Selenocysteine (Sec) is the 21st amino acid in translation. Sec tRNA (tRNA(Sec)) has an anticodon complementary to the UGA codon. We solved the crystal structure of human tRNA(Sec). tRNA(Sec) has a 9-bp acceptor stem and a 4-bp T stem, in contrast with the 7-bp acceptor stem and the 5-bp T stem in the canonical tRNAs. The acceptor stem is kinked between the U6:U67 and G7:C66 base pairs, leading...

To determine optimal parameters for vascular delayed latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) stimulation, we hypothesized that appropriate pattern of synchronization delay, frequency and number of pulses per burst would improve benefits in cardiomyoplasty. In six dogs, vascular delay of left LDM and induction of myocardial dysfunction were performed 2 weeks before standard cardiomyoplasty. LDM was progre...

Introduction. Both statins and regular physical activity (PA) reduce arterial stiffness. The present post hoc analysis examined if arterial stiffness was improved with high-dose atorvastatin treatment in healthy adults and whether PA levels magnified this response. We utilized data from a double-blind, random-assignment clinical trial investigating the effects of atorvastatin 80 mg/d for 6 mo o...

We evaluated the hemodynamic effects of isometric exercise in 53 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and compared them with those found in 10 normal subjects. In both groups, isometric exercise increased heart rate and blood pressure. Systemic resistance increased in patients with CHF (1862 +/- 520 vs 2126 +/- 642 dyne-sec-cm-5; p less than .001) but not in normal subjects (1359 +/- 26...

Two studies were conducted to quantify biological and behavioral effects resulting from exposure to controlled doses of marijuana smoke. In one study, puff volume (30, 60 and 90 ml) and in a second study, breathhold duration (0, 10 and 20 sec) were systematically varied while holding constant other smoking topography parameters (number of puffs = 10, interpuff interval = 60 sec and inhalation v...

which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. A 1 5/12-year-old girl was admitted with persistent high fever accompanied by mild cough. Physical examination revealed moderate hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Laboratory tests revealed bicytopenia (hemoglobin level, 10.5 g/dL; white blood cell count, 2.9×10...