Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Me
Selected Abstracts2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5- b]pyridine (PhIP),induced mutagenesis in cultured Big BlueÔ rat mammary epithelial and fibroblast cellsENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 2-3 2002Heather M. McDiarmid Abstract Epithelial cells are the primary site of carcinogenesis in most tissues, including the mammary gland. As an alternative to the study of mutation induction in whole tissues in vivo, we have established Big BlueÔ transgenic rat cell lines from the mammary epithelium (BBR/ME) and the mammary stroma (BBR/MFib), to permit a comparison of their mutagenic responses to carcinogens. We previously demonstrated their responsiveness to the alkylating agent N -ethyl- N -nitrosourea (ENU) (McDiarmid H et al. [2001]: Mutat Res 497:39,47). Here, we examined the responses of cultured epithelial and stromal cells to the protein pyrolysis product and mammary carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5- b]pyridine (PhIP). Rat hepatic S9 was used as a source of bioactivation enzymes. Mutant induction (cII locus) and clonogenic survival were measured as a function of PhIP concentration. PhIP mutagenicity was observed in the fibroblast cells, but the greater toxicity of PhIP to the epithelial cells prevented a definitive evaluation of mutagenicity. Since PhIP may be detoxified by conjugation with glutathione, we measured glutathione levels and glutathione- S -transferase expression and activities in both cell lines. The epithelial cells had higher glutathione- S -transferase enzyme activity and protein expression than did the fibroblast cell line. Because the epithelial cells were more sensitive to toxicity, glutathione conjugation evidently plays only a minor role in PhIP toxicity and mutagenicity in our cell lines. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 39:245,253, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Payment For Risk: Constant Beta Vs.FINANCIAL REVIEW, Issue 2 2002Dual-Beta Models Fama and French's (1992) assertion that investors receive premium payments for risk associated with the book value to market price (BE/ME) and size and not for holding beta risk has sparked a lively debate concerning risk factors that are priced in the market. Howton and Peterson (1998) use a dual-beta model to test the Fama and French conclusions. They conclude that the significant relationship between beta and returns depends on the use of the dual-beta model. This work, however, ignores the results reported by Pettengill, Sundaram, and Mathur (PSM, 1995). PSM find a significant relation between a constant risk beta and returns when data are segmented between up and down markets, but do not consider the impact of size and BE/ME. In this paper we show that the PSM (1995) market segmentation procedure alone provides a sufficient condition to identify a significant relation between beta and returns in the presence of size and BE/ME. Dual market betas may be relevant in explaining risk and return. However, the market segmentation procedure of PSM (1995) is the critical condition for finding a significant relationship between returns and betas. [source] Timing of Dose Relative to Sexual Intercourse Attempt in Previous Sildenafil Citrate Users Treated with Tadalafil: A Geographical Comparison from a Single Arm, Open-Label StudyTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Previous research has demonstrated that sildenafil citrate users alter dosing-sexual attempt behavior when switched to tadalafil. The impact of geography and culture on sexual behavior with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatment has not been fully investigated. Aim., To describe and compare the changes in dosing-sexual attempt behavior with sildenafil citrate vs. tadalafil treatment across four distinct geographies: Asia, Australia/New Zealand (ANZ), Central Eastern Europe/Middle East (CEE/ME), and Latin America (LA). Methods., Data from a single-arm, open-label clinical trial conducted in 21 countries from November 2002 to May 2004 were used in this analysis. Men with erectile dysfunction and a history of ,6-week prior sildenafil citrate use continued sildenafil citrate treatment for 4 weeks then switched to tadalafil for 8 weeks. Dosing instructions were provided. Main Outcomes Measures., Timing of dose and sexual intercourse was assessed through patient diaries for the final 4 weeks of each treatment period. Results., A total of 2,760 men were enrolled: Asia 15.8%; ANZ 29.4%; CEE/ME 19.7%; LA 35.1%. The median time from dosing to intercourse was significantly increased during tadalafil treatment across all geographical regions; however, the magnitude of increase differed significantly by geography (P < 0.0001). The Asian cohort demonstrated the shortest duration between dosing and sexual intercourse attempts (irrespective of drug), and altered sexual behavior the least upon switching to tadalafil. The ANZ cohort demonstrated the longest duration between dosing and sexual intercourse attempts (irrespective of drug), and altered sexual behavior the most upon switching to tadalafil. Conclusion., Men with a history of established sildenafil citrate use alter their dose-attempt behavior when treated with tadalafil irrespective of geography. However, the extent to which sexual behavior alters is not uniform across geographical regions, suggesting that dosing instructions and duration of drug effectiveness, in combination with personal and cultural preferences, may determine sexual behavior with PDE5 inhibitor use. Rubio-Aurioles E, Glina S, Abdo CHN, Hernandez-Serrano R, Rampazzo C, Sotomayor M, West TM, Gallagher GL, and Lenero E. Timing of dose relative to sexual intercourse attempt in previous sildenafil citrate users treated with tadalafil: A geographical comparison from a single arm, open-label study. J Sex Med 2009;6:2836,2850. [source] Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia the same?JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 10 2009Implications for the provision of appropriate mental health intervention Accessible summary ,,This paper views the historical perspectives of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) that gives an understanding of the background to these complex syndromes. ,,The relationship between CFS/ME and FM are considered based on the evidence presented, which identifies that there is compelling evidence that these two syndromes may in fact be the same. This is interesting as current evidence suggests that these two syndromes are currently treated differently. ,,The long-standing controversy surrounding the aetiology CFS/ME is discussed in relation to the issues of mental health, in particular anxiety and/or depression that has been associated with this condition. In contrast, FM is reviewed in relation to the associated symptomology of anxiety and/or depression. ,,This review provides the reader with compelling evidence to suggest that the initial presenting symptoms of these two diseases may dictate differential diagnosis and the subsequent treatment they receive if any and, moreover, if indeed these syndromes are confused with that of a psychiatric disorder. ,,This paper will give the reader time for thought over the issue that: just because there is at present no specific diagnostic test or treatment for this condition, why then is the conclusion reached that this must be a psychiatric condition. Abstract Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent distinct diagnostic entities within both the clinical and research literature. A common feature of both presentations is that they are often accompanied by a significant mental health burden. A further salient feature of both conditions is that there is no consistent consensus on aetiology. Evaluation of the features of each disorder seems to present a convincing case that both disorders may indeed have a common aetiology and further, the possibility exists that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent the same underlying disorder. Paradoxically, given this possibility it is remarkable that both patient groups are treated clinically with considerably different approaches to care and management. Mental health practitioners will come into contact with both groups of patients when support for the psychological consequences of diagnosis are necessary; however, many practitioners will be unaware of the debate regarding the aetiological ambiguities surrounding these presentations. The purpose of this review is to highlight the above issues in order to both facilitate awareness of the current aetiological/diagnostic impasse and facilitate provision of optimum mental health support. [source] Comparison of feed preference and digestion of three different commercial diets for cats and ferretsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-6 2005S. Gy. Summary Diet preference and digestibility experiments were conducted using a total of 10 cats and 10 ferrets. The composition of the three different kinds of dry cat feed was as follows (each data are given in dry matter, DM): (i) normal diet (N): 95.3% DM, 33.7% crude protein (CP), 20.4% ether extract (EE), 37.6% nitrogen-free extract (NFE); (ii) ,light diet' (L): 94.2% DM, 31.6% CP, 10.7% EE, 52.2% NFE; (iii) ,veterinary diet' (D): 94.57% DM, 38.7% CP, 9.6% EE, 47.2% NFE. During the period of the preference test, the average daily dry matter intake (calculated with the mean of the three diets: 94.7% DM) was 98.0, 15.0 and 16.7 g DM in cats and 25.0, 7.3 and 8.1 g DM in ferrets. The preference rates of the three different diets, expressed in percentage of their total consumption, were as follows: 60.4% N (54.4 g DM), 12.4% L (12.1 g DM) and 27.2% D (26.6 g DM) in cats, and 46.2% N (11.6 g DM), 29.9% L (7.5 g DM) and 23.9% D (6.0 g DM) in ferrets. This indicates that cats and ferrets have a clear preference for diets of higher fat content. In all three diets, the digestibility of CP was significantly (p < 0.05) lower (70.1 ± 5.4 vs. 75.9 ± 5.8) while that of EE was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (95.6 ± 1.5 vs. 89.4 ± 5.3) in ferrets than in cats. The average digestible/metabolizable energy (DE/ME) ratio of feeds turned to be 95.6% for cats and 90.6% for the ferrets. From the data one can conclude that the ferret cannot be used as a model animal for cats either for preference or digestibility studies. [source] Motivation and patch treatment for HIV+ smokers: a randomized controlled trialADDICTION, Issue 11 2009Elizabeth E. Lloyd-Richardson ABSTRACT Aims To test the efficacy of two smoking cessation interventions in a HIV positive (HIV+) sample: standard care (SC) treatment plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) versus more intensive motivationally enhanced (ME) treatment plus NRT. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting HIV+ smoker referrals from eight immunology clinics in the northeastern United States. Participants A total of 444 participants enrolled in the study (mean age = 42.07 years; 63.28% male; 51.80% European American; mean cigarettes/day = 18.27). Interventions SC participants received two brief sessions with a health educator. Those setting a quit date received self-help quitting materials and NRT. ME participants received four sessions of motivational counseling and a quit-day counseling call. All ME intervention materials were tailored to the needs of HIV+ individuals. Measurements Biochemically verified 7-day abstinence rates at 2-month, 4-month and 6-month follow-ups. Findings Intent-to-treat (ITT) abstinence rates at 2-month, 4-month and 6-month follow-ups were 12%, 9% and 9%, respectively, in the ME condition, and 13%, 10% and 10%, respectively, in the SC condition, indicating no between-group differences. Among 412 participants with treatment utilization data, 6-month ITT abstinence rates were associated positively with low nicotine dependence (P = 0.02), high motivation to quit (P = 0.04) and Hispanic American race/ethnicity (P = 0.02). Adjusting for these variables, each additional NRT contact improved the odds of smoking abstinence by a third (odds ratio = 1.32, 95% confidence interval = 0.99,1.75). Conclusions Motivationally enhanced treatment plus NRT did not improve cessation rates over and above standard care treatment plus NRT in this HIV+ sample of smokers. Providers offering brief support and encouraging use of nicotine replacement may be able to help HIV+ patients to quit smoking. [source] The zeta potential of surface-functionalized metallic nanorod particles in aqueous solutionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 5 2008George M. Dougherty Abstract Metallic nanoparticles suspended in aqueous solutions and functionalized with chemical and biological surface coatings are important elements in basic and applied nanoscience research. Many applications require an understanding of the electrokinetic or colloidal properties of such particles. We describe the results of experiments to measure the zeta potential of metallic nanorod particles in aqueous saline solutions, including the effects of pH, ionic strength, metallic composition, and surface functionalization state. Particle substrates tested include gold, silver, and palladium monometallic particles as well as gold/silver bimetallic particles. Surface functionalization conditions included 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA), mercaptoethanol (ME), and mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (MESA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), as well as MUA layers subsequently derivatized with proteins. For comparison, we present zeta potential data for typical charge-stabilized polystyrene particles. We compare experimental zeta potential data with theoretically predicted values for SAM-coated and bimetallic particles. The results of these studies are useful in predicting and controlling the aggregation, adhesion, and transport of functionalized metallic nanoparticles within microfluidic devices and other systems. [source] Analysis of chicken and turkey ovalbumins by microchip electrophoresis combined with exoglycosidase digestionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18 2003Xiuli Mao Abstract The polypeptide and carbohydrate patterns of two glycoproteins, chicken ovalbumin (CO) and turkey ovalbumin (TO), were analyzed by microchip electrophoresis (ME), following digestion with proteases and exoglycosidases. Glycopeptides derived from ovalbumin were obtained by digestion with Pronase, followed by dialysis, and then separated by ME. Using CO as model, the method was developed to deduce the structure of glycans from glycoproteins by comparing the electropherograms of glycopeptides with and without digestion of exolycosidases. Applying the same approach, the structure of oligosaccharides linked to TO was determined. TO was found to contain high-mannose type oligosaccharides and oligosaccharides with terminal N -acetylglucosamine residues. The complete primary analysis of CO and TO by ME described in this paper provides a basis for an analysis of glycoproteins with an integrated microfluidic chip. [source] Larval lobster (Homarus americanus) distribution and drift in the vicinity of the Gulf of Maine offshore banks and their probable originsFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2005G. C. HARDING Abstract Surveys for lobster larvae in offshore waters of the north-eastern Gulf of Maine in 1983, 1987 and 1989 confirm that local hatching occurs mainly at depths <100 m over the banks, including Georges and Browns Banks. Detailed studies in the vicinity of Georges Bank in late July of both 1987 and 1989 indicate that the first and second moult stages were located primarily over the bank whereas stages III and IV lobster were collected both over and off the bank. At times stage IV lobster were more abundant off the bank than over it. The condition of stage III and IV lobster, as measured by a lipid index, was better off than over Georges Bank in 1988 and 1989 indicating a possible physiological advantage to being off the bank. In addition, the higher surface temperatures off Georges Bank would shorten larval development time to settlement. To determine the probable hatch sites of stage IV lobster collected off of Browns Bank in 1983 and off of Georges in 1987 and 1989, a 3-D circulation model of the Gulf of Maine was used to simulate larval lobster drift backwards in time. In all cases, areas off Cape Cod, MA, and off Penobscot Bay, ME were suggested as the source of the larvae, although most of the larval trajectories never reached these near-shore waters that are well-known, larval hatching areas. The model-projected larval release times match most closely the observed inshore hatch off Massachusetts but model uncertainties mean that coastal Maine cannot be ruled out as a source. Georges Bank is also a potential source because the present model does not take into account short-term wind events, off-bank eddy transport or the possibility of directed off-bank larval swimming. Examination of weather records prior to and during our 1988 and 1989 sampling periods indicates that winds were not of sufficient intensity and duration to induce larval transport off Georges Bank. The shedding of eddies from the northern flank of Georges Bank into the Gulf of Maine are a relatively common phenomenon during summer but not enough is known about them to evaluate their contribution to possible cross-bank transport of lobster larvae. Directed larval swimming is another possible source for the stage IV lobster found near Georges Bank. Plankton distributions across the northern frontal zone of Georges Bank in 1988 were used as proxies for the scarce larval lobsters. The more surface distribution of the microplankton, in particular, supports the possibility that wind and eddy events may be important in the transport of stage III and IV lobsters off of Georges Bank. Further studies are needed to evaluate these possible additional sources of advanced stage lobster larvae found off of the offshore banks. [source] Developmental and activity-dependent genomic occupancy profiles of CREB in monkey area V1GENES, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, Issue 2 2009J. Lalonde The mammalian neocortex displays significant plastic rearrangement in response to altered sensory input, especially during early postnatal development. It is believed that cyclic AMP-response element-binding (CREB) plays an important role in orchestrating the molecular events that guide neuroplastic change, although the details of its genomic targets during normal postnatal development or in response to sensory deprivation remain unknown. Here, we performed CREB chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) from monkey area V1 tissue and hybridized enriched DNA fragments to promoter microarrays (ChIP chip analysis). Our goal was to determine and categorize the CREB regulon in monkey area V1 at two distinct developmental stages (peak of critical period vs. adulthood) and after 5 days of monocular enucleation (ME) at both ages. Classification of enriched candidates showed that the majority of isolated promoter loci (n = 795) were common to all four conditions. A particularly interesting group of candidates (n = 192) was specific to samples derived from enucleated infant area V1. Gene ontology analysis of CREB targets during early postnatal development showed a subgroup of genes implicated in cytoskeleton-based structural modification. Analysis of messenger RNA expression (quantitative real-time,polymerase chain reaction) of candidate genes showed striking differences in expression profiles between infant and adult area V1 after ME. Our study represents the first extensive genomic analysis of CREB DNA occupancy in monkey neocortex and provides new insight into the multifaceted transcriptional role of CREB in guiding neuroplastic change. [source] Biological energy requirements as quantitative boundary conditions for life in the subsurfaceGEOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2004T. M. HOEHLER ABSTRACT All life requires energy, which must be extracted from the environment. For all known life, free energy must be available at finite minimum levels in order to be usefully harnessed and must be delivered at finite minimum rates in order to support basic biochemical integrity and function. While seldom tested in the high energy light- and oxygen-based metabolisms of the surface biosphere, the magnitude of these requirements , the biological energy quantum (BEQ) and maintenance energy (ME) requirements, respectively , is considerable with respect to the potential metabolisms and energy sources that characterize the deep subsurface realm. As such, they constitute a fundamental constraint on the possible nature, distribution, and activity of microbial life in that environment. Because the energy released in a chemical transformation can be equated to the concentrations of substrates and products, both the BEQ and ME requirements define the minimum substrate concentration and minimum substrate production rate that must be sustained by a given environment for it to be capable of supporting life. The magnitudes of the BEQ and ME requirements are sensitive to a range of environmental parameters that may vary significantly in the subsurface. Temperature exerts a particularly strong control and is among the most important parameters to be considered in evaluating the energetic habitability of subsurface environments. [source] Giant Electric Field Tuning of Magnetic Properties in Multiferroic Ferrite/Ferroelectric HeterostructuresADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009Ming Liu Abstract Multiferroic heterostructures of Fe3O4/PZT (lead zirconium titanate), Fe3O4/PMN-PT (lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate) and Fe3O4/PZN-PT (lead zinc niobate-lead titanate) are prepared by spin-spray depositing Fe3O4 ferrite film on ferroelectric PZT, PMN-PT and PZN-PT substrates at a low temperature of 90,°C. Strong magnetoelectric coupling (ME) and giant microwave tunability are demonstrated by a electrostatic field induced magnetic anisotropic field change in these heterostructures. A high electrostatically tunable ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) field shift up to 600,Oe, corresponding to a large microwave ME coefficient of 67,Oe cm kV,1, is observed in Fe3O4/PMN-PT heterostructures. A record-high electrostatically tunable FMR field range of 860 Oe with a linewidth of 330,380,Oe is demonstrated in Fe3O4/PZN-PT heterostructure, corresponding to a ME coefficient of 108,Oe cm kV,1. Static ME interaction is also investigated and a maximum electric field induced squareness ratio change of 40% is observed in Fe3O4/PZN-PT. In addition, a new concept that the external magnetic orientation and the electric field cooperate to determine microwave magnetic tunability is brought forth to significantly enhance the microwave tunable range up to 1000,Oe. These low temperature synthesized multiferroic heterostructures exhibiting giant electrostatically induced tunable magnetic resonance field at microwave frequencies provide great opportunities for electrostatically tunable microwave multiferroic devices. [source] Changes in the physiology and feed quality of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) during regrowthGRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 3 2002R. P. Rawnsley Abstract A glasshouse study was undertaken to determine the physiological and morphological changes in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) during regrowth after defoliation. Individual plants were arranged in a mini-sward in a randomized complete block design. Treatments involved harvesting each time one new leaf had expanded (one-leaf stage), up to the six-leaf stage, with the plants separated into leaf, stubble (tiller bases) and roots. Stubble and root water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), stubble and leaf dry matter (DM), tiller number per plant and leaf quality (crude protein (CP), estimated metabolizable energy (ME) and mineral content) were measured to develop optimal defoliation management of cocksfoot-based pastures. WSC concentration in stubble and roots was highest at the five- and six-leaf stages. Mean WSC concentration (g kg,1 DM) was greater in stubble than roots (32·7 ± 5·9 vs. 9·4 ± 1·5 respectively). There was a strong positive linear relationship between plant WSC concentration and leaf DM, root DM and tillers per plant after defoliation (Adj R2 = 0·72, 0·88 and 0·95 respectively). Root DM plant,1 and tiller DM tiller,1 decreased immediately following defoliation and remained low until the three-leaf stage, then increased from the four-leaf stage. Tillers per plant remained stable until the four-leaf stage, after which they increased (from 9·9 ± 0·5 to 15·7 ± 1·0 tillers plant,1). Estimated metabolizable energy concentration (MJ kg,1 DM) was significantly lower at the six-leaf stage (11·01 ± 0·06) than at any previous leaf regrowth stage, whereas CP concentration (g kg,1 DM) decreased with regrowth to the six-leaf stage. Both the levels of ME and CP concentrations were indicative of a high quality forage throughout regrowth (11·37 ± 0·04 and 279 ± 8·0 for ME and CP respectively). Results from this study give a basis for determining appropriate criteria for grazing cocksfoot-based pastures. The optimal defoliation interval for cocksfoot appears to be between the four- and five-leaf stages of regrowth. Delaying defoliation to the four-leaf stage allows time for replenishment of WSC reserves, resumption of root growth and an increase in tillering, and is before herbage is lost and quality falls due to onset of leaf senescence. [source] The Impact of Welfare Reform on Insurance Coverage before Pregnancy and the Timing of Prenatal Care InitiationHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007Norma I. Gavin Objective. This study investigates the impact of welfare reform on insurance coverage before pregnancy and on first-trimester initiation of prenatal care (PNC) among pregnant women eligible for Medicaid under welfare-related eligibility criteria. Data Sources. We used pooled data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for eight states (AL, FL, ME, NY, OK, SC, WA, and WV) from 1996 through 1999. Study Design. We estimated a two-part logistic model of insurance coverage before pregnancy and first-trimester PNC initiation. The impact of welfare reform on insurance coverage before pregnancy was measured by marginal effects computed from coefficients of an interaction term for the postreform period and welfare-related eligibility and on PNC initiation by the same interaction term and the coefficients of insurance coverage adjusted for potential simultaneous equation bias. We compared the estimates from this model with results from simple logistic, ordinary least squares, and two-stage least squares models. Principal Findings. Welfare reform had a significant negative impact on Medicaid coverage before pregnancy among welfare-related Medicaid eligibles. This drop resulted in a small decline in their first-trimester PNC initiation. Enrollment in Medicaid before pregnancy was independent of the decision to initiate PNC, and estimates of the effect of a reduction in Medicaid coverage before pregnancy on PNC initiation were consistent over the single- and two-stage models. Effects of private coverage were mixed. Welfare reform had no impact on first-trimester PNC beyond that from reduced Medicaid coverage in the pooled regression but separate state-specific regressions suggest additional effects from time and income constraints induced by welfare reform may have occurred in some states. Conclusions. Welfare reform had significant adverse effects on insurance coverage and first-trimester PNC initiation among our nation's poorest women of childbearing age. Improved outreach and insurance options for these women are needed to meet national health goals. [source] Energy metabolizability and nutrient digestibility in the Black-billed Magpie Pica picaIBIS, Issue 2 2001E. JEAN HARPER1 Energy metabolizability (ME) and nutrient digestibility were investigated in a captive colony of nine adult Black-billed Magpies Pica pica over a 12-day period. The mean digestibility coefficients ranged from 0.84 for protein to 0.94 for fat and were generally close to those of other birds. Mean daily protein intake was 10.5 g/bird which was relatively high compared with the values reported for other species. Raptor studies have also reported high protein intakes which not only reflects the diet composition but may suggest that meat-eating birds have a high protein requirement. The magpies exhibited an energy metabolizability of 324.3 kJ ME/100 g wet mass intake which corresponded well with the value of 328.8 Id ME/100 g calculated using the standard poultry equation. The measured ME intakes of the magpies were all higher than the values predicted using published allometric equations. The data from the magpies were combined with those of other studies on raptorial birds to derive an equation to predict daily ME requirement: ME (kJ) = 15.16M0.65 We propose that this equation predicts the daily ME requirements of birds of 100,1500 g. [source] Language Experience Shapes the Development of the Mutual Exclusivity BiasINFANCY, Issue 2 2010Carmel Houston-Price Halberda (2003) demonstrated that 17-month-old infants, but not 14- or 16-month-olds, use a strategy known as mutual exclusivity (ME) to identify the meanings of new words. When 17-month-olds were presented with a novel word in an intermodal preferential looking task, they preferentially fixated a novel object over an object for which they already had a name. We explored whether the development of this word-learning strategy is driven by children's experience of hearing only one name for each referent in their environment by comparing the behavior of infants from monolingual and bilingual homes. Monolingual infants aged 17,22 months showed clear evidence of using an ME strategy, in that they preferentially fixated the novel object when they were asked to "look at the dax." Bilingual infants of the same age and vocabulary size failed to show a similar pattern of behavior. We suggest that children who are raised with more than one language fail to develop an ME strategy in parallel with monolingual infants because development of the bias is a consequence of the monolingual child's everyday experiences with words. [source] Molecular phylogeny of Diabrotica beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) inferred from analysis of combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencesINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001T. L. Clark Abstract The phylogenetic relationships of thirteen Diabrotica (representing virgifera and fucata species groups) and two outgroup Acalymma beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were inferred from the phylogenetic analysis of a combined data set of 1323 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the entire second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA of 362 characters. Species investigated were D. adelpha, D. balteata, D. barberi, D. cristata, D. lemniscata, D. longicornis, D. porracea, D. speciosa, D. undecimpunctata howardi, D. u. undecimpunctata, D. virgifera virgifera, D. v. zeae, D. viridula, and outgroup A. blandulum and A. vittatum. Maximum parsimony (MP), minimum evolution (ME), and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses of combined COI and ITS-2 sequences clearly place species into their traditional morphological species groups with MP and ME analyses resulting in identical topologies. Results generally confer with a prior work based on allozyme data, but within the virgifera species group, D. barberi and D. longicornis strongly resolve as sister taxa as well as monophyletic with the neotropical species, D. viridula, D. cristata and D. lemniscata also resolve as sister taxa. Both relationships are not in congruence with the prior allozyme-based hypothesis. Within the fucata species group, D. speciosa and D. balteata resolve as sister taxa. Results also strongly supported the D. virgifera and D. undecimpunctata subspecies complexes. Our proposed phylogeny provides some insight into current hypotheses regarding distribution status and evolution of various life history traits for Diabrotica. [source] Mirror exposure for the treatment of body image disturbanceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 2 2006Sherrie Selwyn Delinsky PhD Abstract Objective Body image disturbance is a risk factor for the development and persistence of eating disorders. Limitations of current treatments for body image disturbance prompted the development of a mirror exposure (ME) treatment. Method ME involves deliberate, planned, and systematic exposure to body image. The approach is nonjudgmental, holistic in focus, and mindful of present emotional experience. Complementary behavioral assignments aim to reduce avoidance and excessive checking. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of ME therapy (in a three-session format) compared with a nondirective (ND) therapy for 45 women with extreme weight and shape concerns. Results ME resulted in significant improvements at termination and follow-up in body checking and avoidance, weight and shape concerns, body dissatisfaction, dieting, depression, and self-esteem. As hypothesized, ME was significantly better than ND on many of the outcome measures. Conclusion ME is an effective treatment for body image disturbance and should be evaluated in the context of treatments for eating disorders. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Yield and Forage Quality of Different ×Festulolium Cultivars in WinterJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006W. Opitz v. Boberfeld Abstract ×Festulolium ssp. are of particular interest as autumn-saved herbage in the winter grazing system, but information concerning their performance in this low-input system is not available. To this end, we examined dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality in winter of four different cultivars of ×Festulolium ssp. (×Festulolium pabulare, Festulolium braunii), either with festucoid or loloid attributes, compared with Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Furthermore, pre-utilization (accumulation since June or July) and date of winter harvest (December or January) were varied examining the influence of different sward management. DM yield, crude protein, metabolizable energy (ME) (in vitro rumen fermentation technique), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and ergosterol concentration were determined. Within all years, the festucoid cultivars (mean 3.4 t ha,1) attained significant higher yields during winter than the loloid cultivars (mean 1.6 t ha,1), but their yields were comparable with F. arundinacea (mean 3.0 t ha,1). Crude protein was decisively influenced by the different yield levels of the cultivars resulting in higher values for the loloid cultivars. Energy concentrations decreased with later winter harvest, whereas ADF as well as ergosterol concentrations frequently increased from December to January. The greatest differences between festucoid and loloid cultivars were generally observed during severe winters. Obviously, the festucoid cultivars were better adapted to a utilization as autumn-saved herbage than the cultivars with rather loloid attributes. However, the hybrids did not surpass F. arundinacea regarding yield and quality. [source] In situ rumen degradation and in vitro gas production of some selected grains from TurkeyJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 9-10 2002H. D. Umucalilar Summary An investigation of the dry matter degradability (DMD) and effective dry matter degradability (EDDM) was performed for barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oat samples, using the Nylon-bag technique. Gas production (GP), metabolizable energy (ME) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were also studied by using Hohenheim gas test. The DM from barley, wheat, rye and triticale was digested rapidly in the rumen, and, at the 48 h of incubation, degradability was found to be approximately about 80%. The higher degradability observed for these grains than for oats and corn was attributable to the structure of these grains. In contrast, DM of corn and oats was degraded very slowly and reached 66.7 and 66.5 at 48 h, respectively. Effective degradability values of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were determined to be 61.4, 69.0, 64.0, 41.7, 66.7 and 58.6% in 5% rumen outflow rate, respectively. At the end of the 48 h incubation, total gas productions in barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 83.6, 87.2, 87.5, 83.5, 85.8 and 63.9 ml/200 mg DM, respectively. The mean ME values of these grains calculated from cumulative gas amount at 24 h incubation were 11.8, 12.1, 12.3, 10.9, 12.4 and 10.2 MJ/kg DM, respectively. In vitro digestible organic matter of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 85.0, 87.3, 88.2, 79.5, 89.0 and 72.6%. Percentage overall EDDM (k=5%) of barley, wheat, rye, triticale and oats was positively correlated with in vitro GP at 6 h, cumulative GP at 24 h and total GP at 48 h (p<0.05). As a result, in situ dry matter degradation of grains showed great differences depending on the chemical compositions. In situ EDDM of grains may be predicted from in vitro gas production parameters. [source] Synthesis and characterization of temperature-sensitive block copolymers from poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) and 4-methyl-,-caprolactone or 4-phenyl-,-caprolactoneJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010Ren-Shen Lee Abstract This study synthesizes thermally sensitive block copolymers poly(N -isopropylacrylamide)- b -poly(4-methyl-,-caprolactone) (PNIPA- b -PMCL) and poly(N -isopropylacrylamide)- b -poly(4-phenyl-,-caprolactone) (PNIPA- b -PBCL) by ring-opening polymerization of 4-methyl-,-caprolactone (MCL) or 4-phenyl-,-caprolactone (BCL) initiated from hydroxy-terminated poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) as the macroinitiator in the presence of SnOct2 as the catalyst. This research prepares a PNIPA bearing a single terminal hydroxyl group by telomerization using 2-hydroxyethanethiol (ME) as a chain-transfer agent. These copolymers are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 1H-NMR, FTIR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thermal properties (Tg) of diblock copolymers depend on polymer compositions. Incorporating larger amount of MCL or BCL into the macromolecular backbone decreases Tg. Their solutions show transparent below a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and opaque above the LCST. LCST values for the PNIPA- b -PMCL aqueous solution were observed to shift to lower temperature than that for PNIPA homopolymers. This work investigates their micellar characteristics in the aqueous phase by fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The block copolymers formed micelles in the aqueous phase with critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) in the range of 0.29,2.74 mg L,1, depending on polymer compositions, which dramatically affect micelle shape. Drug entrapment efficiency and drug loading content of micelles depend on block polymer compositions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Vignettes in Osteoporosis: A Road Map to Successful Therapeutics,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004Clifford J Rosen Abstract The diagnosis and management of osteoporosis have become increasingly more complex as new drugs enter the marketplace and meta-analyses of randomized trials with "other" agents become more prolific. We describe five common clinical scenarios encountered in the practice of osteoporosis medicine and various road maps that could lead to successful therapy. Introduction: The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis have changed dramatically in the last decade. Advances in diagnostic technologies and a range of newer treatment options have provided the clinician with a wide array of choices for treating this chronic disease. Despite the issuance of several "guidelines" and practice recommendations, there still remains confusion among clinicians about basic approaches to the management of osteoporosis. This paper should be used as a case-based approach to define optimal therapeutic choices. Materials and Methods: Five representative cases were selected from two very large clinical practices (Bangor, ME; Pittsburgh, PA). Diagnostic modalities and treatment options used in these cases were selected on an evidence-based analysis of respective clinical trials. Subsequent to narrative choices by two metabolic bone disease specialists (SG and CR), calculation of future fracture risk and selection of potential alternative therapeutic regimens were reviewed and critiqued by an epidemiologist (DB). Results: A narrative about each case and possible management choices for each of the five cases are presented with references to justify selection of the various therapeutic options. Alternatives are considered and discussed based on literature and references through July 2003. The disposition of the individual patient is noted at the end of each case. Conclusions: A case-based approach to the management of osteoporosis provides a useful interface between guidelines, evidence-based meta-analyses, and clinical practice dilemmas. [source] Spontaneous Pulmonary Vein Firing in Man: Relationship to Tachycardia-Pause Early Afterdepolarizations and Triggered Arrhythmia in Canine Pulmonary Veins In VitroJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2007EUGENE PATTERSON Ph.D. Introduction: Rapid firing originating within pulmonary veins (PVs) initiates atrial fibrillation (AF). The following studies were performed to evaluate spontaneous PV firing in patients with AF to distinguish focal versus reentrant mechanisms. Methods: Intracardiac recordings were obtained in 18 patients demonstrating paroxysmal AF. Microelectrode (ME) recordings were obtained from superfused canine PV sleeves (N = 48). Results: Spontaneous PV firing (566 ± 16 bpm; 127 ± 6 ms cycle length) giving rise to AF (52 episodes) was observed. Tachycardia-pause initiation was present in 132 of 200 episodes of rapid PV firing and 34 of 52 AF episodes. The pause cycle length preceding PV firing was 1,039 ± 86 ms following tachycardia (420 ± 40 ms cycle length). The remaining episodes were initiated following a 702 ± 32 ms pause during sinus rhythm (588 ± 63 ms). Spontaneous firing recorded with a multipolar mapping catheter did not detect electrical activity bridging the diastolic interval between the initial ectopic and preceding post-pause sinus beat. Tachycardia-pause initiated PV firing (138 ± 7 ms coupling interval) in patients correlated with tachycardia-pause enhanced isometric force, early afterdepolarization (EAD) amplitude, and triggered firing within canine PVs. Rapid firing (1,172 ± 134 bpm; 51 ± 8 ms cycle length) following an abbreviated coupling interval (69 ± 12 ms) was initiated in 13 of 18 canine PVs following tachycardia-pause pacing during norepinephrine + acetylcholine superfusion. Stimulation selectively activating local autonomic nerve terminals facilitated tachycardia-pause triggered firing in canine PVs (5 of 15 vs 0 of 15; P < 0.05). Conclusions: The studies demonstrate (1) tachycardia-pause initiation of rapid, short-coupled PV firing in AF patients and (2) tachycardia-pause facilitation of isometric force, EAD formation, and autonomic-dependent triggered firing within canine PVs, suggestive of a common arrhythmia mechanism. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Investigation of the prediction accuracy of vancomycin concentrations determined by patient-specific parameters as estimated by Bayesian analysisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2010Y. Hiraki BSc Summary Background/Objective:, There have been many studies of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of vancomycin (VCM) based on Bayesian analysis, but there have been no reports of the accuracy of prediction based on Bayesian-estimated patient-specific parameters. This study was conducted to compare the accuracy of prediction based on the population pharmacokinetic (PPK) method and Bayesian-estimated parameters. Method:, The subjects were 22 patients who were treated with VCM for MRSA infection and whose blood was sampled twice or more during the administration period. The concentrations between the blood samples were predicted based on the concentrations in the first blood samples based on the PPK method using mean parameters for the Japanese population and Bayesian-estimated patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean prediction error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were compared to examine the accuracy of prediction based on Bayesian-estimated patient-specific parameters. Results and discussion:, The mean measured VCM concentration was 10·43 ± 5·19 ,g/mL, whereas the mean concentration predicted based on the PPK method was 8·52 ± 4·34 ,g/mL, with an ME of ,1·91, MAE of 2·93 and RMSE of 3·21. The mean concentration predicted based on patient-specific parameters was 9·62 ± 4·95 ,g/mL with ME of ,0·81, MAE of 1·38 and RMSE of 1·74. The ME and MAE for the concentrations predicted using patient-specific parameters were smaller compared with those predicted using the PPK method (P = 0·0471 and 0·0003, respectively), indicating superior prediction with a significant difference between approaches. Conclusion:, Prediction using Bayesian estimates of patient-specific parameters was better than by the PPK method. However, when using patient-specific parameters it is still necessary to fully understand the clinical status of the patient and frequently determine VCM concentrations. [source] Effect of various estimates of renal function on prediction of vancomycin concentration by the population mean and Bayesian methodsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2009Y. Tsuji BSc Summary Objective:, Renal function was estimated in 129 elderly patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) who were treated with vancomycin (VCM). The estimation was performed by substituting serum creatinine (SCR) measured enzymatically and a value converted using the Jaffe method into the Cockcroft-Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations. The serum trough level was predicted from three estimates of renal function by the population mean (PM) and Bayesian methods and the predictability was assessed. Methods:, Two-compartment model-based Japanese population parameters for VCM were used, and the mean prediction error (ME) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were calculated as indices of bias and accuracy, respectively, for predictions by the PM and Bayesian methods. Results:, The PM method gave the highest correlation with the measured value using the estimate of renal function obtained by substituting the Jaffe-converted SCR into the Cockcroft-Gault equation. There was no positive or negative bias in the ME and the value was significantly smaller than for other predicted data (P < 0·05). RMSE was also the smallest, indicating that this method increases the predictability of the serum VCM trough level. While, ME showed a negative bias for all values predicted by the Bayesian method, both the ME and RMSE were very small. Conclusion:, In the application of the PM method for VCM treatment of elderly patients with MRSA, substitution of SCR based on the Jaffe method into the Cockcroft-Gault equation increases the predictability of the serum VCM trough level. The Bayesian method predicted the serum VCM trough level with high accuracy using any of the estimates of renal function. [source] Reassessment of microarray expression data of porokeratosis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactionJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Zheng-Hua Zhang Background: Porokeratosis (PK) is a heterogeneous group of keratinization disorders that exhibit similarities with psoriasis at both the clinical and molecular levels. Methods: The transcript levels of keratin (KRT) 6A, 16, 17, S100A7, A8, A9, p53 and three candidate genes (i.e. SART3, SSH1 and ARPC3) were reassessed in pairwise lesional and uninvolved skin from nine patients with PK by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTQ,PCR). Results: The results of RTQ,PCR confirmed that KRT6A, 16, S100A7, A8 and A9 (p = 0.008) were mostly up-regulated in the lesional skin when compared with uninvolved skin. Different from the microarray data, there was no significant difference observed in KRT17 expression patterns between lesional and normal-appearing skin (p = 0.066). No statistical difference was observed in p53 and three candidate genes' expression patterns between lesional and uninvolved skin. Conclusions: In the present study, 9 of the 10 gene expression measured by RTQ,PCR in PK were statistically comparable to microarray data. KRT6A was identified as specific biomarker for porokeratotic keratinocytes, as it was the most significantly up-regulated gene in the nine patient samples. Zhang Z-H, Wang Z-M, Crosby ME, Kang KF, Luan J, Huang W, Xiang L-H, Zheng Z-Z. Reassessment of microarray expression data of porokeratosis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. [source] CHRACTERIZATION AND 1,1-DIPHENYL-2-PICRYLHYDRAZYL RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF METHANOL AND SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTS FROM LEAVES OF ADINANDRA NITIDAJOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2008BENGUO LIU ABSTRACT Leaves of Adinandra nitida are consumed in southern China as health tea (Shiyacha) and as herbal medicine. In this study, the methanol and supercritical fluid extracts from leaves of A. nitida were obtained by traditional solvent extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, respectively. Both the extracts showed high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. By using ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV), infrared spectrometry (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography-ESI/MS, the main bioactive constituents in the methanol extract (ME) were identified as camellianin A, camellianin B, apigenin. By analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, a total of 16 compounds accounting for 98.79% of the supercritical fluid extract (SFE) were identified as ,-sitosterol, vitamin E, ,-tocopherol and so on. These compounds found in ME and SFE could contribute to the DPPH radical scavenging performance of the extracts in this study. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Adinandra nitida is a kind of particular wild plant in South China. Few reports have been published about it in the world. In this study, the methanol and supercritical fluid extracts from leaves of A. nitida were respectively obtained by two kinds of industrially significant methods, traditional solvent extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. By using ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV), infrared spectrometry (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography-ESI/MS, gas chromatography-MS, the main bioactive constituents in the two extracts were identified as flavonoids and plant sterols. Both the extracts showed high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and this activity of the flavonoid-rich methanol extract was 10 times more than that of butylated hydroxytoluene. These results showed that leaves of A. nitida is a new kind of natural antioxidant-rich, flavonoid-rich plant source with great commercial interest in the food and phytopharmaceutical market. [source] Commentary on: Foran DR, Gehring ME, Stallworth SE.JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 4 2009The recovery, analysis of mitochondrial DNA from exploded pipe bombs. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Clinical and biochemical implications of low thyroid hormone levels (total and free forms) in euthyroid patients with chronic kidney diseaseJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2007J. J. Carrero Abstract., Carrero JJ, Qureshi AR, Axelsson J, Yilmaz MI, Rehnmark S, Witt MR, Bárány P, Heimbürger O, Suliman ME, Alvestrand A, Lindholm B, Stenvinkel P (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; and Karo Bio AB, Novum, Huddinge; Sweden). Clinical and biochemical implications of low thyroid hormone levels (total and free forms) in euthyroid patients with chronic kidney disease. J Intern Med 2007; 262: 690,701. Objectives., In this study, we explore the associations of decreased thyroid hormone levels with inflammation, wasting and survival in biochemically euthyroid patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Design., After exclusion of 23 patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values outside the normal range (0.1,4.5 mIU L,1), 187 clinically and biochemically euthyroid incident ESRD stage 5 patients starting dialysis were followed for a median of 20 (range 1,60) months. Measurements of total and free forms of thyroid hormones, s-albumin, hs-CRP, interleukin (IL)-6, vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were performed at baseline. Results., In this population, 17 out of 210 patients (8%) were defined as subclinically hypothyroid. Multivariate analysis, according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, showed that mortality was best predicted by total triiodothyronine (T3). When using the cut-off levels derived from ROC, low T3 levels were associated with increased inflammation (higher hs-CRP, IL-6 and VCAM-1) and lower concentration of both s-albumin and IGF-1. Finally, low T3 but not low free triiodothyronine was associated with worse all-cause (Likelihood ratio = 45.4; P < 0.0001) and cardiovascular mortality (Likelihood ratio = 47.8; P < 0.0001) after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusion., This study showed that low T3 levels are independent predictors of all-cause and also cardiovascular disease mortality in biochemically euthyroid patients, perhaps due to an intimate association with inflammation. Based on these results, the use of T3 levels in studies assessing the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and mortality risk is recommended. [source] Chronic myelogenous leukaemia , new therapeutic principlesJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Michael E. O'Dwyer O'Dwyer ME, Druker BJ (Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA). Chronic myelogenous leukaemia , new therapeutic principles. J. Intern Med 2001; 250: 3,9 The deregulated tyrosine kinase activity of the BCR-ABL fusion protein is the cause of malignant transformation in almost all cases of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), making BCR-ABL an ideal target for pharmacological inhibition. Signal transduction inhibitor (STI571) (formerly CGP57 148B), is an ABL specific, tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In preclinical studies, it has been shown to selectively kill BCR-ABL expressing cells, both in-vitro and in vivo. The results of clinical studies to date are highly encourageing and STI571 promises to be an important addition to the therapy of CML. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||