The extended Maxwell-Wagner (MW)

The extended Maxwell-Wagner (MW) click here two-layer condenser model has been proposed, which clarifies the nature of the plateaus appearing in the dielectric relaxation spectra of CCTO. The plateaus essentially consist of a hybrid of two of the concerned physical elements, assumed in the established equivalent circuit. The temperature dependence of the low-frequency plateaus of CaSiO3-doped CCTO with In-Ga electrode is further interpreted underlying this extended

model. New defect structure and reactions have been proposed to plausibly interpret the semiconductivity of the grain interiors and the insulation of grain boundaries of CCTO. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3527926]“
“The extraction conditions of intracellular polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris

SU-08 mycelia Alvespimycin mouse in submerged culture were investigated. Four parameters affecting the IPS extraction were determined by Plackett-Burman (PB) tests and then optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions of IPS extraction were predicted to be, ultrasonic treatment number 61.45, ultrasonic power 543.64 W, ethanol multiple 3.28, and extraction temperature 82.61 degrees C, and the extraction rate of IPS was estimated at 9.11%. The actual value of IFS under these conditions was 9.19%. The in vitro antioxidant results showed that the inhibition effects of IPS at a dosage of 5 g L(-1) on hydroxyl,

superoxide anion, and 1,1-dipheny1-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical were 51.89% www.sellecn.cn/products/yap-tead-inhibitor-1-peptide-17.html +/- 3.27%, 82.26% +/- 5.03%, and 74.59% +/- 4.53%, respectively, which were 32.98% +/- 2.71%, 69.71% +/- 4.24%, and 41.64% +/- 3.28% higher than that of control, respectively. The reducing power of IPS was 0.79 +/- 0.03 (absorbance at 700 nm), 11.27% +/- 0.82% higher than that of control. The results provide a reference for large-scale extraction of IFS by C. militaris SU-08 in industrial fermentation and the IPS can be used as a potential antioxidant which enhances adaptive immune responses. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 1744-1751, 2011″
“PURPOSE: To generate a normative donor topographic database from rasterstereography images of whole globes acquired in an eye-bank setting with minimal manipulation or handling

SETTING: Eye-bank laboratory

METHODS: In a retrospective study, rasterstereography topographic images that had been prospectively collected in duplicate of donor eyes received by the Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank between 1997 and 1999 were analyzed Best-fit sphere (BFS) and simulated keratometry (K) values were extracted.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of VEGF and endostatin In pleural ef

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of VEGF and endostatin In pleural effusions may be helpful in diagnosing malignant pleural effusions, while a combination of VEGF and endostatin can Increase the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of differentiating malignant from tuberculous pleural effusions.”
“Actinomycosis is a chronic disease characterized by abscess, tissue fibrosis

and draining sinuses. Pelvic actinomycosis in women most commonly occurs during ascending infections, which are usually associated with intrauterine devices; however, secondary hepatic actinomycosis, while rare, can also occur. We describe a patient with an unusual case of metastatic hepatic actinomycosis misdiagnosed as distant metastases of ovarian cancer.”
“Introduction: A noninvasive tool to reposition kidney

Selleckchem 4SC-202 stones could have significant impact in the management of stone disease. Our research group has developed a noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasound device. A review and update of the current status of PI3K inhibitor this technology is provided. Discussion of Technology: Stone propulsion is achieved through short bursts of focused, ultrasonic pulses. The initial system consisted of an eight-element annular array transducer, computer, and separate ultrasound imager. In the current generation, imaging and therapy are completed with one ultrasound system and a commercial probe. This generation allows real-time ultrasound imaging, targeting, and propulsion. Safety and effectiveness for the relocation of calyceal stones have been demonstrated in the porcine model. Role in Endourology: This technology may have applications in repositioning stones as an adjunct to lithotripsy, facilitating clearance of residual fragments after lithotripsy, expelling de novo stones, and potentially repositioning obstructing Screening Library stones. Human trials are in preparation.”
“Objective To determine the

prevalence and describe ocular abnormalities in healthy Standardbred foals within 48 h of birth.

Animals One hundred and two neonatal foals.

Procedures All foals had an unassisted delivery. On the basis of physical examination and the results of hematological and biochemical parameters, all foals were unaffected by systemic diseases. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed within 48 h of birth. Foals with ocular hemorrhages were re-examined weekly until the abnormalities were resolved.

Results 65/102 (63.7%) foals did not show ocular abnormalities, while in 37/102 (36.3%) cases, ocular abnormalities were present. Retinal and subconjunctival hemorrhages were recorded in 19/102 (18.6%), and in 13/102 (12.7%), respectively. In 4/102 (3.9%) animals, an entropion of the lower eyelid was present. Only one foal (1%) showed a congenital nuclear unilateral cataract. No other ocular abnormalities were detected. However, all foals showed various degrees of remnants of hyaloid system.


“In this study, the transcriptional state and distribution


“In this study, the transcriptional state and distribution of RNA polymerase II, pre-mRNA splicing machinery elements, and rRNA transcripts were investigated in the sperm cells of Hyacinthus orientalis L. during in vitro pollen tube growth. During the second pollen mitosis, no nascent transcripts were observed in the area of the dividing generative cell, whereas the splicing factors NVP-LDE225 in vitro were present and their pools were divided between newly formed sperm cells. Just after their origin, the sperm cells were shown to synthesize new RNA, although at a markedly lower level than the vegetative nucleus. The occurrence of RNA

synthesis was accompanied by the presence of RNA polymerase II and a rich pool of splicing IWR-1-endo in vivo machinery elements. Differences in the spatial pattern of pre-mRNA splicing factors

localization reflect different levels of RNA synthesis in the vegetative nucleus and sperm nuclei. In the vegetative nucleus, they were localized homogenously, whereas in the sperm nuclei a mainly speckled pattern of small nuclear RNA with a trimethylguanosine cap (TMG snRNA) and SC35 protein distribution was observed. As pollen tube growth proceeded, inhibition of RNA synthesis in the sperm nuclei was observed, which was accompanied by a gradual elimination of the splicing factors. In addition, analysis of rRNA localization indicated that the sperm nuclei are likely to synthesize some pool of rRNA at the later steps of pollen tube. It is proposed that the described changes in the nuclear activity of H. orientalis sperm cells reflect their https://www.selleck.cn/btk.html maturation process during pollen tube growth, and that mature sperm cells do not carry into the zygote the nascent transcripts or the splicing machinery elements.”
“In this paper, modeling of light propagation in silicon thin film solar cells without using any fitting parameter is presented. The aim is to create a realistic view of the light trapping effects and of the resulting optical generation rate in the absorbing semiconductor layers. The focus is on real three dimensional systems. Our software Sentaurus TCAD, developed by Synopsys, has the ability to import

real topography measurements and to model the light propagation using the finite-difference time-domain method. To verify the simulation, we compared the measured and simulated angular distribution functions of a glass/SnO(2):F transparent conducting oxide system for different wavelengths. The optical generation rate of charge carriers in amorphous silicon thin film solar cells including rough interfaces is calculated. The distribution of the optical generation rate is correlated with the shape of the interface, and the external quantum efficiencies are calculated and compared to experimental data. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3610516]“
“Child neurology training must change as our understanding of the diseases of the developing nervous system increases.

How to proceed will have to be dictated by a careful evaluation o

How to proceed will have to be dictated by a careful evaluation of the patient: Taking into consideration

not only the risk of renal progression but also the possible extrarenal complications, we suggest starting a “”specific”" treatment for patients presenting with full-blown nephrotic syndrome or with increasing levels of serum creatinine, Selleck PLX 4720 while specific treatment is not necessary for asymptomatic patients with sub-nephrotic proteinuria.”
“Background: Pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are susceptible to a high risk of bias. We examined the barriers and facilitators that pediatric trialists face in the design and conduct of unbiased trials.

Methods: We used a mixed methods design, with semi-structured interviews building upon the results of a quantitative survey. We surveyed Canadian (n=253) and international (n=600) pediatric trialists regarding their knowledge and awareness of

bias and their perceived barriers and facilitators in conducting clinical trials. We then interviewed 13 participants from different subspecialties and geographic locations to gain a more detailed description of how their experiences and attitudes towards research interacted with trial design and conduct.

Results: The survey response rate was 23.0% (186/807). 68.1% of respondents agreed that bias is a problem in pediatric RCTs and 72.0% felt that there is sufficient evidence to support changing some aspects of how trials are conducted. AL3818 Knowledge related to bias was variable, with inconsistent awareness of study design features that may introduce bias into a study. Interview participants highlighted a lack of formal PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway training in research

methods, a negative research culture, and the pragmatics of trial conduct as barriers. Facilitators included contact with knowledgeable and supportive colleagues and infrastructure for research.

Conclusions: A lack of awareness of bias and negative attitudes towards research present significant barriers in terms of conducting methodologically rigorous pediatric RCTs. Knowledge translation efforts must focus on these issues to ensure the relevance and validity of trial results.”
“The name of Thomas Addis (1881-1949) is linked to several aspects of nephrological practice: from the “”Addis count”" of urinary elements, to the history of diet in chronic kidney diseases. He was accustomed to working with limited funds, and developed his theories with relatively simple means, combined with the careful, long-term observation of single cases. His political ideas were progressive; his outlook on life was optimistic. This is deeply reflected in his Glomerular Nephritis: Diagnosis and Treatment, a book worth reading in the era of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it contains sharp analyses of the organizational aspects, and accurate comments on the role of the physician-all subjects of interest for the present times and challenges.

gloeosporioides is a potential source of new antibiotics “

gloeosporioides is a potential source of new antibiotics.”
“We have prepared CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in micellar medium by wet chemical technique and obtained very high coercivity value of 4.4 kOe at room temperature for particle size similar to 16 nm. A large coercivity (similar to 20 kOe) is observed on cooling down to 2.5 K. We annealed the sample at IPI-549 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor different temperatures to check the role of micelles and particles size in the change in coercivity value. Here we observed micelles as capping agent playing an important role to enhance

the coercivity, as after removal of micelles for the same particle size the coercivity drops from 4.4 kOe to small value similar to 350 Oe. But the coercivity again increases due to the increase in particle size with increase in annealing see more temperature from 873 K and above. To obtain structural information and

size of particles, we have taken x-ray diffraction spectra from the samples before and after annealing at different temperatures which confirm the spinel phase only. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3525994]“
“Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a disabling inflammatory disease accompanied by a variety of extra-articular manifestations in a significant number of patients. These manifestations, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and uveitis, share a similar inflammatory mechanism with one another and MM-102 cell line with AS. Extra-articular manifestations are observed in a larger percentage of patients with AS and spondyloarthritides (SpAs)

than the normal population; therefore, it is important to identify these and other inflammatory-mediated conditions and consider them when treating SpAs. How rheumatologists approach patients with both AS and extra-articular manifestations may lead to a better understanding of what treatment approaches could be taken to optimize patient outcomes. Rheumatologists (N = 453) from five European countries and Canada who treat AS were surveyed to determine treatment practices and management of both AS and its associated extra-articular manifestations. Most rheumatologists (93%) believe AS could be diagnosed earlier as the average time between symptom onset and diagnosis was approximately 4 years. In total, 60% routinely screen patients with AS for extra-articular manifestations, although this varied considerably across countries. The majority (97%) agrees that controlling inflammation is critical during treatment, and patients with extra-articular manifestations tend to have poorer prognoses than those patients with only axial AS. Treatment considerations varied depending on whether patients presented with only axial AS or had extra-articular manifestations, where use of biologics became more common. Rheumatologists agree that patients with both AS and extra-articular manifestations require a different treatment strategy than patients with AS alone.

The azimuthal behavior of the longitudinal and transverse magneti

The azimuthal behavior of the longitudinal and transverse magnetization components revealed the presence of induced unidirectional and biquadratic anisotropies. A misalignment between unidirectional and biquadratic anisotropy axes was also observed. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3636098]“
“Aims: find more Sorafenib is the only systemic treatment shown to be effective against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been selected as an alternative therapeutic option for advanced HCC. We investigated the efficacy and safety of HAIC as an alternative treatment for sorafenib in advanced HCC. Methods: Between

May 2008 and March 2011, 20 consecutive patients were treated with sorafenib monotherapy as a first-line treatment and 21 consecutive patients who could not take sorafenib because of cost were treated with HAIC monotherapy as an alternative. Sorafenib was administered in 400 mg b.i.d. doses. For SU5416 in vivo HAIC, daily cisplatin (7 mg/m2 on days 15) and 5-FU (170 mg/m2 on days 15) were infused every 4 weeks. We assessed overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and toxicity. Results: Median OS was 4.9 months (95% CI, 3.46.4) for sorafenib and 7.3 months (95% CI, 4.510.2) for HAIC (P = 0.599). Median PFS was 2.0 months (95% CI, 1.962.05) versus 3.0 months

(95% CI, 1.984.02) for sorafenib and HAIC, respectively (P = 0.303). ORR and disease control rate (DCR) for sorafenib were 10.0 and 35.0% versus 19.0 and 38.1% for HAIC (ORR, P = 0.413; DCR, P = 0.837). Patients treated with HAIC more frequently exhibited grade 3/4 neutropenia (23.8 vs 0% for sorafenib), whereas sorafenib therapy showed grade 3/4 hand-foot skin reaction in 10% of patients. Conclusion: HAIC is a useful alternative

treatment for advanced HCC and further prospective investigations are required.”
“Eight see more Boer (75%) x Spanish (BS) and 8 Spanish (S) wethers (155 +/- 8 d of age and 19.2 +/- 2.3 kg of BW initially) were used in a replicated crossover design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine effects of genotype, diet quality, and time of day on energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), and EE: HR with ad libitum, near maintenance, and fasting levels of feed intake. Diets were 65% concentrate or coarsely ground alfalfa hay. Energy expenditure was ranked (P < 0.05) ad libitum > maintenance > fasting (500, 390, and 270 kJ/kg of metabolic BW). Heart rate did not differ between genotypes when fasting and with maintenance intake, but was greater (P < 0.05) for S than for BS when intake was ad libitum (BS: 55, 71, and 92; S: 52, 72, and 100 beats/min for fasting, maintenance, and ad libitum, respectively, SEM = 2.0). There was an interaction in EE: HR (P < 0.05) between level of feed intake and genotype (BS: 5.31, 5.59, and 5.00; S: 5.07, 5.57, and 5.

Nevertheless, larger series and comparative studies with longer f

Nevertheless, larger series and comparative studies with longer follow-up could be necessary to confirm its oncological effectiveness.”
“In the historical evolution of thoracoscopy, which was initiated exactly one century ago by Hans Christian Jacobaeus, two distinct

periods can be identified: one between 1910 and 1955, characterised by its use for the lysis of pleural adhesions to obtain therapeutic pneumothorax in lung tuberculosis, and the subsequent period which has seen the development of diagnostic applications, principally due to pulmonologists and, after 1990, the start of an exclusively surgical thoracoscopy called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS to perform video-assisted interventions. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Calcitonin screening aims at uncovering occult medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in patients with nodular thyroid disease. Temsirolimus Elevated basal calcitonin serum levels call for calcitonin stimulation, the level of which may direct the extent of surgery. Because pentagastrin has become restricted, calcium has increasingly been used instead for stimulation. This study identified a new spectrum of patients demonstrating Fer-1 order a false-positive hypercalcitoninemia

in the absence of C-cell disease, carrying multinodular goiter (MNG), thyroiditis, and non-MTC thyroid malignancy, and endeavored to explore the feasibility of extrapolating pentagastrin-stimulated to calcium-stimulated

calcitonin thresholds.

Altogether, 43 (9.5 %) of 455 patients with nodular thyroid disease revealed increased basal calcitonin serum levels between 2005 and 2012, for which they underwent intravenous stimulation with pentagastrin (31 patients) or calcium gluconate (12 patients) before and after primary thyroidectomy.

Stimulation with calcium gluconate resulted in significantly higher and more variable preoperative calcitonin serum levels after 2 (241.2 vs. 104.9 pg/mL; P = 0.018) and 5 min (240.6 vs. 87.4 pg/mL; P = 0.007) than stimulation with pentagastrin. Stimulation with calcium gluconate produced 10-fold (nodular goiter), 15-fold (thyroiditis), ALK 抑制剂 and 21-fold (thyroid neoplasia other than MTC) calcitonin increases over baseline, as opposed to 5-fold, 10-fold, and 8-fold increases after stimulation with pentagastrin. None of the 43 patients, all of whom reverted to undetectable calcitonin serum levels after thyroidectomy, had immunohistochemical evidence of C-cell disease. Subgroup analyses according to gender and thyroid disease, being limited by the low number of patients in each subgroup, did not yield significant differences.

Calcium stimulation yields significantly greater calcitonin levels than pentagastrin stimulation, precluding generalization of pentagastrin-stimulated to calcium-stimulated calcitonin thresholds.

Comparisons of PCR and

shotgun sequenced SSU-rRNA markers

Comparisons of PCR and

shotgun sequenced SSU-rRNA markers derived from the global open ocean revealed that while PCR libraries identify more OTUs per sequenced residue, metagenomic libraries recover a greater taxonomic diversity of OTUs. In addition, we discover novel species, genera and families in the metagenomic libraries, including OTUs from phyla missed by analysis of PCR sequences. Taken together, these results suggest that PhylOTU enables characterization of part of the biosphere currently hidden from PCR-based surveys of diversity?”
“Background: Most current indices of synchrony quantify left ventricular (LV) contraction pattern in terms of a single, global (integrated) measure. We report the development and physiological relevance of a novel method to quantify LV segmental contraction synchrony.

Methods: LV pressure-volume and echocardiographic data were collected in seven anesthetized, opened-chest dogs under several pacing modes: right Lazertinib solubility dmso atrial (RA) (control), right ventricular Combretastatin A4 (RV) (dyssynchrony), and additional LV pacing at either apex (CRTa) or free wall (CRTf). Cross-correlation-based integrated (CCSIint) and segmental (CCSIseg) measures of synchrony were calculated from speckle-tracking derived

radial strain, along with a commonly used index (maximum time delay). LV contractility was quantified using either E-es (ESPVR slope) or ESPVRarea (defined in the manuscript).

Results: RV pacing decreased CCSIint at LV base (0.95 +/- 0.02 [RA] vs 0.64 +/- 0.14 [RV]; P < 0.05) and only CRTa improved it (0.93 +/- 0.03; P < 0.05 vs RV). The CCSIseg analysis identified anteroseptal and septal segments as being responsible for the low CCSIint during RV pacing and inferior segment for poor resynchronization with CRTf. Changes in ESPVRarea, and not in E-es, indicated depressed LV contractility with RV pacing, an observation consistent with significantly decreased global LV performance (stroke work [SW]: 252 +/- 23 [RA] vs 151 +/- 24 [RV] mJ; P < 0.05).

Only CRTa improved SW and contractility (SW: 240 +/- 19 mJ; ESPVRarea: 545 +/- 175 mmHg.mL; both P < 0.01 vs RV). Only changes in CCSIseg and global LV contractility were strongly correlated (R-2 = 0.698, Akt inhibitor P = 0.005).

Conclusion: CCSIseg provided insights into the changes in LV integrated contraction pattern and a better link to global LV contractility changes. (PACE 2012; 35:174-187)”
“We have found that when muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) are implanted into a variety of tissues only a small fraction of the donor cells can be found within the regenerated tissues and the vast majority of cells are host derived. This observation has also been documented by other investigators using a variety of different stem cell types. It is speculated that the transplanted stem cells release factors that modulate repair indirectly by mobilizing the host’s cells and attracting them to the injury site in a paracrine manner.

Furthermore, analysis of molecular variance demonstrated that 99

Furthermore, analysis of molecular variance demonstrated that 99.1% of the observed variation was a result of genetic differences between individuals; drug discovery the host culture did not have a significant effect. This is the first report of high level variability

of S. sclerotiorum in Brazil based on the study of isolates of wide geographical origin, supported by RAPD markers and MCGs. These results endorse the prevalence of sexual reproduction in tropical and subtropical regions in contrast to clonal reproduction in temperate regions.”
“Background: The HIV lipoatrophy syndrome is characterized by loss of subcutaneous fat and is associated with increased resting energy expenditure (REE). Recently, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) modeling of organ-tissue mass combined with specific organ-tissue metabolic rates has been used to gain further insight into the relation of the lean body mass to REE and to better understand differences in REE between groups.

Objective: This study examined the organ-tissue basis of the increased REE shown in HIV lipoatrophy.

Design: REE was measured in 29 HIV-infected patients with lipoatrophy Oligomycin A in vivo and in 29 HIV-infected and 19 healthy control subjects. Five organ-tissue mass components (brain,

bone, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and residual mass) were calculated with the use of DXA modeling and body weight.

Results: DXA modeling showed no significant differences in predicted REE between the 3 groups. However, measured REE was significantly greater in subjects with lipoatrophy than in control subjects. Measured REE remained significantly greater in lipoatrophy subjects after routine adjustment for lean body mass and after adjustment for each organ-tissue mass component.

Finally, DXA and regression modeling of REE suggests that increased energy expenditure in skeletal Nec-1s research buy muscle may account for the resting hypermetabolism of patients with HIV lipoatrophy.

Conclusions: Increased REE in subjects with HIV lipoatrophy cannot be explained by differences in organ-tissue mass as modeled by DXA. Instead, DXA and regression modeling of REE suggests that skeletal muscle is hypermetabolic in patients with HIV lipoatrophy. This may be a form of adaptive thermogenesis in response to an inability to store triglyceride fuel in a normal manner. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;90:1525-31.”
“An association between favism (a hemolytic reaction to consumption of fava beans), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD(-)) and acid phosphatase locus 1 (ACP(1)) phenotypes has been reported; the frequency of carriers of the p(a) and p(c) ACP(1) alleles was found to be significantly higher in G6PD(-) individuals showing favism than in the general population.

The final overall conversion and the individual conversions of ST

The final overall conversion and the individual conversions of ST and SMA all decrease with increasing SMA concentration.

Furthermore, at a particular reaction time, the individual conversion of SMA is always greater than that of ST. Monomer droplet nucleation was retarded severely for the monomer pair ST/LMA, presumably due to the very strong Ostwald ripening effect. As a result, relatively slow rates of copolymerization of ST and LMA were attained compared with the ST/SMA counterpart. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 620-628, 2011″
“Study Design. Several senescence biomarkers were observed JNJ-26481585 to investigate cell senescence in degenerative

intervertebral lumbar discs of foreleg-amputated rats.

Objective. To determine if cell senescence is accelerated in degenerative intervertebral lumbar disc cells in an upright-rat model.

Summary of Background Data. Cellular senescence was accelerated in human and sand rat degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. Repeated use of upright posture by rats contributed to degenerative disc changes. No convincing evidence of cell senescence was observed in the lumbar disc of the foreleg amputated rat.

Methods. The forelimbs of 20 rats were amputated at 1 month of age such that they maintained an upright stance; rats were housed in custom-made cages. Nonamputated rats, also 1 month of age, were INCB018424 mouse kept in regular cages and served as a control group. The lumbar IVDs were harvested from rats in 2 groups, at 5 or 9 months find more following amputation. Senescence-associated-beta-galactosidase-positive staining was used to detect cell senescence. p16INK4a and p27KIP were assessed by immunohistochemistry analysis. Total RNA isolated from these samples was used to measure the gene expression of p16INK4a, RB, cyclin D1, CDK4, PTEN, p27KIP, p19ARF, p21, TERT, and RAGE by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results. The highest levels of SA-beta-GAL activity were detected in

9-month amputated rats. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis showed that there were highest rates of p16INK4a and p27KIP protein expression in the cartilage endplate and anulus fibrosus of 9-month amputated rats. The mRNA levels of p16INK4a, RB, PTEN, p27KIP, p19ARF, and RAGE were upregulated. The increased cyclin D1 mRNA level was statistically significant only at the ninth month following amputation; CDK4 and TERT mRNA levels were downregulated to a similar extent at both points compared with nonamputated controls. mRNA expression of p21 was significantly downregulated.

Conclusion. Accelerated cell senescence was associated with forelimb amputation that causes abnormal loading in rat lumbar IVDs.