We suggest that the consistent use of these devices raises concer

We suggest that the consistent use of these devices raises concerns for increasing an infant’s risk of

noise-induced Compound C manufacturer hearing loss. We therefore sought to determine the maximum output levels of these sleep machines. METHODS: Sound levels of 14 ISMs played at maximum volume were measured at 30, 100, and 200 cm from the machine using correction factors to account for a 6-month-old’s ear canal. RESULTS: Maximum sound levels at 30 cm were bigger than 50 A-weighted dB for all devices, which is the current recommended noise limit for infants in hospital nurseries. Three machines produced output levels bigger than 85 A-weighted dB, which, if played at these levels for bigger than 8 hours, exceeds current occupational limits for accumulated noise exposure in adults and risks noise-induced hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: ISMs are capable of producing

output sound pressure levels that may be damaging to infant hearing and auditory development. BMS-754807 nmr We outline recommendations for safer operation of these machines.”
“Objective: To assess whether implementation of a 19-item World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist in urgent surgical cases would improve compliance with basic standards of care and reduce rates of deaths and complications.\n\nBackground: Use of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist has been shown to be associated with significant reductions in complications and deaths. Before evaluation of this safety tool, concern was raised about whether its use would be practical or beneficial during urgent surgical procedures.\n\nMethods: We prospectively collected clinical process and outcome data for 1750 consecutively enrolled patients 16 years of age or older undergoing urgent noncardiac surgery before and after introduction of

the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in 8 diverse hospitals around the world; 842 underwent urgent surgery-defined as an operation Selleck MLN2238 required within 24 hours of assessment to be beneficial-before introduction of the checklist and 908 after introduction of the checklist. The primary end point was the rate of complications, including death, during hospitalization up to 30 days following surgery.\n\nResults: The complication rate was 18.4% (n = 151) at baseline and 11.7% (n = 102) after the checklist was introduced (P = 0.0001). Death rates dropped from 3.7% to 1.4% following checklist introduction (P = 0.0067). Adherence to 6 measured safety steps improved from 18.6% to 50.7% (P < 0.0001).\n\nConclusions: Implementation of the checklist was associated with a greater than one-third reduction in complications among adult patients undergoing urgent noncardiac surgery in a diverse group of hospitals. Use of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in urgent operations is feasible and should be considered.

1 +/- 12 8 years) Data sets were reconstructed in 5% steps from

1 +/- 12.8 years). Data sets were reconstructed in 5% steps from 30% to 80% of the R-R interval. Two blinded independent readers using a 5-point scale (0, not evaluative; 4, excellent quality) assessed the quality of images of coronary segments.\n\nRESULTS. The mean heart rate during scanning was 89.2 +/- 10.4 beats/min. Interobserver agreement on the quality of images of the whole coronary tree was a kappa value of 0.78 and for selection of the optimal reconstruction interval was a kappa value of 0.82. The optimal reconstruction interval was systole

in 17 (74%) of the 23 of heart transplant recipients. At the best reconstruction interval, diagnostic image quality (score >= 2) was obtained in 92.1% (303 of 329) of the coronary artery segments. The mean image quality score for this website the whole coronary tree was 3.1 +/- 1.01. No significant correlation between mean heart rate (rho = 0.31) or heart rate variability (rho = 0.23) and overall image quality score was observed (p = not significant).\n\nCONCLUSION. Dual-source CT acquisition yields coronary angiograms of diagnostic quality in heart transplant recipients. Mean heart rate and heart rate variability during scanning do not have a negative effect on the overall quality of images of the coronary arteries.”
“Following massive small bowel resection in animal Selleckchem Alvespimycin models, the remnant intestine undergoes a dynamic growth response termed

intestinal adaptation. Cell growth and proliferation are intimately linked click here to cellular and extracellular thiol/disulfide redox states, as determined by glutathione (GSH) and GSH disulfide (GSSG) (the major cellular redox system in tissues), and cysteine (Cys) and its disulfide cystine (CySS) (the major redox system in plasma), respectively. The study was designed to determine whether dietary supplementation with sulfur amino acids (SAA) leads to a greater reduction in thiol/disulfide redox state

in plasma and small bowel and colonic mucosa and alters gut mucosal growth in an established rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Adult rats underwent 80% jejunal-ileal resection (RX) or small bowel transection (surgical control) and were pair-fed either isonitrogenous, isocaloric SAA-adequate (control) or SAA-supplemented diets (218% increase vs. control diet). Plasma and gut mucosal samples were obtained after 7 d and analyzed for Cys, CySS, GSH, and GSSG concentrations by HPLC. Redox status (Eh) of the Cys/CySS and GSH/GSSG couples were calculated using the Nernst equation. SAA supplementation led to a greater reduction in Eh GSH/GSSG in jejunal and ileal mucosa of resected rats compared with controls. Resected SAA-supplemented rats showed increased ileal adaptation (increased full-thickness wet weight, DNA, and protein content compared with RX control-fed rats; increased mucosal crypt depth and villus height compared with all other study groups).

Vocalizations audio recording was done inside a semi-anechoic cha

Vocalizations audio recording was done inside a semi-anechoic chamber using a unidirectional microphone connected to an audio input of a digital recorder. Vocalizations

were recorded for two selleck chemicals minutes. Acoustic characteristics of the sounds were analyzed being calculated the fundamental frequency Pitch, the sound intensity, the first formant, and second formant. Results indicated that the vocalizations of both sexes could be identified by the second formant, and the genetic strain was detected by both the second formant and the Pitch.”
“Context.-The significance of promoter methylation of the p16 gene and intracellular localization of p16 protein in the carcinogenesis of salivary carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca-ex-PA)

is not clear. The correlation of the promoter methylation of the p16 gene and the expression and localization of p16 protein in Ca-ex-PA need to be further clarified.\n\nObjective.-To investigate the p16 protein expression and promoter methylation 5-Fluoracil of p16 gene in Ca-ex-PA and their roles in the malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenoma to Ca-ex-PA.\n\nDesign.-The p16 protein expression and promoter methylation of the p16 gene were determined in both benign and malignant components of 50 primary salivary Ca-ex-PA tissues by immunohistochemistry and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Expression of p16 protein and promoter methylation of the p16 gene between the benign and the malignant components was compared statistically.\n\nResults.-The tumor cells in the malignant components showed significantly higher p16 protein expression in the cytoplasm and lower expression in the nuclei than those in the benign components. Promoter methylation frequency of the p16 gene in the malignant components (36%) was significantly higher than that in the benign components (16%). There were no correlations between p16 protein expression and promoter methylation of the p16 gene in either benign or malignant components.\n\nConclusions.-Overexpression of p16 protein in the cytoplasm BMS-777607 mw and decreased expression

of p16 protein in the nucleus may play important roles in the evolution of pleomorphic adenoma to Ca-ex-PA. Promoter methylation of the p16 gene may be correlated with the malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenoma. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2011;135:882-889)”
“CEP215 is a human orthologue of Drosophila centrosomin which is a core centrosome component for the pericentriolar matrix protein recruitment. Recent investigations revealed that CEP215 is required for centrosome cohesion, centrosomal attachment of the gamma-TuRC, and microtubule dynamics. However, it remains obscure how CEP215 functions for recruitment of the centrosomal proteins during the centrosome cycle. Here, we investigated a role of CEP215 during mitosis.

Conclusion: Chronic stress increased rat aortic responses to

\n\nConclusion: Chronic stress increased rat aortic responses to noradrenaline. This effect is dependent buy SN-38 upon the vascular endothelium and involves the release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids via stimulation of endothelial alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Moreover, chronic ethanol consumption appeared to neither influence noradrenaline responses in rat thoracic aorta, nor did it modify the increase of such responses

observed as a consequence of stress exposure.”
“This research aimed at pointing out the determination of the anaerobic threshold by the direct blood lactate measurement with and without prior administration of the warm up protocol in female athletes.\n\nResesearch sample was drawn from 50 female athletes

subjects divided into four groups: 15 non-trained subjects, prior subjected to the warm up protocol, 15 well- trained subjects prior subjected to the warm up protocol, 10 non-trained subjects, who were not LY2606368 datasheet prior subjected to the warm up protocol, 10 well- trained subjects who were not prior subjected to the warm up protocol.\n\nResults obtained and presented in this paper show that AT, determined by the direct blood lactate measurement, is statistically significant (p < 0,001) in higher values of the heart rate in well-trained subjects compared to the non-trained subjects, equally for those subjected and not subjected to the warm up protocol before the workload test.”
“Single-walled carbon nanootubes (SWCNTs) were conjugated with hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups. Fourier transform infrared measurements validated the presence of a covalent linkage between SWCNTs and chemical groups. The antibacterial activity of functionalized SWCNTs was evaluated by standard plate count method, and the transformation in micromorphology of the strains, Escherichia coli, induced by covalent-functionalized SWCNTs was achieved using scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that pristine SWCNTs with high metal impurity content showed more

active in antimicrobial activity than SWCNTs purified by diluted nitric acid. After the SWCNTs were functionalized by hydroxyl groups, the antibacterial activity was increased compared to pristine STI571 chemical structure and purified carbon nanotubes. The sequence of antibacterial activity was SWCNTs-OH bigger than raw SWCNTs bigger than purified SWCNTs bigger than SWCNTs-COOH bigger than SWCNTs-NH2, which was in accordance with the order of absolute value of zeta potential. It is the first time to report that antibacterial activity of SWCNTs is zeta potential dependent. The antimicrobial activity was attributed to both functional groups and metal impurity. The transformation of bacterial cells was studied using electron scanning microscopes. After interaction with SWCNTs, the cellular morphology of E. coli was flat, and the strain died.

5 Hz), alpha (8-12 5

5 Hz), alpha (8-12.5 Selleckchem Kinase Inhibitor Library Hz), and beta (13-30 Hz) frequency bands; spectral edge frequency; and mean dominant frequency. Results. -The use of wool cap had no effect on all electroencephalogram parameters considered. Gestational age showed an effect on relative spectral power of all considered bands, spectral edge frequency and mean dominant frequency, while no effect was seen on burst

suppression ratio and asymmetry index. Neonates born at gestational weeks lower than 28 had significantly higher relative power in the 6 band and lower relative power in the alpha and beta bands. Conclusions. -Heat loss prevention using wool cap does not affect interpretation of spectral electroencephalogram. Spectral values LGX818 datasheet in our group of very premature infants without neurological complications correspond to normal data reported in the literature. Maturation changes consist of reduction of relative power of the delta band, spectral edge frequency and mean dominant frequency. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“Background: The Drosophila neoplastic tumor suppressor Lethal (2) giant larvae (Lgl) controls apicobasal cell polarity and proliferation. We have previously shown that lgl(-) clones in the developing eye exhibit ectopic proliferation and suppress apoptosis without affecting apicobasal cell polarity. Ectopic expression of the apical polarity regulators atypical

protein kinase C (aPKC) and Crumbs also leads to increased cell proliferation and/or survival. Here we investigate how these cell polarity regulators control proliferation and survival.\n\nResults: We report that depletion of lgl in eye epithelial tissue, where polarity is maintained, results in upregulation of targets of the Salvador/Warts/Hippo (SWH) tumor suppressor pathway.

Consistent with this, the SWH pathway transcriptional coactivator Yorkie is hyperactivated in Lgl-deficient tissue and is rate Selleckchem AZD8055 limiting for lgl(-) phenotypes. Overexpression of the apical polarity regulators Crumbs or aPKC also leads to ectopic expression of SWH pathway targets without affecting polarity. We show that Lgl depletion or aPKC overexpression results in comislocalization of Hippo and Ras-associated domain family protein (RASSF), consistent with RASSF’s ability to block Hippo activation by Salvador. In contrast, Crumbs overexpression leads to mislocalization of Expanded away from the apical cortex, which is predicted to deregulate the pathway.\n\nConclusions: Collectively, our data reveal that the cell polarity regulators Lgl, aPKC, and Crumbs regulate the SWH pathway by two distinct pathways: Lgl acts antagonistically to aPKC to regulate Hippo and RASSF localization, whereas Crumbs regulates Expanded localization. Thus, our study implicates Lgl, aPKC, and Crumbs as regulators of tissue growth via the SWH pathway.”
“This sheep study was designed to make a comparative evaluation of two external fixation pin types each with and without hydroxyapatite (HA) coating.

001) Approximately half of the HDBA patients showed multi-reg

001).\n\nApproximately half of the HDBA patients showed multi-region infarction and a serious neurological symptom. Based on our results, this sign might not only be helpful in early diagnosis of acute PCS but also be able to correlate with a poor short-term

outcome.”
“Objectives. To characterize a novel anti-NKG2A autoantibody detected in a patient with SLE during a severe flare, and in a cross-sectional study investigate the occurrence of such autoantibodies in patients with SLE and primary SS (pSS).\n\nMethods. Serum or IgG from patients with SLE, pSS and healthy volunteers were assayed for blocking of anti-NKG2A or HLA-E binding to peripheral blood mononuclear cells or CD94/NKG2A- and CD94/NKG2C-transfected Ba/F3 cells. The anti-NKG2A autoantibodies were evaluated for effect on NK cell degranulation in response to HLA-E-transfected selleck chemical K562 cells. IFN-alpha was determined by an immunoassay and disease activity by the SLEDAI score.\n\nResults. Anti-NKG2A autoantibodies, which blocked binding of HLA-E tetramers to CD94/NKG2A-transfected cells and impaired NKG2A-mediated inhibition of NK cell activation, were observed in a patient with SLE. The

CDK inhibitor presence of anti-NKG2A autoantibodies was associated with high SLE disease activity (SLEDAI score 14 and 16) and increased serum IFN-alpha. Of 94 SLE, 60 pSS and 30 healthy donor sera, only the index patient serum contained anti-NKG2A autoantibodies.\n\nConclusion. The presence of autoantibodies targeting NKG2A is a rare event, but when such autoantibodies occur they may promote excessive

NK cell function. This can contribute to the pathogenesis by increasing the killing of cells and the release of autoantigens. Our findings highlight the possible importance of NK cells in the SLE disease process.”
“Purpose: To assess the effect of the extent of stern graft coverage and anatomic properties of aortic dissection on the outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for complicated Chronic type B aortic dissection (CCBAD) in terms of survival, reintervention, and false lumen thrombosis.\n\nMaterials Cilengitide mw and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 71 patients who underwent TEVAR for CCBAD. Mean patient age was 54.7 years. Distal extent of stent graft coverage was categorized as short (<= T7) or long (>= T8) coverage: Indications of reintervention were categorized into three groups: proximal, alongside, and distal according to the anatomic relationship of the culprit lesion and the stent graft. Overall survival, reintervention-free survival, and extent of false lumen thrombosis were compared.\n\nResults: The technical success rate was 97.2%. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates were 97.1%, 88.9%, and 88.9%, and 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year reintervention-free survival rates were 80.7%, 73.8%, and 60.6%.

Glutamate receptors therefore represent exciting targets for the

Glutamate receptors therefore represent exciting targets for the development of novel pharmacological therapies for PD.”
“The GABARAPL1 (GABARAP-LIKE 1) gene was first described

as an early estrogen-regulated gene that shares a high sequence homology with GABARAP and is thus a part of the GABARAP family. GABARAPL1, like GABARAP, interacts with the GABA A receptor and tubulin and promotes tubulin polymerization. The GABARAP family members (GABARAP, GABARAPL1 and GABARAPL2) and their close homologs (LC3 and Atg8) are not only involved in the transport of proteins or vesicles but are also implicated in various mechanisms such as autophagy, cell death, cell proliferation and tumor progression. However, despite these similarities, GABARAPL1 displays a complex regulation that is different from that DMXAA ic50 of other GABARAP family members. Moreover, it presents a regulated tissue expression and is the most highly expressed gene among the family in the central nervous system. In this review article, we will outline the specific functions of this protein and also hypothesize about the roles that GABARAPL1 might have in several important biological processes such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.”
“Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased risk of the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interleukin-18 (IL-18), which

is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine with important regulatory functions in the innate immune response system, plays a crucial role Alisertib in vascular pathologies. IL-18 is also a predictor of cardiovascular death in patients with CVD and is involved in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization.\n\nResults:

In order to determine if circulating levels of IL-18 can serve as a specific biomarker for distinguishing MetS patients from pre-MetS subjects, we studied 78 patients with visceral fat deposition and 14 age-matched control subjects. Increased levels of IL-18 were observed more frequently in patients with MetS than in pre-MetS subjects and were positively associated with waist circumference. Serum levels of IL-18 were significantly reduced by a change in weight caused by lifestyle modifications. There was a significant interaction between waist circumference and serum IL-18 concentration. A-1331852 cell line Weight loss of at least 5% of the body weight caused by lifestyle modification decreased IL-18 circulating levels relative to the reduction in waist circumference and blood pressure, suggesting that this degree of weight loss benefits the cardiovascular system.\n\nConclusion: IL-18 may be a useful biomarker of the clinical manifestations of MetS and for the management of the risk factors of CVD.”
“Background: The accurate diagnosis of dysplasia or carcinoma within ampullary lesions can be difficult, but, when possible, identifies patients who require endoscopic or surgical resection, respectively.

Recently, triplet repeat primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR

Recently, triplet repeat primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) methodology was described in the diagnosis of Friedreich’s selleck screening library ataxia, especially for detection of long repeats. Accurate genetic diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia helps in differentiating it from other ataxias and helps provide appropriate genetic counseling for such families. Extended family screening and genetic counseling can prevent birth of children with Friedreich’s ataxia in these families.\n\nMaterials and Methods: TP-PCR was carried out in 37 samples obtained from Neurology clinic, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. The amplified products were subjected to genotyping on a ABI 310 genetic analyser.

For heterozygosity, the samples were processed for short and long range PCR.\n\nResults: A total of 37 samples of suspected cases of Friedreich ataxia were analysed. Of these, 81% samples were confirmed as Friedreich ataxia and 19% of samples were found to be negative for Friedreich’s ataxia by TP-PCR. Extended family screening was done in, 2 of the families. Among the 7 individuals screened, 4 were identified as carriers and genetic counseling was provided to them.\n\nConclusions: This is first report from India which describes the molecular diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia by TP-PCR, its utility in extended family screening

and genetic counseling. It qualifies as a highly reliable, sensitive and robust technique that can easily be set up in any laboratory.”
“Neutrophil count and morphological abnormalities check details are common in ill cats. This retrospective study examined the associations between these parameters and clinical and clinicopathologic findings, morbidity, mortality and the final diagnoses in a large population of ill cats, in a teaching hospital setting. The study included 517 cats, divided into three groups based on their neutrophil count; neutropenia (26 cats, 5%), within reference interval (WRI, 313 cats, 61%) and neutrophilia (178 cats, 34%). Occurrence of neutrophilic left shift and cytoplasmic toxicity was recorded. There were significant (P<0.05) group differences in concentrations of albumin, total

protein, globulin, urea and bilirubin, aspartate SB525334 aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities, and in frequencies of sepsis (P<0.0001), high rise syndrome (P=0.014), acute kidney injury (P=0.01), peritonitis (P=0.001), chronic kidney disease (P=0.023), pleural effusion (P=0.0002), pyothorax (P=0.012) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection (P=0.02). The frequency of neutrophilia was unexpectedly high in FIV-infected cats (17/29, 59%). Neutrophil cytoplasmic toxicity and left shift occurred in 57% and 10% of the cats, respectively. Both were significantly more frequent in cats with neutrophilia or neutropenia compared to the group with neutrophil count WRI (P<0.0001). Mortality rate was higher (P<0.0001) in cats with neutropenia or neutrophilia.


“G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are a family of membra


“G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are a family of membrane-embedded metabotropic receptors which translate extracellular ligand binding into an intracellular response. Here, we calculate the motion of several GPCR family members such as the M2 and M3 Smad inhibitor muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, the A(2A) adenosine receptor, the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor, and the CXCR4 chemokine receptor using elastic network normal modes. The normal modes reveal a dilation and a contraction of the GPCR vestibule associated with ligand passage, and activation, respectively. Contraction of the vestibule on the extracellular side is correlated with cavity formation of the G-protein binding pocket on the intracellular side, which initiates

intracellular signaling. Interestingly, the normal modes of rhodopsin do not correlate well with the motion of other GPCR family members. Electrostatic potential calculation of the GPCRs reveal a negatively charged field around the ligand binding site acting as a siphon to draw-in positively charged ligands on the membrane surface. Altogether, CCI-779 research buy these results expose the GPCR activation mechanism and show how conformational changes on the cell surface side of the receptor are allosterically translated into structural changes on the inside. Proteins

2014; 82:579-586. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“In this paper, we investigate the treatment of constraints in rate equations describing the temporal evolution of biological populations or chemical reactions. We present a formulation for arbitrary holonomic and linear nonholonomic constraints which ensures the positivity of the dynamical variables and which is an analog of Gauss’ principle of least constraint in classical mechanics. The approach is illustrated for the replication of molecular species in the Schuster-Eigen hypercycle model, imposing the SN-38 supplier conservation of the total number of molecules and the entropy production as constraints. The latter is used to model the behavior of an isolated system tending

toward equilibrium and, for comparison, a stationary nonequilibrium state of an open system, which is characterized by undamped oscillations.”
“Medical professionals with additional economic qualifications are in high demand. For doctors who aim for leading positions at medical institutions the most popular additional qualification is a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The demands on executive managers in hospitals have without any doubt changed in recent years requiring them to be trained in basic economic understanding, human resource management etc. in addition to having excellent medical training. However, MBA programs differ from one academic institution to the next. Due to the lack of standardized schedules in MBA programs it cannot be ascertained whether a candidate received adequate training and can offer the skills necessary for a higher level medical profession.

55-3 75, P < 0 001), OAB-dry (3 55-3 68 P < 0 005), VD (3 8

55-3.75, P < 0.001), OAB-dry (3.55-3.68 P < 0.005), VD (3.81-3.95, P < 0.005), and suspected ISD (3.63-3.92, P < 0.001). Increased confidence after UDS was not associated with higher odds of treatment success although mean changes in confidence were slightly higher for those who achieved treatment success. Physician diagnoses shifted more from not confident to confident selleck compound for ISD and OAB-wet after UDS (McNemar’s P-value <0.001 for both).\n\nConclusions\n\nIn women undergoing UDS for predominant SUI, UDS increased physicians’ confidence in their clinical diagnoses; however, this did not correlate

with treatment success. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:302-306, 2014. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“Somatic growth rates are critical to the population dynamics of long-lived ectotherms. While the von Bertalanffy (VB) growth curve has been used extensively to model growth of such animals, the conventional form of the model fails to account for individual variation or for changes in resource allocation after sexual maturation.

Bayesian modelling has recently been used in fisheries research to fit a modification of the VB model that is both hierarchical (allowing individual variation in growth parameters) and biphasic (allowing an age-specific change in growth rate). We extend this approach by developing a range of hierarchical biphasic ALK cancer models allowing a size- rather than age-dependent change of one or more growth parameters in one or both sexes. We applied the approach to a long-term data set of growth measurements for snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), as data on nesting status show females begin nesting predictably at about 24 cm carapace length. The data consisted of 1996 carapace-length measurements taken from 1972 to 2005 in Algonquin Park, Canada, from 317 individual turtles. These included 24 turtles of known age, most of which were juveniles of unknown sex, and 293 turtles of unknown age, most of which were adults of known sex. The modelling revealed substantial individual variation in both the asymptotic size (a) and growth rate (k) parameter,

and clear evidence of biphasic growth. The model that best explained the data (based on DIC) was that males and females selleck grow similarly until they reach 24 cm, after which females shift trajectory towards a reduced asymptotic size target. The number of years taken to reach 24 cm was estimated to range from 11 to 44 years in 95% of individuals, with asymptotic size ranging from 38.2 to 40.9 in males and 31.0 to 33.6 in females. Our approach is applicable to a range of long-lived ectotherms likely to have size-dependent biphasic growth, and provides essential information for modelling the long-term dynamics of populations under threat. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“In elderly patients, opioids may cause prominent postoperative sedation and respiratory depression.