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Significant Modifications (significant + modifications)
Selected AbstractsPutative Nitrogen Sensing Systems in Higher PlantsJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 8 2006Hon-Ming Lam Abstract Nitrogen (N) metabolism is essential for the biosynthesis of vital biomolecules. N status thus exerts profound effects on plant growth and development, and must be closely monitored. In bacteria and fungi, a few sophisticated N sensing systems have been extensively studied. In animals, the ability to receive amino acid signals has evolved to become an integral part of the nervous coordination system. In this review, we will summarize recent developments in the search for putative N sensing systems in higher plants based on homologous systems in bacteria, fungi, and animals. Apparently, although plants have separated and diversified from other organisms during the evolution process, striking similarities can be found in their N sensing systems compared with those of their counterparts; however, our understanding of these systems is still incomplete. Significant modifications of the N sensing systems (including cross-talk with other signal transduction pathways) in higher plants may be a strategy of adaptation to their unique mode of life. (Managing editor: Ping He) [source] Quality of life in dementia: a 2-year follow-up studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 12 2007Pierre Missotten Abstract Objectives To examine the evolution of quality of life (QOL) in demented subjects at base-line, one and 2 years later and to determine clinical variables associated with QOL. Method Longitudinal study of a cohort of 127 subjects living at home or in a long-term care institution. A QOL measure (Alzheimer Disease Related Quality of Life; ADRQL) was administered three times. In addition, several clinical instruments (MMSE, IADL, ADL and CDR/M) were also administered. Results ADRQL data analysis did not reveal significant modifications of QOL over the 2-year period, whereas results from clinical instruments showed a significant deterioration. On the group, the variations of ADRQL scores were limited, with some improvement after the first year followed by some deterioration after the second year. On the other hand, ADRQL scores fluctuated every year by at least 10 points for more than 50% of subjects. With dementia evolution, it was observed that the clinical variables were more strongly correlated with ADRQL scores and were more significant predictors. This varied from 5.9% (MMSE) in 2002 to 40.01% in 2004 (MMSE and CDR/M). Conclusions QOL did not develop in a strictly linear manner following the deterioration of clinical state. This suggests that the evolution of QOL is also determined by other variables relating to the physical and social environment of the patients. Their role seems particularly important for the mild to moderate stages of dementia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Problems with the ,language-as-resource' discourse in the promotion of heritage languages in the U.S.A.JOURNAL OF SOCIOLINGUISTICS, Issue 3 2005Thomas Ricento In the United States, language ,rights' have been tethered to ethnic or racial entitlements as a means to redress historical patterns of discrimination and exclusion. The perception that language ,rights' are about the redress of past wrongs has had negative effects on efforts to gain broad public support for the teaching and maintenance of languages other than English. The language-as-resource orientation (Ruiz 1984) is considered as an alternative to a language rights approach. However, analysis of texts produced by advocates of the heritage language movement reveals the shortcomings of the language-as-resource metaphor in advancing broad-based support for the teaching, maintenance, and use of minority languages in the U.S. While efforts to promote heritage language education as a national strategic priority may result in short-term governmental support, wider and more sustained popular support for such programs will require significant modifications in the underlying values and ideologies about the status and role of languages other than English in education and public life. [source] Specimen charging in X-ray absorption spectroscopy: correction of total electron yield data from stabilized zirconia in the energy range 250,915,eVJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 2 2005Dimitrios Vlachos The effects of specimen charging on X-ray absorption spectroscopy using total electron yield have been investigated using powder samples of zirconia stabilized by a range of oxides. The stabilized zirconia powder was mixed with graphite to minimize the charging but significant modifications of the intensities of features in the X-ray absorption near-edge fine structure (XANES) still occurred. The time dependence of the charging was measured experimentally using a time scan, and an algorithm was developed to use this measured time dependence to correct the effects of the charging. The algorithm assumes that the system approaches the equilibrium state by an exponential decay. The corrected XANES show improved agreement with the electron energy-loss near-edge fine structure obtained from the same samples. [source] Efficacy and safety of a new clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam in alopecia areata: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trialJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 10 2006Antonella Tosti Abstract Background, Clinical efficacy of topical corticosteroids in alopecia areata (AA) is still controversial. Positive clinical results have been obtained using ointments with occlusive dressing but this approach has a low patient compliance. Recently, a new topical formulation (thermophobic foam: Versafoam®) of clobetasol propionate 0.05% has been introduced on the market (Olux®, Mipharm, Milan, Italy) (CF). This formulation is easy to apply. After application to the skin the foam quickly evaporates without residues and it has a good patient compliance. In vitro studies have also shown that this formulation enhances the delivery of the active compound through the skin. Aim, To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of CF in the treatment of moderate to severe AA. Subjects and methods, Thirty-four patients with moderate to severe AA (eight men, mean age 40 ± 13 years) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, right-to-left, placebo-controlled, 24-week trial. Alopecia grading score (AGS) was calculated at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment using a 0,5 score (0 = no alopecia; 5 = alopecia totalis). Clobetasol foam and the corresponding placebo foam (PF) were applied twice a day for 5 days/week for 12 weeks (phase 1) using an intrapatient design (right vs. left). From weeks 13 to 24 each enrolled patient continued only with the treatment (both on the right and left site) that was judged to have a greater efficacy than that on the contralateral side (phase 2). The primary outcome of the trial, evaluated on an intention-to-treat basis, was the hair regrowth rate, which was evaluated using a semiquantitative score (RGS) (from 0: no regrowth, to 4: regrowth of 75%). Results, At baseline the AGS was 4.1 (range: 2,5). Nine (26%) patients prematurely concluded the trial. At the end of phase 1, a greater hair regrowth was observed in 89% of the head sites treated with CF vs. 11% in the sites treated with PF. The RGS was 1.2 ± 1.6 in the CF-treated sites and 0.4 ± 0.8 in the PF-treated sites (P = 0.001). A RGS of 2 (hair regrowth of more than 25%) was observed in 42% CF-treated sites and in 13% of PF-treated sites (P = 0.027). In seven subjects (20%) a RGS of 3 to 4 (hair regrowth of 50%) was observed in CF-treated sites. In three subjects (9%) a RGS of 4 (hair regrowth of 75%) was observed in CF-treated sites. In one patient only, in a PF-treated region, a RGS of 3 was observed. The AS was reduced to 3.8 by CF treatment at the end of phase 1 and to 3.3 at the end of phase 2 (P = 0.01). From weeks 12 to 24 the treatment with CF induced a further increase in the RGS (from 1.2 to 1.5 ± 1.4). Forty-seven per cent of CF-treated patients had a RGS of 2 at the end of the trial. A total of eight patients (25%) at the end of the treatment with CF showed a RGS of 3. Folliculitis occurred in two patients. No significant modifications in cortisol and ACTH blood levels were observed during the trial. Conclusion, This new formulation of clobetasol propionate foam is an effective, safe and well-tolerated topical treatment for AA. This formulation has a good cosmetic acceptance and patient compliance profile. [source] Low-power millimeter wave radiations do not alter stress-sensitive gene expression of chaperone proteinsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2007M. Zhadobov Abstract This article reports experimental results on the influence of low-power millimeter wave (MMW) radiation at 60 GHz on a set of stress-sensitive gene expression of molecular chaperones, namely clusterin (CLU) and HSP70, in a human brain cell line. Selection of the exposure frequency is determined by its near-future applications for the new broadband civil wireless communication systems including wireless local area networks (WLAN) for domestic and professional uses. Frequencies around 60 GHz are strongly attenuated in the earth's atmosphere and such radiations represent a new environmental factor. An exposure system operating in V-band (50,75 GHz) was developed for cell exposure. U-251 MG glial cell line was sham-exposed or exposed to MMW radiation for different durations (1,33 h) and two different power densities (5.4 µW/cm2 or 0.54 mW/cm2). As gene expression is a multiple-step process, we analyzed chaperone proteins induction at different levels. First, using luciferase reporter gene, we investigated potential effect of MMWs on the activation of transcription factors (TFs) and gene promoter activity. Next, using RT-PCR and Western blot assays, we verified whether MMW exposure could alter RNA accumulation, translation, or protein stability. Experimental data demonstrated the absence of significant modifications in gene transcription, mRNA, and protein amount for the considered stress-sensitive genes for the exposure durations and power densities investigated. The main results of this study suggest that low-power 60 GHz radiation does not modify stress-sensitive gene expression of chaperone proteins. Bioelectromagnetics 28:188,196, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] New insights into the pathogenic role of advanced glycation in diabetic retinopathyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2008AW STITT Purpose Retinopathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes. The clinicopathology of microvascular lesions and neuroglial dysfunction in the diabetic retina have been extensively studied, although the relative contribution of various biochemical sequelae of hyperglycaemia remains ill-defined. The formation and accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) is an important pathogenic pathway in the progression of diabetic retinopathy although some of the cellular and molecular pathologies initiated by these adducts in retinal cells remain unknown. Methods This presentation will cover several aspects of AGE-linked retinal pathology and demonstrate opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The studies outlined will cover a wide range of molecular cell biology approaches using appropriate in vitro and in vivo model systems. Results It will be demonstrated that AGEs form in vivo in the diabetic retina through the reaction of alpha-oxaloaldehydes leading to significant modifications of retinal proteins. Evidence will be presented to demonstrate that these AGEs act as significant effectors of retinal vascular and neuroglial cell dysfunction, leading to pro-inflammatory responses, growth factor imbalance and, ultimately, neurovascular lesions such as blood retinal barrier dysfunction and microvascular degeneration. The protective role of novel AGE-inhibitors will also be shown. Conclusion Evidence now points towards a pathogenic role for advanced glycation in the initiation and progression of diabetic retinopathy and this review lecture will outline the current state of knowledge of AGE-related pathology in the retina at a cellular and molecular level. [source] Oral myofunctional and vocal characteristics in subjects subjected to oral rehabilitation with osseointegrated implantsCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 3 2006Karilla Matteo Sansone Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral rehabilitation using immediately loaded fixed implant-supported mandibular prostheses, considering chewing, swallowing, speech and voice aspects. Material and methods: Fourteen patients subjected to this treatment were evaluated by a clinical examination of the stomatognathic system and perceptual evaluation of voice quality before oral rehabilitation, as well as after 1 and 4 months. Results: After oral rehabilitation, the results showed that there were no significant modifications in the aspects investigated. Conclusion: Thus, implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation, despite providing a more satisfactory occlusal standard, did not yield changes in the functional patterns of individuals in this study. 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