Methods: The anxiolytic activity was evaluated with the adult mic

Methods: The anxiolytic activity was evaluated with the adult mice by hole board test, and the light-dark

box test, and motor coordination with the rota rod test. The efficacy of the plant extract (100-400 mg/kg) was compared with the standard anxiolytic drug diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) Results: The extract increased the time spent in the brightly-lit chamber of the light/dark box, as well as in the number of times the animal crossed from one compartment to the other. Performance on the rota rod was unaffected. In the hole SBE-β-CD board test, the extract significantly increased both head-dip counts and head-dip duration. Urtica urens, in contrast to diazepam, had no effect on locomotion. Conclusions: These results provides support for anxiolytic activity Z-DEVD-FMK of Urtica urens, in line with its medicinal traditional use, and may also suggest a better side-effect profile of Urtica urens relative to diazepam.”
“The aim of the study is to investigate transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)-induced responses in the vasculature and on blood pressure and heart rate (HR), in response to TRPA1 agonists using wild-type (WT) and TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice.\n\nTRPA1 agonists allyl isothiocyanate and

cinnamaldehyde (CA) significantly increased blood flow in the skin of anaesthetized WT, but not in TRPA1 KO mice. CA also induced TRPA1-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries. Intravenously injected CA induced a transient hypotensive response accompanied by decreased HR that was, depending on genotype and dose, followed by a more sustained dose-dependent pressor response (10-320 AS1842856 order mu mol/kg). CA (80 mu mol/kg)

induced a depressor response that was significantly less in TRPA1 KO mice, with minimal pressor effects. The pressor response of a higher CA dose (320 mu mol/kg) was observed in WT but not in TRPA1 KO mice, indicating involvement of TRPA1. Experiments using TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) KO and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) KO mice provided little evidence for the involvement of TRPV1 or CGRP, nor did blocking substance P receptors affect responses. However, the cholinergic antagonist atropine sulphate (5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the depressor response and slowed HR with CA (80 mu mol/kg), but had no effect on pressor responses. The pressor response remained unaffected, even in the presence of the ganglion blocker hexamethonium bromide (1 mg/kg). The alpha-adrenergic blocker prazosin hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) significantly inhibited both components, but not slowed HR.\n\nTRPA1 is involved in mediating vasodilation. TRPA1 can also influence changes in blood pressure of possible relevance to autonomic system reflexes and potentially to vasovagal/neurocardiogenic syncope disorders.”
“Ants of the tribe Attini are characterized by their obligate cultivation of symbiotic fungi.

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is to date the most used devi

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is to date the most used device for hemodynamic support, but randomized evidence on survival benefit was lacking.Recent findingsA recently published meta-analysis with hints for higher mortality after primary percutaneous intervention challenged the previous high-grade recommendations for IABP. Therefore the use in cardiogenic shock was downgraded in the last versions of European and American Selleckchem Ricolinostat guidelines from a class I to a class IIa and IIb recommendation, respectively. Furthermore, a large scale randomized trial found no benefit on 30-day mortality in patients with myocardial

infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. This result was supported by a lack of difference in all subgroups and secondary endpoints.SummaryIn cardiogenic shock, no general recommendation for IABP can be given. In the next revision of current guidelines, recent randomized trial results should be incorporated. Further research is needed to develop optional treatments in cardiogenic shock or to gain validated algorithms for use of active assist devices.”
“The object of this paper is to describe the imaging and clinical characteristics

of subependymal nodule (SN) – subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SGCA) complex in tuberous sclerosis and analyze its evolution in order to attempt early detection and the prevention of intracranial hypertension. We evaluated 22 patients with the pathological diagnosis of SGCA. Ulixertinib datasheet The diagnosis was made at a median of 10.1 years old. We were able to observe the evolution of SN to ASGC: these SN were localized adjacent to the foramen of Monro and with time they underwent an important development with intense contrast

enhancement and hydrocephalus. The acceleration in SN growth and its “transformation” into SGCA occurred at an average of 10 years of age, with a mean diameter of 9 mm. No SN located far from LY2157299 the foramen of Monro evolutioned to SGCA. Fifteen patients (68%) were operated with symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Average age at surgery was 10.8 years old. Six patients presented visual deficit and in these, the average diameter of the tumor was 31.5 mm, a high value when compared to 18.7 mm in the patients without visual deficit. The imaging and clinical follow-up of any subependymal lesion close to the foramen of Monro will permit, at a presymptomatic stage, an anticipation of surgical treatment thus reducing intracranial hypertension incidence. Prospective studies could determine whether the SN-SGCA complex corresponds to the same entity in distinct evolution stages or to two lesions with different growth potential.”
“This study evaluated the dynamic behavior of total and compartmental chest wall volumes [(V-CW) = rib cage (V-RC) + abdomen (V-AB)] as measured breath-by-breath by optoelectronic plethysmography during constant-load exercise in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Given that there was evidence of pollen limitation and that this

Given that there was evidence of pollen limitation and that this species produces one single flower, we suggest that extended flower longevity is selected because it assures pollination success under scarce insect visits.”
“To compare differences between the wear behavior

of two types of metal-free resin composite crown with a control after three years in clinical service. Sixty-six participants needing one to three posterior single crowns were fitted with 120 crowns. Abutment teeth were randomly assigned to three groups: 40 resin composite crowns with fiber-reinforced framework, 40 resin composite crowns without fiber-reinforced framework, and 40 metal-ceramic crowns. To assess wear, gypsum replicas of the crowns were fabricated and scanned with a 3D laser scanner at baseline

and after three years. Differences between the groups were analyzed CYT387 manufacturer by use of mixed-effects regression models. Wear of resin composite crowns with fiber-reinforced framework see more (p=0.0043) and resin composite crowns without framework (p=0.0246) was significantly greater than in the metal-ceramic group. Wear of metal-free resin composite crowns after three years was significantly greater than that of metal-ceramic crowns, but the wear was still clinically acceptable.”
“A water-soluble polysaccharide fraction (PPSB) was fractionated from Physalis alkekengi var. francheti and purified using DEAE-52 Cellulose and Sephadex G-200 chromatography. The physicochemical properties of PPSB and its molecular activities involved in the improvement of intestinal microflora balance were evaluated. PPSB (12.5-25.0 mg/ml) was shown

to promote the growth of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis identified Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Helicobacter, Prevotella, Enterococcus, Odoribacter, Alistipes and Akkermansia as dominant organisms in the intestinal tract of mice. PPSB exhibited stimulatory effects on the growth of probiotic bacteria but inhibitory effects on the growth of pathogenic bacteria in vitro. The number of species and quantity of the Lactobacillus genus increased significantly with increasing concentrations of PPSB in vivo. Experimental results of this study suggest that PPSB may improve GSK3235025 mouse intestinal microflora imbalances and therefore has strong potential as a natural agent for restoring the intestinal microflora balance.”
“Objectives: Though antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show great potential as novel antibiotics, therapeutic applications are hindered by their low stability, toxicity and high manufacturing cost. Various chemical modification strategies are employed to overcome these problems. However, chemical modifications often significantly increase the manufacturing cost of AMPs with only limited pharmacokinetic advantages. Therefore, we developed AMPs with enhanced stability and cell specificity that can be economically produced.

001) underperformed

001) underperformed click here local students, as did males (p smaller than .001) and those who had been identified as having low English proficiency in

year 1 (p smaller than .01). Males (p smaller than .01) and one non-local ethnic group (p smaller than .01) were also more likely to have to repeat a year of study. Ethnicity was a stronger predictor than English proficiency or acculturation, but English proficiency was still independently and additively predictive. This suggests that targeted support strategies for students with lower English language proficiency are still important, but that cultural differences should not be underestimated.”
“Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert a key role in tolerance induction to the semi-allogeneic fetus. Currently, it is not known whether immunological rejection processes are involved in the induction of normal term or irresistible preterm labor. In this study, we examined whether there were differences in the percentage of the total CD4(+)CD127(low+/-)CD25(+)FoxP(3+)-Treg-cell pool, its suppressive activity and its composition with distinct Treg subsets

(HLA-DRlow+-, HLA-DRhigh+-, HLA-DR– and naive CD45RA(+)-Tregs) between preterm and term laboring women. We found that its percentage was decreased neither in term nor in preterm laboring women. Its suppressive activity was strongly diminished selleckchem in preterm laboring women and to a lesser extent in spontaneously term laboring women. During the normal course of pregnancy, its composition changed in such a way that the percentage of naive CD45RA(+)-Tregs increased while the percentage of the highly suppressive HLA-DRlow(+)- and HLA-DRhigh+-Tregs decreased significantly until term. With the onset of spontaneous term labor this phenomenon was reversed and reached significant values postpartum. In addition, we confirmed that both the decreased percentage of HLA-DR+-Tregs within the total Treg-cell pool and their decreased level of HLA-DR expression (depending on the percentage of HLA-DRlow+- and HLA-DRhigh+-Tregs)

had a reducing effect on the suppressive activity of the total Treg cell pool in preterm laboring women. However, spontaneous term delivery was associated with increasing percentages of HLA-DR+-Tregs and increasing HLA-DR expression of this Treg subset. Therefore, SBI-0206965 it becomes apparent that the mechanisms inducing term or preterm labor may be completely different. Immunology and Cell Biology (2012) 90, 935-944; doi: 10.1038/icb.2012.33; published online 3 July 2012″
“The aim of this study was to evaluate how different granule size distributions affect the tablet compression process. The emphasis was on developing new analytic methods for compression data for entire batch. In all, 18 batches of granules containing theophylline and lactose were tabletted, using an instrumented eccentric tabletting machine. During tablet compression, upper and lower punch forces were recorded.

This article reviews the background and reemergence of WNF in Isr

This article reviews the background and reemergence of WNF in Israel; the recent

epidemiology of WNF among Israelis; and the disease-control strategies being used to combat the disease. Methods: Employing the comprehensive base of case data that are reported to the Ministry of Health, an epidemiological record was constructed that details the incidence and distribution of WNF cases in Israel in recent years. Results: After decades of small, intermittent outbreaks, nearly 1400 cases of WNF were reported in Israel between 2000 and 2012. Incidence was consistently highest in the coastal cities, among elderly patients, and in the late summer months and early autumn. A broad range of control measures to prevent human infection has been implemented, and attention has been given to issues such as the protection of the national blood bank and the occurrence of long-term sequelae. Conclusions: The reemergence of WNF in SB525334 nmr Israel is likely the result of a combination of factors including past immunity to the virus among the human population, a marked increase in awareness of WNF among physicians, and more frequent requests for the laboratory testing of suspected cases. In the absence of effective vaccine to protect humans from WNF, the best disease-control strategies include intensive vector-control measures,

the continued development of techniques to forecast outbreaks, and effective public education programs HSP inhibitor that are targeted toward the high-risk elderly population. (C) 2013 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The generalized entropy theory is applied to assess the joint influence of the microscopic cohesive energy and chain stiffness on glass formation in: polymer melts using a minimal model containing a single bending energy and a single (monomer averaged) nearest neighbor van der Waals energy.

selleckchem The analysis focuses on the combined impact of the microscopic cohesive energy and chain stiffness on the magnitudes of the isobaric fragility parameter m(p) and the glass transition temperature T-g. The computations imply that polymers with rigid structures and weak nearest neighbor interactions are the most fragile, while T-g becomes larger when the chains are stiffer and/or nearest neighbor interactions are stronger. Two simple fitting formulas summarize the computations describing the dependence of M-p and T-g on the microscopic cohesive and bending energies. The consideration of the combined influence of the microscopic cohesive and bending energies leads to the identification of some important design concepts, such as iso-fragility and iso-T-g lines, where, for instance, iso-fragility lines are contours with constant mp but variable T-g. Several thermodynamic properties are found to remain invariant along the iso-fragility lines, while no special characteristics are detected along the iso-T-g lines.

The prognostic value of ESR1 was tested using univariate and mult

The prognostic value of ESR1 was tested using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier survival statistics and the log-rank test ESR1 positively correlates with proliferation markers and histopathological grading. ESR1 was a significant predictor of survival as a continuous variable in the univariate Cox regression GF120918 cost analysis. In multivariate analysis, elevated

baseline ESR1 mRNA levels predicted prolonged progression-free survival (P=0.041) and overall survival (P=0.01) after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, independently of pathological grade and age. We conclude that pretreatment ESR1 mRNA is associated with tumour growth and is a strong prognostic factor in ovarian cancer, independent of the strongest clinical parameters used in clinical routine. We suggest that ESR1 mRNA status should be considered in order to minimize possible confounding effects in ovarian cancer clinical trials, and that early treatment with anti-hormonal agents based on reliable hormone receptor status determination

is worth investigating Endocrine-Related Cancer (2009) check details 16 1241-1249″
“Synaptic plasticity is implemented by the interaction of glutamate receptors with PDZ domain proteins. Glutamate transporters provide the only known mechanism of clearance of glutamate from excitatory synapses, and GLT1 is the major glutamate transporter. We show here that GLT1 interacts with the PDZ domain protein PICK1, which plays a critical role in regulating the expression of glutamate receptors at excitatory synapses. A yeast two-hybrid screen of a neuronal library using the carboxyl tail of GLT1b yielded clones expressing PICK1.

The GLT1b C-terminal peptide bound to PICK1 with high affinity (K-i = 6.5 +/- 0.4 mu M) in an in vitro fluorescence polarization assay. We also tested peptides based on other variants of GLT1 and other glutamate transporters. GLT1b co-immunoprecipitated with PICK1 from rat brain lysates and COS7 cell lysates derived from cells transfected with plasmids expressing PICK1 and GLT1b. In addition, expression of GLT1b in COS7 cells changed the distribution of PICK1, bringing it to the surface. GLT1b and PICK1 co-localized with each other and with synaptic markers in hippocampal neurons in culture. Phorbol ester, an activator selleck inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), a known PICK1 interactor, had no effect on glutamate transport in rat forebrain neurons in culture. However, we found that exposure of neurons to a myristolated decoy peptide with sequence identical to the C-terminal sequence of GLT1b designed to block the PICK1-GLT1b interaction rendered glutamate transport into neurons responsive to phorbol ester. These results suggest that the PICK1-GLT1b interaction regulates the modulation of GLT1 function by PKC.”
“Hydrocephalus presenting with movement disorder is very rare, especially in children.

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is an antioxidant enz

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme that has been shown to protect the lung from oxidant-mediated damage, inflammation, and interstitial fibrosis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen and glycosaminoglycans, are known to be sensitive to oxidative fragmentation. Heparan sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan, is highly abundant in the ECM and tightly binds EC-SOD. We investigated the protective role of EC-SOD by evaluating the interaction of EC-SOD with heparan sulfate in the

presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that ROS-induced heparin and heparan sulfate fragments induced neutrophil chemotaxis across a modified Boyden chamber, which was inhibited by the presence of EC-SOD by scavenging oxygen radicals. Chemotaxis in response to oxidatively fragmented heparin was mediated by Toll-like receptor-4. In vivo, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from EC-SOD knockout Prexasertib mice at 1, 14, and 28 days after asbestos exposure showed increased heparan sulfate shedding from the lung parenchyma. We demonstrate that one mechanism through which EC-SOD inhibits lung inflammation and fibrosis in asbestosis is by protecting heparin/heparan sulfate from oxidative

fragmentation.”
“Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been demonstrated to predict atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD)-associated clinical events independent of traditional vascular risk factors. Recent studies have demonstrated that eGFR decline over time may improve prediction of ASVD-associated mortality risk in chronic selleck inhibitor kidney disease (CKD) patients.\n\nAim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between 5-year change in eGFR with renal disease and ASVD-associated clinical events.\n\nDesign: Prospective observational study.\n\nMethods: A total of 1012 women over the age of 70 years from the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study were included. Baseline characteristics including baseline and 5-year creatinine, participants’ comorbidities and complete verified 10-year records for ASVD and renal disease-associated hospitalization and/or mortality were obtained using the Western Australian Data Linkage

System.\n\nResults: Participants were stratified according to annual rate of eGFR change in quartiles [-1.2 (first quartile), >-1.2 to 0.1 (second quartile), > 0.1-1.7 (third selleck kinase inhibitor quartile) and > 1.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2)/year (fourth quartile)]. In the adjusted model, compared with participants in the fourth quartile, those in the first and/or second quartiles of annual eGFR change had significantly higher risk of renal disease and/or ASVD-associated clinical events. However, the association with renal clinical events was more pparent in participants with baseline eGFR of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2).\n\nConclusion: The results of this study suggest that the inclusion of long-term eGFR change over time might augment prognostication for renal disease and ASVD-associated clinical events in elderly women.

To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-a

To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis of 9,828 TC cases and 109,995 controls from 14 case-control studies was performed. Overall, significant results were observed for rs965513 (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.85, P<10(-5)), rs1867277 (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.51-1.78, P<10(-5)) and rs71369530 (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.66-2.44, P<10(-5)) polymorphism. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we found that rs965513 polymorphism confer high risk for Caucasians with per-allele OR of 1.80 (95% CI: 1.69-1.92, P<10(-5)) compared to East Asians of 1.35 (95% CI:

1.09-1.67, P = 0.006). There was strong evidence of heterogeneity, which largely disappeared after stratification by ethnicity. In the subgroup analysis by sample size, and study design, significantly increased risks were found for the polymorphism. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated

that common ISRIB Apoptosis inhibitor variations of FOXE1 are a risk buy GSK J4 factor associated with increased TC susceptibility.”
“The energy sources of yoghurt bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) were examined with a focus on probable impact of sucrose on their galactose uptake. Yoghurt bacteria were isolated from samples of yoghurt which were purchased from different outlets and kept under refrigeration conditions throughout the period of isolation using nutrient agar (NA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA). After obtaining pure cultures of the isolates which were placed on NA and PDA slants, cultural characteristics and biochemical

tests were done on them for identification purposes. Their abilities to ferment glucose, lactose fructose, maltose, sucrose and galactose as carbon source were examined. The effect of sucrose on uptake of galactose by the isolates was also examined. The four strains of L. bulgaricus (LBI, LB2, LB3 and LB4) and one strain of S. thermophilus (ST5) obtained had similar characteristics typical of lactic acid bacteria. Sugar fermentation by the isolates differed selleck chemical from one strain to the other. The extent of sugar fermentation by the isolates also varied depending on the types of sugar employed as carbon source. Glucose and lactose were better when used for growth by all the isolates when compared to other sugars. All the isolates had weak fermentation of galactose when compared to other sugars. All isolates however, had better fermentation of galactose in the presence of sucrose, with LB2 having the best and LB4 the least fermentation of galactose in the presence of sucrose. Appropriate amount of sucrose could thus be employed as possible enhancer for galactose uptake by galactose non-fermentive strains of yoghurt bacteria.”
“Background Previously we had successfully tracked adult human neural stem cells (NSCs) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) in host human brain after transplantation in vivo non-invasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).


“Fasudil is believed to be at least equally effective as n


“Fasudil is believed to be at least equally effective as nimodipine for the prevention of cerebral Stem Cell Compound Library in vivo vasospasm and subsequent ischemic injury in patients undergoing surgery for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We report the final results of a randomized, open trial to compare the efficacy and safety of fasudil with nimodipine. A total of 63 patients undergoing surgery for SAH received fasudil and 66 received nimodipine between 1998 and 2004. Symptomatic vasospasm, low density areas on computed tomography (CT), clinical outcomes, and adverse events were all recorded,

and the results were compared between the fasudil and nimodipine groups. Absence of symptomatic vasospasm, occurrence of low density areas associated Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor with vasospasm

on CT, and occurrence of adverse events were similar between the two groups. The clinical outcomes were more favorable in the fasudil group than in the nimodipine group (p = 0.040). The proportion of patients with good clinical outcome was 74.5% (41/55) in the fasudil group and 61.7% (37/60) in the nimodipine group. There were no serious adverse events reported in the fasudil group. The present results suggest that fasudil is equally or more effective than nimodipine for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm and subsequent ischemic injury in patients undergoing surgery for SAH.”
“Prenatally or postnatally diagnosed dilatation of the upper urinary tract initiates postnatal investigations, including sonography, dynamic renography (MAG 3) and optional voiding cystourethrography. The first ultrasound examination should be performed 3-5 days after birth and in urgent cases 10-12 h after delivery of the baby. Dynamic renography (MAG 3) is the standard diagnostic investigation and permits simultaneous assessment of renal perfusion and drainage. MRI combines excellent anatomical detail with functional information, without exposure to

radiation but needs general anaesthesia in infants and younger children. Intravenous urography is no longer performed OICR-9429 in vitro routinely in children with a dilated upper urinary tract. The combination of ultrasound and MAG 3 produces the necessary anatomical and functional information to follow the degree of obstruction and to decide between surgical intervention or a conservative follow-up.”
“Zygote arrest 1 (ZAR1) is oocyte-specific protein involved in the initiation of embryo development. The objectives of this study were to identify novel mutations in ZAR1 gene and investigate the association between its genetic variants and litter size in Chinese local and European pigs. A novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 3 (g.2612T>C) and a 5 bp deletion/insertion in intron 3 (g.3838-3839insTGCAG) were found by sequencing and then their genotypes were identified in 218 sows of five breeds. The results of association analysis showed that the SNP g.2612T>C was significantly related to litter size in Durocs (P<0.

(Curr Ther Res Clin Exp, 2009;70:421-438) (C) 2009 Excerpta Medic

(Curr Ther Res Clin Exp, 2009;70:421-438) (C) 2009 Excerpta Medica Inc.”
“Background: Ischaemic stroke is a common complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiology societies

recommend assessing the risk of ischaemic stroke and using adequate prevention in patients with AF. Currently, oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs are the most commonly used methods of stroke prevention. Left atrial appendage (LAA) is thought to be the main source of thrombi in patients with AF. LAA closure procedures that have been recently introduced into the clinical practice are an alternative method of stroke prevention in patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulants or with a high risk of bleeding. Two systems of percutaneous LAA closure are currently available, the Watchman plug and the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, but CUDC-907 purchase experience with these procedures is still very limited.\n\nAim: To provide early results regarding safety and feasibility of percutaneous LAA closure with the

Amplatzer Cardiac Plug in patients with AF and multiple comorbidities resulting in a high risk of stroke and bleeding complications.\n\nMethods: Twenty one patients with AF, at least 2 points in the CHADS2/CHA2DS2VASc score and a high risk of bleeding as assessed by the HAS-BLED score (at least 3 points) underwent percutaneous Amplatzer Savolitinib clinical trial Cardiac Plug Rapamycin mouse implantation. Patients with less than 3 points in the HAS-BLED score were also included in the study if they had contraindications

to oral anticoagulants (e.g. previous haemorrhage, recurrent bleeding, epidermolysis) or suffered from recurrent ischaemic stroke despite anticoagulant treatment. The Amplatzer Cardiac Plug was implanted using the standard technique under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance.\n\nResults: Percutaneous LAA closure with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug was performed in a group of patients with many comorbidities who had a high risk of ischaemic stroke (CHA2DS2VASc score 4.43 +/- 1.4 points) as well as a high risk of bleeding (HAS-BLED score 3.0 +/- 0.7 points). LAA occlusion was successfully performed in 20 (95.2%) patients. A serious periprocedural complication (cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis) occurred in 1 (4.76%) patient.\n\nConclusions: Successful LAA occlusion is feasible in a vast majority of patients undergoing this procedure. The rate of serious periprocedural complications is relatively low. LAA occlusion is justified in a group of patients with a high risk of ischaemic stroke and a high risk of bleeding or contraindications to oral anticoagulants.”
“At present, the acute toxicity of chemicals to fish is most commonly estimated by means of a short-term test on juvenile or adult animals (OECD TG 203).