in all cases, treatment consisted of implant periapical surgery,

in all cases, treatment consisted of implant periapical surgery, after which the symptoms disappeared. The radiotransparencies showed progressive resolution.

Conclusion: The possibility of implant periapical lesions must be taken into account. A rapid diagnosis should be established to treat the lesions at an early stage, hence preventing the need for implant extraction. (c) 2009 American Selleck VX770 Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons”
“In this paper, the ferroic properties of polycrystalline LuFe2O4 samples were carefully investigated, and a dissimilar charge ordered state was identified. Strong dielectric dispersion, between 350 K and 225 K; the formation of cluster glass magnetic phases in the same temperature

range; and the existence of a ferrimagnetic transition at 230 K indicate the coupling between the ferroelectric and the magnetic orders. Mossbauer spectroscopic investigations, at room temperature, revealed unbalanced contributions of the ferric

and ferrous iron ions to the charge ordered state. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3622147]“
“Background and Aim: Increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), common in aging populations, are associated with higher risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes and coronary PP2 mw heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between lifestyle factors and high CRP among middle-aged men living in Shanghai, China.

Methods and Results: In this cross-sectional study, 3978 urban Chinese men aged 40-74 years who were free of type-2 diabetes at baseline provided fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements and information on lifestyle factors and disease history.

Dietary patterns were assessed Crenigacestat ic50 by factor analysis. Participants were categorised into two groups according to CRP level: normal (<= 3 mg/L) and high (>3 mg/L). Associations between

CRP categories and lifestyle factors were investigated by using logistic regression.

Obesity, weight gain, cigarette smoking and alcohol intake were positively associated with high CRP levels, while physical activity and a dietary pattern with high consumption of fruit were inversely related to high CRP levels. A positive trend of marginal significance between quintiles of a dietary pattern with high consumption of meat and high CRP levels was also observed. No association between tea intake and CRP level was observed.

Conclusions: Components of an adverse lifestyle were associated with high CRP levels. Obesity, smoking and alcohol intake were associated with high CRP, a biomarker of low-grade inflammation in middle-aged men, while a dietary pattern rich in fruit and high physical activity were inversely associated with the prevalence of high CRP. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Acute, sub acute toxicity and microscopy of the leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis were studied.

Although pregnant women initiated ANC attendance late, their timi

Although pregnant women initiated ANC attendance late, their timing was in line with the national guidelines recommending IPTp delivery between 20-24 weeks and 28-32 weeks of gestation. Only 15% of the women delayed to the extent of being too late to be eligible for a first dose of IPTp. Less than 1% of women started ANC attendance after 32 weeks of gestation. During the second IPTp delivery period health workers delivered IPTp

to significantly less women than during the first one (55% vs. 73%) contributing to low second dose coverage. Simplified IPTp guidelines for front-line health workers as recommended by WHO could lead to a 20 percentage point increase in IPTp coverage.

Conclusions: This study suggests that facility and policy factors are greater Navitoclax cell line barriers to IPTp coverage than women’s timing of ANC attendance. To maximize the benefit of the IPTp intervention, revision of existing guidelines is needed.

AZD0530 mw Training on simplified IPTp messages should be consolidated as part of the extended antenatal care training to change health workers’ delivery practices and increase IPTp coverage. Pregnant women’s knowledge about IPTp and the risks of malaria during pregnancy should be enhanced as well as their ability and power to demand IPTp and other ANC services.”
“The idea of an evolutionary sequence for humans is quite recent. Over the last 150 years, we have discovered unexpected ancestors, numerous close relatives and our deep evolutionary roots in Africa. In the last decade, three Late Miocene hominids have been described, two about 6 Ma (Ardipithecus and Orrorin) in East Africa and the third dated to about 7 Ma (Sahelanthropus) in Central Africa. The specimens are too few to propose definite relationship to other species, but clearly these belong to a new evolutive grade distinct from Australopithecus and Homo. Moreover, all of them were probably habitual bipeds and lived in woodlands, thus falsifying the savannah hypothesis of

human origins. In light of all this recent knowledge, INCB028050 Charles Darwin predicted correctly in 1871 that Africa is the birthplace of humans, chimpanzees and our close relatives.”
“Epidermoid cysts are rare, slow growing, space-occupying lesions of early adulthood. Among the various locations, involvement of the brainstem is quite exceptional. In children, these tumors are extremely uncommon; only 4 purely intrinsic brainstem epidermoids are reported in the literature. The pathogenesis of true intraaxial brainstem epidermoid is unclear and is usually not considered in the preoperative differential diagnosis of brainstem tumors. We report 2 additional cases of brainstem epidermoid cysts occurring in children, underlining their clinical characteristics, the difficulties faced in the diagnostic work-up, and the surgical treatment adopted.

the most used techniques for measurements and what

the most used techniques for measurements and what Thiazovivin molecular weight alternative techniques are available. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective. The impact of pregnancy on lupus activity has been controversial especially in Chinese women. Research looking at predictive factors in this population are sparse. The aim of this study was therefore twofold: to determine the frequencies

of abnormal pregnancy outcomes in a Chinese cohort and to identify clinical and laboratory factors predicting adverse fetal and maternal outcomes in Chinese women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Study design. Data of 111 pregnancies of 105 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from January 1990

to December 2008 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing were analyzed retrospectively. EGFR signaling pathway Univariate analysis using chi-square test and logistic regression was used to assess the predictive value of each variable on binary outcomes. Lupus activity was based on SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) criteria. Results. There were 23 elective, 2 spontaneous abortions, and 5 stillbirths, with 81 pregnancies resulting in live births including two multiple gestations. Three neonatal deaths were reported. Fetal loss rate including neonatal death was 11.1%. Fetal loss in active SLE group (17.0%) was significantly higher than those in inactive group (2.0%) (P = 0.047). The incidence click here of premature birth in active SLE group was 25/47 (53.2%), which is significantly higher

than those in inactive group (3/34, 8.8%) (P < 0.001). Small for gestational age (SGA) was more common in active SLE group with incidence of 40.0% compared to 5.6% in inactive group (P < 0.001). Five fetal malformations were recorded (6.0%), including three fetal heart malformations (one complete heart block, one tetralogy of Fallot, and one atrial septal defect) and two multiple fetal malformations, which were significantly higher than general population. Among 25 pregnancies that were in active stage at conception, 14 (56%) deteriorated during pregnancy. Of the 68 pregnancies that were stable at conception, 26 (38%) flared during pregnancy or postpartum. Preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR = 14.83, 95% CI: 3.83-57.41) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 4.43, 95% CI: 1.12-17.60) were significant predictors of fetal loss; preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR = 8.04, 95% CI: 2.00-32.34) and active SLE (OR = 19.90, 95% CI: 2.38-166.27) were significantly associated with preterm birth; preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR = 8.92, 95% CI: 2.25-35.44) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.24-17.25) were also significant predictors of maternal SLE flare-up. Conclusion. In general, lupus in pregnancy in the Chinese population is generally similar to other cohorts.

These subjects were divided into fundus and antral groups Data r

These subjects were divided into fundus and antral groups. Data related

to obesity were recorded on day 0 and upon BIB removal, 6 months thereafter. Data related to transient side-effects (nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux) were recorded on days 0-3, 7, and weekly thereafter, for 1 month.

BIB placed in the antrum was found to have significantly better results on weight loss parameters, while nausea, vomiting ( = 0.02) as well as gastroesophageal reflux still remained up to the fourth week in a relation to the fundus group. Similarly, the rate of gastric distension was found significantly increased ( = 0.001) during the days 1-3 in fundus group in relation to antrum, LB-100 in vivo followed by a progressive decrease in both groups.

Intragastric balloon placed in the antrum lead to better results in weight reduction but to longer duration of tolerability-related side-effects, i.e., nausea, vomiting, HDAC inhibitor drugs and gastroesophageal reflux.”
“The objectives of this retrospective study were to evaluate the effect of direct vertebral derotation on the sagittal alignment of the spine after selective posterior thoracic fusion for Lenke Type I adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Preservation of the sagittal alignment has become critical in the management of spinal deformity. Better coronal and rotational corrections in posterior selective thoracic fusion for

AIS have been reported with direct vertebral derotation as compared with the simple rod rotation technique. A greater lordogenic effect has been anticipated with direct vertebral derotation; however, data comparing those two techniques in terms of correction in the sagittal plane are still lacking. Standing full-spine PA and standard lateral serial X-rays of a total of 30 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated between 2002 Selleck HIF inhibitor and 2008 at a single institution were evaluated. All the patients had Lenke Type I curves and underwent selective posterior thoracic fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation. Patients who were treated with additional osteotomies and concave or convex thoracoplasty or concomitant anterior releases were excluded. Minimum follow-up period

was 24 months. Preoperative and postoperative coronal and sagittal spinal alignments in both the groups were compared. In 13 patients, the correction was achieved by means of a simple rod rotation (SRR). In 17 patients, the technique of direct vertebral derotation (DVD) was used. Scoliosis correction averaged 67 and 69%, respectively, and was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis remained unchanged in the SRR group (p > 0.1). In the direct vertebral derotation group, a significant decrease of both thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis of 8.1A degrees and 11.8A degrees, respectively, was observed (p < 0.0001). Global sagittal balance remained within normal limits in all the patients at the latest follow-up.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value and pr

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value and prognostic significance of angiogenesis in human non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated by BCG immunotherapy. The frozen sections of 28

non muscle invasive bladder cancer specimens were stained with CD34 antibody to label the vascular endothelium using the standard streptavidinbiotin immunoperoxidase method. Angiogenic activity was measured using microvessel count determined by the expression of vascular markers CD34. The prognostic significance of tumor stage, grade, loci number, tumor size, age and CD34 expression in determining the risk for recurrence was studied with both univariate and multivariate methods ALK inhibitor of analysis. According to univariate analysis of the prognostic significance for tumor stage, grade, tumor size, loci number, age and CD34 expression, in patients with NMIBC, the pT1 stage and high grade seem to be associated in a

statistically significant manner with higher risk for recurrence (P=0.004, P=0.004, respectively). In the other hand, multivariate Cox regression’s analysis showed that microvessel density and multiplicity were independent predictor of recurrence after BCG immunotherapy (p=0.016, p=0.032, respectively). This study provides strong NSC 707544 evidence that CD34 MVD is associated with recurrence after BCG immunotherapy. Independent studies, however, will be required on larger cohort to validate these findings.”
“The aim of this study was to examine the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the cell viability and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1s (HIF-1s), bone morphogenic

protein-2 (BMP-2), osteocalcin, type I collagen, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), and Akt in hypoxic-cultured human osteoblasts. Human fetal osteoblast cells (cell line 1.19) were cultured under 1 % oxygen tension for 72 h. Cell cultures were divided into two groups. At the experimental side, low-level laser (808 nm, GaAlAs diode) was applied at 0, 24, and 48 h. After irradiation, each cell culture was incubated 24 h more under hypoxia. Total energy was 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 J/cm(2), respectively. Non-irradiated cultures served as controls. Comparisons between the two groups were analyzed by t test; a p value < 0.05 VX-770 purchase was considered statistically significant. Hypoxia resulted in a decrease in the expression of type I collagen, osteocalcin, and TGF-beta 1 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). Cell viability and BMP-2 expression were not decreased by hypoxic condition. On the other hand, LLLT on hypoxic-cultured osteoblast promoted the expression of BMP-2, osteocalcin, and TGF-beta 1 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Cell proliferation was also increased time-dependently. However, hypoxia decreased in type I collagen expression (p < 0.001), and LLLT did not affect type I collagen expression in hypoxic-cultured osteoblasts.

Forecasts assuming an instantaneous response

of woody pla

Forecasts assuming an instantaneous response

of woody plants and birds to climate change suggested increases in future bird species richness across most of Kenya whereas forecasts assuming strongly lagged woody plant responses to climate change indicated a reversed trend, i.e. reduced bird species richness. Uncertainties Rigosertib manufacturer in predictions of future bird species richness were geographically structured, mainly owing to uncertainties in projected precipitation changes. We conclude that assessments of future species responses to climate change are very sensitive to current uncertainties in regional climate-change projections, and to the inclusion or not of time-lagged interacting taxa. We expect even stronger effects for more specialized plant-animal associations. Given the slow response time of woody plant distributions to climate change, current estimates of future biodiversity of many animal taxa may be both biased and too optimistic.”
“The adsorption and the interactions of water-soluble chitosan (DD = 50%) with main components of reed pulp suspensions were investigated with phenol/sulfuric acid spectrophotometry, microelctrophoresis, GW-572016 ic50 and retention/drainage methods. The results showed that the Zeta potential of peroxide bleached reed kraft pulp transformed from

negative to zero and then to positive because of the adsorption of water-soluble chitosan. Nonelectrostatic forces (hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals force) existed between the fibers and water-soluble chitosan; electrostatic force existed between cellulose fines and water-soluble chitosan. The experimental results showed that the fines existed in pulp suspension would aggregate upon the addition of water-soluble SBE-β-CD nmr chitosan.

The degree of flocculation was affected by the type of cellulose substrates, the electrolyte concentration and pH in the background. With the increase of NaCl concentration, the flocculation performance of water-soluble chitosan decreased slightly for unwashed pulp, whereas the flocculation efficiency of water-soluble chitosan decreased significantly for fine suspension. These adsorption and flocculation resulted in excellent drainage performance of reed pulp, for example, the (0)SR of cellulosic pulp was reduced by about 39 or 18% at C(NaCl) = 0 mol/L, at pH 5 or pH 7, respectively. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 121: 2606-2613, 2011″
“First order Raman spectra of Si nanocrystals exhibit large shift and width, strongly exceeding the theoretical calculated values. The disagreement between theory and experiment is dramatically increasing for the smallest nanocrystal sizes. Here, we present a novel theoretical approach showing one-, two-, or three-dimensional quantum effects, due to the limited size of the corresponding coordinate of the quantum structure.

ObjectiveThis study attempts to find an objective method to monit

ObjectiveThis study attempts to find an objective method to monitor sedation VS-4718 order in critically ill pediatric patients. We compared the SNAP II, a processed electroencephalography device, with the State Behavioral Scale (SBS), a subjective sedation scoring tool. We hypothesize that the SNAP II correlates with the SBS and has less observer bias.

MethodsThis was an IRB approved prospective, observational study. Patients receiving intravenous sedation while being mechanically ventilated were enrolled after informed consent. After the SNAP II monitoring electrodes were

attached, blinded bedside nurses assessed sedation levels using the SBS. SNAP indices were collected and compared with SBS scores to determine correlation.

ResultsWe compared 417 paired data points from 15 patients using Pearson’s correlation Selleckchem Y27632 and least squares means to determine correlation between the SBS and SNAP indices. No correlation was observed. Using covariance model patterning for repeated measures to adjust for covariates again showed no correlation.

ConclusionThe SNAP index does not correlate with SBS scores in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Its use cannot be recommended to measure levels of sedation in our population. Future research should continue to explore objective ways of measuring sedation in critically ill children.”
“Though the prevalence of epilepsies is substantially

higher in people with intellectual disability (ID) compared with the general Population, little is known of the psychosocial burden of epilepsy and adjustment and their respective determinants in this important population. In most modern societies, adult life with an ID is characterized by diminished

self-determination, autonomous function, and life choices. These factors alone are known to be critically linked to the individual’s overall quality of life. The task is to identify additional burdens attributable to BYL719 solubility dmso coexisting epilepsy. This article addresses the significance, for people with ID who have epilepsy, of the many different factors. including seizure or epilepsy-related parameters, antiepileptic medication, coexisting motor and sensory impairments, and psychopathological and behavioral disorders, that can impact their quality of life. Discussion also covers the methodological difficulties in published Studies, and, finally, proposals are outlined for future research in this field. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Treatment of extensive bone defects requires autologous bone grafting or implantation of bone substitute materials. An attractive alternative has been to engineer fully viable, biological bone grafts in vitro by culturing osteogenic cells within three-dimensional scaffolds, under conditions supporting bone formation. Such grafts could be used for implantation, but also as physiologically relevant models in basic and translational studies of bone development, disease and drug discovery.


“Five new glycosides, quercetin 3′-O-beta-D-galactopyranos


“Five new glycosides, quercetin 3′-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1), quercetin 3-O-(2 ”-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 4,6-dihydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), 4-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl 1-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 -> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) and 3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 -> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), were isolated from Hypericum erectum Thunb. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral

and chemical data.”
“Electromigration time to failure and electrical resistivity of 95.5%Sn-1.5%Ag-0.5%Cu-0.03W%Ni microelectronics solder joints have been investigated experimentally. A Black-type electromigration time to failure selleck chemicals equation is developed to describe the time to failure versus current density and temperature. It is observed that resistance of a solder joint is not just a function of the temperature BMS-754807 inhibitor but also a function of the current density. The activation energy

over the range of 83-174 degrees C is measured to be 0.77 +/- 0.12 eV, and the current density exponent is found to be (8.60 +/- 1.65). It is also shown that the most commonly used Black’s electromigration time to failure equation cannot be used for solder joints.”
“Many ad hoc fasting guidelines for pre-anesthetic patients prohibit gum chewing. We find no evidence that gum chewing during pre-anesthetic fasting increases the volume or acidity of gastric juice in a manner that increases risk, nor that the occasional associated unreported swallowing of gum risks subsequent aspiration. On the contrary, there is evidence that gum chewing promotes gastrointestinal motility and physiologic gastric emptying. Recommendations against pre-anesthetic gum chewing do not withstand scrutiny and miss an opportunity to enhance comfort and sense of wellbeing for patients awaiting anesthesia. Gum chewing during the pre-anesthetic nil per os (NPO)

period would also permit the development of gum-delivered premedications and should be permitted in children old enough Selleck Thiazovivin to chew gum safely. Gum chewing should cease when sedatives are given and all patients should be instructed to remove any chewing gum from the mouth immediately prior to anesthetic induction.”
“Two new neolignan glycosides, (7R, 8R)-threo-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4′-sinapyl ether 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and (7S, 8R)-5-methoxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and four known ones (3-6), were isolated from the leaves of Osmanthus heterophyllus. The structures of compounds 1-6 were established on the basis of spectral and chemical data.”
“The influence of Sn doping on the growth of In2O3 on Y-stabilized ZrO2(100) by oxygen plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy has been investigated over a range of substrate temperatures between 650 and 900 degrees C.

However, a majority of emb2750 seeds were able to germinate, but

However, a majority of emb2750 seeds were able to germinate, but their cotyledons were albino and often deformed, and growth of

the emb2750 seedlings were arrested after germination. AtPPR2 is mainly expressed in plant parts that undergo cell division, and AtPPR2 protein was localized to chloroplasts. RNA immuno-precipitation and protein gel mobility shift assays showed that AtPPR2 binds to plastid 23S rRNA. Our study adds to NCT-501 nmr a growing body of evidence that plastids and/or chloroplasts play a key role in cell division. AtPPR2 may modulate the translational process to fine-tune plastid function, thereby regulating cell division.”
“We investigated the effects of cadmium on lung cell DNA in immature mice. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, low-dose

group (1/100 LD50), middle-dose group (1/50 LD50), and high-dose group (1/25 LD50); they were supplied with cadmium chloride or control water for 40 days. Lung cells collected from sacrificed mice were used to evaluate the extent of DNA damage by comet assay. The ratio of tailing cells, DNA tail length, DNA comet length, DNA tail moment, DNA olive tail moment, and percentage of DNA in the comet tail were measured. The rate of tailing lung cells exposed to cadmium increased significantly; the low-concentration group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher rates, and the middle- and high-concentration groups had higher (P < 0.01) rates compared to the control. DNA tail

length, DNA comet length, DNA tail moment, and DNA olive tail moment Selleckchem Barasertib all increased with the increase in cadmium doses, but compared with those of the control group, no significant differences in low-dose group were found (P > 0.05), and the differences in middle- and high-dose groups were all highly significant (P < 0.01). The degree of DNA damage also increased with the increase of the cadmium 3 Methyladenine concentrations. We conclude that cadmium significantly increases DNA damage in lung cells of immature mice in a dose-dependent manner.”
“During the past decade nutrigenomic studies in humans, animal models and cultured cells have provided important and novel insights into the mechanisms by which dietary isoflavones afford protection against vascular dysfunction through the amelioration of oxidative modifications and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant signaling pathways. In this review, we highlight that increased generation of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vessel wall in response to dietary isoflavones enhance the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The estrogenic properties of isoflavones are likely to contribute to the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds activate signal transduction pathways involved in sustaining endothelial function and transcriptional activation of antioxidant defense genes in vascular cells.

OH frequency and severity were more pronounced in MSA-C followed

OH frequency and severity were more pronounced in MSA-C followed by MSA-P and IPD. Differences in brainstem pathology are likely to account for the tight association of MSA-C and OH. A simple standing test should be obligatory in the work-up of patients with sporadic late-onset ataxias.”
“Background. Presence of airflow obstruction in asthma has been based on a fixed FEV1(forced expiratory volume at 1 second)/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio abnormality. The accuracy of FEV1/FVC ratio in diagnosing airflow obstruction remains controversial. Lung volume abnormalities have been observed in severe asthma. We utilized simultaneously

measured spirometry and lung volume to determine the utility of residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC) ratio

in diagnosing airflow obstruction and to identify predictors of abnormal RV in asthmatic subjects. Methods. Data from physician-diagnosed asthmatics referred for lung function click here tests were collected retrospectively. Patient demographics and lung function data were analyzed using general linear modeling. Results. Of the 321 subjects, 221 were female (69%). The ethnicity was Caucasian in 157 (49%), Hispanic in 131 (41%), and African-American in 33 (10%). The percentage of subjects with FEV1/FVC ratio <70%, FEV1-predicted <80%, and FEF25-75% <65% were 25%, 25%, and 38%, respectively. Fifty-two and fifty-seven percent of the patients had abnormal residual volume and abnormal RV/TLC ratio, respectively. A significant bronchodilator response was observed in 32% of the patients. A positive correlation was observed between learn more RV to age (r=0.4) and height (r=0.3). A negative correlation was observed between RV to FEF25-75% (r=0.5) and body weight (r=0.07). There was no significant correlation between FEV1 reversibility and residual volume (r=0.1). RV correlated significantly better with FEF25-75% (r(2)=0.25) than FEV1 (r(2)=0.16). Conclusion. A significant this website proportion of asthmatic patients have elevated residual volume and abnormal RV/TLC ratio

in the presence of normal FEV1/FVC ratio and absence of significant bronchodilator response. The clinical significance of these findings in asthma needs further prospective study.”
“OBJECTIVE: To estimate the angiogenic effect of heparin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured in conditioned media from normal and severely preeclamptic human placental villi.

METHODS: Normal first-and second-trimester floating placental villi were explanted in control conditions and increasing concentrations of heparin (unfractionated and low molecular weight heparin) across the clinical prophylactic and therapeutic range (0.025-25 units/mL). At 96 hours, the placenta-conditioned media was tested for angiogenic activity in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell in vitro angiogenesis assay. Total capillary-like tube length and number of branch points were determined from photographs that did not contain information about experimental conditions.