However, none of the three predictions we tested was supported under all experimental conditions, MDV3100 price reiterating that attempts to determine universal factors causing variation in Tb of endotherms may prove challenging. J. Exp. Zool. 317:7382, 2012. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“Nine recombinant FixL heme domains from Bradyrhizobium japonicum previously were shown to exhibit mass instability independent of many environmental factors (J.D. Satterlee, C. Suquet, A. Bidwai, J. Erman, L Schwall, R. Jimenez, Biochemistry 47 (2008) 1540-1553). Two of those recombinant proteins were produced in remote laboratories. Mass losses begin

appearing at completion of isolation and comprise a substantial proportion of samples within 1-3 days of storage and handling.

Thus, degradation occurs during the time frame of experiments and crystallization. Detailed understanding of this instability is desired in order to formulate stable heme-PAS sensor domains for experimentation and for a mechanistic interpretation. However, mass spectra of the full length heme-PAS domain, BjFixLH(140-270), are complex by 1-3 days following isolation due to broad features and a high density of overlapping peaks, so that individual peak assignments are at present ambiguous. This stymies direct, quantitative interpretation of the source of the observed mass losses. To solve this dilemma amino-terminal primary sequencing and www.selleckchem.com/epigenetic-reader-domain.html MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) mass spectrometry monitoring of three terminal variants of BjFixLH(140-270) have been achieved. The working https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Roscovitine.html hypothesis, that the experimentally observed mass losses originate in the PAS protein sequence termini, has been substantiated. This establishes a basis for interpreting the more complex results from aging full length BjFixLH(140-270). (C)0 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Our aim was to monitor the resistance of Campylobacter isolates from two initial stages of broiler production in 5 grandparent breeder broiler farms (GPBFs)

and 12 parent breeder broiler farms (PBFs) in which no antimicrobials were used during the study. Susceptibility tests were carried out for 805 strains (697 Campylobacter jejuni and 108 Campylobacter coli) against nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, tetracycline, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol using the disk-diffusion method. Quinolone resistance was the most abundant overall (74.9%) and at each stage of production. The second largest resistance was for tetracycline with 48.2%. The resistance against amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol was not found. The percentages of resistance and multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were always higher in the PBFs than in the GPBFs. However, pan-susceptible populations (total 10.3%) were isolated in our survey. C.

Follow-up examinations including clinical assessment and Doppler ultrasound imaging were performed at 3 months and every 6 months thereafter. Findings demonstrated bypass patency and healing of the covered defect in all cases. Outcome in this initial series demonstrates the clinical feasibility of the new BF reconstruction technique, which allows revascularization and coverage of tissue defects using a one-piece anatomic unit.”
“The aim of this paper was to analyze

energy-related properties of forestry and agricultural wastes for energy production purposes, and to compare them with fossil fuels. The forestry wastes used were red cedar, Eucalyptus, and Pinus wood shavings. The agricultural wastes analyzed were rice husk, coffee wastes, sugar cane bagasse, maize harvesting wastes, and bamboo cellulose pulp. The forestry wastes presented more suitable properties for bioenergy production

LY2606368 than the agricultural wastes. see more Desirable energetic properties were found for coffee wastes. The opposite was verified for rice husks. Among the biomass studied, coffee wastes presented the highest equivalent in fossil fuel volume and hence may lead to the highest decrease in CO2 emissions by fossil fuels used in Brazil for steam and heat production. The results suggests that CO2 benefits can be obtained if bioenergy is generated in the same locale where biomass is produced, avoiding CO2 cost of logistics and leading to greater end-use efficiency. The present work promotes the widespread use of different lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production and gives useful information for the planning and the control of power plants using biomass.”
“Erythrocytes have an environment of continuous pro-oxidant generation due to the presence of hemoglobin (Hb), which represents an additional and quantitatively significant source of superoxide (O-2(center dot-)) generation in biological systems. To counteract oxidative stress, erythrocytes have a self-sustaining antioxidant defense system. Thus, red blood cells uniquely function to protect Hb via a selective barrier

allowing gaseous and other ligand transport as well as providing antioxidant protection not only to themselves but also to other tissues and organs in the body. Sickle OSI-906 purchase hemoglobin molecules suffer repeated polymerization/depolymerization generating greater amounts of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to a cyclic cascade characterized by blood cell adhesion, hemolysis, vaso-occlusion, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In other words, sickle cell disease is intimately linked to a pathophysiologic condition of multiple sources of pro-oxidant processes with consequent chronic and systemic oxidative stress. For this reason, newer therapeutic agents that can target oxidative stress may constitute a valuable means for preventing or delaying the development of organ complications. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

54) or White (0.58) populations and explained the lower PAI-1 levels in African (41.5 +/- 25.1 versus Stattic chemical structure 68.0 +/- 33.3 and 70.5 +/- 35.7 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.0001) subjects. Except for White subjects, PAI-1 levels were higher

in those with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. PAI-1 genotype did not associate with either disorder. Metabolic syndrome-related factors had little influence on PAI-1 levels in White subjects but in African and Indians subjects these variables had a major influence on PAI-1 levels in those with the 5G/5G genotype but not in subjects with the 4G/4G genotype. Ethnic differences in PAI-1 levels are largely due to differences in the frequency of the 4G and 5G alleles at the -675 locus. In Indian and African, but not White populations, the ability of metabolic syndrome-related factors to influence PAI-1 levels is modulated by the

-675 genotype. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction: In osteoarthritis (OA), the subchondral bone undergoes a remodelling process involving several factors synthesized by osteoblasts. In this study, we investigated the expression, production, modulation, and role of PAR-2 in human OA subchondral bone osteoblasts.\n\nMaterials and methods: PAR-2 expression and production were determined by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. PAR-2 modulation was investigated in OA subchondral bone osteoblasts treated with IL-1 beta (100 pg/ml), TNF-alpha (5 ng/ml),

TGF-beta 1 (10 ng/ml), PGE(2) (500 nM), IL-6 (10 ng/ml) and IL-17 (10 ng/ml). Membranous LY2606368 mouse RANKL protein was assessed by flow cytometry, and OPG, MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-13, IL-6 and intracellular signalling pathways by specific ELISAs. Bone resorptive activity was measured by using a co-culture model of human PBMC and OA subchondral bone osteoblasts.\n\nResults: PAR-2 expression and production (p<0.05) were markedly increased when human OA subchondral bone osteoblasts were compared to normal. On OA osteoblasts, PAR-2 production was significantly increased by IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and PGE(2). Activation of PAR-2 with a specific agonist, SLIGKV-NH(2), induced a significant up-regulation of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, and membranous RANKL, but had no effect on MMP-13 or OPG production. Linsitinib Interestingly, bone resorptive activity was also significantly enhanced following PAR-2 activation. The PAR-2 effect was mediated by activation of the MAP kinases Erk1/2 and JNK.\n\nConclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that PAR-2 activation plays a role in OA subchondral bone resorption via an up-regulation of major bone remodelling factors. These results shed new light on the potential of PAR-2 as a therapeutic target in OA. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Diafiltration of a protein solution into a new buffer is a common final step in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Farmers should separate their finer and white cashmere prior to sale. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction: Tumor invasion in lung adenocarcinoma is defined as infiltration of stroma, blood vessels, or pleura. Based on observation

of tumor spread through air spaces (STAS), we considered whether this could represent new patterns of invasion and investigated whether it correlated with locoregional versus distant recurrence according to limited resection versus lobectomy. Methods: We reviewed resected small (less than or equal to 2 cm) stage I lung adenocarcinomas (n = 411; 1995-2006). Tumor STAS was defined as tumor cells-micropapillary structures, solid nests, or single cells-spreading within air spaces in the lung JQ-EZ-05 manufacturer parenchyma beyond the edge of the main tumor. Competing risks methods were used to estimate risk of disease recurrence and its associations with clinicopathological risk factors. Results: STAS was observed in 155 cases (38%). In the limited resection group (n = 120), the risk of any recurrence was significantly S63845 Apoptosis inhibitor higher in patients with STAS-positive tumors than that of patients with STAS-negative tumors

(5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence, 42.6% versus 10.9%; P smaller than 0.001); the presence of STAS correlated with higher risk of distant (P = 0.035) and locoregional recurrence (P = 0.001). However, in the lobectomy group (n = 291), the presence of STAS was not associated with either any (P = 0.50) or distant recurrence (P = 0.76). In a multivariate

analysis, the presence of tumor STAS remained independently associated with the risk of developing recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.08; P = 0.014). Conclusion: The presence of STAS is a significant risk factor of recurrence in small lung adenocarcinomas treated with limited resection. These findings support our proposal that STAS should formally be recognized as a pattern of invasion in lung adenocarcinoma.”
“Several pathogens associated with chronic infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae in chronic Selleck MAPK inhibitor otitis media, Staphylococcus aureus in chronic rhinosinusitis and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in recurrent urinary tract infections, are linked to biofilm formation. Biofilms are usually defined as surface-associated microbial communities, surrounded by an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. Biofilm formation has been demonstrated for numerous pathogens and is clearly an important microbial survival strategy. However, outside of dental plaques, fewer reports have investigated biofilm development in clinical samples. Typically biofilms are found in chronic diseases that resist host immune responses and antibiotic treatment and these characteristics are often cited for the ability of bacteria to persist in vivo.

Spectral modulation attenuates molecular, endocrine, and neurobehavioral disruption induced by nocturnal light exposure. Am J Physiol

Endocrinol selleck chemicals Metab 300: E518-E527, 2011. First published December 21, 2010; doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00597.2010.-The human eye serves distinctly dual roles in image forming (IF) and non-image-forming (NIF) responses when exposed to light. Whereas IF responses mediate vision, the NIF responses affect various molecular, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral variables. NIF responses can have acute and circadian phase-shifting effects on physiological variables. Both the acute and phase-shifting effects induced by photic stimuli demonstrate short-wavelength sensitivity peaking approximate to 450-480 nm. In the current study, we examined the molecular, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral effects of completely filtering (0% transmission) all short wavelengths < 480 nm and all short wavelengths < 460 nm or partially filtering (similar to 30% transmission) < 480 nm from polychromatic white light exposure between 2000 and 0800 in healthy individuals. Filtering short wavelengths < 480 nm prevented nocturnal light-induced suppression of melatonin secretion, increased cortisol secretion, and disrupted peripheral clock

gene expression. Furthermore, subjective alertness, mood, and errors on an objective vigilance task were significantly less impaired at 0800 by filtering wavelengths < 480 nm compared click here with unfiltered nocturnal light exposure. These changes were not associated with significantly increased sleepiness or fatigue compared with unfiltered light exposure. The changes in molecular, ERK inhibitor endocrine, and neurobehavioral processes were not significantly improved by completely filtering < 460 nm or partially filtering < 480 nm compared with unfiltered nocturnal light exposure. Repeated light-dark cycle

alterations as in rotating nightshifts can disrupt circadian rhythms and induce health disorders. The current data suggest that spectral modulation may provide an effective method of regulating the effects of light on physiological processes.”
“We present an experimental system that allows visualization of conformational changes in membrane proteins at the single-molecule level. The target membrane protein is reconstituted in a giant liposome for independent control of the aqueous environments on the two sides of the membrane. For direct observation of conformational changes, an extra-liposomal site(s) of the target protein is bound to a glass surface, and a probe that is easily visible under a microscope, such as a micron-sized plastic bead, is attached to another site on the intra-liposomal side. A conformational change, or an angular motion in the tiny protein molecule, would manifest as a visible motion of the probe. The attachment of the protein on the glass surface also immobilizes the liposome, greatly facilitating its manipulation such as the probe injection.

Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1023-1029. (c) 2014 SETAC”
“Introduction: There are published cases of cerebral hemorrhage

secondary to vascular alterations caused by choriocarcinoma metastases. However, it is extremely rare to find this type of bleeding secondary to an association of such a metastasis with a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Clinical case: We present the case of a 19-year-old male who came to Selleck EPZ004777 the Emergency Department complaining of intense headache of abrupt onset. His physical examination revealed a striking increase in size of the right testicle of tumoral origin. Chest X-ray evidenced metastasis to the lungs and a brain CT showed a frontal hemorrhage of probably metastatic origin. The latter eventually progressed to

cause the death of the patient. Pathology of the brain hematoma disclosed a choriocarcinoma within the brain AVM nidus. Conclusions: The case presented is an extremely rare confluence of choriocarcinoma brain metastasis within an AVM. The hemorrhagic onset could have been secondary to bleeding from either of the two histological components of the subjacent mixed pathological lesion. (C) 2014 Sociedad Espanola de Neurocirugia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.”
“Neonatal rats undergo considerable beta-cell regeneration after depletion with streptozotocin Dorsomorphin (STZ). Since the intraislet vasculature is necessary for both beta-cell growth and function, we examined changes in vascular morphology following STZ. Neonatal Wistar rats (4 days) were injected with 70 mg/kg STZ, or buffer, and were examined Bioactive Compound Library datasheet between days 4 and 40 postinjection. Animals receiving STZ were relatively hyperglycemic for eight days, but

became normoglycemic subsequent to a partial recovery of beta-cell mass. However, glucose tolerance remained impaired. The intraislet area occupied by capillaries was significantly reduced by approximately 20% following STZ, mainly within the beta-cell-rich islet core, but had recovered by day 40. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was localized to beta-cells, and pancreatic VEGF mRNA levels in control animals showed a progressive increase between days 4 and 20. This rise was delayed following STZ, but by day 20 VEGF mRNA abundance exceeded that in control pancreas. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was localized to intraislet endothelial cells. Levels of HGF mRNA increased until day 16 in control rats, but subsequently declined to low levels. Following STZ, HGF mRNA had declined prematurely after day 12. Type IV collagen was localized to the extracellular matrix around the intraislet vasculature. The islet area immunopositive for collagen was significantly reduced at all times following STZ.

However, the hepatic expression level of HSL has been reported to be almost negligible. In the present study, we found that mice lacking both leptin and HSL (Lep(ob/ob)/HSL(-/-)) showed massive accumulation of CE in the liver compared with Lep(ob/ob)/HSL(+/+) mice, while IPI-145 manufacturer triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation was modest. Similarly, feeding with a high-cholesterol diet induced hepatic CE accumulation in HSL(-/-) mice.

Supporting these observations, we detected significant expression of protein as well as mRNA of HSL in the liver. HSL(-/-) mice showed reduced activity of CE hydrolase, but not of TG lipase, in the liver compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, we confirmed the expression of HSL in viable parenchymal cells isolated from wild-type mice. The hepatocytes from HSL(-/-) mice showed reduced activity of CE hydrolase and contained more CE than those from HSL(-/-) mice even without the incubation with lipoproteins. Incubation with LDL further augmented the accumulation of CE in the HSL-deficient hepatocytes. From these results, we conclude that HSL is involved in the hydrolysis of CE in hepatocyes.”
“Total astragalosides (TA)

are the principal active constituents isolated from Radix Astragali, which has been extensively used in the traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. However, few detailed pharmacokinetic studies about TA or its main component in human have been done to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of astragaloside IV (AGS-IV), the primary ingredient of TA, and tolerance of TA after single- and multi-intravenous infusion of astragalosides injection (AI) in healthy Chinese

volunteers. see more A LC-MS/MS assay was developed for AGS-IV determination in human plasma and urine, and the PK parameters were estimated click here using non-compartmental methods. The mean maximum plasma concentration (C-max) values of AGS-IV were 2.12,3.59, 3.71 and 5.17 mu g ml(-1) after single doses of 200, 300,400 and 500 ml of AI, respectively. The corresponding mean values of area under the plasma concentration (AUC(0-infinity)) were 4.38, 9.75, 13.59 and 18.22 mu g h ml(-1), respectively, and the mean values of elimination half-life (t(1/2)) were 2.14,2.59, 2.62 and 2.69 h, respectively. In the repeated dose study, no significant difference was observed between the PK parameters, peak time (T-max), t(1/2) and AUC, of day 1 and day 7. Cumulative urinary excretion of AGS-IV was 3.91% within 24 h after administration of 500 ml AI. AI was safe and well tolerated, and the adverse events, such as raised total bilirubin and rash, were mild and resolved spontaneously. In summary, the pharmacokinetic properties of AGS-IV are based on linear pharmacokinetics over the doses ranging from 200 to 500 ml of AI. No accumulation of AGS-IV was observed after repeated administration of AI once daily. AI was safe and well tolerated in this study, although cases of transient adverse events were observed.

\n\nMethods: A parasitological investigation was done on 78 specimens of B. bjoerkna and 114 of H. leucisculus. The fishes were collected from August 2009 to April 2010 by the electro fishing from Anzali Lagoon.\n\nResults: Eleven parasites species were found in 192 fish samples. The prevalence and mean intensity of parasites in each host were as follows: Parasites from B. bjorkna were Trichodina perforata (53.85%); Myxobolus musayevi (27.19%, 1 +/- 0.79); Dactylogyrus difformis Lonafarnib supplier (88.05%, 8 +/- 7.24) and D.

sphyrna (5.18%, 0.9 +/- 0.51), Diplostomum spataceum (98.72%, 9.51 +/- 9.01), Posthodiplostomum cuticula (15.38%, 4.25 +/- 2.5), Ripidocotyle sp. (1.28%, 2 +/- 0.74); Contracaecum osculatum (17.95%, 1.64 +/- 0.79), Philometra rischta (12.8%, 1.4 +/- 0.54), and Raphidascaris acus (1.04%, 0.03 +/- 0.26). The H. leucisculus were infected with T. perforata (27.19%), D. spataceum (7.89%, 1.33 +/- 0.54), Ps. tomentosa (7.02%, 1.62 +/- 0.49) and R. acus (0.88%, 3 +/- 0.28). B. bjoerkna was presented as a new host for M. musayevi and C. osculatum, while H. leucisculus was introduced as a new host for T. perforata and Ps. tomentosa.\n\nConclusion: The prevalence of parasites was significantly more in native fish than that of exotic fish (P<0.05). This reduction in parasitic infection in H. leucisculus Selleckchem SU5402 may be due to its immune system resistance, well

adaptation to the new environment, host-specific limitation for endemic parasites and disability of introduced parasite to complete its life cycle in the new host as well.”
“Current influenza vaccines afford substantial protection in humans by inducing

strain-specific neutralizing antibodies (Abs). Most of these Abs target highly variable immunodominant epitopes in the globular domain of the viral hemagglutinin (HA). Therefore, 4SC-202 clinical trial current vaccines may not be able to induce heterosubtypic immunity against the divergent influenza subtypes. The identification of broadly neutralizing Abs (BnAbs) against influenza HA using recent technological advancements in antibody libraries, hybridoma, and isolation of single Ab-secreting plasma cells has increased the interest in developing a universal influenza vaccine as it could provide life-long protection. While these BnAbs can serve as a source for passive immunotherapy, their identification represents an important step towards the design of such a universal vaccine. This review describes the recent advances and approaches used in the development of universal influenza vaccine based on highly conserved HA regions identified by BnAbs.”
“The high-mobility group (HMG) domain containing proteins regulate transcription, DNA replication and recombination. They adopt L-shaped folds and are structure-specific DNA binding motifs. Here, I define the L-motif super-family that consists of DNA-binding HMG-box proteins and the L-motif of the histone mRNA binding domain of stem-loop binding protein (SLBP).

Despite consuming and emitting c.a. 20% more than the SE pathway, the oil obtained by SFE, proved to be more economically viable, with a cost of 365(sic)/kg(oil) produced and CFTRinh-172 simultaneously extracting high-value pigments. The bioH(2) as co-product may be advantageous in terms of product yield or profit. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Spironolactone is effective at treating difficult to control hypertension in the general population,

and it is unknown if it is safe or effective for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and difficult-to-control hypertension. In a retrospective cohort design, 88 patients with difficult-to-control hypertension study were assessed for blood pressure (BP) response to spironolactone as well as for biochemical changes. In the CKD group (34 patients), the average systolic BP (SBP) fell from 153 18 to 143 20 mm Hg (P = .006) compared with a fall in SBP from 150 17 to 135 17 mm Hg (P < .0001) in the non-CKD group (P < .0001). In 44% of those with CKD and 59% of those without CKD, SBP decreased by >10 mm Hg (defined as responders; P = .22). Potassium rose by 0.5 +/- 0.6 mmol/L in the CKD group and 0.3 +/- 0.5 mmol/L in the non-CKD group (P = .12). The overall incidence of hyperkalemia was

5.7% in the CKD group and 0% in the non-CKD group (P = .07). Spironolactone is associated with a significant fall in BP among those with CKD and difficult-to-control GSK2126458 BP. It is associated with a modest rise in serum potassium, which is more pronounced among those with glomerular filtration rate below 45 mL/minute. J Am Soc Hypertens 2010;4(6):295-301. (C) 2010 American Society of Hypertension. All rights reserved.”
“BACKGROUND & AIMS: Advanced liver disease is a significant risk factor for perioperative complications after cardiac surgery. However, no published studies have adjusted the observed outcomes for other well-known, non-liver-related factors that affect mortality. We evaluated the effects of cirrhosis on operative mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery,

buy Quizartinib after adjusting for nonrelated risk factors associated with liver disease. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients with cirrhosis who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 1992 to 2009 (n = 54). Patients who underwent cardiac surgery at the same institution were identified during the same time period and matched 1: 4 by using propensity score matching (controls, n = 216). Child-Pugh (CP) class and score were calculated for the patients with cirrhosis. Mortality and morbidity were determined after 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: Within 90 days, 4.6% of patients with CP score <8 and 70% of patients with CP score >= 8 died (P < .017). Mortality of patients with CP score <8 was comparable to that of matched controls.

Two precursor states of the delayed fluorescence were identified: P(+)Q(A)(-) and cyt c(2)(3+)Q(A)(-) whose enthalpy levels were 340 meV

and 1020 meV below A*, respectively. The free energy of the P+Q(A)(-) state relative to A* was -870 meV in whole cells. Similar values were obtained earlier for isolated reaction center and chromatophore. The free energies of cyt c(2)(3+)Q(A)(-) and P(+)Q(A)(-) states showed no or very weak (-6 meV/pH unit) pH-dependence, respectively, supporting the concept of pH-independent redox midpoint potential of Q(A)/Q(A)(-) in intact cells. In accordance with the multiphasic kinetics of delayed fluorescence, the kinetics of re-opening of the closed reaction center is also complex ASP2215 inhibitor (it extends up to 1 s) as a consequence of acceptor and donor-side reactions. The control of charge export from the reaction center by light regime, redox agents and inhibitors is investigated. The complex kinetics may arise from the distribution of quinones in different redox states on the acceptor side (Q(B) binding site and pool) and from organization of electron transfer components in supercomplexes. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The individual risk of infection and requirements for medical

treatment after high-dose chemotherapy have been unpredictable. Doramapimod mouse In this prospective, multicenter, open-label study selleck we investigated the potential of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) responsiveness

as a predictor. A total of 168 patients with multiple myeloma or lymphoma received a single dose of subcutaneous G-CSF (lenograstim, 263 mu g) after high-dose chemotherapy. Highly variable leukocyte peaks were measured and grouped as low (quartile 1; leukocytes 100-10 100/mu L), medium (quartile 2; leukocytes > 10 100-18 300/mu L), and high (quartiles 3/4; leukocytes > 18 300-44 800/mu L). G-CSF responsiveness (low vs medium vs high) was inversely correlated with febrile neutropenia (77% vs 60% vs 48%; P = .0037); the rate of infection, including fever of unknown origin (91% vs 67% vs 54%; P < .0001); days with intravenous antibiotics (9 vs 6 vs 5; P < .0001); and antifungal therapy (P = .042). In multivariate analysis, G-CSF responsiveness remained the only factor significantly associated with infection (P = .016). In addition, G-CSF responsiveness was inversely correlated with grade 3/4 oral mucositis (67% vs 33% vs 23%; P < .0001). G-CSF responsiveness appears as a signature of the myeloid marrow reserve predicting defense against neutropenic infection after intensive chemotherapy. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01085058. (Blood. 2011; 117(7):2121-2128)”
“The neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta(A beta) has been implicated as a critical cause of Alzheimer’s disease.