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Increased Uptake (increased + uptake)
Selected AbstractsEchocardiographic Diagnosis of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Optison ContrastECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2002Jagruti Patel M.D. We describe a case of obstructive apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a 61-year-old Caucasian female with a history of chest pain syndrome. The patient was referred to the echo lab by her nuclear cardiologist, who was impressed by her abnormal stress nuclear perfusion scan that showed marked increased uptake of radioisotope at the left ventricular (LV) apex. The patient had deep negative T waves on her electrocardiogram similar to those originally described in the Japanese population. Transthoracic echocardiography with native harmonic imaging was suboptimal for visualizing LV segments. Therefore, 0.5 cc of Optison contrast was given intravenously, with repeat transthoracic imaging confirming the diagnosis. The patient and her family were referred for additional genetic testing and cardiovascular workup. [source] ,-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan uptake in patients with periventricular nodular heterotopia and epilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2008Jun Natsume Summary Background:,-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan (,-MTrp) positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising tool in the localization of the epileptogenic area in selected group of focal epilepsy patients. Electrophysiological evidence suggests the involvement of the neocortex in periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH). Purpose: To determine whether ,-MTrp PET can detect neocortical changes in patients with PVNH. Methods: Four patients (2 male, mean age 28, range 23,35 years) with PVNH and intractable seizures were studied. The functional image in each patient was compared with those from 21 healthy controls (mean age 34.6 ± 14.2 years) by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The location of increased ,-MTrp uptake was compared with the location of the EEG focus. A significant cluster was defined as a cluster with a height p = 0.005 and an extent threshold 100. Results:,-MTrp PET revealed increased cortical uptake in two of four patients. The area of increased ,-MTrp uptake in one patient was widespread. In the other patient, the area of increased uptake did not include the region where most seizures were generated on EEG. ,-MTrp PET did not show increased uptake in the heterotopic nodules in any of the patients. Conclusions:,-MTrp PET suggests abnormal metabolism of tryptophan in the neocortex. The increased uptake may be diffuse and may not co-localize with the EEG focus. This preliminary study suggests that ,-MTrp PET may be useful, in conjunction with other evaluations, in localizing epileptic focus in patients with PVNH and refractory seizures. [source] Copper and calcium uptake in colored hairINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010K. E. Smart J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 337,345 (May/June 2009) Accepted for publication December 29, 2008. Synopsis During hair coloring a number of disulfide bonds in cystine are oxidized (1) to create cysteic acid, forming binding sites for metal ions such as Ca2+ and Cu2+ from tap water (2). The increased uptake of these metals can have a detrimental impact on fiber properties,for example, reducing shine and causing a poor wet and dry feel (3). In addition, the increased uptake of copper can also contribute to further fiber damage during subsequent coloring due to its ability to take part in metal-induced radical chemistry (4). It is important to know where in the fibers these metals are located in order to either effectively remove these metals or control their chemistry. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) has been used to locate the calcium and copper within hair that has been treated with a colorant and washed multiple times in tap water containing these ions. Untreated hair is used as a baseline standard material. Images with up to 50-nm spatial resolution of the preferential locations of calcium uptake were obtained, showing a high concentration of calcium in the cuticle region of colored hair, specifically in the sulfur-rich regions (A-layer and exocuticle). [source] Effect of Different Crop Densities of Winter Wheat on Recovery of Nitrogen in Crop and Soil within the Growth PeriodJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 3 2001K. Blankenau Previous experiments have shown that, at harvest of winter wheat, recovery of fertilizer N applied in early spring [tillering, Zadok's growth stage (GS) 25] is lower than that of N applied later in the growth period. This can be explained by losses and immobilization of N, which might be higher between GS 25 and stem elongation (GS 31). It was hypothesized that a higher crop density (i.e. more plants per unit area) results in an increased uptake of fertilizer N applied at GS 25, so that less fertilizer N is subject to losses and immobilization. Different crop densities of winter wheat at GS 25 were established by sowing densities of 100 seeds m,2 (Slow), 375 seeds m,2 (Scfp= common farming practice) and 650 seeds m,2 (Shigh) in autumn. The effect of sowing density on crop N uptake and apparent fertilizer N recovery (aFNrec = N in fertilized treatments , N in unfertilized treatments) in crops and soil mineral N (Nmin), as well as on lost and immobilized N (i.e. non-recovered N = N rate , aFNrec), was investigated for two periods after N application at GS 25 [i.e. from GS 25 to 15 days later (GS 25 + 15d), and from GS 25 + 15d to GS 31] and in a third period between GS 31 and harvest (i.e. after second and third N applications). Fertilizer N rates varied at GS 25 (0, 43 and 103 kg N ha,1), GS 31 (0 and 30 kg N ha,1) and ear emergence (0, 30 and 60 kg ha,1). At GS 25 + 15d, non-recovered N was highest (up to 33 kg N ha,1 and up to 74 kg N ha,1 at N rates of 43 and 103 kg N ha,1, respectively) due to low crop N uptake after the first N dressing. Non-recovered N was not affected by sowing density. Re-mineralization during later growth stages indicated that non-recovered N had been immobilized. N uptake rates from the second and third N applications were lowest for Slow, so non-recovered N at harvest was highest for Slow. Although non-recovered N was similar for Scfp and Shigh, the highest grain yields were found at Scfp and N dressings of 43 + 30 + 60 kg N ha,1. This combination of sowing density and N rates was the closest to common farming practice. Grain yields were lower for Shigh than for Scfp, presumably due to high competition between plants for nutrients and water. In conclusion, reducing or increasing sowing density compared to Scfp did not reduce immobilization (and losses) of fertilizer N and did not result in increased fertilizer N use efficiency or grain yields. Einfluß unterschiedlicher pflanzendichten von Winterweizen auf die Wiederfindung von Stickstoff in Pflanze und Boden während der Vegetationsperiode Aus Wintergetreideversuchen ist bekannt, daß zur Ernte die Wiederfindung von Düngerstickstoff aus der Andüngung (Bestockung, [GS-Skala nach Zadok] GS 25) im Aufwuchs und in mineralischer Form im Boden (Nmin) niedriger ist als die von Düngerstickstoff der Schosser-und Ährengaben. Dies kann auf höhere Verluste bzw. eine höhere Immobilisation von Düngerstickstoff zwischen GS 25 und Schoßbeginn zurückgeführt werden, da hier die N-Aufnahme der Pflanzen im Vergleich zu späteren Wachstumsstadien gering ist. Daraus wurde abgeleitet, daß eine Erhöhung der Pflanzendichte zu einer erhöhten Aufnahme von früh gedüngtem N führen könnte, so daß weniger Dünger-N für Verlust- und Immobilisationsprozesse im Boden verbleibt. Unterschiedliche Pflanzendichten wurden durch unterschiedliche Aussaatstärken im Herbst erreicht (Slow= 100 Körner m,2, Scfp [herkömmliche Praxis]= 375 Körner m,2, Shigh= 650 Körner m,2). In der folgenden Vegetationsperiode wurde der Einfluß der verschiedenen Aussaatstärken auf die N-Aufnahme, die apparente Wiederfindung von Dünger-N (aFNrec = N in gedüngten , N in ungedüngten Prüfgliedern) in Pflanzen und Nmin, sowie auf potentielle Verluste und Immobilisation von Dünger-N (N-Defizit = N-Düngung , aFNrec) für zwei Phasen im Zeitraum zwischen der ersten N-Gabe (GS 25) und der Schossergabe zu GS 31 (d. h. zwischen GS 25 und 15 Tagen später [GS 25 + 15d] und von GS 25 + 15d bis GS 31), sowie zwischen GS 31 und der Ernte (d. h. nach der zweiten und dritten N-Gabe) untersucht. Die N-Düngung variierte zu den Terminen GS 25 (0, 43, 103 kg N ha,1), GS 31 (0, 30 kg N ha,1) und zum Ährenschieben (0, 30, 60 kg N ha,1). Unabhängig von der Aussaatstärke war das N-Defizit zum Termin GS 25 + 15d am höchsten (bis zu 33 kg N ha,1 und 74 kg N ha,1 bei einer N-Düngung von 43 bzw. 103 kg N ha,1), da die N-Aufnahme durch die Pflanzen während der Bestockungsphase am geringsten war. Das N-Defizit zeigt vornehmlich immobilisierten N an, da zu späteren Terminen eine Re-Mobilisation von N auftrat. Zwischen GS 31 und der Ernte wurden für die Aussaatstärke Slow die geringsten Aufnahmeraten von Düngerstickstoff aus der Schosser- und Ährengabe errechnet, so daß für Slow die höchsten N-Defizitmengen ermittelt wurden. Obwohl die N-Defizitmengen für Scfp und Shigh annähernd gleich waren, wurden bei N-Düngung von 43 + 30 + 60 kg N ha,1 für Scfp die höchsten Kornerträge erzielt. Diese Kombination von Aussaatstärke und N-Düngung kann als praxisüblich bezeichnet werden. Für Shigh wurden vermutlich niedrigere Kornerträge erzielt, weil die Konkurrenz um Nährstoffe und Wasser zwischen den Pflanzen aufgrund der hohen Pflanzendichte am intensivsten war. Die Ergebnisse lassen den Schluß zu, daß eine Verringerung oder Erhöhung der Pflanzendichte über entsprechende Aussaatstärken nicht zu einer Reduktion der Dünger-N-Immobilisation (oder von N-Verlusten) führt und demnach auch nicht die Dünger-N-Ausnutzung durch die Bestände erhöht wird. [source] A systematic review of counselling for HIV testing of pregnant womenJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 13 2009Karin S Minnie Background., Evidence-based strategies have made it possible to limit mother-to-child transmission of the HI-virus to a large extent and enable HIV-positive women to stay healthy for longer, provided their HIV status is known. Although voluntary counselling and testing for HIV is part of routine antenatal care in South Africa, the uptake of testing varies and a large number of pregnant women's HIV status is not known at the time of birth. Aim., The aim of the study was to establish research evidence regarding factors influencing counselling for HIV testing during pregnancy by means of systematic review, forming part of a larger study using a variety of evidence to develop best practice guidelines. Design., Systematic review. Methods., The question steering the review was: ,What factors influence counselling for HIV testing during pregnancy?'. A multi-stage search of relevant research studies was undertaken using a variety of sources. A total of 33 studies were retrieved and critically appraised. Data were extracted from the studies and assessed according to its applicability in the South African context. Results., The results are presented according to the following themes: effects of counselling, quality of counselling, group vs. individual counselling, ways of offering HIV testing, rapid testing, counselling and testing during labour, couple counselling and testing, counsellor and organisational factors. Conclusions., According to research evidence, factors such as whether counselling is presented in a group or individually, different ways to present HIV testing as well as counsellor and organisational factors can influence counselling for HIV testing during pregnancy. When developing best practice guidelines for settings very dissimilar from where the research was done, research evidence must be contextualised. Relevance to clinical practice., Implementation of the best practice guidelines may lead to the increased uptake of HIV testing in pregnancy in developing countries like South Africa and thus to an increase in the number of women whose status is known when their babies are born. [source] Mechanism of the protective effect of hypothermia on ammonia toxicity in astrocytesJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2002C. Zwingmann Ammonia is a key factor in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Acute ammonia treatment causes energy failure of astrocytes, which are able to compensate partly by increased anaerobic metabolism as a means of making up for the energetic shortfall. As hypothermia offers protection from severe encephalopathy and lactate accumulation in liver failure, we investigated the mechanism by which hypothermia protects against ammonia toxicity by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. 12 h exposure to 5 mm NH4CL decreased the phosphocreatine (PCr)/creatine (Cr) and ATP/ADP ratios to 65 and 76% of control, increased synthesis and release of glutamine to 200,250% and led to a significant stimulation of glycolytic activity reflected by increased uptake and consumption of glucose and accumulation of de novo synthesized intra- and extracellular lactate to 161 and 230% of control. The protective effect of mild hypothermia was evident from inhibiton of lactate accumulation and restoration of ammonia-induced depletion of PCr/Cr. Moderate hypothermia led to an increase of PCr/Cr ratio and inhibited lactate synthesis to 14% of normothermic control, but did not prevent the ATP decrease. While hypothermia inhibited glycolytic flux, intracellular glutamine remained elevated. The results suggest that hypothermia-induced protection against ammonia toxicity results from reduction of cellular energy demand leading to inhibition of anaerobic glucose metabolism and a compensatory stimulation of mitochondrial energy production. Acknowledgements:, Funded by CIHR Canada. [source] Overexpression of GLUT-1 in the invasion front is associated with depth of oral squamous cell carcinoma and prognosisJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010Shinichi Ohba J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 74,78 Object:, Malignant cells show increased uptake, which is considered to be facilitated by glucose transporters (GLUTs). Increased GLUT-1 expression has been reported in many human cancers. We hypothesized that a oral squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by high frequency of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis or local recurrences, was associated with GLUT-1 overexpression in invasion front. Methods:, GLUT-1 immunostaining in invasion front was studied on 24 oral squamous cell carcinomas, and revealed the correlation with the clinical characteristics. Result:, The analysis showed that all oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and GLUT-1 expression correlated the depth of the tumors (P = 0.023 < 0.05). Furthermore the survival of patients who had overexpression of invasion front was significant shorter than that of patients with GLUT-1 weakly positive (P = 0.046 < 0.05). No significant association was noted between GLUT-1 immunostaining and either age, gender, subsites, tumor size, or lymph node status. Conclusion:, The present study shows that GLUT-1 served as a marker indicating that tumors with deep invasion tended to result in a worse prognosis in patients due to either lymph node metastasis, a recurrence of the primary lesion or distant metastasis. [source] Changes in brain biogenic amines and haem biosynthesis and their response to combined administration of succimers and Centella asiatica in lead poisoned ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006Geetu Saxena This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potential of meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and one of its monoesters, monoisoamyl DMSA (MiADMSA), individually or when administered in combination with an extract of Centella asiatica against experimental lead intoxication in rats. Biochemical variables indicative of alterations in the central nervous system and haem biosynthesis were investigated to determine the toxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty five rats were exposed to 0.2% lead acetate for 10 weeks, followed by 10 days of treatment with DMSA and MiADMSA (50 mg kg,1, i.p., once daily) alone and in combination with C. asiatica (200 mg kg,1, p.o., once daily). Biochemical variables indicative of oxidative stress and brain biogenic amines, along with lead concentration in blood and brain, were measured. Lead exposure caused a significant depletion of blood and brain ,-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, an important enzyme of the haem biosynthesis pathway, and glutathione (GSH) level. These changes were accompanied by a marked increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ,-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) activity in blood and brain. Significant depletion of brain noradrenaline (norepinephrine, NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) also were observed following lead exposure. Also seen was a significant depletion in brain glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and monoamine oxidase activity, as well as blood and brain superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. These biochemical changes were correlated with an increased uptake of lead in blood and brain. Combined administration of MiADMSA and C. asiatica was most effective in reducing these alterations, including biogenic amines, besides reducing body lead burden, compared with individual treatment with MiADMSA. Certain other biochemical variables responded favourably to combination therapy and monotherapy with MiADMSA. Thus, supplementation of C. asiatica during chelation could be recommended for achieving optimum effects of chelation therapy. [source] Added nitrogen interaction as affected by soil nitrogen pool size and fertilization , significance of displacement of fixed ammoniumJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2004Shan Lin Abstract Displacement of NH4+ fixed in clay minerals by fertilizer 15NH4+ is seen as one mechanism of apparent added nitrogen interactions (ANI), which may cause errors in 15N tracer studies. Pot and incubation experiments were carried out for a study of displacement of fixed NH4+ by 15N-labeled fertilizer (ammonium sulfate and urea). A typical ANI was observed when 15N-labeled urea was applied to wheat grown on soils with different N reserves that resulted from their long-term fertilization history: Plants took up more soil N when receiving fertilizer. Furthermore, an increased uptake of 15N-labeled fertilizer, induced by increasing unlabeled soil nitrogen supply, was found. This ANI-like effect was in the same order of magnitude as the observed ANI. All causes of apparent or real ANI can be excluded as explanation for this effect. Plant N uptake-related processes beyond current concepts of ANI may be responsible. NH4+ fixation of fertilizer 15NH4+ in sterilized or non-sterile, moist soil was immediate and strongly dependent on the rate of fertilizer added. But for the tested range of 20 to 160 mg 15NH4+ -N kg,1, the NH4+ fixation rate was low, accounting for only up to 1.3,% of fertilizer N added. For sterilized soil, no re-mobilization of fixed 15NH4+ was observed, while in non-sterile, biologically active soil, 50,% of the initially fixed 15NH4+ was released up to day 35. Re-mobilization of 15NH4+ from the pool of fixed NH4+ started after complete nitrification of all extractable NH4+. Our results indicate that in most cases, experimental error from apparent ANI caused by displacement of fixed NH4+ in clay is unlikely. In addition to the low percentage of only 1.3,% of applied 15N, present in the pool of fixed NH4+ after 35 days, there were no indications for a real exchange (displacement) of fixed NH4+ by 15N. Einfluss der Düngung und des N-Bodenvorrats auf Added Nitrogen Interactions , Bedeutung des Ersatzaustauschs mit in Tonmineralen fixiertem Ammonium Ersatzaustausch (displacement) von in Tonmineralen fixiertem NH4+ durch Dünger- 15NH4+ gilt als eine Ursache für scheinbare (apparente) Added Nitrogen Interactions (ANI). Diese werden als Fehlerursache in 15N-Tracerstudien diskutiert. Durch Einsatz von 15N-markiertem Ammoniumsulfat und Harnstoff wurde in Inkubations- und Gefäßversuchen geprüft, welche Bedeutung der Ersatzaustausch von gedüngtem 15NH4+ mit in Tonmineralen fixiertem Ammonium hat. Mit zwei Böden, die sich nur in ihrer Düngungsgeschichte unterschieden, zeigte sich nach Düngung mit 15N-markiertem Harnstoff zu Weizen eine typische ANI: Nach Düngung nahmen die Pflanzen nicht nur Dünger-N, sondern auch mehr Boden-N auf. Zusätzlich zeigte sich, dass die Pflanzen bei gleicher Düngung mehr Dünger-N aufnahmen, wenn sie auf Boden mit größerem N-Vorrat wuchsen. Beide Effekte hatten die gleiche Größenordnung. Dieser Befund kann mit den bisher beschriebenen Ursachen für ANI nicht erklärt werden. Wahrscheinlicher scheint eine Beeinflussung der aktiven, pflanzlichen N-Aufnahme. Die Fixierung von Dünger- 15NH4+ in sterilisiertem oder nicht sterilisiertem, frischem Boden erfolgte unmittelbar und hing von der gedüngten N-Menge ab. Innerhalb des untersuchten Bereichs von 20 bis 160 mg 15NH4+ -N kg,1 wurden nur 1,3,% des gedüngten NH4+ in Tonmineralen fixiert. Dieses fixierte NH4+ wurde bei zuvor sterilisiertem Boden nicht wieder freigesetzt. Hingegen wurden aus den Tonmineralen des biologisch aktiven, nicht sterilisierten Bodens innerhalb des 35-tägigen Versuchszeitraums 50,% des fixierten NH4+ wieder freigesetzt. Diese Freisetzung setzte in dem Moment ein, als der Vorrat des leicht verfügbaren, 2 M KCl-extrahierbaren NH4+ durch Nitrifikation vollständig erschöpft war. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Versuchsfehler durch Ersatzaustausch mit Tonmineral-fixiertem Ammonium als Ursache für die scheinbare ANI in den meisten Fällen auszuschließen sein dürften. Innerhalb von 35 Tagen traten maximal 1,3,% des gedüngten 15N-markierten Dünger-N in die Fraktion des fixierten Ammoniums über. Hinweise für einen echten Ersatzaustausch des in Tonmineralen fixierten Ammoniums durch Dünger-N konnten nicht gefunden werden. [source] Infertility in Australia circa 1980: an historical population perspective on the uptake of fertility treatment by Australian women born in 1946-51AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 6 2009Danielle L. Herbert Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of lifetime infertility in Australian women born in 1946-51 and examine their uptake of treatment. Methods: Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health born in 1946-51 (n=13,715) completed up to four mailed surveys from 1996 to 2004. The odds of infertility were estimated using logistic regression with adjustment for socio-demographic and reproductive factors. Results: Among participants, 92.1% had been pregnant. For women who had been pregnant (n=12738): 56.5% had at least one birth but no pregnancy loss (miscarriage and/or termination); 39.9% experienced both birth and loss; and 3.6% had a loss only. The lifetime prevalence of infertility was 11.0%. Among women who reported infertility (n=1511), 41.7% used treatment. Women had higher odds of infertility when they had reproductive histories of losses only (OR range 9.0-43.5) or had never been pregnant (OR=15.7, 95%CI 11.8-20.8); and higher odds for treatment: losses only (OR range 2.5-9.8); or never pregnant (1.96, 1.28-3.00). Women who delayed their first birth until aged 30+ years had higher odds of treatment (OR range 3.2-4.3). Conclusions: About one in ten women experienced infertility and almost half used some form of treatment, especially those attempting pregnancy after 1980. Older first time mothers had an increased uptake of treatment as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) developed. Implications: This study provided evidence of the early uptake of treatment prior to 1979 when the national register of invasive ART was developed and later uptake prior to 1998 when data on non-invasive ART were first collected. [source] Fast-tracking implementation through trial design: the case of buprenorphine treatment in VictoriaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2009Gabriele Bammer Abstract Objectives: We investigated how a randomised controlled trial (RCT) could be designed to incorporate features known or thought likely to enhance the uptake of the new treatment into clinical practice post-trial. Method and Results: Between 1999 and 2001, we trialled buprenorphine treatment for heroin dependence in community settings throughout Victoria, using 28 experienced methadone prescribers and 34 pharmacists across 19 sites. In this case study, we describe how we incorporated seven features considered important in treatment uptake: skilled and experienced practitioners, government and policy support, incentives to prescribe the new treatment, specialist support services, clinical guidelines, training programs and patient involvement and information. We also present information showing that uptake of buprenorphine treatment was substantially boosted in Victoria compared with other Australian jurisdictions immediately after the trial in 2001 and that this increase was sustained until at least 2006. Conclusion: While we cannot prove that our trial design was responsible for the increased uptake of buprenorphine treatment in Victoria, we do show that design has been a neglected aspect of clinical trials in terms of enhancing post-trial uptake of the treatment being tested. Implications: Those interested in closing the ,know-do' gap between research and practice may wish to further explore this very promising lead. Imaginative linking of features known to enhance treatment uptake to pressing research questions may lead to new information on efficacy, as well as getting valuable drugs into the treatment system more rapidly. [source] | |||||||||||||