5,846 research outputs found
BNP and NT-proBNP in heart failure : benefits and limitations for clinical ractice : data from COACH and other studies
No full textThe diagnostic and prognostic properties of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in patients with heart failure have been well established during the past years. Today, measurement of natriuretic peptides is frequently used in clinical practice. However, although very promising, there are several factors that might limit the diagnostic and prognostic use of these peptides. This thesis provided a critical appraisal on the benefits and limitations of the use of natriuretic peptides in heart failure patients. ...
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NT-proBNP in Different Patient Groups of COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textXiaojie Su,1,2 Ting Lei,1,2 Haichuan Yu,1,2 Lu Zhang,1,2 Zhouzhou Feng,1,2 Tiankui Shuai,1,2 Hong Guo,1,2 Jian Liu1,2 1The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Lanzhou University, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jian Liu, Department of Clinical Medicine, the First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, No. 1, Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 136 0935 4197, Email [email protected]: NT-proBNP, a peptide biomarker synthesized and secreted by cardiomyocytes in response to cardiac load, has gained attention in recent years for its potential role in respiratory diseases. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a chronic and progressive inflammatory condition affecting the respiratory system, is frequently associated with comorbidities involving the cardiovascular system. Consequently, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the variations in NT-proBNP levels across distinct patient groups with COPD and establish a foundation for future investigations into the precise clinical significance of NT-proBNP in COPD.Methods: The search databases for this study were conducted in PubMed, Excerpt Medica database (Embase), Web of Science (WOS), and Cochrane Library databases. Databases were searched for studies on the predictive value of NT-proBNP in adult COPD patients.Results: A total of 29 studies (8534 participants) were included. Patients with stable COPD exhibit elevated levels of NT-proBNP [standardized mean difference(SMD) [95CI%]=0.51 [0.13,0.89]; p=0.0092]. COPD patients with predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < 50% exhibit significantly elevated levels of NT-proBNP compared to those with FEV1 ⩾50%[SMD [95CI%]=0.17 [0.05,0.29]; p=0.0058]. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in acute exacerbations (AECOPD) compared to patients with stable COPD [SMD [95CI%]=1.18 [0.07,2.29]; p=0.037]. NT-proBNP levels was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors of hospitalised AECOPD patients [SMD [95CI%]=1.67 [0.47,2.88]; p=0.0063]. Both COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension(PH) [SMD [95CI%]=0.82 [0.69,0.96]; p< 0.0001] and chronic heart failure(CHF) [SMD [95CI%]=1.49 [0.96,2.01]; p< 0.0001] showed higher NT-proBNP level.Conclusion: NT-proBNP, a biomarker commonly used in clinical practice to evaluate cardiovascular disease, demonstrates significant variations in different stages of COPD and during the progression of the disease. The fluctuations in NT-proBNP levels could be indicative of the severity of pulmonary hypoxia and inflammation and cardiovascular stress among COPD patients. Therefore, assessing NT-proBNP levels in COPD patients can aid in making informed clinical decisions.Keywords: amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, meta-analysi
Berberis pengii C. C. Yu & K. F. Chung. A. Fruiting 2014, sp. nov.
No full text8. Berberis pengii C.C.Yu & K.F.Chung, sp. nov. (Figs. 7E–H, 13). Type:— TAIWAN. Pingtung: Taiwu, Kuaiku Lodge, 22°36’48”N, 120°44’39”E, 2150 m, 18 April 2011, Chih-Chieh Yu 683 (holotype TAI -284283!). Diagnosis: Berberis pengii is similar to B. aristatoserrulata, B. chingshuiensis, and B. mingetsensis in its leaf shape, differing from the latters by its narrow-triangular or triangular-oblong outer sepals and from the former by its globose berries. Evergreen shrub or small tree-like shrub, 1.5–4 m tall. Mature stems yellowish-brown, not verruculose. Spines 3-fid, concolorous, 0.8–1.8 cm. Leaves subsessile or sometimes with short petioles ca. 2–5 mm; leaf blade elliptic or narrowlyelliptic, abaxially pale green sometimes pruinose, adaxially shiny green; 4.4–8.9 × 1.4–2.6 cm, leathery; midvein abaxially raised and adaxially impressed, lateral veins slightly raised, the secondary veins pinnate, jointly looped and multi-festooned, the tertiary veins weakly reticulated; base cuniform, margins densely spinose with spinules of 13–27 with 1.5–3.5 mm apart on each side, apex acute or attenuate. Inflorescence a fascicle, 4–7-flowered. Bracts absent. Pedicel pale green, 0.4–1.6 cm. Bracteoles absent. Flowers yellow. Sepals in 3 whorls, outer sepals with midveins slightly raised yellow or reddish tinge narrowly-triangular or triangularly-oblong 5 × 1 mm, middle sepals yellow or reddish tinge ovate 7.5 × 2.5 mm, inner sepal yellow obovate 8 × 4 mm. Petals elliptic, 7 × 4 mm, base clawed with a pair of narrowly-ovoid nectaries very close to each other, apex acutely emarginated with margins slightly ragged. Stamens bright yellow ca. 5 mm, anther connective of stamen distinct, apex truncate. Pistil 5.5 mm long, usually red. Ovules 6 or 8. Berries black, globose or sub-globose ca. 10 × 10 mm, more or less pruinose, estylose. Phenology: — Flowering April–May; Fruiting April–June, October, November. Distribution & habitat: — Berberis pengii is large understory shrubs of 1–2 m tall commonly found in the coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests in the southern Central Mountain Range at 2100 to 2500 m (Fig. 6B). Etymology:—The specific epithet is named in honor of Dr. Ching-I Peng, mentor and collaborator of the senior author, for his continuous guidance, supports, and friendship, and for his great contribution to the studies of Asian Flora. Chinese name: NJfi灣小ª Proposed IUCN conservation status: —Nearly Threatened. Berberis pengii is endemic to south Taiwan and its natural range is mostly within the range of national preservation areas. Therefore we propose a provisional IUCN category of NT for the species (IUCN 2012). Additional specimen examined: — TAIWAN. Kaohsiung: Dagueii Lake, 2150 m, 11 February 2009, Yu 338 (TAI), near the Blue Ghost Lake, 2400 m, 10 February 2009, Yu 339 (TAI), Juniper Camping Site, 2250 m, 12 February 2009, Yu 378 (TAI), the “Big Field” near Dagueii Lake, 2250 m, 10 February 2009, Yu 379 (TAI); near Camp Yukuting, 2400 m, 12 February 2009, Yu 355, 358 (TAI); Dona Logging Trail, 2100 m, 12 February 2009, Yu 347 (TAI). Pingtung: Peitawushan, 3000 m, 6 June 1988, Huang 13670 (TAI), 2400–2600 m, 30 November 1997, Liu 146 (TNM), 2500– 2900 m, 24 April 2008, Wu 165 (TNM); en route from the first Lodge to Chih-pen-chu-shan, 1900 m, 10 March 1990, Lin 408 (HAST); Pa-yu lake to Lakalakashan, 14 February 1993, Yang 30239 (HAST, PE); Kuaiku Lodge, 2250–2900 m, 2 April 1994, Chen 595 (HAST, TNM), 1600–2150 m, 9 October 2006, Wang 9342 (TNM), 2150 m, 18 April 2011, Yu 683 (TAI); Tamaru Camping Site, near Damumushan, 2200 m, 21 May 2009, Yu 325 (TAI); behind Nantawushan, 2500 m, 2 May 2009, Yu 330 (TAI); Linpalapalashan, 2300 m, 22 May 2009, Yu 377 (TAI). Taitong: near Shishuitoushan, 2300 m, 11 February 2009, Yu 341 (TAI).Published as part of Yu, Chih-Chieh & Chung, Kuo-Fang, 2014, Systematics of Berberis sect. Wallichianae (Berberidaceae) of Taiwan and Luzon with description of three new species, B. schaaliae, B. ravenii, and B. pengii, pp. 61-99 in Phytotaxa 184 (2) on pages 85-88, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.184.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/514650
Predicting growth rates of interfaces and internal layers in a turbulent boundary layer using a first order jump model
No full textExperimental research is presented on the characteristics of interfaces and internal layers that are present in a turbulent boundary layer (TBL). Both the turbulent non-turbulent interface (T/NT) and internal shear layers are detected in snapshots of the stereo-PIV data. It turns out that the internal layers exhibit similar characteristics compared to the T/NT interface. A theoretical approximation of the large scale boundary layer growth indicates that the correct boundary layer growth can be obtained by employing a modified first order jump model on the conditional statistics. Employing the same framework to the internal shear layers indicates that shear layers tend to move slower in close proximity to the wall, whereas they accelerate when moving away from the wall. Based on previous research it is believed that these internal layers separate large regions of approximately uniform momentum. Hence, boundary entrainment velocities may be interpreted as growth rates of large scale motions in a TBL
Point‐of‐care N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide assay to screen apparently healthy cats for cardiac disease in general practice
No full textBackground: Point‐of‐care (POC) N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) ELISA test has been evaluated for screening cats for cardiac disease in the referral veterinary setting but less is known about its use in general practice (GP). Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of a POC NT‐proBNP ELISA in cats seen in GPs. Animals: Two hundred and seventeen apparently healthy cats from 21 GPs. Methods: This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study. Cardiac auscultation and POC NT‐proBNP ELISA were done by veterinarians at their GPs. After enrollment at GPs, cats were sent to a cardiology referral hospital for cardiac auscultation and echocardiographic diagnosis. Results were interpreted based on whether cats had normal or abnormal echocardiographic findings. Results: Point‐of‐care NT‐proBNP ELISA results differentiated cats in the abnormal group from those in the normal group with a sensitivity of 43%, specificity of 96%. In cats with a heart murmur at GPs, POC NT‐proBNP ELISA results differentiated cats in the abnormal group from those in the normal group with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 92%. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: In apparently healthy cats in GPs, positive POC NT‐proBNP results are associated with heart disease, warranting an echocardiogram, but negative results do not reliably exclude heart disease. These results suggest POC NT‐proBNP is not an effective screening test for apparently healthy cats in GPs, although its performance is improved if it is used only in cats that have a heart murmur.IDEXX Laboratorie
An epistle to the author of The four farthing candles: By the author of The Rosciad of C-v-nt-G-rd-n.
No full text12p. ; 4⁰.The author of The Rosciad of C-v-nt-G-rd-n = Charles Churchill.With a half-title.Reproduction of original from the Huntington Library.English Short Title Catalog, ESTCN1512.Electronic data. Farmington Hills, Mich. : Thomson Gale, 2003. Page image (PNG). Digitized image of the microfilm version produced in Woodbridge, CT by Research Publications, 1982-2002 (later known as Primary Source Microfilm, an imprint of the Gale Group)
NT P1268 Dunmarra Thorium Grid Geodetic
No full textMaintenance and Update Frequency: notPlannedStatement: This NT P1268 Dunmarra Thorium Grid Geodetic is an airborne-derived radiometric thorium grid for the Dunmarra, NT, 2014. The survey was acquired under the project No. 1268 for the geological survey of NT. The grid has a cell size of 0.00083 degrees (approximately 91m). A total of 104017 line-kilometres of data at a line spacing of 400m and 80m terrain clearance were acquired to produce this grid. This radiometric thorium grid shows thorium element concentration of the Dunmarra, NT, 2014 in units of parts per million (or ppm). Noise-adjusted singular value decomposition (NASVD) has been applied to the data. NASVD is a spectral component analysis procedure for the removal of noise from gamma-ray spectra. Details of the specifications of individual airborne surveys can be found in the Fourteenth Edition of the Index of Airborne Geophysical Surveys (Percival, 2014). This Index is also available online at http://pid.geoscience.gov.au/dataset/79134.
Reference:
Percival, P.J., 2014. Index of airborne geophysical surveys (Fourteenth Edition).The radiometric, or gamma-ray spectrometric method, measures the natural variations in the gamma-rays detected near the Earth's surface as the result of the natural radioactive decay of potassium (K), uranium (U) and thorium (Th). The data collected are processed via standard methods to ensure the response recorded is that due only to the rocks in the ground. The results produce datasets that can be interpreted to reveal the geological structure of the sub-surface. The processed data is checked for quality by GA geophysicists to ensure that the final data released by GA are fit-for-purpose.<br/>This radiometric thorium grid has a cell size of 0.00083 degrees (approximately 91m) and shows thorium element concentration of the Dunmarra, NT, 2014 in units of parts per million (or ppm). The data used to produce this grid was acquired in 2014 by the NT Government, and consisted of 104017 line-kilometres of data at 400m line spacing and 80m terrain clearance
NT intervention and income quarantining
No full textLooking at both social and legal issues, this Brief considers the history associated with the NT intervention and income quarantining. By analysing past policy, the author concludes that it is the marginalised and disadvantaged who suffer most from punitive, disempowering measures such as income quarantining
Construction of an acellular spinal cord scaffold with a novel NT-3 sustained-release system promotes the neural differentiation of BMSCs through the NT-3/TrkC pathway
No full textIn previous neural tissue engineering studies, we successfully constructed NT-3 cross-linked acellular spinal cord scaffolds (NT-3 cross-linked scaffolds), which can sustain the release of NT-3 and promote the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into neuron-like cells. However, the molecular mechanism by which NT-3 cross-linked scaffolds promote BMSC differentiation into neurons is unknown, coupled with the low drug loading of scaffolds and the sudden release of NT-3 on the first day. We used WB and PCR in combination with NT-3/TrkC, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors to determine the mechanism of action in vitro. We hypothesized that NT-3 mediates the NT-3/TrkC pathway as a major target molecule that promotes the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons. We prepared an improved NT-3 scaffold and improve the sustained release of NT-3 through the combination of heparin methacryloyl and EDC/NHS. The adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and NT-3/TrkC signaling pathway of BMSCs on different scaffolds were analyzed. We concluded that NT-3-improved scaffolds can be loaded with more NT-3 and more effectively promote the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons through the NT-3/TrkC pathway. The proposed method has biocompatibility and provides a new idea for spinal cord repair
Neurotrophin NT-7 from carp
No full textA purified neurotrophin, NT-7, including nucleic acid sequences encoding neurotrophin-7 isolated from Cyprinus carpio (carp) is described along with compositions derived therefrom
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