Group HS Research Articles

On the Codes Related to the Higman-Sims Graph

All linear codes of length $100$ over a field $F$ which admit the Higman-Sims simple group HS in its rank $3$ representation are determined. By group representation theory it is proved that they can all be understood as submodules of the permutation module $F\Omega$ where $\Omega$ denotes the vertex set of the Higman-Sims graph. This module is semisimple if $\mathrm{char} F\neq 2,5$ and absolutely indecomposable otherwise. Also if $\mathrm{char} F \in \{2, 5\}$ the submodule lattice is determined explicitly. The binary case $F = \mathbb{F}_2$ is studied in detail under coding theoretic aspects. The HS-orbits in the subcodes of dimension $\leq 23$ are computed explicitly and so also the weight enumerators are obtained. The weight enumerators of the dual codes are determined by MacWilliams transformation. Two fundamental methods are used: Let $v$ be the endomorphism determined by an adjacency matrix. Then in $H_{22} = \mathrm{Im} v $ the HS-orbits are determined as $v$-images of certain low weight vectors in $F\Omega$ which carry some special graph configurations. The second method consists in using the fact that $H_{23}/H_{21}$ is a Klein four group under addition, if $H_{23}$ denotes the code generated by $H_{22}$ and a "Higman vector" $x(m)$ of weight 50 associated to a heptad $m$ in the shortened Golay code $G_{22}$, and $H_{21}$ denotes the doubly even subcode of $H_{22}\leq H_{78} = {H_{22}}^\perp$. Using the mentioned observation about $H_{23}/H_{21}$ and the results on the HS-orbits in $H_{23}$ a model of G. Higman's geometry is constructed, which leads to a direct geometric proof that G. Higman's simple group is isomorphic to HS. Finally, it is shown that almost all maximal subgroups of the Higman-Sims group can be understood as stabilizers in HS of codewords in $H_{23}$.

Comparison of intubation conditions with halothane suxamethonium and halothane topical lidocaine 2% in children undergoing

Background Suxamethonium has several side effects, particularly in children, including apnea, bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and the fatal side effect malignant hyperthermia. Looking for a safe, available and cheap alternative to suxamethonium is the aim of this study. Patients and Methods Sixty children admitted for adenoidotonsillectomy aged between 3 and 8 years were classified into two groups. Group HS was formed of 30 patients anesthetized using inhalational halothane 5% and suxamethonium 1.5 mg/kg. Group HL was formed of 30 patients who were anesthetized with halothane 5% and topical oral lidocaine solution 2% at a dose of 4 mg/kg. The intubation conditions score was applied in both groups. Results There was a nonsignificant difference between the two groups as regards the hemodynamic parameters both before and after intubation. There was also a nonsignificant difference in intubation conditions score between the two groups. Conclusion Lidocaine 2% oral solution at a dose of 4 mg/kg before intubation produces similar hemodynamics and intubation conditions to suxamethonium in adenoidotonsillectomy in children aged 3-8 years.

Prevention of hyperoxia-induced bronchial hyperreactivity by sildenafil and vasoactive intestinal peptide: impact of preserved lung function and structure.

ObjectiveHyperoxia exposure leads to the development of lung injury and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) via involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathway. We aimed at characterizing whether the stimulation of the NO pathway by sildenafil or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is able to prevent the hyperoxia-induced development of BHR. The respective roles of the preserved lung volume and alveolar architecture, the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potentials of these treatments in the diminished lung responsiveness were also characterized.Materials and methodsImmature (28-day-old) rats were exposed for 72 hours to room air (Group C), hyperoxia (>95%, Group HC), or hyperoxia with the concomitant administration of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, Group HV) or sildenafil (Group HS). Following exposure, the end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) was assessed plethysmographically. Airway and respiratory tissue mechanics were measured under baseline conditions and following incremental doses of methacholine to assess BHR. Inflammation was assessed by analyzing the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), while biochemical and histological analyses were used to characterize the apoptotic and structural changes in the lungs.ResultsThe BHR, the increased EELV, the aberrant alveolarization, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the BALF that developed in Group HC were all suppressed significantly by VIP or sildenafil treatment. The number of apoptotic cells increased significantly in Group HC, with no evidence of statistically significant effects on this adverse change in Groups HS and HV.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that stimulating the NO pathway by sildenafil and VIP exert their beneficial effect against hyperoxia-induced BHR via preserving normal EELV, inhibiting airway inflammation and preserving the physiological lung structure, whereas the antiapoptotic potential of these treatments were not apparent in this process.

Thrombomodulin improved liver injury, coagulopathy, and mortality in an experimental heatstroke model in mice.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening illness and causes high mortality due to multiple organ injuries. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial anticoagulant cofactor that plays an important role in the regulation of intravascular coagulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of TM on the inflammatory process, liver function, coagulation status, and mortality in experimental heatstroke. Male C3H/HeN (8-10 weeks) mice were randomly assigned to the TM-treated group (TG-Pre) or nontreated heatstroke group (HS). In group TG-Pre, mice were treated with recombinant soluble TM (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) before heat exposure. In some experiments, recombinant soluble TM was administrated during heat exposure (TG-Delay). Heatstroke was induced by exposure to ambient temperature of 38°C for 4 hours. After heat exposure, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and plasma high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), liver function, plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations, and immunohistochemical and histopathological characteristics of the livers were determined. The coagulation status, plasma protein C levels, and thrombin-antithrombin complex levels were also measured. In group HS, plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations increased after heat exposure. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations increased after heat exposure. In group HS livers, strong and extensive immunostaining for HMGB1 was observed. In addition, there was extensive hepatocellular necrosis and collapse of nuclei observed. In group HS, plasma protein C levels were suppressed and plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex levels increased. In group TG-Pre, plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations were suppressed after heat exposure compared with group HS. Liver injury, coagulopathy, and mortality also improved in group TG-Pre. Furthermore, recombinant soluble TM treatment decreased mortality even with delayed treatment. This study demonstrated that recombinant soluble TM suppressed plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations after heat exposure. Recombinant soluble TM also improved liver injury and coagulopathy. Recombinant soluble TM treatment improved mortality even with delayed treatment. Recombinant soluble TM may be a beneficial treatment for heatstroke patients.

Dune coast changes caused by weak storm events in Miedzywodzie, Poland

Bugajny, N. and Furmańczyk, K., 2014. Dune coast changes caused by weak storm events in Miedzywodzie, Poland In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 211–216, ISSN 0749-0208.This paper describes the impact of weak storm events on morphological changes of the sandy, non-tidal Southern Baltic coast. It was initially assumed that weak storms do not cause any significant changes on the coast, i.e. dune erosion. For this purpose, 14 RTK-GPS surveys were carried out during June to December 2012, consisting of a cross-shore profile every 100 m along a 2 km stretch of coast. Offshore wave data (WAM model) and water level data (tide gauge) were also collected. The hydrodynamic conditions were grouped into 3 groups by Ward's hierarchical cluster analysis to investigate relationships with morphological changes on the coast. Correlation between volume changes and shoreline displacement for profiles and each group of hydrodynamic conditions were obtained. The correlation coefficient value for profiles ranged from R=0.41–0.91; and for groups R=0.79–0.82. It was found that for the first group (Hs<1 m), accumulation was observed almost in the whole area. For the second hydrodynamic group, some profiles accumulated while others experienced erosion. For the last group, erosion processes were dominant. The study reveals the oscillating nature of the coast within the study area. Volumetric changes between the first and last survey ranged from 0.8 m3/m to approximately −1.2 m3/m and the shoreline changed from rough to smooth.

On 2 nonsplit extension groups associated with HS and HS:2

The group HS:2 is the full automorphism group of the Higman--Sims group HS. The groups 2^{4.}S_6 and 2^{5.}S_6 are maximal subgroups of HS and HS:2, respectively. The group 2^{4.}S_6 is of order 11520 and 2^{5.}S_6 is of order 23040 and each of them is of index 3 850 in HS and HS:2, respectively. The aim of this paper is to first construct \overline{G} = 2^{5.}S_6 as a group of the form 2^{4.}S_6.2 (that is, \overline{G} = G_1.2) and then compute the character tables of these 2 nonsplit extension groups by using the method of Fischer--Clifford theory. We will show that the projective character tables of the inertia factor groups are not required. The Fischer--Clifford matrices of \overline{G}_1 and \overline{G} are computed. These matrices together with the partial character tables of the inertia factors are used to compute the full character tables of these 2 groups. The fusion of \overline{G}_1 into \overline{G} is also given.

Effect of hypoxic preconditioning on anti-inflammatory responses of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats: in vitro and in vivo experiments

Objective To investigate the effect of hypoxic preconditioning on anti-inflammatory responses of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in rats through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods In vitro experiment The isolated rat BMSCs were cultured by whole bone marrow adherence method.The cells at passage 3 were seeded in 24-well plates at a density of 1 × 106 cells/ml and randomly divided into 5 groups (n =8 wells each) using a random number table:control group (group C),normoxia-incubated group (group N),hypoxic preconditioning group (group H),hypoxia preconditioning + STAT3 inhibitor Stattic group (group HS) and hypoxia preconditioning + anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody group (group HA).In group C,BMSCs were incubated in DMEM culture medium.In group N,BMSCs were exposed to21％ O2-74％ N2-5.0％ CO2 for48 h.In group H,BMSCs were exposed to 0.5％ O2-94.5％ N2-5.0％ CO2 for 24 h followed by 24 h exposure to normoxia.In HS and HA groups,500 μg/ml Stattic and 100 μg/rnl anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody were added to the culture medium before hypoxia preconditioning,respectively.The expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and IL-10 was determined by Western blot.In vivo experiment Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 300-350 g,in which intrathecal catheters were successfully implanted without complications,underwent spinal cord ischemia by occlusion of the thoracic aorta combined with controlled hypotension.Three hundred rats with spinal cord I/R injury were randomly divided into C,N,H,HS and HA groups (n =60 each) using a random number table.Immediately after onset of reperfusion,DMEM medium 300 μl was injected intrathecally in group C,and BMSC suspension 300 μl (1 × 106 cells/ml) was injected intrathecally in N,H,HS and HA groups.Neurological function was scored before ischemia and at 4,12,24 and 48 h of reperfusion (T0-,).The animals were then sacrificed and the lumbar segment of spinal cord was removed for detection of the content of IL-10,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1),and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 α (MIP-1 α) (by ELISA) and the number of activated microglia (by immuno-histochemistry).Results Compared with C and N groups,the expression of pSTATβ and IL-10 was significantly up-regulated,the neurological function score and IL-10 content were increased,the content of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,MCP-1 and MIP-1α and the number of activated microglia were decreased in group H (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group H,the expression of p-STAT3 and IL-10 in group HS and expression of IL-10 in group HA was significantly down-regulated,and the neurological function score and IL-10 content were decreased,and the content of TNF-α,IL-13,IL-6,MCP-1 and MIP-1α and the number of activated microglia were increased in HS and HA groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Hypoxic preconditioning can enhance anti-inflammatory effects of BMSCs,thus increasing BMSCs-induced reduction of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Key words: Cell hypoxia; Ischemica preconditioning; Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation ; Spinal cord ; Inflammation

Outcome of Using Small-For-Size Grafts in Living Donor Liver Transplantation Recipients with High Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Scores: A Single Center Experience

AimsTo evaluate the impact of small-for-size grafts (SFSG) in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (AALDLT) on outcomes of recipients with different model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in a single liver transplant center.Materials and MethodsClinical data of 118 patients underwent right-lobe AALDLT from January 2004 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed, Patients were divided into Group L (MELD score≤25) and Group H (MELD score > 25) according to MELD score. The patients were further stratified into Group LS (MELD score≤25, GBWR<0.8%), Group LN (MELD score≤25, GBWR≥0.8%), Group HS (MELD score > 25, GBWR<0.8%), and Group HN (MELD score > 25, GBWR≥0.8%) to investigate the impact of graft size on recipients’ complications and outcomes. Pre-operative characteristics, post-operative complications graded by the Clavien score and patient survival were analyzed.ResultsMELD scores between the two groups were significant different (12.4±4.9 vs 34.5±7.5, P=0.026). There was no significant difference in preoperative demographic data as well as postoperative liver function. Complication rate, length of ICU and hospital stay, graft loss, and mortality were similar in both groups. The 1- and 3- year survival were similar between group H and group L. When recipients were further stratified into group LS, LN, HS, and HN, no significant difference was found among groups in 1- and 3- year survival rate. In multivariate analysis, HCC was not a predictor for long term survival.ConclusionOur single institution experience demonstrates that it is safe to use SFSGs in high pre-MELD score recipients with the improvement of intensive care and the selection of listing criteria.

Using Small-for-Size Grafts in Living Donor Liver Transplantation Recipients with High MELD Scores Should Not Be Considered a Contraindication

The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) system is a good tool to predict short-term mortality among living donor liver transplantation (AALDLT) recipients and has also been suggested to prohibited live liver donation for recipients with MELD scores[25 [1]. A partial liver graft transplanted into an adult recipient is often defined as a small-for-size graft. It is generally accepted that such graft would be tolerated when the graft-to-body weight ratio (GBWR) is higher than 0.8. However, transplanted liver will suffer small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) and irreversible damage when GBWR \0.8. In AALDLT, graft size and pre-transplant MELD scores are important factors for patient post-transplant survival [2]. Here we evaluated the outcome of using a SFSG in AALDLT recipients with different MELD scores in a single liver transplant center. Clinical data of 118 patients who had right-lobe AALDLT from January 2004 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. According to MELD, patients were divided into group L (MELD score B25, n = 102) and group H (MELD score [25, n = 16). To analyze the risk of the graft size, the patients were further stratified into group LS (MELD score B25, GBWR\0.8, n = 23), group LN (MELD score B25, GBWR C0.8, n = 79), group HS (MELD score [25, GBWR \0.8, n = 5), and group HN (MELD score [25, GBWR C0.8, n = 11). MELD scores between the two groups were significantly different. There was no significant difference in preoperative demographic data as well as postoperative liver function data. The length of ICU and hospital stay, graft loss, and mortality were similar in both groups. Complication rate was also similar between two groups (10.8 vs 6.3 %, P = 1.000). The 1and 3-year survival rate were similar between group L and group H (85.2 vs 74 %, 78.9 vs 74 %, P = 0.692). After stratified into groups LS, LN, HS, and HN, there were no significant differences among groups in 1and 3-year survival rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that accompanied hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), GBWR, and MELD scores did not predict the 1and 3-year survival rate. Recipients with high MELD scores usually have worse preoperative conditions and experience a more complicated peri-operative course. However, there are still debates on this subject. Hayashi et al. [3] reported that there was no correlation between the 1-year survival rate and MELD scores. According to Yi et al. [4], the 1-year survival rate without HCC was found to be similar between those two groups as well as the rate of postoperative complications. In our report, the postoperative complication rate, ICU and hospital stay length after AALDLT did not differ between recipients. Pneumonia was still the first cause of death. We attributed these advanced results to a high level of perioperative intensive care for high MELD score recipients. When using a graft with GBWR less than 0.8 in AALDLT, recipients possibly suffer postoperative irreversible liver damage. However, Yi et al. [4] also reported that a high MELD score ([25) was not an important predictor of the 1-year survival rate in cases with an SFSG. Reconstruction of the MHV is well known as an important factor to reduce the incidence of graft failure in an SFSG. In our study, although there was no significant difference in survival rates among groups with versus without MHV, we might H. Li B. Li (&) Department of Liver and Vascular Surgery, Center of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China e-mail: doclibo@126.com

Effect of Hypotensive Resuscitation with a Novel Combination of Fluids in a Rabbit Model of Uncontrolled Hemorrhagic Shock

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of hypotensive and normotensive resuscitation with a novel combination of fluids via lactate Ringer’s solution (LRS), 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 solution (HES), and 7.5% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) at early stage of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock (UHS) before hemostasis.MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits (n = 32) underwent UHS by transecting the splenic parenchyma, followed by blood withdrawal via the femoral artery to target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40–45 mmHg. Animals were distributed randomly into 4 groups (n = 8): in group Sham, sham operation was performed; in group HS, UHS was untreated; in group HS-HR, UHS was treated by hypotensive resuscitation with HSS and LRS+HES (ratio of 2∶1) to MAP of 50–55 mmHg; in group HS-NR, UHS was treated by normotensive resuscitation with HSS and LRS+HES (ratio of 2∶1) to MAP of 75–80 mmHg. Outcomes of hemodynamics, inflammatory and oxidative response, and other metabolic variables were measured and the histopathological studies of heart, lung and kidney were performed at the end of resusucitation.ResultsHypotensive resuscitation with the novel combination of fluids for UHS rabbits decreased blood loss, maintained better stabilization of hemodynamics, and resulted in relatively higher hematocrit and platelet count, superior outcomes of blood gas, and lower plasma lactate concentration. Besides, hypotensive resuscitation attenuated the inflammatory and oxidative response significantly in UHS rabbits.ConclusionHypotensive resuscitation with the novel combination of fluids via HSS and LRS+HES (ratio of 2∶1) has an effective treatment at early stage of UHS before hemostasis.

Effects of Sufentanil Preconditioning on Myocardial Infarction Areas and the Myocardial Enzyme in Myocardial Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury in Rats &lt;i&gt;In Vivo&lt;/i&gt;

Objective.To investigate the effects of sufentanil preconditioning on Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats in vivo.Methods. To randomly divide 50 male SD rats equally into 5 groups, including ischemia-reperfusion group( Group I/R ), ischemic preconditioning group(Group IPC), high-dose sufentanil preconditioning group(Group HS, 6.0µg/kg), medium-dose sufentanil preconditioning group(Group MS,2.0µg/kg) and low-dose sufentanil preconditioning group(Group LS, 0.60µg/kg).The left anterior descending coronary arterys(LAD) of rats in five groups are ligated for 30 minutes and are re-perfused for 90 minutes. To measure the myocardial infarction size (IS/AAR%) with double-staining with Even's blue and triphenyltetrazolium chloride, and to calculate the concentration of LK, LK-MB and LDH. Result. Comparing with Group 1/R , the myocardial infarction size(IS/AAR%) in Group IPC, HS, MS and LS all reduced at different levels. Among the Group HS, MS and LS, the infarction size in Group HS reduced most significantly. Comparing with Group 1/R, the concentration of the serum myocardial enzymes in the other four groups all reduced at different levels. Conclusion. Sufentanil preconditioning can reduce myocardial infarct size, decrease the concentration of the serum myocardial enzymes. Therefore, sufentanil preconditioning has protective effects on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats in vivo, and the effects are dose-dependent. Suffentanil is a potent kind of opioid analgesics, which is widely used in clinical anesthesia. However, further studies are needed on effects of sufentanil preconditioning on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. In order to protect the Myocardial ischemia patients and provide the foundations for application of sufentanil in peri-operative period, the authors investigate the effects of sufentanil preconditioning on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury through comparison and analysis of the myocardial infarction size(IS), the concentration of the serum myocardial enzymes in the ischemia-reperfusion group(Group IPC), the ischemic preconditioning group(Group IPC) and different-dose sufentanil preconditioning group(Group HS, MS LS).

Conjugated linoleic acid and phytosterols counteract obesity induced by high-fat diet

This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and phytosterol supplementation and their combination added to high fat diet to verify their action on the satiety hormones, food intake, weight loss and peripheral glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in healthy rats. Twenty-one-day-old male healthy Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=5): Standard group (P), Standard High-Fat group (HF), and three high-fat groups fed diets with 2% CLA added (HC), 2% phytosterol (HP) and 2% CLA plus 2% phytosterol (HS). The standard diet was AIN-93G with 12% protein and 4% vegetable oil; the high-fat diet contained 12% protein and 35% fat (4% vegetable oil and 31% animal fat). The experimental period lasted 8weeks. The groups receiving supplements showed a significant reduction of retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissue as compared to the HF group (p<0.05). However, there was no improvement in insulin resistance and glucose in either supplemented group (p<0.05). The leptin decreased only in the groups that were receiving CLA (p<0.05). All supplemented groups showed a reduction in diet consumption, but the groups that received the supplements showed weight reduction compared to the HF group (p< 0.05). The animals that received the supplements alone or in combination showed reduced fat mass and the effect was potentiated in the group HS, but there was no improvement in ghrelin, adiponectin insulin and glucose resistance. The supplements alone or in combination promoted reduction of food intake and also promoted weight loss in experimental animals.

The effects of hydrogen sulfide under sevoflurane administration against ischemia and reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart

BackgroundHydrogen sulfide (H2S) produces a protective effect against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. Sevoflurane, which is used for anesthesia in cardiac problem patients, also has a protective effect. This study is designed to reveal the effects of H2S under sevoflurane using rat hearts.MethodsThe hearts were Langendorff-perfused, subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 60 minutes reperfusion. Group I was a control group. The other groups were pretreated for 15 minutes before ischemia as follows: 1.6% sevoflurane for group S; 18.5 µM H2S S for group H; and 1.6% sevoflurane and 18.5 µM H2S simultaneously for group HS. Hemodynamics and the infarct size were measured.ResultsGroup HS presented depressed hemodynamics during pretreatment. LV function in group HS achieved better recovery than group I after reperfusion. The infarct size of groups S, H and HS was smaller than group I, while there were no differences between groups S, H and HS.ConclusionsExogenous H2S did not enhance the preconditioning effects of sevoflurane. Rather, the results suggest that H2S under sevoflurane might depress hemodynamics.

Effect of hypothermia on coagulatory function and survival in Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock

BackgroundAcute coagulopathy, hypothermia, and acidosis are the lethal triad of conditions manifested by major trauma patients. Recent animal studies have reported that hypothermia improves survival in animals subjected to controlled haemorrhagic shock. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hypothermia on coagulation in rats subjected to uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normothermia (control, group N), hypothermia (group H), hypothermic haemorrhagic shock (group HS), and normothermic haemorrhagic shock (group NS). Haemorrhagic shock was induced by splenic laceration. Capacity for coagulation was measured by rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), and was measured at baseline as well as the end of the shock and resuscitation periods. Survival was observed for 48h post-trauma. ResultsBaseline parameters were not different amongst the groups. Rats exposed to hypothermia alone did not differ in coagulation capacity compared to the control group. Clot formation time (CFT) and maximal clot firmness (MCF) in group HS decreased as the experiment progressed. Maximal clot firmness time (MCFt) in groups H and HS was significantly prolonged during shock and resuscitation compared with that in group NS. In group NS, MCF did not change significantly, but MCFt was reduced compared with baseline. Group HS had poor survival when compared with normovolaemic groups. ConclusionBlood clotted less firmly in traumatic haemorrhagic shock, and hypothermia prolonged clotting. However, clot firmness maximised rapidly under normothermic haemorrhagic shock. Haemorrhage would continue for a longer time in hypothermic haemorrhagic shock. Survival of hypothermic shock was not significantly different compared to that of normothermic haemorrhagic shock.

ERD-Based Online Brain–Machine Interfaces (BMI) in the Context of Neurorehabilitation: Optimizing BMI Learning and Performance

Event-related desynchronization (ERD) of sensori-motor rhythms (SMR) can be used for online brain-machine interface (BMI) control, but yields challenges related to the stability of ERD and feedback strategy to optimize BMI learning.Here, we compared two approaches to this challenge in 20 right-handed healthy subjects (HS, five sessions each, S1-S5) and four stroke patients (SP, 15 sessions each, S1-S15). ERD was recorded from a 275-sensor MEG system. During daily training,motor imagery-induced ERD led to visual and proprioceptive feedback delivered through an orthotic device attached to the subjects' hand and fingers. Group A trained with a heterogeneous reference value (RV) for ERD detection with binary feedback and Group B with a homogenous RV and graded feedback (10 HS and 2 SP in each group). HS in Group B showed better BMI performance than Group A (p < 0.001) and improved BMI control from S1 to S5 (p = 0.012) while Group A did not. In spite of the small n, SP in Group B showed a trend for a higher BMI performance (p = 0.06) and learning was significantly better (p < 0.05). Using a homogeneous RV and graded feedback led to improved modulation of ipsilesional activity resulting in superior BMI learning relative to use of a heterogeneous RV and binary feedback.

Maternal Cardiac Output Changes After Crystalloid or Colloid Coload Following Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Delivery

Minimizing hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery by administration of IV fluids and vasopressors reduces fetal and maternal morbidity. Most studies have concentrated on noninvasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements to evaluate the effect of such regimens. We used a suprasternal Doppler flow technique to measure maternal cardiac output (CO) variables in parturients receiving a phenylephrine infusion combined with the rapid administration of crystalloid or colloid solution at the time of initiation of anesthesia (coload). We hypothesized that a colloid coload compared with a crystalloid coload would produce a larger sustained increase in CO and therefore reduce vasopressor requirements. We recruited 60 healthy term women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia for this randomized double-blind study. Baseline heart rate, baseline SBP, and CO variables including stroke volume, corrected flow time, and contractility were recorded in the left lateral tilt position. At the time of spinal injection, subjects were allocated to receive a rapid 1-L coload of either 6% w/v hydroxyethyl starch solution (HES) or Hartmann (crystalloid) solution (HS). A phenylephrine infusion was titrated to maintain maternal baseline SBP. CO was measured at 5-minute intervals for 20 minutes after initiation of spinal anesthesia. The primary outcome, CO, was compared between groups, as were secondary outcomes: phenylephrine dose and maternal hemodynamic and fetal outcome data. Maternal demographics, surgical times, and fetal outcome data were similar between groups. There were no significant differences between groups in any measured CO variable at any time point. CO was transiently higher than baseline at 5 minutes in the HS group and at 5 and 10 minutes in the HES group (range, 0.13-1.74 L/min); the overall mean difference in CO between crystalloid and colloid over the study period was 0.06 L/min (95% confidence interval: -0.46 to 0.58). Stroke volume was higher than baseline in both groups throughout; peak velocity was consistently higher than baseline only in the HES group; and corrected flow time increased in both groups; the effect was transient in the HS but sustained in the HES group. Heart rate was not different at any time point within or between groups but did decrease over time. The total phenylephrine dose from time of spinal anesthesia to delivery was similar between groups. We found no difference in CO in women randomized to colloid or crystalloid coload. In addition, there were no differences in vasopressor requirements or hemodynamic stability. We conclude that there is no advantage in using colloid over crystalloid when used in combination with a phenylephrine infusion during spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery.

Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Infusions on Liver Regeneration and Plasma Amino Acid Patterns in Partially Hepatectomized Rats

Even though solutions of high branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are known to be beneficial to patients with hepatic encephalopathy, data on the effects of BCAA on liver regeneration are limited. Two groups of young adult rats were utilized in this study: standard total parenteral nutrition solutions were administered to group SS (22.59% of BCAAs in total amino acids) and solutions high in BCAAs were given to group HS (34.44% of BCAAs). After 2 days of infusion, 70% partial hepatectomy was performed and the TPN infusions were continued for another 3 days. Liver regeneration was estimated and changes in serum amino acid patterns were determined 3 days after hepatectomy. Thymidine incorporation into liver DNA, in group HS was significantly higher than that in group SS (378±56 vs. 324±38, p=0.032). In group SS, the total concentration of BCAAs decreased (165.11±39.90mg/dL and 145.56±29.53mg/dL, p=0.014) over the experimental period, whereas that of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) increased (226.56±36.5mg/dL and 247.00±48.36mg/dL, p=0.104). However, group HS showed no changes in BCAA or AAA sums over the experimental period. After major hepatectomy, supplementation with high BCAAs helps not only to maintain a stable plasma BCAA/AAA ratio, but also promotes liver regeneration.

The effects of cysteine addition during in vitro maturation on the developmental competence, ROS, GSH and apoptosis level of bovine oocytes exposed to heat stress

In the present study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of cysteine (0.0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mM) added to the maturation medium on nuclear maturation and subsequent embryonic development of bovine oocytes exposed to heat stress (HS: set at 39.5 °C for 5 h, 40.0 °C for 5 h, 40.5 °C for 6 h, and 40.0 °C for 4 h versus 38.5 °C for 20 h as the control group). This regime mimicked the circadian rhythm of the vaginal temperature of lactating dairy cows during the summer season in southwestern Japan. Moreover, we also evaluated the oocyte's reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels and the apoptosis levels of the oocytes and cumulus cells in the presence or absence of 1.2 mM cysteine. As a result, HS in the without-cysteine group significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) both the nuclear maturation rate up to the metaphase (M)II stage and the blastocyst formation rate compared with that of the control group. In addition, this group showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) ROS levels and significantly lower (p < 0.05) GSH levels than those of the control group. Moreover, the level of TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL)-positive cumulus cells in the HS without-cysteine group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. However, the addition of 1.2 mM cysteine to the maturation medium restored not only the nuclear maturation, blastocyst formation rates and GSH contents, but also increased the ROS and TUNEL-positive levels of the cumulus cells, but not oocytes, to that of the control group. These results indicate that the addition of 1.2 mM cysteine during in vitro maturation (IVM) may alleviate the influence of heat stress for oocyte developmental competence by increasing GSH content and inhibiting the production of oocyte ROS followed by apoptosis of cumulus cells.

Role of hemorrhage in the induction of systemic inflammation and remote organ damage: Analysis of combined pseudo‐fracture and hemorrhagic shock

This study was performed to analyze the role of hemorrhage-induced hypotension in the induction of systemic inflammation and remote organ dysfunction. Male C57/BL6 mice (6- to 10-week old and 20-30 g) were used. Animals were either subjected to pseudo-fracture [PF; standardized soft-tissue injury and injection of crushed bone, PF group: n = 9], or PF combined with hemorrhagic shock (HS + PF group: n = 6). Endpoint was 6 h. Systemic inflammation was assessed by IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and NF-κB activity in the lung and liver tissue were obtained to assess remote organ damage. The increases of systemic cytokines are similar for animals subjected to PF and PF + HS (IL-6: 189 pg/ml ± 32.5 vs. 160 pg/ml ± 5.3; IL-10: 60.3 pg/ml ± 15.8 vs. 88 pg/ml ± 32.4). Furthermore, the features (ALT; NF-κB) of liver injury are equally elevated in mice subjected to PF (76.9 U/L ± 4.5) and HS + PF (80 U/L ± 5.5). Lung injury, addressed by MPO activity was more severe in group HS + PF (2.95 ng/ml ± 0.32) than in group PF (1.21 ng/ml ± 0.2). Both PF and additional HS cause a systemic inflammatory response. In addition, hemorrhage seems to be associated with remote affects on the lung.

Examinations into the contaminant-induced transport instabilities in a molecular device

We report first-principles calculations of transport behaviors for a molecular device whose electrode surface is contaminated by various diatomic groups. It has been found that such a device demonstrates less transport variations for the contamination of the group PO or SO in the whole bias range but it shows more transport variations for contamination of the group CN, HS, or NO only under low bias, which suggests that contamination of all diatomic groups studied here always affects high-bias transport properties of a device in an extremely gentle manner.