Histotripsy of the Proximal Ureter and Renal Pelvis: Evaluation of Urothelial Injury in a Porcine Survival Model.

Purpose: To evaluate the response of the ureter and renal pelvis to direct targeting by histotripsy guided by cone-beam CT (CBCT) in a human-scale porcine chronic-survival model.

Methods: Bilateral ureteral histotripsy treatments were completed on 6 female swine (n=12). Animals were divided into two groups: Acute (n=2 animals, 4 treatments, sacrificed at Day 0) and Chronic (n=4 animals, 8 treatments, sacrificed at Day 7 (n=2) and Day 28 (n=2)).

A Comparison of Histotripsy and Percutaneous Cryoablation in a Chronic Healthy Swine Kidney Model.

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of histotripsy with cryoablation in a chronic human-scale normal porcine kidney model.

Materials And Methods: Eighteen female domestic swine were divided evenly into histotripsy and cryoablation treatment arms. A planned 2-3 cm diameter treatment was performed under ultrasound (histotripsy) or ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) guidance (cryoablation).

Assessment of the REPLACE study composite endpoint in riociguat-treated patients in the PATENT study.

The goal of treatment in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension is to achieve a low risk status, indicating a favorable long-term outcome. The REPLACE study investigated the efficacy of switching to riociguat in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and an insufficient response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. In this post hoc analysis, we applied the REPLACE composite endpoint of clinical improvement to the placebo-controlled PATENT-1 study of riociguat in pulmonary arterial hypertension and its long-term extension, PATENT-2.

Feature-based automated segmentation of ablation zones by fuzzy c-mean clustering during low-dose computed tomography.

Purpose: Intra-procedural monitoring and post-procedural follow-up is necessary for a successful ablation treatment. An imaging technique which can assess the ablation geometry accurately is beneficial to monitor and evaluate treatment. In this study, we developed an automated ablation segmentation technique for serial low-dose, noisy ablation computed tomography (CT) or contrast-enhanced CT (CECT).

Structural prerequisites for G-protein activation by the neurotensin receptor.

We previously determined the structure of neurotensin receptor NTSR1 in an active-like conformation with six thermostabilizing mutations bound to the peptide agonist neurotensin. This receptor was unable to activate G proteins, indicating that the mutations restricted NTSR1 to relate agonist binding to G-protein activation. Here we analyse the effect of three of those mutations (E166A(3.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 (GRK2) and 5 (GRK5) Exhibit Selective Phosphorylation of the Neurotensin Receptor in Vitro.

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) play an important role in the desensitization of G protein-mediated signaling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The level of interest in mapping their phosphorylation sites has increased because recent studies suggest that the differential pattern of receptor phosphorylation has distinct biological consequences. In vitro phosphorylation experiments using well-controlled systems are useful for deciphering the complexity of these physiological reactions and understanding the targeted event.

Functional relationships for the estimation of van Genuchten parameter values in landfill processes models.

Numerical models of landfill processes need to be able to estimate the capillary pressure and relative permeability of waste as a function of moisture content using analytical equations such as the van Genuchten equations. The paper identifies the range of van Genuchten parameter values for use in models and proposes a formulaic relationship between these parameter values and saturated moisture content. The concept of porous material, its behaviour under unsaturated conditions and Mualem's integral transform equation that estimates relative permeability from capillary pressure are reviewed.

High rates of growth recorded for hawksbill sea turtles in Anegada, British Virgin Islands.

Management of species of conservation concern requires knowledge of demographic parameters, such as rates of recruitment, survival, and growth. In the Caribbean, hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) have been historically exploited in huge numbers to satisfy trade in their shells and meat. In the present study, we estimated growth rate of juvenile hawksbill turtles around Anegada, British Virgin Islands, using capture-mark-recapture of 59 turtles over periods of up to 649 days.

Study protocol: evaluation of a parenting and stress management programme: a randomised controlled trial of Triple P Discussion Groups and Stress Control.

Background: Children displaying psychosocial problems are at an increased risk of negative developmental outcomes. Parenting practices are closely linked with child development and behaviour, and parenting programmes have been recommended in the treatment of child psychosocial problems. However, parental mental health also needs to be addressed when delivering parenting programmes as it is linked with parenting practices, child outcomes, and treatment outcomes of parenting programmes.

Transient and stable expression of the neurotensin receptor NTS1: a comparison of the baculovirus-insect cell and the T-REx-293 expression systems.

Nowadays, baculovirus-infected insect cells and tetracycline-inducible mammalian cell lines (T-REx-293) are intensively used for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) production for crystallography purposes. Here we constructed a suspension T-REx-293 cell line to stably express an engineered neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1) mutant and we quantitatively compared this cell line with the transient baculovirus-insect cell system throughout a milligram-scale NTS1 expression and purification process. The two systems were comparable with respect to functional NTS1 expression levels and receptor binding affinity for the agonist [(3)H] neurotensin.

Optimising the combination of thermostabilising mutations in the neurotensin receptor for structure determination.

Conformational thermostabilisation of G protein-coupled receptors is a successful approach for their structure determination. We have recently determined the structure of a thermostabilised neurotensin receptor NTS1 in complex with its peptide agonist and here we describe the strategy for the identification and combination of the 6 thermostabilising mutations essential for crystallisation. First, thermostability assays were performed on a panel of 340 detergent-solubilised Ala/Leu NTS1 mutants and the best 16 thermostabilising mutations were identified.

Structure of the agonist-bound neurotensin receptor.

Neurotensin (NTS) is a 13-amino-acid peptide that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone through the activation of the neurotensin receptor NTSR1, a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In the brain, NTS modulates the activity of dopaminergic systems, opioid-independent analgesia, and the inhibition of food intake; in the gut, NTS regulates a range of digestive processes. Here we present the structure at 2.

Single blood-Hg samples can result in exposure misclassification: temporal monitoring within the Japanese community (United States).

Background: The most prominent non-occupational source of exposure to methylmercury is the consumption of fish. In this study we examine a fish consuming population to determine the extent of temporal exposure and investigate the extent to which single time estimates of methylmercury exposure based on blood-Hg concentration can provide reliable estimates of longer-term average exposure.

Methods: Blood-mercury levels were obtained from a portion of the Arsenic Mercury Intake Biometric Study (AMIBS) cohort.

Modulation of the interaction between neurotensin receptor NTS1 and Gq protein by lipid.

Membrane lipids have been implicated to influence the activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Almost all of our knowledge on the role of lipids on GPCR and G protein function comes from work on the visual pigment rhodopsin and its G protein transducin, which reside in a highly specialized membrane environment. Thus, insight gained from rhodopsin signaling may not be simply translated to other nonvisual GPCRs.

Individual therapy attrition rates in a low-intensity service: a comparison of cognitive behavioural and person-centred therapies and the impact of deprivation.

Background: This paper looks at attrition in relation to deprivation and type of therapy - CBT or person-centred counselling.

Method: Case notes of all those referred in a 4-month period (n = 497) were assessed for those who failed to opt-in; those who opted-in but failed to attend first appointment and those who attended first appointment but subsequently dropped-out.

Results: Significant numbers failed to opt-in, attend first appointment or dropped out during therapy.

Stability of the neurotensin receptor NTS1 free in detergent solution and immobilized to affinity resin.

Background: Purification of recombinant membrane receptors is commonly achieved by use of an affinity tag followed by an additional chromatography step if required. This second step may exploit specific receptor properties such as ligand binding. However, the effects of multiple purification steps on protein yield and integrity are often poorly documented.

Branched-chain amino acid supplementation lowers perceived exertion but does not affect performance in untrained males.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation affects aerobic performance, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), or substrate utilization as compared with an isocaloric, carbohydrate (CHO) beverage or a noncaloric placebo (PLAC) beverage. Nine untrained males performed three 90-minute cycling bouts at 55% VO₂ peak followed by 15-minute time trials. Subjects, who were blinded to beverage selection, ingested a total of 200 kcal via the CHO or BCAA beverage before and at 60 minutes of exercise or the PLAC beverage on the same time course.

Longitudinal mercury monitoring within the Japanese and Korean communities (United States): implications for exposure determination and public health protection.

Background: Estimates of exposure to toxicants are predominantly obtained from single time-point data. Fish consumption guidance based on these data may be incomplete, as recommendations are unlikely to consider impact from factors such as intraindividual variability, seasonal differences in consumption behavior, and species consumed.

Objectives/methods: We studied populations of Korean (n = 108) and Japanese (n = 106) women living in the Puget Sound area in Washington State to estimate mercury exposure based on fish intake and hair Hg levels at two and three time points, respectively.

Arsenic exposure within the Korean community (United States) based on dietary behavior and arsenic levels in hair, urine, air, and water.

Background: Determining arsenic exposure in groups based on geographic location, dietary behaviors, or lifestyles is important, as even moderate exposures may lead to health concerns.

Objectives/methods: The Korean community in Washington State, represents a group warranting investigation, as they consume foods (e.g.

Thermostabilization of the neurotensin receptor NTS1.

Structural studies on G-protein-coupled receptors have been hampered for many years by their instability in detergent solution and by the number of potential conformations that receptors can adopt. Recently, the structures of the beta(1) and beta(2) adrenergic receptors and the adenosine A(2a) receptor were determined in the antagonist-bound state, a receptor conformation that is thought to be more stable than the agonist-bound state. In contrast to these receptors, the neurotensin (NT) receptor NTS1 is much less stable in detergent solution.

Maintenance as a safety issue.

Because safety is related to electrical power systems maintenance, it seems reasonable to assume there could be legal issues if maintenance is not performed. OSHA has not yet taken the stand that not performing maintenance as required by the manufacturer, NFPA 70B, or ANSI/NETA MTS-07 constitutes a willful violation. OSHA defines a willful citation as one where: "the employer knowingly commits with plain indifference to the law.