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The ability of the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins biglycan, decorin and chondroadherin to interact with collagen VI and influence its assembly to supramolecular structures was studied by electron microscopy and surface plasmon resonance measurements in the BIAcore 2000 system. Biglycan showed a unique ability to organize collagen VI into extensive hexagonal-like networks over a time period of

The Prototype Repository, at the Aspo HRL (Hard Rock Laboratory), is a demonstration project for the deposition of spent nuclear fuel, and provides a full-scale reference for testing predictive models relating to a spent nuclear fuel repository, both its individual components as well as the complete system. The final layout involves six deposition holes, four in an inner section and two in an oute

Apomorphine, a nonselective dopamine receptor agonist, facilitates penile erection and is effective in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. The specific dopamine receptor subtype(s) responsible for its erectogenic effect is not known. Here we report that the dopamine D-4 receptor plays a role in the regulation of penile function. ABT-724 is a selective dopamine D4 receptor agonist that ac

Body mass index (BMI), the distribution of fat, birth weight, physical fitness, apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and B, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) were studied in 38 obese 10- to 11-year-olds in comparison to 52 age-matched controls. Obese children had higher concentration of apo B and a lower apo A-I:B ratio. Significant correlations were found between (a) ap

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of stent-graft design and operator skills on outcomes after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred sixty-four patients (mean age 71 years) underwent stent-graft repair. Patients were treated with four different types of stent-graft: first-generation (n = 58) and second-generation (n = 17) Ivancev-Malm

Patients with hemophilia have an impaired thrombin Generation and therefore form loose fibrin hemostatic plugs that are easily dissolved by fibrinolysis. This prevents maintained hemostasis in these patients, resulting in a severe bleeding disorder. Recombinant (F)VIIa has been shown to enhance thrombin generation on already thrombin-activated platelets in the absence of FVIII and FIX. An efficacy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Cytokines are essential for the prevention of microbial infections. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in infancy is associated with an increased risk of infection, and this could be related to altered cytokine production. The aim of the study was to determine if cytokine production is altered in monocytes from surgical infants receiving TPN. METHODS: There were 3 study groups: (

Objective: Two patients who suffered acute failure of their St Jude Medical Masters aortic valve prostheses due to leaflet arrest that were unrelated to suture material are presented. It was hypothesized that the valves failed because force applied to bear upon the valve annulus caused the hinge mechanism to become restricted or to arrest. Methods: A study was designed to measure the force that wo

Objectives: To compare the pharmacodynamic effects of a pharmacokinetically enhanced formulation of amoxicillin 2000 mg twice daily, with amoxicillin 875 mg twice daily, 875 mg three times daily and 500 mg three times daily against Streptococcus pneumoniae with different susceptibility to amoxicillin in an in vitro kinetic model. Methods: Strains of S. pneumoniae with amoxicillin MICs of 1, 2, 4 a

Ghrelin is produced by gastric A-like cells and released in response to food deprivation. Interestingly, psychological stress also raises circulating ghrelin levels. This study compared plasma ghrelin levels in Sprague-Dawley (SPD) rats and high-anxiety Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. The two strains were also compared with respect to plasma gastrin, a gastric hormone with a pre- and postprandial release

Cystatin C and the prion protein have been shown to form dimers via three-dimensional domain swapping, and this process has also been hypothesized to be involved in amyloidogenesis. Production of oligomers of other amyloidogenic proteins has been reported to precede fibril formation, suggesting oligomers as intermediates in fibrillogenesis. A variant of cystatin C, with a Leu(68)-> Gln substitutio

The world of Arda and the many stories set therein carry within them echoes of earlier tales, and even though it would be terribly reductive to discuss Tolkien’s work only in terms of its sources, knowledge of where the echoes come from contribute to our understanding and, perhaps more importantly, enjoyment of his world and stories. This is illustrated as much by the numerous university courses t

A plasma source free from characteristic emission lines is described, based on laser irradiation of a water jet in a helium atmosphere. Various key aspects of the laser interaction are presented along with practical characterization of the observed isotropic ~4–10 keV x-ray emissions, measurements of which indicate subpicosecond duration. Observations are consistent with a vacuum heating plasma me

Simulations with the EGSnrc code package of an orthovoltage x-ray machine have been performed. The BEAMnrc code was used to transport electrons, produce x-ray photons in the target and transport of these through the treatment machine down to the exit level of the applicator. Further transport in water or CT based phantoms was facilitated by the DOSXYZnrc code. Phase space files were scored with BE

The shape and features of a typical abbey church of the Birgittine Order are studied, based on the stipulations laid down by St. Birgitta of Sweden herself. The architecture is interpreted as paradigmatic of the kind of spiritual reform that St. Birgitta aimed at.

OBJECTIVES: To assess outcomes (wound healing, amputation and mortality) after vacuum assisted closure (VAC((R))) therapy of peri-vascular surgical site infections in the groin after arterial surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS: Thirty-three groins received VAC((R)) therapy between August 2004 and December 2006 at Vascular Centre, Malmö University Hospital. METHODS: Following surgical

A common mammalian defense mechanism employed to prevent systemic dissemination of invasive bacteria involves occlusion of local microvasculature and encapsulation of bacteria within fibrin networks. Acquisition of plasmin activity at the bacterial cell surface circumvents this defense mechanism, allowing invasive disease initiation. To facilitate this process, S. pyogenes secretes streptokinase,