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Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) is often used in conjunction with paediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and is thought to improve clinical outcome. It is unclear whether these improvements (if any) are due to the removal of inflammatory mediators. In this prospective study, 18 children aged 12-24 months undergoing uncomplicated cardiac surgery with methylprednisolone added in
Natural radiative lifetimes have been measured in the odd-parity Rydberg series 6pns (n=7-13) and 6pnd (n=6-13) of neutral lead using time-resolved UV laser-induced fluorescence from a laser-produced plasma. A relativistic Hartree-Fock calculation taking configuration interaction into account in a detailed way has also been performed for odd-as well as even-parity states for testing the ability of
Endothelial cells express both estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta. The objective of this study was to investigate if and how mediators of inflammation regulate endothelial cell ERalpha and ERbeta expression. ERalpha and ERbeta transcript and protein expression were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively, in endothelial cell line bEnd.3 cells stimulated with
High-resolution digital Holter recording was carried out in 21 patients (15 men, 64 +/- 12 yr) with chronic atrial fibrillation. Dominating atrial cycle length (DACL) was derived by frequency domain analysis of QRST-reduced electrocardiograms. Daytime mean DACL was 150 +/- 17 ms, and nighttime mean was 157 +/- 22 ms (P = 0. 0002). Diurnal fluctuation in DACL differed among patients: it tended to b
The pretreatment of softwood with sulfuric acid impregnation in the production of ethanol, based on enzymatic hydrolysis, has been investigated. The parameters investigated were: H2SO4 concentration (0.5-4.4% w/w liquid), temperature (180-240 degrees C), and residence time (1-20 minutes). The combined severity (log Ro-pH) was used to combine the parameters into a single reaction ordinate. The high
Objective: Several biological activities have been ascribed to islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). However, their physiological relevance remains unclear. Previous studies in rats with exogenous administration of IAPP suggest that the peptide may increase splanchnic vascular resistance and redistribute the blood flow within the pancreas to the islets. In this study, the use of IAPP-deficient mice al
BACKGROUND: The role of long-acting, inhaled beta2-agonists in treating asthma is uncertain. In a double-blind study, we evaluated the effects of adding inhaled formoterol to both lower and higher doses of the inhaled glucocorticoid budesonide. METHODS: After a four-week run-in period of treatment with budesonide (800 microg twice daily), 852 patients being treated with glucocorticoids were random
Natural radiative lifetimes have been measured along the 6sns S-3(1) (n=7-10) and 6snd D-3(1) (n=6-11) Rydberg series of neutral mercury using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in a laser-produced mercury plasma. The states of Hg I investigated in the present work were populated from the ground state by a stepwise excitation process. Relativistic Hartree-Fock calculations, incl
A new chromatographic method based on affinity supermacroporous monolithic cryogels is developed for binding and analyzing inclusion bodies during fermentation. The work demonstrated that it is possible to bind specific IgG and IgY antibodies to the 15 and 17 amino acids at the terminus ends of a 33 kDa target protein aggregated as inclusion bodies. The antibody treated inclusion bodies from lysed
α1-microglobulin (A1M) is a 26 kDa plasma and tissue protein with reductase activity and radical- and heme-binding anti-oxidative functions. In addition, exposure of A1M to hemoglobin has been shown to induce proteolytic elimination of a C-terminal tetrapeptide yielding a heme-degrading form, truncated A1M (t-A1M). Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a heme-containing enzyme that catalyzes the production of fr
There has been little development regarding analysis of polonium (Po) in environmental samples since the 1960ies. This is due to the straightforward spontaneous deposition of this element on silver (Ag), nickel (Ni) or copper (Cu) without any radiochemical separation. For many years, no radiochemical yield determinant was used and it was generally supposed that the yield was 100% after two deposit
Activation products which contribute significantly to the exposure of the staff operating the accelerator were found in the accelerator head in the transparent holder for the lead blocks and in the 60 degrees wedge filter made of lead. A proper choice of material in these parts of the accelerator could easily reduce this exposure without excessive changes in the construction. The absorbed dose-rat
This work provides the first morphological analysis (both at gross and fine level) of the antennal structures in the genusElater (Coleoptera, Elateridae). The typology, number and distribution patterns of the antennal sensilla in the rare saproxylicElater ferrugineus (both male and female) were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The serrate antennae ofE. ferrugineus consisted of a s
AIMS: Vitamin B12 deficiency could be associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in diabetes patients. We aim to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin B12 and CAN in type 2 diabetes patients.METHODS: 469 ambulatory type 2 diabetes patients (mean diabetes duration 10.0years (IQR 5.0;17.0), mean age 59.0years (SD 11.6), 63% men, mean B12 289.0pmol/l (IQR 217;390)
The Fontan procedure has improved survival in children with functionally univentricular hearts. With time, however, complications such as reduced exercise capacity are seen more frequently. Exercise intolerance is multifactorial, but pulmonary vascular resistance probably plays a crucial role. Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance has been associated with raised levels of endothelin-1, which are
Quantum fluctuation of the energy is studied for an ultracold gas of interacting fermions trapped in a three-dimensional potential. Periodic-orbit theory is explored, and energy fluctuations are studied versus the particle number for generic regular and chaotic systems, as well as for a system defined by a harmonic confinement potential. Temperature effects on the energy fluctuations are investiga
The cytokine IL-7 and its receptor are essential for normal B and T lymphopoiesis. We have analyzed the role of this receptor in B cell development throughout ontogeny in IL-7 receptor alpha-deficient mice. We demonstrate that the IL-7 receptor becomes progressively more important with age. B lymphopoiesis takes place, albeit at reduced levels, in fetal liver and bone marrow of young mice, but is
As most manufacturing companies Alfa Laval needs to find new ways to differentiate by shifting the current product focus towards a more service oriented approach. Many manufacturing companies find it difficult to increase service revenues successfully. High investments in extending the service business do not result in the expected higher returns, providing a service paradox. To overcome the parad
