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Acceleration and balance in trotting dogs.

During quadrupedal trotting, diagonal pairs of limbs are set down in unison and exert forces on the ground simultaneously. Ground-reaction forces on individual limbs of trotting dogs were measured separately using a series of four force platforms. Vertical and fore-aft impulses were determined for each limb from the force/time recordings. When mean fore-aft acceleration of the body was zero in a given trotting step (steady state), the fraction of vertical impulse on the forelimb was equal to the fraction of body weight supported by the forelimbs during standing (approximately 60 %). When dogs accelerated or decelerated during a trotting step, the vertical impulse was redistributed to the hindlimb or forelimb, respectively. This redistribution of the vertical impulse is due to a moment exerted about the pitch axis of the body by fore-aft accelerating and decelerating forces. Vertical forces exerted by the forelimb and hindlimb resist this pitching moment, providing stability during fore-aft acceleration and deceleration.

Animals↗

Aged garlic extract prolongs longevity and improves spatial memory deficit in senescence-accelerated mouse.

The effects of aged garlic extract (AGE), chronically administered in the diet, on longevity and spatial learning performances were studied using the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM). A solid diet containing 2% AGE was given to senescence-accelerated-prone mouse 8 (SAMP8) and senescence-accelerated-resistant mouse 1 (SAMR1) from 2 months of age. The survival ratio of SAMP8, a substrain of senescence-accelerated-prone mouse, was significantly lower than that of SAMR1, a substrain of senescence-resistant mouse. In the SAMP8, administration of AGE perfectly prevented the decrease in survival ratio. Moreover, AGE markedly improved the learning deficits of SAMP8 in the Morris water maze test. These results suggest the possibility that AGE prevents physiological aging and age-related memory disorders in human.

Aging↗

Senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) as an animal model of senile dementia: pharmacological, neurochemical and molecular biological approach.

To elucidate the fundamental mechanism of age-related deficiencies of learning and to develop effective drugs for intervention in age-related diseases such as learning dysfunctions, pertinent animal models that have characteristics closely similar to human dysfunctions should be established. SAM (senescence-accelerated mouse) has been established as a murine model of the SAM strains, groups of related inbred strains including nine strains of accelerated senescence-prone, short-lived mice (SAMP) and three strains of accelerated senescence-resistant, long-lived mice (SAMR). SAMP-strain mice show relatively strain-specific age-associated phenotypic pathologies such as shortened life span and early manifestation of senescence. Among the SAMP-strain mice, SAMP8 mice show an age-related deterioration in learning ability. Here, the neuropathological, neurochemical and pharmacological features of SAM are reported, especially for SAMP8. Moreover, the effects of several drugs on the biochemical and behavioral alterations in SAMP8 and the etiologic manifestation of accelerated senescence are also discussed.

Aging↗

Accelerated fast neutron therapy: a pilot study.

The clinical role of fast neutron therapy has been limited by excessive late normal tissue damage. A pilot study of accelerated fractionation of fast neutron therapy was performed, based on the rationale that this should result in an increase in the response in acute reacting tissues (normal and malignant), with no change in late damage and a consequent increase in the therapeutic ratio. Further accelerated fractionation should improve the local control of rapidly proliferating tumour, without the potential problem of inadequate reoxygenation inherent in accelerated photon schedules. 6 or 12 fractions of 62 MeV (p-Be) neutrons were given over 12 days to 27 sites in 23 patients with locally advanced tumours. With a dose reduction of 12% (18 Gy), acceptable skin and oral mucosa early reactions were obtained. A larger dose reduction (15%) was required at pelvic sites. The incidence of late EORTC/RTOG grade 4 toxicity was 46%. The overall response rate was 76% with a complete response rate of 16%. For locally advanced breast cancer, the complete response rate was 9%, which compares unfavourably with previous results with conventional neutron fractionation schedules. The combination of a low overall complete response rate and excessive late normal tissue toxicity suggests that accelerated fractionation of fast neutrons does not lead to an improvement in the therapeutic ratio, and that late normal tissue damage will continue to be dose limiting.

Adult↗

Randomized phase II study of GM-CSF to reduce mucositis caused by accelerated radiotherapy of laryngeal cancer.

Acute mucositis is dose-limiting in many accelerated radiotherapy schedules for head and neck cancer. Cytokines may be one means of reducing the severity of mucositis. A study was designed to assess the effect of subcutaneous molgramostin (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor; GM-CSF) injections on acute radiation morbidity in patients undergoing accelerated radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer. A prospective, randomized, observer-blind, controlled trial was conducted in 29 patients who were to receive radical radiotherapy over 3 weeks for early stage laryngeal cancer. Patients were randomized to receive 150 microg (approximately 2 microg kg(-1)) GM-CSF subcutaneously once daily for 14 days after the second week of radiotherapy, or no GM-CSF. Patients were assessed weekly for grade of mucositis, skin reactions and related parameters. The severity of mucositis was reduced in the GM-CSF arm (p<0.05). No other end-points reached statistical significance. Two patients failed to complete their courses of GM-CSF. Three developed influenza type symptoms and in one an allergic reaction was noted. There was no difference in tumour control rates. Subcutaneous GM-CSF reduced the severity of mucositis in patients undergoing accelerated radiotherapy. Injections were well tolerated. Further studies of cytokines are warranted, to assess the feasibility of increasing the total doses of accelerated radiotherapy given, with the aim of improving tumour cure rates.

Aged↗

Accelerated aromatic compounds degradation in aquatic environment by use of interaction between Spirodela polyrrhiza and bacteria in its rhizosphere.

Accelerated degradation of organic chemicals by aquatic plant-bacterial associations was reported for the first time with elucidation of the role and contribution of aquatic plant and bacteria in its rhizosphere using a fast-growing giant duckweed, Spirodela polyrrhiza. The results clearly showed the accelerated degradation of all the three aromatic compounds (phenol, aniline and 2,4-dichlorophenol [2,4-DCP]) tested by aquatic plant-bacterial associations. In phenol degradation system, phenol-degrading bacteria indigenous to the rhizosphere fraction of S. polyrrhiza mainly contributed, while in aniline degradation system S. polyrrhiza mainly contributed by stimulating aniline-degrading bacteria both in the rhizosphere and balk water fraction. On the other hand in 2,4-DCP degradation system, S. polyrrhiza itself mainly contributed to its removal by uptake and degradation. Thus, the mechanisms for accelerated removal of aromatic compounds were quite different depending on the substrates. S. polyrrhiza showed selective accumulation of phenol-degrading bacteria in its rhizosphere fraction, while aniline- and 2,4-DCP-degrading bacteria were not much accumulated. S. polyrrhiza secreted peroxidase and laccase. However, both of the enzymatic activities increased with the addition of aromatic compounds, degrading ability of S. polyrrhiza itself should be owing to the production of peroxidase rather than laccase because the change of peroxidase activity and concentration of each aromatic compound well concurred. From the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that the feasibility of the use of aquatic plant-bacterial associations to accelerate the degradation of organic chemicals especially recalcitrant compounds in aquatic environment was shown.

Aniline Compounds↗

Acceleration effect of sulfides on photodegradation of carotenoids by UVA irradiation.

The photodegradation of carotenoids by UVA irradiation in the presence of sulfides was investigated. The sulfides accelerated the photodegradation of carotenoids. A larger number of sulfur atoms of coexistent sulfides was more favorable to the acceleration effect of sulfides on the photodegradation of beta-carotene, but the alk(en)yl group of sulfides was less favorable to the acceleration effect of sulfur compounds. The acceleration effect depended on light intensity, temperature, and the initial concentrations of beta-carotene and sulfide.

Carotenoids↗

Lupus-prone mice as models to study xenobiotic-induced acceleration of systemic autoimmunity.

The linkage between xenobiotic exposures and autoimmune diseases remains to be clearly defined. However, recent studies have raised the possibility that both genetic and environmental factors act synergistically at several stages or checkpoints to influence disease pathogenesis in susceptible populations. These observations predict that individuals susceptible to spontaneous autoimmunity should be more susceptible following xenobiotic exposure by virtue of the presence of predisposing background genes. To test this possibility, mouse strains with differing genetic susceptibility to murine lupus were examined for acceleration of autoimmune features characteristic of spontaneous systemic autoimmune disease following exposure to the immunostimulatory metals nickel and mercury. Although NiCl(2) exposure did not exacerbate autoimmunity, HgCl(2) significantly accelerated systemic disease in a strain-dependent manner. Mercury-exposed (NZB X NZW)F1 mice had accelerated lymphoid hyperplasia, hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies, and immune complex deposits. Mercury also exacerbated immunopathologic manifestations in MRL+/+ and MR -lpr mice. However, there was less disease acceleration in lpr mice compared with MRL+/+ mice, likely due to the fact that environmental factors are less critical for disease induction when there is strong genetic susceptibility. Non-major histocompatibility complex genes also contributed to mercury-exacerbated disease, as the nonautoimmune AKR mice, which are H-2 identical with the MRL, showed less immunopathology than either the MRL/lpr or MRL+/+ strains. This study demonstrates that genetic susceptibility to spontaneous systemic autoimmunity can be a predisposing factor for HgCl(2)-induced exacerbation of autoimmunity. Such genetic predisposition may have to be considered when assessing the immunotoxicity of xenobiotics. Additional comparative studies using autoimmune-prone and nonautoimmune mice strains with different genetic backgrounds will help determine the contribution that xenobiotic exposure makes in rendering sensitive populations susceptible to autoimmune diseases.

Animals↗

Estrogen reduces angiotensin II-induced acceleration of senescence in endothelial progenitor cells.

The interaction among estrogen, angiotensin II (Ang II), and oxidative stress in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remains unknown. We therefore investigated the potential effect of estrogen on Ang II-induced EPC oxidative stress and senescence in EPCs. EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood and characterized. Both reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were used to assess gp91phox and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) expression. Immunofluorescence of nitrotyrosine provided evidence of peroxynitrite formation. Our data indicate that Ang II increased the expression of gp91phox mRNA and protein, and these effects were attenuated by 17beta-estradiol (E2). The exposure of cultured EPCs to Ang II (100 nmol/l) significantly accelerated the rate of senescence compared to that in control cells during 14 days in culture as determined by acidic beta-galactosidase staining, and this effect was significantly inhibited by E2 (p < 0.01). Because cellular senescence is critically influenced by telomerase, which elongates telomeres, we measured telomerase activity by using a PCR-ELISA-based assay. Ang II significantly diminished telomerase activity, although the effect was significantly reduced by pre-treatment with E2 (p < 0.01). Because we previously demonstrated that both the up-regulation of gp91phox and the acceleration of cellular senescence in Ang II-stimulated EPCs could be abolished by pre-treatment with the AT1R- specific antagonist, valsartan, we also explored the effect of estrogen on AT1R expression. Ang II increased AT1R mRNA and protein expression, and these increases were prevented by E2, suggesting that AT1R may at least partially mediate the inhibitory effect of E2 on Ang II-induced acceleration of senescence in EPCs. In conclusion, estrogen reduces Ang II-induced acceleration of senescence in EPCs partially through down-regulation of AT1R expression.

Angiotensin II↗

Smad3-deficient chondrocytes have enhanced BMP signaling and accelerated differentiation.

UNLABELLED: Smad3 deficiency accelerates chondrocyte maturation and leads to osteoarthritis. Primary chondrocytes without Smad3 lack compensatory increases of TGF-beta signaling factors, but BMP-related gene expression is increased. Smad2 or Smad3 overexpression and BMP blockade abrogate accelerated maturation in Smad3-/- chondrocytes. BMP signaling is increased in TGF-beta deficiency and is required for accelerated chondrocyte maturation. INTRODUCTION: Disruption of TGF-beta signaling results in accelerated chondrocyte maturation and leads to postnatal dwarfism and premature osteoarthritis. The mechanisms involved in this process were studied using in vitro murine chondrocyte cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary chondrocytes were isolated from the sterna of neonatal wildtype and Smad3-/- mice. Expressions of maturational markers, as well as genes involved in TGF-beta and BMP signaling were examined. Chondrocytes were treated with TGF-beta and BMP-2, and effects on maturation-related genes and BMP/TGF-beta responsive reporters were examined. Recombinant noggin or retroviral vectors expressing Smad2 or Smad3 were added to the cultures. RESULTS: Expression of colX and other maturational markers was markedly increased in Smad3-/- chondrocytes. Smad3-/- chondrocytes lacked compensatory increases in Smad2, Smad4, TGFRII, Sno, or Smurf2 and had reduced expression of TGF-beta1 and TGFRI. In contrast, Smad1, Smad5, BMP2, and BMP6 expression was increased, suggesting a shift from TGF-beta toward BMP signaling. In Smad3-/- chondrocytes, alternative TGF-beta signaling pathways remained responsive, as shown by luciferase assays. These non-Smad3-dependent TGF-beta pathways reduced colX expression and alkaline phosphatase activity in TGF-beta-treated Smad3-/- cultures, but only partially. In contrast, Smad3-/- chondrocytes were more responsive to BMP-2 treatment and had increased colX expression, phosphoSmads 1, 5, and 8 levels, and luciferase reporter activity. Overexpression of both Smad2 and Smad3 blocked spontaneous maturation in Smad3-deficient chondrocytes. Maturation was also abrogated by the addition of noggin, an extracellular BMP inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show a key role for BMP signaling during the chondrocyte maturation, occurring with loss of TGF-beta signaling with important implications for osteoarthritis and cartilage diseases.

Animals↗

Accelerated Monte Carlo models to simulate fluorescence spectra from layered tissues.

Two efficient Monte Carlo models are described, facilitating predictions of complete time-resolved fluorescence spectra from a light-scattering and light-absorbing medium. These are compared with a third, conventional fluorescence Monte Carlo model in terms of accuracy, signal-to-noise statistics, and simulation time. The improved computation efficiency is achieved by means of a convolution technique, justified by the symmetry of the problem. Furthermore, the reciprocity principle for photon paths, employed in one of the accelerated models, is shown to simplify the computations of the distribution of the emitted fluorescence drastically. A so-called white Monte Carlo approach is finally suggested for efficient simulations of one excitation wavelength combined with a wide range of emission wavelengths. The fluorescence is simulated in a purely scattering medium, and the absorption properties are instead taken into account analytically afterward. This approach is applicable to the conventional model as well as to the two accelerated models. Essentially the same absolute values for the fluorescence integrated over the emitting surface and time are obtained for the three models within the accuracy of the simulations. The time-resolved and spatially resolved fluorescence exhibits a slight overestimation at short delay times close to the source corresponding to approximately two grid elements for the accelerated models, as a result of the discretization and the convolution. The improved efficiency is most prominent for the reverse-emission accelerated model, for which the simulation time can be reduced by up to two orders of magnitude.

Computer Simulation↗

Positive selection, relaxation, and acceleration in the evolution of the human and chimp genome.

For years evolutionary biologists have been interested in searching for the genetic bases underlying humanness. Recent efforts at a large or a complete genomic scale have been conducted to search for positively selected genes in human and in chimp. However, recently developed methods allowing for a more sensitive and controlled approach in the detection of positive selection can be employed. Here, using 13,198 genes, we have deduced the sets of genes involved in rate acceleration, positive selection, and relaxation of selective constraints in human, in chimp, and in their ancestral lineage since the divergence from murids. Significant deviations from the strict molecular clock were observed in 469 human and in 651 chimp genes. The more stringent branch-site test of positive selection detected 108 human and 577 chimp positively selected genes. An important proportion of the positively selected genes did not show a significant acceleration in rates, and similarly, many of the accelerated genes did not show significant signals of positive selection. Functional differentiation of genes under rate acceleration, positive selection, and relaxation was not statistically significant between human and chimp with the exception of terms related to G-protein coupled receptors and sensory perception. Both of these were over-represented under relaxation in human in relation to chimp. Comparing differences between derived and ancestral lineages, a more conspicuous change in trends seems to have favored positive selection in the human lineage. Since most of the positively selected genes are different under the same functional categories between these species, we suggest that the individual roles of the alternative positively selected genes may be an important factor underlying biological differences between these species.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Usefulness of accelerated exercise following mild hyperventilation for the induction of coronary artery spasm : comparison with an acetylcholine Test.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to compare the results of accelerated exercise following mild hyperventilation and a standard acetylcholine (ACh) test for the induction of coronary artery spasm in patients with drug-induced coronary artery spasm. METHODS AND RESULTS: The subjects were 74 patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery spasm who were examined using accelerated exercise (ie, exercise that was accelerated every minute according to the protocol of Bruce and Horsten) following mild hyperventilation and who were not receiving any medication. ACh was injected in incremental doses of 20 microg and 50 microg into the right coronary artery and incremental doses of 20 microg, 50 microg, and 100 microg into the left coronary artery. Positive coronary spasm was defined as > or =99% luminal narrowing. Accelerated exercise following a mild hyperventilation test was as useful for detecting evidence of ischemia as was an ACh test (48 patients [64.9%] vs 49 patients [66.2%], respectively; not significant). No difference was observed between ischemic changes on ECG as a result of the newly combined method and the occurrence of ACh-induced spasm. ACh-induced coronary vasospasm occurred in 61 patients (82.4%). In the remaining 13 patients, intracoronary administration of ergonovine provoked coronary spasms. No serious irreversible complications were detected as a result of this newly combined method. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of our newly combined procedure is equivalent to that of an ACh test to diagnose patients with coronary artery spasm.

Acetylcholine↗

Antigen retrieval on epoxy sections based on tissue infiltration with a moderately increased amount of accelerator to detect immune complex deposits in glomerular tissue.

We wanted to examine the effect of antigen retrieval on epoxy sections where the tissue had been infiltrated by resin containing moderately increased amounts of accelerator. The concentration of accelerator DMP-30 (Tri(Dimethyl Amino Methyl) Phenol) was varied in the range of 0% to 4% in the infiltration step of the tissue processing. Some of the epoxy sections were fixed in osmium tetroxide, and for others this fixative was avoided. Immunogold labeling was performed on epoxy sections and LR-White sections of renal tissue with IgG-deposits, and the antibody used was anti-IgG. Antigen retrieval was performed by heating the sections in citrate buffer. The amount of immunogold labeling on retrieved sections increased according to the amount of accelerator the non-osmicated epoxy sections were based on in the infiltration steps. For the osmicated epoxy sections these differences were less pronounced. The immunogold labeling of retrieved epoxy sections was up to 70% of LR-White labeling. In addition to breaking fixation bond introduced by the chemical fixation, we believe that the antigen retrieval also breaks bonds between the epoxy resin and the embedded tissue. The combination of increased amount of accelerator in the tissue infiltration and antigen retrieval by heating the sections in citrate buffer is a good method for improving the immunolabeling of epoxy sections.

Animals↗

Diagnosis of fetal jeopardy by assessment of fetal movement and heart rate accelerations.

Assessment of fetal movements by the pregnant woman is a useful screening test in high and low risk pregnancies. Decreased fetal movements to less than 10 during 12 hours is an expression of fetal distress, and may be the first alert of impending fetal death. Pregnancies with decreased fetal activity comprise a very high risk group, however some normal pregnancies are still included. With the object of excluding false positive observations, fetal heart rate monitoring was added as a secondary screening procedure. There were seventy patients with diminished fetal movements, 28 had two or more fetal heart rate accelerations in twenty minutes, while 42 had one or no accelerations in twenty minutes. In the former group there was no perinatal mortality, while in the latter, 18 (42.8%) succumbed either pre- (16.6%) or post-natally (26.2%). It is suggested that daily fetal movement recording should be the primary screening test for pregnant women. Whenever reduced fetal activity to less than 10 in 12 hours is perceived, fetal heart rate should be monitored. The existence of at least two accelerations in 20 minutes excludes all the fetuses prone to disaster. One or no accelerations in 20 minutes when coexisting with decreased fetal movements, have a very grave prognosis, and interruption of pregnancy should be considered.

Female↗

Alteration of FHR pattern and cerebral metabolic rate of glucose of the fetus measured by positron emission tomography during progress of acidemia. The significance of overshoot acceleration in FHR.

In order to investigate the significance of overshoot acceleration in FHR with acidosis induced by serial cord compression, cerebral glucose metabolic rate (CMRglc) was measured in four chronically instrumented fetuses before cord compression and immediately after appearance of the overshoot acceleration in FHR. The investigation of CMRglc was carried out using positron emission tomography to assess accumulation of cyclotron-produced F18-FDG in the fetal brain. CMRglc in the fetal brain in the nonacidemic condition was 1.73 mg/100 g/min. In acidemia, with fetal arterial pH near 7.15 in which FHR showed the characteristic pattern with overshoot acceleration, CMRglc was significantly decreased to 0.73 mg/100 g/min. We concluded that, to avoid neuronal damage, it is necessary to intervene when the fetal condition deteriorates to the extent that overshoot acceleration in FHR occurs.

Acidosis↗

Absence of the wild-type allele (192 base pairs) of a polymorphism in the promoter region of the IGF-I gene but not a polymorphism in the insulin gene variable number of tandem repeat locus is associated with accelerated weight gain in infancy.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to investigate whether a polymorphism in the insulin-like growth factor I promoter gene (IGF-I, wild-type, 192 base pairs) and in the insulin gene (INS) variable number of tandem repeat locus influence birth weight and weight gain in infancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We obtained genomic DNA from 768 children. Exclusion criteria were multiple births, gestational diabetes, maternal diabetes, gestational age <37 weeks, >42 weeks, or unclear, and any condition potentially influencing weight gain. SD scores were calculated and adjusted for gestational age and gender. A gain in SD scores for weight between birth and 1 year >0.67 SD scores was defined as accelerated weight gain. Genotyping was performed by fragment length analysis (IGF-I) and by fragment length analysis after using a restriction enzyme-based assay (INS variable number tandem repeat). RESULTS: Accelerated weight gain was present in 205 of 768 children. IGF-I and INS variable number tandem repeat genotype were not associated with birth weight. The IGF-I 192-base pair allele was less frequent in children with accelerated weight gain and was shown to reduce the risk for accelerated weight gain in a logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: The IGF-I 192-base pair allele may reduce the risk for rapid weight gain in early infancy.

Alleles↗

Clinical application of acceleration sensor to detect the swing phase of stroke gait in functional electrical stimulation.

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can improve the gait of stroke patients by stimulating the peroneal nerve in the swing phase of the affected leg, causing dorsiflexion of the foot that allows the toes to clear the ground. A sensor can trigger the electrical stimulation automatically during the stroke gait. We previously used a heel sensor system, which detects the contact pressure of the heel, in FES to correct foot drop gait. However, the heel sensor has disadvantages in cosmetics and durability. Therefore, we have replaced the heel sensor with an acceleration sensor that can detect the swing phase based on the acceleration speed of the affected leg, using a machine learning technique (Neural Network). We have used a signal for heel contact in a gait using the heel sensor before training with the Neural Network. The accuracy of the Neural Network detector was compared with a swing phase detector based on the heel sensor. The Neural Network detector was able to detect similarly the swing phase in the heel sensor. The largest difference in timing of the swing phase was less than 60 milliseconds in normal subjects and 80 milliseconds in stroke patients. We were able to correct foot drop gait using FES with an acceleration sensor and Neural Network detector. The present results indicate that an acceleration sensor positioned on the thigh, which is cosmetically preferable to systems in which the sensor is farther from the entry point of the electrodes, is useful for correction of stroke gait using FES.

Adult↗