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Medical Sciences	54%
Life Sciences	18%
Engineering	18%

Selected Abstracts

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Profile of Peripheral Blood Neutrophil Cytokines in Diabetes Type 1 Pregnant Women and its Correlation with Selected Parameters in the Newborns

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
Magdalena Perty, ska-Marczewska
Citation Perty,ska-Marczewska M, G,owacka E, Grodzicka A, Sobczak M, Cypryk K, Wilczy,ski JR., Wilczy,ski J. Profile of peripheral blood neutrophil cytokines in diabetes type 1 pregnant women and its correlation with selected parameters in the newborns. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 150,160 Problem, Interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), IL-6 and IL-8 alter as pregnancy progresses, implying continuous immune regulation associated with the maintenance of pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the peripheral blood neutrophil-derived production of these cytokines in the course of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes. Method of study, These parameters were measured in samples from healthy non-pregnant (C), diabetic non-pregnant (D), healthy pregnant (P) and pregnant diabetic (PD) women. Results, Neutrophil-derived secretion of TNF-, and IL-12 increased along with progression of pregnancy in PD and P groups. The concentration of IL-10 from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neutrophils increased during the course of uncomplicated pregnancy but decreased in diabetic pregnancy. Concentration of IL-8 decreased with the advancing gestational age in P and PD groups. LPS-stimulated neutrophil-derived IL-6 concentration increased only in PD patients. Conclusion, Our results show that diabetes creates pro-inflammatory environment thus potentially influencing the outcome of pregnancy. We conclude that neutrophil-derived cytokine production could contribute to the complications seen in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. [source]

Antimicrobial efficiency of titanium dioxide-coated surfaces

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
P. Muranyi
Abstract Aims:, Development and evaluation of an antimicrobially active titanium dioxide coating. Methods and results:, For this purpose, titanium dioxide coatings were applied to glass slides by using a sol-gel method and then exposed to a light source. The antimicrobial efficiency was determined by a count reduction test for selected test strains (Aspergillus niger, Bacillus atrophaeus, Kocuria rhizophila), which were homogenously sprayed onto surface. The bacterial count of K. rhizophila was reduced by up to 3·3 log10 on titanium dioxide samples within 4 h of UV-A light exposure. Experiments with spore formers did not lead to any significant log reduction. A further aspect of this work was to evaluate the effect of selected parameters (relative humidity, inoculation density, radiation intensity) on the antimicrobial efficiency to gain knowledge for further optimization procedures. At a high relative humidity (85% r.h.), increased inactivation was observed for K. rhizophila (up to 5·2 log10). Furthermore, a dependency of the antimicrobial effect on the radiation intensity and the inoculation density was identified. Conclusions:, Antimicrobial surfaces and coatings based on titanium dioxide have the potential to effectively inactivate vegetative micro-organisms. Significance and impact of the study:, Knowledge about the antimicrobial efficiency of titanium dioxide was gained. This is a prerequisite for industrial applications to improve hygiene, food quality and safety. [source]

Biodegradable External Stents Inhibit Saphenous Vein Graft Thickening in the Pig

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2002
P Gadsdon
Aim: External, non-restrictive, macro-porous stents prevent neointima formation in porcine vein grafts and have been proposed as a therapeutic approach to the prevention of late vein graft failure. Since these stents are non-biodegradable and therefore may elicit deleterious long-term, inflammatory, infective and mechanical complications the effect of external macro-porous biodegradable (polyglactin) stents on neointimal and medial thickening in porcine vein grafts was investigated. Methods: Bilateral vein saphenous vein-carotid artery interposition grafting was performed in Large White pigs (22,36 kg, n = 6) with external placement of 8 mm diameter polyglactin stents on one side, the contralateral side acting as a control. One month after surgery, graft wall dimensions were measured on histological sections using computer-aided planimetry and immunocytochemistry undertaken for selected parameters. Results: Polyglactin stents significantly reduced medial thickening compared to the All grafts were patent at explantation. Intimal thickness was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the stented grafts (0.11 ± 0.01 mm) compared to the unstented controls (0.18 ± 0.01 mm). Similarly, medial thickness was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the stented grafts (0.24 ± 0.03 mm) compared to the unstented controls (0.43 ± 0.04 mm) mm. Grafts externally supported with polyglactin had a pronounced increase in inflammatory cells (in particular, giant cells) around the biodegradable stent compared to both unstented controls and previously studied Dacron stented grafts. The space between graft and stent had become organised into a neo-adventitia with abundant microvessels which stained positively for VEGF and lectin (markers of micorvessels and endothelial cells). Conclusions: An over-size biodegradable stent reduces medial thickening, a component of late vein graft failure in experimental grafts. If subsequent studies confirm the preservation of this beneficial effect when the stent biodegrades completely, this form of stent may have an advantage over permanent stent material in the clinical use of external stenting to prevent vein graft thickening and failure. [source]

Assessment of renal circulation in small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age term newborns: A prospective study

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 4 2008
Hana Kolarovszka
Abstract Purpose To compare selected parameters of renal circulation between small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns. Methods Fifty-two SGA and 100 AGA term newborns were examined. The size of the kidneys were measured, and renal blood flow in the central and intraparenchymal renal arteries were assessed via Doppler sonography. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), mean blood flow velocity (V mean), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were determined and compared between the groups. Results No statistically significant differences in the velocity parameters were found between SGA and AGA infants in central renal arteries. Slightly higher RIs and PIs were seen in AGA newborns (RI, 0.76 ± 0.13 versus 0.78 ± 0.06 [p < 0.05]; PI, 1.65 ± 0.54 versus 1.84 ± 0.46 [p < 0.05]). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in all measured parameters in intraparenchymal arteries (RI, 0.57 ± 0.11 versus 0.63 ± 0.05 [p < 0.001]; PI, 0.89 ± 0.26 versus 1.09 ± 0.16 [p < 0.001]) except PSV (7.11 ± 1.55 versus 7.14 ± 0.81 cm/s [p > 0.05]). Conclusion Based on our findings, we suggest that renal circulation is not negatively influenced by intrauterine growth restriction in SGA neonates compared with AGA newborns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008 [source]

Laboratory fretting tests with thin wire specimens

LUBRICATION SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007
M.A. Urchegui
Abstract Wire ropes, due to their construction and application, are prone to fretting damages. In order to know the wear behaviour of individual wires under fretting conditions, laboratory tests are required. The present work describes the preliminary fretting tests accomplished with thin steel wires to optimise the testing procedure. The tests were carried out with ,crossed-cylinders' configuration varying the stroke and normal load. Afterwards, the fretted surfaces were characterised by means of an optical and scanning electron microscope, and a diamond stylus. No significant influence of selected parameters was detected and a good correlation was proved for on-line measured parameters and off-line obtained values. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Hepatitis B vaccination in haemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial

NEPHROLOGY, Issue 3 2009
MARILENE BOCK
SUMMARY Aim: A short vaccination protocol against hepatitis B was compared to the standard approach in patients under haemodialysis who were primarily non-responsive to the vaccine. Methods: This randomized, controlled open trial included 51 chronic haemodialysis subjects previously vaccinated against hepatitis B and with anti-HBs levels of less than 10 IU/mol/L. Twenty-six patients received 20 µg i.m. once a week for 8 weeks (short protocol) and 25 subjects three doses of 40 µg i.m. at months 0, 1 and 6 (standard protocol). Clinical and laboratory data were compared between responders and non-responders. A logistic regression model included selected parameters to assess risk factors for non-seroconversion. Results: Seroconversion rates to vaccine at 2 months were 80% and 78% in the short and standard protocol groups, respectively (P = 0.99). Median of anti-HBs levels were similar up to 6 months of follow up, but patients in the standard protocol showed a trend to higher anti-HBs in month 3 and a more steady decline in antibody titres. Non-responders were older, had longer duration of dialysis and a higher prevalence of a prior renal transplant and hepatitis C. In multivariate analysis, only advanced age and hepatitis C remained independently associated with non-responsiveness to vaccination. Conclusion: In haemodialysis patients, a short vaccination protocol against hepatitis B did not provide any benefit compared to the standard approach with respect to peak anti-HBs titres or a higher rate of seroprotection at the end of follow up. Other strategies to increase seroconversion rates should be explored, especially in the elderly and in patients with hepatitis C. [source]

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Profile of Peripheral Blood Neutrophil Cytokines in Diabetes Type 1 Pregnant Women and its Correlation with Selected Parameters in the Newborns

Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and cyclin-D1 in olfactory neuroblastoma,

APMIS, Issue 1 2007
SHENG-LAN WANG
Olfactory neuroblastoma is an uncommon neoplasm. Typically, these tumors are indolent with long-standing symptomatology, but the fact that the lesions are indeed malignant has been proven by the repeated demonstration that they can metastasize to distant organs. Suitable prognostic factors are lacking and therapeutic strategy still remains controversial. Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is associated with most human malignancies and high levels have been correlated with poor prognosis in many cancers. In comparison, overexpression of cyclin-D1 occurs in several malignancies and has been associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis. In this study, we collected 16 olfactory neuroblastomas from the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The aim was to investigate the value of immunoexpression of hTERT and cyclin-D1 in correlation with clinicopathologic features of olfactory neuroblastoma. Low and high cyclin-D1 expression was found in 6 and 10 cases, respectively. For hTERT, low and high protein expression was detected in 5 and 11 tumors, respectively. Cyclin-D1 expression was not correlated with selected parameters. However, high hTERT expression was significantly correlated with high Kadish stage. In conclusion, high hTERT expression can be considered a potential indicator of aggressive olfactory neuroblastoma. [source]

Influence of the length of time after hormonal stimulation on selected parameters of milt of ide Leuciscus idus L.

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 6 2010
Beata Irena Cejko
Abstract Milt of the Leuciscus idus L. was collected from five experimental groups, and selected parameters of its quality were analysed for 36 h (group II), 60 h (group III), 84 h (group IV) and 108 h (group V), respectively, after hormonal stimulation with Ovopel (1 granule kg,1 of body weight). The control (group I) fish were not subjected to hormonal stimulation. The highest milt volume was obtained from the fish in group IV (0.70 ± 0.55 mL), where the largest volume of milt expressed per kilogram was also obtained (3.03 ± 1.94 mL kg,1). Significant differences were also found in milt volumes obtained between group I and groups III (P<0.01) and IV (P<0.05). The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa was found in the milt of group IV (59%); significant differences were found between group I and groups II (P<0.01) and III (P<0.001). The value of osmotic pressure of seminal plasma was the highest in group IV (203.19 ± 37.63 mOsm kg,1), and the lowest in group I (118.31 ± 41.13 mOsm kg,1). Parameters determining milt quality and quantity indicate that the period of 60,84 h after hormonal stimulation with Ovopel is optimal for obtaining milt from ide. [source]

Wasserdampfsorptionsverhalten ausgewählter heimischer und überseeischer Holzarten

BAUPHYSIK, Issue 2 2009
Rudolf Popper Dipl.-Ing.
Feuchte; Versuche Abstract An 21 heimischen und 11 überseeischen Holzarten wurde die Gleichgewichtsfeuchte bei 20 °C und 35, 50, 65, 80 und 95 % relativer Luftfeuchtigkeit experimentell in der Adsorptionsphase bestimmt. Aufbauend auf den experimentell bestimmten Mittelwerten wurden mit dem Hailwood-Horrobin-Modell (HH-Modell) ausgewählte Parameter wie Fasersättigungsfeuchte, mono- und polymolekulare Sorption, spezifische Oberfläche des Sorbenten, hypothetisches Molekulargewicht des Sorbenten sowie Unzugänglichkeit des Sorbenten zum Sorbat berechnet. Zusätzlich wurden Tabellen für die Gleichgewichtsfeuchte bei 20 °C und in 2-%-Schritten abgestufter relativer Luftfeuchtigkeit berechnet. Die mittels des HH-Modells berechnete Fasersättigungsfeuchte liegt für alle geprüften Holzarten im Bereich zwischen 22 bis 36 %, im Mittel bei ca. 30 %. Es treten erhebliche Abweichungen zwischen den einzelnen Holzarten in der Fasersättigungsfeuchte auf. Die Tendenzen für die Kenngrößen der Sorptionsanalyse wurden aufgezeigt. Water vapour sorption behaviour of selected domestic and overseas wood species. At 21 domestic and 11 overseas wood species the equilibrium moisture content at 20 °C and 35, 50, 65, 80 and 95% relative humidity was experimentally determined in the adsorption phase. The experimentally determined average values were computed with help of the Hailwood Horrobin model to get selected parameters such as fiber saturation point, mono- and polymolecular sorption, specific surface, hypothetical molecular weight as well as inaccessibility of the sorbent to the sorbate. Tables for the equilibrium moisture contents at 20 °C computed in 2% steps of relative humidity are presented. The fiber saturation point computed with the Hailwood-Horrobin model lies for all examined wood in the range from 22% to 36%, on the average with approx. 30%. There are substantial deviations in the fiber saturation point between the individual wood species. The tendencies for the characteristics of the sorption analysis were pointed out. [source]

Lipase-Catalyzed Acyl Exchange of Soybean Phosphatidylcholine in n -Hexane: A Critical Evaluation of Both Acyl Incorporation and Product Recovery

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2005
Anders F. Vikbjerg
Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis was examined for the production of structured phospholipids in a hexane system. In a practical operation of the reaction system, the formation of lyso-phospholipids from hydrolysis is often a serious problem, as demonstrated from previous studies. A clear elucidation of the issue and optimization of the system are essential for the practical applications in reality. The effects of enzyme dosage, reaction temperature, solvent amount, reaction time, and substrate ratio were optimized in terms of the acyl incorporation, which led to the products, and lyso-phospholipids formed by hydrolysis, which led to the low yields. The biocatalyst used was the commercial immobilized lipase Lipozyme TL IM and substrates used were phosphatidylcholine (PC) from soybean and caprylic acid. A response surface design was used to evaluate the influence of selected parameters and their relationships on the incorporation of caprylic acid and the corresponding recovery of PC. Incorporation of fatty acids increased with increasing enzyme dosage, reaction temperature, solvent amount, reaction time, and substrate ratio. Enzyme dosage had the most significant effect on the incorporation, followed by reaction time, reaction temperature, solvent amount, and substrate ratio. However the parameters had also a negative influence on the PC recovery. Solvent amount had the most negative effect on recovery, followed by enzyme dosage, temperature, and reaction time. Individually substrate ratio had no significant effect on the PC recovery. Interactions were observed between different parameters. On the basis of the models, the reaction was optimized for the maximum incorporation and maximum PC recovery. With all of the considerations, the optimal conditions are recommended as enzyme dosage 29%, reaction time 50 h, temperature 54 °C, substrate ratio 15 mol/mol caprylic acid/PC, and 5 mL of hexane per 3 g substrate. No additional water is necessary. Under these conditions, an incorporation of caprylic acid up to 46% and recovery of PC up to 60% can be obtained from the prediction. The prediction was confirmed from the verification experiments. [source]