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Diminution
Kinds of Diminution Selected AbstractsLongitudinal Diminution of Tumor Size for Basal Cell Carcinoma Suggests Shifting Referral Patterns for Mohs SurgeryDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2008ANDREW L. KAPLAN MD BACKGROUND The Mohs technique for removal of cutaneous malignancies offers tissue-sparing benefits compared with other treatment methods. With wider acceptance and availability of Mohs surgery, referral patterns may be shifting toward the treatment of smaller, lower-risk tumors. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine whether referral patterns for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) at an academic Mohs surgery practice have shifted over recent years toward referral for smaller, lower risk tumors. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal comparison of tumor characteristics was performed for BCCs treated at our institution from a recent year (2004) and a past year (1996). Statistical analyses were used to identify differences in tumor size, distribution by anatomic site, and primary versus recurrent status. RESULTS Complete data were available for 603 BCCs treated in 1996 and 1,514 BCCs treated in 2004. A 24% decrease in preoperative tumor surface area was observed from 1996 (1.25 cm2) to 2004 (0.95 cm2). Tumors were twice as likely to be recurrent in 1996 (15.1%) than in 2004 (7.4%). There were no significant differences in the anatomic distribution of lesions in the years compared. CONCLUSIONS Findings at our institution suggest that in recent years, referral patterns have shifted toward a preference for Mohs surgery for the treatment of smaller, primary BCCs. This may be a result of increased awareness by the dermatologic and medical community of the numerous advantages of Mohs surgery and a greater appreciation of its tissue-sparing properties, which may result in less complex and more successful aesthetic reconstructions. [source] Charge density profiling of circulating human low-density lipoprotein particles by capillary zone electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2004Mine-Yine Liu Abstract Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) has been utilized to profile the low-density (LDL) particles in human blood serum in this study. A 5 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.40, was chosen as the most suitable CE buffer and an extensive ultrafiltration (UF) procedure was applied to purify the LDL sample. Two LDL particle species, LDL with lower mobility and LDL, with higher mobility were observed. The electropherograms were highly reproducible with good precision of effective mobilities, corrected peak areas (CPAs) and CPA ratio of LDL,/LDL. LDL particles shown on the electropherogram were also characterized by several procedures. The applications of Sigma HDL cholesterol reagent and CE on-line 2-propanol precipitation indicated that the two particle species shown in the electropherogram belong to LDL. The LDL particles were found to associate with the buoyant LDL fraction and the LDL, particles associate with the dense LDL fraction. This study utilizes CZE for the profiling of LDL isoforms and provides a new analytical method for the resolution of LDL subspecies. It demonstrates a high-mobility LDL particle which circulates in healthy subjects and diminishes in atherosclerotic patients. Diminution of the high-mobility LDL subspecies may be linked to minimal formation of arterial plaque in atherosclerotic patients. [source] Neighborhood Effects and Compensation for Property Value DiminutionLAW & POLICY, Issue 1 2002Jill J. McCluskey This paper analyzes the legal issues surrounding defendants' liability for property value diminution caused by stigma from environmental contamination. The courts, law review articles, and public policy analyses are in disagreement over how to handle stigma damages. This paper argues that a reasonable risk of contamination is not required for a nuisance claim if community effects, which were caused by the contamination, are present. The authors then turn to issues regarding the level of damages and propose a methodology for measuring compensation that is based on a guaranteed sales price. This methodology is applied to the RSR smelter in Dallas, Texas. [source] Action of Celecoxib on Hepatic Metabolic Changes Induced by the Walker-256 Tumour in RatsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Alexandra Acco Celecoxib was administered daily (5,50 mg/kg body weight) beginning at the day in which the tumour cells were inocculated. At day 14, the liver was isolated and perfused in order to measure alanine transformation, glycolysis and arginine transformation. Maximal reduction of tumour growth (75%), accompanied by an almost normal weight gain, was attained with a celecoxib dose of 12.5 mg/kg. Diminution of glucose utilization (glycolysis) and inhibition of gluconeogenesis and ureogenesis from alanine caused by the tumor were totally reversed by celecoxib. Oxygen uptake by the liver was also normalized by the drug. Hepatic arginine transformation, which is normally enhanced in rats bearing the Walker-256 tumour, remained elevated in celecoxib-treated animals. It was concluded that preservation of gluconeogenesis and normalization of hepatic glucose utilization can explain, partly at least, the clinical improvement of cancer patients treated with the drug. The lack of action of celecoxib on arginine hydrolysis might indicate that reduction in polyamine synthesis is not a factor contributing to the diminished tumour growth. [source] Ten-year follow-up study of PTSD diagnosis, symptom severity and psychosocial indices in aging holocaust survivorsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009R. Yehuda Objective:, We performed a longitudinal study of holocaust survivors with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by assessing symptoms and other measures at two intervals, approximately 10 years apart. Method:, The original cohort consisted of 63 community-dwelling subjects, of whom 40 were available for follow-up. Results:, There was a general diminution in PTSD symptom severity over time. However, in 10% of the subjects (n = 4), new instances of delayed onset PTSD developed between time 1 and time 2. Self-report ratings at both assessments revealed a worsening of trauma-related symptoms over time in persons without PTSD at time 1, but an improvement in those with PTSD at time 1. Conclusion:, The findings suggest that a nuanced characterization of PTSD trajectory over time is more reflective of PTSD symptomatology than simple diagnostic status at one time. The possibility of delayed onset trajectory complicates any simplistic overall trajectory summarizing the longitudinal course of PTSD. [source] Laboratory simulation of clast abrasionEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 2 2002J. Lewin Abstract Experimental abrasion of river-bed materials has been widely undertaken, producing ,downstream' fining rates that generally are believed to be much less than those observed in the field. A conclusion commonly adopted has been that sorting processes are more effective than abrasion processes. A comparative evaluation of results from an abrasion tank and a tumbling barrel are presented, which show that abrasion patterns and rates differ according to the equipment used, clast size and shape, the clast charge (barrel) and water velocity and bed material (tank). Abrasion is a composite process, and the effects achieved appear to be dominated by percussion in the tank and grinding in the barrel. Breakage, crushing and sandblasting are not modelled effectively, nor are effects achieved on clasts when they form part of the bed. Comparisons are made with other equipment used, the very limited amount of direct field abrasion monitoring, and with the probable suite of processes that may occur under field conditions. Also reviewed are the problems that arise when laboratory weight-loss abrasion coefficients are used or converted into ones of size diminution, as usually derived from field observations of down-channel trends. It is concluded that field abrasion rates generally have been underestimated, as the processes involved are at best only selectively represented by the experimental equipment so far used, and because the results obtained experimentally are capable of misinterpretation when related to field trends. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The decline of child labour: labour markets and family economies in Europe and North America since 1830ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW, Issue 3 2000Hugh Cunningham This survey of the ,adulting' of national and family economies argues that understanding of the segmentation of labour markets and of the male breadwinner has been impoverished by a failure to consider age alongside gender, and that we are at best in a situation where contextualized studies may provide some insight into reasons for the decline of child labour. With respect to family economies, there has been very little study of the timing or cause of the diminution of children's contributions, or of how, if at all, that decline is related to the rise in married women's participation in the labour force. [source] Semiquantitative determination of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in orange juice by reverse- transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis , laser induced fluorescence using microchip technologyELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 21-22 2004Maribel Funes-Huacca Abstract The semiquantitative detection of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrrestris in orange juice by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with a linear dynamic range of 2×105, 2 colony forming units (CFU)/mL in terms of cell count is described. Separation, detection, and quantification of the RT-PCR products were accomplished using the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer in conjunction with the DNA 1000 LabChip kit. After 0 and 12 h of enrichment, it was possible to generate a linear standard curve between the amount of cells and amplicon concentration of RT-PCR and PCR products. Using this method, cell diminution was verified in samples of orange juice treated with a natural inhibitor (Sapindus saponaria), determining the persistence of viable cells. Semiquantitative RT-PCR using the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer is a potentially useful approach for rapid in vitro determination of A. acidoterrestris and monitoring of inhibitor susceptibility for the orange juice-producing industry. [source] Writing Process and Progress: Where Do We Go from Here?ENGLISH IN EDUCATION, Issue 1 2001Mary Hilton Abstract This article examines the rationale behind the government's methods for raising standards in writing at Key Stage 2. Firstly there is a renewed drive to teach discrete units of sentence grammar. Secondly there is a fresh commitment to shared and guided writing. But, because it is envisaged that these teacher-led sessions will take up at least half of the Literacy Hour two or three times a week, both these aims will lead to a diminution of time for written composition by the children themselves. This is in accordance with new criticisms by NLS policy makers of the model of ,process' embedded in the National Curriculum, particularly the idea of creative pre-writing activities and sustained independent writing. The article goes on to argue that these new measures ignore research on the ways children learn to write and will not lead to a rise in standards. [source] Expression of a non-DNA-binding Ikaros isoform exclusively in B cells leads to autoimmunity but not leukemogenesisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Heather Wojcik Abstract Ikaros is a transcriptional regulator whose function is essential for B cell development. It is expressed in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) through the mature B cell stage. Using genetically engineered mice in which the endogenous Ikaros gene is disrupted, it has been shown that a lack of Ikaros leads to a block in B cell development and that its severe diminution results in a hyperresponsive B cell compartment. Ikaros expression within the HSC has led to speculation as to whether the role of Ikaros in B cell biology is largely accomplished prior to B cell specification. In addition, widespread expression of Ikaros in hematopoietic cells leads to the possibility that some or all of the observed defects are not B cell autonomous. In this report, we demonstrate that over-expression of a dominant interfering Ikaros isoform exclusively in B cells has profound effects on mature B cell function. We provide evidence that continued high-level expression of Ikaros is essential for homeostasis of peripheral lymphocytes and maintenance of B cell tolerance. We also show that deregulation of Ikaros activity does not rapidly result in B cell leukemogenesis as it does with 100% penetrance within the T cell lineage. [source] Strain differences in ,1 receptor-mediated behaviours are related to neurosteroid levelsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 9 2002Vân-Ly Phan Abstract The sigma1 (,1) receptor exerts a potent neuromodulatory role in the brain with relevant consequences in memory processes, response to stress, depression and pharmacodependence. Its precise endogenous ligand is not yet identified but the ,1 receptor appears to be one target for the nongenomic rapid effects of neuroactive steroids in the brain. The aim of the present study was to establish whether differences in ,1 receptor-mediated behaviours could be observed among mouse strains, in relation with differences in either ,1 receptor expression or steroid levels. The ,1 -receptor immunohistochemical distribution appeared similar between Swiss and C57BL/6 strains in all the brain structures examined. The levels of in vivo[3H](+)-SKF-10 047 binding to ,1 receptors were lower in Swiss than in C57BL/6. Adrenalectomy/castration significantly increased [3H](+)-SKF-10 047 binding only in Swiss. The behavioural efficacy of the selective ,1 agonists igmesine and PRE-084 , reversion of the scopolamine-induced amnesia in the passive avoidance test; diminution of the immobility duration in the forced swimming test , were significantly higher in C57BL/6 than in Swiss. Steroid levels were measured in the brain in basal conditions and after stress. C57BL/6 mice presented in both conditions, the lowest progesterone levels, this steroid acting as an endogenous ,1 antagonist. Collectively, the results suggested that strain differences in neuroactive steroid and particularly, progesterone, biosynthesis and sensitivity may contribute to the differential behavioural efficacy of ,1 -receptor ligands. Noteworthy, these observations are coherent with strain differences observed in the intensity of cocaine-induced reward properties, known to critically involve the ,1 receptor. [source] Fluorescence and coloration of grey hairINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009S. Daly Synopsis Grey hair samples were collected from 11 individuals and separated into un-pigmented and pigmented fibres (International Hair Importers). Fluorescence measurements were obtained by using a double-grating fluorescence spectrophotometer and a bifurcated fibre optics accessory to measure the spectra directly from the surface of hair at various distances from the fibre root. Colour measurements were carried out by using a Hunter colorimeter. The fluorescence spectra of un-pigmented hair obtained by the excitation at 290 nm show a peak at 356 nm [tryptophan (Trp)], and multi-peak emissions in the range from 395 to 500 nm. A significant variation in the Trp emission intensity at 356 nm vs. the intensity of emission in the 395,500 nm range was observed for hair collected from various individuals with yellow coloured hair producing stronger relative emission in 395,500 nm range. Quantitative measurements of coloration and the calculation of the Yellowness Index (YI) showed linear correlation between YI and the ratio of fluorescence intensities I440/I356 The spectra obtained by excitation at 320 nm showed the emission peaks at 395 nm (unidentified), 420 nm (N -formylkynurenine), 460 nm (kynurenine), and 495 nm (3-hydroxykynurenine), which are the products of oxidative or metabolic conversion of tryptophan. Un-pigmented, yellow hair showed a build-up of the fluorescence band corresponding to 3-hydroxykynurenine at 495 nm. The data also showed the fluorescence quenching effect of melanin resulting in the lowering of the fluorescence intensity of pigmented hair. The spectra obtained at various positions along the fibres demonstrated gradual photo-decomposition of hair chromophores during their lifetimes. This was indicated by a decrease of Trp fluorescence intensity, which was relatively fast (8·10,4,1.5·10,3 [day,1] as calculated for hair obtained from various individuals) for un-pigmented hair and slower for pigmented hair. A decrease in Trp emission was accompanied by an increase in the yellow coloration toward the ends of un-pigmented fibres. Resume Des échantillons de cheveux gris ont été collectés chez onze personnes et triés entre fibres non pigmentés et fibres pigmentés (International Hair Importers). Les mesures de fluorescence ont été réalisées à l'aide d'un spectrophotomètre de fluorescence double grille et d'un accessoire constitué d'une fibre optique bifurquée. Ce dispositif permet la mesure du spectre directement depuis la surface d'un cheveu à diverses distances de sa racine. Les mesures de couleur ont été réalisées à l'aide d'un colorimètre HUNTER. Le spectre de fluorescence d'un cheveu non pigmenté obtenu par excitation à 290 nm montre un pic à 356 nm (tryptophane : Trp) et des émissions multi pics dans l'intervalle 395 à 500 nm. On observe une variation significative de l'intensité du Trp à 356 nm par rapport à l'intensité d'émission dans l'intervalle 395,500 nm sur les cheveux prélevés sur diverses personnes, les cheveux colorés en jaune produisant une émission relative plus forte dans l'intervalle 395,500 nm. Les mesures quantitatives de la couleur et le calcul de l'indice de jaunissement (YI) montrent une corrélation linéaire entre YI et le rapport des intensités de fluorescence I 440/I356. Le spectre obtenu par excitation à 320 nm montre des pics d'émission à 395 nm (non identifiés), 420 nm (N-formylkynurenine), 460 nm (kynurenine), 495 nm (3-hydroxy kinurenine) propres aux produits d'oxydation ou de conversion métabolique du Tryptophane. Les cheveux jaunes non pigmentés présentent une saturation de la bande de fluorescence correspondant à la 3-hydroxykynurenine à 495 nm. Ces données montrent également l'effet de quenching de la mélanine entraînant un affaiblissement de l'intensité de la fluorescence des cheveux pigmentés. Le spectre obtenu en divers endroits le long des fibres indique une photodécomposition graduelle des chromophores des cheveux durant leur temps de vie. Ceci se traduit par une diminution de l'intensité de fluorescence du Trp qui est relativement rapide pour les cheveux non pigmentés (8,10,4,1,5,10,3 [jour , 1], conformément aux calculs effectués sur des cheveux prélevés sur différents individus) et par une diminution plus lente pour les cheveux pigmentés. Une diminution de l'émission du Trp s'accompagne d'une augmentation de la coloration jaune de l'extrémité des cheveux, détectable sur des cheveux non pigmentés. [source] Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia mimicking a herpetic infectionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Vicent Alonso MD A 69-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and essential tremor was diagnosed with a Burkitt-like diffuse large-cell lymphoma. She received chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and adriamycin (HyperCVAD). Ten days after starting the second cycle of chemotherapy (HyperCVAD), she presented with well-defined, intense, erythematous macules which coalesced to form a symmetric diffuse erythema located on the upper back. Later, the lesions progressed and affected the lower back and perineal areas, extending to the groin. In a few days, a gradual diminution of the erythema was seen, with subsequent development of postinflammatory gray-brownish hyperpigmentation. On the lower back, there were also superficial erosions. Some asymptomatic, closely grouped, gray papules, vesicles, and blisters were found in the groin, resembling the typical lesions of herpetic infection (Fig. 1). Two biopsies of the groin and one of the upper back were performed, and were processed for histopathologic and microbiologic study. Figure 1. Closely grouped gray papules, vesicles, and blisters on the groin mimicking a herpetic infection The histopathologic study showed epidermal hyperplasia with acanthosis and papillomatosis. In both biopsies, eccrine ducts covered by mature squamous epithelium were found in the reticular dermis (Fig. 2a,c). In the sample from the groin, an intracorneal bulla was found. Numerous normal isolated cornified cells were seen within the lumen of the bulla (Fig. 2d). An inflammatory mononuclear infiltrate was also present in a periductal and perivascular distribution. No multinucleation, ground-glass nuclei, or peripheral margination of chromatin were found. Therefore, no morphologic evidence of herpes virus infection was present. Figure 2. Low (a), medium (b), and high (c) magnification showing epidermal hyperplasia and squamous syringometaplasia involving dermal eccrine ducts. (d) Medium power magnification of the intracorneal bulla (hematoxylin and eosin staining; a, ×40; b, ×100; c, ×400; d, ×100) Cultures and serologic analyses for herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were negative. The lesions were treated with topical corticosteroids, with a good response in a few days. [source] Effect of undernourishment on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 ocular infection in the Wistar rat modelINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2002FABIÁN BENENCIA Abstract. ,We have studied the susceptibility to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection in malnourished rats. Groups of 10 rats were undernourished during suckling by offspring duplication. The animals were put on commercial diet and at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 weeks after weaning, infected in the eye by scarification with HSV-1, strain F. Significant differences in morbidity and mortality were observed between malnourished and control groups infected three weeks after weaning. Viral titres were higher in ocular washings and brains obtained from the malnourished group. This group showed a diminution in antigen dependent lymphocyte proliferation compared to control, and significantly lower delayed type hypersensitivity reaction against inactivated virus (malnourished = 0.16 ± 0.02 mm, control = 0.26 ± 0.03 mm, p < 0.05). Neutralizing antibodies in serum were lower in the malnourished group and lower levels of interferon were obtained in the malnourished group 24 h post-infection. We conclude that malnutrition during suckling induces a delay in the capability to overcome HSV infection. [source] Ineffective Peripheral Tissue Perfusion: Clinical Validation in Patients With Hypertensive CardiomiopathyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 2 2006Rita de Cassia Gengo de Silva MS PURPOSE.,To validate defining characteristics of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion using vasomotor function assessment. METHODS.,Twenty-four patients with hypertensive cardiomiopathy were evaluated for 18 defining characteristics of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion and underwent vasomotor function assessment with induction of reactive hyperemia, intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine, and pulse wave velocity measurement. The Student's t test and Kruskall,Wallis test were used to assess the significance of relationships between defining characteristics and vasomotor function data. FINDINGS.,Diminished lower extremity pulses were associated with diminished forearm blood flow during acetylcholine infusion; left ventricular overload, intermittent claudication, and diminished skin moisture were associated with elevated pulse wave velocity values. CONCLUSION.,The defining characteristics of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion were highly associated with vasomotor function data as "gold standards" for that diagnosis. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.,Nurses should be able to accurately assess diminished lower extremity pulses, intermittent claudication, and diminished skin moisture as relevant characteristics of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with hypertensive cardiomiopathy. Irrigation Tissulaire Périphérique Inefficace: Validation Clinique Chez les Patients Atteints de Cardiomyopathie Hypertensive BUT.,Valider les caractéristiques de Irrigation tissulaire périphérique inefficace en utilisant l'évaluation de la fonction vasomotrice. MÉTHODES.,Vingt-quatre patients souffrant de cardiomyopathie hypertensive furent évalués au regard des 18 caractéristiques du diagnostic Irrigation vasculaire périphérique inefficace et de la fonction vasomotrice par induction d'une hyperémie réactionnelle, la perfusion intra-artérielle d'acétylcholine, et la mesure de la vélocité de l'onde du pouls. Les tests "Student t et Kruskall,Wallis" furent utilisés pour déterminer l'importance des liens entre les caractéristiques et les valeurs de la fonction vasomotrice. RÉSULTATS.,La diminution des pulsations périphériques des membres inférieurs fut associée à une diminution du flot sanguin pendant la perfusion d'acétylcholine; une surcharge ventriculaire gauche, de la claudication intermittente et une diminution de l'hydratation de la peau furent associées à des valeurs élevées de la vélocité de l'onde du pouls. CONCLUSION.,,Les caractéristiques de Irrigation tissulaire périphérique inefficace qui furent associées de manière significative à la fonction vasomotrice peuvent être considérées comme les "étalons or" de ce diagnostic. IMPLICATIONS POUR LA PRATIQUE.,Les infirmières devraient être capables d'évaluer correctement la diminution des pouls périphériques, la claudication intermittente, et la diminution de l'hydratation de la peau, car ce sont des caractéristiques pertinentes de l'irrigation tissulaire périphérique inefficace chez les patients atteints de cardiomyopathie hypertensive. Translation by Cécile Boisvert, MSN, RN Perfusão Tissular Periférica Ineficaz: Validação Clínica em Pacientes com Miocardiopatia Hipertensiva PROPÓSITO.,Validar as caraterísticas definidoras do diagnóstico de perfusão tissular periférica ineficaz usando a avaliação da função vasomotora. MÉTODO.,Vinte e quatro pacientes com miocardiopatia hipertensiva foram avaliados segundo 18 características definidoras de perfusão tissular periférica ineficaz e submetidos a avaliação da função vasomotora por indução de hiperemia reativa, infusão intra-arterial de acetilcolina e por mensuração da velocidade da onda de pulso. Testes T de Student e de Kruskall,Wallis foram aplicados para avaliar a significância das relações entre as características definidoras e os dados da função vasomotora. RESULTADOS.,Diminuição de pulso nas extremidades inferiores foi associada com o menor fluxo de sangue no antebraço durante a infusão de acetilcolina; sobrecarga ventricular esquerda, claudicação intermitente e diminuição da hidratação da pele foram associados com valores elevados de velocidade de onda de pulso. CONCLUSÃO.,Quatro características definidoras de perfusão tissular periférica ineficaz foram altamente associadas com função vasomotora alterada como "padrão ouro" para este diagnóstico. IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA.,As enfermeiras devem ser capazes de avaliar com precisão a diminuição dos pulsos das extremidades inferiores, claudicação intermitente e diminuição na hidratação da pele como características definidoras relevantes da perfusão tissular periférica ineficaz em pacientes com miocardiopatia hipertensiva. Translation by Alba Leite de Barros, PhD, RN Perfusión Tisular Periférica Inefectiva: Validación Clínica en Pacientes que Presentan Miocardiopatía Hipertensiva PROPÓSITO.,Validar las características definitorias del diagnóstico Perfusión tisular periférica inefectiva utilizando una valoración de la función vasomotora. METODOLOGÍA.,Veinticuatro pacientes diagnosticados de Miocardiopatía Hipertensiva fueron evaluados con respecto a las 18 características definitorias del diagnóstico Perfusión tisular periférica inefectiva y sometidos a una valoración de la función vasomotora con inducción de Hiperemia reactiva, infusión intra-arterial de acetilcolina, y medida de la velocidad de la onda del pulso. Se utilizaron los análisis estadísticos de t-Student y Kruskall,Wallis para valorar el significado de las relaciones entre las características definitorias y los datos obtenidos de la valoración de la función vasomotora. HALLAZGOS.,Durante la infusión de acetilcolina se detectó disminución de los pulsos en la extremidad inferior relacionado con la disminución del volumen de sangre en el antebrazo; la sobrecarga ventricular izquierda, claudicación intermitente y disminución de la hidratación de la piel fueron asociadas con la elevación de los valores de la velocidad de la onda del pulso. CONCLUSIÓN.,Las características definitorias del diagnóstico Perfusión tisular periférica inefectiva estaban fuertemente asociadas a los datos procedentes de la valoración de la función vasomotora identificándose como "estándares fundamentales" para este diagnóstico. IMPLICACIONES PARA LA PRÁCTICA.,Las enfermeras deberían ser capaces de valorar cuidadosamente la presencia de pulsos disminuidos en las extremidades inferiores, y la disminución de la hidratación de la piel ya que son características relevantes del diagnóstico Perfusión tisular periférica inefectiva en pacientes que presentan Miocardiopatía Hipertensiva. Translation by Adolf Guirao, RN [source] Highly Selective Oxidation of Alkylphenols to Benzoquinones with Hydrogen Peroxide over Silica-Supported Titanium Catalysts: Titanium Cluster Site versus Titanium Single SiteADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 11-12 2009Oxana Abstract Titanium-silica catalysts have been prepared by supporting titanium(IV) precursors with different nuclearity {mononuclear titanocene dichloride Ti(Cp)2Cl2, dinuclear titanium diethyl tartrate and the tetranuclear titanium peroxo complex (NH4)8[Ti4(C6H4O7)4(O2)4],8,H2O} onto the surface of silica materials with different textural characteristics. The supported catalysts have been explored as highly active and reusable catalysts for the oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol (TMP) and 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP) to 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TMBQ, vitamin E key intermediate) and 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ), respectively, using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as green oxidant. Catalysts prepared by grafting mononuclear Ti(Cp)2Cl2 revealed a strong dependence of the product selectivity on the surface concentration of titanium active centers. Mesoporous materials with titanium surface concentration in the range of 0.6,1.0,Ti/nm2 were identified as optimal catalysts for the transformation of alkylphenols to benzoquinones. Catalysts having <0.6,Ti/nm2 produced a mixture of benzoquinones and dimeric by-products. Conversely, when di-/tetranuclear titanium precursors were employed for the catalyst preparation, a diminution of the titanium surface concentration had no impact on the benzoquinone selectivity, which was typically as high as 96,99%. DR-UV spectroscopic studies revealed that the catalysts capable of producing alkylbenzoquinones with nearly quantitative yields possess titanium dimers and/or subnanometer-size clusters homogeneously distributed on a silica surface. On the contrary, catalysts with isolated titanium sites give a considerable amount of dimeric by-products. This is the first example which clearly demonstrates the advantages of titanium cluster-site catalysts over titanium single-site catalysts in hydrogen peroxide-based selective oxidation reaction. [source] Effects of irrigation with treated municipal wastewater on soil properties in arid and semi-arid regions,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 5 2009Sayyed Hassan Tabatabaei eaux usées; méthode d'irrigation; transports de soluté; zone aride Abstract The use of municipal wastewater for irrigation needs special management. This is due to the environmental and health hazards. In this study, secondary treated municipal wastewater was used in five irrigation treatments. These treatments were as follows: furrow irrigation with normal water (FN), drip irrigation with wastewater (DI), subsurface drip irrigation in 15,cm depth with wastewater (SDI15), subsurface drip irrigation in 30,cm depth with wastewater (SDI30), and furrow irrigation with wastewater (FW). The results showed that the application of DI and SDI sand filters causes a decrease in wastewater index pollution, including 50.1% BOD5, 98.9% total count, 97.6% total coliform, 93.2% faecal coliform, 57.1% nematode, 81% total nitrogen, 52% N-NO3, 84% N-NH4 and 44% total suspended solids. In addition, the application of the SDI system causes a decrease in the moisture content of the soil surface, which decreases total coliform and faecal coliform on the soil surface. The average values for these parameters show no significant difference (5% level) between SDI treatments and FN. The results of this research also show that in the case of SDI with its minimal leaching, prevalence contamination (such as N-NO3) was minimized as a result of the usage of wastewater at depth and in groundwater. Moreover, in SDI treatments, the maximum EC and SAR leaching are observed at 60,cm depth, whereas in the FW this leaching is observed deeper than 90,cm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. L'utilisation des eaux usées municipales pour l'irrigation nécessite une gestion spéciale afin d'éviter les risques pour la santé et l'environnement. Dans cette étude des eaux usées municipales de l'usine d'Ispahan avec traitement secondaire ont été utilisées dans cinq traitements d'irrigation. Ces traitements étaient les suivants: irrigation à la raie avec de l'eau normale (FN), l'irrigation au goutte-à-goutte avec des eaux usées (DI), irrigation en sub-surface à 15,cm de profondeur avec des eaux usées (SDI15), idem à 30,cm (SDI30), et irrigation à la raie avec des eaux usées (FW). Les résultats de cette recherche montrent que l'utilisation de filtres à sable dans DI et SDI a provoqué une diminution des index de pollution des eaux usées: 50,1% de la DBO5, 98,9% de la quantité totale, 97,6% des coliformes totaux, 93,2% des coliformes fécaux, 57,1% des nématodes, 81% de l'azote total, 52% de N-NO3, 84% de N-NH4 et 44% des matières en suspension. En outre l'application de SDI a entraîné une diminution de l'humidité de la surface du sol, ce qui a diminué les coliformes totaux et de coliformes fécaux en surface. Les valeurs moyennes pour ces paramètres n'ont révélé aucune différence significative (seuil 5%) entre les traitements SDI et FN. Les résultats de cette recherche ont également montré que avec SDI du fait d'une infiltration moindre, la contamination de prévalence (tels que le N-NO3) est minimisé du fait de l'utilisation des eaux usées en profondeur et des nappes phréatiques. En outre avec SDI les lessivages maximum de CE et de SAR ont été observées à 60,cm de profondeur alors qu'avec FW ce lessivage a été observé au-dessous de 90,cm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Response of Oryzacystatin I Transformed Tobacco Plants to Drought, Heat and Light StressJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010K. Demirevska Abstract Transformed tobacco plants expressing a rice cysteine proteinase inhibitor (OC-I) and non-transformed plants were grown in a controlled environment and subjected to various stresses. Two-month-old transformed and non-transformed plants were exposed for 5 days to drought conditions by withholding watering. High temperature (40 °C) was applied additionally at day 6th for 5 h either individually or in combination with drought. All stress treatments were applied under low (150 ,mol m,2 s,1 PPFD) and high light intensity (HL) of 1000 ,mol m,2 s,1 PPFD to determine if OC-I expression might provide protection under combination of stresses usually existing in nature. Drought stress led to diminution in leaf relative water content, photosynthesis inhibition, decrease in chlorophyll content and accumulation of malondialdehyde and proline. Heat stress alone did not affect the plants significantly, but intensified the effect of drought stress. HL intensity further increased the proline content. OC-I transformed plants grown under low light intensity had significantly higher total superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase activities as well as their isoforms than non-transformed control plants under non-stress and stress conditions. Catalase activity was not highly affected by OC-I expression. Results indicate that OC-I expression in tobacco plants provides protection of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidise under both non-stress and stress conditions. [source] MUC4 involvement in ErbB2/ErbB3 phosphorylation and signaling in response to airway cell mechanical injury,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2009George Theodoropoulos Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinases ErbB2 and ErbB3 are phosphorylated in response to injury of the airway epithelium. Since we have shown that the membrane mucin MUC4 can act as a ligand/modulator for ErbB2, affecting its localization in polarized epithelial cells and its phosphorylation, we questioned whether Muc4 was involved, along with ErbB2 and ErbB3, in the damage response of airway epithelia. To test this hypothesis, we first examined the localization of MUC4 in human airway samples. Both immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence showed a co-localization of MUC4 and ErbB2 at the airway luminal surface. Sequential immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting from airway cells demonstrated that the MUC4 and ErbB2 are present as a complex in airway epithelial cells. To assess the participation of MUC4 in the damage response, cultures of NCI-H292 or airway cells were scratch-wounded, then analyzed for association of phospho-ErbB2 and -ErbB3 with MUC4 by sequential immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Wounded cultures exhibited increased phosphorylation of both receptors in complex with MUC4. Scratch wounding also increased activation of the downstream pathway through Akt, as predicted from our previous studies on Muc4 effects on ErbB2 and ErbB3. The participation of MUC4 in the phosphorylation response was also indicated by siRNA repression of MUC4 expression, which resulted in diminution of the phosphorylation of ErbB2 and ErbB3. These studies provide a new model for the airway epithelial damage response, in which the MUC4,ErbB2 complex is a key element in the sensor mechanism and phosphorylation of the receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 112,122, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Possible causes of decreasing migratory ungulate populations in an East African savannah after restrictions in their seasonal movementsAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Margje M. Voeten Abstract In many areas in Africa, seasonal movements of migratory ungulates are restricted and their population numbers decline, for example in the Tarangire region, Tanzania. Here, agriculture restricts migration of ungulates to their wet season ranges. We investigated whether low forage quality or supply are possible causes of population decline of wildebeest and zebra when access to these wet season ranges is restricted and migratory herds have to reside in the dry season range year-round. We simulated grazing through a clipping experiment in the dry season range during the wet season. Clipping negatively affected forage supply and had a positive effect on forage quality by increasing proportions of live and leaf biomass as well as nutrient concentrations in the leaves. However, increase in forage quality in the dry season range due to grazing was not as such that requirements of wildebeest during the wet season, when females are lactating, could be met. We conclude that low forage quality in the dry season range during the wet season could cause the decrease in migratory ungulate populations in the Tarangire region. With this study, the necessity of protecting wet season ranges from expanding human activities to safeguard migratory systems is supported. Résumé Dans de nombreuses régions d'Afrique, les déplacements saisonniers des ongulés migrateurs sont entravés et leurs populations déclinent, comme par exemple dans la région de Tarangire, en Tanzanie. Ici, c'est l'agriculture qui limite la migration des ongulés vers les domaines qu'ils fréquentent en saison des pluies. Nous avons étudié si la mauvaise qualité ou la faible quantité du fourrage étaient des causes possibles du déclin des populations de gnous et de zèbres lorsque l'accès à leur domaine de saison des pluies est limité et que les troupeaux migrateurs doivent rester dans les domaines de saison sèche toute l'année. Nous avons simulé le pâturage en menant, en saison des pluies, une expérience de tonte dans l'aire fréquentée en saison sèche. Couper l'herbe avait un effet négatif sur l'apport de fourrage et avait un effet positif sur la qualité du fourrage parce que cela augmentait la proportion de biomasse vivante et de feuilles ainsi que la concentration de nutriments dans les feuilles. Cependant, augmenter par le pâturage la qualité du fourrage dans le domaine de saison sèche n'était pas suffisant pour satisfaire les besoins des gnous en saison des pluies, lorsque les femelles sont allaitantes. Nous concluons qu'en saison des pluies, la qualité médiocre du fourrage dans le domaine fréquenté en saison sèche pourrait causer la diminution des populations d'ongulés migrateurs dans la région de Tarangire. Cette étude conforte la nécessité de protéger les domaines fréquentés en saison des pluies contre l'expansion des activités humaines, afin de sauvegarder les systèmes migratoires. [source] Modeling an electrochemical process to remove Cr(VI) from rinse-water in a stirred reactorJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Miriam G Rodríguez Abstract Experimental studies were developed in a batch reactor (16,dm3), to obtain the kinetic model of Cr(VI) removal by means of an electrochemical process. An overall kinetic model was obtained and experimentally validated in a continuous stirred electrochemical reactor (16,dm3) with synthetic and industrial wastewater. To develop the mathematical model of the continuous reactor in relation to the Cr(VI) and Fe(II) concentration in the solution, a classical mass balance procedure was performed. The Cr(VI) concentration in the electrochemically-treated waters was less than 0.5,mg,dm,3. In the electrochemical process the Cr(VI) reduction is caused by the Fe(II) released from the anode due to the electric current applied, by the Fe(II) released for the dissolution (corrosion) of the electrodes due to the acidic media, and by reduction at the cathode. During the process, reduction from Fe(III) to Fe(II) occurs. All of these different reactions cause a diminution in the quantity of sludge generated. Finally, it was found that due to the slow rate of reduction of Cr(VI) during the first part of the process it is necessary to develop a method of control to apply the process in a continuous industrial system. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Shading delays bud break in Brachsyegia spiciformisAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2008R. A. Richer Abstract Whole tree manipulation experiments were performed in the common southern African tree species, Brachystegia spiciformis to test a novel hypothesis that decreasing Total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in the stem could cause bud break in Brachystegia spiciformis. The experimental treatments included fertilization, canopy defoliation, shading and stem heating to decrease stem carbohydrates. None of the treatments significantly decreased mean stem TNC. Likewise the heating, fertilization and defoliation treatments did not significantly affect the date of bud break. However, shading significantly delayed bud break. This delay in bud break could not be attributed to changes in leaf level photosynthetic traits, stem water content, leaf predawn water potential or delayed leaf fall. These results question widely accepted hypotheses about the mechanisms controlling bud break and suggest a carbohydrate homeostatic mechanism. Résumé Des expérimentations de manipulations d'arbres très complètes ont été réalisées sur l'espèce très commune en Afrique du Sud Brachystegia spiciformis pour tester une nouvelle hypothèse selon laquelle une diminution des TNC, les hydrates de carbone nonstructuraux, dans le tronc pourrait causer l'éclosion des bourgeons chez cette espèce. Les traitements expérimentaux comprenaient une fertilisation, le défeuillage de la canopée, la mise à l'ombre ou le chauffage des troncs pour diminuer les hydrates de carbone. Aucun de ces traitements n'a diminué significativement les TNC dans les troncs. Le chauffage, la fertilisation ou le défeuillage n'ont pas non plus affecté la date de l'éclatement des bourgeons. Le fait d'être à l'ombre a, par contre, significativement retardé l'éclosion des bourgeons. Ce retard ne pouvait pas être attribué aux changements du taux de photosynthèse des feuilles, à la teneur en eau des troncs, au potentiel aqueux des feuilles avant l'aube, ni au retard de la chute des feuilles. Ces résultats remettent en question les hypothèses largement acceptées au sujet des mécanismes qui contrôlent l'éclosion des bourgeons et suggèrent l'existence d'un mécanisme homéostatique lié aux hydrates de carbone. [source] Anthropogenic influences on population sizes, age and growth of naturalized rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in KenyaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Charles C. Ngugi Abstract Riverine fishery in Kenya has witnessed profound changes since the 1950s, especially after independence (in 1963) when watersheds on the south-eastern slopes of Mt Kenya were opened up for settlement. In particular, rainbow trout populations have declined essentially resulting from anthropogenic changes through over-exploitation and/or degraded habitats. While there still are self-sustaining rainbow trout populations in this stream among others they are in decline an indication that changes that have occurred on the watershed have altered their sizes, age and growth. The study was carried out in the Sagana, a third-order stream, which rises at about 4000 m altitude on the south-eastern slope of Mt Kenya, to obtain and document information on population sizes, age and growth of rainbow trout populations and to relate them with those recorded in the 1950s when trout streams were pristine (with little human influence). Stations were fished bi-monthly from 1996 to 1998 and later for 6 months in 2002. Information on age and growth was obtained by use of annual marks, tagging fish of known age, and by validating their age using captive fish of known age. The minimum mean back-calculated length at age for age one rainbow trout was 13.09 cm in upstream station and 15.10 cm for downstream stations. However, there was no significant difference in mean back-calculated lengths at age for all years between fish in upstream and downstream stations (t -test, t = ,0.01, P = 0.99). Although female fish showed higher mean annual back-calculated length increments than males, there was no significant difference in mean back-calculated lengths at age between sexes (t -test, t = ,0.27, P = 0.80). The rate of growth in length was rapid for 1-year-old fish and declined in the second and third years. This study observed that most of the fish were small with only a few reaching more than 2 years of age because of overfishing. There are good reasons for optimism about the future of trout populations in this stream but concerted efforts are required to rehabilitate them. If trout populations are to increase, a management strategy is required to reduce fishing pressure and to maintain stream fishery against competing needs for resources in the catchments. Résumé Une pêcherie riveraine kényane a été témoin de profonds changements depuis les années 1950, spécialement après l'indépendance (en 1963) lorsque les lignes de partage des eaux des versants sud-est du mont Kenya ont été ouvertes aux installations humaines. Les populations de truites arc-en-ciel ont particulièrement décliné, essentiellement suite aux changements anthropogéniques, surexploitations et/ou habitats dégradés. S'il existe encore des populations auto-suffisantes de truites arc-en-ciel dans ce cours d' eau, entre autres, elles sont en diminution, une indication que les changements qui ont touché la ligne de partage des eaux ont affecté leur taille, leur âge moyen et leur croissance. Cette étude a été réalisée dans la Sangana, un cours d'eau de troisième ordre sur le versant sud-est du mont Kenya, afin d'obtenir et de documenter des informations sur la taille de la population, l'âge et la croissance des populations de truites arc-en-ciel et les comparer à celles qui ont été relevées dans les années 1950, lorsque les rivières à truites étaient intactes (avec très peu d'influences humaines). On a pêché tous les deux mois dans les stations depuis 1996 jusqu'à fin 1.998 et plus tard, pendant six mois en 2002. Les informations sur l'âge et la croissance ont été obtenues par l'utilisation de marques annuelles, en marquant des poissons d'âge connu et en validant leur âge par comparaison avec des poissons captifs d'âge connu. La moyenne minimum de longueur par rétro-calcul aux différents âges pour une truite arc-en-ciel était de 13,09 cm dans une station en amont et 15,10 dans une station en aval. Cependant, toutes ces années, il n'y avait pas de différence significative de longueur par rétro-calcul aux différents âges entre les poissons des stations d'amont et d'aval (test de t, t = ,0,01, P = 0,99). Même si les femelles présentaient une plus forte augmentation moyenne de longueur par rétro-calcul que les mâles, il n'y avait pas de différence significative dans les longueurs moyennes obtenues par rétro-calcul aux différents âges entre les sexes (test de t, t = ,027, P = 0.80). Le taux de croissance en longueur était rapide pour un poisson d'un an et diminuait la deuxième et la troisième années. Cette étude a observé que la plupart des poissons sont petits et que peu atteignent l'âge de deux ans à cause de la sur-pêche. Il y a de bonnes raisons d'être optimistes pour l'avenir des populations de poissons de ce cours d'eau, mais il faut des efforts concertés pour la réhabiliter. Si l'on veut que les populations de truites augmentent, il faut adopter une stratégie de gestion pour réduire la pression de la pêche tout en maintenant la pêche dans le cours d'eau pour répondre aux besoins de ces ressources dans les stations. [source] Marriage and the Moral Bases of Personal RelationshipsJOURNAL OF LAW AND SOCIETY, Issue 4 2004John Eekelaar Marriage is a legal institution. Current debates about whether it should be extended beyond its traditional heterosexual constitution, and whether many of its legal incidents should apply to couples who live together without marrying, and about the introduction of civil partnership (modelled closely on marriage) for same-sex couples, make an examination of its contemporary role particularly timely. This article is about the interplay between the institution of marriage and ideas of obligation within personal relationships. It takes as its starting point some commonly held opinions. First, that the sense of obligation which hitherto guided people's behaviour in their personal relationships has much diminished or even disappeared. Second, that this diminution is reflected in the decline in marriage. We will then examine what the evidence of an empirical study conducted by the Oxford Centre for Family Law and Policy reveals about the way people in married and unmarried relationships understand the nature of their personal obligations. In doing this it will be seen that the moral bases which underpin people's personal relationships is complex and does not correspond in a simple way with formal, external social categories. [source] Xenobiotic response element binding enriched in both nuclear and microsomal fractions of rat cerebellumJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003Nobuyuki Kuramoto Abstract Xenobiotic response element (XRE) is a core nucleotide sequence at the upstream of inducible target genes for the transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) that is responsible for signal transduction of exogenous environmental pollutants in eukaryotic cells. Immunoblotting analysis revealed the constitutive expression of AhR-related proteins in rat liver and brain, while specific binding of a radiolabelled probe containing XRE was detected in nuclear preparations of both liver and brain on gel retardation electrophoresis. Among discrete rat brain structures examined, cerebellum exhibited the highest XRE binding with less potent binding in hypothalamus, midbrain, medulla-oblongata, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and striatum. In contrast to liver and hippocampus, cerebellum also contained unusually higher XRE binding in microsomal fractions than that in either nuclear or mitochondrial fractions. Limited proteolysis by V8 protease did not markedly affect XRE binding in cerebellar nuclear extracts, with concomitant diminution of that in hepatic and hippocampal nuclear extracts. In primary cultured cerebellar neurons, indigo was effective in significantly increasing XRE binding only when determined immediately after sustained exposure for 120 min in the presence of high potassium chloride. These results suggest the abundance of as-yet unidentified proteins with high affinity for XRE and responsiveness to indigo in both nuclear and microsomal fractions of rat cerebellum. [source] Activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt pathway by FeSO4 in rat cerebral cortex synaptic endingsJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 13 2007Romina M. Uranga Abstract The aim of this work was to study the involvement of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in synaptic endings incubated under oxidative stress conditions. Synaptosomes purified from rat cerebral cortex were exposed to FeSO4 (50 ,M) for different periods of time. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) leakage were significantly affected after 5 min of incubation in the presence of FeSO4, with respect to control conditions. In whole synaptosomes incubated in the presence of [,- 32P]ATP, phosphoinositide (PPI) labeling was increased after 5 min of Fe2+ exposure. This effect was prevented by the specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Anti-p85 immunoprecipitates (IPs) obtained from synaptosomes preincubated with Fe2+ (5 min) showed a PI3K activity two-fold higher than the activity recovered under control conditions. Additionally, Akt activation was temporally coincident with PI3K activation. LY294002 was not able to prevent the LDH leakage and diminution of MTT reduction induced by Fe2+. Our results demonstrate that free iron provokes the early activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, but this activation is not sufficient for protecting synaptic endings from oxidative damage. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of Monoterpenes on Lipid Composition and Sclerotial Development of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk.JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7-8 2006E. I. Lucini Abstract Monoterpenes have antifungal activity on pathogenic fungi. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of seven monoterpenes on phospholipid and sterol composition of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk as well as lipid peroxidation of mycelia and sclerotia development. Most of the monoterpenes increased the ergosterol content with a consequent diminution in the phospholipid/sterol ratio. This ratio was significantly decreased by the thymol treatment. When the fungus was grown in the presence of thymol or borneol, the saturated fatty acid content and the lipid peroxides were increased, concomitant with an increase of the sclerotial diameter. These results indicate that thymol and borneol may be promoting generation of lipid peroxides. Sclerotial differentiation was retarded mainly by camphor, 1,8-cineole, linalool and menthol. [source] Electroacupuncture Inhibits Ethanol-Induced Locomotor Sensitization and Alters homer1A mRNA Expression in MiceALCOHOLISM, Issue 8 2009Jair Guilherme Dos Santos Jr Background:, Here we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture over locomotor sensitization induced by ethanol in mice. Methods:, Adult male Swiss mice were daily injected with ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) or saline for 21 days (acquisition phase). After 4 days of withdrawal, all animals were challenged with ethanol (1.4 g/kg, i.p.). The locomotor activity during 30 minutes was accessed just after the ethanol challenge. Electroacupuncture at acquisition, expression, or maintenance phases of locomotor sensitization was provided over ST-36 (Zusanli) or PC-6 (Neiguan) as well as concomitantly over these 2 acupoints. One hour after the challenge with ethanol, the animals were decapitated, the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex were dissected, and the expression of homer1A mRNA assessed by PCR. Results:, Electroacupuncture provided simultaneously over ST-36 and PC-6 (but not to ST-36 or PC-6 alone) inhibited the acquisition, expression, and maintenance of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization. In addition, electroacupuncture blocked the diminution of homer1A mRNA expression triggered by ethanol in the acquisition (striatum and prefrontal cortex), expression (hippocampus), and in the maintenance (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) phases. Conclusion:, Electroacupuncture provided concomitantly over ST-36 and PC-6 prevents the sensitization of the mesocorticolimbic pathway induced by ethanol in mice. In addition, these effects were accompanied by changes in the expression of homer1A. We suggest that electroacupuncture effects over ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization are associated to its ability to modulate homer1A expression and glutamatergic plasticity. [source] Flavonoid inhibition of platelet procoagulant activity and phosphoinositide synthesisJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2003R. Bucki Summary., Dietary flavonoids are known for their antiplatelet activity resulting in cardiovascular protection. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) was previously reported to play a direct role in phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, as a Ca2+ target. Thrombin formation and platelet procoagulant activity are dependent on PS exposure. As flavonoids can inhibit phosphoinositide (PPI) kinases, we examined whether changes in PPI metabolism in flavonoid-treated platelets could be involved in their antiplatelet effects. Treatment with the flavonoids quercetin or catechin reduced PS exposure, thrombin formation, PIP2 level and resynthesis after platelet activation with collagen, thrombin or calcium ionophore. Flavonoids also prevented [Ca2+]i increase induced by collagen, but not by the ionophore. The ability of flavonoids to decrease PS exposure induced by ionophore treatment could result from the diminution of PIP2 levels, whereas PS exposure induced by collagen could also be diminished by flavonoids' effects on calcium signaling dependent on PIP2 hydrolysis. These data favor a role for PIP2 in the antiplatelet effects of flavonoids. [source] Geography of morphological differentiation in Asellus aquaticus (Crustacea: Isopoda: Asellidae)JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009S. Prevor Abstract We implemented a detailed morphometry and multivariate statistics to establish a general, large-scale racial differentiation in Asellus aquaticus (L.) sensu Racovitza. We ascertained that in surface populations a set of 11 morphometric characters might equivalently be represented by the pleopod respiratory area size alone. The analyses resulted in a distinct distribution pattern, with the large respiratory area populations disposed mainly along the Dinaric karst between southern Slovenia and western Macedonia and surrounded by the medium respiratory area morph, spatially irregularly substituted by the small area morph. This pattern is in contradiction with the distribution pattern of molecularly defined clades (as shown by Verovnik et al. 2005). We could find no ecological, hydrographical or paleogeographical explanations for such distribution pattern either. The only hypothetical explanation would be a preservation of the large respiratory area as a plesiomorphic character in the comparatively sheltered karst habitats, while throughout the easier accessible parts of the species range it was replaced by the ,modern' smaller area size. While a diminution of the respiratory area functionally means an increased sclerotization , hardening of pleopod IV,V exopodites, endopodites of pleopods III,V remain less sclerotized, probably respiratory and osmoregulatory functional. Zusammenfassung Die globale Rassendifferenzierung von Asellus aquaticus (L.) sensu Racovitza wurde anhand eingehender Morphometrie und multivariater Statistik untersucht. Es stellte sich heraus, dass der gesamte Satz von 11 morphometrischen Merkmalen allein durch das Merkmal ,Flächengröße der Pleopoden-Respirationsfläche' ersetzt werden kann. Die Analysen ergaben ein deutliches Muster, in dem Populationen mit großen Respirationsflächen überwiegend im Dinarischen Karst zwischen Süd-Slowenien und West-Makedonien verbreitet sind, von Morphen mit mittelgroßen Respirationsflächen umgeben werden, welche wiederum räumlich zerstreut von Morphen mit kleinen Respirationsflächen ersetzt werden. Dieses Muster widerspricht der Verbreitung von molekular-systematisch ermittelten Gruppen (Verovnik et al. 2005). Wir konnten keine ökologische, hydrographische oder paläogeographische Erklärung dafür finden. Die einzige hypothetische Erklärung könnte eine Erhaltung der großen Respirationsflächen als eines plesiomorphen Merkmals in vergleichsweise isolierten Karstgebieten sein, während sie in leichter besiedelbaren Gebieten von den ,modernen' kleineren Respirationsflächen ersetzt wurden. Es muss betont werden, dass eine Verkleinerung der Respirations-Area mit der Sklerotisierung der Exopoditen an den Pleopoden IV-V verbunden ist, während die Endopoditen der Pleopoden III-V ihre geringe Sklerotisierung beibehalten und somit wahrscheinlich atmungs- und osmoregulatorisch aktiv bleiben. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||