28,435 research outputs found
Prognostic assessment in COPD without lung function: the B-AE-D indices.
No full textpeer reviewedSeveral composite markers have been proposed for risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, choice of parameters and score complexity restrict clinical applicability. Our aim was to provide and validate a simplified COPD risk index independent of lung function.The PROMISE study (n=530) was used to develop a novel prognostic index. Index performance was assessed regarding 2-year COPD-related mortality and all-cause mortality. External validity was tested in stable and exacerbated COPD patients in the ProCOLD, COCOMICS and COMIC cohorts (total n=2988).Using a mixed clinical and statistical approach, body mass index (B), severe acute exacerbations of COPD frequency (AE), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea severity (D) and copeptin (C) were identified as the most suitable simplified marker combination. 0, 1 or 2 points were assigned to each parameter and totalled to B-AE-D or B-AE-D-C. It was observed that B-AE-D and B-AE-D-C were at least as good as BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity), ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) and DOSE (dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation) indices for predicting 2-year all-cause mortality (c-statistic: 0.74, 0.77, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.63, respectively; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). Both indices were COPD specific (c-statistic for predicting COPD-related 2-year mortality: 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). External validation of B-AE-D was performed in COCOMICS and COMIC (c-statistic for 1-year all-cause mortality: 0.68 and 0.74; c-statistic for 2-year all-cause mortality: 0.65 and 0.67; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05).The B-AE-D index, plus copeptin if available, allows a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk
Strain rate and temperature dependence of Omori law scaling constants of AE data: Implications for earthquake foreshock-aftershock sequences
No full textLittle is known about the temperature and strain rate dependence of acoustic emission AE activity (AE). Hence, we carried out a preliminary series of flow-through triaxial compression tests on porous sandstones at different temperatures and strain rates. The AE data exhibits clear foreshock and aftershock sequences with respect to the dynamic failure of the test specimen. Significant AE activity starts less than 5 min before sample failure irrespective of the strain rate. The increase in the AE event rate is steeper and the foreshock exponent p′ is smaller in the slow strain rate tests. It could be the reason why there are no easily recognisable foreshock sequences for most individual earthquakes. The aftershock decay parameter p is a linear function of test temperature as it has also been inferred for natural seismicity. The seismic b-value decreases systematically with increasing deformation rate suggesting a greater proportion of small cracks in the slow strain rate tests. Hence, the AE activity is a function of both strain rate and temperature
Prognostic assessment in COPD without lung function: The B-AE-D indices
No full textSeveral composite markers have been proposed for risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, choice of parameters and score complexity restrict clinical applicability. Our aim was to provide and validate a simplified COPD risk index independent of lung function. The PROMISE study (n=530) was used to develop a novel prognostic index. Index performance was assessed regarding 2-year COPD-related mortality and all-cause mortality. External validity was tested in stable and exacerbated COPD patients in the ProCOLD, COCOMICS and COMIC cohorts (total n=2988). Using a mixed clinical and statistical approach, body mass index (B), severe acute exacerbations of COPD frequency (AE), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea severity (D) and copeptin (C) were identified as the most suitable simplified marker combination. 0, 1 or 2 points were assigned to each parameter and totalled to B-AE-D or B-AE-D-C. It was observed that B-AE-D and B-AE-D-C were at least as good as BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity), ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) and DOSE (dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation) indices for predicting 2-year all-cause mortality (c-statistic: 0.74, 0.77, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.63, respectively; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). Both indices were COPD specific (c-statistic for predicting COPD-related 2-year mortality: 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). External validation of B-AE-D was performed in COCOMICS and COMIC (c-statistic for 1-year all-cause mortality: 0.68 and 0.74; c-statistic for 2-year all-cause mortality: 0.65 and 0.67; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). The B-AE-D index, plus copeptin if available, allows a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk. Copyright © ERS 2016.Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Prognostic assessment in COPD without lung function : the B-AE-D indices
No full textAltres ajuts: A. Schötzau performed data management of PROMISE for which he received financial compensation.Thermo Scientific Biomarkers (Hennigsdorf, Germany) provided all the reagents for copeptin measurements.Several composite markers have been proposed for risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, choice of parameters and score complexity restrict clinical applicability. Our aim was to provide and validate a simplified COPD risk index independent of lung function. The PROMISE study (n=530) was used to develop a novel prognostic index. Index performance was assessed regarding 2-year COPD-related mortality and all-cause mortality. External validity was tested in stable and exacerbated COPD patients in the ProCOLD, COCOMICS and COMIC cohorts (total n=2988). Using a mixed clinical and statistical approach, body mass index (B), severe acute exacerbations of COPD frequency (AE), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea severity (D) and copeptin (C) were identified as the most suitable simplified marker combination. 0, 1 or 2 points were assigned to each parameter and totalled to B-AE-D or B-AE-D-C. It was observed that B-AE-D and B-AE-D-C were at least as good as BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity), ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) and DOSE (dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation) indices for predicting 2-year all-cause mortality (c-statistic: 0.74, 0.77, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.63, respectively; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). Both indices were COPD specific (c-statistic for predicting COPD-related 2-year mortality: 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). External validation of B-AE-D was performed in COCOMICS and COMIC (c-statistic for 1-year all-cause mortality: 0.68 and 0.74; c-statistic for 2-year all-cause mortality: 0.65 and 0.67; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). The B-AE-D index, plus copeptin if available, allows a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk. The B-AE-D indices allow a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk in the absence of lung functio
Prognostic assessment in COPD without lung function: The B-AE-D indices
No full textSeveral composite markers have been proposed for risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, choice of parameters and score complexity restrict clinical applicability. Our aim was to provide and validate a simplified COPD risk index independent of lung function. The PROMISE study (n=530) was used to develop a novel prognostic index. Index performance was assessed regarding 2-year COPD-related mortality and all-cause mortality. External validity was tested in stable and exacerbated COPD patients in the ProCOLD, COCOMICS and COMIC cohorts (total n=2988). Using a mixed clinical and statistical approach, body mass index (B), severe acute exacerbations of COPD frequency (AE), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea severity (D) and copeptin (C) were identified as the most suitable simplified marker combination. 0, 1 or 2 points were assigned to each parameter and totalled to B-AE-D or B-AE-D-C. It was observed that B-AE-D and B-AE-D-C were at least as good as BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity), ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) and DOSE (dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation) indices for predicting 2-year all-cause mortality (c-statistic: 0.74, 0.77, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.63, respectively; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). Both indices were COPD specific (c-statistic for predicting COPD-related 2-year mortality: 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). External validation of B-AE-D was performed in COCOMICS and COMIC (c-statistic for 1-year all-cause mortality: 0.68 and 0.74; c-statistic for 2-year all-cause mortality: 0.65 and 0.67; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). The B-AE-D index, plus copeptin if available, allows a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk. Copyright © ERS 2016
Hyang Ae Shin
No full text학위논문(박사)--아주대학교 일반대학원 :의학과,2014. 2TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT i
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF FIGURES vi
LIST OF TABLES vii
PART ONE : Effect of Epicatechin against Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis : In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION 1
Ⅱ. MATERIALS AND METHODS 3
A. Cell lines and irradiation conditions 3
B. Cell viability assay 3
C. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end
labeling (TUNEL) assay 4
D. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) double
staining 4
E. Mitochondrial membrane potential assay 4
F. Measurement of intracellular ROS production 5
G. Western blot assay 5
H. Animal study 6
I. Assessment of radiation damage in rats 7
J. TUNEL staining in rats 8
K. Immunohistochemical analysis in rats 8
L. Statistical analyses 9
Ⅲ. RESULTS
A. Pretreatment with EC increased viability of irradiated HaCaT cells 10
B. EC protected HaCaT cells against radiation-induced apoptosis 12
C. EC inhibited radiation-induced changes in the mitochondrial membrane
potential 15
D. EC inhibited intracellular ROS generated by radiation 17
E. Inhibition of MAPK activity by epicatechin rescued the HaCaT cells from
radiation induced cytotoxicity 20
F. EC restored the oral intake, weight loss, and survival rate of irradiated rats 22
G. EC inhibited histopathologic changes of oral mucosa by irradiation in rats 26
H. EC reduced radiation-induced apoptosis in rat oral mucosa 29
IV. DISCUSSION 32
V. CONCLUSION 37
PART TWO : Radioprotective effect of epicatechin in cultured human fibroblasts and zebrafish
Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION 38
Ⅱ. MATERIALS AND METHODS 40
A. Cell lines and irradiation conditions 40
B. Cell viability assay 40
C. Colony-forming assay 41
D. Wound-healing assay 41
E. Mitochondrial membrane potential assay 42
F. Measurement of intracellular ROS production 42
G. Western blot assay 43
H. Radioprotective effects on zebrafish 43
I. Statistical analyses 44
Ⅲ. RESULTS
A. Epicatechin increased the viability and migration capability of irradiated primary
cultured fibroblasts 45
B. Epicatechin inhibited radiation-induced decrease of mitochondrial membrane
potential (MMP) 49
C. Epicatechin inhibited intracellular ROS generated by radiation 51
D. Inhibition of MAPK activity by epicatechin rescued the primary cultured
fibroblasts from radiation-induced cytotoxicity 53
E. Epicatechin protects zebrafish embryos from radiation cytotoxicity 55
IV. DISCUSSION 57
V. CONCLUSION 62
REFERENCES 63
국문요약 72DoctoralRadiotherapy has become increasingly important for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral mucositis, associated with both radiation and chemotherapy, is a very common, painful, and dose-limiting toxicity, with an incidence that can be as high as 90%. Exposure of normal tissue to radiation can cause both acute and chronic toxicities including dermatitis, xerostomia or mucositis, and this can result in not only a cessation of the intended therapy, but also a decrease in quality of life for the patient. There has been a lot of effort to reduce the radiation toxicities, mainly by focusing on technological improvements in radiation delivery. Also, many radioprotective agents have been attempted to prevent radiation-induced mucositis. Despite this, no intervention has yet been completely successful in preventing radiation-induced mucositis. Green tea consumed in a balanced and controlled diet improves anti-oxidative status and can protect against oxidative damage. Beneficial activities attributed to green tea extracts and/or constituents include antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative, antitumor, and antimutagenic activities. Furthermore, green tea extract can scavenge nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anions (O2 −) very effectively. Epicatechin (EC), a component of green tea, prevents cisplatin and radiation-induced, ROS-mediated ototoxicity and prevents changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. EC is among the important constituents responsible for the protective and antioxidant effects exhibited by green tea and is also active in lessening ionizing radiation-induced damage to DNA. However, the effect of EC as a radioprotective agent has not been investigated.
In this study, the therapeutic effects and protective mechanism of epicatechin on radiation-induced oral mucositis were investigated in HaCaT human keratinocyte line, primary cultured human fibroblasts, and in vivo in rat and zebrafish model. EC significantly inhibited radiation-induced apoptosis, change of MMP, and intracellular ROS generation in HaCaT cells and fibroblasts. EC treatment markedly attenuated the expression of p-JNK, p-38, and cleaved caspase-3 after irradiation in the HaCaT cells and fibroblasts. EC represents an effective means of reducing cellular damage and facilitating wound healing after radiation exposure. Rats with radiation-induced oral mucositis showed decreased oral intake, weight and survival rate, but oral administration of EC significantly restored all three parameters. Histopathologic changes were significantly decreased in the EC-treated irradiated rats. TUNEL staining of rat oral mucosa revealed that EC treatment significantly decreased radiation-induced apoptotic cells. Also EC attenuated the radiation-induced embryotoxicity in a zebrafish model. Although larger numbers of animals and clinically relevant fractionation schemes are necessary to confirm the effect of EC, these results suggest the possibility of EC to inhibit radiation-induced oral mucositis, a common complication in radiotherapy of head and neck cancers. EC may be a safe and effective candidate treatment for the prevention of radiation-induced mucositis
Scaling of solar wind e and the AU, AL and AE indices as seen by WIND
No full textWe apply the finite size scaling technique to quantify the statistical properties of fluctuations in AU, AL and AE indices and in the parameter that represents energy input from the solar wind into the magnetosphere. We find that the exponents needed to rescale the probability density functions (PDF) of the fluctuations are the same to within experimental error for all four quantities. This self-similarity persists for time scales up to ~4 hours for AU, AL and and up to ~2 hours for AE. Fluctuations on shorter time scales than these are found to have similar long-tailed (leptokurtic) PDF, consistent with an underlying turbulent process. These quantitative and model-independent results place important constraints on models for the coupled solar wind-magnetosphere system
An investigation on the diagnostics and prognostic capabilities of acoustic emission (AE) on a spur gearbox
No full textThe aim of this research project is to explore a new technique, Acoustic Emission (AE),
on both the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in monitoring gear teeth degradation
(pitting), and compare with the more widely used techniques such as vibration
monitoring and Spectrometric Oil Analysis (SOA). Furthermore, by employing the
experimental results and past literature, a model in predicting the amount of gear surface
pitting wear using AE activity level was proposed. The successful forinulation of this
proposed model may be able to predict the remaining life of the gear after pitting has
been detected, thereby allowing timely replacement to be carried out without the risk of
catastrophic failure.
A series of experimental tests which include seeded defect simulations, study on the
effect of operating parameters over AE (under isothermal conditions), AE source
determination tests and accelerated gear fatigue tests have been performed to investigate
the diagnostics and prognostics capabilities of AE via a back-to-back gearbox set up. The
experimental results achieved have highlighted some significant findings: (a) The
variation in rotating speeds, change the AE levels in a much significant amount as
compared to the same variation in applied load. (b) The prime source of AE was
postulated to be asperity contact under rolling and sliding of the meshing gear teeth
surfaces. (c) AE technique has a far better degradation (pitting) monitoring capability
compared to vibration and SOA techniques.
These findings have made a vast contribution in condition monitoring of gearbox using
AE technique and the proposed model has also offered opportunity to make AE a
potentially viable and effective tool in diagnosis and prognosis of gearbox or even other
rotating machinery defects
Search for B+ -> (D+K0) and B+ -> (D+K0) decays
No full textWe report a search for the rare decays B+ -> (D+K0) and B+ -> D+K*(0) in an event sample of approximately 465 x 10(6) B (B) over bar pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. We find no significant evidence for either mode and we set 90% probability upper limits on the branching fractions of B(B+ -> (D+K0)) D+K*(0)) < 3.0 x 10(-6
An Investigation of Acoustic Emission Responses of a Self Aligning Spherical Journal Bearing
No full textHigh power industrial machinery such as steam turbines and large pumps use journal bearings as rotor supports because this type of bearing is a high load carrying capacity. However, abnormal operating conditions in the journal bearings will degrade machine performance, shorten life time and increase the risk of operation. Bearing condition monitoring can detect faults at early stage and hence minimise the occurrence of catastrophic failures. Vibration measurement from an accelerometer is an effective method for monitoring journal bearing. However, due to frequency limitation, it cannot give accurate monitoring results when the bearing produces high frequency excitations such as asperity contacts. For overcoming the limits, acoustic emission (AE) is required for detecting early faults in self aligning journal bearings in high frequency ranges. AE source in journal bearings may originate from sliding friction. The friction in sliding bearings depends on lubricated regions which are influenced by load, speed, lubricant viscosity and bearing conditions. When bearing is operated in boundary lubricated region more asperity contact occurs and generates large AE responses. Hydrodynamic lubrication means that the bearing surfaces are completely separated by oil film, almost there is not severity contact and hence creates very small AE signal. Mixed lubrication occurs between boundary and hydrodynamic lubrication range and creates medium of AE value. The result of AE experiment for self-aligning spherical journal bearing indicates that AE can detect bearing fault in high frequency range till 15000 Hz. For addition there is a positive correlation between speed, load and AE RMS value. For lubricant, if the lubricant has higher viscosity, it generates smaller AE amplitude. The AE characteristic also shows that AE RMS value relates to the friction curve
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