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Gradual Increase (gradual + increase)
Selected AbstractsSequential loss of cell cycle checkpoint control contributes to malignant transformation of murine embryonic fibroblasts induced by 20-methylcholanthreneJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Sudeshna Mukherjee Definitive information about the number and nature of discrete steps of tumorigenesis is enigmatic. To understand the multistep nature of carcinogenesis, an in vitro model of 20-Methylcholanthrene-treated primary fibroblast cells CNCI-PM-20, from 20-day old Swiss mouse embryo was used. Visible neoplastic changes with distinct morphological variations along with specific chromosomal aberrations like Robertsonian metacentrics, double and single-minute chromosomes and aneuploidy were observed from Passage-20 onwards. The cell cycle profile showed gradual increase in G2/M population till P-32, followed by evasion of block from P-36 onwards. Gradual increase in expression of C-myc, CyclinD1 and a decrease in expression of P21 was observed from P-20 onwards. CDC25A expression was significantly increased at P-27 and remained more or less constant in subsequent passages. Additionally, an increased P16 and P53 expression were seen at P-20 followed by their significant down-regulation at P-32. An increased level of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (ppRb) was observed from P-27, probably responsible for a compromised G1/S checkpoint. The inactivation of p21 and p16 might be due to their promoter hyper-methylation as suggested through de-methylation experiment by 5-aza-deoxycytidine at P-42. G2/M checkpoint abrogation was marked by gradual increase in expression of CyclinB1 and Cdc20, and a significant increase of Mad2 at P-20. Interestingly, increased expression of phospho-ATM, ATR and phospho-Chk1 were also seen at P-20 followed by their down-regulation at subsequent passages, indicating a perturbation of DNA damage response pathway at early passages. Our findings therefore dramatize the multiple genetic events that can cooperate to promote tumorigenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:49,58, 2010 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] In vitro Selection for Fusarium Wilt Resistance in GladiolusJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Idrees Ahmad Nasir Abstract Cormels pieces of four Fusarium susceptible Gladiolus cultivars (Friendship, Peter Pears, Victor Borge and Novalux) formed friable calli when cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog basal medium containing various concentrations of auxin and cytokinin. The friable calli established cell suspensions. Plantlet regeneration was obtained from the control callus, control cell suspension derived callus and in vitro selected Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. resistant cell-lines of Friendship. The in vitro cormlets showed 85,95% germination after breaking dormancy of 8 weeks at 4 °C. Cell suspensions of all four Gladiolus cultivars were found to be highly sensitive to fusaric acid. Gradual increase in fusaric acid concentrations to the cell-suspension cultures decreased cell growth considerably. One albino plant was found from the second generation of the in vitro selected cell line of Friendship. The albino plant was found to be highly susceptible to F. oxysporum. The cormlets of all in vitro selected cell lines of Friendship were inoculated with a conidial suspension of the F. oxysporum before planting and were also sprayed with the same spore suspension for further characterization when the height of plants was about 6 cm. The four selected cell lines showed the same response whether or not they were inoculated with conidia of the F. oxysporum. Plantlets of all of the selected cell lines exhibited significant growth as compared with the control after application of conidia of the F. oxysporum. [source] RHEOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DATE JUICE PALM BY-PRODUCT (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) AND COMMERCIAL XANTHAN GUMSJOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 2 2010RIADH BEN SALAH ABSTRACT Rheological and thermal properties of xanthan produced by Xanthomonas campestris from date by-products (DBP-xanthan) and commercial xanthan were determined. DBP-xanthan gave solutions with lower apparent viscosity than commercial xanthan. However, DBP-xanthan solutions were more stable to temperature changes and ionic strength than commercial xanthan. Gradual increase of storage modulus (G,) as function of frequency was observed for the two polysaccharides. On the other hand, loss modulus (G,) remained constant for DBP-xanthan and an increase was observed for commercial xanthan. Granulometric profile indicates that DPB-xanthan particle size was lower than commercial xanthan. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the melting temperatures (Tm) and enthalpy (,Hm) of DBP-xanthan were higher than those of commercial xanthan. These properties of DBP-xanthan are quite rare among xanthan described in the literature and give this new gum great potential for use in the field of bioindustries as thickening and stabilizing agents. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Xanthan gum from date by-products (DBP-xanthan) was recently produced in our laboratory. No work has been undertaken to study the rheological properties of this polysaccharide to date. Rheological and some physicals properties were compared to those of commercial xanthan. This could promote industrial use of DBPs as low-cost natural source for xanthan gum production. [source] Effect of Laser Resurfacing on p53 Expression in Photoaged Facial SkinDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2007MOETAZ M. EL-DOMYATI MD BACKGROUND p53 overexpression has been reported in photoaged skin. Meanwhile, p53 gene mutations have been implicated as an important factor in the pathogenesis of ultraviolet (UV) light,induced skin cancer. OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effect of laser resurfacing on the epidermal thickness and expression of p53 in photoaged skin. METHODS Specimens were obtained from the facial skin of 10 patients before and after 3 months and 1 year of treatment using CO2 (five cases) and erbium (Er):YAG (five cases) lasers. Specimens were also obtained from six age-matched controls. These biopsies were used for routine histopathology, histometry, and p53 immunoperoxidase staining. RESULTS Both CO2 and Er:YAG lasers were found to induce a significant decrease in p53 expression in biopsies obtained after 3 months (p=.0004 and .002, respectively) followed by gradual increase (p=.01 in both groups). A significant increase (p<.01) in epidermal thickness was also observed after 1 year of resurfacing. This increase, however, is inversely correlated with the level of p53 expression in such patients. CONCLUSION The decrease in epidermal p53 expression after CO2 and Er:YAG lasers may account for some of the benefits of resurfacing on the epidermis, as well as prevention of actinic neoplasia by adjusting any disturbance in the proliferation/apoptosis balance observed in photoaged facial skin. [source] Rapid acquisition of operant conditioning in 5-day-old rat pups: A new technique articulating suckling-related motor activity and milk reinforcementDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Carlos Arias Abstract Newborn rats are capable of obtaining milk by attaching to a surrogate nipple. During this procedure pups show a gradual increase in head and forelimb movements oriented towards the artificial device that are similar to those observed during nipple attachment. In the present study the probability of execution of these behaviors was analyzed as a function of their contingency with intraoral milk infusion using brief training procedures (15 min). Five-day-old pups were positioned in a smooth surface having access to a touch-sensitive sensor. Physical contact with the sensor activated an infusion pump which served to deliver intraoral milk reinforcement (Paired group). Yoked controls received the reinforcer when Paired neonates touched the sensor. Paired pups trained under a continuous reinforcement schedule emitted significantly more responses than Yoked controls following two (Experiment 1) or one training session (Experiment 2). These differences were also observed during an extinction session conducted immediately after training. The level of maternal deprivation before training (3 or 6 hr) or the volume of milk delivered (1.0 or 1.5 µl per pulse) did not affect acquisition or extinction performances. In addition, it was observed that the rate of responding of Paired pups during the early phase of the extinction session significantly predicted subsequent levels of acceptance of the reinforcer. These results indicate that the frequency of suckling-related behaviors can be rapidly modified by means of associative operant processes. The operant procedure here described represents an alternative tool for the ontogenetic analysis of self-administration or behavior processes of seeking. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 576-588, 2007. [source] Conjugate limb coordination after experience with an interlimb yoke: Evidence for motor learning in the rat fetusDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2005Scott R. Robinson Abstract This study investigated the capacity of the E20 rat fetus to adaptively alter patterns of interlimb coordination in a prenatal model of motor learning. Fetal limb movement was manipulated with an interlimb yoke, consisting of a fine thread attached at the ankles, which created a physical linkage between two limbs. Exposure to the yoke resulted in a gradual increase in conjugate movements of the yoked limbs during a 30-min training period, which persisted after removal of the yoke. Training effects were evident when the yoke was applied to two hindlimbs, two forelimbs, or a homolateral forelimb,hindlimb pair. A savings in the rate of acquisition also was observed when fetuses experienced yoke training in a second session. These data argue that the rat fetus can respond to kinesthetic feedback resulting from variation in motor performance, which suggests that experience contributes to the development of coordinated motor behavior before birth. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 47: 328,344, 2005. [source] Bite marks as evidence of predation in early vertebratesACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2009Oleg A. Lebedev Abstract Study of lifetime bite traces on agnathans and fish (or gnathostomes) from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and north-western and central European Russia reveals evidence of predator,prey relationships in communities of Devonian age. Numerous bite traces on skeletal parts of agnathan pteraspidiforms and psammosteiforms, placoderm arthrodires and antiarchs and sarcopterygian porolepiforms and osteolepiforms are described. Evidence of healing shows that prey organisms responded to predation by reconstruction of damaged skeletal elements. Ichthyofaunistic analysis is used to establish possible predators. The most probable predators in the Middle and Late Devonian communities are sarcopterygian porolepiforms and osteolepiforms. Predatory tetrapods become evident during the Famennian. Global analysis of aquatic predators during the Silurian,Devonian interval shows a gradual increase in species numbers with time. During the Late Silurian, only ischnacantid acanthodians, early osteichthyans and sarcopterygians are known to belong to this trophic group. By the end of the Devonian this list is complemented by chondrichthyans, arthrodires, porolepiform, osteolepiform, struniiform and rhizodontiform sarcopterygians and tetrapods. Only Devonian agnathans show no predatory groups. In sarcopterygians, predatory dentitions, which developed according to more or less the same pattern, show little change during the Devonian. [source] Dynamics of P2X7 receptor pore dilation: Pharmacological and functional consequencesDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 2-3 2001I.P. Chessell Abstract The biophysical and functional properties of the human P2X7 receptor, expressed recombinantly in HEK-293 cells or natively in THP-1 pro-monocytic cells, were investigated in the context of pore dilation and externalisation of mature interleukin 1, (IL1,). In HEK-293 cells, the agonist 2,- and 3,-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) caused concentration-dependent inward currents (EC50 59 ,M) and with prolonged application this agonist caused a gradual increase in inward current culminating in a plateau. This increase in current was associated with pore dilation, determined by intracellular accumulation of YO-PRO-1. BzATP displayed increased potency at the pore-dilated form of the P2X7 receptor (EC50 17 ,M), and positive correlations between apparent receptor density and speed of pore dilation were observed. A monoclonal antibody selectively blocked current mediated by the naïve receptor, while currents through pore-dilated receptors were not significantly affected, which together suggest a conformational change at the level of the receptor during the dilation event. The release of mature IL1, from THP-1 cells was independent of P2X7 -mediated cell lysis, as determined by study of lactate dehydrogenase release. Moreover, using conditions designed to minimise pore dilation (using buffers containing 2 mM Ca2+ and 1 mM Mg2+), BzATP caused significant release of IL1,, but without concomitant YO-PRO-1 accumulation, indicating pore dilation is not required for IL1, release. In addition, short (4-min) incubation of THP-1 cells with BzATP (terminated by enzymatic degradation of BzATP using apyrase) resulted in significant quantities of IL1, release some 60 min later, suggesting commitment of cells to release IL1, can be triggered with only brief receptor ligation. These findings suggest that receptor expression and ligation time are critical factors for selecting multiple functional states of P2X7. Drug Dev. Res. 53:60,65, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ion transport and osmotic adjustment in Escherichia coli in response to ionic and non-ionic osmoticaENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Lana Shabala Summary Bacteria respond to osmotic stress by a substantial increase in the intracellular osmolality, adjusting their cell turgor for altered growth conditions. Using Escherichia coli as a model organism we demonstrate here that bacterial responses to hyperosmotic stress specifically depend on the nature of osmoticum used. We show that increasing acute hyperosmotic NaCl stress above ,1.0 Os kg,1 causes a dose-dependent K+ leak from the cell, resulting in a substantial decrease in cytosolic K+ content and a concurrent accumulation of Na+ in the cell. At the same time, isotonic sucrose or mannitol treatment (non-ionic osmotica) results in a gradual increase of the net K+ uptake. Ion flux data are consistent with growth experiments showing that bacterial growth is impaired by NaCl at the concentration resulting in a switch from net K+ uptake to efflux. Microarray experiments reveal that about 40% of upregulated genes shared no similarity in their responses to NaCl and sucrose treatment, further suggesting specificity of osmotic adjustment in E. coli to ionic and non-ionic osmotica. The observed differences are explained by the specificity of the stress-induced changes in the membrane potential of bacterial cells highlighting the importance of voltage-gated K+ transporters for bacterial adaptation to hyperosmotic stress. [source] Scottish smoke-free legislation and trends in smoking cessationADDICTION, Issue 11 2008Freya J. I. Fowkes ABSTRACT Aim To investigate trends in smoking cessation before and after the introduction of Scottish smoke-free legislation and to assess the perceived influence of the legislation on giving up smoking and perceptions of the legislation in smokers. Design, setting and participants Longitudinal data on smoking cessation were obtained from 1998 to 2007 on a cohort of 3350 Scottish adults aged between 50 and 75 years at baseline. All members of the cohort were participating in a clinical trial of aspirin in people at moderately increased risk of cardiovascular events. A subgroup of 474 participants who had smoked in the year prior to the introduction of legislation in March 2006 also completed a questionnaire on the influence and perceptions of the smoke-free legislation following its introduction. Measurements Smoking status was recorded yearly, including dates of quitting and restarting. Participants who gave up smoking for at least 3 months were recorded as having quit smoking. The questionnaire included scales on whether the smoke-free legislation had helped/influenced cessation, made the individual think about/prompt them to quit and perceptions of the legislation. Findings The odds of smokers quitting annually increased throughout the 7-year period prior to introduction of the smoke-free legislation to 2 years afterwards (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.05,1.12, P < 0.001). During 2006, the pattern of quarterly quitting rates changed, with an increase in quit rates (to 5.1%) in the 3-month period prior to introduction of the legislation (January,March 2006). Socio-economic status was not related to smoking cessation. In the subgroup completing the questionnaire (n = 474), 57 quit smoking between June 2005 and May 2007 and 43.9% of these said that the smoke-free legislation had helped them to quit. Most (>70%) smokers were positive about the legislation, especially those from more affluent compared with more deprived communities (P = 0.01). Conclusions The Scottish smoke-free legislation was associated with an increase in the rate of smoking cessation in the 3-month period immediately prior to its introduction. Overall quit rates in the year the legislation was introduced and the subsequent year were consistent with a gradual increase in quit rates prior to introduction of the legislation. Socio-economic status was not related to smoking cessation, but individuals from more affluent communities were more positive about the legislation. [source] Interleukin-5 does not influence differential transcription of transmembrane and soluble isoforms of IL-5R, in vivoEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Jonas Byström Abstract:, Interleukin-5 (IL-5) promotes signal transduction and expansion of eosinophil colonies in bone marrow via interactions with its heterodimeric receptor (IL-5R). Two variants encoding soluble forms of the alpha subunit (sIL-5R,) have been described, although the signals promoting and/or limiting differential transcription remain to be clarified. Objectives:,Our intent was to explore the role of IL-5 in regulating differential transcription of these splice variants in vivo. Methods:,We have designed a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay to detect transcripts encoding the transmembrane, soluble 1 and 2 forms of IL-5R, in two strains of wild-type (BALB/c and C57BL/6) and corresponding IL-5 gene-deleted mice. Wild-type mice respond to S. mansoni infection with a gradual increase in serum IL-5 and eosinophilia, which is not observed in IL-5 gene-deleted mice. Results and conclusions:,We find that IL-5 is not necessary for differential splicing to occur in vivo, as all three forms of the IL-5R, are detected in both strains of IL-5 gene-deleted mice, with ratios of transcript expression (transmembrane : soluble 1 : soluble 2) that were indistinguishable from their wild-type counterparts. Differential splicing does vary markedly between strains, potentially because of local effects of strain-specific polymorphisms. [source] Intermittent hypoxia and respiratory plasticity in humans and other animals: does exposure to intermittent hypoxia promote or mitigate sleep apnoea?EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Jason H. Mateika This review focuses on two phenomena that are initiated during and after exposure to intermittent hypoxia. The two phenomena are referred to as long-term facilitation and progressive augmentation of respiratory motor output. Both phenomena are forms of respiratory plasticity. Long-term facilitation is characterized by a sustained elevation in respiratory activity after exposure to intermittent hypoxia. Progressive augmentation is characterized by a gradual increase in respiratory activity from the initial to the final hypoxic exposure. There is much speculation that long-term facilitation may have a significant role in individuals with sleep apnoea because this disorder is characterized by periods of upper airway collapse accompanied by intermittent hypoxia, one stimulus known to induce long-term facilitation. It has been suggested that activation of long-term facilitation may serve to mitigate apnoea by facilitating ventilation and, more importantly, upper airway muscle activity. We examine the less discussed but equally plausible situation that exposure to intermittent hypoxia might ultimately lead to the promotion of apnoea. There are at least two scenarios in which apnoea might be promoted following exposure to intermittent hypoxia. In both scenarios, long-term facilitation of upper airway muscle activity is initiated but ultimately rendered ineffective because of other physiological conditions. Thus, one of the primary goals of this review is to discuss, with support from basic and clinical studies, whether various forms of respiratory motor neuronal plasticity have a beneficial and/or a detrimental impact on breathing stability in individuals with sleep apnoea. [source] Successful treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by Chinese herbal medicine EK-49 and ascorbic acid in an elderly patient developing chronic subdural hematomaGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2007Atsushi Hirano Treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can present difficult therapeutic choices. An 88-year-old woman was admitted for treatment of a right subdural hematoma. She had a history of chronic thrombocytopenia, with follow-up evaluations by a local physician. Platelet count on admission was 5 × 103/µL, with a high serum concentration of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G. Bone marrow examination showed a marked increase in megakaryocytes. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura accompanied by chronic subdural hematoma. An increase in platelet count and gradual resolution of the subdural hematoma were obtained with prednisolone and azathioprine administration, but platelet count decreased when steroid tapering was attempted. Ultimately we administered the Chinese herbal medicine EK-49 and ascorbic acid, with a gradual increase in platelet count and no adverse effects. Some elderly patients with chronic subdural hematoma can be treated non-invasively. Further, a combination of EK-49 and ascorbic acid may be an effective treatment for refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. [source] A prospective baseline study of frail older people before the introduction of an intermediate care serviceHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2005John Young MB MSC FRCP Abstract This paper describes the first part of a two-stage research project designed to investigate the clinical and service outcomes of a comprehensive intermediate care service. It is a baseline study of patients presenting to two elderly care departments as emergencies with the clinical syndromes of falls, incontinence, confusion or poor mobility before the introduction of a city-wide intermediate care service. The outcome measures were: mortality; disability (Barthel Index, BI); social activities (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living); service use; and carer distress (General Health Questionnaire ,28). These were measured at 3, 6 and 12 months after recruitment. Eight hundred and twenty-three patients were recruited (median age = 84 years; proportion of women = 70%; proportion with cognitive impairment = 45%; median BI score = 15). There was a high mortality rate (36%), evidence for incomplete recovery, a gradual decline in independence over 12 months and a high degree of carer stress. There was little use of rehabilitation services (< 5%), about 25% required readmission to hospital by each assessment point and there was a gradual increase in institutional care admissions. These findings support a needs-based argument for a more comprehensive community service for frail older people. [source] Interdialytic blood pressure obtained by ambulatory blood pressure measurement and left ventricular structure in hypertensive hemodialysis patientsHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2008Siddig MOMINADAM Abstract Unlike in subjects with normal renal function, the relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients is still being debated. In order to clarify this issue, we performed 44-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) during the interdialytic period in a group of 164 hypertensive patients, the blood pressure (BP) control based on conventional antihypertensive strategy previously, on chronic hemodialysis treatment in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. These results were then compared with their echocardiographic data. This is a cross-sectional analysis. The mean ABPM during 44 hours was close to the manually measured predialysis value, but there was a gradual increase in the ABPM values in the interdialytic period. When divided into a group with mild or no left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (45 patients) and severe LVH (119 patients), the latter had significantly higher BP levels in all separate periods, while the difference in predialysis BP was not significant. Patients with severe LVH had larger left atrium and left ventricular diameters, and consumed more antihypertensive drugs. Systolic BP during the night before dialysis showed the strongest relation to LVH, but interdialytic weight gain was also independently related to LVH. Yet, 56% of the patients with systolic BP <135 had severe LVH. There is not only an association between BP and presence of LVH, but it is shown that volume expansion is also an important independent determinant of LVH. This may explain the difficulty in identifying hypertension as a cardiac risk factor in these patients. [source] Development of Tactile Responses in Human Preterm and Full-Term Infants From 30 to 40 Weeks Postconceptional AgeINFANCY, Issue 1 2002Isabel Fearon Maturation of tactile sensitivity prior to term was examined in 36 preterm and 13 full-term infants using a fixed-trial, habituation procedure. Each infant was presented with a series of 8 habituation (arm stroke), 2 novel (arm lift), and 2 recovery (arm stroke) stimulus trials while heart rate and body movements were recorded. Maturation was observed with a gradual increase in the magnitude of the stimulus-elicited cardiac acceleration and cardiac-movement coupling from 30 to 40 weeks postconceptional age. The majority of infants displayed habituation,an excitatory response (heart rate acceleration and body movement),to the initial presentation of a tactile stimulus, response decline with repeated stimulations, and renewed response to a novel stimulus. A substantial number of infants (40%) failed to respond initially to the tactile stimulus, increased responding over several stimulus presentations, and failed to discriminate the presentation of a novel stimulus. We speculate that these differences in response patterns observed over all ages represent individual difference in the perception of stimulus intensity. [source] Combining interface damage and friction in a cohesive-zone modelINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2006Giulio Alfano Abstract A new method to combine interface damage and friction in a cohesive-zone model is proposed. Starting from the mesomechanical assumption, typically made in a damage-mechanics approach, whereby a representative elementary area of the interface can be additively decomposed into an undamaged and a fully damaged part, the main idea consists of assuming that friction occurs only on the fully damaged part. The gradual increase of the friction effect is then a natural outcome of the gradual increase of the interface damage from the initial undamaged state to the complete decohesion. Suitable kinematic and static hypotheses are made in order to develop the interface model whereas no special assumptions are required on the damage evolution equations and on the friction law. Here, the Crisfield's interface model is used for the damage evolution and a simple Coulomb friction relationship is adopted. Numerical and analytical results for two types of constitutive problem show the effectiveness of the model to capture all the main features of the combined effect of interface damage and friction. A finite-step interface law has then been derived and implemented in a finite-element code via interface elements. The results of the simulations made for a fibre push-out test and a masonry wall loaded in compression and shear are then presented and compared with available experimental results. They show the effectiveness of the proposed model to predict the failure mechanisms and the overall structural response for the analysed problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma in the U.S. and Denmark: Recent trendsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 7 2007Peter Jepsen Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence rates vary by gender, age, time and place. Geographic differences in gender-, age- and time-specific HCC incidence rates may improve the understanding of HCC risk factors. We computed annual standardized HCC incidence rates for the United States (U.S.) 1978,2004 and for Denmark 1978,2003. Among U.S. white men aged 45,59 the HCC incidence rates were comparable to the Danish rates until 1995, but more than tripled over the following 8 years to become over 2.5-fold higher than the Danish rate by 2003, with an additional small increase in 2004. HCC rates in black U.S. men aged 45,59 also increased sharply after 1995. Among women aged 45,59 the U.S. HCC rates were elevated in recent years, but did not show the sharp increase after 1995 observed among men; the Danish rates showed a decreasing trend throughout 1978,2003. U.S. rates in the 60,74 years age groups showed a protracted and gradual increase with no evidence of a sharp increase after 1995. In the 60,74 years age group, rates for Danish men were comparable to those for U.S. white men, but rates for Danish women decreased. The U.S. prevalence rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are 2.1 and 1.1% for men and women, respectively, the Danish 0.2%. The disparity in HCV prevalence is the most likely explanation for the differences between Danish and U.S. trends in HCC incidence. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusions are the major sources of HCV, and we suggest that increased HCV infection prevalence among Vietnam era military veterans may contribute to the earlier and steeper HCC incidence increase for U.S. men than for U.S. women. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Long-term snow climate trends of the Swiss Alps (1931,99)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2003Martin Laternser Abstract The mean snow depth, the duration of continuous snow cover and the number of snowfall days in the Swiss Alps all show very similar trends during the observation period 1931,99: a gradual increase until the early 1980s (with insignificant interruptions during the late 1950s and early 1970s) followed by a statistically significant decrease towards the end of the century. Regional and altitudinal variations are large; high altitudes show only slight changes, and the trends become more pronounced at mid and low altitudes. At any particular time the southern part of the Alps often has different conditions than the north. Shorter snow duration is mainly caused by earlier snow melting in spring than by later first snowfalls in autumn. Trends for heavy snowfall events are somewhat different: at elevations above 1300 m a.s.l. a very weak increasing trend towards heavier snowfalls has persisted since the 1960s, and only low altitudes below 650 m a.s.l. show a marked drop since the early 1980s, indicating that heavy winter precipitation to an increasing degree falls in the form of rain instead of snow. A literature review confirms that, throughout the temperate and subpolar Northern Hemisphere, a similar general pattern of temporal snow variations occurred during the 20th century. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Functional and structural properties and in vitro digestibility of acylated hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) protein isolatesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Shou-Wei Yin Summary The effects of succinylation and acetylation on some functional, structural properties and in vitro trypsin digestibility of hemp protein isolate (HPI) were investigated. The extent of acylation gradually increased from 0 to 60,70%, with the anhydride-to-protein ratio increasing from 0 to 1.0 g g,1. Size exclusion chromatography showed that succinylation led to formation of more soluble protein aggregate than acetylation, especially at anhydride levels higher than 0.1 g g,1. Succinylation led to gradual increase in protein solubility (PS) from 30 to 85,90%, while in the acetylation case, the PS was improved only at low anhydride levels, increasing from 30 to about 50% with anhydride-to-protein ratio increasing from 0 to 0.2 g g,1. At neutral pH, the emulsifying activity indexes (EAI) of HPI was 22.1 m2 g,1, and the EAI linearly and significantly increased with the extent of acylation. The EAIs of succinylated and acetylated HPI (1.0 g g,1) were 119.0 and 54.4 m2 g,1, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and intrinsic fluorescence spectrum analyses indicated gradual structural unfolding of proteins, or exposure of hydrophobic clusters to the solvent, especially at higher anhydride levels. Additionally, the in vitro trypsin digestibility was significantly improved by the succinylation. The results indicated that the chemical acylation treatment (especially succinylation) could be applied to modify some selected functional properties of hemp proteins, especially PS and emulsifying ability. [source] Brackish water subirrigation for vegetables,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 2 2003R. M. Patel eaux saumâtres; irrigation souterraine; poivron vert; pommes de terre Abstract As freshwater resources for irrigation are being depleted rapidly, recent emphasis has been on the development of nonconventional water sources: reuse of agricultural drainage water, use of industrial or municipal wastewater, and use of brackish water for irrigation. Experiments conducted in field lysimeters over three seasons sought to investigate the feasibility of using brackish water for growing moderately sensitive crops. Brackish waters, with salinity levels of 1, 5 and 9 dS m,1, were used. In 1993 the effects of a factorial combination of three subirrigation water salinity levels, two water table depths and four NPK fertilizer combinations on salt buildup in an initially nonsaline soil and on green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) performance were assessed. A gradual increase in soil solution salinity (ECsw) from the water table to the soil surface was evident; however, throughout the growing season, the ECsw did not reach a level that could seriously damage the crop. There was no significant difference in pepper yields due to either salinity of subirrigation water or water table depth. In 1994, two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars were grown in the soil, which was salinized with 3.5 dS m,1 water before planting tubers. The salt buildup pattern was similar to that observed in 1993; however, the ECsw levels were higher in 1994 due to the higher initial soil salinity. Moreover, a decrease in ECsw was observed near the water table in lysimeters subirrigated with 1 dS m,1 water. For both cultivars, no significant difference in tuber yield was observed due to either water table depth or subirrigation water salinity. In 1995, three potato cultivars were grown in a nonsaline soil as well as a soil presalinized with 2 dS m,1 water. In the topsoil layer, higher rate of increase in ECsw was observed in the saline soil compared to the nonsaline soil. No significant difference in total tuber yield was observed due to either the initial soil salinity levels or subirrigation water salinity levels. Brackish water with salinity levels of up to 9 dS m,1, when applied through subirrigation, could be used to successfully produce green peppers and potatoes under semiarid to arid conditions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. RÉSUMÉ Comme les ressources en eau douce utilisées poor l'irrigation s'épuisent rapidement, les récentes recherches tentent de mettre l'emphase sur le développement de sources d'eau non-conventionnelles: la réutilisation de l'eau de drainage agricole, l'utilisation des eaux usées municipales et des eaux saumâtres pour l'irrigation des cultures. Lors de pénuries d'eau douce les eaux saumâtres ont été utilisées pour l'irrigation souterraine de maïs, mais la salinité de la couche supérieur du sol a été réduite en raison de la pluie. Dans les régions arides et semi-arides cette méthode s'est limitée à quelques essais seulement. En raison des quantités limitées d'eau de bonne qualité, on ne peut irriguer de vastes étendues agricoles en régions arides. Or, si l'utilisation des eaux saumâtres s'avérait un succès il serait possible d'améliorer les rendements agricoles. Il est donc nécessaire d'évaluer l'utilisation des eaux saumâtres dans les systèmes d'irrigation souterrains en milieu aride. Des expériences en lysimètres au cours de trois saisons, dans le but d'étudier la faisabilité d'utiliser des eaux saumâtres pour l'irrigation souterraine de cultures moyennement sensibles, furent entreprises en 1993 et 1994. Des eaux saumâtres avec des niveaux de salinité de 1, 5 et 9 dS m,1, furent utilisés. En 1993, les effets d'une combinaison factorielle de trois niveaux de salinité, deux profondeurs de nappe phréatique et quatre combinaisons de fertilisation NPK ont servi à évaluer l'accumulation de sel dans un sol initialement non-salin où le poivron vert (Capsicum annuum L.) a été cultivé. Une augmentation graduelle de la salinité de la solution du sol, de la nappe d'eau souterraine jusqu'à la surface, fut évidente. Bien que durant la saison de croissance, la conductivité électrique de la solution du sol (ECsw) n'ait pas atteint un niveau qui aurait pu endommager sérieusement la culture. Ni les différents niveaux de salinité ni la profondeur de la nappe d'eau souterraine n'ont affecté de façon significative les rendements de poivrons. En 1994, deux cultivars de pommes de terre (Solanum tuberosum L.) furent cultivés dans un sol rendu salin, après avoir été irrigué avec une eau d'un niveau de salinité de 3.5 dS m,1, préalablement à la plantation des tubercules. L'accumulation de sel suivit une tendance semblable à celle observée en 1993. Cependant, les niveaux de ECsw enregistrés en 1994 furent plus élevés en raison du taux de salinité initial plus élevé. De plus, une baisse de ECsw fut observée près de la nappe d'eau souterraine dans les lysimètres irrigués avec une eau d'un niveau de salinité de 1 dS m,1. Ni les différents niveaux de salinité ni la profondeur de la nappe d'eau souterraine n'ont affecté de façon significative le rendement de pommes de terre de chacun des cultivars. En 1995, trois cultivars de pommes de terre ont été cultivés dans un soil non salin ainsi que dans un sol rendu salin au moyen d'une eau avec une conductivité électrique de 2 dS m,1. Dans la couche supérieure du sol, un plus important taux d'augmentation de conductivité électrique a été observé dans le sol salin que dans le sol non salin. Il n'y a pas eu de différence significative observée en raison des taux initiaux de salinité ou encore en raison des taux de salinité de l'eau dans le système d'irrigation souterrain. Cette étude suggère que les eaux saumâtres d'un niveau de salinité jusqu'à 9 dS m,1 pourraient être utilisées dans les systèmes d'irrigation souterrains pour la culture du poivron vert et de la pomme de terre en régions semi-arides et arides. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Uncertainty, Real Options, and Cost Behavior: Evidence from Washington State HospitalsJOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005SANJAY KALLAPUR ABSTRACT This study tests an implication of the real-options theory of investment, that uncertainty leads firms to prefer technologies with low fixed and high variable costs. In 1983, a change in Medicare reimbursement increased the uncertainty of revenues for hospitals. Using a sample of 831 departments in 59 Washington State hospitals over the 1977,1994 period, we find that the ratio of variable to total costs increased after 1983. This increase is not attributable to a gradual increase in the ratio over time: We estimate a significant increase after 1983 even after controlling for a time trend. Further, we find a greater increase in the variable-to-total cost ratio for hospitals that had higher percentages of Medicare patients, increasing our confidence in the conclusion that the change in cost behavior is attributable to Medicare's change in reimbursement. [source] One-Dimensional Rabbit Sinoatrial Node Models:JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2003Benefits, Limitations Introduction: Cardiac multicellular modeling has traditionally focused on ventricular electromechanics. More recently, models of the atria have started to emerge, and there is much interest in addressing sinoatrial node structure and function. Methods and Results: We implemented a variety of one-dimensional sinoatrial models consisting of descriptions of central, transitional, and peripheral sinoatrial node cells, as well as rabbit or human atrial cells. These one-dimensional models were implemented using CMISS on an SGI® Origin® 2000 supercomputer. Intercellular coupling parameters recorded in experimental studies on sinoatrial node and atrial cell-pairs under-represent the electrotonic interactions that any cardiomyocyte would have in a multidimensional setting. Unsurprisingly, cell-to-cell coupling had to be scaled-up (by a factor of 5) in order to obtain a stable leading pacemaker site in the sinoatrial node center. Further critical parameters include the gradual increase in intercellular coupling from sinoatrial node center to periphery, and the presence of electrotonic interaction with atrial cells. Interestingly, the electrotonic effect of the atrium on sinoatrial node periphery is best described as opposing depolarization, rather than necessarily hyperpolarizing, as often assumed. Conclusion: Multicellular one-dimensional models of sinoatrial node and atrium can provide useful insight into the origin and spread of normal cardiac excitation. They require larger than "physiologic" intercellular conductivities in order to make up for a lack of "anatomical" spatial scaling. Multicellular models for more in-depth quantitative studies will require more realistic anatomico-physiologic properties. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. S121-S132, October 2003, Suppl.) [source] Role of Autonomic Tone in the Initiation and Termination of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Without Structural Heart DiseaseJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Takeshi Tomita M.D. Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) of vagal origin often occurs at night and PAF of sympathetic origin occurs during the daytime; however, autonomic tone after spontaneous termination of PAF has not been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis the relationship between the time of PAF onset and autonomic tone before and after PAF. Methods and Results: Twenty-three patients (65 ± 2years) who underwent 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, had one or more episodes of PAF (>30 min), and had maintained normal sinus rhythm for >60 min before/after PAF were enrolled in this study. Mean duration of PAF was6.2 ± 1.2hours. HRV parameters were analyzed in a 10-minutes section at 60 minutes, 20 minutes, and immediately before the onset of PAF and after its termination. PAF began at night in 14 patients (group N) and during the daytime in 9 patients (group D). In group N, the high-frequency (HF) component and low-frequency (LF) component showed a significant decrease after PAF; PAF was preceded by a gradual increase in HF and LF. Changes in the LF/HF ratio, however, did not occur before or after PAF. Conversely, group D showed a significant increase in the LF/HF ratio before PAF and a decrease in LF and the LF/HF ratio after PAF, but no changes in HF. These changes in HRV parameters were not influenced by the duration or termination time of PAF. Conclusion: This study suggests that the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in both the initiation and termination of PAF. Furthermore, the time of PAF onset influences the autonomic tone at the initiation and termination of PAF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 559-564, June 2003) [source] Temporal expression changes during differentiation of neural stem cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cellJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2004Joon-Ik Ahn Abstract Temporal analysis in gene expression during differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) was performed by using in-house microarrays composed of 10,368 genes. The changes in mRNA level were measured during differentiation day 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 15. Out of 10,368 genes analyzed, 259 genes were up-regulated or down-regulated by 2-fold or more at least at one time-point during differentiation, and were classified into six clusters based on their expression patterns by K-means clustering. Clusters characterized by gradual increase have large numbers of genes involved in transport and cell adhesion; those which showed gradual decrease have much of genes in nucleic acid metabolism, cell cycle, transcription factor, and RNA processing. In situ hybridization (ISH) validated microarray data and it also showed that Fox M1, cyclin D2, and CDK4 were highly expressed in CNS germinal zones and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 (Enpp2) was highly expressed in choroid plexus where stem/progenitor cells are possibly located. Together, this clustering analysis of expression patterns of functionally classified genes may give insight into understanding of CNS development and mechanisms of NSCs proliferation and differentiation. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sequential loss of cell cycle checkpoint control contributes to malignant transformation of murine embryonic fibroblasts induced by 20-methylcholanthreneJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Sudeshna Mukherjee Definitive information about the number and nature of discrete steps of tumorigenesis is enigmatic. To understand the multistep nature of carcinogenesis, an in vitro model of 20-Methylcholanthrene-treated primary fibroblast cells CNCI-PM-20, from 20-day old Swiss mouse embryo was used. Visible neoplastic changes with distinct morphological variations along with specific chromosomal aberrations like Robertsonian metacentrics, double and single-minute chromosomes and aneuploidy were observed from Passage-20 onwards. The cell cycle profile showed gradual increase in G2/M population till P-32, followed by evasion of block from P-36 onwards. Gradual increase in expression of C-myc, CyclinD1 and a decrease in expression of P21 was observed from P-20 onwards. CDC25A expression was significantly increased at P-27 and remained more or less constant in subsequent passages. Additionally, an increased P16 and P53 expression were seen at P-20 followed by their significant down-regulation at P-32. An increased level of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (ppRb) was observed from P-27, probably responsible for a compromised G1/S checkpoint. The inactivation of p21 and p16 might be due to their promoter hyper-methylation as suggested through de-methylation experiment by 5-aza-deoxycytidine at P-42. G2/M checkpoint abrogation was marked by gradual increase in expression of CyclinB1 and Cdc20, and a significant increase of Mad2 at P-20. Interestingly, increased expression of phospho-ATM, ATR and phospho-Chk1 were also seen at P-20 followed by their down-regulation at subsequent passages, indicating a perturbation of DNA damage response pathway at early passages. Our findings therefore dramatize the multiple genetic events that can cooperate to promote tumorigenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:49,58, 2010 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Biological treatment of saline wastewaters from marine-products processing factories by a fixed-bed reactorJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2002Neji Gharsallah Abstract Wastewaters generated by a factory processing marine products are characterized by high concentrations of organic compounds and salt constituents (>30,g,dm,3). Biological treatment of these saline wastewaters in conventional systems usually results in low chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, because of the plasmolysis of the organisms. In order to overcome this problem a specific flora was adapted to the wastewater from the fish-processing industry by a gradual increase in salt concentrations. Biological treatment of this effluent was then studied in a continuous fixed biofilm reactor. Experiments were conducted at different organic loading rates (OLR), varying from 250 to 1000,mg,COD,dm,3 day,1. Under low OLR (250,mg,COD,dm,3 day,1), COD and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies were 92.5 and 95.4%, respectively. Thereafter, fluctuations in COD and TOC were observed during the experiment, provoked by the progressive increase of OLR and the nature of the wastewater introduced. High COD (87%) and TOC (99%) removal efficiencies were obtained at 1000,mg,COD,dm,3 day,1. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms and experimental gingivitisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Søren Jepsen Abstract Background: Recently, an association between the severity of periodontitis and specific variations in the interleukin-1 (IL1) , and , genes has been demonstrated. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the IL1 genotype to the development of experimental gingivitis. Materials and Methods: Twenty young adult subjects presenting with healthy gingival conditions participated after giving their informed consent. The group included 10 risk genotype positive (P+) and 10 risk genotype negative (P,) individuals. The IL1 genotypes were determined on DNA samples from peripheral blood using PCR-RFLP analyses for the IL1, and IL1, polymorphisms. Experimental gingivitis was allowed to develop in two posterior sextants per subject. Bleeding on probing (BOP%) and gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF) were assessed at baseline and days 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 and 21. The day 21 results for BOP and GCF as well as the rate of increase of these parameters , mean area under the curve (AUC) and mean increase per day (slope) , were evaluated using risk analyses for IL1 genotype, smoking status and gender. Results: Experimental gingivitis developed with a gradual increase in BOP scores and GCF values (expressed as Periotron units=PU) from baseline to day 21 (BOP, P+: 0.5 to 26.0%; P,: 1.0 to 28.1%; GCF, P+: 36.8 to 138.5 PU, P,: 43.1 to 143.4 PU). No significant risk was associated with P+ and P, for day 21 results, AUC or slope. Conclusion: The results of this study failed to provide evidence that the IL1 risk genotype was associated with higher GCF volume and percentage BOP during the development of experimental gingivitis. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Kürzlich ist eine Beziehung zwischen dem Schweregrad von Parodontitis und speziellen Varianten der Interleukin-1 (IL1),- und -,-Gene gezeigt worden. Zielsetzung: Untersuchung des Zusammenhanges zwischen dem ILl-Genotyp und der Entwicklung einer experimentellen Gingivitis. Material und Methoden: 20 junge Erwachsene mit gesunden parodontalen Verhältnissen, von denen 10 für den Risikogenotyp positiv (P+) und 10 negativ (P-) waren, nahmen an der Studie teil, nachdem sie ihr Einverständnis dazu gegeben hatten. Die IL1 -Genotypen wurden aus DNS-Proben aus peripherem Blut mittels PCR-RFLP-Analyse auf ILl,- und IL1/,-Polymorphismen untersucht. In 2 Seitenzahnsextanten ließ jeder Proband eine experimentelle Gingivitis entwickeln. Bluten auf Sondieren (BOP%) und Sulkiksfiüssigkeitsvolumen (SFV) wurden zu Beginn der Studie und nach 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 und 21 Tagen bestimmt. Sowohl die Ergebnisse für BOP und SFV an Tag 21 als auch die Zunahme dieser Werte , mittlere Fläche unter der Kurve (AUC) und mittlere Zunahme pro Tag (Steigung) , wurden mittels Risikoanalyse fur IL1 -Genotyp, Rauchen und Gescnlecht bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Die experimentelle Gingivitis entwickelte sich mit einem stetigen Anstieg der BOP- und SFV-Werte (ausgedrückt als Periotroneinheiten=PU) vom Beginn der Studie bis zum 21. Tag (BOP, P+: 0,5% to 26,0%, P-: 1,0% to 28,1%; GCF, P+: 36,8 to 138,5 PU, P-: 43,1 to 143,4 PU). Mit P+und P- war kein signifikantes Risiko für die Werte am 21. Tag, die AUC oder die Steigung verbunden. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie konnten keine Beziehung zwischen dem IL1 -Risikogenotype und erhöhtem SFV bzw. Anteil von Stellen mit BOP in % während der Entwicklung einer experimentellen Gingivitis zeigen. Résumé Contexte: Récemment, une association entre la sévérité de la parodontite et des variations spéifiques des gènes codant pour l'interleukin-1 (IL1) , et , a été démontrée. But: Cette étude se propose d'évaluer la relation entre le génotype IL1 dans le developpment de la gingivite expérimentale. Méthods: 20 jeunes sujets adultes présentant une bonne santé gingivale ont participé cette étude après consentement éclairé. Dans ce groupe, il y avait 10 individus à risque positif (P+) et 10 individus à génotype de risque négatif (P,). génotypes lL1 furent déterminés sur des échantillons d'ADN prélevés du sang périphérique par analyse en PCR-RFLP pour les polymorphismes d' IL1, et IL1,. On a laissé se développer une gingivite expérimentale sur 2 sextants postérieurs chez chaque sujet. Le saignement au sondage (BOP%) et le volume de fluide gingival (GCF) furent notes au départ et aux jours 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, et 21. Au vingt et unième jour, les résultats pour BOP et GCF ainsi que le taux d'augmentation de ces paramètres- La surface moyenne sous la courbe (AUC) et l'augmentation moyenne par jour (pente) - furent évalués par analyses du risque pour les génotypes IL1, le tabagisme et le sexe. Résultats: gingivite expérimentale se développa avec une augmentation graduelle des et scores de BOP et des valeurs de GCF (exprimées en unités Periotron=PU) du début de l'étude jusqu'au jour 21 (BOP, P+: 0.5%à 26.0%, P-: 1.0%à 28.1%; GCF, P+: 36.8 à 43.1 à 143.4 PU). Aucun risque significatif ne fut associe avec P+et P-ats à 21 jours, AUC ou la pente. Conclusion: -es résultats de cette étude n'ont pas pu donner de preuves d'associations entre le génotype de risque IL1 et un volume accru de GCF et le % BOP lors du t d'une gingivite expérimentale. [source] Sonographic assessment of uterine and ovarian development in normal girls aged 1 to 12 yearsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 9 2008Maria Badouraki MD Abstract Purpose. To provide normal references of sonographic uterine and ovarian size in girls aged 1,12 years. Method. Ninety-nine girls were enrolled in the study (mean age ± SD, 6.9 ± 2.4 years [range, 1,12 years]). Pubertal status was classified according to Tanner staging, whereas for height and weight assessment a standard stadiometer and weight scale were employed. All subjects underwent pelvic sonographic examination for the measurement of uterine length, volume, ratio of anteroposterior diameter at the fundus divided by the anteroposterior diameter at the cervix (fundal,cervical [F/C] ratio), and ovarian volume and morphology. Results. A gradual increase with age was observed in all uterine and ovarian measurements. Cubic model analysis provided the best curve estimation for uterine length, uterine volume, and ovarian volume in relation to age. Uterine length, uterine volume, ovarian volume and F/C ratio were significantly correlated to both age and height. With respect to ovarian morphology, there was a gradual decrease in frequency of the homogeneous and the paucicystic appearances with increasing age. The macrocystic appearance was observed after the age of 6 years, and its frequency increased gradually with age. Conclusion. There is a continuous increase in size of internal female genitalia from early childhood until the onset of puberty. We have provided reference percentile charts of normal uterine length, uterine volume, and ovarian volume in girls aged 1,12 years. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008 [source] Microbial levan in the diet of Labeo rohita Hamilton juveniles: effect on non-specific immunity and histopathological changes after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophilaJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 9 2008S K Gupta Abstract A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to study the immuno-protective effect of microbial levan on Labeo rohita juveniles challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Six purified diets were prepared with different levels of microbial levan: control (no levan), T1 (Basal + 0.25%), T2 (Basal + 0.50%), T3 (Basal + 0.75%), T4 (Basal + 1%) and T5 (Basal + 1.25%), fed to six groups of fish in triplicate. Among the treatment groups the haemoglobin content and total leucocyte count were increased with a dietary supplementation of levan at 1% or more. An increasing trend for total erythrocyte count was observed with increasing level of dietary levan. Lower levan-supplemented groups showed a higher albumin/globulin ratio. As the levan supplementation was increased, there was a gradual increase in serum lysozyme activity and respiratory burst activity [nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay] reduction values. The highest lysozyme activity and NBT were observed in the T5 group although this was similar to the T4 group (P > 0.05). No significant histo-architectural changes were associated with dietary levan levels. After challenge with A. hydrophila, moderately degenerated hepatocytes, oedema and leucocytic infiltration in parenchymatous tissues, and extensive haemorrhage and haemosiderosis in the kidney were observed in the control group. However, the T5 group supplemented with 1.25% levan showed infiltrating leucocytes in the liver while the kidney showed only moderate degeneration of renal tubules. The relative survival per cent of juveniles after challenge with A. hydrophila was the highest in the T5 group followed by T4. This suggests that microbial levan at 1.25% can be used as dietary immunostimulant for L. rohita juveniles. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||