Valine requirements for immune and growth responses in broilers from 3 to 6 weeks of age.

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate valine (Val) requirements in Ross 508 broilers from 3 to 6 weeks of age. Common diets were fed to broilers until 3 weeks of age. Growth and carcass measurements were taken in all experiments.

Regulation of the human oxytocin receptor by nuclear factor-kappaB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta.

Context: Increased myometrial sensitivity to oxytocin at term is mediated through increased oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression. OTR promoter contains putative transcription factor-binding sites for activating protein-1 (AP-1), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which may be activated by IL-1beta, whose concentrations increase with labor.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of IL-1beta on OTR expression and the roles of AP-1, C/EBP, and NF-kappaB in OTR promoter function.

Epidemic infectious gastrointestinal illness aboard U.S. Navy ships deployed to the Middle East during peacetime operations--2000-2001.

Background: Infectious gastrointestinal illness (IGI) outbreaks have been reported in U.S. Navy ships and could potentially have an adverse mission impact.

Anti-inflammatory and relaxatory effects of prostaglandin E2 in myometrial smooth muscle.

The onset of human labour is complex and involves multiple mediators, prostaglandins, cytokines and chemokines. However, whilst prostaglandins are routinely used for labour induction and inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis are used to prevent pre-term labour, these practices are not invariably successful, and the rationale for their use is equivocal. As COX-2 and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production is increased towards term, we have investigated the effect of PGE(2) and other cAMP-elevating agents on events associated with labour induction.

Modeling the dynamics of fermentation and respiratory processes in a groundwater plume of phenolic contaminants interpreted from laboratory- to field-scale.

A biodegradation model with consecutive fermentation and respiration processes, developed from microcosm experiments and simulated mathematically with microbial growth kinetics, has been implemented into a field-scale reactive transport model of a groundwater plume of phenolic contaminants. Simulation of the anaerobic plume core with H2 and acetate as intermediate products of biodegradation allows the rates and parameter values forfermentation processes and individual respiratory terminal electron accepting processes (TEAPS) to be estimated using detailed, spatially discrete, hydrochemical field data. The modeling of field-scale plume development includes consideration of microbial acclimatization, substrate toxicity toward degradation, bioavailability of mineral oxides, and adsorption of biogenic Fe(ll) species in the aquifer, identified from complementary laboratory process studies.

Effects of intracerebroventricular losartan on angiotensin II-mediated pressor responses and c-fos expression in near-term ovine fetus.

The renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in cardiovascular control. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.

Regulated expression of putative membrane progestin receptor homologues in human endometrium and gestational tissues.

Rapid non-genomic actions of progesterone are implicated in many aspects of female reproduction. Recently, three human homologues of the fish membrane progestin receptor (mPR) have been identified. We combined bioinformatic analysis with expression profiling to define further the role of these mPRs in human reproductive tissues.

Association between lack of angiogenic response in muscle tissue and high expression of angiostatic ELR-negative CXC chemokines in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: possible link to vasculopathy.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the vasculopathy of juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM) and the balance between the angiostatic ELR- and angiogenic ELR+ CXC chemokines in the muscle of patients with the disease.

Methods: The expression of 3 ELR- CXC chemokines (interferon-inducible protein 10 [IP-10], monokine induced by interferon-gamma, and interferon-inducible T cell alpha-chemoattractant) and 2 ELR+ CXC chemokines was quantitated in muscle biopsy samples from 7 patients with juvenile DM and 7 healthy children, by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The findings were correlated with various histopathologic features, with particular emphasis on the degree of vasculopathy.

Treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis with suture anchor repair.

Background: Chronic lateral epicondylitis has been treated with various surgical procedures with varying and often less-than-satisfactory outcomes.

Hypothesis: The use of suture anchor repair of the extensor carpi radialis brevis to the lateral epicondyle in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis will result in a more anatomical repair, with resultant improvements in strength, pain, and return to previous sport.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Stroke volume and cardiac output in juvenile elephant seals during forced dives.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of forced diving on cardiac dynamics in a diving mammal by evaluating cardiac output and heart rate. We used MR Imaging and phase contrast flow analysis to obtain accurate flow measurements from the base of the aorta. Heart rate (fh) and cardiac output (Q) were measured before, during and after dives in four restrained juvenile northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, and stroke volume (Vs) was calculated (Vs=Q/fh).

Measurement of citrate in urine using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: comparison with an enzymatic method.

Background: Measurement of urine citrate is used to assess the risk of further urinary stone formation and to assess the benefit of treatment in affected individuals. We wanted to develop a simple and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of urinary citrate and to compare it with our current enzymatic assay.

Methods: For the LC-MS/MS assay, samples were prepared in a deep-well block by adding 10 microL of urine and 20 microL of internal standard to 400 microL of water.

Hydrochemical and isotopic effects associated with petroleum fuel biodegradation pathways in a chalk aquifer.

Hydrochemical data, compound specific carbon isotope analysis and isotopic enrichment trends in dissolved hydrocarbons and residual electron acceptors have been used to deduce BTEX and MTBE degradation pathways in a fractured chalk aquifer. BTEX compounds are mineralised sequentially within specific redox environments, with changes in electron acceptor utilisation being defined by the exhaustion of specific BTEX components. A zone of oxygen and nitrate exhaustion extends approximately 100 m downstream from the plume source, with residual sulphate, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene.

Childhood dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: role of preoperative imaging.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is especially challenging to recognize and diagnose in children. Prompt and definitive treatment is essential based on the tumor's high rate of recurrence. Our purpose is to increase physician awareness and recognition of DFSP in the pediatric population with the largest case series of childhood DFSP to our knowledge thus reported in the literature.

A soluble divalent class I MHC/IgG1 fusion protein activates CD8+ T cells in vivo.

CD8+ T lymphocytes recognize tumor and viral antigens bound to class I major histocompatibility complexes (MHC). Tumors and viruses may evade detection by preventing antigen presentation. The present study was designed to determine whether a soluble divalent fusion protein, containing the extracellular domains of a class I MHC molecule fused to beta2-microglobulin and the constant domains of IgG1, could induce an immune response in vivo.

Norovirus and histo-blood group antigens: demonstration of a wide spectrum of strain specificities and classification of two major binding groups among multiple binding patterns.

Noroviruses, an important cause of acute gastroenteritis, have been found to recognize human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) as receptors. Four strain-specific binding patterns to HBGAs have been described in our previous report. In this study, we have extended the binding patterns to seven based on 14 noroviruses examined.

Angiopoietin-like-4 is a potential angiogenic mediator in arthritis.

Our previous studies of gene expression profiling during collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) indicated that the putative angiogenic factor Angptl4 was one of the most highly expressed mRNAs early in disease. To investigate the potential involvement of Angptl4 in CIA pathogenesis, Angptl4 protein levels were assessed at early stages of disease and its cellular sources were determined. In addition, the functional effects of mouse Angptl4 on endothelial cells were assessed.

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors for treating preterm labour.

Background: Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors inhibit uterine contractions, are easily administered and have fewer maternal side-effects compared to conventional tocolytics. However, adverse effects have been reported on the fetus and newborn as a result of exposure to COX inhibitors.

Determination of interstitial water chemistry and porosity in consolidated aquifer materials by diffusion equilibrium-exchange.

Diffusion equilibrium exchange (DEE) is presented as a novel, practical alternative to centrifugation for the recovery and chemical analysis of interstitial water in contaminated core samples from consolidated rocks and aquifers. The methodology is suitable for sampling organic and inorganic compounds, including redox sensitive species such as SO4(2-), NO3-, NO2-, Mn(II), Fe(II), and sulfide (HS-). DEE also permits analyte extraction from kilogram quantities of core, which avoids extended centrifugation or sample amalgamation and provides analyte masses appropriate for stable isotope analysis.

STARplasty for reconstruction of the burned web space: introduction of an alternative technique for the correction of dorsal neosyndactyly.

Introduction: Significant hand burns frequently result in dorsal neosyndactyly, despite appropriate wound care, excision/grafting, and occupational therapy. Patients often develop limited abduction, tethered flexion/extension, intrinsic tightness, and inversion of the web space. We present a new technique for neosyndactyly release: the STARplasty (Syndactyly Treatment After Release), named after the appearance of the reconstructed web.

Identification and localization of prostaglandin E2 receptors in upper and lower segment human myometrium during pregnancy.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a key role in the maintenance of human pregnancy and labour onset. PGE2 can elicit diverse actions within the uterus depending on the PGE2 receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) expressed. By signalling through different intracellular pathways the EP receptors may inhibit or promote smooth muscle contractility.

Gastroenteritis in US Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Background: Approximately 83,000 US Marines participated in the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Spring 2003. A Navy Preventive Medicine laboratory was set up in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, to provide clinical diagnostic support for Marine medical units during a period of repositioning in south-central Iraq.

Methods: Specimen collection boxes were sent to >30 primary care medical stations handling 500-900 personnel each.

Current medical therapy in the prevention and treatment of preterm labour.

The prevention of preterm birth should be one of the major aims of antenatal care. Unfortunately, identification of women who will subsequently deliver preterm is imprecise. Prevention is also difficult.