Pompey And Theophanes Of Mytilene

Classic

Oxytocin in pregnancy and the postpartum: relations to labor and its management.

The purpose of this study was to examine variations in endogenous oxytocin levels in pregnancy and postpartum state. We also explored the associations between delivery variables and oxytocin levels. A final sample of 272 mothers in their first trimester of pregnancy was included for the study. Blood samples were drawn during the first trimester and third trimester of pregnancy and at 8 weeks postpartum. Socio-demographic data were collected at each time point and medical files were consulted for delivery details. In most women, levels of circulating oxytocin increased from the first to third trimester of pregnancy followed by a decrease in the postpartum period. Oxytocin levels varied considerably between individuals, ranging from 50 pg/mL to over 2000 pg/mL. Parity was the main predictor of oxytocin levels in the third trimester of pregnancy and of oxytocin level changes from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. Oxytocin levels in the third trimester of pregnancy predicted a self-reported negative labor experience and increased the chances of having an epidural. Intrapartum exogenous oxytocin was positively associated with levels of oxytocin during the postpartum period. Our exploratory results suggest that circulating oxytocin levels during the third trimester of pregnancy may predict the type of labor a woman will experience. More importantly, the quantity of intrapartum exogenous oxytocin administered during labor predicted plasma oxytocin levels 2 months postpartum, suggesting a possible long-term effect of this routine intervention, the consequences of which are largely unknown

Immune modulation and increased neurotrophic factor production in multiple sclerosis patients treated with testosterone

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with a pronounced neurodegenerative component. It has been suggested that novel treatment options are needed that target both aspects of the disease. Evidence from basic and clinical studies suggests that testosterone has an immunomodulatory as well as a potential neuroprotective effect that could be beneficial in MS.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten male MS patients were treated with 10 g of gel containing 100 mg of testosterone in a cross-over design (6 month observation period followed by 12 months of treatment). Blood samples were obtained at three-month intervals during the observation and the treatment period. Isolated blood peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used to examine lymphocyte subpopulation composition by flow cytometry and <it>ex vivo </it>protein production of cytokines (IL-2, IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17, IL-10, IL-12p40, TGFβ1) and growth factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF, platelet-derived growth factor PDGF-BB, nerve growth factor NGF, and ciliary neurotrophic factor CNTF). Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin recall tests were obtained before and during treatment as an <it>in vivo </it>functional immune measure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Testosterone treatment significantly reduced DTH recall responses and induced a shift in peripheral lymphocyte composition by decreasing CD4+ T cell percentage and increasing NK cells. In addition, PBMC production of IL-2 was significantly decreased while TGFβ1 production was increased. Furthermore, PBMCs obtained during the treatment period produced significantly more BDNF and PDGF-BB.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results are consistent with an immunomodulatory effect of testosterone treatment in MS. In addition, increased production of BDNF and PDGF-BB suggests a potential neuroprotective effect.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>NCT00405353 <url>http://www.clinicaltrials.gov</url></p

The effects of situational anxiety, manifest anxiety and achievement on skin conductance and heart rate

A primary purpose of the present investigation was to show that an experimental situation requiring relatively little effort on the part of the subjects would be sufficiently arousing to cause concomitant variations in physiological responses. An additional objective was to determine whether physiological indicants of activation level varied in relation to levels of manifest anxiety and achievement. Activation level was altered by changing the incentive but not the actual difficulty of the task. This was accomplished by having S discriminate between flashes of blue and green light after being told (a) her responses were not recorded; and (b) her responses were recorded. In the latter condition, Ss were interrupted while responding. Manifest anxiety level was varied by using Ss with high, medium and low MAS scores. Achievement level was determined by selecting from these subjects those whose obtained grade point averages deviated more than plus or minus one standard deviation from their predicted grade point averages. Thirty Ss were divided according to MAS scores and achievement level into six equal groups. Measures of heart rate, skin conductance and cortical activity were recorded simultaneously for each of 30 Ss under each of the conditions described above

Major depressive disorder in a family study of obsessive–compulsive disorder with pediatric probands

Objective: This study examined the comorbidity of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) with major depressive disorder (MDD) in a family study of OCD with pediatric probands. Method: This study assessed the lifetime prevalence of MDD in 141 first‐degree relatives (FDR) and 452 second‐degree relatives (SDR) of pediatric probands with OCD and healthy controls, and identified variables associated with MDD in case FDR. All available FDR were directly interviewed blind to proband status; parents were also interviewed to assess the family psychiatric history of FDR and SDR. Best‐estimate diagnoses were made using all sources of information. Data were analyzed with logistic regression and robust Cox regression models. Results: Lifetime MDD prevalence was significantly higher in case than in control FDR (30.4 versus 15.4%). Lifetime MDD prevalence was significantly higher in FDR of case probands with MDD than in FDR of case probands without MDD or control FDR (46.3 versus 19.7 versus 15.4%, respectively). MDD in case FDR was significantly associated with MDD in case probands and with age and OCD in those relatives. Lifetime MDD prevalence was similar in case and control SDR. However, lifetime MDD prevalence was significantly higher in SDR of case probands with MDD than in SDR of case probands without MDD or control SDR (31.9 versus 16.8 versus 15.4%, respectively). Conclusions: MDD prevalence was significantly higher in both FDR and SDR of case probands with MDD than in relatives of case probands without MDD or control relatives, suggesting that pediatric OCD comorbid with MDD is a complex familial syndrome. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87090/1/20824_ftp.pd

Predictors for Therapy Response to Intrathecal Corticosteroid Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: The autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS) represents a heterogeneous disease pattern with an individual course that may lead to permanent disability. In addition to immuno-modulating therapies patients benefit from symptomatic approaches like intrathecal corticosteroid therapy (ICT), which is frequently applied in a growing number of centers in Germany. ICT reduces spasticity, which elongates patient's walking distance and speed, thus improves quality of life.Methods: In our study we set out to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters and clinical predictors for response to ICT. Therefore, we analyzed 811 CSF samples collected from 354 patients over a time period of 12 years. Patients who received ICT were divided in two groups (improving or active group) depending on their EDSS-progress. As control groups we analyzed data of ICT naïve patients, who were divided in the two groups as well. Additionally we observed the clinical progress after receiving ICT by comparison of patients in both groups.Results: The results showed clinical data had a significant influence on the probability to benefit from ICT. The probability (shown by Odds Ratio of 1.77–2.43) to belong to the improving group in contrast to the active group is significantly (p &lt; 0.0001) higher at later stages of disease with early disease onset (&lt; 35 years, OR = 2.43) and higher EDSS at timepoint of ICT-initiation (EDSS &gt; 6, OR = 2.06). Additionally, we observed lower CSF cell counts (6.68 ± 1.37 μl) and lower total CSF protein (412 ± 18.25 mg/l) of patients who responded to ICT compared to patients who did not (p &lt; 0.05). In the control group no significant differences were revealed. Furthermore analyses of our data revealed patients belonging to the improving group reach an EDSS of 6 after ICT-initiation less often than patients of the active group (after 13 years 39.8% in the improving group, 67.8% in the active group).Conclusion: Our study implies two relevant messages: (i) although the study was not designed to prospectively assess clinical data, in this cohort no severe side effects were observed under ICT; (ii) disease onset, EDSS, CSF cell count, and total protein may serve as predictive markers for therapy response

SEEK (Sludge to Energy Enterprises in Kampala): co-processing faecal sludge for fuel production

The goal of this project was to improve the resource-recovery value of faecal sludge treatment products. A market assessment identified coffee husks, spent grain, and sawdust as optimal organic wastes to coprocess with faecal sludge to increase its fuel value. Drying times of faecal sludge to 90% solids were reduced by half with co-pelletizing with these organic wastes. Briquettes produced with char had comparable heating value, fuel performance, and emissions to charcoal briquettes currently being sold. Use of pellets as a fuel was tested in a gasifier and in several industrial clay kilns (after crushing). High ash content led to clinker formation in the gasifier, but performed well in kilns. The potential market for co-processed faecal sludge fuels is high in Kampala, Uganda, especially among industries, however, the market for pellets needs to be developed

Identifying precursors and aqueous organic aerosol formation pathways during the SOAS campaign

Aqueous multiphase chemistry in the atmosphere can lead to rapid transformation of organic compounds, forming highly oxidized, low-volatility organic aerosol and, in some cases, light-absorbing (brown) carbon. Because liquid water is globally abundant, this chemistry could substantially impact climate, air quality, and health. Gas-phase precursors released from biogenic and anthropogenic sources are oxidized and fragmented, forming water-soluble gases that can undergo reactions in the aqueous phase (in clouds, fogs, and wet aerosols), leading to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA$_{AQ}$). Recent studies have highlighted the role of certain precursors like glyoxal, methylglyoxal, glycolaldehyde, acetic acid, acetone, and epoxides in the formation of SOA$_{AQ}$. The goal of this work is to identify additional precursors and products that may be atmospherically important. In this study, ambient mixtures of watersoluble gases were scrubbed from the atmosphere into water at Brent, Alabama, during the 2013 Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS). Hydroxyl (OH ·) radical oxidation experiments were conducted with the aqueous mixtures collected from SOAS to better understand the formation of SOA through gas-phase followed by aqueous-phase chemistry. Total aqueous-phase organic carbon concentrations for these mixtures ranged from 92 to 179 μM-C, relevant for cloud and fog waters. Aqueous OH-reactive compounds were primarily observed as odd ions in the positive ion mode by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Ultra highresolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) spectra and tandem MS (MS– MS) fragmentation of these ions were consistent with the presence of carbonyls and tetrols. Products were observed in the negative ion mode and included pyruvate and oxalate, which were confirmed by ion chromatography. Pyruvate and oxalate have been found in the particle phase in many locations (as salts and complexes). Thus, formation of pyruvate/oxalate suggests the potential for aqueous processing of these ambient mixtures to form SOA$_{AQ}$

Opposing Effects of Particle Pollution, Ozone, and Ambient Temperature on Arterial Blood Pressure

Background: Diabetes increases the risk of hypertension and orthostatic hypotension and raises the risk of cardiovascular death during heat waves and high pollution episodes