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In this study, spectral, age, kinematic, and orbital dynamical analyses were conducted on metal‐poor and high proper‐motion (HPM) stars, HD 8724 and HD 195633, selected from the Solar neighborhood. This analysis combines detailed abundance measurements, kinematics, and orbital dynamics to determine their origin. Standard 1D local thermodynamic equilibrium analysis provides a fresh determination of the atmospheric parameters: Teff = 4700 ± 115 K, log g = 1.65 ± 0.32 cgs, [Fe/H] = −1.59 ± 0.04 dex, and a microturbulent velocity ξ=$$ \xi = $$ 1.58 ± 0.50 km s−1 for HD 8724 and Teff = 6100 ± 205 K, log g = 3.95 ± 0.35 cgs, [Fe/H] = −0.52 ± 0.05 dex, and ξ=$$ \xi = $$1.26 ± 0.50 km s−1 for HD 195633. The ages were estimated using a Bayesian approach (12.25 Gyr for HD 8724 and 8.15 Gyr for HD 195633). The escape scenarios of these stars from 170 candidate globular clusters (GCs) in the Galaxy were also investigated because of their chemical and physical differences (HPM and metal‐poor nature). Accordingly, the calculated probability of encounter (59%) for HD 8724 at a distance of five tidal radius suggests that star HD 8724 may have escaped from NGC 5139 (ω$$ \omega $$ Cen), supported by its highly flattened orbit and may belong to a subpopulation of this GC. Conversely, HD 195633's kinematics, age, and metal abundances point toward an escape from the bulge GC NGC 6356. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We present LTE analysis of high resolution optical spectra for B-type hot PAGB stars LS IV-04 1 and LB3116 (LSE 237). The spectra of these high Galactic latitude stars were obtained with the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) and the UCLES spectrograph. The standard 1D LTE analysis with line-blanketed LTE model atmospheres and spectral synthesis provided fundamental atmospheric parameters of Teff= 15 000±1000 K, log g= 2.5±0.2, ξ = 5.0±1.0 km s−1, [M/H] = −1.81 dex, and v sin i= 5 km s−1 for LSIV-04 1 and Teff= 16 000±1000 K, log g= 2.5±0.1, v sin i= 25 km s−1, and [Fe/H] = −0.93 dex for LB 3116. Chemical abundances of ten different elements were obtained. For LS IV-04 1, its derived model temperature contradicts with previous analysis results. The upper limits for its nitrogen and oxygen abundances were reported for the first time. The magnesium, silicon and calcium were overabundant (i.e. [Mg/Fe] = 0.8 dex, [Si/Fe] = 0.5 dex, [Ca/Fe] = 0.9 dex). With its metal-poor photosphere and VLSR ≈ 96 km s−1, LSIV-04 1 is likely a population II star and most probably a PAGB star. LTE abundances of LB 3116 were reported for the first time. The spectrum of this helium rich star shows 0.9 dex enhancement in the nitrogen. The photosphere of the star is slightly deficient in Mg, Si, and S. (i.e. [Mg/Fe] = −0.2 dex, [Si/Fe] = −0.4 dex, [S/Fe] = −0.2 dex). The Al is slightly enhanced. The phosphorus is overabundant, i.e. [P/Fe] ≈ 1.7 ± 0.47 dex, hence LB3116 may be the first example of a PAGB star which is rich in phosphorus. With its high radial velocity (i.e.VLSR = 73 km s−1), and the deficiencies observed in C, Mg, Si, and S indicate that LB 3116 is likely a hot PAGB star at high galactic latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an LTE analysis of high resolution echelle optical spectra obtained with the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) and the UCLES spectrograph for a B1Ib high galactic latitude supergiant HD119608. A fresh determination of the atmospheric parameters using line-blanketed LTE model atmospheres and spectral synthesis provided Teff = 23 300 ± 1000 K, log g = 3.0 ± 0.3, and the microturbulent velocity ξ = 6.0 ± 1.0 kms−1 and [Fe/H] = 0.16. The rotational velocity of the star was derived fromC, O, N, Al, and Fe lines as v sin i = 55.8 ± 1.3 kms−1. Elemental abundances were obtained for 10 different species. He, Al, and P abundances of the star were determined for the first time. In the spectra, hot post-AGB status as well as the Pop I characteristics of the star were examined. The approximately solar carbon and oxygen abundances, along with mild excess in helium and nitrogen abundances do not stipulate a CNO processed surface composition, hence a hot post-AGB status. The LTE abundances analysis also indicates solar sulphur and moderately enriched magnesium abundances. The average abundances of B dwarfs of well studied OB associations and Population I stars show a striking resemblance to abundances obtained for HD119608 in this study. This may imply a runaway status for the star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species are believed to be involved in the development of sepsis. Plant-derived phenolic compounds are thought to be possible therapeutic agents against sepsis because of their antioxidant properties. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic compound commonly found in various plants, which has many biological activities including antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RA on sepsis-induced DNA damage in the lymphocytes and liver and kidney cells of Wistar albino rats by alkaline comet assay with and without formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase protein. The oxidative stress parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and total glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and kidney tissues and an inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level in plasma were also evaluated. It is found that DNA damage in the lymphocytes, livers, and kidneys of the RA-treated rats was significantly lower than that in the sepsis-induced rats. RA treatment also decreased the MDA levels and increased the GSH levels and SOD and GSH-Px activities in the livers and kidneys of the sepsis-induced rats. Plasma TNF-α level was found to be decreased in the RA-treated rats. It seems that RA might have a role in the attenuation of sepsis-induced oxidative damage not only by decreasing the DNA damage but also by increasing the antioxidant status and DNA repair capacity of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis, often initiated by an infection, is a state of disrupted inflammatory homeostasis. There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress has an important role in the development of sepsis-induced multiorgan failure. Resveratrol (RV) is a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of red fruits, such as mulberries and red grapes, and in peanuts. RV has been reported to have an antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties in various models. It has also been found to inhibit the proliferation of a variety of human cancer cell lines, including breast, prostate, colon, pancreatic, and thyroid. This study has been undertaken to assess the role of RV on the sepsis-induced oxidative DNA damage in the lymphocytes of Wistar albino rats by the standard and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg)-modified comet assays. The parameters of tail length, tail intensity, and tail moment were evaluated for the determination of DNA damage. According to the study, the DNA damage was found to be significantly higher in the sepsis-induced rats when compared with the control rats (p < 0.05). The parameters were significantly decreased in the RV-treated sepsis-induced group when compared with the sepsis-induced group. The parameters in the sepsis-induced rats were found to be significantly higher in the Fpg-modified comet assay when compared with the standard comet assay (p < 0.05), and RV treatment decreases the DNA damage in the sepsis-induced rats, suggesting that the oxidative stress is likely to be responsible for DNA damage and RV might have a role in the prevention of sepsis-induced oxidative DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article compares the effectiveness of the anesthetic regimens propofol, propofol with remifentanil, and sevoflurane along, with regard to seizure duration and quality in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. It was found that the mean motor and electroencephalogram seizure durations were longer in patients who received propofol alone and those who received propofol with remifentanil. Indications that the three regimens had similar effects on seizure quality parameters are cited.

We study the singularities of Galilean height functions intrinsically related to the Frenet frame along a curve embedded into the Galilean space. We establish the relationships between the singularities of the discriminant and the sets of bifurcations of the function and geometric invariants of curves in the Galilean space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abundance analysis is presented for IRAS 2704 (V887 Her), a post-asymptotic giant branch star and protoplanetary nebula. The analysis is based on high-resolution optical spectra from the McDonald Observatory and the Special Astrophysical Observatory. Standard analysis using a classical Kurucz model atmosphere and the line analysis program provides the atmospheric parameters: K, , microturbulent velocity and . Extraction of these parameters is based on excitation of Fe lines, ionization equilibrium between neutral and ions of Mg, Ca, Ti, Cr and Fe, and the wings of hydrogen Paschen lines. Elemental abundances are obtained for 22 elements and upper limits for an additional four elements. These results show that the star's atmosphere has not experienced a significant number of C- and s-process enriching thermal pulses. Abundance anomalies as judged relative to the compositions of unevolved and less-evolved normal stars of a similar metallicity include Al, Y and Zr deficiencies with respect to Fe of about 0.5 dex. Judged by composition, the star resembles an RV Tauri variable that has been mildly affected by dust-gas separation reducing the abundances of the elements of highest condensation temperature. This separation may occur in the stellar wind. There are indications that the standard one-dimensional local thermodynamic equilibrium analysis is not entirely appropriate for IRAS 2704. These include a supersonic macroturbulent velocity of 23 km s, emission in Hα and the failure of predicted profiles to fit observed profiles of Hβ and Hγ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abundance analysis based on a high-resolution spectrum is presented for a newly discovered post-asymptotic giant branch (PAGB) star in the globular cluster M79. The surprising result is that the iron abundance of the star is apparently about 0.6 dex less than that of the cluster's red giants as reported by published studies including a recent high-resolution spectroscopic analysis by Carretta and colleagues. Abundances relative to iron appear to be the same for the PAGB star and the red giants for the 15 common elements. It is suggested that the explanation for the lower abundances of the PAGB star may be that its atmospheric structure differs from that of a classical atmosphere; the temperature gradient may be flatter than predicted by a classical atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Keyhole deformity is frequently encountered after posterior internal sphincterotomy but may be observed after lateral internal sphincterotomy or in patients without any history of previous anal surgery. The aim of the present study is to emphasize the surgical significance of this entity and discuss the possible strategies in the treatment of the deformity.Material and Methods: Patients in whom keyhole deformity developed after surgical or conservative treatment applied for chronic anal fissure in our clinic and patients referred from other centers were recruited.Results: Nine-hundred twenty-six patients were treated for chronic anal fissure. A hundred of these patients directly underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. The remaining 826 patients initially received conservative management, and 676 of them eventually underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. In total, 15 patients were diagnosed to have significant keyhole deformity. Initially, all patients received conservative treatment for keyhole deformity, which was successful in two patients. Of the 13 patients in whom conservative management failed, nine underwent advancement flap reconstruction and the remaining four diamond flap reconstruction.Conclusion: Keyhole deformity is occasionally seen as a late complication of chronic anal fissure and may be well tolerated by the patients without any well-defined symptoms. The treatment strategy is directed toward the degree of functional alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether combination treatment of HBeAg(−) chronic hepatitis B is beneficial we studied 78 patients with HBeAg(−), HBV DNA-positive chronic hepatitis B who were randomized to lamivudine, 100 mg, qd, for 12 months or lamivudine–interferon (9 MU, t.i.w.) in combination. In the combination arm, 2 months of lamivudine treatment preceded 10 months of combination treatment. Biochemical, virologic and histologic responses were assessed at the end of treatment, after six and a median 27 months of drug-free follow-up (short- and long-term follow-up, respectively). Virologic response was defined as undetectable HBV DNA with a hybridization assay and biochemical response as normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Change in HBV DNA was also assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Presence of YMDD mutants at the end of treatment was investigated with a line probe assay. Both treatment regimes led to a median 2 log decline in HBV DNA levels. Virologic end of treatment responses were 90 and 92% with mono- and combination treatment, respectively. Corresponding virologic responses at short- and long-term follow-up were 59 and 54%, and 27 and 25%, respectively. Patients having a baseline HBV DNA value≥200 pg/mL were more likely to relapse within 6 months off therapy than those patients with a baseline HBV DNA level<200 pg/mL (P = 0.041). YMDD mutants were observed in 53% of patients receiving lamivudine compared with 24% of patients receiving the combination regime (P = 0.017). In conclusion, efficay of combination treatment is similar to lamivudine monotherapy. However, combination treatment decreases the development of YMDD mutant strains compared with lamivudine monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the effect of Ramadan fasting on ambulatory blood pressure in treated subjects with grade 2-3 hypertension using combination drug therapy. During and one month after Ramadan, 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed. There was no statistically significant difference between 24 hour mean blood pressures in the two monitoring periods, except for a small increase before dawn while having a morning meal.

The metabolic response to surgical stress is a nonspecific increase in hepatic synthesis of some specialized acute-phase proteins and a decrease in plasma concentrations of visceral proteins following surgical trauma. This study was undertaken determine which specific proteins were the better clinical indices in monitoring the metabolic response to surgical stress in children recovering from minor surgery. Forty-four patients undergoing elective inguinal surgical procedures under general anesthesia were studied. Blood samples were collected preoperatively (−1) and at 1(+1) and 5(+5) days postoperatively to determine albumin (AL), Prealbumin (PA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and a1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) values, and to calculate the prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI). Mean AL values were the same on all days. Mean PA +1 was significantly lower than PA −1 and PA +5 ( P < 0.001). Median CRP +1 and mean AGP +1 values were significantly higher than median CRP −1 and mean AGP −1 ( P < 0.0001), respectively. Although there was a decrease after postoperative day 1, median CRP +5 and mean AGP +5 values were still significantly higher than preoperative values ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001). Moreover, the median PINI +1 was also greater than PINI −1 and PINI +5 ( P < 0.0001), but the median PINI+5 was significantly higher than PINI −1 ( P < 0.01). Median percent changes of PINI values were significantly higher than those of the other parameters from both preoperatively to postoperative day 1 and preoperatively to postoperative day 5. Although several specific proteins (AL, PA, CRP, and AGP) have been evaluated as indicators of the acute metabolic response, we suggest that the PINI is more valuable for reflecting the response to surgical stress in patients recovering from minor surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We report a multisite photometric campaign for the β Cep stars V2052 Oph and V986 Oph. 670 h of high-quality differential photoelectric Strömgren, Johnson and Geneva time-series photometry was obtained with eight telescopes on five continents during 182 nights. Frequency analyses of the V2052 Oph data enabled the detection of three pulsation frequencies, the first harmonic of the strongest signal, and the rotation frequency with its first harmonic. Pulsational mode identification from analysing the colour amplitude ratios confirms the dominant mode as being radial, whereas the other two oscillations are most likely l = 4. Combining seismic constraints on the inclination of the rotation axis with published magnetic field analyses we conclude that the radial mode must be the fundamental mode. The rotational light modulation is in phase with published spectroscopic variability, and consistent with an oblique rotator for which both magnetic poles pass through the line of sight. The inclination of the rotation axis is 54° < i < 58° and the magnetic obliquity 58° < β < 66°. The possibility that V2052 Oph has a magnetically confined wind is discussed. The photometric amplitudes of the single oscillation of V986 Oph are most consistent with an l = 3 mode, but this identification is uncertain. Additional intrinsic, apparently temporally incoherent light variations of V986 Oph are reported. Different interpretations thereof cannot be distinguished at this point, but this kind of variability appears to be present in many OB stars. The prospects of obtaining asteroseismic information for more rapidly rotating β Cep stars, which appear to prefer modes of higher l, are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]