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Selected AbstractsImpairment of cerebral autoregulation in diabetic patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and orthostatic hypotensionDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 2 2003B. N. Mankovsky Abstract Aims Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity and autoregulation has been previously reported in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, the contribution of cardiovascular diabetic autonomic neuropathy and orthostatic hypotension to the pathogenesis of such disturbances is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cerebral blood flow velocity in response to standing in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy with or without orthostatic hypotension. Methods We studied 27 patients with diabetes,eight had cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and orthostatic hypotension (age 46.4 ± 13.5 years, diabetes duration 25.0 ± 11.0 years), seven had autonomic neuropathy without hypotension (age 47.3 ± 12.7 years, diabetes duration 26.4 ± 12.1 years), and 12 had no evidence of autonomic neuropathy (age 44.1 ± 13.8 years, diabetes duration 17.1 ± 10.2 years),and 12 control subjects (age 42.6 ± 9.7 years). Flow velocity was recorded in the right middle cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler sonography in the supine position and after active standing. Results Cerebral flow velocity in the supine position was not different between the groups studied. Active standing resulted in a significant drop of mean and diastolic flow velocities in autonomic neuropathy patients with orthostatic hypotension, while there were no such changes in the other groups. The relative changes in mean flow velocity 1 min after standing up were ,22.7 ± 16.25% in patients with neuropathy and orthostatic hypotension, +0.02 ± 9.8% in those with neuropathy without hypotension, ,2.8 ± 14.05% in patients without neuropathy, and ,9.2 ± 15.1% in controls. Conclusions Patients with diabetes and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy with orthostatic hypotension show instability in cerebral blood flow upon active standing, which suggests impaired cerebral autoregulation. [source] The Effect of Beta-Blocker (Carvedilol) Therapy on N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Echocardiographic Findings in Patients with Congestive Heart FailureECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2007Fuat Gundogdu M.D. Background: The favorable effects of beta-blockers on decreasing mortality in contemporary heart failure management have been demonstrated in recent years. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic (NT-proBNP) peptide levels increase in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic findings for the patients who received carvedilol therapy in addition to standard therapy for congestive heart failure. Methods and Results: A total of 25 patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure and 25 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Before introducing beta-blocker into their therapy regimens, baseline transthoracic echocardiography recordings were made and venous blood samples were drawn for establishing NT-proBNP levels. The patients were administered with a minimum dose of carvedilol. Three months after reaching the maximum tolerable dose, blood samples were drawn from the patients once again for NT-proBNP measurements, and transthoracic echocardiography was performed. There was a significant drop in plasma NT-proBNP levels at the end of the study in comparison to the baseline values (baseline: 381.20±35.06 pg/mL, at the end of the third month: 254.44±28.64 pg/mL; P < 0.001). While left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters were observed to have significantly decreased as a result of the therapy (P < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.001) was established to have increased significantly. Conclusions: Carvedilol therapy resulted in a marked decrease in plasma NT-proBNP levels and increase left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with congestive heart failure. [source] Role of the complement-lectin pathway in anaphylactoid reaction induced with lipopolysaccharide in miceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 10 2003wierzko Abstract We show that Proteus vulgaris,O25 (PO25) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced an anaphylactoid reaction not only in wild-type and in lipid,A non-responding mice but also in recombinase-activating gene-2-deficient (RAG-2,/,) and in mast cell-deficient (W/Wv) animals. Western blot analysis indicated that PO25 LPS bound to Ra-reactive factor (RaRF), the complex of mannan-binding lectins (MBL) and MBL-associated serine proteases. Binding of RaRF to PO25 LPS led to the activation of C4 component without participation of either C1 or Ig, via the lectin pathway. Relative concentration of RaRF and hemolytic activity in mouse serum decreased rapidly during the process of anaphylactoid reaction. A significant drop of MBL-A, but not MBL-C level was observed. Administrationwith antiserum to RaRF prevented animals from death as a consequence of the inhibition of interaction of RaRF with the carbohydrate target and complement activation. These results indicate that complement-lectin pathway activation is responsible for the anaphylactoid reaction induced with LPS in muramyldipeptide-primed mice. RaRF also activated fibrinogen in vitro suggesting the involvement of the coagulation system in the process investigated. [source] Rituximab for congenital haemophiliacs with inhibitors: a Canadian experienceHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 1 2006M. CARCAO Summary., When a high titre inhibitor develops in a patient with haemophilia, attempts are made to eradicate it through immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI) involving the frequent and regular administration of factor, usually for months to years. ITI is successful in only two thirds of patients prompting investigators to explore alternate regimens to use in haemophiliacs failing conventional ITI. Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, which has shown promise in the treatment of B-cell-mediated disorders. We developed a protocol for the use of rituximab in haemophilia A (HA) patients failing conventional ITI or in those haemophiliacs where the likelihood of success of conventional ITI is poor. Patients receive 375 mg m,2 of intravenous rituximab weekly for 4 weeks followed by monthly (up to 5 months) until inhibitor disappearance and establishment of normal FVIII pharmacokinetics (recovery and half-life). Patients are concurrently placed on recombinant FVIII (100 U kg,1 day,1). We have placed five haemophiliacs (four children with severe HA, and one adult with mild HA) on this protocol. In three patients (two with severe HA and one with mild HA) inhibitors disappeared although in neither severe haemophiliac did FVIII pharmacokinetics completely normalize. The fourth patient had a significant drop in inhibitor titres although not a complete disappearance of the inhibitor. All four of these patients ceased bleeding following rituximab. The fifth patient had no response to rituximab. This non-responding patient was not placed on concurrent FVIII. Our five cases suggest that rituximab may hold promise in the eradication of inhibitors. Prospective randomized studies are required to determine the value of this agent in inhibitor management. [source] Epidemiology and Biology of Menstrual MigraineHEADACHE, Issue 2008Vincent T. Martin MD Migraine is frequently associated with menstruation in female migraineurs, and consequently it is commonly referred to as menstrually associated migraine. The trigger thought to be partially responsible for menstrually associated migraine is a significant drop in circulating estrogen that is noted during 2-3 days prior to onset of menses. It is estimated that approximately 50% of women have an increased risk of experiencing migraine during the premenstrual phase of decreasing estrogen levels. Understanding the biological basis of migraine associated with menses will facilitate an accurate diagnosis and help patients recognize time susceptible to migraine exacerbations. This paper will review the biological bases for the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and review the prevalence and burden of menstrual migraine among female headache sufferers. [source] Cover Picture: Spectroscopic and Photophysical Properties of a Highly Derivatized C60 Fullerol (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2006Mater. Abstract The photo-oxidative stress in aqueous milieus can readily be generated in the presence of newly synthesized highly derivatized fullerenes (fullerols) reported in the Full Paper by Vileno and co-workers on p.,120. Their basic structural and photophysical properties were characterized using a range of methods, including X-ray photoelectron and IR spectroscopies, and electron spin resonance. Moreover, a significant drop of the local stiffness of a living cell was monitored using atomic force microscopy. This cell softening was attributed to the early effects of the photo-oxidative stress. Hydroxylated C60 molecules, also called fullerols, are a class of water-soluble fullerenes. Here we report the synthesis in acidic conditions of a highly derivatized fullerol (up to 36 carbons per C60 are oxidized). Spectroscopic investigations (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared absorption) highlight the coexistence of both acidic and basic forms for the hydroxyl addends of derivatized C60. pH titrimetry reveals that, at millimolar concentrations, only ten protons per fullerol molecule are labile. Such a low value, as compared to 36 hydroxyl groups, is explained by the formation of clusters. A UV-vis absorption study performed over a large range of concentrations also points to the aggregation phenomenon. Moreover, this study shows that the clusters of fullerols appear at relatively low (micromolar) concentrations. An electron spin resonance (ESR) study, based on the attack of singlet oxygen (1,g) on 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinol (TMP-OH), has proved the potential of hydroxylated C60 for performing efficient generation of singlet oxygen in aqueous solution. ESR measurements, which allow detection and quantification of 1,g, have also revealed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The yield of generation of 1,g and ROS is strongly correlated to the concentration of fullerol, thus also pointing to the aggregation of fullerol molecules. Exposing glioblastoma cells to oxidative stress in the presence of hydroxylated C60 and visible light has also been performed. Atomic force microscopy is used to monitor the relevant diminishment of the Young's modulus values for cells exposed to the oxidative stress. These results point to a possible application field of fullerols for performing bio-oxidations. [source] Psychological treatment may reduce the need for healthcare in patients with Crohn's disease,INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 6 2007Hans-Christian Deter MD Abstract Background: Few published studies examine the influence of psychological treatment on health care utilization in Crohn's disease. Methods: The present substudy of a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial conducted in 69 of 488 consecutive Crohn's disease (CD) patients was designed to investigate the way in which healthcare utilization is influenced by psychotherapy and relaxation in addition to standardized glucocorticoid therapy. Before and after a 1-year period of standardized somatic treatment the psychotherapy and control groups were compared with regard to hospital and sick-leave days. Predictors of healthcare utilization were analyzed. Results: The comparison between groups before and after psychological treatment showed a significantly higher decrease of mean hospital days (P < 0.03) and sick-leave days in the treatment group compared with the controls. When a covariate analysis was applied to compare the data at randomization, the difference in hospital days remained statistically a trend (P < 0.1). Multivariate regression analysis detected a significant gender and depression effect for hospital days (cor r2 = 0.114) and a significant gender and age effect for sick-leave days (cor r2 = 0.112). Conclusion: A significant drop in healthcare utilization after psychological treatment demonstrates a clear benefit of this additional therapy. This is important, since the study failed to demonstrate significant changes in the psychosocial status or somatic course of study patients. Clinical and psychological factors influencing these outcomes are discussed. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007) [source] Improved quality of root fillings provided by general dental practitioners educated in nickel,titanium rotary instrumentationINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007A. Molander Abstract Aim, To test the hypothesis that an increased utilization of nickel,titanium rotary instrumentation (NTRI) by general dental practitioners will lead to an increased frequency of good quality root fillings. A second aim was to determine whether the educational format would exert influence on the quality. Methodology, Dentists were assigned at random to three intervention groups: a 4-h lecture (L-group, n = 40); a 4-h lecture plus a full day hands-on course (LH-group, n = 40); or a control group receiving no instruction (n = 68). The control group received education later on in the study. Radiographs of two root filled molar teeth per dentist were selected at random before the start of the education program and after a 6-month clinical learning period. Using length, seal and shape of root-fillings a 5-level variable was created. Results, The rate of good quality root fillings increased after the introduction of NTRI. Calculated over all types of roots the frequency of excellent (score 1) root fillings increased from 31% to 51% (P = 0.006) in the L-group and from 27% to 47% (P = 0.016) in the LH-group. The frequency of low quality root-fillings (score 5) dropped in the L-group from 22% to 16% (P = 0.29) and in the LH-group from 13% to 9% (P = 0.48). No statistically significant difference was seen among the controls. Conclusions, When NTRI technology replaced manual stainless steel techniques the rate of good quality root fillings increased. A significant drop in the rate of low quality root fillings was not found. [source] The Stock Market Reaction to the Enron-Andersen Affair in SpainINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUDITING, Issue 1 2006Cristina de Fuentes Barbera This paper investigates whether listed Spanish companies audited by Andersen have suffered any negative economic impact due to the scandal surrounding Andersen's work in Enron Corporation. To that end, we have measured the economic consequences, if any, of Andersen's loss of reputation by examining the reaction in terms of movements in the stock prices of its client companies using an event study methodology. We have analysed abnormal returns on the stock prices of all firms listed in the Spanish Interconnected Market around two event dates: the date of Andersen's public admission that it had destroyed significant financial documents related to Enron Corp. and the date Dynegy Inc. announced the withdrawal of its takeover offer. The results of our empirical analysis do not support the hypothesis that companies audited by Andersen suffered any significant drop in stock price as a result of the scandal affecting their auditor. [source] Antithrombin plasma levels decrease is associated with preeclampsia worseningINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009M. MARIETTA Summary Antithrombin plasma levels (AT) have been found decreased in women with preeclampsia (PE), but little is known about the trend of AT during the course of this disease. We prospectively investigated AT in consecutive women admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PE, to assess if AT fluctuations could be associated with the evolution of the disease. AT, platelet count and d -dimer levels were determined every other day. In the 73 patients studied, AT, platelet count and fibrinogen progressively reduced during the observational period, reaching a nadir on the day of delivery, whereas d -dimer progressively increased over time. Statistical analysis was restricted to the 39 women that had an AT measurement performed on each of days ,1, 0 and +1, with respect to the day of delivery. These subjects showed a significant decrease in AT on the day of delivery compared to the day just before (77.8 ± 15.1%vs. 85.4 ± 14.2%, P = 0.027), followed by a recovery on the first day after delivery (87.6 ± 21.3% from 77.8 ± 15.1%, P = 0.005). Our study demonstrates that a significant drop in AT levels is associated with the clinical worsening of PE, regardless of its severity. [source] Thermal properties of extruded/injection-molded poly(lactic acid) and biobased composites,,JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 2 2008Abdellatif A. Mohamed Abstract To determine the degree of compatibility between poly(lactic acid) and different biomaterials (fibers), poly(lactic acid) was compounded with sugar beet pulp and apple fibers. The fibers were added in 85 : 15 and 70 : 30 poly(lactic acid)/fiber ratios. The composites were blended by extrusion followed by injection molding. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to analyze the extruded and extruded/injection-molded composites. After melting in sealed differential scanning calorimetry pans, the composites were cooled through immersion in liquid nitrogen and aged (stored) at room temperature for 0, 7, 15, and 30 days. After storage, the samples were heated from 25 to 180°C at 10°C/min. The neat poly(lactic acid) showed a glass-transition transition at 59°C with a change in heat capacity (,Cp) value of 0.464. The glass transition was followed by crystallization and melting transitions. The enthalpic relaxation of the poly(lactic acid) and composites steadily increased as a function of the storage time. Although the presence of fibers had little effect on the enthalpic relaxation, injection molding reduced the enthalpic relaxation. The crystallinity percentage of the unprocessed neat poly(lactic acid) dropped by 95% after extrusion and by 80% for the extruded/injection-molded composites. The degradation was performed in air and nitrogen environments. The degradation activation energy of neat poly(lactic acid) exhibited a significant drop in the nitrogen environment, although it increased in air. This meant that the poly(lactic acid) was more resistant to degradation in the presence of oxygen. Overall, injection molding appeared to reduce the activation energy for all the composites. Sugar beet pulp significantly reduced the activation energy in a nitrogen environment. In an air environment, both sugar beet pulp and apple fibers increased the activation energy. The enzymatic degradation of the composites showed a higher degradation rate for the extruded samples versus the extruded/injection-molded composites, whereas the apple composites exhibited higher weight loss. The thermogravimetric analysis data showed that the degradation of unprocessed and extruded neat poly(lactic acid) followed a one-step mechanism, whereas extruded/injection-molded composites showed two-step degradation. A higher fiber content resulted in up to three-step degradation mechanisms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008 [source] PMN responses in chronic periodontal disease: evaluation by gingival crevicular fluid enzymes and elastase-alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor complexJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Rainer Buchmann Abstract Objectives: In the present trial, the hypothesis was examined that the local PMN responses in untreated and treated chronic periodontitis can be differentiated by gingival crevicular fluid lysosomal enzyme activities and elastase-alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor complex. Methods: In nine subjects (average age 49.2 ± 7.1 years) with chronic periodontitis, clinical parameters and markers of the PMN-derived inflammatory tissue response in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were assessed before and 6 months after surgical periodontal therapy. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), beta-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase (beta-NAH) and cathepsin D (CD) were analyzed as indicators of the PMN-associated host tissue destruction, and elastase-alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor complex (alpha-1-EPI) as the major serum protein inactivating PMN elastase. The total activities of the lysosomal enzymes MPO and beta-NAH were evaluated spectrophotometrically, the CD levels by liquid scintillation counting with [14C] hemoglobin as substrate, and the total alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor complex using a sandwich-immunoassay. Results: The clinical parameters revealed a statistical significant decrease at the 6-month reexamination. PD levels dropped from 5.40 to 2.88 mm (change 2.52 ± 1.04 mm), the CAL scores from 6.67 to 4.43 mm (change 2.24 ± 0.77 mm). The 30 s GCF volumes dropped from 129.8 to 68.6, displaying a change of 61.1 ± 18.6, p , 0.05. The decrease in total MPO, beta-NAH and CD levels (medians: 1.7/0.6 µU MPO, 0.035/0.020 µU beta-NAH, 1.3/0.5 ng CD) following therapy was associated with a significant drop in total GCF amounts of alpha-1-EPI from 76.3 ng at baseline to 52.4 ng after 6 months. Conclusion: The clinical healing in chronic periodontal disease is associated with a downregulation of the local PMN responses following periodontal therapy. The reorganization of periodontal tissues is characterized by a decrease of lysosomal enzyme activities and the alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor complex in gingival crevicular fluid. [source] Functional and Thermal Gelation Properties of Squid Mantle Proteins Affected by Chilled and Frozen StorageJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2003M.C. Gómez-Guillén ABSTRACT: Fresh squid (Loligo vulgaris) mantles that underwent chilled and frozen storage were studied for their ability to form thermal gels as well as the effects of changes to the functional and chemical properties of the muscle proteins during storage. Assays of protein extractability in 5% NaCl, apparent viscosity, autolytic activity, and SDS-PAGE (of the soluble fraction) were carried out periodically. After 4 d of chilled storage, there was a significant drop in protein functionality that negatively affected the thermal gelation profile. The rate of proteolysis remained very high throughout frozen storage, however functional properties and thermal behavior remained very stable. [source] Prevalence and time trend of intestinal metaplasia in Hong KongJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Yuk Kei Yee Abstract Background and Methods:, Upper endoscopy records from 1998 to 2003 were reviewed. The demographic data, endoscopic diagnosis, results of rapid urease test and the absence or presence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in histology were reviewed, to evaluate the prevalence of IM and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection over time in Hong Kong. Results:, Among 1805 endoscopies performed, 1751 had both rapid urease test and histology available. A significant drop in the prevalence of duodenal ulcers from 17.9% in 1998 to 9.8% in 2003 was found (P = 0.015). Prevalence of IM was 13.9%, 5.9% and 9.4% in Hp positive, Hp negative and overall respectively (P < 0.05). The prevalence of IM increased with age, and the patterns were similar amongst subjects in 1998,2000 and those in 2001,2003. There was progressive decrease in Hp prevalence from 58% in 1998 to 40% in 2001 (P = 0.014), but no further decrease was seen in 2002,3. There was no corresponding decrease in IM prevalence. Instead IM prevalence in 2002,2003 was significantly higher than the prevalence in previous few years (P = 0.04). Conclusion:, The prevalence of IM did not change in the period from 1998 to 2003 despite a drop in the prevalence of Hp infection since 1994. [source] Regulating Law Firm Ethics Management: An Empirical Assessment of an Innovation in Regulation of the Legal Profession in New South WalesJOURNAL OF LAW AND SOCIETY, Issue 3 2010Christine Parker The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) was the first jurisdiction to fully deregulate law firm structure and allow alternative business structures in the legal profession. At the same time it also introduced an innovation in regulation of the legal profession, requiring that incorporated legal practices implement ,appropriate management systems' for ensuring the provision of legal services in compliance with professional ethical obligations. This paper presents a preliminary empirical evaluation of the impact of this attempt at ,management-based regulation'. We find that the NSW requirement that firms self-assess their ethics management leads to a large and statistically significant drop in complaints. The (self-assessed) level of implementation of ethics management infrastructure, however, does not make any difference. The relevance of these findings to debates about deprofessionalization, managerialism, and commercialism in the legal profession is discussed, and the NSW approach is distinguished from the more heavy-handed English legal aid approach to regulating law firm quality management. [source] Decline in hepatitis B infection observed after 11 years of regional vaccination among Danish drug usersJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 10 2010B.K. Mössner Abstract The aims of this study were to determine the current prevalence of viral hepatitis and HIV among drug users, and to compare this prevalence with previous findings in the same geographical region. Cross-sectional surveys of drug users attending treatment centers on the island of Funen with approximately 500,000 inhabitants were administered in 1996 and 2007. The 2007 prevalence estimates were: anti-HBc 50.2%, HBsAg 0.9%, anti-HCV 66.8%, HCV-RNA 40%, and anti-HIV 1.1%. The corresponding 1996 prevalence values were: anti-HBc 70% (P,<,0.0001), HBsAg 9.8% (P,<,0.0001), anti-HCV 82.8% (P,<,0.0001), HCV-RNA 56.3% (P,=,0.002), and anti-HIV 1% (P,=,1). The 2007 prevalence of viral hepatitis decreased due to the increasing proportion of non-injectors. Among injectors, the prevalence remained unchanged except for a significant decrease in HBsAg. The 2007 prevalence of ongoing HBV infection among infected (HBsAg/anti-HBc proportion) was the lowest that to our knowledge has been reported among drug-users. Vaccination coverage among susceptible persons tested in 2007 was 24%, compared to 0.7% in 1996. Therefore, despite an unchanged prevalence of anti-HBc among injecting drug users, a highly significant drop in HBsAg prevalence was seen during the last decade. This observation may be linked causally to an increase in hepatitis B vaccination of the susceptible population. Our findings suggest that even incomplete vaccination, without persistent protective anti-HBs levels, may induce an immune memory sufficient to prevent chronic infection upon transmission. J. Med. Virol. 82:1635,1639, 2010. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Orexin-A is composed of a highly conserved C -terminal and a specific, hydrophilic N -terminal region, revealing the structural basis of specific recognition by the orexin-1 receptorJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 7 2006Tomoyo Takai Abstract Orexins-A and B, also called hypocretins-1 and 2, respectively, are neuropeptides that regulate feeding and sleep-wakefulness by binding to two orphan G protein-coupled receptors named orexin-1 (OX1R) and orexin-2 (OX2R). The sequences and functions of orexins-A and B are similar to each other, but the high sequence homology (68%) is limited in their C -terminal half regions (residues 15,33). The sequence of the N -terminal half region of orexin-A (residues 1,14), containing two disulfide bonds, is very different from that of orexin-B. The structure of orexin-A was determined using two-dimensional homonuclear and 15N and 13C natural abundance heteronuclear NMR experiments. Orexin-A had a compact conformation in the N -terminal half region, which contained a short helix (III:Cys6-Gln9) and was fixed by the two disulfide bonds, and a helix-turn-helix conformation (I:Leu16-Ala23 and II:Asn25-Thr32) in the remaining C -terminal half region. The C -terminal half region had both hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues, which existed on separate surfaces to provide an amphipathic character in helices I and II. The nine residues on the hydrophobic surface are also well conserved in orexin-B, and it was reported that the substitution of each of them with alanine resulted in a significant drop in the functional potency at the receptors. Therefore, we suggest that they form the surface responsible for the main hydrophobic interaction with the receptors. On the other hand, the residues on the hydrophilic surface, together with the hydrophilic residues in the N -terminal half region that form a cluster, are known to make only small contributions to the binding to the receptors through similar alanine-scan experiments. However, since our structure of orexin-A showed that large conformational and electrostatical differences between orexins-A and B were rather concentrated in the N -terminal half regions, we suggest that the region of orexin-A is important for the preference for orexin-A of OX1R. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Organic Distributions in Dried Alumina Green TapeJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2001Jau-Ho Jean Distributions of organic binder (poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)) and plasticizer (dibutyl phthalate (DBP)) in alumina green tape dried at different temperatures are studied. More PVB and DBP are observed on the bottom (Mylar side) than on the top surface (air side) of the green tape. Inside the green tape, however, PVB distribution, which remains relatively unchanged with drying temperature in the range of 30°,80°C, increases with distance from the bottom to the top. In contrast, the DBP concentration remains relatively unchanged with the depth of green tape when the drying temperature is <50°C. At 80°C, however, a significant drop in DBP concentration near the top surface of green tape is found. Mathematical analysis using the finite difference method is completed to describe the PVB distribution in alumina green tape, and the results show reasonable agreement with experimental observations. [source] Use of oseltamivir in the treatment of canine parvoviral enteritisJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2010DACVECC, Michelle R. Savigny DVM Abstract Objective , To determine if oseltamivir with standard therapy for canine parvoviral enteritis ameliorates disease morbidity, mortality, or both; to document significant adverse effects associated with its use. Design , Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting , University veterinary teaching hospital. Animals , Thirty-five dogs. Interventions , Standard therapy was administered to all dogs. Treatment dogs also received oseltamivir, while control dogs received an equivalent volume of placebo. Measurements and Main Results , Dogs were monitored daily according to a clinical scoring system, physical parameters, and diagnostic evaluations. Dogs in the treatment group gained a significant percentage of weight during hospitalization (mean, +2.6%; SD, 7.1%) versus the control dogs (mean, ,4.5%; SD, 6.9%) (P=0.006). Treatment dogs did not have any significant changes in their white blood cell (WBC) count, while control dogs experienced a significant drop in their WBC counts during their initial stay. In addition, it did not appear that oseltamivir use was associated with any major adverse clinical effects. Conclusions , While a clear advantage to the use of oseltamivir was not established, a significant weight loss during hospitalization, as well as a significant decrease in WBC count were documented in the control group. No major adverse effects were identified that could be associated with oseltamivir administration. Based on these results, the true role of oseltamivir in the treatment of parvoviral enteritis remains speculative, although it is believed that further investigation is warranted. [source] Habitat selection and habitat-specific survival of fledgling ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla)JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 4 2006D. I. King Abstract Patterns of habitat use by some passerines change after the young leave the nest, and thus our understanding of habitat selection derived from counts of singing males earlier in the nesting cycle may not adequately represent the breeding habitat requirements of these species. Post-fledging changes in habitat use may have important conservation implications if the survival of fledglings is affected by characteristics of the habitat; however, there have been relatively few systematic studies of the post-fledging ecology of forest passerines and, of these, even fewer have incorporated analyses of the relationship between habitat characteristics and fledgling survival. We studied the post-fledging habitat selection and survival of ovenbirds Seiurus aurocapilla in northern New Hampshire, USA during two breeding seasons using radio telemetry. Habitat at sites used by radio-marked fledgling ovenbirds was characterized by fewer large trees and greater vertical structure 0,3 m above ground than ovenbird nest sites. Similarly, habitat at sites used by fledgling ovenbirds was characterized by fewer large trees and greater vertical structure than unused sites. Most (80%) of the 15 mortalities that we observed were due to predation. Nine (70%) of these occurred within the first 3 days of fledging, resulting in a significant drop in survival during this period. Fledgling survival increased significantly with increased vegetation structure. Our observations that fledgling ovenbirds are selective in their habitat use, that they select different habitat features than adult ovenbirds select for nesting and that fledgling survival is positively associated with these habitat features suggest that the use of habitat models based on counts of singing males before fledging does not adequately represent the habitat needs of this species. Conceivably, mortality during the post-fledging period could limit recruitment to levels insufficient to maintain the viability of ovenbird population even if adequate nesting habitat were available. [source] The peri-microvascular edema in hippocampal CA1 area in a rat model of sepsisNEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Ilker Mustafa Kafa Encephalopathy is a common complication of sepsis. However, little is known about the morphological changes that occur in the brain during sepsis. In this study, fecal peritonitis was induced in Wistar rats, which had been monitored for 4 h before their brains were removed and samples from the CA1 area taken. In addition to higher blood pressure with a decreasing pattern and a significant drop in rectal temperature, an increased heart rate and marked respiratory failure were observed. The tissue was investigated and compared with corresponding hippocampal samples taken from sham-operated and not operated control groups. Significantly more peri-microvascular edema was found in the hippocampal CA1 area in the septic group. The percentages of the peri-microvascular edema were 158.57 ± 3.6%, 122.84 ± 1.5% and 120.24 ± 1.9% in the fecal peritonitis group, sham-operated and not operated control groups, respectively. The results may suggest that the edema observed around the microvessels may participate in the pathogenesis of the septic encephalopathy probably by causing in the microvascular permeability characteristics. [source] Drug-induced ocular side-effects with isotretinoinOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 5 2008Jacinto Santodomingo-Rubido Abstract Whereas there are numerous reported ocular side-effects from isotretinoin medication, we present the first case report of corneal steepening after systemic treatment with isotretinoin for seven and a half weeks. The case was associated with a significant drop in visual acuity which could not be explained from the refractive error change. All signs and symptoms were absent seven and a half weeks after the medication was withdrawn. The case indicates that eye care professionals need to be vigilant about the possibility of adverse ocular manifestations associated with the use of systemic medications. [source] Single-walled carbon nanotube/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene composites with percolation at low nanotube contentsPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 12 2009Brian P. Grady To mix single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a polymer and to achieve low percolation thresholds, a low-viscosity liquid has been required in order to achieve sufficiently good dispersion. In this article, data are presented which show that percolation occurs at ,0.14 wt % carbon nanotubes and the dispersion procedure does not involve dispersing the SWCNTs in a low-viscosity liquid. Specifically, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene powder was mixed with a powder containing nanotubes and catalyst support, e.g., the powder contains 93% silica and 7% SWCNTs. The powder blend is compression molded into sheets using high pressure and temperature. Because of the very high viscosity of the resin, the nanotube/silica mixture largely stays segregated at the interface as shown by scanning electron microscopy. A significant drop in tensile properties (modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break) occurs with filler incorporation. Non isothermal crystallization measurements indicate that this filler does not nucleate crystallinity when mixed in this manner; although there is a definite sharpening of the melt endotherm indicating that crystallites with smaller lamellar thicknesses are reduced significantly with filler addition. The addition of filler also slightly reduces the overall fractional crystallinity measured after a constant cooling rate. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Influence of melt-blending conditions on structural, rheological, and interfacial properties of polyamide-12 layered silicate nanocompositesPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 8 2006Pascal Médéric The influence of the melt-blending conditions on the structural, rheological, and interfacial properties of modified montmorillonite/Polyamide-12 nanocomposites has been studied performing transmission electron microscopy observation combined with X-Ray diffraction and rheological experiments. In the dilute regime, for short mixing times, the apparent aspect ratio of primary clay entities, determined from intrinsic viscosity measurements, is shown to increase with rotational speed. At high blade rotational speeds, the viscometric results suggest an almost achieved exfoliation, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy micrographs. For longer mixing times, a significant drop of viscous dissipation is observed, which is very marked at high blade rotational speeds and attributed to a modification of the particle/matrix interface. In the concentrated regime, the rheological behavior of nanocomposites is attributed to the formation of a network of mesoscopic domains, composed of correlated clay entities. Upon increasing strain during mixing, the clay aggregates within these domains break into intercalated stacks and finally exfoliated layers, as shown by transmission electron microscopy micrographs and wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns. The melt state elastic and viscous properties of the nanocomposites are mainly governed by the networked domains, and not by the nature and properties of the structure within the domains. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:986,994, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Melt flow properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties and morphology of polycarbonate/highly branched polystyrene blendsPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2006Aiying Li Abstract A highly branched polystyrene (HBPS) was synthesized via the copolymerization of 4-(chloromethyl) styrene with styrene using the self-condensing atom transfer radical polymerization method. The addition of HBPS as a melt modifier for polycarbonate (PC) was attempted. Melt flow properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties and morphology of the blends were studied. The results showed that a significant drop in the blend viscosity occurs immediately on addition of HBPS. Impact strength, tensile strength and glass transition temperature (Tg) of all the blends have not been significantly reduced compared with those of pure PC. The TGA analyses showed that an initial weight loss temperature of all the blends is above 458 °C and slightly low compared with that of pure PC, but all the blends still have excellent thermal stability. Morphological studies using SEM showed that a two-phase morphology is characteristic of all the blends, with more or less spherical droplets of the minor HBPS phase dispersed in the continuous PC phase. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The effect of small-scale hills on orographic dragTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 627 2007S. B. Vosper Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which the presence of hills with relatively short horizontal scales can influence the drag, due to mountain waves and flow blocking, exerted on the flow by larger-scale mountains. Numerical simulations of stratified flow over mountains are presented for flow over orography described by the linear superposition of broad mountains, whose length scales are large enough to generate mountain waves, and narrow corrugations, whose wavelengths fall below the minimum horizontal wavelength for stationary gravity waves. Results are presented for both two- and three-dimensional mountain shapes, and for a range of corrugation heights. It is shown that the corrugations can significantly reduce the amplitude of the mountain waves generated by the broader mountain, or they can suppress the unsteadiness of the wake. When these mechanisms make an important contribution to the total drag, this implies a significant drop in the total drag, compared to the sum of the contributions from the two scales of orography. From the point of view of drag parametrization, the extent to which the effect of the small-scale hills can be represented via an effective roughness length is investigated. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [source] Decline in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence among US veterans: A retrospective cross-sectional studyARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2009Christie Bartels Objective To examine trends in the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis in a national US population comprising both hospitalized and ambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods In this serial cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on hospitalized and ambulatory patients spanning 22 years (1985,2006) and 10 years (1997,2006), respectively, to determine the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. Our search encompassed data collected on a predominantly male study population during 10 million hospitalizations and outpatient visits, and included annual data on >37,000 RA patients. To test for a decrease in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence, breakpoint analysis was performed using stepwise Chow and Durbin-Watson tests. Results There was a clear decline in the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis, and this decline remained evident even after accounting for a decreased number of hospitalizations among RA patients. Peak prevalence occurred among hospitalized patients in the 1980s, and prevalence gradually declined throughout the 1990s. Furthermore, simultaneous breakpoints representing a significant drop in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence between the years 2000 and 2001 were demonstrated for both inpatients (P < 0.000) and outpatients (P < 0.003). The prevalence of vasculitis dropped 53% among inpatients and 31% among outpatients between 2000 and 2001. Conclusion Our results demonstrate a significant decline in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence after 2000 in this nationwide sample of hospitalized and ambulatory patients. The clear, consistent drop in prevalence provides an opportunity for the formulation of causal hypotheses, including consideration of the impact of biologic agents used to treat RA, on rheumatoid vasculitis. [source] The Influence of Cannulation Technique on Blood Flow to the Brain in Rats Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Cautionary "Tail"ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 6 2010Terence Gourlay Abstract Recently, there has been an increase in the use of rat models of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for research purposes. Much of this work has focused on cerebral injury associated with CPB. Many of these studies employ a peripheral cannulation approach, often utilizing the caudal artery and internal or external jugular vein. The aim of the present study was to establish whether there is any alteration in blood flow to the brain associated with the use of different cannulation routes. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to one of three study groups: Group 1,caudal artery return, Group 2,open-chest aortic return, and Group 3,nonbypass control group. Colored microspheres were injected into all animals at four time points (postinduction, initiation of bypass, midbypass, and end bypass). After the termination of each experiment, the brains were excised, the tissue was digested, the microspheres were harvested, and the global blood flow to the brain was assessed using the reference flow method. There was a significant reduction in blood flow to the brain between both bypass groups and the control group. Additionally, cerebral blood flow was significantly lower in the caudal return group than in the aortic return group. There is a significant drop in blood flow to the brain associated with the initiation and continuation of CPB when compared to non-CPB controls. These results also confirm a considerable cerebral hypoperfusion associated with the peripheral cannulation technique, and suggest that peripheral bypass may exaggerate the influence CPB has on cerebral injury. This technique must therefore be employed with caution. [source] Perioperative Monitoring of Thromboelastograph on Hemostasis and Therapy for Cyanotic Infants Undergoing Complex Cardiac SurgeryARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009Yongli Cui Abstract This study investigated features and treatments of perioperative coagulopathies in cyanotic infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). Thirty-six infants with cyanotic CCHD were involved and divided into two groups: In group H (n = 20), hematocrit (HCT) > 54%, and in group L (n = 16), HCT < 54%. Blood was sampled at anesthesia induction (T1), rewarming to 36°C (T2), after heparin neutralization (T3), and 4 h after operation (T4). The hemostatic changes were evaluated by thromboelastograph (TEG). After surgery, group H was treated with fibrinogen-combined platelets (PLT), while group L was treated with PLT only. We observed the effect at T4. At T1, the hemostatic function in group H, deteriorating with the increase of HCT (P < 0.01), was obviously lower than that in group L (P < 0.01), but the PLT function was still complete. In group H, the hemostatic function at T2 decreased with a significant drop of PLT function (P < 0.01) and had little change of functional fibrinogen (Ffg) (P > 0.05). At T3, compared with T2, there were improvements in hemostatic function and Ffg (P < 0.01, respectively) without increase of PLT (P > 0.05) in group H. After therapy, PLT function in both groups restored to T1 level (P > 0.05); Ffg at T4 was significantly better than at T1 (P < 0.01) in group H, but Ffg at T4 with still normal function was lower than at T1 in group L (P < 0.01). Whole hemostatic function at T4 was back to normal and had no differences between two groups. So, we proposed that fibrinogen and PLT transfusion in combination should be better for infants with high HCT CCHD, but PLT alone might be enough for low HCT ones. [source] Multifrequency permittivity measurements enable on-line monitoring of changes in intracellular conductivity due to nutrient limitations during batch cultivations of CHO cellsBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 1 2010Sven Ansorge Abstract Lab and pilot scale batch cultivations of a CHO K1/dhfr, host cell line were conducted to evaluate on-line multifrequency permittivity measurements as a process monitoring tool. The ,-dispersion parameters such as the characteristic frequency (fC) and the permittivity increment (,,max) were calculated on-line from the permittivity spectra. The dual-frequency permittivity signal correlated well with the off-line measured biovolume and the viable cell density. A significant drop in permittivity was monitored at the transition from exponential growth to a phase with reduced growth rate. Although not reflected in off-line biovolume measurements, this decrease coincided with a drop in OUR and was probably caused by the depletion of glutamine and a metabolic shift occurring at the same time. Sudden changes in cell density, cell size, viability, capacitance per membrane area (CM), and effects caused by medium conductivity (,m) could be excluded as reasons for the decrease in permittivity. After analysis of the process data, a drop in fC as a result of a fall in intracellular conductivity (,i) was identified as responsible for the observed changes in the dual-frequency permittivity signal. It is hypothesized that the ,-dispersion parameter fC is indicative of changes in nutrient availability that have an impact on intracellular conductivity ,i. On-line permittivity measurements consequently not only reflect the biovolume but also the physiological state of mammalian cell cultures. These findings should pave the way for a better understanding of the intracellular state of cells and render permittivity measurements an important tool in process development and control. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010 [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||