against Candida species biofilms in catheter lock environments. We identified several barriers to implementing AfLT, and these issues may prohibit the use of AfLT. This case report illustrates the benefits and challenges of managing catheter-associated fungal infections with AfLT. Further study is required to examine the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of this approach. © 2014 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Reproductive biology of the southern thorny skate Amblyraja doellojuradoi (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae).

PubMed

Delpiani, G

2016-04-01

The total lengths (L(T)) of 193 males (209-556 mm) and 130 females (275-515 mm) of Amblyraja doellojuradoi, a commercial by-catch species on the Argentinean continental shelf, which are increasingly retained, were analysed. No sexual dimorphism was observed in the L(T) at which 50% of individuals were sexually mature; males matured at 448 mm and females at 411 mm, c. 80 and 82% of maximum L(T). The hepato-somatic index was similar among sexes, but significantly different between maturity stages, being lower in mature than immature specimens. Males had no seasonal difference in the hepato-somatic index and females had the lowest index in autumn. The gonado-somatic index was lower in males than in females and significantly higher in mature than immature specimens of both sexes. Males had the highest index in autumn and females had no seasonal difference. Collectively, these results would indicate that A. doellojuradoi breeds in autumn. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Assessment of physical fatigability and fatigue perception in myasthenia gravis.

PubMed

Jordan, Berit; Mehl, Theresa; Schweden, Tabea L K; Menge, Uwe; Zierz, Stephan

2017-05-01

Fatigue includes both performance fatigability and fatigue perception. In 32 stable patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and 17 controls, time-dependent physical performance was assessed by the arm movement test (AMT) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). MG patients presented with low quantitative MG scores (mean 0.5, SD 0.5) and without pathologic decrement. Fatigability was based on calculation of linear trend (LT) reflecting dynamic performance within subsequent constant time intervals. Perception of physical fatigue was analyzed using fatigue questionnaires. MG patients showed a negative LT in both AMT and 6MWT, significantly differing from stable performance in controls. LT inversely correlated with elevation of acetylcholine receptor antibodies (r = -0.59, P < 0.005) but not with quantitative MG score and fatigue perception. LT allows quantification of fatigability as an objective measurement of decline in individual performance, even in patients without obvious neuromuscular deficits in routine testing. The missing correlation of experienced fatigue supports the multidimensional fatigue model. Muscle Nerve 55: 657-663, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The exercise and affect relationship: evidence for the dual-mode model and a modified opponent process theory.

PubMed

Markowitz, Sarah M; Arent, Shawn M

2010-10-01

This study examined the relationship between exertion level and affect using the framework of opponent-process theory and the dual-mode model, with the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist and the State Anxiety Inventory among 14 active and 14 sedentary participants doing 20 min of treadmill exercise at speeds of 5% below, 5% above, and at lactate threshold (LT). We found a significant effect of time, condition, Time × Condition, and Time × Group, but no group, Group × Condition, or Time × Group × Condition effects, such that the 5% above LT condition produced a worsening of affect in-task compared with all other conditions whereas, across conditions, participants experienced in-task increases in energy and tension, and in-task decreases in tiredness and calmness relative to baseline. Posttask, participants experienced mood improvement (decreased tension, anxiety, and increased calmness) across conditions, with a 30-min delay in the above LT condition. These results partially support the dual-mode model and a modified opponent-process theory.

Robust determination of surface relaxivity from nuclear magnetic resonance DT2 measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhi-Xiang; Paulsen, Jeffrey; Song, Yi-Qiao

2015-10-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful tool to probe into geological materials such as hydrocarbon reservoir rocks and groundwater aquifers. It is unique in its ability to obtain in situ the fluid type and the pore size distributions (PSD). The T1 and T2 relaxation times are closely related to the pore geometry through the parameter called surface relaxivity. This parameter is critical for converting the relaxation time distribution into the PSD and so is key to accurately predicting permeability. The conventional way to determine the surface relaxivity ρ2 had required independent laboratory measurements of the pore size. Recently Zielinski et al. proposed a restricted diffusion model to extract the surface relaxivity from the NMR diffusion-T2 relaxation (DT2) measurement. Although this method significantly improved the ability to directly extract surface relaxivity from a pure NMR measurement, there are inconsistencies with their model and it relies on a number of preset parameters. Here we propose an improved signal model to incorporate a scalable LT and extend their method to extract the surface relaxivity based on analyzing multiple DT2 maps with varied diffusion observation time. With multiple diffusion observation times, the apparent diffusion coefficient correctly describes the restricted diffusion behavior in samples with wide PSDs, and the new method does not require predetermined parameters, such as the bulk diffusion coefficient and tortuosity. Laboratory experiments on glass beads packs with the beads diameter ranging from 50 μm to 500 μm are used to validate the new method. The extracted diffusion parameters are consistent with their known values and the determined surface relaxivity ρ2 agrees with the expected value within ±7%. This method is further successfully applied on a Berea sandstone core and yields surface relaxivity ρ2 consistent with the literature.

Periodic magnetopause oscillations observed with the GOES satellites on March 24, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cahill, L. J., Jr.; Winckler, J. R.

1992-01-01

The GOES 6 and 7 satellites were in the dayside magnetosphere late on March 24, 1991, when the magnetopause moved in to geosynchronous orbit. Observations on GOES 6 near 1030 local time (LT) indicated six inward and outward periodic movements of the magnetopause past the satellite over a 30-min interval. Later the magnetopause moved farther in, placing GOES 6 (1100 LT) in the magnetosheath and then moving in past GOES 7, near 1245 LT. The periodic oscillations of the magnetopause at GOES 6 suggest surface waves propagating toward the dawn flank of the magnetopause.

Physiological and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners.

PubMed

Gordon, Dan; Wightman, Sarah; Basevitch, Itay; Johnstone, James; Espejo-Sanchez, Carolina; Beckford, Chelsea; Boal, Mariette; Scruton, Adrian; Ferrandino, Mike; Merzbach, Viviane

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the physical and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners within finish time bandings (2.5-3 h, 3-3.5 h, 3.5-4 h, 4-4.5 h and >4.5 h). A total of 97 recreational marathon runners (age 42.4 ± 9.9 years; mass 69.2 ± 11.3 kg; stature 172.8 ± 9.1 cm), with a marathon finish time of 229.1 ± 48.7 min, of whom n = 34 were female and n = 63 were male, completed an incremental treadmill test for the determination of lactate threshold (LT1), lactate turn point (LT2) and running economy (RE). Following a 7-min recovery, they completed a test to volitional exhaustion starting at LT2 for the assessment of [Formula: see text]. In addition, all participants completed a questionnaire gathering information on their current training regimes exploring weekly distances, training frequencies, types of sessions, longest run in a week, with estimations of training speed, and load and volume derived from these data. Training frequency was shown to be significantly greater for the 2.5-3 h group compared to the 3.5-4 h runners ( P < 0.001) and >4.5 h group ( P = 0.004), while distance per session (km·session -1 ) was significantly greater for the 2.5-3 h group (16.1 ± 4.2) compared to the 3.5-4 h group (15.5 ± 5.2; P = 0.01) and >4.5 h group (10.3 ± 2.6; P = 0.001). Race speed correlated with LT1 ( r = 0.791), LT2 ( r = 0.721) and distance per session ( r = 0.563). The data highlight profound differences for key components of marathon running ([Formula: see text], LT1, LT2, RE and % [Formula: see text]) within a group of recreational runners with the discriminating training variables being training frequency and the absolute training speed.

Health-related quality of life and employment status of liver transplant patients.

PubMed

Aberg, Fredrik; Rissanen, Anne M; Sintonen, Harri; Roine, Risto P; Höckerstedt, Krister; Isoniemi, Helena

2009-01-01

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one preferable outcome measure of medical interventions such as liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare HRQoL of LT patients with that of the general population and to assess the employment status of LT patients. HRQoL was measured with the 15D instrument, a validated, non-disease-specific, 15-dimensional, self-administered HRQoL instrument. The questionnaire was sent to all adult LT patients in Finland (401 patients) alive in June 2007. The response rate was 89% (353 patients). The results were compared to those of 6050 age-standardized and gender-standardized controls from the general population. LT patients (mean age, 55 years; range, 20-82) had slightly worse HRQoL scores than the general population (mean 15D score, 0.889 versus 0.907; P < 0.002). Survival time and retransplantation did not affect HRQoL significantly in age-adjusted and gender-adjusted analyses. HRQoL decreased with increasing age (P < 0.0001). Patients transplanted for acute liver failure (ALF) or chronic liver disease (CLD) had significantly worse HRQoL than the general population (P = 0.014 and P = 0.040). Forty-four percent of working-age patients were employed at the time of the study. Persons that were employed had significantly better HRQoL than those unemployed (15D scores, 0.934 versus 0.859; P < 0.0001). Eighty-seven percent of patients experienced improved working capacity after LT. Early retirement was the most common cause of unemployment (56% of unemployed patients), and those patients presented with worse HRQoL than patients unemployed for other reasons. In conclusion, HRQoL of LT patients is very close to that of the general population. Older age, CLD, and ALF impair HRQoL. Employment is an indicator of HRQoL. Copyright 2008 AASLD.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy vs. light therapy for preventing winter depression recurrence: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Rohan, Kelly J; Evans, Maggie; Mahon, Jennifer N; Sitnikov, Lilya; Ho, Sheau-Yan; Nillni, Yael I; Postolache, Teodor T; Vacek, Pamela M

2013-03-21

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a subtype of recurrent depression involving major depressive episodes during the fall and/or winter months that remit in the spring. The central public health challenge in the management of SAD is prevention of winter depression recurrence. Light therapy (LT) is the established and best available acute SAD treatment. However, long-term compliance with daily LT from first symptom through spontaneous springtime remission every fall/winter season is poor. Time-limited alternative treatments with effects that endure beyond the cessation of acute treatment are needed to prevent the annual recurrence of SAD. This is an NIMH-funded R01-level randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of a novel, SAD-tailored cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBT) against LT in a head-to-head comparison on next winter outcomes. This project is designed to test for a clinically meaningful difference between CBT and LT on depression recurrence in the next winter (the primary outcome). This is a concurrent two-arm study that will randomize 160 currently symptomatic community adults with major depression, recurrent with seasonal pattern, to CBT or LT. After 6 weeks of treatment in the initial winter, participants are followed in the subsequent summer, the next winter, and two winters later. Key methodological issues surround timing study procedures for a predictably recurrent and time-limited disorder with a focus on long-term outcomes. The chosen design answers the primary question of whether prior exposure to CBT is associated with a substantially lower likelihood of depression recurrence the next winter than LT. This design does not test the relative contributions of the cognitive-behavioral treatment components vs. nonspecific factors to CBT's outcomes and is not adequately powered to test for differences or equivalence between cells at treatment endpoint. Alternative designs addressing these limitations would have required more patients, increased costs, and reduced power to detect a difference in the primary outcome. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01714050.

Alteration of Hemostatic Parameters in Patients with Different Levels of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and the Effect of L-thyroxine Treatment.

PubMed

Gao, Fang; Wang, Guangya; Xu, Jinxiu

2017-01-01

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is associated with hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of L-thyroxine (L-T4) treatment and to evaluate changes in the hemostatic abnormalities of patients with varying severities of SH. We measured tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), D-dimer (DDI), fibrinogen (FIB), platelet counts (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT) in 149 female subjects. The prospective study included 54 patients in the control group, 53 patients with 4.2 μIU/mL

Serial Monitoring of Immune Markers Being Represented Regulatory T Cell/T Helper 17 Cell Ratio: Indicating Tolerance for Tapering Immunosuppression after Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Jhun, JooYeon; Lee, Seung Hoon; Lee, Soon Kyu; Kim, Hee Yeon; Jung, Eun Sun; Kim, Dong Goo; Choi, JeongWon; Bae, Si Hyun; Yoon, Seung Kew; Chung, Byung Ha; Yang, Chul Woo; Cho, Mi-La; Choi, Jong Young

2018-01-01

Recipients of liver transplantation (LT) require long-term immunosuppressive drug treatment, but lifelong immunosuppressive treatment has severe side effects. It is known that some LT recipients develop immune tolerance, and although the development of such operational tolerance should allow a decrease in the burden of immunosuppressive drug treatment, the factors that indicate operational tolerance are not clear. This study aimed to monitor immunological markers over time in LT recipients to identify those markers indicating the development of operational tolerance. We performed a prospective pilot study measuring immune markers, including the ratio of regulatory T (Treg) and T helper (Th) 17 cells in peripheral blood in the 14 most immunologically stable patients among 70 clinically stable LT recipients. The doses of immunosuppressive drugs given to these 14 LT recipients were tapered over time and they were monitored for immunological markers related to the development of immune tolerance. As the doses of immunosuppressive drugs were reduced, the Treg/Th17, Th1/Th17, and CD8/Th17 ratio in tolerant recipients was significantly increased compared with that of nontolerant recipients. These results suggest that monitoring of changes in the immune makers, including Treg/Th17 ratio during tapering of immunosuppression may allow prediction of the development of tolerance. PMID:29545795

Einstein’s sigh: hidden symmetry in Einstein’s derivation of the Lorentz transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Sheng D.

2017-03-01

‘Das hätte ich einfacher sagen können (I could have said that more simply).’ was Einstein’s sigh when he had a chance to remark on his own derivation of the Lorentz transformation (LT) in the 1905 seminal paper. In fact, in a popular science exposition of the theory of relativity Einstein did provide such a simple derivation of the LT. It is a curious historical fact that the latter derivation was presented in 1916, while Einstein’s remark was made in 1943. Was the 1916 derivation simple enough to relieve his sigh? Had he expected an even simpler derivation beyond his thoughts? In this paper, Einstein’s simple derivation of the LT is revisited and analysed. We show that the LT can be obtained from a symmetry principle hidden in Einstein’s logical reasoning. First, the relativity principle can be restated as a mirror principle based on the space-time exchange-inversion operation. Second, the assumed constancy of the speed of light (Einstein’s second postulate) can be derived by using the velocity reciprocity property, which is a deductive result of the space-time homogeneity and the space isotropy. Therefore, Einstein could have presented his derivation of the LT more simply, thus turning Einstein’s sigh of regret into a sigh of relief.

Chemical reaction of atomic oxygen with evaporated films of copper, part 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fromhold, A. T.; Williams, J. R.

1990-01-01

Evaporated copper films were exposed to an atomic oxygen flux of 1.4 x 10(exp 17) atoms/sq cm per sec at temperatures in the range 285 to 375 F (140 to 191 C) for time intervals between 2 and 50 minutes. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) was used to determine the thickness of the oxide layers formed and the ratio of the number of copper to oxygen atoms in the layers. Oxide film thicknesses ranged from 50 to 3000 A (0.005 to 0.3 microns, or equivalently, 5 x 10(exp -9) to 3 x 10(exp -7); it was determined that the primary oxide phase was Cu2O. The growth law was found to be parabolic (L(t) varies as t(exp 1/2)), in which the oxide thickness L(t) increases as the square root of the exposure time t. The analysis of the data is consistent with either of the two parabolic growth laws. (The thin-film parabolic growth law is based on the assumption that the process is diffusion controlled, with the space charge within the growing oxide layer being negligible. The thick-film parabolic growth law is also based on a diffusion controlled process, but space-charge neutrality prevails locally within very thick oxides.) In the absence of a voltage measurement across the growing oxide, a distinction between the two mechanisms cannot be made, nor can growth by the diffusion of neutral atomic oxygen be entirely ruled out. The activation energy for the reaction is on the order of 1.1 eV (1.76 x 10(exp -19) joule, or equivalently, 25.3 kcal/mole).

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-18

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

Testing the relativistic precession model using low-frequency and kHz quasi-periodic oscillations in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries with known spin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Doesburgh, Marieke; van der Klis, Michiel

2017-03-01

We analyse all available RXTE data on a sample of 13 low-mass X-ray binaries with known neutron star spin that are not persistent pulsars. We carefully measure the correlations between the centroid frequencies of the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). We compare these correlations to the prediction of the relativistic precession model that, due to frame dragging, a QPO will occur at the Lense-Thirring precession frequency νLT of a test-particle orbit whose orbital frequency is the upper kHz QPO frequency νu. Contrary to the most prominent previous studies, we find two different oscillations in the range predicted for νLT that are simultaneously present over a wide range of νu. Additionally, one of the low-frequency noise components evolves into a (third) QPO in the νLT range when νu exceeds 600 Hz. The frequencies of these QPOs all correlate to νu following power laws with indices between 0.4 and 3.3, significantly exceeding the predicted value of 2.0 in 80 per cent of the cases (at 3 to >20σ). Also, there is no evidence that the neutron star spin frequency affects any of these three QPO frequencies, as would be expected for frame dragging. Finally, the observed QPO frequencies tend to be higher than the νLT predicted for reasonable neutron star specific moment of inertia. In the light of recent successes of precession models in black holes, we briefly discuss ways in which such precession can occur in neutron stars at frequencies different from test-particle values and consistent with those observed. A precessing torus geometry and other torques than frame dragging may allow precession to produce the observed frequency correlations, but can only explain one of the three QPOs in the νLT range.

Association of donor and recipient SUMO4 rs237025 genetic variant with new-onset diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Zhang, Tao; Liu, Yuan; Hu, Yibo; Zhang, Xiaoqing; Zhong, Lin; Fan, Junwei; Peng, Zhihai

2017-09-05

New-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT). The small ubiquitin-like modifier 4 (SUMO4) rs237025 polymorphism has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of donor and recipient SUMO4 rs237025 polymorphisms with NODM and the long-term consequences of NODM after LT. A total of 126 liver transplant patients were enrolled in the study. One single nucleotide polymorphism, SUMO4 rs237025, was genotyped in both donors and recipients. Both donor and recipient SUMO4 rs237025 polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with NODM after LT. In multivariate analysis, recipient age>50 years, tacrolimus trough concentrations>10ng/mL at 1month after LT, donor and recipient rs237025 genetic variant, and the combined donor and recipient rs237025 genetic variant were independent predictive factors of NODM. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis indicated the higher predictive ability of the model containing combined donor and recipient rs237025 polymorphisms than the clinical model (p=0.046). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that NODM was related to significantly poorer patient survival in comparison with non-NODM patients (p=0.041). Both donor and recipient SUMO4 rs237025 polymorphisms contribute to the development of NODM after LT and NODM is a frequent complication that negatively affects patient survival. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Needle metabolome, freezing tolerance and gas exchange in Norway spruce seedlings exposed to elevated temperature and ozone concentration.

PubMed

Riikonen, Johanna; Kontunen-Soppela, Sari; Ossipov, Vladimir; Tervahauta, Arja; Tuomainen, Marjo; Oksanen, Elina; Vapaavuori, Elina; Heinonen, Jaakko; Kivimäenpää, Minna

2012-09-01

Northern forests are currently experiencing increasing mean temperatures, especially during autumn and spring. Consequently, alterations in carbon sequestration, leaf biochemical quality and freezing tolerance (FT) are likely to occur. The interactive effects of elevated temperature and ozone (O(3)), the most harmful phytotoxic air pollutant, on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings were studied by analysing phenology, metabolite concentrations in the needles, FT and gas exchange. Sampling was performed in September and May. The seedlings were exposed to a year-round elevated temperature (+1.3 °C), and to 1.4× ambient O(3) concentration during the growing season in the field. Elevated temperature increased the concentrations of amino acids, organic acids of the citric acid cycle and some carbohydrates, and reduced the concentrations of phenolic compounds, some organic acids of the shikimic acid pathway, sucrose, cyclitols and steroids, depending on the timing of the sampling. Although growth onset occurred earlier at elevated temperature, the temperature of 50% lethality (LT(50)) was similar in the treatments. Photosynthesis and the ratio of photosynthesis to dark respiration were reduced by elevated temperature. Elevated concentrations of O(3) reduced the total concentration of soluble sugars, and tended to reduce LT(50) of the needles in September. These results show that alterations in needle chemical quality can be expected at elevated temperatures, but the seedlings' sensitivity to autumn and spring frosts is not altered. Elevated O(3) has the potential to disturb cold hardening of Norway spruce seedlings in autumn, and to alter the water balance of the seedling through changes in stomatal conductance (g(s)), while elevated temperature is likely to reduce g(s) and consequently reduce the O(3)-flux inside the leaves.

Probing in-plane anisotropy in fewlayer ReS₂ using low frequency noise measurement.

PubMed

Mitra, Richa; Jariwala, Bhakti; Bhattacharya, Arnab; Das, Anindya

2018-01-31

ReS₂, a layered two-dimensional material popular for its in-plane anisotropic properties is emerging as one of the potential candidates for flexible electronics and ultrafast optical applications. It is an n-type semiconducting material having a layer independent bandgap of 1.55 eV. In this paper we have characterized the intrinsic electronic noise level of fewlayer ReS₂ for the first time. Fewlayer ReS₂ FET devices show 1/f nature of noise for frequency ranging over three orders of magnitude. We have also observed that not only the electrical response of the material is anisotropic; the noise level is also direction dependent. In fact the noise is found to be more sensitive towards the anisotropy. This fact has been explained by evoking the theory where the Hooge parameter is not a constant quantity, but has a distinct power law dependence on mobility along the two axes direction. The anisotropy in 1/f noise measurement will pave the way to quantify the anisotropic nature of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which will be helpful for the design of low noise transistor in future. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Hepatitis C and liver transplantation.

PubMed

Martini, Silvia

2018-06-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease represents the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the USA and Europe and HCV recurrence is universal in recipients who are viremic at LT. Until a few years ago, pegylated-interferon in association with ribavirin was the only therapeutic strategy, usable only in compensated cirrhotic patients, in order to prevent post-LT viral recurrence. The recent advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has dramatically increased the chances of curative treatment for the transplant population and the debate about which should be the best time for treating the infection is still open: whether to pursue HCV eradication 1) before LT, in order to improve liver function, delist some patients and prevent graft infection; or 2) as early as possible after LT, rather than 3) waiting for hepatitis C recurrence before starting treatment. In addition, in the DAA era, the use of HCV-positive donors may represent a potential approach to safely expanding the donor pool. As more HCV patients achieve cure with DAA regimens, the LT trend for HCV in the future would be expected to mimic the trend observed for hepatitis B virus in the past decade and in the United States, during the DAA-period 2014-2015, the rate of LT wait-listing for HCV complicated by decompensated cirrhosis has already decreased by 32%. This review summarizes the published data and emphasizes DAA treatment applicability to patients with decompensated cirrhosis and to liver transplant recipients.

Liver transplantation for Wilson disease

PubMed Central

Catana, Andreea M; Medici, Valentina

2012-01-01

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of liver transplantation (LT) for Wilson disease (WD), focusing on indications and controversies, especially in patients with neuropsychiatric disease, and on identification of acute liver failure (ALF) cases related to WD. LT remains the treatment of choice for patients with ALF, as initial presentation of WD or when anti-copper agents are stopped, and for patients with chronic liver disease progressed to cirrhosis, unresponsive to chelating medications or not timely treated with copper chelating agents. The indication for LT in WD remains highly debated in patients with progressive neurological deterioration and failure to improve with appropriate medical treatment. In case of Wilsonian ALF, early identification is key as mortality is 100% without emergency LT. As many of the copper metabolism parameters are believed to be less reliable in ALF, simple biochemical tests have been proposed for diagnosis of acute WD with good sensitivity and specificity. LT corrects copper metabolism and complications resulting from WD with excellent 1 and 5 year survival. Living related liver transplantation represents an alternative to deceased donor LT with excellent long-term survival, without disease recurrence. Future options may include hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy. Although both of these have shown promising results in animal models of WD, prospective human studies are much needed to demonstrate their long-term beneficial effects and their potential to replace the need for medical therapy and LT in patients with WD. PMID:22312450

Cysteinyl leukotrienes C4 and D4 downregulate human mast cell expression of toll-like receptors 1 through 7.

PubMed

Karpov, V; Ilarraza, R; Catalli, A; Kulka, M

2018-01-01

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) are potent inflammatory lipid molecules that mediate some of the pathophysiological responses associated with asthma such as bronchoconstriction, vasodilation and increased microvascular permeability. As a result, CysLT receptor antagonists (LRA), such as montelukast, have been used to effectively treat patients with asthma. We have recently shown that mast cells are necessary modulators of innate immune responses to bacterial infection and an important component of this innate immune response may involve the production of CysLT. However, the effect of LRA on innate immune receptors, particularly on allergic effector cells, is unknown. This study determined the effect of CysLT on toll-like receptor (TLR) expression by the human mast cell line LAD2. Real-time PCR analysis determined that LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 downregulated mRNA expression of several TLR. Specifically in human CD34+-derived human mast cells (HuMC), LTC4 inhibited expression of TLR1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 while LTD4 inhibited expression of TLR1-7. Montelukast blocked LTC4-mediated downregulation of all TLR, suggesting that these effects were mediated by activation of the CysLT1 receptor (CysLT1R). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that LTC4 downregulated surface expression of TLR2 which was blocked by montelukast. These data show that CysLT can modulate human mast cell expression of TLR and that montelukast may be beneficial for innate immune responses mediated by mast cells.

[Effects of recombinant human morphogenetic protein-2 on pulmonary artery pressure in acute lung injury caused by endotoxin and mechanism thereof: experiment with rats].

PubMed

Shan, Shi-min; Pei, Ling; Wang, Jun-ke

2006-12-05

To investigate the effects of recombinant human morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on pulmonary artery pressure in acute lung injury (ALI) caused by endotoxin and mechanism thereof: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: control group (Group C), receiving intravenous drip of normal saline (NS) through the femoral vein for 1.5 h; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) control group (Group L), receiving intravenous drip of NS and then LPS; and rhBMP-2 group (Group L(T)), receiving intravenous drip of rhBMP-2 solution and LPS solution successively through the femoral vein,, and then injected with rhBMP-2 through a detaining catheter after 24 and 48 hours respectively. Seventy-two hours later the pulmonary artery pressure (P(pa)) was detected and then all the rats were killed with their left lung taken out. Four hours before the collection of lung tissues 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) was injected intraperitoneally. Pathological examination was conducted. TUNEL was used to examine the proliferation/apoptosis of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). The thickness of pulmonary artery media was measured by microphotography system. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the K(V 1.5) gene. PASMCs were collected to undergo electric physiologic examination of the activity of voltage gated potassium channel (K(V)). The PPa of Group L was (25.1 +/- 3.5) mmHg, significantly higher than those of Groups C and L(T) [(14.9 +/- 1.9) and (15.3 +/- 1.2) mmHg respectively, both P < 0.01]. The mitotic index of Group L was 3.1% +/- 0.6%, significantly higher than those of Group C and LT (0.4% +/- 0.1% and 0.5% +/- 0.6% respectively, both P < 0.01). The thickness of the pulmonary artery media of Group L was 9.7% +/- 2.8%, significantly greater than those of Groups C and L(T) (5.0% +/- 1.5% and 5.2 +/- 1.7% respectively, both P < 0.01). When the reference voltage was + 70 mV, the current value of the PASMC of Group L was (0.61 +/- 0.03) nA, significantly lower than that of Group L(T) [(0.61 +/- 0.17) nA. P < 0.001], lowering by 74.6%. Western blotting showed that the protein expression and mRNA expression of K(V 1.5) of Group L were both significantly lower than those of Groups C and L(T) (both P < 0.01). rhBNP-2 inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of the PASMC, thus preventing the pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary artery hypertension with the probable mechanism of activation of the K(V) channel and upregulation of K(V 1.5) gene expression.

Occurrence of biogenic amines in beers produced with malted organic Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum).

PubMed

Mozzon, Massimo; Boselli, Emanuele; Obiedziński, Mieczysław W; Frega, Natale G

2015-01-01

Because several groups of microorganisms are able to decarboxylate amino acids, the presence of biogenic amines (BA) can be seen as an index of the microbiological quality of the brewing process. BAs were quantified for the first time in the intermediate products and craft beers produced with malted organic Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum) in a small size brewery in order to assess the possible presence of critical control points related to biological hazard in the brewing process. BA levels in beers produced exclusively from malted organic Emmer wheat were between 15.4 and 25.2 mg l(-1) in the samples of light beer (Lt) and between 8.9 and 15.3 mg l(-1) in double malt beers (DM) ready for consumption (the beers stored for 90 days at 1-2°C). Cadaverine and tyramine were the main BAs in the Lt and DM beers, respectively. Increased concentrations of BAs seemed to be more related to the heat treatment of the processing product during mashing and wort boiling, rather than to the fermentation process. Much lower concentrations were found in finished beers obtained from 50% malted organic Emmer wheat and 50% malted barley (up to 3.2 mg l(-1)) or from 30% malted Emmer wheat (up to 8.3 mg l(-1)). Thus, Emmer wheat malt can be a useful alternative to wheat and spelt for the production of beer with a limited content of BA, if the processing technology is kept under control.

Tape Casting of High-Performance Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Cells with Thin La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ Electrolytes and Impregnated Nano Anodes.

PubMed

Gao, Zhan; Wang, Hongqian; Miller, Elizabeth; Liu, Qinyuan; Senn, Daniel; Barnett, Scott

2017-03-01

Low-temperature solid oxide cells (LT-SOCs), operating at 400 to 650 °C, have great potential for commercialization since they can provide lower cost and improved long-term durability. Low operating temperature can also enable high round-trip efficiency of SOCs as reversible energy storage devices. This paper describes Sr 0.8 La 0.2 TiO 3-α (SLT) anode supported LT-SOC with thin La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Ga 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte made by tape casting, with screen printed La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Fe 0.8 Co 0.2 O 3-δ (LSCF) cathode and impregnated Ni anode. Optimization of the anode functional layers is described; the best anodes had 68 vol % LSGM and 12.3 vol % Ni and yielded maximum power density of 1.6 Wcm -2 with a cell area specific resistance (ASR) of 0.21 Ωcm 2 at 650 °C. Most of the cell ASR was associated with the cathode. Reversible electrolysis and fuel cell operation yielded similar characteristics with both 50% H 2 -50% H 2 O and syngas fuel. Life testing over 500 h showed that the cathode impedance stabilized after an initial break-in period; the ohmic and anode resistances, though relatively small, increased slightly with time.

Liver transplantation of hepatitis B surface antigen positive donors to hepatitis B core antibody recipients: analysis of 27 patients.

PubMed

Krishnamoorthi, R; Manickam, P; Cappell, M S

2014-06-01

Shortage of donor livers is the major limiting factor for liver transplantation (LT). While livers from patients with past infection of Hepatitis-B (HBcAb+) are commonly used as donors, scant data exists on outcomes following transplantation of HBsAg+ donor livers. The impact of donor HBsAg positivity on recipient survival is currently analyzed. Post hoc analysis of all adults undergoing LT from October 1987-September 2010 registered in United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, a concurrent, limited access database of all American LT recipients. Only recipients who were HBcAb+ were analyzed. LTs with missing donor or recipient serologic parameters for Hepatitis-B were excluded. Significant predictors of survival were determined by univariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine independent risk predictors in the multivariate analysis. The population consisted of 13,329 LT recipients. The mean age of donors and recipients were 40±16 years and 52±9 years respectively. The mean follow-up was 3.7 years. Study population included 27 recipients transplanted with HBsAg+ grafts, of whom 7 (28%) died. Outcomes were adjusted for donor age, recipient age, donor gender, recipient gender, type of LT, MELD score, HCV status, previous LT, and cold ischemic time. On multivariate analysis, LT recipient outcomes were not significantly different for HBsAg+ donors versus donors without prior hepatitis B infection (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.93-1.39, P=0.17). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed no significant survival difference between the two groups. These results suggest that donor HBsAg positivity did not affect overall survival of LT recipients. These findings could potentially expand the pool of liver donors.

Medication adherence and rejection rates in older versus younger adult liver transplant recipients

PubMed Central

Leven, Emily A.; Annunziato, Rachel; Helcer, Jacqueline; Lieber, Sarah R.; Knight, Christopher S.; Wlodarkiewicz, Catherine; Soriano, Rainier P.; Florman, Sander S.; Schiano, Thomas D.; Shemesh, Eyal

2017-01-01

A growing number of older adults are undergoing liver transplantation (LT) in the US. In some settings, it is thought that adherence declines with age. This retrospective study examined adherence and clinical outcomes in older versus younger adult LT recipients. Medical records of adult LT recipients from 2009–2012 from a single urban center were reviewed. The medication level variability index (MLVI) was the pre-defined primary outcome, with nonadherence defined as MLVI >2.5. The secondary outcome was incidence of rejection. Outcomes were evaluated starting one year post-LT until 2015. 42/248 patients were ≥65 at transplant. Older adults had significantly better adherence than younger ones (65% ≥65 were adherent vs. 42% younger adults; Chi-Square two-tailed p=0.02). Survival analyses of rejection between age groups censored by time since transplant showed no difference among the four age groups (χ2 = 0.84, p=0.84). Older age was not found to be a risk factor for reduced adherence or graft rejection in patients surviving at least one year post-LT. PMID:28370346

Preparatory study for the revaluation of the EQ-5D tariff: methodology report.

PubMed

Mulhern, Brendan; Bansback, Nick; Brazier, John; Buckingham, Ken; Cairns, John; Devlin, Nancy; Dolan, Paul; Hole, Arne Risa; Kavetsos, Georgios; Longworth, Louise; Rowen, Donna; Tsuchiya, Aki

2014-02-01

EQ-5D is a widely used generic measure of health with a 'tariff', or preference weights, obtained from the general population, using time trade-off (TTO). PRET (Preparatory study for the Re-valuation of the EQ-5D Tariff project) contributes towards the methodology for its revaluation. Stage 1 examined key assumptions typically involved in health-state valuations through a series of binary choice exercises, namely that health-state preferences are independent of (1) duration of the state; (2) whose health it is (i.e. perspective); (3) length of 'lead time' (a mechanism to value all states on the same scale, including those who are worse than being dead); (4) when health events take place (time preference); and (5) satisfaction associated with the state. Further topics addressed were (6) exhaustion of lead time in the worst state; (7) health-state valuation using discrete choice experiments (DCEs) with a duration attribute; and (8) binary choice administration of lead time - time trade-off (LT-TTO). Stage 1 consisted of an online survey with 6000 respondents. Stage 2 compared the results above to those of an identical survey conducted in 200 face-to-face computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPIs), covering topics (1) to (7). Stages 3 and 4 examined - in more detail and depth - issues taken from stage 1. Stage 3 consisted of CAPI surveys of a representative UK sample of 300, using examples of TTO, LT-TTO, and DCE with duration, each followed by extensive feedback questions. Stage 4 was a more intensive exercise involving a qualitative analysis of people's thought processes during both binary choice and iterative health-state valuation exercises. Data were collected through 'think-aloud' methods in 30 interviews of a convenience sample. Stage 1 found that health-state values are not independent of (1) duration of the state but there is no clear pattern; (2) whose health it is; (3) the duration of 'lead time' but there was no clear pattern; (4) when health events take place; or (5) satisfaction associated with the state. Furthermore, (6) exhaustion of lead time in the worst state was subject to substantial framing effects; (7) the five-level version of the EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) can be valued using DCE with duration as an attribute; and (8) binary choice LT-TTO can be administered in an online environment. Stage 2 found that although online surveys and CAPI surveys resulted in different compositions of respondents, at the aggregate, their responses to the experimental questions covering (1) to (7) above were not statistically significantly different from each other. Stages 3 and 4 found that TTO and LT-TTO were easier than DCE with duration; respondents did not necessarily trade across all attributes of EQ-5D; some respondents found it difficult to distinguish between the two worst levels of EQ-5D-5L, and some respondents may be thinking about the impact of their ill health on their family. In order for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to make the most appropriate decisions, the EQ-5D tariff needs to incorporate the latest understanding of health-state preferences. PRET contributed to the knowledge base on the conduct of health-state valuation studies. The Medical Research Council (MRC)-National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Methodology Research Programme funded the PRET project (MRC ref. G0901500), and the EuroQol Group funded the PRET-AS project (Preparatory study for the Re-valuation of the EQ-5D Tariff project - Additional Sample) as an extension to the PRET project with formal agreement from the MRC.

High historical values of foEs—Reality or artefact?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laštovička, J.; Boška, J.; Burešová, D.; Kouba, D.

2012-01-01

Very high values of foEs had sometimes been reported in the past. These values, as well as all other ionogram-scaled values, had been derived from ionograms under the assumption of the vertical reflection of ordinary mode of sounding radio waves. In the past it was impossible to check the validity of this assumption. However, modern digisondes determine clearly the oblique or extraordinary mode reflections. To test the assumption of the vertical reflection of ordinary mode for high values of foEs, seven summers (June 2004-August 2010) from a midlatitude station Pruhonice are chosen. All hourly values of foEs≥6.0 MHz are selected from this data set, altogether 282 values. In 90% of cases the “classical” way of evaluation of foEs provides values higher than “true” values from modern digisonde (average difference about 1 MHz). 38% of “classical” foEs are oblique reflections, which however do not occur in direction perpendicular to geomagnetic field. The occurrence of high values of foEs varies very much from year to year between 0 and 130 events per year. As for diurnal variation, a pronounced maximum occurs at ˜10:00LT and 16:00LT (secondary), and a minimum after midnight.

Comparison of GPS-TEC variation during quiet and disturbed period using the Holt-Winter method and IRI-2012 model over Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed Ismail, Nouf Abd Emunim; Abdullah, Mardina; Hasbi, Alina Marie

2016-07-01

Total Electron Content (TEC) is the main parameter in the ionosphere that has significant effects on radio wave; it changes the speed and direction of the signal propagation, causing the delay of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. Therefore, it is crucial to validate the performance of the ionospheric model to reveal the variety of ionospheric behaviour during quiet and disturbed period. This research presents the performance evaluation of the statistical Holt-Winter method and IRI-2012 model using three topside electron density options: IRI-2001, IRI01-corr and NeQuick with the observed GPS-TEC during quiet and disturbed period. The GPS-TEC data were derived from the dual frequency GPS receiver at JUPEM (Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia), from the UUMK station (north Peninsular Malaysia) at geographic coordinates of 6.46°N-100.50°E and geomagnetic coordinates of 3.32°S-172.99°E and TGPG station (south Peninsular Malaysia) at geographic coordinates of 1.36°N-104.10°E and geomagnetic coordinates of 8.43°S -176.53°E, during March of 2013. The maximum value of the GPS-TEC was at the post noon time at 17:00 LT and the minimum was in the early morning from 6:00-7:00 LT. During the quiet period, the maximum GPS-TEC at the UUMK station was 52 TECU while at the TGPG station, it was 60 TECU. During the disturbed period, when intense geomagnetic storm occurred on 17 March 2013, the maximum GPS-TEC recorded was 58 TECU and 65 TECU in UUMK and TGPG station, respectively. The diurnal hourly variation during the quiet period indicated that IRI-2001, IRI01-corr, and NeQuick had overestimation agreement during the day hours except for the time between 11:00-19:00 LT when IRI01-corr and NeQuick showed underestimation, while during 13:00-20:00 LT, IRI-2001 showed slight underestimation whereas the Holt-Winter method showed good agreement with GPS-TEC. During the disturbed period, IRI-2001 showed overestimation agreement for all hours, while the IRI01-corr and NeQuick model did not show any changes during the geomagnetic storm event. The Holt-Winter method showed better agreement with the GPS-TEC for both the UUMK and TGPG stations. The correlation between the observed and modeled GPS-TEC during the quiet and disturbed period for the UUMK station showed a slightly better correlation compared to the TGPG station. The Holt-Winter method showed good correlation of around 0.98 during the quiet period and 0.95 during the disturbed period, while IRI-2001, IRI01-corr, and NeQuick had comparatively lower correlation of around ≈ 0.8 during the quiet period and ≈ 0.7 during the disturbed period. Overall, this research concludes that the Holt-Winter method effectively the GPS-TEC with good correlation during the quiet and disturbed period in the equatorial region over Malaysia.

Scapular muscle activity in a variety of plyometric exercises.

PubMed

Maenhout, Annelies; Benzoor, Maya; Werin, Maria; Cools, Ann

2016-04-01

Plyometric shoulder exercises are commonly used to progress from slow analytical strength training to more demanding high speed power training in the return to play phase after shoulder injury. The aim of this study was first, to investigate scapular muscle activity in plyometric exercises to support exercise selection in practice and second, to enhance understanding of how scapular muscles are recruited during the back and forth movement phase of these exercises. Thirty-two healthy subjects performed 10 plyometric exercises while surface EMG-activity of the scapular muscles (upper (UT), middle (MT) and lower trapezius (LT) and serratus anterior (SA)) was registered. A high speed camera tracked start and end of the back and forth movement. Mean scapular EMG activity during the 10 exercises ranged from 14.50% to 76.26%MVC for UT, from 15.19% to 96.55%MVC for MT, from 13.18% to 94.35%MVC for LT and from 13.50% to 98.50%MVC for SA. Anova for repeated measures showed significant differences in scapular muscle activity between exercises (p<0.001) and between the back and forth movement (p<0.001) within exercises. Plyometric shoulder exercises require moderate (31-60%MVC) to high (>60%MVC) scapular muscle activity. Highest MT/LT activity was present in prone plyometric external rotation and flexion. Highest SA activity was found in plyometric external rotation and flexion with Xco and plyometric push up on Bosu. Specific exercises can be selected that recruit minimal levels of UT activity (<15%): side lying plyometric external rotation and horizontal abduction or plyometric push up on the Bosu. The results of this study support exercise selection for clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is sexual reproduction of high-mountain plants endangered by heat?

PubMed

Ladinig, Ursula; Pramsohler, Manuel; Bauer, Ines; Zimmermann, Sonja; Neuner, Gilbert; Wagner, Johanna

2015-04-01

Strong solar irradiation in combination with still air and dry soil can cause prostrate high-mountain plants to heat up considerably and ultimately suffer heat damage. Such heat damage has been repeatedly shown for vegetative structures, but not for reproductive structures, which we expected to be particularly vulnerable to heat. Heat effects on cold-adapted plants may increase with rising global temperatures and the predicted increase in heat waves. We have tested the heat tolerance of reproductive versus vegetative shoots at different reproductive stages, comparing ten common plant species from different elevation belts in the European Alps. Plant samples were exposed to temperatures in 2-K steps of 30 min each between 42 and 56 °C. Heat damage was assessed by visual rating and vital staining. Reproductive shoots were on average 2.5 K less heat tolerant (LT50, i.e. the mean temperature causing 50 % heat damage, 47.2 °C) than vegetative shoots (mean LT50 49.7 °C). Initial heat injuries (mean LT10) were observed at 43-45 °C in heat-susceptible species and at 45-47 °C in more heat-tolerant species, in at least one reproductive stage. Generally, heat tolerance was significantly higher during fruiting than during the bud stages and anthesis. Prostrate species with acaulescent buds and flowers tolerated heat better than those with caulescent buds and flowers. Petals were the most heat-susceptible plant structure and mature pollen the most heat tolerant. Based on these data, heat tolerance of reproductive structures appears to be adapted to the prevailing maximum temperatures which the plants experience during different reproductive stages in their environment. During hot spells, however, heat tolerance thresholds may be exceeded. More frequent heat waves would decrease the reproductive output and, consequently, the competitiveness of heat-susceptible species.

Dual control of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone secretion by thyroxine and triiodothyronine in athyreotic patients

PubMed Central

Hoermann, Rudolf; Midgley, John E. M.; Dietrich, Johannes W.; Larisch, Rolf

2017-01-01

Background: Patient responses to levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy vary considerably. We sought to differentiate contributions of FT4 and FT3 in controlling pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the relationships between TSH and thyroid hormones in 319 patients with thyroid carcinoma through 2914 visits on various LT4 doses during follow-up for 5.5 years (median, IQR 4.2, 6.9). We also associated patient complaints with the relationships. Results: Under varying dose requirements (median 1.84 µg/kg, IQR 1.62, 2.11), patients reached TSH targets below 0.4, 0.1 or 0.01 mIU/l at 73%, 54% and 27% of visits. While intercept, slope and fit of linearity of the relationships between lnTSH and FT4/FT3 varied between individuals, gender, age, LT4 dose and deiodinase activity influenced the relationships in the cohort (all p < 0.001). Deiodinase activity impaired by LT4 dose significantly affected the lnTSH–FT4 relationship. Dose increase and reduced conversion efficiency displaced FT3–TSH equilibria. In LT4-treated patients, FT4 and FT3 contributed on average 52% versus 38%, and by interaction 10% towards TSH suppression. Symptomatic presentations (11%) accompanied reduced FT3 concentrations (–0.23 pmol/l, p = 0.001) adjusted for gender, age and BMI, their relationships being shifted towards higher TSH values at comparable FT3/FT4 levels. Conclusions: Variation in deiodinase activity and resulting FT3 levels shape the TSH–FT4 relationship in LT4-treated athyreotic patients, suggesting cascade control of pituitary TSH production by the two hormones. Consequently, measurement of FT3 and calculation of conversion efficiency may identify patients with impaired biochemistry and a resulting lack of symptomatic control. PMID:28794850

Protective Effect of Immunization with Heat-Labile Enterotoxin in Gnotobiotic Rats Monocontaminated with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Klipstein, Frederick A.; Engert, Richard F.; Short, Helen B.

1980-01-01

The protective effect of active immunization with a purified preparation of the polymyxin-release form of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), administered using a parenteral prime and peroral boosts given after ablation of gastric secretion by means of cimetidine, was assessed in gnotobiotic rats which were challenged by monocontamination with enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli. Water transport was evaluated by the in vivo marker perfusion technique at weekly intervals over a 3-week period after contamination. Water transport in unimmunized control rats was consistently in absorption in those contaminated by a nontoxigenic strain, in secretion during only week 2 in those contaminated by an LT+/− strain, in secretion during weeks 2 and 3 in those contaminated by an LT+/ST+ (heat-stable enterotoxin) strain, and consistently in absorption in those contaminated by an −/ST+ strain. Rats immunized with a booster dosage of 250 μg had a significant increase (P < 0.001) in net water absorption as compared to unimmunized rats, with values in the borderline range of absorption, when challenged with either the LT+/− or LT+/ST+ strains. Rats immunized with a 10-fold-higher boosting dosage had a significant increase (P < 0.001) in net water absorption as compared to those boosted at the lower dosage; water absorption was within the normal range. There was no difference between the ileal bacterial counts of unimmunized and immunized rats challenged by the various strains. These observations indicate that this immunization program provides complete protection in an animal model against challenge by intestinal contamination with enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli which produce LT, either alone or in combination with ST. PMID:6991436

Michel accretion of a polytropic fluid with adiabatic index \\gamma \\gt 5/3: global flows versus homoclinic orbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaverra, Eliana; Mach, Patryk; Sarbach, Olivier

2016-05-01

We analyze the properties of a polytropic fluid that is radially accreted into a Schwarzschild black hole. The case where the adiabatic index γ lies in the range of 1\\lt γ ≤slant 5/3 has been treated in previous work. In this article, we analyze the complementary range of 5/3\\lt γ ≤slant 2. To this purpose, the problem is cast into an appropriate Hamiltonian dynamical system, whose phase flow is analyzed. While, for 1\\lt γ ≤slant 5/3, the solutions are always characterized by the presence of a unique critical saddle point, we show that, when 5/3\\lt γ ≤slant 2, an additional critical point might appear, which is a center point. For the parametrization used in this paper, we prove that, whenever this additional critical point appears, there is a homoclinic orbit. Solutions corresponding to homoclinic orbits differ from standard transonic solutions with vanishing asymptotic velocities in two aspects: they are local (i.e., they cannot be continued to arbitrarily large radii); the dependence of the density or the value of the velocity on the radius is not monotonic.

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

PubMed

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

2018-03-23

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

Physical-Chemical Basis of the Protection of Slowly Frozen Human Erythrocytes by Glycerol

PubMed Central

Rall, W. F.; Mazur, Peter; Souzu, Hiroshi

1978-01-01

One theory of freezing damage suggests that slowly cooled cells are killed by being exposed to increasing concentrations of electrolytes as the suspending medium freezes. A corollary to this view is that protective additives such as glycerol protect cells by acting colligatively to reduce the electrolyte concentration at any subzero temperature. Recently published phase-diagram data for the ternary system glycerol-NaCl-water by M. L. Shepard et al. (Cryobiology, 13:9-23, 1976), in combination with the data on human red cell survival vs. subzero temperature presented here and in the companion study of Souzu and Mazur (Biophys. J., 23:89-100), permit a precise test of this theory. Appropriate liquidus phase-diagram information for the solutions used in the red cell freezing experiments was obtained by interpolation of the liquidus data of Shepard and his co-workers. The results of phase-diagram analysis of red cell survival indicate that the correlation between the temperature that yields 50% hemolysis (LT50) and the electrolyte concentration attained at that temperature in various concentrations of glycerol is poor. With increasing concentrations of glycerol, the cells were killed at progressively lower concentrations of NaCl. For example, the LT50 for cells frozen in the absence of glycerol corresponds to a NaCl concentration of 12 weight percent (2.4 molal), while for cells frozen in 1.75 M glycerol in buffered saline the LT50 corresponds to 3.0 weight percent NaCl (1.3 molal). The data, in combination with other findings, lead to two conclusions: (a) The protection from glycerol is due to its colligative ability to reduce the concentration of sodium chloride in the external medium, but (b) the protection is less than that expected from colligative effects; apparently glycerol itself can also be a source of damage, probably because it renders the red cells susceptible to osmotic shock during thawing. PMID:667300

Acute Variceal Bleeding: Does Octreotide Improve Outcomes in Patients with Different Functional Hepatic Reserve?

PubMed

Monreal-Robles, Roberto; Cortez-Hernández, Carlos A; González-González, José A; Abraldes, Juan G; Bosques-Padilla, Francisco J; Silva-Ramos, Héctor N; García-Flores, Jorge A; Maldonado-Garza, Héctor J

2018-01-01

Current guidelines do not differentiate in the utilization of vasoactive drugs in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding (AVB) depending on liver disease severity. In this retrospective study, clinical outcomes in 100 patients receiving octreotide plus endoscopic therapy (ET) and 216 patients with ET alone were compared in terms of failure to control bleeding, in-hospital mortality, and transfusion requirements stratifying the results according to liver disease severity by Child-Pugh (CP) score and MELD. In patients with CP-A or those with MELD < 10 octreotide was not associated with a better outcome compared to ET alone in terms of hospital mortality (CP-A: 0.0 vs. 0.0%; MELD < 10: 0.0 vs. 2.9%, p = 1.00), failure to control bleeding (CP-A: 8.7 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.58; MELD < 10: 5.3 vs. 4.3%, p = 1.00) and need for transfusion (CP-A: 39.1 vs. 61.1%, p = 0.09; MELD < 10: 63.2 vs. 62.9%, p = 1.00). Those with severe liver dysfunction in the octreotide group showed better outcomes compared to the non-octreotide group in terms of hospital mortality (CP-B/C: 3.9 vs. 13.0%, p = 0.04; MELD ≥ 10: 3.9 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.03) and need for transfusion (CP-B/C: 58.4 vs. 71.6%, p = 0.05; MELD ≥ 10: 50.6 vs. 72.7%, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, octreotide was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.028) and need for transfusion (p = 0.008) only in patients with severe liver dysfunction (CP-B/C or MELD ≥ 10). Patients with cirrhosis and AVB categorized as CP-A or MELD < 10 had similar clinical outcomes during hospitalization whether or not they received octreotide.

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-27

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

Is heart rate variability a feasible method to determine anaerobic threshold in progressive resistance exercise in coronary artery disease?

PubMed

Sperling, Milena P R; Simões, Rodrigo P; Caruso, Flávia C R; Mendes, Renata G; Arena, Ross; Borghi-Silva, Audrey

2016-01-01

Recent studies have shown that the magnitude of the metabolic and autonomic responses during progressive resistance exercise (PRE) is associated with the determination of the anaerobic threshold (AT). AT is an important parameter to determine intensity in dynamic exercise. To investigate the metabolic and cardiac autonomic responses during dynamic resistance exercise in patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Twenty men (age = 63±7 years) with CAD [Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) = 60±10%] underwent a PRE protocol on a leg press until maximal exertion. The protocol began at 10% of One Repetition Maximum Test (1-RM), with subsequent increases of 10% until maximal exhaustion. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) indices from Poincaré plots (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2) and time domain (rMSSD and RMSM), and blood lactate were determined at rest and during PRE. Significant alterations in HRV and blood lactate were observed starting at 30% of 1-RM (p<0.05). Bland-Altman plots revealed a consistent agreement between blood lactate threshold (LT) and rMSSD threshold (rMSSDT) and between LT and SD1 threshold (SD1T). Relative values of 1-RM in all LT, rMSSDT and SD1T did not differ (29%±5 vs 28%±5 vs 29%±5 Kg, respectively). HRV during PRE could be a feasible noninvasive method of determining AT in CAD patients to plan intensities during cardiac rehabilitation.

The use of synthetic and natural vitamin D sources in pig diets to improve meat quality and vitamin D content.

PubMed

Duffy, Sarah K; Kelly, Alan K; Rajauria, Gaurav; Jakobsen, Jette; Clarke, Louise C; Monahan, Frank J; Dowling, Kirsten G; Hull, George; Galvin, Karen; Cashman, Kevin D; Hayes, Aoife; O'Doherty, John V

2018-09-01

This study investigated the effects of synthetic and natural sources of vitamin D biofortification in pig diets on pork vitamin D activity and pork quality. One hundred and twenty pigs (60 male, 60 female) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments for a 55 d feeding period. The dietary treatments were (1)50 μg vitamin D₃/kg of feed; (2)50 μg of 25-hydroxvitamin D₃/kg of feed (25-OH-D₃); (3)50 μg vitamin D₂/kg of feed; (4)50 μg vitamin D₂-enriched mushrooms/kg of feed (Mushroom D₂). The pigs offered the 25-OH-D₃ diet exhibited the highest (P < 0.001) serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and subsequently exhibited the highest (P < 0.05) Longissimus thoracis (LT) total vitamin D activity. Mushroom D 2 and 25-OH-D 3 supplementation increased pork antioxidant status. The vitamin D₂-enriched mushrooms improved (P < 0.05) pig performance, carcass weight and LT colour. In conclusion, 25-OH-D₃ is the most successful source for increasing pork vitamin D activity, while Mushroom D 2 may be a new avenue to improve animal performance and pork quality. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2017-03-27

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

Construction of a Hypervirulent and Specific Mycoinsecticide for Locust Control

PubMed Central

Fang, Weiguo; Lu, Hsiao-Ling; King, Glenn F.; St. Leger, Raymond J.

2014-01-01

Locusts and grasshoppers (acridids) are among the worst pests of crops and grasslands worldwide. Metarhizium acridum, a fungal pathogen that specifically infects acridids, has been developed as a control agent but its utility is limited by slow kill time and greater expense than chemical insecticides. We found that expression of four insect specific neurotoxins improved the efficacy of M. acridum against acridids by reducing lethal dose, time to kill and food consumption. Coinoculating recombinant strains expressing AaIT1(a sodium channel blocker) and hybrid-toxin (a blocker of both potassium and calcium channels), produced synergistic effects, including an 11.5-fold reduction in LC50, 43% reduction in LT50 and a 78% reduction in food consumption. However, specificity was retained as the recombinant strains did not cause disease in non-acridids. Our results identify a repertoire of toxins with different modes of action that improve the utility of fungi as specific control agents of insects. PMID:25475694

Effect of fortification with various types of milk proteins on the rheological properties and permeability of nonfat set yogurt.

PubMed

Peng, Y; Serra, M; Horne, D S; Lucey, J A

2009-01-01

Yogurt base was prepared from reconstituted skim milk powder (SMP) with 2.5% protein and fortified with additional 1% protein (wt/wt) from 4 different milk protein sources: SMP, milk protein isolate (MPI), micellar casein (MC), and sodium caseinate (NaCN). Heat-treated yogurt mixes were fermented at 40 degrees C with a commercial yogurt culture until pH 4.6. During fermentation pH was monitored, and storage modulus (G') and loss tangent (LT) were measured using dynamic oscillatory rheology. Yield stress (sigma(yield)) and permeability of gels were analyzed at pH 4.6. Addition of NaCN significantly reduced buffering capacity of yogurt mix by apparently solubilizing part of the indigenous colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) in reconstituted SMP. Use of different types of milk protein did not affect pH development except for MC, which had the slowest fermentation due to its very high buffering. NaCN-fortified yogurt had the highest G' and sigma(yield) values at pH 4.6, as well as maximum LT values. Partial removal of CCP by NaCN before fermentation may have increased rearrangements in yogurt gel. Soluble casein molecules in NaCN-fortified milks may have helped to increase G' and LT values of yogurt gels by increasing the number of cross-links between strands. Use of MC increased the CCP content but resulted in low G' and sigma(yield) at pH 4.6, high LT and high permeability. The G' value at pH 4.6 of yogurts increased in the order: SMP = MC < MPI < NaCN. Type of milk protein used to standardize the protein content had a significant impact on physical properties of yogurt. Practical Application: In yogurt processing, it is common to add additional milk solids to improve viscosity and textural attributes. There are many different types of milk protein powders that could potentially be used for fortification purposes. This study suggests that the type of milk protein used for fortification impacts yogurt properties and sodium caseinate gave the best textural results.

Effect of treatment with interferon-gamma and concanavalin A on the course of infection of mice with Salmonella typhimurium strain LT-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gould, Cheryl L.; Sonnenfeld, Gerald

1987-01-01

The effect of pretreatment of mice with 34 units/day, for five days, of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the course of infection with LD50 of Salmonella typhimurium strain LT-2 was assessed, using two IFN preparations: (1) a hybridoma supernatant fluid containing concanavalin-A-induced IFN-gamma activity and (2) pure murine IFN-gamma produced by recombinant DNA technology. The hybridoma supernatant-treated Salmonella-infected mice were found to die faster than mice treated only with Salmonella. Pure murine IFN-gamma was found to protect infected mice significantly, with 95 percent of mice surviving LD50 infection. In contrast, the Salmonella-infected mice treated with hybridoma supernatant were found to die faster than the Salmonella-infected untreated controls. Mice treated with concanavalin A alone prior to infection with S. typhimurium died more quickly than the untreated infected controls, suggesting that contamination with concanavalin A had a detrimental effect on mice survival.

Identification and characterization of Vibrio harveyi associated with diseased abalone Haliotis diversicolor.

PubMed

Jiang, Qingru; Shi, Liuyang; Ke, Caihuan; You, Weiwei; Zhao, Jing

2013-03-26

Mass mortality of farmed small abalone Haliotis diversicolor occurred in Fujian, China, from 2009 to 2011. Among isolates obtained from moribund abalones, the dominant species AP37 exhibited the strongest virulence. After immersion challenge with 106 CFU ml-1 of AP37, abalone mortalities of 0, 53 and 67% were induced at water temperatures of 20°C, 24°C, and 28°C, respectively. Following intramuscular injection, AP37 showed a low LD50 (median lethal concentration) value of 2.9 × 102 CFU g-1 (colony forming units per gram abalone wet body weight). The LT50 (median lethal time) values were 5.2 h for 1 × 106 CFU abalone-1, 8.4 h for 1 × 105 CFU abalone-1, and 21.5 h for 1 × 104 CFU abalone-1. For further analysis of virulence, AP37 was screened for the production of extracellular factors. The results showed that various factors including presence of flagella and production of extracellular enzymes, such as lipase, phospholipase and haemolysin, could be responsible for pathogenesis. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain AP37 showed >98.8% similarity to Vibrio harveyi, V. campbellii, V. parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, V. natriegens and V. rotiferianus, so it could not be identified by this method. However, multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) of concatenated sequences, including the rpoD, rctB, gyrB, toxR and pyrH genes, identified strain AP37 as V. harveyi. Phenotypic characters of AP37 were identified by API 20E. In antibiotic susceptibility tests, strain AP37 exhibited susceptibility to 7 antibiotics and resistance to 13. This is the first report of a V. harveyi-related species being linked with the mass mortality of adult abalone H. diversicolor in southern China.

Assessing the Susceptibility Status of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Dirofilariasis Focus, Northwestern Iran

PubMed Central

Ataie, Abolfazl; Moosa-Kazemi, Seyed Hassan; Vatandoost, Hassan; Yaghoobi-Ershadi, Mohammad Reza; Bakhshi, Hasan; Anjomruz, Mehdi

2015-01-01

Background: Mosquitoes are considered as the vectors of dirofilariasis and some vector borne disease in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility level of the vectors to various insecticides recommended by WHO for any control measures in an endemic area in northwestern Iran. Methods: Mosquito larval and adult collections were carried out using different methods provided by WHO including dipping and hand catch techniques. The susceptibility level was assessed to DDT 4%, malathion 5%, propoxur 0.1%, deltamethrin 0.05% and lambda-cyhalothrin 0.05%. Results: Totally, 749 adults and 5060 larvae of Culicidae mosquitoes were collected comprising seven species of adult and larvae, including: Anopheles claviger, An. maculipennis, An. sacharovi, Culex hortensis, Cx. pipiens, Cx. theileri and Culiseta longiaerolata. Frequency of larvae and adults of An. maculipennis was very low, so susceptibility tests on this species did not performed. Results showed that Cx. theileri, Cs. longiaerolata and Cx. pipiens were resistant to DDT 4%, lambda-cyhalothrin 0.05%, and propoxur 0.1% whereas found tolerant to deltamethrin 0.05% and malathion 5%. The LT50 and LT90 values for five insecticides were calculated. Conclusion: We suggest the same study in different parts of the world to obtain the data due to bionomic and susceptibility status of dirofilariasis vectors. This information will help the health authorities for monitoring and evaluation of control measures. PMID:26114140

Evaluation of limiting factors affecting photovoltaic performance of low-temperature-processed TiO₂ films in dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Lee, Taek-Yong; Kim, Hui-Seon; Park, Nam-Gyu

2014-04-14

Limiting factors affecting photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell employing low-temperature-processed TiO2 films were investigated. TiO2 films were prepared at a low temperature of 200 °C using the normal alcohol-containing binder-free TiO2 paste (LT200). Their photovoltaic performance was compared to a high-temperature (550 °C) annealed TiO2 film prepared using a polymer binder containing TiO2 paste (HT550). Compared to the proportional increase in conversion efficiency with TiO2 film thickness upto 14 μm for HT550, the increase in efficiency was terminated at relatively smaller thickness of about 8 μm for LT200 mainly due to unaugmented photocurrent. From the transient photocurrent-voltage studies, the electron transport rate was found to be almost identical, while charge recombination was one order of magnitude faster for LT200. Consequently, the electron diffusion length was more than 2-3 times shorter for LT200 than for HT550. Electron diffusion length and electron life time obtained from electrochemical impedance analysis were well consistent with those observed from transient measurement. Density of states (DOS) was evaluated to be shallow and narrow in LT200, which was responsible for limiting photovoltaic performance in the low-temperature processed TiO2 film. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaluation of Habitat Provision On the Basis of Carabidae Diversity in Slovak Permanent Grasslands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jad'ud'ová, Jana; Kanianska, Radoslava; Kizeková, Miriam; Makovníková, Jarmila

2016-10-01

Biodiversity has an important role in creating and regulating ecosystem processes, functions, and services. Carabidae are considered to be suitable bio-indicators of environment. The aim of the study is to analyse the relationships between Carabidae and the ability of study sites to fulfil habitat provision. The research was conducted on permanent grasslands (PG) with different management at 2 study sites (Tajov - TA, Liptovska Teplicka - LT) located in different climatic and natural conditions of Slovakia. At each study site, seven plastic traps were placed in spring 2015 for one month in line with 3 m distance. The habitat provision was identified by Biotope Valuation Method (BVM). The calculated values of both study sites were same (BVM = 41.67). One of the reasons can be the same type of habitat. According to the Catalogue of habitats in Slovakia, both study sites belong to mesophilic pastures and grazed grassland. Biodiversity was evaluated by Shannon-Weaver index. The calculated values were similar (H'= 1.42 in TA, H'= 1.25 in LT). In Tajov, a total of 220 individuals of soil arthropods were captured and 169 in Liptovska Teplicka. In Tajov, three eurytopic species of Carabidae and one adaptable species (Abax Parallelepipedus) were captured. One order belongs to eudominant species: Poecilus cupreus (50%). In Liptovska Teplicka, four eurytopic species of Carabidae and two adaptable species (Carabus cancellatus, Carabus violaceus) were captured. Two species belong to eudominat species: Carabus cancellatus (40.54%) and Carabus vialaceus (13.51%). The relationship between Carabidae diversity and the ability of study site to fulfil habitat provision was not confirmed. Carabidae are not closely linked to structure of the vegetation cover, but their occurrence is influenced by habitat microclimate conditions.

Feedbacks Between Deformation and Fluid Flow in Mantle Shear Zones from Zabargad, Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, A.; Boudier, F. I.; Vauchez, A. R.; Zaderatzky, M.

2016-12-01

Peridotites in the Zabargad island, Red Sea, record different stages of lithospheric thinning and asthenospheric upwelling during rifting. Field mapping highlights a pervasive high-temperature NW-SE, subvertical foliation with lineations pluning 50°NW. This foliation is overprinted by a series of lower-temperature mylonitic zones with slightly oblique foliations and subhorizontal lineations, which record progressive strain localization under retrogressive conditions during the final exhumation of the peridotites (Nicolas and Boudier, JGR 1987). We performed a petrostructural study of ca. 50 samples collected by A. Nicolas and F. Boudier in the 80s from the different deformation facies. This study highlights: (1) a rather pervasive, but highly heterogeneous distribution of the LT deformation and (2) a feedback between deformation and fluid flow. The HT deformation is recorded in medium grained plagioclase- and spinel-peridotites by a homogeneous foliation and lineation marked by a shape-preferred orientation of plagioclase and olivine and a consistent CPO of all major-rock forming phases. The LT temperature deformation results in dynamic recrystallization of olivine leading to a marked grain size reduction by dynamic recrystallization of olivine, remobilization of orthopyroxene by dissolution-precipitation, and crystallization of amphibole. Increasing finite strain is recorded by the increase in the volume of the fine-grained material and of the amphibole proportion. The latter may attain in totally recrystallized cm-wide ultramylonite bands up to 30%. This together with the strong amphibole SPO and CPO corroborate fluid focusing and enhanced reaction rates into active shear zones. In the LT shear zones we also document: (1) changes in the olivine CPO, indicating changes in the dominant slip system and (2) unusual orthopyroxene CPO, which we interpret as due to oriented crystallization. Static replacement of pyroxenes by amphibole with no associated LT deformation is also observed indicating that the presence of fluids does not suffice to trigger strain localization.

Population biology of an endangered species: the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos in Lebanese marine waters of the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

PubMed

Lteif, M; Mouawad, R; Khalaf, G; Lenfant, P; Verdoit-Jarraya, M

2016-04-01

This study focuses on the population biology of the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos, a cartilaginous fish listed as Endangered in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Between December 2012 and January 2014, 67 individuals were collected by bottom longlining in coastal Lebanese marine waters at different ports at depths ranging from 10 to 110 m. The total length (L(T)) of the specimens ranged from 50 to 143 cm, and the mean ± s.d. was 76.2 ± 19.7 cm. The most common L(T) classes were between 60 and 70 cm. The total mass of the specimens ranged from 410 to 10,000 g, and the mean ± s.d. was 1841 ± 1987 g. A total of 34 males and 33 females were collected, and the sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1. The mass and L(T) relationship showed positive allometric growth (b = 3.096 and r(2)  = 0.99), and the mean ± s.d. L(T) at which 50% of the individuals were sexually mature was 84.73 ± 5.81 cm for females and 78.57 ± 4.88 cm for males. The gonado-somatic and hepato-somatic indices were determined along with a condition factor, and parturition appeared to occur in winter. The primary prey items found in the fish stomachs during the autumn and winter seasons were Penaeidae. The results of this study will help to parameterize models of the population dynamics for this exploited fish stock to ensure the long-term sustainability of its fishery. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Measurement of the interference structure function R{sub LT} for the {sup 12}C(e,e{sup {prime}}p) reaction in the quasielastic region

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

Holtrop, M.; Jordan, D.; McIlvain, T.

1998-12-01

The coincidence cross section and the interference structure function, R{sub LT}, were measured for the {sup 12}C(e,e{sup {prime}}p)thinsp{sup 11}B reaction at quasielastic kinematics and central momentum transfer of {vert_bar}{rvec q}{vert_bar}=400thinspMeV/c. The measurement was at an opening angle of {theta}{sub pq}=11{degree}, covering a range in missing energy of E{sub m}=0 to 65 MeV. The R{sub LT} structure function is found to be consistent with zero for E{sub m}{gt}50thinspMeV, confirming an earlier study which indicated that R{sub L} vanishes in this region. The integrated strengths of the p- and s-shell are compared with a distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA) calculation. The s-shellmore » strength and shape are also compared with a Hartree Fock{endash}random phase approximation (HF-RPA) calculation. The DWIA calculation does not succeed in giving a consistent description of both the cross section data and the extracted R{sub LT} response for either shell. The HF-RPA calculation describes the data more consistently, which may be due to the inclusion of 2-body currents in this calculation. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}« less

Sewage sludge amendment and inoculation with plant-parasitic nematodes do not facilitate the internalization of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 in lettuce plants.

PubMed

Fornefeld, Eva; Baklawa, Mohamed; Hallmann, Johannes; Schikora, Adam; Smalla, Kornelia

2018-05-01

Contamination of fruits and vegetables with Salmonella is a serious threat to human health. In order to prevent possible contaminations of fresh produce it is necessary to identify the contributing ecological factors. In this study we investigated whether the addition of sewage sludge or the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes foster the internalization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 into lettuce plants, posing a potential threat for human health. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate whether the amendment of sewage sludge to soil or the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne hapla or Pratylenchus crenatus promote the internalization of S. Typhimurium LT2 from soil into the edible part of lettuce plants. Unexpectedly, numbers of cultivable S. Typhimurium LT2 decreased faster in soil with sewage sludge than in control soil but not in root samples. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis revealed shifts of the soil bacterial communities in response to sewage sludge amendment and time. Infection and proliferation of nematodes inside plant roots were observed but did not influence the number of cultivable S. Typhimurium LT2 in the root samples or in soil. S. Typhimurium LT2 was not detected in the leaf samples 21 and 49 days after inoculation. The results indicate that addition of sewage sludge, M. hapla or P. crenatus to soil inoculated with S. Typhimurium LT2 did not result in an improved survival in soil or internalization of lettuce plants. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Neutropenia after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Alraddadi, B; Nierenberg, NE; Price, LL; Chow, JKL; Poutsiaka, DD; Rohrer, RJ; Cooper, JT; Freeman, RB; Snydman, DR

2015-01-01

Neutropenia after orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) is relatively common but the factors associated with its development remain elusive. We assessed possible predictors of neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] less than or equal to 1000/mm3) within the first year of LT in a cohort of 304 patients at a tertiary medical center between 1999 and 2009 using time-dependent survival analysis to identify risk factors for neutropenia. In addition, we analyzed neutropenia as a predictor of the clinical outcomes of death, blood stream infection (BSI), invasive fungal infection (IFI), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease and graft rejection within the first year of LT. Of the 304 LT recipients, 73 (24%) developed neutropenia, 5 (7%) of whom had grade 4 neutropenia (ANC less than 500/mm3). The following were independent predictors for neutropenia: Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28; p=0.02), BSI (HR 2.89; 95% CI 1.64, 5.11; p=<0.001), CMV disease (HR 4.28; 95% CI 1.55, 11.8; p=0.005), baseline tacrolimus trough level (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03; p=0.007) and later era LT (2004–2009 versus 1999–2003) (HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.43, 3.65; p=<0.001). Moreover, neutropenia was found to be an independent predictor for mortality within the first year of LT (HR 3.76; 95% CI 1.84, 7.68; p= <0.001). Conclusion Our data suggest that neutropenia within a year after LT is not unusual and is an important predictor of mortality. PMID:26336061

[Freezing resistance and injury indices for different cultivars of winter-spring wheat in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. I . Comparison of freezing resistance for different cultivars of winter-spring wheat during mid-winter period].

PubMed

Mu, Cheng-ying; Yang, Xiao-guang; Yang, Jie; Li, Ke-nan; Zheng, Dong-xiao

2015-10-01

The relationships between mortality rate and low temperature for different cultivars of winter-spring wheat during mid-winter period were identified through two-year outdoor potting experiments and indoor manually controlled freezing experiments. We defined the lethally critical temperature and the density of antifreeze capability when the mortality rate reached 10%, 20% and 50% for different cultivars of winter-spring wheat during mid-winter period. The strong-winterness wheat (Yanda 1817 and Jing 411) showed the best freezing resistance and the 50%-lethal temperatures (LT50) of these two cultivars were -21.5 °C and -21.2 °C, respectively. The freezing resistance of winterness wheat and weak-winternes wheat were worse than that of strong-winterness wheat. The LT50 of winterness wheat cultivars Nongda 211 and Nongda 5363 were -21.1 °C and -20.3 °C, while that of weak-winterness wheat cultivars Zheng 366 and Ping' an 8 were -18.5 °C and -18.4 °C , respectively. Springness wheat (Zheng 9023 and Yanzhan 4110) showed the worst freezing resistance, and the LT50 were -15.4 °C and -14.7 °C, respectively. When temperature declined to freezing injury occurred, mortality rate increment for weak-winterness wheat was the highest for each 1 °C decrease. The mortality rates of weak-winterness wheat cultivars Zheng 366 and Ping' an 8 increased by 16.8% and 25.8%, and that of winterness wheat cultivars Nongda 211 and Nongda 5363 increased by 14.7% and 18.9%. The mortality rate of strong-winterness wheat cultivars Yanda 1817 and Jing 411 increased by 15.4% and 13.1%, and that of springiness wheat cultivas Zheng 9023 and Yanzhan 4110 increased by 13.8% and 15.1%. Comparatively, if temperature decreased continuously after the occurrence of freezing injury, the weak-winterness wheat would suffer greater risk.

The Flavonoid 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone Prevents Dexamethasone Paradoxical Adverse Effect on Eotaxin Production by Human Fibroblasts.

PubMed

Liu, Changda; Yang, Nan; Chen, Xiaoke; Tversky, Jody; Zhan, Jixun; Chehade, Mirna; Miller, Rachel L; Li, Xiu-Min

2017-03-01

Eotaxin/CCL-11 is a major chemoattractant that contributes to eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. Glucocorticoids inhibit inflammation, but long-time exposure may cause paradoxical adverse effects by augmenting eotaxin/CCL-11production. The aim of this study was to determine if 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone (7,4'-DHF), the eotaxin/CCL11 inhibitor isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, reduces in vitro eotaxin production induced by long-time dexamethasone (Dex) exposure, and if so, to elucidate the mechanisms of this inhibition. Human lung fibroblast-1 cells were used to identify the potency of 7,4'-DHF compared with other compounds from G. uralensis, to compare 7,4'-DHF with Dex on eotaxin production following 24-h short-time culture and 72-h longer-time (LT) culture, and to determine the effects of the 7,4'-DHF on Dex LT culture augmented eotaxin production and molecule mechanisms. 7,4'-DHF was the most potent eotaxin/CCL-11 inhibitor among the ten compounds and provided continued suppression. In contrast to short-time culture, Dex LT culture increased constitutively, and IL-4/TNF-α stimulated eotaxin/CCL11 production by human lung fibroblast-1 cells. This adverse effect was abrogated by 7,4'-DHF co-culture. 7,4'-DHF significantly inhibited Dex LT culture augmentation of p-STAT6 and impaired HDAC2 expression. This study demonstrated that 7,4'-DHF has the ability to consistently suppress eotaxin production and prevent Dex-paradoxical adverse effects on eotaxin production. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Metabolic syndrome after pediatric liver transplantation.

PubMed

Kosola, Silja; Lampela, Hanna; Makisalo, Heikki; Lohi, Jouko; Arola, Johanna; Jalanko, Hannu; Pakarinen, Mikko

2014-10-01

Half of adult liver transplantation (LT) recipients develop metabolic syndrome, but the prevalence after childhood LT remains unknown. We conducted a national cross-sectional study of all living patients who had undergone LT between 1987 and 2007 at an age less than 18 years. We gathered information on blood pressure, body composition, serum lipids, glucose metabolism, and histological liver fat content. The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome of the American Heart Association and the International Diabetes Federation were used. After a median post-LT follow-up time of 12 years, half of all patients had no components of metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 20%, and the prevalence of hypertension was 24%. Serum triglycerides were high in 9%, and high-density lipoprotein levels were low in 23%. Fasting glucose levels were impaired in 14%, but none had diabetes. Altogether, 9 patients (14%) had metabolic syndrome. Moderate liver steatosis found in protocol liver biopsy samples was associated with the accumulation of metabolic syndrome features (P = 0.01). No significant associations were found between immunosuppressive medications and metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome after childhood LT is similar to the prevalence in the general population of the same age. Guidelines for the general population, therefore, seem valid for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome after pediatric LT as well. © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Cold hardiness of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pupae

Treesearch

A.C. Morey; W.D. Hutchison; R.C. Venette; E.C. Burkness

2012-01-01

An insect's cold hardiness affects its potential to overwinter and outbreak in different geographic regions. In this study, we characterized the response of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) pupae to low temperatures by using controlled laboratory measurements of supercooling point (SCP), lower lethal temperature (LT50), and lower...

Efficacy of Ozone against Phosphine Susceptible and Resistant Strains of Four Stored-Product Insect Species

PubMed Central

E, Xinyi; Subramanyam, Bhadriraju; Li, Beibei

2017-01-01

The efficacy of ozone was evaluated against four economically-important stored-product insect species at 27.2 °C and 20.4% r.h. Adults of phosphine-susceptible laboratory strains and phosphine-resistant field strains of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus), maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, and rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus), were exposed in vials to an ozone concentration of 0.42 g/m3 (200 ppm) for 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h with 0 and 10 g of wheat. Initial and final mortalities were assessed 1 and 5 d after exposure to ozone, respectively. After an 8–12-h exposure to ozone, initial mortality of Sitophilus spp. and O. surinamensis was 100%, whereas the highest initial mortality of T. castaneum was 90%. A 3–4-h exposure to ozone resulted in 100% final mortality of Sitophilus spp., whereas O. surinamensis required a 6- to 10-h exposure to ozone. Adults of T. castaneum were least susceptible to ozone, and after a 10-h exposure, mortality ranged between 82 and 95%. Time for the 5 d 99% mortality (LT99) for adults of laboratory and field strains of Sitophilus spp., O. surinamensis and T. castaneum were 2.00–5.56, 4.33–11.18 and 14.35–29.89 h, respectively. The LT99 values for adults of T. castaneum and O. surinamensis were not significantly different between bioassays conducted with 0 and 10 g of wheat. The LT99 values for the laboratory strains of Sitophilus spp. in the absence of wheat were significantly lower than those obtained in the presence of wheat. Both phosphine-susceptible and -resistant strains were equally susceptible to ozone. Ozone effectively suppressed adult progeny production of all four species. Ozone is a viable alternative fumigant to control phosphine-resistant strains of these four species. PMID:28398263

Supplemental intermittent-day heat training and the lactate threshold.

PubMed

Gollan, Stuart; Chalmers, Samuel; Alderton, Stephen; Norton, Kevin

2017-04-01

Heat acclimation over consecutive days has been shown to improve aerobic-based performance. Recently, it has been suggested that heat training can improve performance in a temperate environment. However, due to the multifactorial training demands of athletes, consecutive-day heat training may not be suitable. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of brief (8×30min) intermittent (every 3-4 days) supplemental heat training on the second lactate threshold point (LT 2 ) in temperate and hot conditions. 21 participants undertook eight intermittent-day mixed-intensity treadmill exercise training sessions in hot (30°C; 50% relative humidity [RH]) or temperate (18°C; 30% RH) conditions. A pre- and post-incremental exercise test occurred in temperate (18°C; 30% RH) and hot conditions (30°C; 50% RH) to determine the change in LT 2 . The heat training protocol did not improve LT 2 in temperate (Effect Size [ES]±90 confidence interval=0.10±0.16) or hot (ES=0.26±0.26) conditions. The primary finding was that although the intervention group had a change greater than the SWC, no statistically significant improvements were observed following an intermittent eight day supplemental heat training protocol comparable to a control group training only in temperate conditions. This is likely due to the brief length of each heat training session and/or the long duration between each heat exposure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Embryo developmental events and the egg case of the Aleutian skate Bathyraja aleutica (Gilbert) and the Alaska skate Bathyraja parmifera (Bean).

PubMed

Hoff, G R

2009-02-01

Embryo development events were correlated with egg-case changes for the Aleutian skate Bathyraja aleutica and the Alaska skate Bathyraja parmifera. Yolk absorption underwent two phases: that of steady absorption during early development and that of rapid yolk absorption during the final development stages. Total length (L(T)) for 50% of the pre-hatching embryos egg-case jelly disappearance was 92.04 mm (range 81-102 mm) and 99.36 mm (range 81-100 mm) for B. aleutica and B. parmifera, respectively, allowing the inner chamber to open to seawater flow. The tail filament underwent three phases of growth: rapid elongation during early development (<100 mm embryo L(T)), stasis of tail filament length during the remainder of embryo development and rapid absorption soon after hatching. Complete tail filament development coincided with the disappearance of egg-case jelly. Clasper buds first developed at embryos >70 mm L(T) for both species and the sex ratio was 1:1 well before hatching. Egg cases that were devoid of an ova or developing embryo were c. 5.0 and 6.5% of the egg cases examined for B. aleutica and B. parmifera, respectively. Measurements showed that egg cases containing only egg jelly were smaller in both width and length than those possessing an ova. Embryo stages were punctuated with distinct events that correlated with egg case changes controlling the internal environment of the developing embryo.

Management of immunosuppressive therapy in liver transplant recipients who develop bloodstream infection.

PubMed

Bartoletti, Michele; Vandi, Giacomo; Furii, Francesca; Bertuzzo, Valentina; Ambretti, Simone; Tedeschi, Sara; Pascale, Renato; Cristini, Francesco; Campoli, Caterina; Morelli, Maria Cristina; Cescon, Matteo; Pinna, Antonio Daniele; Viale, Pierluigi; Giannella, Maddalena

2018-05-29

Data about the optimal management of immunosuppressive therapy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with bloodstream infection (BSI) are missing. We aimed to describe the management of immunosuppressive therapy at diagnosis of BSI in LT recipients and to assess its impact on 28-day mortality. We performed a single-centre retrospective study of all LT recipients diagnosed with BSI, over 10-year period. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of risk factors for all-cause 28-day mortality was adjusted for the propensity score of being managed with "any reduction" in immunosuppressive therapy at the diagnosis of BSI. We identified 209 episodes of BSI in 157 LT recipients: 107 (68%) male, median age 54 (IQR 48-63) years. "Any reduction" was made in 90 (43%) cases including: dosage reduction of ≥1 immunosuppressive drug in 31 (15%), discontinuation of ≥1 immunosuppressive drug in 28 (13%), both dosage reduction and discontinuation in 13 (6%), complete withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy in 18 (9%) cases. All-cause 28-day mortality rate was 13.4%, varying from 22% to 7% (p=0.002) in cases with and without "any reduction". Cox regression showed septic shock (aHR 3.15, p=0.007) and "any reduction" (aHR 2.50, p=0.02) as independent risk factors for all-cause 28-day mortality, while Escherichia coli (aHR 0.38, p=0.03) and source control (aHR 0.43, p=0.04) were protective factors. The final model did not change after the introduction of the propensity score for "any reduction". Any reduction in the immunosuppressive therapy was common and was associated with worse outcome in LT recipients developing BSI. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Improvements in bladder, bowel and sexual outcomes following task-specific locomotor training in human spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Hubscher, Charles H; Herrity, April N; Williams, Carolyn S; Montgomery, Lynnette R; Willhite, Andrea M; Angeli, Claudia A; Harkema, Susan J

2018-01-01

Locomotor training (LT) as a therapeutic intervention following spinal cord injury (SCI) is an effective rehabilitation strategy for improving motor outcomes, but its impact on non-locomotor functions is unknown. Given recent results of our labs' pre-clinical animal SCI LT studies and existing overlap of lumbosacral spinal circuitries controlling pelvic-visceral and locomotor functions, we addressed whether LT can improve bladder, bowel and sexual function in humans at chronic SCI time-points (> two years post-injury). Prospective cohort study; pilot trial with small sample size. Eight SCI research participants who were undergoing 80 daily one-hour sessions of LT on a treadmill using body-weight support, or one-hour of LT and stand training on alternate days, as part of another research study conducted at the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, were enrolled in this pilot trial. Urodynamic assessments were performed and International Data Set questionnaire forms completed for bladder, bowel and sexual functions at pre-and post-training time points. Four usual care (non-trained; regular at-home routine) research participants were also enrolled in this study and had the same assessments collected twice, at least 3 months apart. Filling cystometry documented significant increases in bladder capacity, voiding efficiency and detrusor contraction time as well as significant decreases in voiding pressure post-training relative to baseline. Questionnaires revealed a decrease in the frequency of nocturia and urinary incontinence for several research participants as well as a significant decrease in time required for defecation and a significant increase in sexual desire post-training. No significant differences were found for usual care research participants. These results suggest that an appropriate level of sensory information provided to the spinal cord, generated through task-specific stepping and/or loading, can positively benefit the neural circuitries controlling urogenital and bowel functions. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03036527.

Improvements in bladder, bowel and sexual outcomes following task-specific locomotor training in human spinal cord injury

PubMed Central

Williams, Carolyn S.; Montgomery, Lynnette R.; Willhite, Andrea M.; Angeli, Claudia A.; Harkema, Susan J.

2018-01-01

Objective Locomotor training (LT) as a therapeutic intervention following spinal cord injury (SCI) is an effective rehabilitation strategy for improving motor outcomes, but its impact on non-locomotor functions is unknown. Given recent results of our labs’ pre-clinical animal SCI LT studies and existing overlap of lumbosacral spinal circuitries controlling pelvic-visceral and locomotor functions, we addressed whether LT can improve bladder, bowel and sexual function in humans at chronic SCI time-points (> two years post-injury). Study design Prospective cohort study; pilot trial with small sample size. Methods Eight SCI research participants who were undergoing 80 daily one-hour sessions of LT on a treadmill using body-weight support, or one-hour of LT and stand training on alternate days, as part of another research study conducted at the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, were enrolled in this pilot trial. Urodynamic assessments were performed and International Data Set questionnaire forms completed for bladder, bowel and sexual functions at pre-and post-training time points. Four usual care (non-trained; regular at-home routine) research participants were also enrolled in this study and had the same assessments collected twice, at least 3 months apart. Results Filling cystometry documented significant increases in bladder capacity, voiding efficiency and detrusor contraction time as well as significant decreases in voiding pressure post-training relative to baseline. Questionnaires revealed a decrease in the frequency of nocturia and urinary incontinence for several research participants as well as a significant decrease in time required for defecation and a significant increase in sexual desire post-training. No significant differences were found for usual care research participants. Conclusions These results suggest that an appropriate level of sensory information provided to the spinal cord, generated through task-specific stepping and/or loading, can positively benefit the neural circuitries controlling urogenital and bowel functions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03036527 PMID:29385166

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

PubMed

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

2017-04-01

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

Physiological and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners

PubMed Central

Gordon, Dan; Wightman, Sarah; Basevitch, Itay; Johnstone, James; Espejo-Sanchez, Carolina; Beckford, Chelsea; Boal, Mariette; Scruton, Adrian; Ferrandino, Mike; Merzbach, Viviane

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the physical and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners within finish time bandings (2.5–3 h, 3–3.5 h, 3.5–4 h, 4–4.5 h and >4.5 h). Materials and methods A total of 97 recreational marathon runners (age 42.4 ± 9.9 years; mass 69.2 ± 11.3 kg; stature 172.8 ± 9.1 cm), with a marathon finish time of 229.1 ± 48.7 min, of whom n = 34 were female and n = 63 were male, completed an incremental treadmill test for the determination of lactate threshold (LT1), lactate turn point (LT2) and running economy (RE). Following a 7-min recovery, they completed a test to volitional exhaustion starting at LT2 for the assessment of V˙O2max. In addition, all participants completed a questionnaire gathering information on their current training regimes exploring weekly distances, training frequencies, types of sessions, longest run in a week, with estimations of training speed, and load and volume derived from these data. Results Training frequency was shown to be significantly greater for the 2.5–3 h group compared to the 3.5–4 h runners (P < 0.001) and >4.5 h group (P = 0.004), while distance per session (km·session−1) was significantly greater for the 2.5–3 h group (16.1 ± 4.2) compared to the 3.5–4 h group (15.5 ± 5.2; P = 0.01) and >4.5 h group (10.3 ± 2.6; P = 0.001). Race speed correlated with LT1 (r = 0.791), LT2 (r = 0.721) and distance per session (r = 0.563). Conclusion The data highlight profound differences for key components of marathon running (V˙O2max, LT1, LT2, RE and % V˙O2max) within a group of recreational runners with the discriminating training variables being training frequency and the absolute training speed. PMID:29200895

Pressure-induced structural change in liquid GeI₄.

PubMed

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

2017-12-13

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

Variability of Surface pollutants and aerosol concentration over Abu Dhabi, UAE - sources, transport and current levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phanikumar, Devulapalli V.; Basha, Ghouse; Ouarda, Taha B. M. J.

2015-04-01

In the view of recent economic, industrial, and rapid development, Abu Dhabi (24.4oN; 54.4oE; 27m msl) has become one of the most populated regions in the world despite of extreme heat, frequent dust storms, and with distinctive topography. The major sources of air pollution are from the dust and sand storms, greenhouse gas emissions, and to some extent from industrial pollution. In order to realize the accurate and comprehensive understanding of air quality and plausible sources over this region, we have made a detailed analysis of three years simultaneous measurements during 2011-13 of pollutants such as O3, SO2, NO2, CO, and PM10 concentrations. Diurnal variation of meteorological parameters such as temperature and wind speed/relative humidity clearly shows daytime maximum/minimum in summer followed by pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. The prevailing winds over this region are mostly from northwesterly direction (Shamal wind). Diurnal wind pattern showed a clear contrast with the majority of the wind pattern during nighttime and early morning is from the westerly/northwesterly and daytime is from southwesterly/southeasterly directions. The diurnal pattern of O3 shows minimum during 08 LT and increases thereafter reaching maximum at 17 LT and decreases during nighttime. However, the diurnal pattern of SO2 and NO2 show a peak at ~ 08 LT and dip at ~ 14 LT during all the seasons with some variability in each season. On the other hand, the diurnal pattern of CO shows a peculiar picture of elevated levels during daytime peaking at ~ 10 LT (prominent in summer and post-monsoon) followed by a sharp decrease and minimum is ~14 LT. PM10 concentration has an early morning peak at ~ 02 LT and then decreases to a minimum value at ~11 LT and again increases in the afternoon hours (maximum at ~17 LT) depicting a forenoon-afternoon asymmetry. Monthly variation of PM10 shows maximum in pre-monsoon season and minimum in winter. Our observations show the diurnal pattern of pollutants are in contrast with the diurnal pattern of wind speed as evident from the previous observations. Wind rose diagram of pollutants reveal that the dominant source directions are scattered from northwesterly to southwesterly. Our results (2011-13) are compared with earlier observations from the same region (2007-08) and no alarming differences were observed in the pollutant levels. Our observations are discussed in the light of current understanding of pollutants sources over this region.

Comparison of the biometric values obtained by two different A-mode ultrasound devices (Eye Cubed vs. PalmScan): A Transversal, descriptive, and comparative study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background To assess the reliability of the measurements obtained with the PalmScan™, when compared with another standardized A-mode ultrasound device, and assess the consistency and correlation between the two methods. Methods Transversal, descriptive, and comparative study. We recorded the axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) obtained with two A-mode ultrasounds (PalmScan™ A2000 and Eye Cubed™) using an immersion technique. We compared the measurements with a two-sample t-test. Agreement between the two devices was assessed with Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement. Results 70 eyes of 70 patients were enrolled in this study. The measurements with the Eye Cubed™ of AL and ACD were shorter than the measurements taken by the PalmScan™. The differences were not statistically significant regarding AL (p < 0.4) but significant regarding ACD (p < 0.001). The highest agreement between the two devices was obtained during LT measurement. The PalmScan™ measurements were shorter, but not statistically significantly (p < 0.2). Conclusions The values of AL and LT, obtained with both devices are not identical, but within the limits of agreement. The agreement is not affected by the magnitude of the ocular dimensions (but only between range of 20 mm to 27 mm of AL and 3.5 mm to 5.7 mm of LT). A correction of about 0.5 D could be considered if an intraocular lens is being calculated. However due to the large variability of the results, the authors recommend discretion in using this conversion factor, and to adjust the power of the intraocular lenses based upon the personal experience of the surgeon. PMID:20334670

Comparison of the biometric values obtained by two different A-mode ultrasound devices (Eye Cubed vs. PalmScan): a transversal, descriptive, and comparative study.

PubMed

Velez-Montoya, Raul; Shusterman, Eugene Mark; López-Miranda, Miriam Jessica; Mayorquin-Ruiz, Mariana; Salcedo-Villanueva, Guillermo; Quiroz-Mercado, Hugo; Morales-Cantón, Virgilio

2010-03-24

To assess the reliability of the measurements obtained with the PalmScan, when compared with another standardized A-mode ultrasound device, and assess the consistency and correlation between the two methods. Transversal, descriptive, and comparative study. We recorded the axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) obtained with two A-mode ultrasounds (PalmScan A2000 and Eye Cubed) using an immersion technique. We compared the measurements with a two-sample t-test. Agreement between the two devices was assessed with Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement. 70 eyes of 70 patients were enrolled in this study. The measurements with the Eye Cubed of AL and ACD were shorter than the measurements taken by the PalmScan. The differences were not statistically significant regarding AL (p < 0.4) but significant regarding ACD (p < 0.001). The highest agreement between the two devices was obtained during LT measurement. The PalmScan measurements were shorter, but not statistically significantly (p < 0.2). The values of AL and LT, obtained with both devices are not identical, but within the limits of agreement. The agreement is not affected by the magnitude of the ocular dimensions (but only between range of 20 mm to 27 mm of AL and 3.5 mm to 5.7 mm of LT). A correction of about 0.5 D could be considered if an intraocular lens is being calculated. However due to the large variability of the results, the authors recommend discretion in using this conversion factor, and to adjust the power of the intraocular lenses based upon the personal experience of the surgeon.

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

PubMed

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

2018-02-02

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

Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study; UST and AST Site Investigation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-10-01

50000 1000 500000 Chromium CR JS16/SS18 4.05 5000 6.96 50000 Cobalt CO JS16/SS18 1.42 1000 25 50000 Copper CU JS16/SS18 0.965 2500 5 25000 Cyanide...5000 2 10000 Cadmium CD JS13/SS14 0.515 2000 5 5000 Calcium CA JS13/SS14 72 5000 50 5000 Chromium CR JS13/SS14 0.669 5000 22.4 7500 Cobalt CO JS13...ED SS14 21 ! Barium 130 UGL WELL G0053 24-Mar-92 ED SS14 21 Chromium LT 22.4 UGL WELL G0053 ! 24-Mar-92 ED SS14 21 : Cobalt LT ; 10.8 UGL WELL

A comparison study of different facial soft tissue analysis methods.

PubMed

Kook, Min-Suk; Jung, Seunggon; Park, Hong-Ju; Oh, Hee-Kyun; Ryu, Sun-Youl; Cho, Jin-Hyoung; Lee, Jae-Seo; Yoon, Suk-Ja; Kim, Min-Soo; Shin, Hyo-Keun

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate several different facial soft tissue measurement methods. After marking 15 landmarks in the facial area of 12 mannequin heads of different sizes and shapes, facial soft tissue measurements were performed by the following 5 methods: Direct anthropometry, Digitizer, 3D CT, 3D scanner, and DI3D system. With these measurement methods, 10 measurement values representing the facial width, height, and depth were determined twice with a one week interval by one examiner. These data were analyzed with the SPSS program. The position created based on multi-dimensional scaling showed that direct anthropometry, 3D CT, digitizer, 3D scanner demonstrated relatively similar values, while the DI3D system showed slightly different values. All 5 methods demonstrated good accuracy and had a high coefficient of reliability (>0.92) and a low technical error (<0.9 mm). The measured value of the distance between the right and left medial canthus obtained by using the DI3D system was statistically significantly different from that obtained by using the digital caliper, digitizer and laser scanner (p < 0.05), but the other measured values were not significantly different. On evaluating the reproducibility of measurement methods, two measurement values (Ls-Li, G-Pg) obtained by using direct anthropometry, one measurement value (N'-Prn) obtained by using the digitizer, and four measurement values (EnRt-EnLt, AlaRt-AlaLt, ChRt-ChLt, Sn-Pg) obtained by using the DI3D system, were statistically significantly different. However, the mean measurement error in every measurement method was low (<0.7 mm). All measurement values obtained by using the 3D CT and 3D scanner did not show any statistically significant difference. The results of this study show that all 3D facial soft tissue analysis methods demonstrate favorable accuracy and reproducibility, and hence they can be used in clinical practice and research studies. Copyright © 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Freeze Tolerance of Nine Zoysiagrass Cultivars Using Natural Cold Acclimation and Freeze Chambers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Winter hardiness of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) cultivars is an important attribute throughout the biogeographical transition zone, thus the inability to withstand freezing temperatures may limit the use of these cultivars. The objective of this research was to determine the freeze tolerance (LT50) of...

Air Force Follow-On Review. Protecting The Force: Lessons From Fort Hood

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Executive Summary body markings, assessing the potential for violence, clarifying firearms policies, and pro- moting consistent application of policies...Mr. Byron Cotton Lt Col Christopher Alonzo Lt Col Cheryl Scaglione Lt Col Sonya Collins Lt Col Kristine Blackwell Lt Col Christopher Oleksa Lt Col

Impaired pharmacokinetics of levothyroxine in severely obese volunteers.

PubMed

Michalaki, Marina A; Gkotsina, Margarita I; Mamali, Irene; Markantes, Georgios K; Faltaka, Amalia; Kalfarentzos, Fotios; Vagenakis, Apostolos G; Markou, Kostas B

2011-05-01

Suppressive or replacement doses of levothyroxine (LT4) are affected by the rate and extent of the active ingredient absorbed, as well as by the lean body mass. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is related with many comorbidities. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of LT4 in severely obese individuals and compared them with similar data in lean control subjects. We studied 62 euthyroid subjects who had negative tests for anti-thyroid peroxidise antibodies (Ab-TPO). Thirty eight of these subjects were severely obese but otherwise healthy (severe obese subjects [SOS] group). Twenty-four were healthy control subjects (control group), with a body mass index of 23.3 ± 1.7 kg/m(2). Subjects received 600 μg oral sodium LT4 after an overnight fast. Serum triiodothyronine (T3), T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured at baseline. Serum T4 and T3 was measured 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 hours after LT4 administration. Baseline serum T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were higher in the SOS group than in the control group; serum T3 was similar in the two groups. The corrected area under the curve and the maximum T4 concentration after LT4 administration were lower, whereas the time to maximum concentration from the baseline was higher in SOS than in the control group. The estimated plasma volume was higher in the SOS than in the control group. Mean serum T3 levels increased gradually during the four hours after LT4 administration in the control group. In contrast, they decreased gradually in the SOS group. Severely obese individuals may need higher LT4 suppressive or replacement doses than normal-weight individuals due, among other factors, to impaired LT4 pharmacokinetic parameters. The latter could be attributed to their higher plasma volume and/or to delayed gastrointestinal LT4 absorption. T4 conversion to T3 might be defective in severe obesity.

Donor hypernatremia before procurement and early outcomes following pediatric liver transplantation.

PubMed

Kaseje, Neema; McLin, Valerie; Toso, Christian; Poncet, Antoine; Wildhaber, Barbara E

2015-08-01

The demand for transplantable organs far outweighs the supply. Recently, efforts have been made to increase the donor pool by adopting extended criteria for livers, including those from hypernatremic donors. Currently, there is no clear evidence that the use of organs from hypernatremic donors has detrimental effects on pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Our aim was to use the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database to evaluate the effects of donor hypernatremia on 30-day outcomes in pediatric LT recipients. We performed an analysis of 2325 children who underwent whole or partial LT between 2005 and 2010. First, we sought to determine a donor sodium threshold for increased mortality following pediatric LT. Second, we examined rates of mortality and graft failure at 30 days after LT in patients receiving grafts from hypernatremic donors compared to patients receiving grafts from normonatremic donors. Hypernatremia was defined as a donor sodium level of ≥160 µmol/L. The primary outcome measure was mortality at 30 days after transplant. The secondary outcome measure was graft failure at 30 days after transplant. There was no threshold sodium level for increased 30-day mortality following pediatric LT. Mean recipient ages/weights, Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease/Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, and mean cold and warm ischemia times were similar between the 2 study groups. There were no significant differences in mortality rates (3.9% versus 4.5%; P = 0.87) and graft failure rates (2.2% versus 1.9%; P = 1.00) in patients receiving grafts from hypernatremic donors compared to patients receiving grafts from normonatremic donors at 30 days after LT. In conclusion, donor hypernatremia just before procurement does not appear to have negative effects on mortality and graft failure rates at 30 days following pediatric LT. © 2015 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Composition of Lignin-to-Liquid Solvolysis Oils from Lignin Extracted in a Semi-Continuous Organosolv Process

PubMed Central

Løhre, Camilla; Vik Halleraker, Hilde; Barth, Tanja

2017-01-01

The interest and on-going research on utilisation of lignin as feedstock for production of renewable and sustainable aromatics is expanding and shows great potential. This study investigates the applicability of semi-continuously organosolv extracted lignin in Lignin-to-Liquid (LtL) solvolysis, using formic acid as hydrogen donor and water as solvent under high temperature–high pressure (HTHP) conditions. The high purity of the organosolv lignin provides high conversion yields at up to 94% based on lignin mass input. The formic acid input is a dominating parameter in lignin conversion. Carbon balance calculations of LtL-solvolysis experiments also indicate that formic acid can give a net carbon contribution to the bio-oils, in addition to its property as hydrogenation agent. Compound specific quantification of the ten most abundant components in the LtL-oils describe up to 10% of the bio-oil composition, and reaction temperature is shown to be the dominating parameter for the structures present. The structural and quantitative results from this study identify components of considerable value in the LtL-oil, and support the position of this oil as a potentially important source of building blocks for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. PMID:28124994

Analysis of Wearable and Smartphone-Based Technologies for the Measurement of Barbell Velocity in Different Resistance Training Exercises

PubMed Central

Balsalobre-Fernández, Carlos; Marchante, David; Baz-Valle, Eneko; Alonso-Molero, Iván; Jiménez, Sergio L.; Muñóz-López, Mario

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity, reliability, and accuracy of new wearable and smartphone-based technology for the measurement of barbell velocity in resistance training exercises. To do this, 10 highly trained powerlifters (age = 26.1 ± 3.9 years) performed 11 repetitions with loads ranging 50–100% of the 1-Repetition maximum in the bench-press, full-squat, and hip-thrust exercises while barbell velocity was simultaneously measured using a linear transducer (LT), two Beast wearable devices (one placed on the subjects' wrist –BW–, and the other one directly attached to the barbell –BB–) and the iOS PowerLift app. Results showed a high correlation between the LT and BW (r = 0.94–0.98, SEE = 0.04–0.07 m•s−1), BB (r = 0.97–0.98, SEE = 0.04–0.05 m•s−1), and the PowerLift app (r = 0.97–0.98, SEE = 0.03–0.05 m•s−1) for the measurement of barbell velocity in the three exercises. Paired samples T-test revealed systematic biases between the LT and BW, BB and the app in the hip-thrust, between the LT and BW in the full-squat and between the LT and BB in the bench-press exercise (p < 0.001). Moreover, the analysis of the linear regression on the Bland-Altman plots showed that the differences between the LT and BW (R2 = 0.004–0.03), BB (R2 = 0.007–0.01), and the app (R2 = 0.001–0.03) were similar across the whole range of velocities analyzed. Finally, the reliability of the BW (ICC = 0.910–0.988), BB (ICC = 0.922–0.990), and the app (ICC = 0.928–0.989) for the measurement of the two repetitions performed with each load were almost the same than that observed with the LT (ICC = 0.937–0.990). Both the Beast wearable device and the PowerLift app were highly valid, reliable, and accurate for the measurement of barbell velocity in the bench-press, full-squat, and hip-thrust exercises. These results could have potential practical applications for strength and conditioning coaches who wish to measure barbell velocity during resistance training. PMID:28894425

Analysis of Wearable and Smartphone-Based Technologies for the Measurement of Barbell Velocity in Different Resistance Training Exercises.

PubMed

Balsalobre-Fernández, Carlos; Marchante, David; Baz-Valle, Eneko; Alonso-Molero, Iván; Jiménez, Sergio L; Muñóz-López, Mario

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity, reliability, and accuracy of new wearable and smartphone-based technology for the measurement of barbell velocity in resistance training exercises. To do this, 10 highly trained powerlifters (age = 26.1 ± 3.9 years) performed 11 repetitions with loads ranging 50-100% of the 1-Repetition maximum in the bench-press, full-squat, and hip-thrust exercises while barbell velocity was simultaneously measured using a linear transducer (LT), two Beast wearable devices (one placed on the subjects' wrist -BW-, and the other one directly attached to the barbell -BB-) and the iOS PowerLift app. Results showed a high correlation between the LT and BW ( r = 0.94-0.98, SEE = 0.04-0.07 m•s -1 ), BB ( r = 0.97-0.98, SEE = 0.04-0.05 m•s -1 ), and the PowerLift app ( r = 0.97-0.98, SEE = 0.03-0.05 m•s -1 ) for the measurement of barbell velocity in the three exercises. Paired samples T -test revealed systematic biases between the LT and BW, BB and the app in the hip-thrust, between the LT and BW in the full-squat and between the LT and BB in the bench-press exercise ( p < 0.001). Moreover, the analysis of the linear regression on the Bland-Altman plots showed that the differences between the LT and BW ( R 2 = 0.004-0.03), BB ( R 2 = 0.007-0.01), and the app ( R 2 = 0.001-0.03) were similar across the whole range of velocities analyzed. Finally, the reliability of the BW (ICC = 0.910-0.988), BB (ICC = 0.922-0.990), and the app (ICC = 0.928-0.989) for the measurement of the two repetitions performed with each load were almost the same than that observed with the LT (ICC = 0.937-0.990). Both the Beast wearable device and the PowerLift app were highly valid, reliable, and accurate for the measurement of barbell velocity in the bench-press, full-squat, and hip-thrust exercises. These results could have potential practical applications for strength and conditioning coaches who wish to measure barbell velocity during resistance training.

A SEARCH FOR L/T TRANSITION DWARFS WITH PAN-STARRS1 AND WISE. II. L/T TRANSITION ATMOSPHERES AND YOUNG DISCOVERIES

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

Best, William M. J.; Liu, Michael C.; Magnier, Eugene A.

The evolution of brown dwarfs from L to T spectral types is one of the least understood aspects of the ultracool population, partly for lack of a large, well-defined, and well-characterized sample in the L/T transition. To improve the existing census, we have searched ≈28,000 deg{sup 2} using the Pan-STARRS1 and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer surveys for L/T transition dwarfs within 25 pc. We present 130 ultracool dwarf discoveries with estimated distances ≈9–130 pc, including 21 that were independently discovered by other authors and 3 that were previously identified as photometric candidates. Seventy-nine of our objects have near-IR spectral types ofmore » L6–T4.5, the most L/T transition dwarfs from any search to date, and we have increased the census of L9–T1.5 objects within 25 pc by over 50%. The color distribution of our discoveries provides further evidence for the “L/T gap,” a deficit of objects with (J − K){sub MKO} ≈ 0.0–0.5 mag in the L/T transition, and thus reinforces the idea that the transition from cloudy to clear photospheres occurs rapidly. Among our discoveries are 31 candidate binaries based on their low-resolution spectral features. Two of these candidates are common proper motion companions to nearby main sequence stars; if confirmed as binaries, these would be rare benchmark systems with the potential to stringently test ultracool evolutionary models. Our search also serendipitously identified 23 late-M and L dwarfs with spectroscopic signs of low gravity implying youth, including 10 with vl-g or int-g gravity classifications and another 13 with indications of low gravity whose spectral types or modest spectral signal-to-noise ratio do not allow us to assign formal classifications. Finally, we identify 10 candidate members of nearby young moving groups (YMG) with spectral types L7–T4.5, including three showing spectroscopic signs of low gravity. If confirmed, any of these would be among the coolest known YMG members and would help to determine the effective temperature at which young brown dwarfs cross the L/T transition.« less

Patterns of depressive symptom remission during the treatment of seasonal affective disorder with cognitive-behavioral therapy or light therapy.

PubMed

Meyerhoff, Jonah; Young, Michael A; Rohan, Kelly J

2018-05-01

To elucidate mechanisms related to remission in winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD), we explored the course of individual depressive symptom offset across two distinct treatment modalities that show comparable outcomes at treatment endpoint: cognitive-behavioral therapy for SAD (CBT-SAD) and light therapy (LT). One hundred seventy-seven adults with SAD in a depressive episode were randomized to 6-weeks of CBT-SAD (n = 88) or LT (n = 89). Symptoms were assessed via the 29-item Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-SAD Version (SIGH-SAD) at pretreatment and weekly during treatment. Survival analyses were conducted for the 17 SIGH-SAD items endorsed by more than 40 participants at pretreatment. Within each of the included symptoms, data from participants who endorsed the symptom at pretreatment and who had 3 or fewer weeks missing were included. For most (13/17; 76%) symptoms, CBT-SAD and LT did not differ in time to remission. However, for four symptoms (early insomnia, psychic anxiety, hypersomnia, and social withdrawal), LT led to symptom remission more quickly than CBT-SAD. Symptom remission progressed comparably across CBT-SAD and LT for most symptoms. Despite the fact that the two treatments led to similar remission rates and improvements at treatment endpoint, for early insomnia, psychic anxiety, hypersomnia, and social withdrawal, LT led to symptom remission faster than CBT-SAD. These results suggest different mechanisms and pathways to the same therapeutic end. Speedier remission of early insomnia and hypersomnia is consistent with the theory that SAD is related to a pathological circadian phase-shift that can be corrected with LT. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The duration of light treatment and therapy outcome in seasonal affective disorder.

PubMed

Knapen, S E; van de Werken, M; Gordijn, M C M; Meesters, Y

2014-09-01

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of major depression with a seasonal pattern, treated with light therapy (LT). Duration of light therapy differs. This study investigates retrospectively whether a single week of LT is as effective as two weeks, whether males and females respond differently, and whether there is an effect of expectations as assessed before treatment. 83 women, and 25 men received either one-week (n=42) or two weeks (n=66) of LT were included in three studies. Before LT, patients׳ expectations on therapy response were assessed. Depression severity was similar in both groups before treatment (F(1,106)=0.19ns) and decreased significantly during treatment (main effect "time" F(2,105)=176.7, p<0.001). The speed of therapy response differs significantly in treatment duration, in favor of 1 week (F(2,105)=3.2, p=0.046). A significant positive correlation between expectations and therapy response was found in women (ρ=0.243, p=0.027) and not in men (ρ=-0.154,ns). When expectation was added as a covariate in the repeated-measures analysis it shows a positive effect of the level of expectation on the speed of therapy response (F(2,104)=4.1, p=0.018). A limitation is the retrospective design. There is no difference between 1 and 2 weeks of LT in overall therapy outcome, but the speed of therapy response differed between 1 week LT and 2 weeks LT. Together with the significant correlation between expectations and therapy response in women, we hypothesize that expectations play a role in the speed of therapy response. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two-Dimensional Numerical Model of coupled Heat and Moisture Transport in Frost Heaving Soils.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

integrated relations become: The exact solution is the %%ell-known series expansion: At -11)e )+bO! -201, +Li j I:IAx), " 2" 4 ,, sin 3 .x )fx. t=-szf...giethe complete mab balance formula tion. Integrating .patiall% and temporall % on eac:n R ~ .% fl, Icc .1’l i l Ilt,.’. ,l~llc "jaJ i l C tl~ I1I’ .El~lt...diffusivity model can be approximately linearized by using values of diffusivitv assumed constant for small intervals of space and time. By a series expansion

The Aqueous Calyx Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Lowers Blood Pressure and Heart Rate via Sympathetic Nervous System Dependent Mechanisms.

PubMed

Aliyu, B; Oyeniyi, Y J; Mojiminiyi, F B O; Isezuo, S A; Alada, A R A

2014-12-29

The antihypertensive effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) has been validated in animals and man. This study tested the hypothesis that its hypotensive effect may be sympathetically mediated. The cold pressor test (CPT) and handgrip exercise (HGE) were performed in 20 healthy subjects before and after the oral administration of 15mg/Kg HS. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses were measured digitally. Mean arterial pressure (MAP; taken as representative BP) was calculated. Results are expressed as mean ±SEM. P<0.05 was considered significant. CPT without HS resulted in a significant rise in MAP and HR (111.1±2.1mmHg and 100.8±2.0/min) from the basal values (97.9±1.9mmHg and 87.8±2.1/min; P<0.0001 respectively). In the presence of HS, CPT-induced changes (ΔMAP=10.1±1.7mmHg; ΔHR= 8.4±1.0/min) were significantly reduced compared to its absence (ΔMAP= 13.2±1.2mmHg; ΔHR= 13.8±1.6/min; P<0.0001 respectively). The HGE done without HS also resulted in an increase in MAP and HR (116.3±2.1mmHg and 78.4±1.2/min) from the basal values (94.8±1.6mmHg and 76.1±1.0/min; p<0.0001 respectively). In the presence of HS the HGE-induced changes (ΔMAP= 11.5±1.0mmHg; ΔHR= 3.3±1.0/min) were significantly decreased compared to its absence (ΔMAP=21.4±1.2mmHg; ΔHR= 12.8±2.0/min; P<0.0001 respectively). The CPT and HGE -induced increases in BP and HR suggest Sympathetic nervous system activation. These increases were significantly dampened by HS suggesting, indirectly, that its hypotensive effect may be due to an attenuation of the discharge of the sympathetic nervous system.

Students insert the laryngeal tube quicker and more often successful than the esophageal-tracheal combitube in a manikin.

PubMed

Hüter, Lars; Schwarzkopf, Konrad; Rödiger, Jörg; Preussler, Niels P; Schreiber, Torsten

2009-08-01

Endotracheal intubation remains the standard of airway management. Because intubation skills are difficult to acquire, for medical students teaching of easier to learn techniques should be considered. We retrospectively analyzed data that were collected in a University teaching facility. 264 medical students were taught how to use laryngeal tube (LT) and Esophageal Tracheal Combitube((R)) (ETC) in a manikin. The students underwent one of two different types of extraglottic airway management training consisting of either long lecture (30min) and intensive training (2h) (group IT, n=48), or brief (10min) lecture and 20min of training (group BT, n=216). Both groups underwent a test 6 weeks after training, group IT had an additional test 24h after training. After 24h students in group IT were faster using the LT than the ETC (31.7s+/-2.1 vs. 51.9s+/-5.8, p<0.001). Up to 6 weeks after training students were able to place the LT significantly faster than the ETC in both groups (26.5s+/-2.1 vs. 53.9s+/-5.8 group IT and 43.4s+/-1.6 vs. 103.8s+/-4.4 group BT, p<0.001). At 24h and 6 weeks following intensive training, there was no statistical difference in the time required for insertion of either device. Following different training scenarios in a manikin, students were able to place the LT much faster than the ETC. Even brief training was sufficient to generate short insertion times for the LT.

The Spanish Lung Transplant Registry: first report of results (2006-2010).

PubMed

Coll, Elisabeth; Santos, Francisco; Ussetti, Pietat; Canela, Mercedes; Borro, José María; De La Torre, Mercedes; Varela, Andrés; Zurbano, Felipe; Mons, Roberto; Morales, Pilar; Pastor, Juan; Salvatierra, Angel; de Pablo, Alicia; Gámez, Pablo; Moreno, Antonio; Solé, Juan; Román, Antonio

2013-02-01

The Spanish Lung Transplant Registry (SLTR) began its activities in 2006 with the participation of all the lung transplantation (LT) groups with active programs in Spain. This report presents for the first time an overall description and results of the patients who received lung transplants in Spain from 2006 to 2010. LT activity has grown progressively, and in this time period 951 adults and 31 children underwent lung transplantation. The mean age of the recipients was 48.2, while the mean age among the lung donors was 41.7. In adult LT, the most frequent cause for lung transplantation was emphysema/COPD, followed by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, both representing more than 60% the total number of indications. The probability for survival after adult LT to one and three years was 72% and 60%, respectively, although in patients who survived until the third month post-transplantation, these survival rates reached 89.7% and 75.2%. The factors that most clearly influenced patient survival were the age of the recipient and the diagnosis that indicated the transplantation. Among the pediatric transplantations, cystic fibrosis was the main cause for transplantation (68%), with a one-year survival of 80% and a three-year survival of 70%. In adult as well as pediatric transplantations, the most frequent cause of death was infection. These data confirm the consolidated situation of LT in Spain as a therapeutic option for advanced chronic respiratory disease, both in children as well as in adults. Copyright © 2012 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Integration of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability.

PubMed

Coyle, E F

1995-01-01

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

Acaricidal activity of extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil against the larvae of the rabbit mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi in vitro.

PubMed

Du, Yong-Hua; Jia, Ren-Yong; Yin, Zhong-Qiong; Pu, Zhong-Hui; Chen, Jiao; Yang, Fan; Zhang, Yu-Qun; Lu, Yang

2008-10-20

The acaricidal activity of the petroleum ether extract, the chloroform extract and the acetic ether extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi larvae was tested in vitro. A complementary log-log (CLL) model was used to analyze the data of the toxicity tests. The results showed that at all test time points, the petroleum ether extract demonstrated the highest activity against the larvae of S. scabiei var. cuniculi, while the activities of the chloroform extract and the acetic ether extract were similar. The activities of both the petroleum ether extract and the chloroform extract against the larvae showed the relation of time and concentration dependent. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of the petroleum ether extract (1.3 microL/mL) was about three times that of the chloroform extract (4.1 microL/mL) at 24 h post-treatment. At the concentrations of 500.0 microL/mL, the median lethal time (LT50) of the petroleum ether extract and the chloroform extract was 8.4 and 9.6 h, respectively.

Comparison of Airway Management Methods in Entrapped Patients: A Manikin Study.

PubMed

Martin, Andrew B; Lingg, Jim; Lubin, Jeffrey S

2016-01-01

Endotracheal intubation remains one of the most challenging skills in prehospital care. There is a minimal amount of data on the optimal technique to use when managing the airway of an entrapped patient. We hypothesized that use of a blindly placed device would result in both the shortest time to airway management and highest success rate. A difficult airway manikin was placed in a cervical collar and secured upside down in an overturned vehicle. Experienced paramedics and prehospital registered nurses used four different methods to secure the airway: direct laryngoscopy, digital intubation, King LT-D, and CMAC video laryngoscopy. Each participant was given three opportunities to secure the airway using each technique in random order. A study investigator timed each attempt and confirmed successful placement, which was determined upon inflation of the manikin's lungs. Intubation success rates were analyzed using a general estimating equations model to account for repeated measures and a linear mixed effects model for average time. Twenty-two prehospital providers participated in the study. The one-pass success rate for the King LT-D was significantly higher than direct laryngoscopy (OR 0.048, CI 0.006-0.351, p < 0.01) and digital intubation (OR 0.040, CI 0.005-0.297, p < 0.01). However, there was no statistical difference between the one-pass success rate of the King LT-D and CMAC video laryngoscopy (OR 0.302, 95% CI 0.026-3.44, p = 0.33). The one-pass median placement time of the King LT-D (22 seconds, IQR 17-26) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than direct laryngoscopy (60 seconds, IQR 42-75), digital intubation (38 seconds, IQR 26-74), and the CMAC (51 seconds, IQR 43-76). In this study, while the King LT-D offered the quickest airway placement, success rates were not significantly greater than intubation using the CMAC video laryngoscope. Intubation using direct laryngoscopy and digital intubation were less successful and took more time. Use of a blindly placed device or a video laryngoscope may provide the best avenues for airway management of entrapped patients.

Room temperature synthesis of ReS₂ through aqueous perrhenate sulfidation.

PubMed

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

2017-12-29

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

Using spinopelvic parameters to estimate residual lumbar lordosis assuming previous lumbosacral fusion-a study of normative values.

PubMed

Hey, Hwee Weng Dennis; Tan, Kimberly-Anne; Kantharajanna, Shashidhar Bangalore; Teo, Alex Quok An; Chan, Chloe Xiaoyun; Liu, Ka-Po Gabriel; Wong, Hee-Kit

2018-03-01

Pelvic incidence (PI)=pelvic tilt (PT)+sacral slope (SS) is an established trigonometric equation which can be expanded from studying the fixed pelvis with the spine to a fixed spinopelvic complex with the remnant spine, in scenarios of spinopelvic fusion or ankylosis. For a fixed spinopelvic complex, we propose the equation termed: lumbar incidence (LI)=lumbar tilt (LT)+lumbar slope (LS). This study aimed to establish reference values for LI, LT, and LS at each lumbar vertebral level, and to show how LI can be used to determine residual lumbar lordosis (rLL). This is a cross-sectional study of prospectively collected data, conducted at a single academic tertiary health-care center. The study included 53 healthy patients aged 19-35 with first episode mechanical low back pain for a period of <3 months. Patients with previous spinal intervention, those with known or suspected spinal pathologies, and those who were pregnant, were excluded. Radiological measurements of LI, LT, LS, and rLL. All patients had full-body lateral standing radiographs obtained via a slot scanner. Basic global and regional radiographic parameters, spinopelvic parameters, and the aforementioned new parameters were measured. LI was correlated with rLL at each level by plotting LI against rLL on scatter plots and drawing lines-of-best-fit through the datapoints. The mean value of L5I was 22.82°, L4I was 6.52°, L3I was -0.92°, L2I was -5.56°, and L1I was -5.95°. LI turns negative at L3, LS turns negative at the L3/L4 apex, and LT remains positive throughout the lumbar spine. We found that the relationship of LI with its corresponding rLL follows a parabolic trend. Thus, rLL can be determined from the linear equations of the tangents to the parabolic lumbar spine. We propose the LI-rLL method for determining rLL as the LI recalibrates via spinopelvic compensation post instrumentation, and thus the predicted rLL will be based on this new equilibrium, promoting restoration of harmonized lordosis. The rLL-to-LI ratio is a simplified, but less accurate, method of deriving rLL from LI. This study demonstrates the extended use of PI=PT+SS proposed as LI=LT+LS. These new spinopelvic reference values help us better understand the position of each vertebra relative to the hip. In situations when lumbar vertebrae are fused or ankylosed to the sacrum to form a single spinopelvic complex, LI can be used to determine rLL, to preserve spinal harmony within the limits of compensated body balance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulated elliptic wave and asymptotic solitons in a shock problem to the modified Korteweg-de Vries equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotlyarov, Vladimir; Minakov, Alexander

2015-07-01

We study the long-time asymptotic behavior of the Cauchy problem for the modified Korteweg—de Vries equation with an initial function of the step type. This function rapidly tends to zero as x\\to +∞ and to some positive constant c as x\\to -∞ . In 1989 Khruslov and Kotlyarov have found (Khruslov and Kotlyarov 1989 Inverse Problems 5 1075-88) that for a large time the solution breaks up into a train of asymptotic solitons located in the domain 4{c}2t-{C}N{ln}t\\lt x≤slant 4{c}2t ({C}N is a constant). The number N of these solitons grows unboundedly as t\\to ∞ . In 2010 Kotlyarov and Minakov have studied temporary asymptotics of the solution of the Cauchy problem on the whole line (Kotlyarov and Minakov 2010 J. Math. Phys. 51 093506) and have found that in the domain -6{c}2t\\lt x\\lt 4{c}2t this solution is described by a modulated elliptic wave. We consider here the modulated elliptic wave in the domain 4{c}2t-{C}N{ln}t\\lt x\\lt 4{c}2t. Our main result shows that the modulated elliptic wave also breaks up into solitons, which are similar to the asymptotic solitons in Khruslov and Kotlyarov (1989 Inverse Problems 5 1075-88), but differ from them in phase. It means that the modulated elliptic wave does not represent the asymptotics of the solution in the domain 4{c}2t-{C}N{ln}t\\lt x\\lt 4{c}2t. The correct asymptotic behavior of the solution is given by the train of asymptotic solitons given in Khruslov and Kotlyarov (1989 Inverse Problems 5 1075-88). However, in the asymptotic regime as t\\to ∞ in the region 4{c}2t-\\displaystyle \\frac{N+1/4}{c}{ln}t\\lt x\\lt 4{c}2t-\\displaystyle \\frac{N-3/4}{c}{ln}t we can watch precisely a pair of solitons with numbers N. One of them is the asymptotic soliton while the other soliton is generated from the elliptic wave. Their phases become closer to each other for a large N, i.e. these solitons are also close to each other. This result gives the answer on a very important question about matching of the asymptotic formulas in the mentioned region where the both formulas are well-defined. Thus we have here a new and previously unknown mechanism (5.35) of matching of the asymptotics of the solution in the adjacent regions.

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

PubMed

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

1993-07-01

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

Cognitive fatigue in patients with myasthenia gravis.

PubMed

Jordan, Berit; Schweden, Tabea L K; Mehl, Theresa; Menge, Uwe; Zierz, Stephan

2017-09-01

Cognitive fatigue has frequently been reported in myasthenia gravis (MG). However, objective assessment of cognitive fatigability has never been evaluated. Thirty-three MG patients with stable generalized disease and 17 healthy controls underwent a test battery including repeated testing of attention and concentration (d2-R) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. Fatigability was based on calculation of linear trend (LT) reflecting dynamic performance within subsequent constant time intervals. Additionally, fatigue questionnaires were used. MG patients showed a negative LT in second d2-R testing, indicating cognitive fatigability. This finding significantly differed from stable cognitive performance in controls (P < 0.05). Results of Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test testing did not differ between groups. Self-assessed fatigue was significantly higher in MG patients compared with controls (P < 0.001), but did not correlate with LT. LT quantifies cognitive fatigability as an objective measurement of performance decline in MG patients. Self-assessed cognitive fatigue is not correlated with objective findings. Muscle Nerve 56: 449-457, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of dietary ramie powder at various levels on carcass traits and meat quality in finishing pigs.

PubMed

Li, Yinghui; Liu, Yingying; Li, Fengna; Lin, Qian; Dai, Qiuzhong; Sun, Jianbang; Huang, Xingguo; Chen, Xiao'an; Yin, Yulong

2018-04-21

This study investigated the effects of ramie (0, 3, 6, 9, or 12%) included in finishing diets on carcass traits and meat quality of Xiangcun black pigs. Results showed that ramie decreased (linear, P < .05) backfat depth while it increased (linear, P < .05) loin-eye area. A quadratic effect of shear force in longissimus thoracis (LT) was observed, and the lowest value was noted in the 6% ramie group. Protein content in LT was linearly increased by ramie (linear, P < .01). Meanwhile, dietary ramie linearly decreased lipogenic genes mRNA levels and fiber cross-sectional area, but it linearly increased total fiber number of LT. These results suggest that ramie included in the diet <9% is an effective feed crop to partly improve carcass trait and muscle chemical composition without negatively affecting growth performance, and the underlying mechanism may be due to the changed lipogenic potential and myofiber characteristics induced by ramie. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Contrasting pollen histories of MIS 5e and the Holocene from Lake Titicaca (Bolivia/Peru)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanselman, Jennifer A.; Gosling, William D.; Paduano, Gina M.; Bush, Mark B.

2005-10-01

Two long sediment records (cores LTO1-2B and LT01-3B) from Lake Titicaca, Bolivia/Peru, are compared with a previously analysed Holocene record from this lake (core NE98-1PC). The Holocene records of LT01-2B and NE98-1PC are similar. There are striking differences, however, between the MIS 5e sections of the long cores and the Holocene records. In these records, temperature is probably the dominant parameter that determines the total fossil pollen concentration and is used to time the onset and termination of deglaciation. In contrast, the relative and absolute abundance of specific taxa (e.g. Polylepis/Acaena, Chenopodiaceae) are indicators of relative moisture availability. Although the Holocene contains a period of aridity between ca. 8000 cal. yr BP and 4300 cal. yr BP, it is a minor event compared with the more extreme aridity of MIS 5e. Core LT01-3B showed similar trends during MIS 5e when compared to LT01-2B, as did NE98-1PC when comparing Holocene records. MIS 5e and the Holocene are markedly different interglacials, depicted by shifts in pollen concentration and taxa representation over time.

Studies on toxicity of OTEC plant components on marine animals from the Gulf of Mexico. Annual report for period October 1979-September 1980

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

Venkataramiah, A.; Lakshmi, G.J.; Best, C.

1981-06-01

This project was undertaken as a part of the OTEC environmental studies plan on the toxicity of OTEC working fluids to marine organisms. Ammonia and chlorine were chosen as they pose the greatest potential environmental threat. Acute and chronic bioassays determined the LT/sub 50/, LC/sub 50/ and the behavior of mullet (Mugil cephalus), sargassum shrimp (Latreutes fucorum) and filefish (Monocanthus hispidus).

Effect of salinity on the upper lethal temperature tolerance of early-juvenile red drum.

PubMed

McDonald, Dusty; Bumguardner, Britt; Cason, Paul

2015-10-01

Previous work investigating the temperature tolerance of juvenile red drum ranging 18-50mm TL found evidence for positive size dependence (smaller fish less tolerant to higher temperatures) suggesting smaller size classes (<18mm TL) potentially may succumb to extreme summer water temperatures. Here, we explored the upper lethal temperature tolerance (ULT) in smaller-sized red drum which ranged from 10 to 20mm TL across multiple salinities to further understand the thermal limitations of this propagated game fish. In order to investigate the combined effect of temperature and salinity on ULT, temperature trials were conducted under three levels of salinity which commonly occur along the coast of Texas (25, 35, and 45ppt). The rate of temperature increase (+0.25°C/h) was designed to mimic a natural temperature increase of a summer day in Texas. We determined that the lethal temperature at 50% (LT50) did not differ between the three salinities examined statistically; median lethal temperature for individuals exposed to 25ppt ranged from 36.4 to 37.7°C, 35ppt ranged from 36.4 to 37.7°C, and 45ppt ranged from 36.1 to 37.4°C. Further, LT50 data obtained here for early-juvenile red drum did not differ from data of a similar experiment examining 25mm TL sized fish. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Diurnal evolution of the F region electron density local time gradient at low and middle latitudes resolved by the Swarm constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Chao; Zhou, Yun-Liang; Lühr, Hermann; Ma, Shu-Ying

2016-09-01

In this study we have provided new insights into the local time gradient of F region electron density (ΔNe) derived from the lower pair of Swarm satellites flying side by side. Our result shows that the electron density (Ne) increase starts just at sunrise, around 06:00 LT, simultaneously at low and middle latitudes due to the increased photoionization. At equatorial latitudes the increase in electron density gets even steeper after 07:00 LT, and the steepest increase of electron density (about 3 · 1010 m-3 within 6 min) occurs around 09:00 LT. We suggest that the upward vertical plasma drift in connection with the buildup of the equatorial fountain effect plays a major role. We also found that the local time variations of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest electron density during daytime are similar to the respective evolutions at the equator, but about 1-2 h delayed. We relate this delay to the response time between the equatorial electric field and the buildup of the plasma fountain. At equinox months a fast decrease of the F region electron density is seen at the EIA trough region during the prereversal enhancement, while an increase is found meanwhile at crest regions. Afterward, a fast decrease of the EIA crest electron density occurs between 19:00 and 23:00 LT, with seasonal dependence. The local time gradient between Swarm A and C shows also prominent longitudinal wave-4 pattern around August months, and the phase of DE3 in ΔNe is found to be delayed by 6 h compared to that in Ne.

Quantitative Determination of Lethal Toxin Proteins in Culture Supernatant of Human Live Anthrax Vaccine Bacillus anthracis A16R.

PubMed

Zai, Xiaodong; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Ju; Liu, Jie; Li, Liangliang; Yin, Ying; Fu, Ling; Xu, Junjie; Chen, Wei

2016-02-25

Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) is the etiological agent of anthrax affecting both humans and animals. Anthrax toxin (AT) plays a major role in pathogenesis. It includes lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET), which are formed by the combination of protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF) or edema factor (EF), respectively. The currently used human anthrax vaccine in China utilizes live-attenuated B. anthracis spores (A16R; pXO1+, pXO2-) that produce anthrax toxin but cannot produce the capsule. Anthrax toxins, especially LT, have key effects on both the immunogenicity and toxicity of human anthrax vaccines. Thus, determining quantities and biological activities of LT proteins expressed by the A16R strain is meaningful. Here, we explored LT expression patterns of the A16R strain in culture conditions using another vaccine strain Sterne as a control. We developed a sandwich ELISA and cytotoxicity-based method for quantitative detection of PA and LF. Expression and degradation of LT proteins were observed in culture supernatants over time. Additionally, LT proteins expressed by the A16R and Sterne strains were found to be monomeric and showed cytotoxic activity, which may be the main reason for side effects of live anthrax vaccines. Our work facilitates the characterization of anthrax vaccines components and establishment of a quality control standard for vaccine production which may ultimately help to ensure the efficacy and safety of the human anthrax vaccine A16R.

Bridging and downstaging treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation

PubMed Central

Pompili, Maurizio; Francica, Giampiero; Ponziani, Francesca Romana; Iezzi, Roberto; Avolio, Alfonso Wolfango

2013-01-01

Several therapeutic procedures have been proposed as bridging treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting liver transplantation (LT). The most used treatments include transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation. Surgical resection has also been successfully used as a bridging procedure, and LT should be considered a rescue treatment in patients with previous HCC resection who experience tumor recurrence or post-treatment severe decompensation of liver function. The aims of bridging treatments include decreasing the waiting list dropout rate before transplantation, reducing HCC recurrence after transplantation, and improving post-transplant overall survival. To date, no data from prospective randomized studies are available; however, for HCC patients listed for LT within the Milan criteria, prolonging the waiting time over 6-12 mo is a risk factor for tumor spread. Bridging treatments are useful in containing tumor progression and decreasing dropout. Furthermore, the response to pre-LT treatments may represent a surrogate marker of tumor biological aggressiveness and could therefore be evaluated to prioritize HCC candidates for LT. Lastly, although a definitive conclusion can not be reached, the experiences reported to date suggest a positive impact of these treatments on both tumor recurrence and post-transplant patient survival. Advanced HCC may be downstaged to achieve and maintain the current conventional criteria for inclusion in the waiting list for LT. Recent studies have demonstrated that successfully downstaged patients can achieve a 5-year survival rate comparable to that of patients meeting the conventional criteria without requiring downstaging. PMID:24282343

Is heart rate variability a feasible method to determine anaerobic threshold in progressive resistance exercise in coronary artery disease?

PubMed Central

Sperling, Milena P. R.; Simões, Rodrigo P.; Caruso, Flávia C. R.; Mendes, Renata G.; Arena, Ross; Borghi-Silva, Audrey

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Background Recent studies have shown that the magnitude of the metabolic and autonomic responses during progressive resistance exercise (PRE) is associated with the determination of the anaerobic threshold (AT). AT is an important parameter to determine intensity in dynamic exercise. Objectives To investigate the metabolic and cardiac autonomic responses during dynamic resistance exercise in patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Method Twenty men (age = 63±7 years) with CAD [Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) = 60±10%] underwent a PRE protocol on a leg press until maximal exertion. The protocol began at 10% of One Repetition Maximum Test (1-RM), with subsequent increases of 10% until maximal exhaustion. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) indices from Poincaré plots (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2) and time domain (rMSSD and RMSM), and blood lactate were determined at rest and during PRE. Results Significant alterations in HRV and blood lactate were observed starting at 30% of 1-RM (p<0.05). Bland-Altman plots revealed a consistent agreement between blood lactate threshold (LT) and rMSSD threshold (rMSSDT) and between LT and SD1 threshold (SD1T). Relative values of 1-RM in all LT, rMSSDT and SD1T did not differ (29%±5 vs 28%±5 vs 29%±5 Kg, respectively). Conclusion HRV during PRE could be a feasible noninvasive method of determining AT in CAD patients to plan intensities during cardiac rehabilitation. PMID:27556384

A meta-analysis of the associations between common variation in the PDE8B gene and thyroid hormone parameters, including assessment of longitudinal stability of associations over time and effect of thyroid hormone replacement

PubMed Central

Taylor, Peter N; Panicker, Vijay; Sayers, Adrian; Shields, Beverley; Iqbal, Ahmed; Bremner, Alexandra P; Beilby, John P; Leedman, Peter J; Hattersley, Andrew T; Vaidya, Bijay; Frayling, Timothy; Evans, Jonathan; Tobias, Jonathan H; Timpson, Nicholas J; Walsh, John P; Dayan, Colin M

2011-01-01

Objective Common variants in PDE8B are associated with TSH but apparently without any effect on thyroid hormone levels that is difficult to explain. Furthermore, the stability of the association has not been examined in longitudinal studies or in patients on levothyroxine (l-T4). Design Totally, four cohorts were used (n=2557): the Busselton Health Study (thyroid function measured on two occasions), DEPTH, EFSOCH (selective cohorts), and WATTS (individuals on l-T4). Methods Meta-analysis to clarify associations between the rs4704397 single nucleotide polymorphism in PDE8B on TSH, tri-iodothyronine (T3), and T4 levels. Results Meta-analysis confirmed that genetic variation in PDE8B was associated with TSH (P=1.64×10−10 0.20 s.d./allele, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.142, 0.267) and identified a possible new association with free T4 (P=0.023, −0.07 s.d./allele, 95% CI −0.137, −0.01), no association was seen with free T3 (P=0.218). The association between PDE8B and TSH was similar in 1981 (0.14 s.d./allele, 95% CI 0.04, 0.238) and 1994 (0.20 s.d./allele, 95% CI 0.102, 0.300) and even more consistent between PDE8B and free T4 in 1981 (−0.068 s.d./allele, 95% CI −0.167, 0.031) and 1994 (−0.07 s.d./allele, 95% CI −0.170, 0.030). No associations were seen between PDE8B and thyroid hormone parameters in individuals on l-T4. Conclusion Common genetic variation in PDE8B is associated with reciprocal changes in TSH and free T4 levels that are consistent over time and lost in individuals on l-T4. These findings identify a possible genetic marker reflecting variation in thyroid hormone output that will be of value in epidemiological studies and provides additional evidence that PDE8B is involved in TSH signaling in the thyroid. PMID:21317282

Transient thermoelectric effect with tunable pulsed laser: Experiment and computer simulations for p-GaAs

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

Sasaki, M.; Ueda, T.; Tanioka, M.

A photoinduced {open_quotes}transient thermoelectric effect{close_quotes} (TTE) has been measured for a p-GaAs crystal using a tunable pulsed laser, over the laser energy range 0.93{endash}1.80 eV, laser intensity 0.2{endash}130mJ/cm{sup 2}, time range 1 ns{endash}1 ms, and temperature range 4.2{endash}50 K, with special attention to native defects of EL2 centers, whose ground state (EL2{sup 0}) and excited state (EL2{sup ex}) are located, respectively, at 0.76 and 1.80 eV above the top of the valence band (their energy difference {sigma}{sup ex}=1.04eV). After laser irradiation at one end of the sample, a TTE voltage is induced within a rising time {tau}{sub r} (1.0{endash}1.5 {mu}s)more » due to hole diffusion, followed by exponential decay with multiple decay times {tau}{sub 1}{endash}{tau}{sub 5} that depend on the laser energy, its intensity, and the temperature. The decay time {tau}{sub 1} is assigned to relate to photoexcited electron diffusion in the conduction band and others {tau}{sub 2}{endash}{tau}{sub 5} with electron recombinations with photogenerated holes in the valence band via EL2 centers in p-GaAs, for which a rough evaluation of the capture cross section is made. Based on the experimental data, we have discussed the photoinduced carrier generation/recombination processes in three laser energy ranges with the two boundaries {sigma}{sup ex} and the band-gap energy E{sub g} (=1.50 eV); regions I (E{lt}{sigma}{sup ex}), II ({sigma}{sup ex}{le}E{lt}E{sub g}), and III (E{ge}E{sub g}). For these three energy regions, we have carried out computer simulations for the photoinduced TTE voltage profiles by solving one-dimensional transport equations for photogenerated electrons and holes, in qualitative agreement with the observations. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}« less

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

PubMed

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

2012-02-01

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

Molecular Profiling of Post-Reperfusion Milieu Determines Acute Kidney Injury after Liver Transplantation: a Prospective Study.

PubMed

Pulitano, Carlo; Ho, Phong; Verran, Deborah; Sandroussi, Charbel; Joseph, David; Bowen, David G; McCaughan, Geoffrey W; Crawford, Michael; Shackel, Nicholas

2018-04-23

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation (LT) is a common event, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the potential relationship between post-reperfusion gene expression, serum mediators, and the onset of AKI after LT. Sixty-five consecutive patients undergoing LT were included in the study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR), was performed on liver biopsies. Gene expression of 23 genes involved in ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) was evaluated. The serum concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1), and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. AKI after LT developed in 21 (32%) recipients (AKI group). RT-PCR of reperfusion biopsy in AKI group showed higher expression of several genes involved in IRI compared to non-AKI group. Fold changes in the gene expression of ET-1, IL-18, and TNF-α were associated with creatinine peak value. AKI patients had also significantly higher ET-1, IL-18, and TNF-α postoperative serum levels. Multivariate analysis showed that ET-1 (OR 16.7, 95% CI 3.34-83.42, P = 0.001) and IL-18 (OR 5.27, 95% CI 0.99-27.82, P = 0.048) serum levels on POD1 were independently predictor of AKI. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the combination of biomarkers ET-1+IL-18 was highly predictive of AKI (ROC-AUC 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99). Early allograft dysfunction and chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 2 occurred more frequently in AKI patients. These results suggest that the graft itself, rather than intraoperative hemodynamic instability plays a main role in AKI after LT. This data may have mechanistic and diagnostic implications for AKI after LT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Influence of very-long-distance earthquakes on the ionosphere?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liperovskaya, E. V.; Meister, C.-V.; Biagi, P.-F.; Liperovsky, V. A.; Rodkin, M. V.

2009-04-01

In the present work, variations of the critical frequency foF2 obtained every hour by the ionospheric sounding station Tashkent (41.3oN, 69.6oE) in the years 1964-1996 are considered. Mean values of data found at day-time between 11 LT and 16 LT are investigated. Disturbances of foF2 related to earthquakes are studied on the background of seasonal, geomagnetic, 11-years and 27-days solar variations. Normalized values F are used in the analysis, which are obtained excluding the seasonal run by subtracting the mean value of foF2 during the time interval of 14 days, from 7 days before the earthquake until seven days after the event, and dividing the result on its standard deviation. Days with high solar (Wolf number > 200) and geomagnetic (ΣKp > 25) disturbances are excluded from the analysis. Using the method of superposition of epoches it is concluded, that at the day of the earthquake the foF2 value decreases a) in case of earthquakes with magnitudes M > 6.5 at any place on the Earth, if the depth h of the epicentre satisfies h < 200 km, b) in connection with earthquakes with magnitudes 6.5 > M > 6.0 occurring in the Middle Asia region, if h < 70 km is satisfied, and c) in connection with earthquakes with magnitudes 6.0 > M > 5.5 appearing at a distance from Tashkent smaller than 1000 km if one has h < 70 km. In all investigated cases the reliability of the effect is larger than 95 %. The ratio of the number of earthquakes with a decrease of the foF2-value to the number of earthquakes where foF2 grows is about 2. The decrease of the foF2-value is also obtained some hours before and some hours - a day - after the event. Thus, one may assume that before an earthquake happening at a long distance, in the vicinity of the sounding station seismo-gravity waves with periods between half an hour and a few hours propagate through the earth's core. After long-distance earthquakes, seismic waves propagate in the vicinity of the sounding station. But in both cases, the radon emanation is activated. As a result of the increase of the radon concentration in the atmosphere, the value of foF2 decreases.

The role of liver transplantation for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

PubMed

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

2012-06-27

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-09-25

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-05

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

Measurement of the polarized structure function σLT' for p(e→,e'p)π0 in the Δ(1232) resonance region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, K.; Smith, L. C.; Burkert, V. D.; Minehart, R.; Adams, G.; Ambrozewicz, P.; Anciant, E.; Anghinolfi, M.; Asavapibhop, B.; Audit, G.; Auger, T.; Avakian, H.; Bagdasaryan, H.; Ball, J. P.; Barrow, S.; Battaglieri, M.; Beard, K.; Bektasoglu, M.; Bellis, M.; Benmouna, N.; Bianchi, N.; Biselli, A. S.; Boiarinov, S.; Bouchigny, S.; Bradford, R.; Branford, D.; Briscoe, W. J.; Brooks, W. K.; Butuceanu, C.; Calarco, J. R.; Carman, D. S.; Carnahan, B.; Cetina, C.; Ciciani, L.; Cole, P. L.; Coleman, A.; Cords, D.; Corvisiero, P.; Crabb, D.; Crannell, H.; Cummings, J. P.; Desanctis, E.; Devita, R.; Degtyarenko, P. V.; Denizli, H.; Dennis, L.; Dharmawardane, K. V.; Dhuga, K. S.; Djalali, C.; Dodge, G. E.; Doughty, D.; Dragovitsch, P.; Dugger, M.; Dytman, S.; Dzyubak, O. P.; Eckhause, M.; Egiyan, H.; Egiyan, K. S.; Elouadrhiri, L.; Empl, A.; Eugenio, P.; Fatemi, R.; Feuerbach, R. J.; Ficenec, J.; Forest, T. A.; Funsten, H.; Gaff, S. J.; Gavalian, G.; Gilad, S.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Giovanetti, K. L.; Girard, P.; Gordon, C. I.; Griffioen, K.; Guidal, M.; Guillo, M.; Guo, L.; Gyurjyan, V.; Hadjidakis, C.; Hakobyan, R. S.; Hardie, J.; Heddle, D.; Heimberg, P.; Hersman, F. W.; Hicks, K.; Hicks, R. S.; Holtrop, M.; Hu, J.; Hyde-Wright, C. E.; Ilieva, Y.; Ito, M. M.; Jenkins, D.; Kelley, J. H.; Khandaker, M.; Kim, K. Y.; Kim, K.; Kim, W.; Klein, A.; Klein, F. J.; Klimenko, A. V.; Klusman, M.; Kossov, M.; Kramer, L. H.; Kuang, Y.; Kuhn, S. E.; Kuhn, J.; Lachniet, J.; Laget, J. M.; Lawrence, D.; Li, Ji; Lima, A. C.; Lukashin, K.; Manak, J. J.; Marchand, C.; McAleer, S.; McNabb, J. W.; Mecking, B. A.; Mehrabyan, S.; Melone, J. J.; Mestayer, M. D.; Meyer, C. A.; Mikhailov, K.; Mirazita, M.; Miskimen, R.; Morand, L.; Morrow, S. A.; Mozer, M. U.; Muccifora, V.; Mueller, J.; Murphy, L. Y.; Mutchler, G. S.; Napolitano, J.; Nasseripour, R.; Nelson, S. O.; Niccolai, S.; Niculescu, G.; Niculescu, I.; Niczyporuk, B. B.; Niyazov, R. A.; Nozar, M.; O'Rielly, G. V.; Opper, A. K.; Osipenko, M.; Park, K.; Pasyuk, E.; Peterson, G.; Philips, S. A.; Pivnyuk, N.; Pocanic, D.; Pogorelko, O.; Polli, E.; Pozdniakov, S.; Preedom, B. M.; Price, J. W.; Prok, Y.; Protopopescu, D.; Qin, L. M.; Raue, B. A.; Riccardi, G.; Ricco, G.; Ripani, M.; Ritchie, B. G.; Ronchetti, F.; Rossi, P.; Rowntree, D.; Rubin, P. D.; Sabatié, F.; Sabourov, K.; Salgado, C.; Santoro, J. P.; Sapunenko, V.; Sargsyan, M.; Schumacher, R. A.; Serov, V. S.; Sharabian, Y. G.; Shaw, J.; Simionatto, S.; Skabelin, A. V.; Smith, E. S.; Sober, D. I.; Spraker, M.; Stavinsky, A.; Stepanyan, S.; Stoler, P.; Strakovsky, I. I.; Strauch, S.; Taiuti, M.; Taylor, S.; Tedeschi, D. J.; Thoma, U.; Thompson, R.; Todor, L.; Tur, C.; Ungaro, M.; Vineyard, M. F.; Vlassov, A. V.; Wang, K.; Weinstein, L. B.; Weller, H.; Weygand, D. P.; Whisnant, C. S.; Wolin, E.; Wood, M. H.; Yegneswaran, A.; Yun, J.; Zhao, J.; Zhou, Z.

2003-09-01

The polarized longitudinal-transverse structure function σLT' has been measured in the Δ(1232) resonance region at Q2=0.40 and 0.65 GeV2. Data for the p(e→,e'p)π0 reaction were taken at Jefferson Lab with the CEBAF large acceptance spectrometer (CLAS) using longitudinally polarized electrons at an energy of 1.515 GeV. For the first time a complete angular distribution was measured, permitting the separation of different nonresonant amplitudes using a partial wave analysis. Comparison with previous beam asymmetry measurements at MAMI indicate a deviation from the predicted Q2 dependence of σLT' using recent phenomenological models.

Measurement of the Generalized Forward Spin Polarizabilities of the Neutron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amarian, M.; Auerbach, L.; Averett, T.; Berthot, J.; Bertin, P.; Bertozzi, W.; Black, T.; Brash, E.; Brown, D.; Burtin, E.; Calarco, J.; Cates, G.; Chai, Z.; Chen, J.-P.; Choi, Seonho; Chudakov, E.; Cisbani, E.; de Jager, C. W.; Deur, A.; Disalvo, R.; Dieterich, S.; Djawotho, P.; Finn, J. M.; Fissum, K.; Fonvieille, H.; Frullani, S.; Gao, H.; Gao, J.; Garibaldi, F.; Gasparian, A.; Gilad, S.; Gilman, R.; Glamazdin, A.; Glashausser, C.; Goldberg, E.; Gomez, J.; Gorbenko, V.; Hansen, J.-O.; Hersman, B.; Holmes, R.; Huber, G. M.; Hughes, E.; Humensky, B.; Incerti, S.; Iodice, M.; Jensen, S.; Jiang, X.; Jones, C.; Jones, G.; Jones, M.; Jutier, C.; Ketikyan, A.; Kominis, I.; Korsch, W.; Kramer, K.; Kumar, K.; Kumbartzki, G.; Kuss, M.; Lakuriqi, E.; Laveissiere, G.; Lerose, J.; Liang, M.; Liyanage, N.; Lolos, G.; Malov, S.; Marroncle, J.; McCormick, K.; McKeown, R.; Meziani, Z.-E.; Michaels, R.; Mitchell, J.; Papandreou, Z.; Pavlin, T.; Petratos, G. G.; Pripstein, D.; Prout, D.; Ransome, R.; Roblin, Y.; Rowntree, D.; Rvachev, M.; Sabatie, F.; Saha, A.; Slifer, K.; Souder, P.; Saito, T.; Strauch, S.; Suleiman, R.; Takahashi, K.; Teijiro, S.; Todor, L.; Tsubota, H.; Ueno, H.; Urciuoli, G.; der Meer, R. Van; Vernin, P.; Voskanian, H.; Wojtsekhowski, B.; Xiong, F.; Xu, W.; Yang, J.-C.; Zhang, B.; Żołnierczuk, P. A.

2004-10-01

The generalized forward spin polarizabilities γ0 and δLT of the neutron have been extracted for the first time in a Q2 range from 0.1 to 0.9 GeV2. Since γ0 is sensitive to nucleon resonances and δLT is insensitive to the Δ resonance, it is expected that the pair of forward spin polarizabilities should provide benchmark tests of the current understanding of the chiral dynamics of QCD. The new results on δLT show significant disagreement with chiral perturbation theory calculations, while the data for γ0 at low Q2 are in good agreement with a next-to-leading-order relativistic baryon chiral perturbation theory calculation. The data show good agreement with the phenomenological MAID model.

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

PubMed

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

2017-07-01

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

Validity and Reliability of the PUSH Wearable Device to Measure Movement Velocity During the Back Squat Exercise.

PubMed

Balsalobre-Fernández, Carlos; Kuzdub, Matt; Poveda-Ortiz, Pedro; Campo-Vecino, Juan Del

2016-07-01

Balsalobre-Fernández, C, Kuzdub, M, Poveda-Ortiz, P, and Campo-Vecino, Jd. Validity and reliability of the PUSH wearable device to measure movement velocity during the back squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1968-1974, 2016-The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of a wearable device to measure movement velocity during the back squat exercise. To do this, 10 recreationally active healthy men (age = 23.4 ± 5.2 years; back squat 1 repetition maximum [1RM] = 83 ± 8.2 kg) performed 3 repetitions of the back squat exercise with 5 different loads ranging from 25 to 85% 1RM on a Smith Machine. Movement velocity for each of the total 150 repetitions was simultaneously recorded using the T-Force linear transducer (LT) and the PUSH wearable band. Results showed a high correlation between the LT and the wearable device mean (r = 0.85; standard error of estimate [SEE] = 0.08 m·s) and peak velocity (r = 0.91, SEE = 0.1 m·s). Moreover, there was a very high agreement between these 2 devices for the measurement of mean (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.907) and peak velocity (ICC = 0.944), although a systematic bias between devices was observed (PUSH peak velocity being -0.07 ± 0.1 m·s lower, p ≤ 0.05). When measuring the 3 repetitions with each load, both devices displayed almost equal reliability (Test-retest reliability: LT [r = 0.98], PUSH [r = 0.956]; ICC: LT [ICC = 0.989], PUSH [ICC = 0.981]; coefficient of variation [CV]: LT [CV = 4.2%], PUSH [CV = 5.0%]). Finally, individual load-velocity relationships measured with both the LT (R = 0.96) and the PUSH wearable device (R = 0.94) showed similar, very high coefficients of determination. In conclusion, these results support the use of an affordable wearable device to track velocity during back squat training. Wearable devices, such as the one in this study, could have valuable practical applications for strength and conditioning coaches.

On the modified Mercalli intensities and magnitudes of the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hough, S.E.; Armbruster, J.G.; Seeber, L.; Hough, J.F.

2000-01-01

We reexamine original felt reports from the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes and determine revised isoseismal maps for the three principal mainshocks. In many cases we interpret lower values than those assigned by earlier studies. In some cases the revisions result from an interpretation of original felt reports with an appreciation for site response issues. Additionally, earlier studies had assigned modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) values of V-VII to a substantial number of reports that we conclude do not describe damage commensurate with intensities this high. We investigate several approaches to contouring the MMI values using both analytical and subjective methods. For the first mainshock on 02:15 LT December 16, 1811, our preferred contouring yields M??7.2-7.3 using the area-moment regressions of Johnston [1996]. For the 08:00 LT on January 23, 1812, and 03:45 LT on February 7, 1812, mainshocks, we obtain M??7.0 and M??7.4-7.5, respectively. Our magnitude for the February mainshock is consistent with the established geometry of the Reelfoot fault, which all evidence suggests to have been the causative structure for this event. We note that the inference of lower magnitudes for the New Madrid events implies that site response plays a significant role in controlling seismic hazard at alluvial sites in the central and eastern United States. We also note that our results suggest that thrusting may have been the dominant mechanism of faulting associated with the 1811-1812 sequence. Copyright 2000 by the American Geophysical Union.

A case study on the in silico absorption simulations of levothyroxine sodium immediate-release tablets.

PubMed

Kocic, Ivana; Homsek, Irena; Dacevic, Mirjana; Grbic, Sandra; Parojcic, Jelena; Vucicevic, Katarina; Prostran, Milica; Miljkovic, Branislava

2012-04-01

The aim of this case study was to develop a drug-specific absorption model for levothyroxine (LT4) using mechanistic gastrointestinal simulation technology (GIST) implemented in the GastroPlus™ software package. The required input parameters were determined experimentally, in silico predicted and/or taken from the literature. The simulated plasma profile was similar and in a good agreement with the data observed in the in vivo bioequivalence study, indicating that the GIST model gave an accurate prediction of LT4 oral absorption. Additionally, plasma concentration-time profiles were simulated based on a set of experimental and virtual in vitro dissolution data in order to estimate the influence of different in vitro drug dissolution kinetics on the simulated plasma profiles and to identify biorelevant dissolution specification for LT4 immediate-release (IR) tablets. A set of experimental and virtual in vitro data was also used for correlation purposes. In vitro-in vivo correlation model based on the convolution approach was applied in order to assess the relationship between the in vitro and in vivo data. The obtained results suggest that dissolution specification of more than 85% LT4 dissolved in 60 min might be considered as biorelevant dissolution specification criteria for LT4 IR tablets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Computer Modeling and Optimization of OBOGS with Contaminants

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-10

OBOGS model can be ucd to optimize and design OBOGS systems with respect to system parameters such as cycle time and bed and valve dimensions. 3. C N I...6,172) TP 172 FORMLATC FINAL OBSERVATION TIME (SEC’,T40,F.4,/) READ *, TF1 IF(TFl.LT.EPSI) GOTO 10 TF=TF 1 COTO 10 175 WRITE(6,177) TCYC 177 FORMAT...225,235,207 207 IF(N-10) 336,246,255 209 WRITE(6,210) DBYIN 210 FORMAT(’ BY-PASS VALVE DIAMETER (IN)’,T40,FS.4,/) READ -,DBYIN1 IFCDBYIN1.LT.EPSI

Pretransplantation fetal-maternal microchimerism in pediatric liver transplantation from mother

PubMed Central

Yi, Nam-Joon; Park, Min-Su; Song, Eun Young; Ahn, Hye Young; Byun, Jeik; Kim, Hyeyoung; Hong, Suk Kyun; Yoon, Kyungchul; Kim, Hyo-Sin; Ahn, Sung-Woo; Lee, Hae Won; Choi, YoungRok; Lee, Kwang-Woong; Suh, Kyung-Suk; Park, Myoung Hee

2017-01-01

AIM To investigate the rates of pretransplantation fetal-maternal microchimerism (MC) and its effect on rejection in children receiving maternal liver grafts. METHODS DNA or blood samples before liver transplantation (LT) were available in 45 pediatric patients and their mothers. The presence of pretransplantation MC to non-inherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) (NIMA-MC) in the peripheral blood was tested using nested PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis for the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 alleles. NIMA-MC was successfully evaluated in 26 of the 45 children. Among these 45 pediatric LT recipients, 23 children (51.1%) received transplants from maternal donors and the other 22 from non-maternal donors. RESULTS Among these 26 children, pretransplantation NIMA-MC was detected in 23.1% (n = 6), 6.1 (range, 0.8-14) years after birth. Among the children with a maternal donor, the rate of biopsy-proven cellular rejection (BPCR) was 0% in patients with NIMA-MC positivity (0/3) and those with HLA-DR identity with the mother (0/4), but it was 50% in those with NIMA-MC negativity (5/10). Patients with NIMA-MC positivity or HLA-DR identity with the mother showed significantly lower BPCR rate compared with NIMA-MC-negative patients (0% vs 50%, P = 0.04). NIMA-MC-positive patients tended to show lower BPCR rate compared with NIMA-MC-negative patients (P = 0.23). CONCLUSION The presence of pretransplantation NIMA-MC or HLA-DR identity with the mother could be associated with BPCR-free survival in pediatric recipients of LT from maternal donors. PMID:29259377

Smart Ultrasound Remote Guidance Experiment (SURGE)- Concept of Operations Evaluation for Using Remote Guidance Ultrasound for Planetary Space Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurst, Victor, IV; Peterson, Sean; Garcia, Kathleen; Sargsyan, Ashot; Ebert, Douglas; Ham, David; Amponsah, David; Dulchavsky, Scott

2010-01-01

Introduction Use of remote guidance (RG) techniques aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has enabled astronauts to collect diagnostic-level ultrasound images. Exploration class missions will require this cohort of (typically) non-formally trained sonographers to operate with greater autonomy given the longer communication delays (2 seconds for ISS vs. >6 seconds for missions beyond the Moon) and communication blackouts. To determine the feasibility and training requirements for autonomous ultrasound image collection by non-expert ultrasound operators, ultrasound images were collected from a similar cohort using three different image collection protocols: RG only, RG with a computer-based learning tool (LT), and autonomous image collection with LT. The groups were assessed for both image quality and time to collect the images. Methods Subjects were randomized into three groups: RG only, RG with LT, and autonomous with LT. Each subject received 10 minutes of standardized training before the experiment. The subjects were tasked with making the following ultrasound assessments: 1) bone fracture and 2) focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) to assess a patient s abdomen. Human factors-related questionnaire data were collected immediately after the assessments. Results The autonomous group did not out-perform the two groups that received RG. The mean time for the autonomous group to collect images was less than the RG groups, however the mean image quality for the autonomous group was less compared to both RG groups. Discussion Remote guidance continues to produce higher quality ultrasound images than autonomous ultrasound operation. This is likely due to near-instant feedback on image quality from the remote guider. Expansion in communication time delays, however, diminishes the capability to provide this feedback, thus requiring more autonomous ultrasound operation. The LT has the potential to be an excellent training and coaching component for autonomous ultrasound image collection during exploration missions.

The Effect of Barotropic and Baroclinic Tides on Coastal Stratification and Mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suanda, S. H.; Feddersen, F.; Kumar, N.

2017-12-01

The effects of barotropic and baroclinic tides on subtidal stratification and vertical mixing are examined with high-resolution, three-dimensional numerical simulations of the Central Californian coastal upwelling region. A base simulation with realistic atmospheric and regional-scale boundary forcing but no tides (NT) is compared to two simulations with the addition of predominantly barotropic local tides (LT) and with combined barotropic and remotely generated, baroclinic tides (WT) with ≈ 100 W m-1 onshore baroclinic energy flux. During a 10 day period of coastal upwelling when the domain volume-averaged temperature is similar in all three simulations, LT has little difference in subtidal temperature and stratification compared to NT. In contrast, the addition of remote baroclinic tides (WT) reduces the subtidal continental shelf stratification up to 50% relative to NT. Idealized simulations to isolate barotropic and baroclinic effects demonstrate that within a parameter space of typical U.S. West Coast continental shelf slopes, barotropic tidal currents, incident energy flux, and subtidal stratification, the dissipating baroclinic tide destroys stratification an order of magnitude faster than barotropic tides. In WT, the modeled vertical temperature diffusivity at the top (base) of the bottom (surface) boundary layer is increased up to 20 times relative to NT. Therefore, the width of the inner-shelf (region of surface and bottom boundary layer overlap) is increased approximately 4 times relative to NT. The change in stratification due to dissipating baroclinic tides is comparable to the magnitude of the observed seasonal cycle of stratification.

Improvement of liver stiffness measurement, acoustic radiation force impulse measurements, and noninvasive fibrosis markers after direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus G4 recurrence post living donor liver transplantation: Egyptian cohort.

PubMed

Alem, Shereen Abdel; Said, Mohamed; Anwar, Ismail; Abdellatif, Zeinab; Elbaz, Tamer; Eletreby, Rasha; AbouElKhair, Mahmoud; El-Serafy, Magdy; Mogawer, Sherif; El-Amir, Mona; El-Shazly, Mostafa; Hosny, Adel; Yosry, Ayman

2018-05-02

Progression of recurrent hepatitis C is accelerated in liver transplant (LT) recipients. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently emerged as a promising therapeutic regimen for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Rates of sustained virological response (SVR) have drastically improved since the introduction of DAAs. The aim is to elucidate the changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) as well as acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography and fibrosis scores after DAA treatment in LT recipients with hepatitis C virus recurrence. A single-center, prospective study including 58 LT recipients with hepatitis C recurrence who received different sofosbuvir-based treatment regimens. Transient elastography and ARFI elastography values were recorded as well as fibrosis 4 score (FIB-4) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index were calculated at baseline and SVR at week 24 (SVR24). The outcome was improvement in LSM and at least a 20% decrease in LSM at SVR24 compared with baseline. The sustained virological response was 98.1%. There was improvement of platelet counts, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, which in turn caused improvement in fibrosis scores at SVR24. LSM by TE and ARFI elastography decreased from the baseline median value of 6.3 kPa (interquartile range [IQR]; 4.6 to 8.8 kPa) and 1.28 m/s (IQR; 1.07 to 1.53 m/s) to an SVR24 median value of 6.2 kPa (IQR; 4.85 to 8.9 kPa) and 1.12 (IQR; 0.97 to 1.30 m/s), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline viral load was the only significant predictor of improvement in LS after DAA therapy at SVR24. Sofosbuvir-based treatment resulted in an early improvement in parameters of liver fibrosis in post-LT patients with hepatitis C recurrence. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of dietary supplementation of l-tryptophan on thermal tolerance and oxygen consumption rate in Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings under varied stocking density.

PubMed

Tejpal, C S; Sumitha, E B; Pal, A K; Shivananda Murthy, H; Sahu, N P; Siddaiah, G M

2014-04-01

A 60 day feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of dietary l-tryptophan on thermal tolerance and oxygen consumption rate of freshwater fish, mrigala, Cirrhinus mrigala reared under ambient temperature at low and high stocking density. Four hundred eighty fingerlings were distributed into eight experimental groups. Four groups each of low density group (10 fishes/75L water) and higher density group (30 fishes/75L water) were fed a diet containing 0, 0.68, 1.36 or 2.72% l-tryptophan in the diet, thus forming eight experimental groups namely, Low density control (LC) (basal feed +0% l-tryptophan); LT1 (basal feed+0.68% l-tryptophan); LT2 (basal feed+1.36% l-tryptophan); LT3 (basal feed+2.72% l-tryptophan); high density control (HC) (basal feed+0% l-tryptophan); HT1 (basal feed+0.68% l-tryptophan); HT2 (basal feed+1.36% l-tryptophan); and HT3 (basal feed+2.72% l-tryptophan) were fed at 3% of the body weight. The test diets having crude protein 34.33±0.23 to 35.81±0.18% and lipid 423.49±1.76 to 425.85±0.31KCal/100g were prepared using purified ingredients. The possible role of dietary l-tryptophan on thermal tolerance and oxygen consumption rate was assessed in terms of critical thermal maxima (CTMax), critical thermal minima (CTMin), lethal thermal maxima (LTMax) and lethal thermal minima (LTMin). The CTMax, CTMin, LTMax and LTMin values were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in the treatment groups with CTMax 42.94±0.037 (LT2); LT Max 43.18±0.070 (LT2); CTMin 10.47±0.088 (LT2) and LTMin 9.42±0.062 (LT3), whereas the control group showed a lower tolerance level. The same trend was observed in the high density group (CTMax 42.09±0.066 (LT3); LTMax 43 23±0.067 (HT3); CTMin 10.98±0.040 (HT3) and LTMin 9.74±0.037 (HT3). However, gradual supplementation of dietary l-tryptophan in the diet significantly reduced the oxygen consumption rate in both the low density group (Y=-26.74x+222.4, r²=0.915) and the high density group (Y=-32.96x+296.5, r²=0.8923). Dietary supplementation of l-tryptophan at a level of 1.36% improved the thermal tolerance level and reduced the oxygen consumption rate in C. mrigala fingerlings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The WSTIAC Quarterly. Volume 9, Number 2, 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Services Robert Fitzgibbon Bruce Dudley Product Sales Gina Nash http://wstiac.alionscience.com/quarterly http://wstiac.alionscience.com/quarterly http... B2b =45 deg B2b =50 deg B2b =35 deg B2b =25 deg B2b =0 1.00 0.95 0.90 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 To ta l-t o- St at ic Po ly tro pi c ef fic en

Summer Freezing Resistance: A Critical Filter for Plant Community Assemblies in Mediterranean High Mountains

PubMed Central

Pescador, David S.; Sierra-Almeida, Ángela; Torres, Pablo J.; Escudero, Adrián

2016-01-01

Assessing freezing community response and whether freezing resistance is related to other functional traits is essential for understanding alpine community assemblages, particularly in Mediterranean environments where plants are exposed to freezing temperatures and summer droughts. Thus, we characterized the leaf freezing resistance of 42 plant species in 38 plots at Sierra de Guadarrama (Spain) by measuring their ice nucleation temperature, freezing point (FP), and low-temperature damage (LT50), as well as determining their freezing resistance mechanisms (i.e., tolerance or avoidance). The community response to freezing was estimated for each plot as community weighted means (CWMs) and functional diversity (FD), and we assessed their relative importance with altitude. We established the relationships between freezing resistance, growth forms, and four key plant functional traits (i.e., plant height, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and seed mass). There was a wide range of freezing resistance responses and more than in other alpine habitats. At the community level, the CWMs of FP and LT50 responded negatively to altitude, whereas the FD of both traits increased with altitude. The proportion of freezing-tolerant species also increased with altitude. The ranges of FP and LT50 varied among growth forms, and only leaf dry matter content was negatively correlated with freezing-resistance traits. Summer freezing events represent important abiotic filters for assemblies of Mediterranean high mountain communities, as suggested by the CWMs. However, a concomitant summer drought constraint may also explain the high freezing resistance of species that thrive in these areas and the lower FD of freezing resistance traits at lower altitudes. Leaves with high dry matter contents may maintain turgor at lower water potential and enhance drought tolerance in parallel to freezing resistance. This adaptation to drought seems to be a general prerequisite for plants found in xeric mountains. PMID:26941761

The importance of relative humidity and trophic resources in governing ecological niche of the invasive carabid beetle Merizodus soledadinus in the Kerguelen archipelago.

PubMed

Ouisse, Tiphaine; Bonte, Dries; Lebouvier, Marc; Hendrickx, Frederik; Renault, David

Comprehensive studies to identify species-specific drivers of survival to environmental stress, reproduction, growth, and recruitment are vital to gaining a better understanding of the main ecological factors shaping species habitat distribution and dispersal routes. The present study performed a field-based assessment of habitat distribution in the invasive carabid beetle Merizodus soledadinus for the Kerguelen archipelago. The results emphasised humid habitats as a key element of the insect's realised niche. In addition, insects faced food and water stress during dispersal events. We evaluated quantitatively how water availability and trophic resources governed the spatial distribution of this invasive predatory insect at Îles Kerguelen. Food and water stress survival durations [in 100%, 70%, and 30% relative humidity (RH) conditions] and changes in a set of primary metabolic compounds (metabolomics) were determined. Adult M. soledadinus supplied with water ad libitum were highly tolerant to prolonged starvation (LT 50 =51.7±6.2d). However, food-deprived insect survival decreased rapidly in moderate (70% RH, LT 50 =30.37±1.39h) and low (30% RH, LT 50 =13.03±0.48h) RH conditions. Consistently, body water content decreased rapidly in insects exposed to 70% and 30% RH. Metabolic variation evidenced the effects of food deprivation in control insects (exposed to 100% RH), which exhibited a progressive decline of most glycolytic sugars and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. Most metabolite levels were elevated levels during the first few hours of exposure to 30% and 70% RH. Augmented alanine and lactate levels suggested a shift to anaerobic metabolism. Simultaneously, peaks in threonine and glycolytic sugars pointed to metabolic disruption and a progressive physiological breakdown in dehydrating individuals. Overall, the results of our study indicate that the geographic distribution of M. soledadinus populations is highly dependent on habitat RH and water accessibility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2008-10-28

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

Quaternary Sedimentary and Geomorphic History of River Valleys in the Lake Titicaca Basin, Peru and Bolivia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rigsby, C. A.; Farabaugh, R. L.; Baker, P. A.

2002-12-01

Lacustrine sediments have become important archives of paleoclimatic history in the tropical Andes of South America. The history of lake level of Lake Titicaca (LT) has played a central role in these reconstructions. Here we report on our ongoing studies of the late Quaternary sedimentary and geomorphic histories of two of the major tributaries to LT (the Rios Ramis and Ilave) and on our earlier studies of LT's only outlet (the Rio Desaguadero). The strata and fluvial terraces in these valleys record large-scale aggradation and downcutting events that are apparently correlative with both climate changes in the LT basin and local complex response mechanisms (changes in sediment source, topographic variability, etc.). Both the Ramis and Ilave valleys have 5 terrace tracts, ranging from less than 1 m to approximately 53 m above the river level and occurring as both paired and unpaired tracts and as cut-fill, fill-, and strath terraces. The Rio Desaguadero valley has 4, locally paired, cut-fill and fill terrace tracts that range in height from approximately 2 m to 40 m above river level. In all three valleys, the terraces are underlain by meandering- and braided-river sands and gravels and by lacustrine muds. Radiocarbon dates from the Ilave and Desaguadero valleys suggest that strata in these valleys aggraded during periods of high or rising levels of LT, high or increasing sedimentation rates in the Rio Ilave delta, high (but variable) regional precipitation, and lacustrine sedimentation in the upstream-most reaches of the Rio Desaguadero valley. These same strata were downcut during periods of low or falling levels of LT, low or rapidly decreasing sedimentation rates in the Rio Ilave delta, and lower regional precipitation and runoff. In all three valleys, aggradational periods are punctuated by equilibrium periods of soil formation, downcutting events are episodic, and the most recent events are aggradation and subsequent downcutting of a low, young fill-terrace. Radiocarbon dates from the Ramis valley (in progress) will allow us to compare the timing of fluvial events in all three valleys with the timing of climatic events recorded in LT and elsewhere on the Peruvian and Bolivian Altiplano and to better understand the climatic effects on both fluvial landscapes and regional cultural evolution.

Differences in genetic background influence the induction of innate and acquired immune responses in chickens depending on the virulence of the infecting infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) strain.

PubMed

Aricibasi, Merve; Jung, Arne; Heller, E Dan; Rautenschlein, Silke

2010-05-15

Previous studies and field observations have suggested that genetic background influences infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) pathogenesis. However, the influence of the virulence of the infecting IBDV strain and the mechanisms underlying the differences in susceptibility are not known. In the present study IBDV pathogenesis was compared between specific-pathogen-free layer-type (LT) chickens, which are the most susceptible chicken for IBDV and have been used as the model for pathogenesis studies, and broiler-type (BT) chickens, which are known to be less susceptible to clinical infectious bursal disease (IBD). The innate and acquired immune responses were investigated after inoculation of an intermediate (i), virulent (v) or very virulent (vv) strain of IBDV. IBDV pathogenesis was comparable among genetic backgrounds after infection with iIBDV. After infection with vIBDV and vvIBDV, LT birds showed severe clinical disease and mortality, higher bursal lesion scores and IBDV-antigen load relative to BT birds. Circulating cytokine induction varied significantly in both timing and quantity between LT and BT birds and among virus strains (P<0.05). Evaluation of different immune cell populations by flow-cytometric analysis in the bursa of Fabricius provided circumstantial evidence of a stronger local T cell response in BT birds vs. LT birds after infection with the virulent strain. On the other hand, LT birds showed a more significant increase in circulating macrophage-derived immune mediators such as total interferon (IFN) and serum nitrite than BT birds on days 2 and 3 post-vIBDV infection (P<0.05). Stronger stimulation of innate immune reactions especially after vIBDV infection in the early phase may lead to faster and more severe lesion development accompanied by clinical disease and death in LT chickens relative to BT chickens. Interestingly, no significant differences were seen between genetic backgrounds in induction of the IBDV-specific humoral response: timing of IBDV-antibody induction and antibody levels were comparable between BT and LT birds. This study clearly demonstrates a significant influence of chickens' genetic background on disease outcome. The difference between backgrounds in IBDV susceptibility is further influenced by the virulence of the infecting virus strain. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intranasal Administration of 2/6-Rotavirus-Like Particles with Mutant Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Toxin (LT-R192G) Induces Antibody-Secreting Cell Responses but Not Protective Immunity in Gnotobiotic Pigs

PubMed Central

Yuan, Lijuan; Geyer, Annelise; Hodgins, Douglas C.; Fan, Zhiqian; Qian, Yuan; Chang, Kyeong-Ok; Crawford, Sue E.; Parreño, Viviana; Ward, Lucy A.; Estes, Mary K.; Conner, Margaret E.; Saif, Linda J.

2000-01-01

We investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant double-layered rotavirus-like particle (2/6-VLPs) vaccines derived from simian SA11 or human (VP6) Wa and bovine RF (VP2) rotavirus strains. The 2/6-VLPs were administered to gnotobiotic pigs intranasally (i.n.) with a mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin, LT-R192G (mLT), as mucosal adjuvant. Pigs were challenged with virulent Wa (P1A[8],G1) human rotavirus at postinoculation day (PID) 21 (two-dose VLP regimen) or 28 (three-dose VLP regimen). In vivo antigen-activated antibody-secreting cells (ASC) (effector B cells) and in vitro antigen-reactivated ASC (derived from memory B cells) from intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues (duodenum, ileum, mesenteric lymph nodes [MLN], spleen, peripheral blood lymphocytes [PBL], and bone marrow lymphocytes) collected at selected times were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunospot assays. Rotavirus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG ASC and memory B-cell responses were detected by PID 21 or 28 in intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues after i.n. inoculation with two or three doses of 2/6-VLPs with or without mLT. Greater mean numbers of virus-specific ASC and memory B cells in all tissues prechallenge were induced in pigs inoculated with two doses of SA11 2/6-VLPs plus mLT compared to SA11 2/6-VLPs without mLT. After challenge, anamnestic IgA and IgG ASC and memory B-cell responses were detected in intestinal lymphoid tissues of all VLP-inoculated groups, but serum virus-neutralizing antibody titers were not significantly enhanced compared to the challenged controls. Pigs inoculated with Wa-RF 2/6-VLPs (with or without mLT) developed higher anamnestic IgA and IgG ASC responses in ileum after challenge compared to pigs inoculated with SA11 2/6-VLPs (with or without mLT). Three doses of SA 11 2/6-VLP plus mLT induced the highest mean numbers of IgG memory B cells in MLN, spleen, and PBL among all groups postchallenge. However, no significant protection against diarrhea or virus shedding was evident in any of the 2/6-VLP (with or without mLT)-inoculated pigs after challenge with virulent Wa human rotavirus. These results indicate that 2/6-VLP vaccines are immunogenic in gnotobiotic pigs when inoculated i.n. and that the adjuvant mLT enhanced their immunogenicity. However, i.n. inoculation of gnotobiotic pigs with 2/6-VLPs did not confer protection against human rotavirus challenge. PMID:10982326

The asymmetrical features in electron density during extreme solar minimum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuemin; Shen, Xuhui; Liu, Jing; Yao, Lu; Yuan, Guiping; Huang, Jianping

2014-12-01

The variations of plasma density in topside ionosphere during 23rd/24th solar cycle minimum attract more attentions in recently years. In this analysis, we use the data of electron density (Ne) from DEMETER (Detection of Electromagnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions) satellite at the altitude of 660-710 km to investigate the solstitial and equinoctial asymmetry under geomagnetic coordinate system at LT (local time) 1030 and 2230 during 2005-2010, especially in solar minimum years of 2008-2009. The results reveal that ΔNe (December-June) is always positive over Southern Hemisphere and negative over northern part whatever at LT 1030 or 2230, only at 0-10°N the winter anomaly occurs with ΔNe (December-June) > 0, and its amplitude becomes smaller with the declining of solar flux from 2005 to 2009. The ΔNe between September and March is completely negative during 2005-2008, but in 2009, it turns to be positive at latitudes of 20°S-40°N at LT 1030 and 10°S-20°N at LT 2230. Furthermore, the solstitial and equinoctial asymmetry index (AI) are calculated and studied respectively, which all depends on local time, latitude and longitude. The notable differences occur at higher latitudes in solar minimum year of 2009 with those in 2005-2008. The equinoctial AI at LT 2230 is quite consistent with the variational trend of solar flux with the lowest absolute AI occurring in 2009, the extreme solar minimum, but the solstitial AI exhibits abnormal enhancement during 2008 and 2009 with bigger AI than those in 2005-2007. Compared with the neutral compositions at 500 km altitude, it illustrates that [O/N2] and [O] play some roles in daytime and nighttime asymmetry of Ne at topside ionosphere.

Levothyroxine Treatment of Euthyroid Children with Autoimmune Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Dörr, Helmuth G; Bettendorf, Markus; Binder, Gerhard; Karges, Beate; Kneppo, Carolin; Schmidt, Heinrich; Voss, Egbert; Wabitsch, Martin; Dötsch, Jörg

2015-01-01

Levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of euthyroid children with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a controversial issue. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Out of 79 identified euthyroid patients, 59 started the study; 25 patients (21 female, 4 male; age: 11.8 ± 2.3 years) received L-T4 at a mean dose of 1.6 µg/kg (SD, 0.8) daily, and 34 (27 female, 7 male; age: 12.6 ± 1.2 years) were not treated. Patients developing subclinical hypothyroidism during follow-up (n = 13) were treated with L-T4 and removed from the observation group. As the main outcome measures, thyroid gland volume (determined by ultrasound) as well as serum levels of TSH, free T4, and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin were assessed every 6 months for 36 months. At the start, the mean thyroid volume (standard deviation score, SDS) was 2.5 in the treatment group and 1.6 in the observation group. There was a constant decline in mean thyroid volume (SDS) from 2.13 (month 12) to 1.12 (month 30) in the treated group, with a delta thyroid volume of -1.01 SDS. In the observation group, the mean delta thyroid volume increased to +0.27 SDS. The change of the delta thyroid volume was statistically significantly different between both groups during the 12- and 30-month time points (p < 0.05). L-T4 had no effect on thyroid function and serum thyroid antibodies. L-T4 treatment can decrease the thyroid volume in euthyroid children with HT, but the effect is limited to a definite time period. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Risk factors and long-term outcomes of pediatric liver transplant recipients with chronic high Epstein-Barr virus loads.

PubMed

Kamei, Hideya; Ito, Yoshinori; Kawada, Junichi; Ogiso, Satoshi; Onishi, Yasuharu; Komagome, Masahiko; Kurata, Nobuhiko; Ogura, Yasuhiro

2018-04-20

Serial monitoring of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reveals that certain pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients exhibit high EBV loads for long periods. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of chronic high EBV (CHEBV) loads (continuous EBV DNA >10 000 IU/mL of whole blood for ≥6 months) and long-term outcomes. This single center, retrospective observational study investigated pediatric LT recipients who survived ≥6 months. We quantitated EBV DNA weekly during hospitalization and subsequently every 4 or 6 weeks at the outpatient clinic. Tacrolimus was maintained at a low trough level (<3 ng/mL, EBV DNA load >5000 IU/mL). Thirty-one of 77 LT recipients developed CHEBV. Univariate analysis revealed that age <2 years and body weight <10 kg upon LT, operation time <700 minutes, warm ischemia time (WIT) >35 minutes, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) >2.7%, and preoperative EBV seronegativity were significantly associated with the development of CHEBV loads. Multivariate analysis identified significant associations of CHEBV with WIT >35 minutes, GRWR >2.7%, and preoperative seronegative. None of the recipients developed post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder. Survival rates of patients with and without CHEBV loads were not significantly different. A significant number of pediatric LT recipients developed CHEBV loads. Long WIT, high GRWR, and preoperative EBV seronegativity were significantly associated with the development of CHEBV loads. Although the long-term outcomes of patients with or without CHEBV loads were not significantly different, further studies of more subjects are warranted. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chinese undergraduates' preferences for altruistic traits in mate selection and personal advertisement: Evidence from Q-sort technique.

PubMed

Guo, Qingke; Feng, Linlin; Wang, Mingming

2017-04-01

Human's preferences for altruistic mates have been confirmed by many researchers. Under the deep influence of Confucianism that authorised more parental control over offspring's mate selection, Chinese people's mating strategies and mate preferences may be different from what the evolutionary psychologists have suggested. This study used the Q-sort technique to assess the roles of altruistic traits in mate selection and personal advertisement. A total of 200 university students participated in the Q-sort procedures and were asked to sort 50 traits (among which altruistic traits were mixed) according to their importance when choosing (or advertising to) a long-term (LT) or a short-term (ST) mate. Our findings were quite different from prior studies. When Chinese participants chose a mate or advertised themselves to a potential mate, kin altruism was considered to be the most important trait; altruistic traits were more preferred by males than by females and females tended to advertise themselves as more altruistic; preferences for altruistic traits showed no difference between LT and ST mate selections (or between personal advertisement to a LT and a ST mate). © 2015 International Union of Psychological Science.

Leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation, toxic brain damage, and neurodegeneration in acute methanol poisoning.

PubMed

Zakharov, Sergey; Kotikova, Katerina; Nurieva, Olga; Hlusicka, Jiri; Kacer, Petr; Urban, Pavel; Vaneckova, Manuela; Seidl, Zdenek; Diblik, Pavel; Kuthan, Pavel; Navratil, Tomas; Pelclova, Daniela

2017-04-01

The role of neuroinflammation in methanol-induced toxic brain damage has not been studied. We studied acute concentrations and the dynamics of leukotrienes (LT) in serum in hospitalized patients with acute methanol poisoning and in survivors. Series of acute cysteinyl-LT and LTB4 concentration measurements were performed in 28/101 hospitalized patients (mean observation time: 88 ± 20 h). In 36 survivors, control LT measurements were performed 2 years after discharge. The acute maximum (C max ) LT concentrations were higher than concentrations in survivors: C max for LTC4 was 80.7 ± 5.6 versus 47.9 ± 4.5 pg/mL; for LTD4, 51.0 ± 6.6 versus 23.1 ± 2.1 pg/mL; for LTE4, 64.2 ± 6.0 versus 26.2 ± 3.9 pg/mL; for LTB4, 59.8 ± 6.2 versus 27.2 ± 1.4 pg/mL (all p < 0.001). The patients who survived had higher LT concentrations than those who died (all p < 0.01). Among survivors, patients with CNS sequelae had lower LTE4 and LTB4 than did those without sequelae (both p < 0.05). The LT concentrations increased at a rate of 0.4-0.5 pg/mL/h and peaked 4-5 days after admission. The patients with better outcomes had higher cys-LTs (all p < 0.01) and LTB4 (p < 0.05). More severely poisoned patients had lower acute LT concentrations than those with minor acidemia. The follow-up LT concentrations in survivors with and without CNS sequelae did not differ (all p > 0.05). The mean decrease in LT concentration was 30.9 ± 9.0 pg/mL for LTC4, 26.3 ± 8.6 pg/mL for LTD4, 37.3 ± 6.4 pg/mL for LTE4, and 32.0 ± 8.8 pg/mL for LTB4. Our findings suggest that leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation may play an important role in the mechanisms of toxic brain damage in acute methanol poisoning in humans. Acute elevation of LT concentrations was moderate, transitory, and was not followed by chronic neuroinflammation in survivors.

Simulation and optimization of a dc SQUID with finite capacitance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Waal, V. J.; Schrijner, P.; Llurba, R.

1984-02-01

This paper deals with the calculations of the noise and the optimization of the energy resolution of a dc SQUID with finite junction capacitance. Up to now noise calculations of dc SQUIDs were performed using a model without parasitic capacitances across the Josephson junctions. As the capacitances limit the performance of the SQUID, for a good optimization one must take them into account. The model consists of two coupled nonlinear second-order differential equations. The equations are very suitable for simulation with an analog circuit. We implemented the model on a hybrid computer. The noise spectrum from the model is calculated with a fast Fourier transform. A calculation of the energy resolution for one set of parameters takes about 6 min of computer time. Detailed results of the optimization are given for products of inductance and temperature of LT=1.2 and 5 nH K. Within a range of β and β c between 1 and 2, which is optimum, the energy resolution is nearly independent of these variables. In this region the energy resolution is near the value calculated without parasitic capacitances. Results of the optimized energy resolution are given as a function of LT between 1.2 and 10 mH K.

High and low rigor temperature effects on sheep meat tenderness and ageing.

PubMed

Devine, Carrick E; Payne, Steven R; Peachey, Bridget M; Lowe, Timothy E; Ingram, John R; Cook, Christian J

2002-02-01

Immediately after electrical stimulation, the paired m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LT) of 40 sheep were boned out and wrapped tightly with a polyethylene cling film. One of the paired LT's was chilled in 15°C air to reach a rigor mortis (rigor) temperature of 18°C and the other side was placed in a water bath at 35°C and achieved rigor at this temperature. Wrapping reduced rigor shortening and mimicked meat left on the carcass. After rigor, the meat was aged at 15°C for 0, 8, 26 and 72 h and then frozen. The frozen meat was cooked to 75°C in an 85°C water bath and shear force values obtained from a 1×1 cm cross-section. The shear force values of meat for 18 and 35°C rigor were similar at zero ageing, but as ageing progressed, the 18 rigor meat aged faster and became more tender than meat that went into rigor at 35°C (P<0.001). The mean sarcomere length values of meat samples for 18 and 35°C rigor at each ageing time were significantly different (P<0.001), the samples at 35°C being shorter. When the short sarcomere length values and corresponding shear force values were removed for further data analysis, the shear force values for the 35°C rigor were still significantly greater. Thus the toughness of 35°C meat was not a consequence of muscle shortening and appears to be due to both a faster rate of tenderisation and the meat tenderising to a greater extent at the lower temperature. The cook loss at 35°C rigor (30.5%) was greater than that at 18°C rigor (28.4%) (P<0.01) and the colour Hunter L values were higher at 35°C (P<0.01) compared with 18°C, but there were no significant differences in a or b values.

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

PubMed

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

2016-12-01

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

Functional expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors on human platelets.

PubMed

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

2010-01-01

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