The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of the fluid dynamical performance of the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease depending on the prosthetic size (21, 23, and 25 mm) and the cardiac output (3.6-6.4 L/min). A self-constructed flow channel in combination with particle image velocimetry (PIV) enabled precise results with high reproducibility, focus on maximal and local pe...

Background & Aims: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) comprises 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2. Although sex differences in 25(OH)D levels have been reported, it remains unclear whether the difference lies profiles of 25(OH)D. We determined serum 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (3-epi-25(OH)D3), (24R)-24,25-dihydroxyvitamin (24,25(OH)2D3) measured by LC-MS/MS healthy adults not consuming...

Anthrax is a potentially fatal disease resulting from infection with Bacillus anthracis. The outcome of infection is influenced by pathogen-encoded virulence factors such as lethal toxin (LT), as well as by genetic variation within the host. To identify host genes controlling susceptibility to anthrax, a library of congenic mice consisting of strains with homozygous chromosomal segments from th...

Background. The duration of anti-CMV after LT varies widely among transplant centers. Because CMV is associated with poor outcome, some centers have extended prophylaxis to reduce the rates of CMV disease. We aimed to assess the epidemiology and outcome of CMV infection in high-risk LT recipients receiving extended (and for some, lifelong) prophylaxis. Methods. This is a retrospective review of...

(D-ala2)-met5-encephalinamide (AM encephalinamide) and (D-ala2)-leu5-encephalinamide (AL encephalinamide) were administered into the cisterna magna in anesthetized dogs to determine whether these opiates effected the neurohypophyseal circulation differently than the circulation of other brain areas. At the beginning of the experimental protocol, animals were given either mock cerebral spinal fl...

Problem Statement: The activated sludge system needs to improve the operational performance and to achieve more effective control. To realize this, a better quantitative understanding of the biofloc characteristics is required. The objectives of this study were to: (i) Study the biofloc characteristics from kinetics-mass transfer interaction point of view by quantification of the weight of the ...

UNLABELLED The laryngeal mask airway (LMA; Laryngeal Mask Company, Henley-on-Thames, UK) is an established airway device, whereas the laryngeal tube (LT) is relatively new and therefore not as well investigated. Therefore, the purpose of the present prospective, randomized, controlled trial was to compare the LT with the LMA in routine clinical practice. In 50 patients undergoing general anesth...

Statement of problem: Condylar hyperplasia of the mandible is a self limiting abnormality which can cause facial asymmetry, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and esthetic problems. Treatment planning is based on the results of isotope scanning, clinical findings and patient age. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) is considered to be a sensitive method in the calculation of condyl...