In particular, the neural response to gain and loss feedback was

In particular, the neural response to gain and loss feedback was evaluated in a decision-making task in which subjects could maximise their number of points total by learning a particular response pattern.\n\nBehaviourally. controls learned the correct response pattern faster than patients. Functionally, patients and controls differed in their AZD5363 neural response

to gains, but not in their response to losses. During the processing of gains in the late phase of learning, PTSD patients as compared to controls showed lower activation in the nucleus accumbens and the mesial PFC, critical structures in the reward pathway. This reduced activation was not due to different rates of learning, since it was similarly present in patients with unimpaired learning performance.\n\nThese findings suggest that positive outcome information lost its salience for patients with PTSD. This may reflect decreasing motivation as the task progressed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All

rights reserved.”
“The ATP-binding cassette transporter, ABCG2, is a molecular determinant of the side population phenotype, which is enriched for stem and progenitor cells in various nonhematopoietic and hematopoietic tissues. ABCG2 is highly expressed in hematopoietic progenitors and silenced in differentiated hematopoietic cells, suggesting a role of ABCG2 in early hematopoiesis. To test whether ABCG2 is involved in Rabusertib purchase human hematopoietic development, we retrovirally transduced umbilical cord blood-derived early hematopoietic cells and analyzed hematopoiesis in vitro and in vivo. ABCG2 increased the number of clonogenic progenitors in vitro, including the most primitive colony-forming unit-granulocyte, erythroid, macrophage, megakaryocyte, by twofold (n = 14; p < .0005). Furthermore, ABCG2

induced a threefold increase in the replating capacity of primary colonies (n = 9; p < .01). In addition, ABCG2 impaired the development of CD19(+) lymphoid cells in vitro. In transplanted NOD/SCID mice, the ATP-binding cassette transporter decreased the number of human B-lymphoid cells, resulting in an inversion of the lymphoid/myeloid ratio. ABCG2 enhanced the proportion of CD34(+) progenitor cells in vivo (n = 4; p < .05) and enhanced the most primitive human progenitor Blasticidin S supplier pool, as determined by limiting dilution competitive repopulating unit assay (p < .034). Our data characterize ABCG2 as a regulatory protein of early human hematopoietic development.”
“Objective: The transradial approach has been used extensively for both diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures; however, there is no universal consensus hitherto on the optimal choice of radial access from either the left or the right artery. We therefore sought to meta-analyze available randomized clinical trials to compare the left with the right radial access for the diagnostic or interventional coronary procedures.

Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients with other generic measu

Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients with other generic measures of HRQOL were calculated. Known groups’ validity was examined by comparing groups with a priori expected differences in HRQOL.

Between 91 and 100% of the respondents provided valid scorings. Sweden had the lowest proportion of reported problems (1-24.9% across EQ-5D-Y dimensions), with the highest proportions in South Africa (2.8-47.3%)

and Italy (4.3-39.0%). Percentages of agreement in test-retest reliability ranged between 69.8 and 99.7% in the EQ-5D-Y dimensions; Kappa coefficients were up to 0.67. Correlation coefficients A-1210477 cell line with other measures of self-rated health indicated convergent validity (up to r = -0.56). Differences between groups classified according to presence of chronic

conditions, self-rated overall health and psychological problems provided preliminary evidence of known groups’ validity.

Results provide preliminary evidence of the instrument’s feasibility, reliability and validity. Further study is required in clinical samples and for possible future applications in economic analyses.”
“To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Endometriosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, a patient-reported assessment of satisfaction this website with endometriosis treatment.

The Endometriosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire was developed based on the results of five focus groups and three iterative sets of cognitive interviews along CCI-779 with expert opinion and a review of the literature. The psychometric properties were assessed using data collected during a multicenter, randomized, proof-of-concept trial. The development and validation processes followed the guidance recommended by the United States FDA for patient-reported

outcome instruments.

The Endometriosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire’s reliability, validity, and utility as a measure of patient satisfaction with their endometriosis treatment were supported. The results of the item-level analyses showed no evidence of distributional anomalies or response scale biases. The Endometriosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire is unidimensional, has excellent internal consistency reliability, and discriminates well between known groups. Scores correlated well with other patient-reported outcome measures of endometriosis without being redundant.

The Endometriosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire has utility for assessing patient satisfaction with endometriosis treatment and may be useful in clinical trials that are assessing new treatments for endometriosis, especially when deciding between competing treatments or regimens that are found to have similar tolerability and efficacy.”
“Endothelin (ET)-1 has been implicated in a diverse range of signalling events in a wide variety of target tissues. Given its potent vasoactive function and the prevalence of hypertension in pre-eclampsia, there has been extensive research on the role of ET-1 in this disorder.

Results: 289 infants were included: 150 in the NIV group and 139

Results: 289 infants were included: 150 in the NIV group and 139 in the SURF&MV group. Seventeen infants in the NIV

group and 23 in the SURF&MV group developed BPD (odds ratio: 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-3.05; p = 0.202). After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratio was 1.09 for the SURF&MV group to develop BPD (95% CI: 0.52-2.28; p = 0.812).

Conclusion: The rate of BPD did not differ between infants managed with NIV or with surfactant administration followed by <= 24 h of MV after adjusting for confounding factors.”
“Background AZD8186 research buy – Studies of knockout and transgenic mice have demonstrated key roles for genes encoding components of the renin angiotensin system in blood pressure regulation. However, whether polymorphisms in these genes contribute to the cause of essential hypertension in humans is still a matter of debate.

Methods and Results – We performed an experiment with dense tagging single-nucleotide polymorphism coverage of 4 genes encoding proteins that control the overall activity of the cascade, namely renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, in 2 Irish populations. Both clinic and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements were available from population I (n = 387), whereas

just clinic blood pressure was measured learn more in population II (n = 1024). Of the 23 polymorphisms genotyped, only a single renin gene polymorphism, REN-5312C/T, showed consistent statistically significant associations

with elevated diastolic pressures. Carriage of one REN-5312T allele was associated with the following age-and sex-adjusted increments in diastolic pressures (mean [95% CI]): population I, clinic, 1.5 mm Hg (0.3 to 2.8); daytime, 1.4 mm Hg (0.4 to 2.4); night-time, 1.3 mm Hg (0.4 to 2.3), and population II, clinic, 1.1 mm Hg (0.1 to 2.1). Haplotypic analyses and multivariate stepwise regression analyses were in concordance with individual single-nucleotide polymorphism analyses.

Conclusions – The REN-5312T allele had been shown previously to result in increased in vitro expression of the renin gene. We have now shown, in 2 independent populations, that carriage of a REN-5312T allele is associated Sotrastaurin purchase with elevated diastolic blood pressure. These data provide evidence that renin is an important susceptibility gene for arterial hypertension in whites. (Circ Cardiovasc Genet. 2010;3:53-59.)”
“Aim: To assess whether blood values of C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy term newborns, are influenced by stress.

Material and methods: Since different types of delivery (vaginal delivery [VD], emergency C-section [EMCS] and elective C-section [ELCS]) are notoriously characterized by different levels of stress for the baby, these three groups were used as models of different levels of stress.

Patterns of co-variation are also important Alongside the absolu

Patterns of co-variation are also important. Alongside the absolute levels of different factors affecting age-curves, patterns of heterogeneity should be considered when parameterizing or validating models, interpreting data and inferring from one outcome to another.”
“The study aim was concerned with formulation

and evaluation of bioadhesive buccal drug delivery of tizanidine hydrochloride tablets, which is extensively metabolized by liver. The tablets were prepared by direct compression using bioadhesive polymers such as hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose K4M, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose alone, and a combination YAP-TEAD Inhibitor 1 research buy of these two polymers. In order to improve the permeation of drug, different permeation enhancers like beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), hydroxylpropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) were added to the formulations.

The beta-CD and HP-beta-CD were taken in 1:1 molar ratio to drug in formulations. Bioadhesion strength, ex vivo residence time, swelling, and in vitro dissolution studies and ex vivo permeation studies were performed. In vitro release of optimized bioadhesive buccal tablet was found to be non-Fickian. SDC was taken in 1%, 2%, and 3% w/w of the total tablet weight. Stability studies in natural saliva indicated that optimized formulation has good stability in human saliva. In vivo mucoadhesive behavior Navitoclax cost Selleck AZD0530 of optimized formulation was performed in five healthy male human volunteers and subjective parameters were evaluated.”
“Insulin resistance (IR) reduces response to pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but the mechanisms are still undefined. We examined the relationship between baseline insulin levels, the main component affecting homeostasis model of assessment

– insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for assessment of IR in non-diabetic patients, and the ‘acute’ virological response to PEG-IFN measured 24 h after the first injection and taken as correlate of intracellular interferon signalling. In 62 patients treated with PEG-IFN/Ribavirin, serum insulin and HOMA-IR were assessed at baseline, while hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA was measured at baseline and 24 h, 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment initiation. Sustained virological response was examined 24 weeks after therapy discontinuation. Mean baseline insulin was 11.52 +/- 8.51 U/L and mean HOMA-IR was 2.65 +/- 2.01 both being significantly higher with advanced liver fibrosis. Hepatitis C virus-RNA decay observed 24 h after the first injection of PEG-IFN was significantly lower (0.7 +/- 0.8 log) in patients with HOMA >= 3 compared with those with HOMA < 3 (1.7 +/- 0.8, P = 0.001). A highly significant (r = -0.42) inverse correlation was observed between baseline insulin levels and the 24-h HCV-RNA decay.

The present study shows that splenic autotransplantation restores

The present study shows that splenic autotransplantation restores the function of the spleen in splenectomized mice, even though in this case it does favor the susceptibility to L. monocytogenes selleck compound infection.”
“Background: Bone mass as represented by bone mineral density (BMD) is the most important factor determining bone strength.

Elderly people with and without hip fractures were compared with the BMD of the proximal femora. The correlation between hip fractures in elderly patients and osteoporosis was investigated.

Methods: Eighty-seven consecutive elderly patients (>= 65 years; average age, 77.5 years) with 87 unilateral hip fractures (39 femoral neck and 48 intertrochanteric fractures) were compared with 87 consecutive elderly persons (>= 65 years; average age, 77.7 years) without hip fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the BMD.

Results:

The BMD of the total hip, greater trochanter, lesser trochanter, and femoral neck was significantly different between people with and without hip fractures (p = 0.002, 0.012, 0.011, and <0.001, respectively). All BMD values for patients with fractures were lower. Moreover, the BMD of the total hip, greater trochanter, lesser trochanter, and femoral neck was significantly different GSK2126458 between people with intertrochanteric fractures and those without hip fractures (p < 0.001, <0.001, 0.003, and <0.001, respectively). Between patients with femoral neck fractures and those with intertrochanteric fractures, only the BMD value of the greater trochanter was significantly different (p = 0.04).

Conclusions: The severity of osteoporosis may affect the risk of hip fractures in elderly people. The risk of intertrochanteric fractures may be determined 5-Fluoracil ic50 simply by BMD, but the risk of femoral neck fractures may be determined by multiple factors. Intertrochanteric fractures may start at the greater trochanter due to its low BMD.”
“Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause urinary tract infection in human beings. The accurate and rapid identification and

quantification of P. mirabilis is necessary for early treatment. In this study, a pair of specific primers according to the conserved ureR sequence of P. mirabilis was designed and novel systems which consisted of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a real-time PCR to identify and quantify P. mirabilis were developed. For the qualitative identification by ordinary PCR, a 225-bp DNA product was amplified from P. mirabilis and separated on an agarose gel. The corresponding DNA product is present in three P. mirabilis strains isolated from different geographical locations, but is absent in 20 strains representing 18 different species, including the ureR homolog contained Providencia stuartii and Escherichia coli strains, the other common pathogens Klebsiella sp., Edwarsiella sp., Vibrio sp., Enterobacter sp., and Escherichia sp.

Results: Thirty-five HIV+ subjects and 37 controls were included

Results: Thirty-five HIV+ subjects and 37 controls were included in the analysis. Among HIV+ subjects, the median age was 10 years, body mass index was 18.7 kg/m(2), 37% were male, CD4 count was 32%, 77% had HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL, and 86% were on antiretrovirals. At baseline, HIV+ had higher lipids and C-reactive protein. HIV-infected had higher internal carotid artery (ICA) and common carotid artery (CCA) IMT (mm) (ICA: HIV+, 0.90; controls, 0.78 [P = 0.01]; CCA: HIV+, 1.00; controls, 0.95 [P = 0.05]). At 48 weeks,

CD4% increased and low-density lipoprotein decreased in HIV-infected subjects. ICA and CCA median changes for HIV-infected subjects were -0.23 and -0.15 mm, respectively (both P < 0.01). 3-deazaneplanocin A In controls, only CCA changed (P = 0.04). Between-group changes were not significant, except when only 31 perinatally infected HIV+ subjects and the controls were compared (CCA P = 0.04). In multiple regression analyses of HIV+ subjects, antiretroviral therapy duration and CD4% were associated with cIMT changes.

Conclusions: Higher cIMT was found in this website HIV-infected subjects than in healthy controls, but at 48 weeks, cIMT was similar between groups. These data suggest that HIV-infected children/young adults are at high risk of CVD, but lipid control,

immune restoration, and viral suppression with continuous antiretroviral therapy may prevent its worsening.”
“The concurrent detection of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and its corresponding antibody (anti-HBe) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well established but the clinical features remain poorly understood. Bax apoptosis Demographic information, clinical and laboratory data were collected from 1624 consecutive inpatient records of patients

with chronic hepatitis B. Viral genotype, basic core promoter and precore mutations were determined by direct sequencing. In vitro HBeAg and anti-HBe binding experiments were conducted with three pairs of HBeAg-positive and anti-HBe-positive serum samples, which were mixed at variable ratios and incubated at 37 degrees C for 3-24 h. Of the 1624 chronic patients, 169 (10.4%) had concurrent HBeAg and anti-HBe positivity, and this was associated with intermediate age and HBV-DNA load, higher alanine aminotransferase level and more pronounced liver damage compared with HBeAg-positive or anti-HBe-positive patients alone. HBeAg and anti-HBe titres (median and interquartile range, S/CO) in the concurrent positive group were 4.2 (1.89.6) and 0.54 (0.27-0.72), which were closer to their respective cut-off values than those of HBeAg-positive or anti-HBe-positive groups alone. For the cases successfully sequenced, 110/134 (82.1%) harboured T1762/A1764 or/and A1896 mutants. The binding experiments showed that HBeAg and anti-HBe could be concurrently observed provided an optimal ratio (HBeAg to anti-HBe) was chosen.

However, the majority of studies have

However, the majority of studies have Selleck Ion Channel Ligand Library focused on single MMP, and there is limited

information on parallel expression of MMP and their antagonists TIMP. We, therefore, investigated the serum profile of MMP 13, 79, 12 and 13, and TIMP 14 in COPD patients. Methods: Serum MMP 13, 79, 12 and 13, and TIMP 14 were measured in 74 COPD patients and 20 control subjects by multiple microsphere technology. Results: MMP 13 and MMP 79 were elevated in COPD patients compared with control subjects (P= 0.0010.043). The increased concentrations of MMP 1, 8 and 9 paralleled GOLD stage (P= 0.0020.007). TIMP 1 and 4 concentrations were elevated in COPD (P < 0.001). MMP 1, 8 and 9, and TIMP 1 and 4 serum levels in COPD non-smokers were higher than in control non-smokers (P= 0.0020.025). MMP 12 and 13 levels were undetectable in our serum samples. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence for increased MMP 1, 79, and TIMP 1 serum levels in COPD, and demonstrates for the first time serum elevation of MMP 2 and 3, and TIMP 4. The finding that circulating TIMP 4 levels are increased in COPD and the observed relationship between serum levels PARP inhibitor of MMP 1, 8 and 9, and GOLD stage requires verification in an

expanded patient cohort.”
“Background: Cognitive symptoms, such as concentration problems, are frequently recorded by sarcoidosis patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of perceived everyday cognitive failure in sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, the effect of treatment on cognitive functioning was examined. Methods: The study included 343 sarcoidosis patients (44.6% females; age AZD9291 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor 49.3 +/- 11.0 years). They completed the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ) and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) at baseline and the 6-month follow-up to evaluate the effect of treatment on cognitive functioning. The control group consisted of 343 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. Results: The mean CFQ score was significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients (37.3 +/- 16.1) compared with the

controls (31.3 +/- 10.1; p < 0.0001). A high CFQ sore (>= 43) was found in 35.0% of the patients and only 14.3% of the controls. No relation with disease severity and duration, or disease location was found. The proportion of patients receiving treatment did not differ among the groups with high and normal CFQ score. At the 6-month follow-up, only patients recently treated with anti-TNF-alpha therapy (n = 42) demonstrated a significant improvement in the CFQ score (Delta -7.07 +/- 7.23) compared with the untreated patients (Delta -0.08 +/- 9.35) and patients treated with prednisone with or without methotrexate (Delta 1.67 +/- 9.22; p < 0.0001). After adjustment for the concomitant decrease in fatigue, the effect of anti-TNF-alpha therapy remained high and significant.

Direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column

Direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP) was recently identified as an effective

treatment for sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, little is known about the effectiveness of PMX-DHP for rapidly progressive IP. Objectives: The present study investigates whether PMX-DHP is safe and effective against rapidly progressive IP. Methods: We retrospectively examined the effects of PMX-DHP in 33 consecutive patients with rapidly progressive IP who were resistant to steroid pulse therapy. Patients were hospitalized at Nagasaki University Hospital between 2006 and 2009. Results: Seventy-two hours after PMX-DHP, the arterial oxygen tension/inspiratory oxygen fraction ratio (median 127-153 mm Hg) had significantly improved. One week after PMX-DHP, the arterial oxygen tension/inspiratory oxygen fraction ratio (median 127-227 mm Hg), the alveolar-arterial difference of oxygen (median 371-177 learn more Nepicastat in vitro mm Hg) and the number of positive criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome had significantly improved, despite the ineffectiveness of corticosteroid pulse therapy. The serum level of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 was significantly decreased immediately after PMX-DHP. Conclusions: PMX-DHP was safe and effective in improving

oxygenation and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients with rapidly progressive IP. The beneficial effects of PMX-DHP may be at least partially due to the inhibition of monocyte activation. Copyright ACY-241 (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Background: Foreign body ingestion is a common problem among paediatric populations. A variety of foreign bodies are ingested, some of which are particularly harmful and life threatening

such as button batteries, magnets and bones. Common household items such as small toys, marbles, batteries and erasers are often ingested. The aim of this systematic review is to study the problem of foreign body ingestion among paediatric populations in terms of commonly ingested objects, and attempt to identify the link between location of impaction, associated symptoms, complications, spontaneous passage, methods and timing of removal.

Methods: A literature search of multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Current Contents Connect and Medline were conducted for studies on foreign body ingestions. Based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected. A qualitative review of these studies was then performed to identify commonly ingested foreign bodies, symptoms, signs and complications of foreign body ingestion, rates of spontaneous passage and methods of retrieval of the ingested objects.

Results: Coins are the most commonly ingested foreign body. A variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such vomiting and drooling as well as respiratoty symptoms such as coughing and stridor are associated with foreign body ingestion.

62 (p = 0 0002), implying that the relative rate of first service

62 (p = 0.0002), implying that the relative rate of first service decreased in the control group by 38%. The estimate of HR for group B relative to group C for DOP was 0.65 (p = 0.0006), implying that the relative rate of pregnancy

decreased in group C by 35%. Cows treated with Riger Danusertib cost spray (group B) became pregnant earlier and had better FSCR and ASCR. It is supposed that the form of ozone preparations and the amount of active substance were decisive. A conclusion may be made that preventive ozone intrauterine application during early puerperal period, especially the foaming form of ozone preparations (spray), improved the reproductive efficacy in dairy cows.”
“In the recent epoch, functional and nutraceuticals foods are gaining wide range of acceptability

from the consumers. In the present research investigation, efforts were directed to exploit the green tea phytochemicals. Functional beverage was prepared with catechins and epigallocatechins gallate (EGCG) added individually @ 550 mg/500mL in respective drink. Prepared drinks were evaluated for their physicochemical analysis. Efficacy trial was also conducted, in which diets consisting of high sucrose and cholesterol were provided to rats with concurrent intake of functional drinks. CIE-Lab Color analysis of functional drinks showed that indices of color tonality were non-significantly affected. However, decreasing trend in pH and increased tendency in acidity of drink was noted. While scores for sensory evaluation remained in acceptable range showing suitability for industrial applications. Results of efficacy trial revealed that functional drinks learn more improved serum selleck screening library antioxidant potential of rats. Thus results paved the way for the development of functional beverages using green tea catechins for vulnerable segments.”
“Despite normal eucrasia, mating desire and semen quality, sire bulls sometimes have spermatozoa with poor freezing tolerance. This study assessed effects

of the addition of linoleic acid albumin (LAA) and long-term (LT) equilibrium to frozen semen on their sperm freezing tolerance. Immediately after collection using an artificial vagina and a breeding mount, semen was diluted with yolk citrate buffer; then, it was cooled slowly to 4 degrees C during more than 5 h. Equilibrium treatment at 4 degrees C was applied using the same extender supplemented with glycerol. Semen of bull A, with low sperm freezing tolerance, was treated with 1 mg/ml of LAA added to the first extender. The equilibrium treatment at 4 degrees C was prolonged to 30 h. Significantly higher motility rates were obtained for the LT + LAA-treated sperm before and after freezingthawing. However, for semen of bulls B and C with normal sperm freezing tolerance, the LT + LAA treatment barely exhibited a small effect on the motility rate. Almost no difference was found among bulls A, B and C in the motility rates of LT + LAA-treated sperm after freezingthawing.

We developed new tools based on the processing of confocal images

We developed new tools based on the processing of confocal images and a new statistical approach based on G- and F-distance functions used in spatial statistics. Our original computational scheme takes into account both size and shape variability by comparing, for each nucleus, the observed distribution against a reference distribution estimated by Monte-Carlo sampling over the same nucleus. This implicit normalization allowed similar data processing and extraction of rules in the five differentiated nuclei populations of the

three studied biological systems, despite differences selleck chemical in chromosome number, genome organization and heterochromatin content. We showed that centromeres/chromocenters form significantly more regularly spaced patterns than expected under a completely random SB273005 situation, suggesting that repulsive constraints or spatial inhomogeneities underlay the spatial organization of heterochromatic compartments. The proposed technique should be useful for identifying further spatial features in a wide range of cell types.”
“Adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D are essential preventive strategies and essential parts of any therapeutic regimen for osteoporosis. However,

calcium supplementation is not without controversy and benefits on skeletal health need to be balanced against potential risks on cardiovascular disease. The published data so far suggest a potential detrimental effect of calcium supplement on cardiovascular health (i.e. myocardial infarction) although

further prospective studies are needed to clarify the gradient of risk. Since food sources of calcium produce similar GS-7977 order benefits on bone density as supplements and dietary calcium intake does not seem to be related with adverse cardiovascular effects, calcium intake from nutritional sources needs to be enforced. In patients with low calcium intake supplements are warranted aiming for a total calcium intake of 800 to 1000 mg/d together with adequate vitamin D replacement. Nevertheless we should keep in mind that for significant reduction in fracture risk, pharmacological treatment is mandatory in patients at risk of fractures irrespective of calcium and vitamin D supplementation.”
“The effects of Si substitution for Al on the glass forming ability, Curie temperature T(C), magnetocaloric effect, and refrigeration capacity (RC) of melt-spun Gd-based Gd(65)Fe(20)Al(15-x)Si(x) (x = 0-7) glassy ribbons have been investigated. The small amounts of Si substitution for Al in the Gd(65)Fe(20)Al(15-x)Si(x) glassy ribbons with high T(x)/T(m) (>0.70) and small Delta T(m) (Delta T(m) = T(m)-T(x)) promote the formation of high thermal stability of these alloys.