Portacaval shunted (PCS) rats, a model of hepatic encephalopathy, and control animals were administered racemic venlafaxine for 14 days (10 mg/kg). The levels of the S- and R-enantiomers and the S/R-enantiomer ratios of venlafaxine and its metabolites were assessed by an enantiomer-selective chromatographic assay in serum, brain parenchyma, and brain dialysate of both groups. Higher levels of the

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of intratumoural microvessel density in breast cancer. We studied immunohistochemically primary tumours of 104 patients with metastasised breast cancer who took part in a randomised multicentre trial comparing docetaxel to sequential methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil. Vessels were highlighted with factor VIII staining and counted microscopic

The 10 analogous bis-xylosylated dihydroxynaphthalenes have been synthesized and their chemical and biological properties investigated. The yield of the xylosylation reactions can be correlated to the electrostatic potential, and thus to the nucleophilicity, for the oxygen atoms of the dihydroxynaphthalenes. The bis-xylosylated compounds were more stable compared to the mono-xylosylated ones. They

Holocene records from two lakes on the Faroe Islands were investigated to determine regional climatic variability: the fairly wind-exposed Lake Starvatn on Streymoy and the more sheltered Lake Lykkjuvotn on Sandoy. Sediment cores were analysed for content of biogenic silica, organic carbon and clastic material, and magnetic susceptibility. In addition, a new qualitative proxy for past lake ice cov

The bifunctional dCTP deaminase-dUTPase (DCD-DUT) from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii catalyzes the deamination of the cytosine moiety in dCTP and the hydrolysis of the triphosphate moiety forming dUMP, thereby preventing uracil from being incorporated into DNA. The crystal structure of DCD-DUT has been determined to 1.88-Å resolution and represents the first known structure of an enzyme catalyzing

Objective. To evaluate the role of the endogenous protein anti-secretory factor (ASF) on the symptoms, especially loose stools, in irritable bowel ayndrome (IBS). Design. A diet with specially processed cereals (SPC) known to induce ASF production was used in patients with IBS, in an eight-week randomized, placebo-controlled study. Subjects. Eighty-two patients with IBS were randomized to a diet w

So far, the use of epostane, a relatively new inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4 isomerase enzyme system (3 beta-HSD), has been confined to short-term interference with luteal and placental function. This study explored whether epostane treatment from the beginning of the cycle for approximately 1 month would also inhibit ovarian follicular function. Twenty females wi

Background: During a lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation, a massive accumulation of neutrophils occurs, which is normally cleared by macrophage phagocytosis following neutrophil apoptosis. However, in cases of extensive apoptosis the normal clearance system may fail, resulting in extensive neutrophil secondary necrosis. The aim of this study was to explore the hypothesis that neutrophils,

Since capital needs are high when investing in Renewable Energy Technologies (RET), well adapted financial schemes are essential, including well fitted financial support. Supporting the dissemination of RET means supporting people, not technologies. Though, support mechanism have to be adapted to people not to technologies. A recent study for the European Parliament compares support mechanisms for

Differences between manikins may be present due to manikin body shapes (male versus female). In order to examine such differences a study was designed. Comparisons were carried out based on: (1) tight versus loose clothing; (2) serial versus parallel calculation models; (3) even versus uneven clothing (insulation) distribution; and (4) the effect of donning clothes. Differences were observed betwe

Most econometric studies of equity market integration suggest that national markets are increasingly becoming part of a global equity market. As regards the extent of this integration, however, the results are often inconclusive. Further analysis calls for a closer scrutiny of the basic requirements for perfect integration. This paper presents an analysis of market segmentation in terms of existin

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCID). Most frequently SCID occurs in patients with NYHA class II and III. Aim: To evaluate the influence of prolonged carvedilol therapy on SCID risk in CHF patients. Methods: The study included 86 patients (81 men and 5 women) aged 56.8 +/- 9.19 (35-70) years with CHF in NYHA class II and III receivin

Background Injection of DNA encoding exogenic proteins into muscle tissue combined with electroporation often results in a transient increase of the encoded protein concentration in the muscle and the blood. The reduction is normally due to an immune response against the exogenic protein but other factors may also be involved. How various electroporation parameters affect the concentration kinetic