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pubmed_21_14722 | There is a well-known controversy among scientific societies regarding the recommendation to screen for thyroid dysfunction (TD) during pregnancy. Although several studies have shown an association between maternal subclinical hypothyroidism and/or hypothyroxinemia with obstetric problems and/or neurocognitive impairment in the offspring, there is only limited evidence on the possible positive effects of thyroxine (T4) treatment in such cases. Despite the scarcity of this evidence, there is a widespread agreement among clinicians on the need for treatment of clinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy and the risks that could arise due to therapeutic abstention. As maternal TD is a quite prevalent condition, easily diagnosed and for which an effective and safe treatment is available, some scientific societies have proposed to assess thyroid function during the first trimester of pregnancy and ideally before week 10 of gestational age. Given the physiologic changes of thyroid function during pregnancy, hormone assessment should be performed using trimester-specific reference values ideally based on locally generated data as geographic variations have been detected. Screening of TD should be based on an initial determination of TSH performed early during the first trimester and only if abnormal should it be followed by either a free or total T4 measurement. Furthermore, adequate iodine supplementation during pregnancy is critical and if feasible it should be initiated before the woman attempts to conceive. | 10.1530/EJE-13-0561 |
pubmed_260_5078 | OBJECTIVES
To determine the drinking and driving habits reported in people aged 21-34 years.
DESIGN
Random digit dialing survey.
SETTING
Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Portland, Oregon.
PARTICIPANTS
917 individuals aged 21-34 years, who had a valid driver's license, who had consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the last year and who lived in Seattle, Spokane or Portland.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Driving after drinking, use of a designated driver and serving as a designated driver.
RESULTS
62% drank alcohol at least weekly, and 31% binged at least once per month in the last year. 21% drove after drinking too much in the last month. Two-thirds of individuals reported being a designated driver at least once in the last year, and in most instances, this had been decided before the group went out for the evening. Over three-quarters of individuals reported that they drank less than they usually do the last time they were a designated driver. When using a designated driver, almost half of the individuals reported drinking more on that occasion than usual, with approximately half of those having at least three more drinks than usual.
CONCLUSIONS
These results point to the need for interventions to combat the problem of drunk driving and prevent its associated morbidity and mortality. Rigorous evaluation of the effect of designated driver and safe ride home programs are needed. | 10.1136/ip.2006.015032 |
pubmed_600_10153 | BACKGROUND
Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a relationship between rhinitis and asthma. Upper and lower airways may be influenced by a common inflammatory process.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between rhinitis symptom scores, and both nasal and bronchial airflow among children with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) by means of spirometric and rhinomanometric measurement during and outside the pollen season.
METHODS
Twenty-nine children with both seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma (AR+A), 30 children with SAR and no asthma (AR) and 36 non-allergic healthy children were evaluated prospectively during and outside the pollen season. Symptom severity was evaluated using both total symptom score and visual analog score (VAS). All participants also received rhinomanometric evaluation and pulmonary function testing.
RESULTS
In children with SAR the median total nasal flow, FEV1, FEF25-75 values were lower than control group during pollen season (p=0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). They had also higher total nasal resistance compared with control groups (p=0.01). Nasal symptom scores were higher among patients with concurrent asthma than patients who had only SAR out of pollen season (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between SAR participants with or without asthma and control group in terms of total nasal flow and total nasal resistance measured out of season (p=0.105 and p=0.19). FEF25-75 values of patients with and without asthma were significantly lower than those of controls out of season (p=0.022, p<0.001 respectively).
CONCLUSION
Our data suggests that as the presence of AR worsens asthma control, the presence of asthma may worsen symptoms of AR out of pollen season. We found that total nasal flow, FEV1, FEF25-75 values of patients with SAR were lower than those of controls out of season. FEF25-75 values of patients with asthma and without asthma were significantly lower than those of controls out of season. Thus, a careful evaluation of lower airways should be performed in even patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis alone. | pubmed_600_10153 |
pubmed_163_16905 | Species of Symphurus (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae) are relatively small-sized tonguefishes occurring worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate seas. In the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, species of Symphurus inhabiting waters shallower than 200 m are rarely reported; only five have been described, S. microrhynchus (Weber, 1913), S. holothuriae Chabanaud, 1948, S. monostigmus Munroe, 2006, S. leucochilus Lee et al. 2014, and S. longirostris Lee et al. 2016. Examination of museum and recently collected specimens yielded over 100+ Symphurus captured in relatively shallow waters off Japan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. All of these specimens, except S. monostigmus (with 14 caudal-fin rays), were originally tentatively identified as S. microrhynchus because of shared similarities (small size, low meristic values, 12 caudal-fin rays, shared pigmentation traits). Detailed comparisons revealed that, although similar, specimens from allopatric locations have small differences in meristic, morphometric and pigmentation features. In previous literature, these small differences were thought to represent intraspecific variation among populations of a widespread species, S. microrhynchus. However, further study, including molecular data, has revealed that such minor differences among specimens from allopatric locations actually represent interspecific, and not population-level, variations. Where available, molecular differences among these allopatric populations, in contrast to the morphological features, were significantly different (9.0 to 26.3%), providing additional strong support for the hypothesis that more than one species is represented among fishes examined. Combined data from morphological and molecular characters, and species delimitation analysis, reveal that five, undescribed, cryptic species should be recognized: S. brachycephalus n. sp. from Vietnam, S. hongae n. sp. from Taiwan, S. leptosomus n. sp. from the Philippines, S. polylepis n. sp. from Papua New Guinea, and S. robustus n. sp. from Japan. Also, based on new information, the previous decision to place S. holothuriae Chabanaud in the synonymy of S. microrhynchus was determined to be premature. This species should be recognized as valid until additional specimens are captured and the taxonomic status of this nominal species re-evaluated. At least 10 species of Indo-West Pacific shallow-water Symphurus are now known. Eight are members of the Symphurus microrhynchus species complex with hypothesized closer relationship to each other than to the other two species of shallow-water tonguefishes. Included in this study are redescriptions of S. microrhynchus and S. holothuriae based on their holotypes, including an expanded number of morphological characters not previously used to diagnose these species; redescriptions are also provided for comparative purposes of three other shallow-water species; five new cryptic species are described; and lastly, detailed comparisons and an identification key to all 10 species of shallow-water Symphurus occurring in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean are provided. Two additional populations are also identified that likely represent other undescribed taxa belonging to the S. microrhynchus species complex. Adequate specimens are not available at this time to formally describe these nominal species. This study contributes further understanding about species diversity within Symphurus inhabiting shallow waters of the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. Several other nominal species of small-sized cynoglossid and soleid flatfishes are currently considered to have widespread distributions in the Indo-West Pacific. Many of these species also have junior synonyms available based on nominal species described from allopatric sites within their geographic ranges. How many of these presumed populations of widespread species will be resurrected from synonymy once additional specimens and their genetic information becomes available remains an interesting question for future study. | 10.11646/zootaxa.5039.1.1 |
pubmed_587_10253 | Investigations were carried out on the response of slaughter pigs to CO2 stunning with two different gas concentrations (80 vol%, 90 vol%, 73 s) under practical conditions in a one gondola-dip-lift system. EEG measurements were performed and blood constituents such as catecholamines (adrenaline, nor-adrenaline) and lactate as well as clinical reactions (nasal septum and corneal reflex, heart beats) investigated. Special EEG-electrodes were adapted for the measurement on pigs and a mobile data logger was prepared for the use in the lairage of the slaughter house and in the stunning unit. The CO2 concentrations were measured continuously close to the head of the pigs when transported up and down in the stunning gondola. The results show that the technique is suited to monitor the effects of different CO2 gas concentrations on the EEG of the pigs under practical conditions. There is strong evidence that CO2 concentrations of 80 vol% applied over 70 s as required by law are not sufficient to stun pigs properly. A large part of the animals still showed typical reflexes when leaving the stunning pit. When an atmosphere of 90 vol% CO2 is applied, most animals are already dead before bleeding commences. This may create problems in respect to meat hygiene. The blood analysis revealed very high concentrations of catecholamines after stunning. The values for adrenaline and nor-adrenaline in the sticking blood rose by a factor of about 1000 as compared to the concentrations in blood samples taken in the lairage before stunning. It seems necessary to revise the current legislation on gas stunning and to look in greater detail in the effects of CO2 stunning on the welfare of slaughter pigs. | pubmed_587_10253 |
pubmed_158_20251 | This descriptive correlational study explored the predictive validity of the Braden Scale and factors affecting it A Braden score was determined within 4 hours of admission for 50 adult medical/surgical inpatients. Independent skin assessments were made three times a week and at discharge. Fourteen patients (28%) developed pressure ulcers. A Braden score cutoff of 18 or less resulted in a 71% sensitivity, 83% specificity, 63% predictive value of a positive test, and 88% predictive value of a negative test. Three of the four patients incorrectly predicted to be not at risk scored "inadequate" on the nutrition subscale. Two of the four also were underweight. Of the six patients incorrectly predicted at risk for a pressure ulcer, three had been placed on air mattresses and were receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid). This study provides further evidence of the Braden Scale's predictive validity. The results suggest that patients who are underweight or getting inadequate nutrition be considered at increased risk for pressure ulcers. | pubmed_158_20251 |
pubmed_1105_23067 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of the complex of the fibrin sealant (FS) and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) to create a new cartilage in the nude mice by the issue engineering technique.
METHODS
The MSCs were isolated from healthy humans and were expanded in vitro. And then the MSCs were induced by the defined medium containing the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid. The biomechanical properties of the chondrocytes were investigated at 7 and 14 days. The MSCs induced for 7 days were collected and mixed with FS. Then, the FS-MSCs mixture was injected by a needle into the dorsum of the nude mice in the experimental group. In the two control groups, only FS or MSCs were injected respectively. The specimens were harvested at 6 and 12 weeks,and the ability of chondrogenesis in vivo was investigated by the gross observation, HE, Alcian Blue staining, and type II collagen immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
The MSCs changed from a spindle-like fibroblastic appearance to a polygonal shape when transferred to the defined medium, and could be induced to express the chondrocyte matrix. After an injection of the mixture, the cartilage-like tissue mass was formed, and the specimens were harvested from the mass at 6 and 12 weeks in the experimental group. The tissue mass at 6 weeks was smaller and relatively firm in texture, which had a distinct lacuna structure. And glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and Type II Collagen expressions were detected. The tissue mass at 12 weeks was bigger, firmer and glosser with the mature chondrocytes lying in the lacuna structure. The positive Alcian blue and Collagen II immunohistochemistry stainings were stronger at 12 weeks than at 6 weeks. But there was no cartilage-like tissue mass formed in the two control groups.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that the fibrin sealant and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be successfully used in a constructing technique for the tissue engineered injectable cartilage. | pubmed_1105_23067 |
pubmed_590_18007 | Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping by pooled-segregant whole-genome sequencing in yeast is a robust methodology for the simultaneous identification of superior genes involved in polygenic traits (e.g., high ethanol tolerance). By crossing two haploid strains with opposite phenotypes, being one of interest, the resulting diploid is sporulated, the meiotic segregants phenotyped, and a pool of selected segregants with the phenotype of interest assembled. The genotyping by pooled-segregant sequencing constitutes a fast and reliable methodology to map all QTL defining the trait of interest. The QTLs can be further analyzed by reciprocal hemizygosity analysis to identify the causative superior alleles that can subsequently be used for yeast strain improvement by targeted genetic engineering. | 10.1007/978-1-4939-0563-8_15 |
pubmed_429_2537 | Two patients who injected marihuana intravenously developed a syndrome of hypotension, renal insufficiency, thrombocytopenia, and rhabdomyolysis. These clinical abnormalities appear to be reversible without residua. | pubmed_429_2537 |
pubmed_804_11015 | The expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors is common in human carcinomas and the proteins are used as therapeutics targets. In this study, we analyzed the immunoexpression of EGFR, HER2 (EGFR2) and HER3 (EGFR3) in 41 cases of serous borderline ovarian tumors and carcinomas, in relation to the degree of differentiation and tumor stage. The quantification of the results was done using the final staining score (FSS), which took into account the number of labeled cells and the intensity of immunoreactions. For all the receptors, the FSS values corresponding to the high-grade serous carcinomas were significantly superior compared with low-grade carcinomas and borderline tumors. Also, the FSS values associated with advanced stages ovarian tumors were significantly superior compared to those in the initial stages. In this study, we found positive linear correlations between the values associated with the expression of EGF receptors. The relation of EGFR, HER2 and HER3 immunoexpression with the lesion subtype, tumor grade and stage, designates the EGF receptors system as possible therapeutic target in ovarian serous tumors. | pubmed_804_11015 |
pubmed_32_7022 | Using immunoradiometric TSH assay (TSH-IRMA) to measure whole blood TSH levels spotted onto filter paper, we compared TSH levels among different age groups (neonates, < 1 yr infants, schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 yrs, adults, pregnant women and reproductive-age women) in Guiyang, where iodine deficiency has long been a problem. The results showed: 1) The percentage of subjects with TSH levels equal to or greater than 5 mIU/L in the neonate group was 38.9% while the percentages in the other groups were 0-3.3% (P < 0.01); 2) The TSH levels of the neonates were inversely related to the urinary iodine values of their mothers (pregnant women). (r = -0.5, P < 0.01); 3) 97.6% of the inhabitants in Guiyang ingested salt with less than 20 mg/kg iodine. The results indicate that iodine deficiency remains a problem in Guiyang. Neonates are the only ideal population for monitoring iodine deficiency. | pubmed_32_7022 |
pubmed_718_15309 | This retrospective study has been made on 23 patients with open fractures of the tibia, type III or IV in Byrd's classification. Ten of these patients showed an aggravation of the soft tissue lesions after the initial treatment. At the beginning of our study, 22 patients had already achieved union and 1 had been amputated. All the patients have had a covering by one or several flaps. The analysis of the results concerns different types of fracture: the time interval between the accident and the first covering by flap, the type of the flap, the length of the hospitalization, the complications; the recovery of the function. First covering by flap has been made in the acute phase in 6 cases, in the sub-acute phase in 12 cases and in the chronic phase in 5 cases. The results of the patients covered in the acute phase were better, than those of the patients covered by flap in the sub-acute or the chronic phase. Early covering of the open fractures of the tibia is recommended. A classification of the open fractures, derived from the classification of Byrd is suggested. We included a type "O" for the fractures with potential aggravation. Different types of flap of the leg have been described. Our behaviour in high energy fractures of the tibia is determined by the necessity to look for a potential fracture aggravation and by the intention of an early covering of the open fracture. | pubmed_718_15309 |
pubmed_358_838 | We previously reported elevated levels of TGF-beta1 in patients with renal carcinoma. Certain aspects led us to ask whether they might be caused by chronic damage to the kidney(s). Here we report on an extended set of patients with various renal diseases, lung cancer, humoral immunodeficiency and controls. For latent TGF-beta1 in plasma, we find that the control, immunodeficiency, lung cancer and kidney transplant groups do not differ significantly (means, 7.0-8.8 ng/ml). Also, acute short-term renal stress (extracorporal lithotrypsy) does not lead to an increase of TGF-beta1. However, the pyelonephritis patients present with levels of 19.0 ng/ml, chronic extracorporal dialysis patients with 15.5 ng/ml, and renal cell carcinoma patients with 22.8 ng/ml. For active TGF-beta1 these findings are exactly recovered. For serum levels, only the renal carcinoma group presents with significantly elevated levels of TGF-beta1. Kidney transplantation seems to normalize TGF-beta1 levels, while in the kidney cancer patients surgery has an effect only in part of the group. We conclude that elevated plasma TGF-beta1 levels are common in at least two chronic renal disease conditions, and that it normalizes with restoration of renal function. It is tempting to speculate that chronic elevation of TGF-beta1 in these patients may be critically involved in these conditions predisposing to renal cancer. | 10.1006/cyto.1999.0645 |
pubmed_861_5082 | INTRODUCTION
a prospective, randomized study was performed to assess the influence of conscious sedation on the overall quality of colonoscopy, simultaneously quantifying its effect on the scientific quality, perceived quality and patient safety.
METHODS
patients referred for a colonoscopy were included in the study and were randomized to receive or not receive sedation. Demographic data, indication for colonoscopy, cecal intubation, introduction and withdrawal time, resected adenomas and complications during the exploration were collected. Thirty days later, a satisfaction questionnaire was performed (GHAA 9-me) and patients were asked about complications after the examination.
RESULTS
a total of 5,328 patients were included, the average age was 62 ± 15.22 years, 47% were male, 3,734 were sedated and 1,594 were not sedated. The sedated patients had a shorter endoscope insertion time (7'20 ± 2'15 min vs 6'15 ± 3'12 min, p < 0.019), a higher rate of cecal intubations (96% vs 88%, p < 0.05), longer withdrawal time (7'20 ± 2'15 min vs 6'15 ± 3'12 min, p < 0.01) and higher adenoma detection rates (22% vs 17%, p < 0.05). The use of sedation reduced discomfort during and after the exploration, without increasing the complications. The satisfaction questionnaire score was higher (23.6 ± 1.5 vs 16.6 ± 4.8, p < 0.001) in the sedated patients.
CONCLUSIONS
superficial sedation not only reduces patient discomfort but also improves the overall quality of the colonoscopy. Therefore, we must consider the use of sedation as an essential part of colonoscopy. | 10.17235/reed.2019.5735/2018 |
pubmed_527_800 | OBJECTIVES
To study the behavioural differences between scheduled and emergency admissions in the processes most prevalent in Spanish hospitals and their relationship with the age of patients, comparing 2002 and 2007.
METHODS
Observational and descriptive design for those years. Diagnostic related groups (DRGs) were classified into high prevalence (the 25 most frequent) and the rest; four subgroups were prepared according to this (high or low) and admission (elective or not). Mean length of stay was analyzed, together with relative weight, number of diagnoses and procedures and mortality by age, using the Student and/or ANOVA tests for quantitative variables and Pearson's chi(2) qualitative comparison of means and proportions for tabular data, assuming statistical significance at p <0.05.
RESULTS
The high prevalence and emergency admission subgroup has higher age, ratio of males, mean length of stay, mortality, number of diagnoses and procedures (all p <0.0001), in both 2002 and 2007. The complexity and resource consumption measured by such variables peaks in the 65-69 and 70-74 cohorts respectively, with emergency admission.
CONCLUSIONS
There are clear differences between the processes according to their prevalence and accessibility; priority must be given to knowledge and information on the most frequent and urgent admissions to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and quality. | pubmed_527_800 |
pubmed_336_21679 | Allylic rearrangement or the migration of a double bond from its original position in the carbon skeleton to an adjacent site was observed when 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalate was hydrolyzed in a basic solution and in the presence of Co(ii) and Mn(ii) under hydrothermal conditions. | 10.1039/c3cc49287g |
pubmed_662_11297 | The technique of recording superficial radial sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) from the thumb was compared with that of recording from the 1st web space. The spread of stimulus to the median nerve in the forearm when stimulating the radial sensory nerve with relatively high intensity was also investigated. Recording the radial SNAP from the 1st web space produces a larger amplitude response with a sharper takeoff point compared with that of recording from the thumb. Furthermore, with the former technique, the radial SNAP is uncontaminated by a component arising in the median distribution which makes interpretation of its configuration more reliable. | pubmed_662_11297 |
pubmed_709_3997 | Cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from 3 patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease were inoculated intracerebrally to guinea pigs. After an incubation period of 4-14 months the animals developed a serially transmissible disease, characterized by loss of appetite, loss of weight, difficulty in movement, myoclonic convulsions and a fatal outcome within several days. The microscopic lesions caused by the experimental disease consisted in glial proliferation, spongiform change and vacuolation of the cytoplasm of proximal dendritic regions. | pubmed_709_3997 |
pubmed_1136_19130 | A galactoglucomannan oligosaccharide (GGMO) obtained from fiberboard production was evaluated as a dietary supplement for dogs. The GGMO substrate contained increased concentrations of oligosaccharides containing mannose, xylose, and glucose, with the mannose component accounting for 35% of DM. Adult dogs assigned to a 6 × 6 Latin square design were fed 6 diets, each containing a different concentration of supplemental GGMO (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8%) that replaced dietary cellulose. Total tract DM and OM apparent digestibilities increased (P < 0.001) linearly, whereas total tract CP apparent digestibility decreased (P < 0.001) linearly as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased. Fecal concentrations of acetate, propionate, and total short-chain fatty acids increased (P ≤ 0.001) linearly, whereas butyrate concentration decreased (P ≤ 0.001) linearly with increasing dietary concentrations of GGMO. Fecal pH decreased (P ≤ 0.001) linearly as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased, whereas fecal score increased quadratically (P ≤ 0.001). Fecal phenol (P ≤ 0.05) and indole (P ≤ 0.01) concentrations decreased linearly with GGMO supplementation. Fecal biogenic amine concentrations were not different among treatments except for phenylethylamine, which decreased (P < 0.001) linearly as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased. Fecal microbial concentrations of Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus spp., and Clostridium perfringens were not different among treatments. A quadratic increase (P ≤ 0.01) was noted for Bifidobacterium spp. as dietary GGMO substrate concentration increased. The data suggest positive nutritional properties of supplemental GGMO when incorporated in a good-quality dog food. | 10.2527/jas.2010-3028 |
pubmed_199_11024 | Incubation of cholinergic synaptic vesicles purified from the electric organ of Torpedo ocellata with radiolabeled [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin results in its accumulation in the vesicles. Kinetic analysis of the initial rates of uptake reveals temperature-dependent saturation kinetics which are best fitted by a single transport system (KT = 12 +/- 2 microM and Vmax = 0.85 +/- 0.24 pmol/mg protein per min). The specific rates and extents of [3H]-[D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin uptake, like those of [3H]acetylcholine uptake, are highest in the purified synaptic vesicles fraction. These findings suggest that Torpedo cholinergic synaptic vesicles contain an opioid peptide transporter. The physiological significance of this transporter is discussed in view of the recent observation that Torpedo nerve terminals contain an endogenous enkephalin-like peptide and presynaptic opiate receptors. | 10.1016/0014-5793(85)80946-7 |
pubmed_182_1106 | OBJECTIVE
To examine the degree to which paternal variables of age, body mass index (BMI), and sperm parameters affect vitrified donor oocyte IVF outcomes. Previous studies examining the impact of male partner characteristics on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) have found conflicting results. Concerns are rising over the potential effects of paternal factors, such as age and obesity, on pregnancy and child health. Frozen donor oocyte IVF offers an ideal model to study these effects.
DESIGN
Retrospective chart review.
SETTING
Private fertility clinic.
PATIENT(S)
Nine hundred forty-nine recipients undergoing transfer of blastocyst embryo(s) from a vitrified oocyte donor bank between 2008-2015.
INTERVENTION(S)
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, rate of low birth weight singleton infants (≤2500 g), and preterm deliveries (PTD) of singleton infants (<37 wk).
RESULTS
After adjusting for covariates known to affect oocyte donation cycle success, male age, BMI and sperm parameters were not associated with differences in IVF outcomes. There were higher PTD rates for men ≥51 years and BMI ≥35 kg/m2, however, these were not significant after adjustment. There were no differences in rates of low birth weight infants with men >35 years or BMI >25 kg/m2. Lastly, there were no differences in rates of PTD or low birth weight infants with abnormal sperm parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
Neither advancing male age, elevated BMI, nor poor sperm quality were associated with outcomes in frozen donor oocyte IVF cycles in this study. Intracytoplamic sperm injection and "oocyte quality" likely mitigate some of the effects of male variables on outcomes following cryopreserved oocyte donation. | 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.06.003 |
pubmed_898_110 | Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world; there is no effective therapeutic treatment after surgery. Our previous studies indicate that RNA helicase DHX33 plays a critical role in cell proliferation and cell growth. Here in this study, DHX33 is found to be highly expressed in colon cancer tissues and colon cancer cell lines. Knockdown of DHX33 significantly decreased cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis. Mechanistically, DHX33 was found to transcriptionally control multiple critical genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis and migration. DHX33 deficiency caused decreased tumor growth for colon cancer cells in a xenograft model in vivo. With Wnt/β-cateninactivator and inhibitors, we further discovered that Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates DHX33 transcriptionally. This study for the first time demonstratesthe important role of DHX33 in colon cancer development and reveals the underlying molecular mechanism. We also provide the initial evidence for the relationship between DHX33 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in colon cancer development. | 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144402 |
pubmed_1081_20927 | AIM
The chemical composition of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) affects their structure and properties. The method of ibuprofen (IBU) intercalation into LDHs may modify its release, reduce adverse effects and decrease the required dosing frequency.
METHODOLOGY
This study investigates the effects of four different LDHs; MgAl-LDH, MgFe-LDH, NiAl-LDH and NiFe-LDH on in vitro release of IBU intercalated by coprecipitation and anionic-exchange.
RESULTS
MgAl-LDH was the most crystalline and substitution of either cation decreased LDH order. Fourier-transform infrared spectra and power x-ray diffractograms confirmed the intercalation of IBU within the lamellar structure of MgAl-LDH and MgFe-LDH. Intercalation of IBU by anion-exchange resulted in slower, partial, drug release compared with coprecipitation.
CONCLUSION
The chemical composition of LDHs affects their crystallinity, IBU intercalation and subsequent release. | 10.4155/tde-2018-0046 |
pubmed_978_10905 | To elucidate the clinicopathologic features of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in Taiwan, 123 adult patients with proven NHL were studied. They were classified according to the international working formulation as: low grade (LG), 12.2%; intermediate grade (IG), 42.3%; and high grade (HG) lymphoma, 45.5%. The most common subtypes were diffuse large cell (26.8%) and large cell immunoblastic (26.8%) lymphomas. Follicular lymphoma accounted for only 8.9% (11 cases). Complete remission rates for LG, IG and HG lymphomas were 53%, 35% and 34%, respectively. LG lymphoma had a significantly better survival than that of IG and HG lymphomas. The IG lymphoma encompassed a heterogeneous group of patients with varying prognoses but the overall survival curve was indistinguishable from that of HG lymphoma. Clinically, 66% of HG, 77% of IG and 86% of LG lymphoma presented with advanced disease. LG lymphoma had high frequencies of hepatosplenomegaly (30-50%) and bone marrow involvement (53%), whereas skin, bone and central nervous system involvement occurred exclusively in IG and HG lymphomas. Mild anemia was common and occurred in 40-50% of the patients. Hyperimmunoglobulinemia was found in 50-60% of all 3 grades of lymphoma, monoclonal gammopathy in 3 cases of IG lymphoma, and hypercalcemia in 4 cases of IG and HG lymphomas. Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase occurred mainly in IG and HG lymphomas and was an important prognostic factor. In conclusion, the characteristic features of NHL in Taiwan include: (1) a high proportion of HG lymphoma and low proportions of LG and follicular lymphomas; (2) a heterogeneous patient composition of IG lymphoma with an unfavorable overall prognosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | pubmed_978_10905 |
pubmed_70_8829 | AIMS
Azaspiracids (AZAs) are marine phycotoxins with an unknown mechanism of action, recently implicated in human intoxications. The predominant analog in nature, AZA-1 targets several organs in vivo, including the central nervous system and exhibits high neurotoxicity in vitro.
METHODS
We used pharmacological tools to inhibit the cytotoxic effect of the toxin in primary cultured neurons. Immunocytochemical techniques in combination with confocal microscopy were employed to examine the cellular mechanisms involved in the neurotoxic effect of AZA-1.
RESULTS
Several targets for azaspiracid-induced neurotoxicity, specifically the cAMP pathway, or protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation were excluded. Interestingly, the specific c-Jun-N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP 600125 protected cultured neurons against AZA-induced cytotoxicity. Immunocytochemistry experiments showed that AZA-1 increased the amount of phosphorylated JNK and caused nuclear translocation of the active protein that was prevented by SP 600125.
CONCLUSION
Our data constitute the relationship between azaspiracid-induced cytotoxicity and specific modifications in cellular transduction signals, specifically we found that JNK activation is associated with the cytotoxic effect of the toxin. These results should provide the basis to identify the mechanism of action of this group of toxins. | 10.1159/000110456 |
pubmed_805_13309 | The transmission of muscle oxygen uptake (VO2) patterns to the pulmonary site is a basically nonlinear process during unsteady state exercise. We were mainly interested in three questions concerning the dynamic relationship between power input and pulmonary VO2 output: 1. To what extent can linear system analysis be applied? 2. What is the relative influence of muscle VO2 on pulmonary VO2 as compared to other parameters such as muscle perfusion kinetics? 3. To what extent does pulmonary VO2 reflect muscle VO2? Investigations were performed by means of a mathematical model including a muscle compartment and two serial, flow-varying time delays. The non-exercising parts of the body were incorporated as one term for perfusion and one for VO2. Parameters were adjusted so as to represent a reference state of aerobic exercise while monofrequent sinusoidal changes in aerobic metabolism were used as forcing signals. The following answers were derived from the simulations: 1. Non-linear distortions of the VO2 signals are negligible provided that analyses are not driven too far into the higher frequency range (periods shorter than about 1 min). 2. Variations of muscle VO2 kinetics have greater effects on pulmonary VO2 than changes of perfusion kinetics or venous volume. This finding applies irrespective of whether or not pulmonary VO2 closely reflects muscle VO2. 3. Small differences in the time constants for muscle perfusion and muscle VO2 are a major prerequisite if pulmonary VO2 kinetics are to be taken as correct estimates of muscle VO2 kinetics. High basal muscle perfusion, small perfusion changes and small venous volumes between muscle and lungs are further factors reducing dynamic distortions of the muscle VO2 signal. | 10.1007/BF00626761 |
pubmed_52_163 | Childhood obesity, caused by reduced physical activity and increased food consumption, has reached epidemic proportions. We hypothesized that a single practitioner could enable a child to reduce BMI by educating towards a healthier lifestyle and then reinforcing the message in a structured manner. In this study, intervention group participants and their parents received a half-hour talk on exercise and diet, repeated after 3 months. They were instructed to fill weekly diaries and were called weekly by telephone. Controls received the initial instruction only. Twenty-seven (14 intervention) obese children were recruited. Anthropometric parameters, fitness and biochemical data were collected before intervention and after 6 months in both groups. Sustained but not statistically significant improvements in attitude, BMI SDS and LDL-cholesterol were noted in the intervention group. These promising results support a need for further work to evaluate the efficacy and applicability of our approach in the population at large. | 10.1515/jpem.2007.20.2.197 |
pubmed_1003_2685 | We report the integration of a scanning force microscope with ion beams. The scanning probe images surface structures non-invasively and aligns the ion beam to regions of interest. The ion beam is transported through a hole in the scanning probe tip. Piezoresistive force sensors allow placement of micromachined cantilevers close to the ion beam lens. Scanning probe imaging and alignment is demonstrated in a vacuum chamber coupled to the ion beam line. Dot arrays are formed by ion implantation in resist layers on silicon samples with dot diameters limited by the hole size in the probe tips of a few hundred nm. | 10.1021/nl0506103 |
pubmed_170_20774 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for bladder neck contracture (BNC) in men treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP), as BNC is a well-described complication of ORP and may be partially attributable to technique.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The University of California San Francisco Urologic Oncology Database was queried for patients undergoing RALP or ORP from 2002 to 2008. Patient demographics, prostate cancer-specific information, surgical data, and follow-up were collected. For each surgical approach, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to evaluate associations of demographics and clinical characteristics with BNC. Time to BNC after RP was evaluated using life table and Kaplan-Meier methods.
RESULTS
From 2002 to 2008, 988 patients underwent RP as primary treatment and had at least 12 months of follow-up. Of these men, 695 underwent ORP and 293 underwent RALP. The mean (sd) age was 59.3 (6.80) years and 91% of men were Caucasian. D'Amico risk groups at diagnosis were low (38%), intermediate (38%), and high (24%). The BNC incidence was 2.2% (22 cases) overall, 1.4% (four) for RALP, and 2.6% (18) for ORP (P= 0.12). Patients with BNC were diagnosed a median (range) of 4.7 (1-15) months after surgery. At 18 months after surgery, the BNC-free rate was 97% for ORP and 99% for RALP (log-rank P= 0.13). The most common presenting complaint was slow stream, followed by urinary retention. In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, earlier year of surgery, older age at diagnosis and higher PSA level at diagnosis were significantly associated with BNC among ORP patients. In the RALP group, none of the covariates were associated with BNC.
CONCLUSIONS
The overall incidence of BNC was low in both RALP and ORP groups. Technical factors such as enhanced magnification and a running bladder anastomosis may explain the lower BNC incidence in the RALP group. | 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2010.09333.x |
pubmed_405_11903 | Plants rapidly release photoassimilated carbon (C) to the soil via direct root exudation and associated mycorrhizal fungi, with both pathways promoting plant nutrient availability. This study aimed to explore these pathways from the root's vascular bundle to soil microbial communities. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging and (13) C-phospho- and neutral lipid fatty acids, we traced in-situ flows of recently photoassimilated C of (13) CO2 -exposed wheat (Triticum aestivum) through arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) into root- and hyphae-associated soil microbial communities. Intraradical hyphae of AM fungi were significantly (13) C-enriched compared to other root-cortex areas after 8 h of labelling. Immature fine root areas close to the root tip, where AM features were absent, showed signs of passive C loss and co-location of photoassimilates with nitrogen taken up from the soil solution. A significant and exclusively fresh proportion of (13) C-photosynthates was delivered through the AM pathway and was utilised by different microbial groups compared to C directly released by roots. Our results indicate that a major release of recent photosynthates into soil leave plant roots via AM intraradical hyphae already upstream of passive root exudations. AM fungi may act as a rapid hub for translocating fresh plant C to soil microbes. | 10.1111/nph.13138 |
pubmed_63_4839 | AIMS
HNF1B-maturity-onset diabetes of the young is caused by abnormalities in the HNF1B gene encoding the transcription factor HNF-1beta. We aimed to investigate detailed clinical features and the type of HNF1B gene anomaly in five pediatric cases with HNF1B-MODY.
METHODS
From a cohort of 995 children and adolescents with diabetes, we analyzed the most frequent maturity-onset diabetes of the young genes (GCK, HNF1A, HNF4A) including HNF1B sequencing and deletion analysis by quantitative Multiplex-PCR of Short Fluorescent Fragments (QMPSF) if patients were islet autoantibody-negative and had one parent with diabetes or associated extrapancreatic features or detectable C-peptide outside honeymoon phase. Presence and size of disease-causing chromosomal rearrangements detected by QMPSF were further analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization.
RESULTS
Overall, five patients had a heterozygous HNF1B deletion, presenting renal disease, elevated liver enzymes, and diabetes. Diabetes was characterized by insulin resistance and adolescent onset of hyperglycemia. Additionally, clinical features in some patients were pancreas dysplasia and exocrine insufficiency (two of five patients), genital defects (three of five), mental retardation (two of five), and eye abnormalities (coloboma, cataract in two of five). One case also had severe growth deficit combined with congenital cholestasis, and another case had common variable immune deficiency. All patients reported here had monoallelic loss of the entire HNF1B gene. Whole genome array comparative genomic hybridization confirmed a precurrent genomic deletion of approximately 1.3-1.7 Mb in size.
CONCLUSION
The clinical data of our cases enlarge the wide spectrum of patients with HNF1B anomaly. The underlying molecular defect in all cases was a 1.3- to 1.7-Mb deletion, and paired, segmental duplications along with breakpoints were most likely involved in this recurrent chromosomal microdeletion. | 10.1210/jc.2008-2189 |
pubmed_1071_16942 | The water disinfection byproduct bromate (BrO3(-)) produces cytotoxic and carcinogenic effects in rat kidneys. Our previous studies demonstrated that BrO3(-) caused sex-dependent differences in renal gene and protein expression in rats and the elimination of brominated organic carbon in their urine. The present study examined changes in renal cell apoptosis and protein expression in male and female F344 rats treated with BrO3(-) and associated these changes with accumulation of 3-bromotyrosine (3-BT)-modified proteins. Rats were treated with 0, 11.5, 46 and 308 mg/L BrO3(-) in drinking water for 28 days and renal sections were prepared and examined for apoptosis (TUNEL-staining), 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-oxoG), 3-BT, osteopontin, Kim-1, clusterin, and p-21 expression. TUNEL-staining in renal proximal tubules increased in a dose-related manner beginning at 11.5mg BrO3(-)/L in female rats and 46 mg/L in males. Increased 8-oxoG staining was observed at doses as low as 46 mg/L. Osteopontin expression also increased in a dose-related manner after treatment with 46 mg/L, in males only. In contrast, Kim-1 expression increased in a dose-related manner in both sexes, although to a greater extent in females at the highest dose. Clusterin and p21 expression also increased in a dose-related manner in both sexes. The expression of 3-BT-modified proteins only increased in male rats, following a pattern previously reported for accumulation of α-2u-globulin. Increases in apoptosis in renal proximal tubules of male and female rats at the lowest doses suggest a common mode of action for renal carcinogenesis for the two sexes that is independent of α-2u-globulin nephropathy. | pubmed_1071_16942 |
pubmed_198_1339 | The uncinate process of the pancreas has been assessed in 106 consecutive patients without pancreatic disease in order to establish normal features. The process measures approximately 1 X 1.3 cm in size, is frequently inseparable from the superior mesenteric vein without contrast enhancement and can adopt a number of cross-sectional configurations. | 10.1016/s0009-9260(88)80024-2 |
pubmed_42_40 | Extraordinary breakthroughs in the molecular pathogenesis of muscle and nerve disease have resulted in an evolving genetic classification of neuromuscular disorders and the development of new diagnostic methods. This remarkable progress has introduced new genetic tests and has changed the indications for use of certain invasive diagnostic procedures in the evaluation of children with presumed disorders of the motor unit. In this review, we present the current diagnostic approach to the more common neuromuscular diseases of infancy and childhood and define the diagnostic role of muscle biopsy and pediatric electromyography/nerve conduction studies in the era of genetic analysis. | 10.1016/s0887-8994(00)00202-2 |
pubmed_1060_5766 | Relationships between coffee consumption and occurrence of cancer as well as mortality were explored in a Norwegian study of 13,664 men and 2,891 women who in 1967-69 reported their coffee consumption. No statistically significant positive associations were found between coffee consumption and disease. A weak negative association was found with total cancer incidence even when the first 4 of the 11 1/2 years of follow-up were excluded, and strong negative associations with coffee drinking were noted for cancer of the kidney and nonmelanoma skin cancer. For cancer of the pancreas and bladder, no increase in incidence was found among those with a high coffee consumption. In subjects less than 65 years of age at start of follow-up, coffee drinking showed a significant inverse association with colon cancer. | pubmed_1060_5766 |
pubmed_904_5321 | As seen in this CME online activity (available at http://courses.elseviercme.com/708e), the various forms of asthma affect > 300 million people globally and > 25 million people in the United States. Asthma-related symptoms and exacerbations result in nearly 2 million ED visits annually, and many of these visits lead to inpatient hospital stays. There is an urgent need to improve the care of the estimated 5% to 15% of patients who have severe asthma. Importantly, studies have shown that severe asthma accounts for an outsized proportion of the disease-related morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs. Examining cohorts from several large patient networks that were created to better understand clinical presentations, biopsychosocial consequences, and long-term outcomes of severe asthma revealed substantial disease burden, significant gaps in longitudinal care, and a clear need for additional treatment options. This CME-accredited Clinical Issues program is intended for allergists/clinical immunologists, pulmonologists, and other health-care providers involved in the management of patients with severe asthma. During the activity, a panel of expert faculty will discuss and debate a series of topics related to the evaluation and long-term treatment of various severe asthma phenotypes. Activity topics include education regarding (1) The classification of severe asthma to differentially diagnose patients with disease that is uncontrolled despite relatively intensive therapy; (2) potential phenotypes and available biomarkers, including strengths, limitations, and how to translate results into the selection of therapies; and (3) the different mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of biologic therapies that target the pathophysiology of severe asthma. The goal is to provide clinician learners with the latest evidence and a fresh perspective on evolving management paradigms for severe asthma. | 10.1016/j.chest.2018.08.1022 |
pubmed_545_5932 | The field of diagnostics using invasive blood testing represents the majority of diagnostic tests used as part of routine health monitoring. The relatively recent introduction of salivary diagnostics has lead to a major paradigm shift in diagnostic analyses. Additionally, in this era of big data, oral fluid testing has shown promising outcomes in a number of fields, particularly the areas of genomics, microbiomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Despite the analytical challenges involved in the interpretation of large datasets generated from biochemical studies involving bodily fluids, including saliva, many studies have identified novel oral biomarkers for diagnosing oral and systemic diseases. In this regard, oral biofluids, including saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF), dentinal tubular fluid (DTF), are now attracting increasing attention due to their important attributes, such as noninvasive sampling, easy handling, low cost, and more accurate diagnosis of oral diseases. Recently, the utilization of salivary diagnostics to evaluate systemic diseases and monitor general health has increased in popularity among clinicians. Saliva contains a wide range of protein, DNA and RNA biomarkers, which assist in the diagnosis of multiple diseases and conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), auto-immune and degenerative diseases, respiratory infections, oral diseases, and microbial (viral, bacterial and fungal) diseases. Moreover, due to its noninvasive nature and ease-of-adoption by children, it is now being used in mass screening programs, oral health-related studies and clinical trials in support of the development of therapeutic agents. The recent advent of highly sensitive technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, highly sensitives ELISAs, and homogeneous immunoassays, suggests that even small quantities of salivary biomarkers are able to be assayed accurately, providing opportunities for the development of many future diagnostic applications (including emerging technologies, such as point-of-care and rapid molecular technologies). The present article explores the omics and biochemical compositions of various oral biofluids with important value in diagnostics and monitoring. | 10.1016/bs.acc.2020.04.005 |
pubmed_815_21335 | Enterococci resistant to ampicillin, vancomycin, and/or aminoglycosides are a growing clinical problem. We studied the in vitro activity of the new fluoroquinolone clinafloxacin (PD 127,391) against 15 clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium. In kill-kinetic studies, clinafloxacin (1 microgram/ml) was bactericidal against 7 of 12 susceptible isolates, although substantial regrowth occurred in 4 isolates at 48 h. The addition of ampicillin (20 micrograms/ml) resulted in bactericidal activity in all 12 isolates, and no regrowth was seen. For three isolates resistant to clinafloxacin, effective killing was not observed at these concentrations of antibiotics. Clinafloxacin with ampicillin shows promising activity against many of these multiply resistant enterococci. | 10.1128/AAC.38.7.1668 |
pubmed_275_12766 | CONTEXT
Pheochromocytomas of the adrenal gland are a common component of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndromes. However, pure adrenal ganglioneuromas, an extremely rare pediatric tumor of neural crest origin composed of mature ganglion cells, have never been reported in association with MEN2 in humans. MEN2A is comprised of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma, and parathyroid hyperplasia. MEN2B is characterized by MTC, pheochromocytoma, neural abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, and mucosal neuromas.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We report two pediatric patients, one with MEN2A and one with MEN2B, who developed isolated adrenal ganglioneuromas without evidence of pheochromocytomas.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
MEN2A and MEN2B are caused by activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor essential for signal transduction in neural crest-derived tissues, including the peripheral and enteric nervous systems, C cells of the thyroid gland, and chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland. Both pheochromocytomas and ganglioneuromas originate from neural crest cells. Interestingly, two mouse models of MEN2B exhibit adrenal ganglioneuroma formation. One mouse model develops only ganglioneuromas (but not pheochromocytomas) and expresses only one of the oncogenic RET isoforms. The other mouse model, created by site-directed mutagenesis to simulate the most common human mutation, develops both ganglioneuromas and pheochromocytomas.
CONCLUSIONS
Given our two cases, our current understanding of the mouse models, and the common origins of all these tumor cell types, we recommend including ganglioneuromas as a rare, but not unexpected, component of the MEN2 syndromes. | 10.1210/jc.2004-2526 |
pubmed_1004_6490 | Certain populations with high incidences of Helicobacter pylori infection, such as those in East Asian countries, have high incidences of gastric cancer, while other highly infected populations, such as those in Africa and South Asia, do not. The various rates of gastric cancer associated with different geographic areas can be explained, at least in part, by the differences in the genotypes of H. pylori cagA and vacA. Populations expressing a high incidence of gastric cancer are mostly identical with regions where East Asian type CagA is predominant. In contrast, incidence of gastric cancer is low in Africa, South Asia, and Europe, where strains typically possess Western type CagA. Within East Asia, strains from northern parts, where the incidence of gastric cancer is high, predominantly possess the vacA m1 genotype, whereas the m2 genotype is predominant in southern parts where the gastric cancer incidence is low. | 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0975 |
pubmed_587_1679 | Photoinduced electron transfer was observed in the supramolecular complexes of p-nitrobenzoyl-beta-cyclodextrin (NBCD) with a number of naphthalene derivatives, which were stabilized clearly via hydrophobic interactions in aqueous solution. Both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were conducted, which revealed that there were two routes of electron transfer, i.e., electron transfer between the free donor and free acceptor in solution and electron transfer between the donor and acceptor bound in a supramolecular assembly. The evidence collected demonstrates that the latter route was very efficient. As a result, the rate and quantum yield of the fluorescence quenching in the present supramolecular system were appreciably large. | 10.1021/jo0108008 |
pubmed_931_8337 | New rudimentary (r) mutants have been isolated following mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate (r(LE)), ICR-170 (r(LI)) and X rays (r(LX)). From wing phenotype measurements on homoallelic females, it has been shown that the r(LE) mutant series includes several leaky alleles, as well as alleles that produce moderate and strong r phenotypes. All of the tested r(LI) alleles yielded strong r phenotypes in homoallelic females, whereas the r(LX) series was found to include both moderate and strong alleles. Based on allele complementation for the wing phenotype, it was found that all three mutant series include both complementing and noncomplementing alleles, but the relative frequencies of these two types of alleles differ considerably among the three series. Complementing alleles comprise most of the r(LE) mutant series (19 of 25) and almost one-half of the r(LX) series (five of 12), while only one of 16 r(LI) mutants is a complementing allele. Data from enzyme assays of mutants mostly support the direct correlation of genetic complementation units with the activities of the first three enzymes in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. All of these findings are discussed in light of evidence that these three enzymes are contained within a trienzyme complex in animals. We conclude that the available genetic evidence supports the contention that the trienzyme complex is encoded by a single mRNA. | 10.1093/genetics/93.1.143 |
pubmed_365_16440 | Felbamate (FBM) is a novel antiepileptic drug that was approved in 1993 for treatment of several forms of epilepsy. After its introduction, toxic reactions (aplastic anemia and hepatotoxicity) associated with its use were reported. It is unknown whether FBM or one of its metabolites is responsible for these idiosyncratic adverse reactions. Although the metabolism of FBM has not been fully characterized, three primary metabolites of FBM have been identified, i.e. 2-hydroxy, p-hydroxy, and monocarbamate metabolites. In addition, the monocarbamate metabolite leads to a carboxylic acid, which is the major metabolite of FBM in humans. Formation of the hydroxylated products of FBM involves cytochrome P450 enzymes, but the enzymes involved in the formation and further metabolism of the monocarbamate have not yet been elucidated. Recently, mercapturate metabolites of FBM have been identified in human urine, and a metabolic scheme involving reactive aldehyde metabolite formation from the monocarbamate metabolite has been proposed. The present study confirmed the formation of the proposed metabolites using human liver tissue in vitro. The aldehyde intermediates were trapped as oxime derivatives, and the cyclic equilibrium product (proposed as a storage and transport form for the aldehydes) was monitored directly by HPLC or GC/MS. Formation of putative toxic aldehyde intermediates and the major carboxylic acid metabolite of FBM was differentially effected with the cofactors NADP+ and NAD+. It is possible that the cofactors may influence the relative metabolism via activation and inactivation pathways. | pubmed_365_16440 |
pubmed_795_2146 | A general synthetic route has been developed for the efficient preparation of 2,3-disubstituted thieno[3,4-b]pyrazines. These methods eliminate problems in the preparation of the precursor 3,4-diaminothiophene and utilize alpha-diones prepared through the reaction of the appropriate organocuprates with oxalyl chloride. This combination allows the convenient preparation of thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine and its 2,3-disubstituted analogues (where substituent = methyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, and phenyl) in high yield. Characterization of the structure and reactivity of this class of compounds is also described, including the results of structural, electrochemical, and pK(a) studies. | 10.1021/jo0262255 |
pubmed_279_7315 | A microsomal fraction prepared from the mycelia of the band (bd) strain of Neurospora crassa showed enhanced phosphorylation of two small proteins with molecular masses of around 15 kDa (ps15) by the irradiation of the reaction mixture containing [gamma-32P]ATP at 0 degrees C for 1 s with blue light (450 nm, 6 mumol/m2/s or 420 nm, 80 mumol/m2/s). The reaction was stopped at 5 s of incubation at 0 degrees C after blue light irradiation. The light effect could not be detected in ps15, when a microsomal fraction from a blind mutant, wc-1 or wc-2 was used. The mixing followed by homogenization of the microsomal fractions from wc-1 and wc-2 restored the activity to simulate the phosphorylation of ps15 by blue light. The phosphorylated amino acid residue of ps15 was unstable when the proteins on a nylon membrane were exposed to an acid or alkaline solution, suggesting that the phosphorylated residue was aspartic acid. The other phosphorylated protein with a molecular mass of 70 kDa (p70) showed no light effect in the phosphorylation and the phosphorylated residue was estimated to be histidine, since it was stable in alkaline solution. | 10.1016/0014-5793(94)00436-6 |
pubmed_596_6608 | Individuals with chronic asthma show a progressive decline in lung function that is thought to be due to structural remodeling of the airways characterized by subepithelial fibrosis and smooth muscle hyperplasia. Here we show that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member LIGHT is expressed on lung inflammatory cells after allergen exposure. Pharmacological inhibition of LIGHT using a fusion protein between the IgG Fc domain and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) reduces lung fibrosis, smooth muscle hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse models of chronic asthma, despite having little effect on airway eosinophilia. LIGHT-deficient mice also show a similar impairment in fibrosis and smooth muscle accumulation. Blockade of LIGHT suppresses expression of lung transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), cytokines implicated in remodeling in humans, whereas exogenous administration of LIGHT to the airways induces fibrosis and smooth muscle hyperplasia, Thus, LIGHT may be targeted to prevent asthma-related airway remodeling. | 10.1038/nm.2356 |
pubmed_882_11844 | Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepato- and lymphotropic agent that is able to induce several autoimmune rheumatic disorders: vasculitis, sicca syndrome, arthralgias/arthritis and fibromyalgia. The severity of clinical manifestations is variable and sometimes life-threatening. HCV infection can mimic many primitive rheumatic diseases, therefore, it is mandatory to distinguish HCV-related manifestations from primitive ones because the prognosis and therapeutic strategies can be fairly dissimilar. The new direct-acting antivirals drugs can help to avoid the well-known risks of worsening or new onset of autoimmune diseases during the traditional interferon-based therapies. | 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1405 |
pubmed_1033_2951 | It is widely believed that ductal breast cancer dissemination involves a succession of clinical and pathological stages starting with carcinoma in situ, progressing into invasive lesion and culminating in metastatic disease. Such changes have frequently been attributed to the sequential acquisition of various alterations in a single cell followed by clonal selection and expansion, thus leading to intra-tumor diversity. According to this multi-step view, extensive genotype and phenotype (marker expression, grade) shift may occur in the same tumor during progression; this may lead to the co-existence of molecularly and/or pathologically different areas within the same lesion. An increasing amount of data of various natures now appear to challenge this concept: only a few distinct 'portraits', in relation to estrogen receptor (ER) status and grade, may be found among tumors. Moreover, although undergoing increasing genetic alteration, most individual lesions largely maintain their phenotype when they evolve from in situ to the metastatic state. While many of the data presented here are related to ductal tumors, lobular cancer is also discussed. | 10.1677/erc.1.00758 |
pubmed_597_11221 | Our research focused on the production, characterization and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which can be utilized in biomedical research and environmental cleaning applications. We used an environmentally friendly extracellular biosynthetic technique for the production of the AgNPs. The reducing agents used to produce the nanoparticles were from aqueous extracts made from the leaves of various plants. Synthesis of colloidal AgNPs was monitored by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The UV-Visible spectrum showed a peak between 417 and 425 nm corresponding to the Plasmon absorbance of the AgNPs. The characterization of the AgNPs such as their size and shape was performed by Atom Force Microscopy (AFM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques which indicated a size range of 3 to 15 nm. The anti-bacterial activity of AgNPs was investigated at concentrations between 2 and 15 ppm for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Kocuria rhizophila, Bacillus thuringiensis (Gram-positive organisms); Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium (Gram-negative organisms) were exposed to AgNPs using Bioscreen C. The results indicated that AgNPs at a concentration of 2 and 4 ppm, inhibited bacterial growth. Preliminary evaluation of cytotoxicity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was accomplished using the InQ™ Cell Research System instrument with HEK 293 cells. This investigation demonstrated that silver nanoparticles with a concentration of 2 ppm and 4 ppm were not toxic for human healthy cells, but inhibit bacterial growth. | 10.3390/ijerph10105221 |
pubmed_491_7578 | Gonadogenesis was studied in Microhyla ornata (Family: Microhylidae) and Hylarana malabarica (Family: Ranidae) up to sexual maturity. Indifferent gonads of M. ornata directly differentiated into either testes or ovaries while those of H. malabarica differentiated into ovaries in all the individuals followed by testicular differentiation in males through an ovarian phase. In some tadpoles of M. ornata, formation of a central cavity at Gosner stage 27 marked ovary differentiation while meiosis was initiated at stage 29. Folliculogenesis was evident at stage 39. Vitellogenesis was initiated in females 9 months post-metamorphosis that attained maturity around 11 months after the completion of metamorphosis. Gonads of males with uniformly distributed germ and somatic cells remained undifferentiated until stage 41. Germ and somatic cells reorganized into seminiferous cords at stage 42. One month after completing metamorphosis, testes contained seminiferous tubules while those of 3 months old males exhibited all spermatogenic stages. In H. malabarica, germ cells entry into meiosis marked ovary differentiation at stage 29 while, ovarian cavity was discernable around stage 35. Post-metamorphosis, ovaries of 1-6 month old females contained pre-diplotene oocytes. Females were immature even 1 year after the completion of metamorphosis. In all the tadpoles, ovaries with central cavity and meiocytes were present up to the completion of metamorphosis. Gonads of prospective males displayed an obliterating ovarian cavity along with degenerating oocytes at the end of metamorphosis. Germ and somatic cells reorganized into seminiferous cords in males 3 months after the completion of metamorphosis. Testes of 4 months old males exhibited distinct seminiferous tubules while those of 6 months old exhibited meiosis. All spermatogenic stages were observed in testes of 9 months old males indicating maturity. | 10.1002/jez.1958 |
pubmed_761_2841 | BACKGROUND
Potentially driven by the lack of mother-to-infant transmission of microbiota at birth, cesarean delivery has been associated with higher risk of offspring obesity. Yet, no studies have examined when delivery-mode differences in adiposity begin to emerge. In this study, we examine differences in infant weight and adiposity trajectories from birth to 12 months by delivery mode.
METHODS
From 2013 to 2015, we recruited pregnant women into the Nurture Study and followed up their 666 infants. We ascertained maternal delivery method and infant birth weight from medical records. We measured weight, length, and skinfold thicknesses (subscapular, triceps, abdominal) when infants were 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. The main outcome, infant weight-for-length z score, was derived based on the WHO Child Growth Standards. We used linear regression models to assess the difference at each time point and used linear mixed models to examine the growth rate for infant weight and adiposity trajectories. We controlled for maternal age, race, marital status, education level, household income, smoking status, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, and infant birth weight.
RESULTS
Of the 563 infants in our final sample, 179 (31.8%) were cesarean delivered. From birth to 12 months, the rate of increase in weight-for-length z score was 0.02/month (p = 0.03) greater for cesarean-delivered than vaginally-delivered infants. As a result of more rapid growth, cesarean-delivered infants had higher weight-for-length z score (0.26, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.47) and sum of subscapular and triceps (SS + TR) skinfold thickness (0.95 mm, 95% CI: 0.30, 1.60)-an indicator for overall adiposity-at 12 months, compared to vaginally-delivered infants.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery was associated with greater offspring rate of weight gain over the first year and differences in adiposity that appear as early as 3 months of age. Monitoring cesarean-delivered infants closely for excess weight gain may help guide primordial prevention of obesity later in life. | 10.1038/s41366-018-0239-2 |
pubmed_817_8022 | Montane systems provide excellent opportunities to study the rapid radiation influenced by geological and climatic processes. We assessed the role of Pleistocene climatic oscillations and mountain building on the evolution history of Triplophysa robusta, a cold-adapted species restricted to high elevations in China. We found seven differentiated sublineages of T. robusta, which were established during the Mid Pleistocene 0.87-0.61 Mya. The species distribution modeling (SDM) showed an expansion of T. robusta during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and a considerable retraction during the Last Interglacial (LIG). The deep divergence between Clade I distributed in Qinling Mountains and Clade II in Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) was mainly the result of a vicariance event caused by the rapid uplifting of Qinling Mountains during the Early Pleistocene. While the middling to high level of historical gene flow among different sublineages could be attributed to the dispersal events connected to the repetition of the glacial period during the Pleistocene. Our findings suggested that frequent range expansions and regressions due to Pleistocene glaciers likely have been crucial for driving the phylogeographic pattern of T. robusta. Finally, we urge a burning question in future conservation projection on the vulnerable cold-adapted species endemic to high elevations, as they would be negatively impacted by the recent rapid climate warming. | 10.3389/fgene.2022.955382 |
pubmed_152_2570 | In order to determine the clinical impact of Klebsiella bacteremia on critically ill patients, a matched cohort study was conducted between January 1992 and December 2000. During the study period, all intensive care unit (ICU) patients with nosocomial Klebsiella bacteremia were defined as cases (n=52), but two of these patients were excluded from the matched cohort due to incomplete medical records. The remaining 50 patients were matched at a ratio of 1:2 with control patients (n=100) on the basis of the APACHE II severity of disease classification system. Patients with Klebsiella bacteremia experienced acute renal failure and hemodynamic instability more often than controls. They also had a longer ICU stay and longer ventilator dependence. In-hospital mortality rates for cases and controls were nearly equal (36% vs. 37%, respectively; P=0.905). In conclusion, after adjusting accurately for severity of underlying disease and acute illness, no difference in mortality was found between ICU patients with Klebsiella bacteremia and their matched control subjects. | 10.1007/s10096-002-0746-9 |
pubmed_785_6441 | INTRODUCTION
The practice of neuroendoscopic procedures requires many years of training to obtain the adequate skills to perform these operations safely. In this study, we present a new pediatric neuroendoscopic simulator that facilitates training.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATOR
This realistic simulator was built with a synthetic thermo-retractile and thermo-sensible rubber called Neoderma® which, when combined with different polymers, produces more than 30 different formulae, which present textures, consistencies, and mechanical resistances similar to many human tissues. Silicon and fiberglass molds, in the shape of the cerebral ventricles, constitute the basic structure of the neuroendoscopic training module. The module offers the possibility for practicing many basic neuroendoscopic techniques such as: navigating the ventricular system to visualize important anatomic landmarks (e.g., septal and thalamostriate veins, foramen of Monro, temporal horns, aqueduct, and fourth ventricle), performing third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization, and resecting intraventricular "tumors" that bleed.
CONCLUSION
It is important to emphasize that it is possible to perform with this simulator not only the rigid but also the flexible endoscopy, with good correspondence to reality and no risks. Notable future perspectives can be considered regarding this new pediatric simulator, for example, to improve the learning curve for nonexperienced neurosurgeons and to spread the flexible endoscopy technique. | 10.1007/s00381-014-2538-9 |
pubmed_639_10315 | INTRODUCTION
Validity of the 2014 traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) criteria, proposed to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in life, has not been assessed.
METHODS
A total of 336 consecutive brain donors exposed to repetitive head impacts from contact sports, military service, and/or physical violence were included. Blinded to clinical information, neuropathologists applied National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering CTE criteria. Blinded to neuropathological information, clinicians interviewed informants and reviewed medical records. An expert panel adjudicated TES diagnoses.
RESULTS
A total of 309 donors were diagnosed with TES; 244 donors had CTE pathology. TES criteria demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 0.21, respectively. Cognitive (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-5.1), but not mood/behavior or motor symptoms, were significantly associated with CTE pathology. Having Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology was significantly associated with reduced TES accuracy (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12-0.59).
DISCUSSION
TES criteria provided good evidence to rule out, but limited evidence to rule in, CTE pathology. Requiring cognitive symptoms in revised criteria and using AD biomarkers may improve CTE pathology prediction. | 10.1002/alz.12338 |
pubmed_455_7154 | The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of swallowing evaluation practices in western Washington, specifically in terms of (a) components of the clinical examination most commonly used, (b) consistency of clinical examination practices across clinicians, and (c) consistency of clinical decision-making (instrumental vs. noninstrumental) given specific patient scenarios. A 21-question survey was sent to 150 speech-language pathologists who provide services to dysphagia patients. Of the 72 (48%) surveys that were returned, 64 provided the data for the study. The results revealed that clinicians who responded to the survey differ somewhat regarding which components they include in a clinical examination of swallowing. There was a high degree of consistency for 11 of the 19 components. Inconsistency across clinicians was revealed in four areas: assessment of sensory function, assessment of the gag reflex, cervical auscultation, and assessment of trial swallows using compensatory techniques. Clinicians agreed in their recommendations on two of the six clinical case scenarios. In general, participating clinicians varied widely in their clinical decision-making. These findings are compared with other studies where variability in clinical practice has raised concerns. | 10.1007/s00455-002-0094-z |
pubmed_495_20385 | Reference has been made in the literature of the variability in the clinical presentation of deficiency of complex III of the respiratory chain, identifying up to the moment, four groups, the first of which is characterized by hipotonia and wearness starting at variable ages. We report a new case of mitochondrial myopathy due to deficiency of this complex and included within this first group, and consider the importance of defining the clinical and histochemical characteristics of this polymorphous entity. | pubmed_495_20385 |
pubmed_155_14171 | Iron-free parenteral nutrition following neurosurgery and vascular surgery leads to a loss of the known diurnal rhythm of the serum iron level. This fact is discussed in view to the post-operative pathophysiology and in view of the speculations on the reasons for this diurnal rhythm. | pubmed_155_14171 |
pubmed_69_15879 | Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with a tetradentate macrocyclic ligand [1.2.5.6tetraoxo-3,4,7,8tetraaza-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)tetrabenzene(L)] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, mass, nmr, i.r., electronic and e.p.r. spectral studies. All the complexes are non electrolytes in nature and may be formulated as [M(L)X(2)] [where, M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and X=Cl(-), CH(3)COO(-)]. On the basis of i.r., electronic and e.p.r. spectral studies a distorted octahedral geometry has been assigned for all complexes. The antimicrobial activities and LD(50) values of the ligand and its complexes, as growth inhibiting agents, have been screened in vitro against two different species of bacteria and plant pathogenic fungi. | pubmed_69_15879 |
pubmed_201_6880 | Trends in HPV vaccine awareness among parents of adolescent girls and boys (ages 13-17) and HPV vaccine uptake (≥1 dose) among girls (ages 13-17) were evaluated in Los Angeles County, California. Between 2007 and 2011, parental HPV vaccine awareness increased from 72% to 77% overall, with significant increases among mothers, Latinos, and respondents with daughters and Medi-Cal insured children. In 2011, parents who were male, older, less educated, Asian/Pacific Islander, and had sons remained significantly less likely to be aware. HPV vaccine initiation among daughters nearly doubled from 25% in 2007 to 48% in 2011, and girls who were older, uninsured, and had access-related barriers showed the largest improvements. In 2011, daughters who were younger and who had older and African American parents were at risk for low uptake. Thus, initiatives targeting male and younger adolescents, culturally-relevant information, and access to vaccination may help to reduce identified disparities. | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.08.046 |
pubmed_322_10703 | The neonatal body provides a range of potential habitats, such as the gut, for microbes. These sites eventually harbor microbial communities (microbiotas). A "complete" (adult) gut microbiota is not acquired by the neonate immediately after birth. Rather, the exclusive, milk-based nutrition of the infant encourages the assemblage of a gut microbiota of low diversity, usually dominated by bifidobacterial species. The maternal fecal microbiota is an important source of bacterial species that colonize the gut of infants, at least in the short-term. However, development of the microbiota is influenced by the use of human milk (breast feeding), infant formula, preterm delivery of infants, caesarean delivery, antibiotic administration, family details and other environmental factors. Following the introduction of weaning (complementary) foods, the gut microbiota develops in complexity due to the availability of a diversity of plant glycans in fruits and vegetables. These glycans provide growth substrates for the bacterial families (such as members of the Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae) that, in due course, will dominate the gut microbiota of the adult. Although current data are often fragmentary and observational, it can be concluded that the nutrition that a child receives in early life is likely to impinge not only on the development of the microbiota at that time but also on the subsequent lifelong, functional relationships between the microbiota and the human host. The purpose of this review, therefore, is to discuss the importance of promoting the assemblage of functionally robust gut microbiotas at appropriate times in early life. | 10.1128/AEM.01449-21 |
pubmed_220_117 | The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of dietary-fibre (DF)-rich barley-based diets on bile acids (BA) and neutral sterols (NS) in the intestinal tract of rats. For this purpose, young male Wistar rats (n 50; ten per group) weighing about 67 g were fed either a barley-free diet (control group) or diets containing 500 g barley meal extrudates/kg or a barley meal-Novelose mixture (groups A-D) for 6 weeks. These barley products contained 7-24 g resistant starch/100 g and 7-12 g (1 --> 3),(1 --> 4)-beta-glucan/100 g. More steroids were transported towards the lower parts of the intestinal tract when higher concentrations of macromolecular DF were present in the diets (P < 0.001). Tauroconjugated and primary BA dominated in the contents of the small intestine. Intense enzymic conversion of BA occurred in the caecum and colon. The fermentation of DF affected indirectly the amount of formed secondary BA. The main BA present in the caecal contents were muricholic acids, hyodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid. The BA spectrum in the colonic contents was different from that in the caecum. A higher concentration of NS appeared in the intestinal contents of the groups fed the barley-based diets than in the controls (P < 0.005). The microbial conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol, cholestanone and coprostanone was influenced by the amount and composition of the DF in the gut. DF in the diet may affect the concentration and spectrum of steroids in the intestinal tract. The results are relevant for the discussion of mechanisms behind the cholesterol-lowering effects of DF. | 10.1079/bjn2003976 |
pubmed_980_8484 | Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) displays dual signals in T-cell activation according to the ligands and intracytoplasmic effectors it interacts with. High HVEM expression may play an immunosuppressive role in several malignancies. The present study investigated the clinical impact of HVEM on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), including its prognostic value, and association with clinicopathological features and immune status. The clinical data of 102 consecutive patients with ICC who underwent surgical treatment from January 2012 to December 2017 were collected. The expression of HVEM and different types of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were investigated in ICC tissue samples by immunohistochemical staining. HVEM expression was detected in the tumor tissues of 92 (90.2%) patients with ICC. Patients with high HVEM expression were more likely to have increased peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) concentrations (P=0.031), decreased CEA (P=0.036), low TNM stage (P=0.043) and high frequencies of small-duct histological type (P=0.021) and BAP1 retained expression (P=0.010). Survival analysis showed that high HVEM expression was a favorable independent predictor of overall postoperative survival (P=0.034, hazard ratio=0.486, 95% confidence interval=0.249-0.945). In addition, no significant association of HVEM expression with CD4+ (P=0.512), CD8+ (P=0.750) or CD45RO+ (P=0.078) TILs was identified in the ICC tissues. These results indicate that HVEM may serve as a favorable prognostic marker for ICC. Furthermore, co-stimulatory signals from HVEM may play a dominant role in the progression of ICCs, which can be explained by an increase in the number of PBLs rather than a change in the number of TILs. However, the function of the HVEM network in ICC progression is complex and requires further study. | 10.3892/ol.2020.12330 |
pubmed_569_7250 | We demonstrate a method of rapidly acquiring background-free infrared near-field spectra by combining magnitude and phase resolved scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) with a wavelength-swept quantum cascade laser (QCL). Background-free measurement of both near-field magnitude and phase allows for direct comparison with far-field absorption spectra, making the technique particularly useful for rapid and straightforward nanoscale material identification. Our experimental setup is based on the commonly used pseudo-heterodyne detection scheme, which we modify by operating the interferometer in the white light position; we show this adjustment to be critical for measurement repeatability. As a proof-of-principle experiment we measure the near-field spectrum between 1690 and 1750 cm(-1) of a PMMA disc with a spectral resolution of 1.5 cm(-1). We finish by chemically identifying two fibers on a sample surface by gathering their spectra between 1570 and 1750 cm(-1), each with a measurement time of less than 2.5 minutes. Our method offers the possibility of performing both nanoscale-resolved point spectroscopy and monochromatic imaging with a single laser that is capable of wavelength-sweeping. | 10.1364/OE.23.013358 |
pubmed_389_24137 | AIM
We herein present our experience using free flaps harvested from the ear region in facial, nasal and intraoral reconstruction.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Between 2011 and 2016, 19 patients underwent reconstruction using 20 free flaps from the ear region based on the superficial temporal vessels. There were 10 males and 9 females with a mean age of 57 years. Defect aetiology consisted of post-tumour ablation (n = 15), trauma (n = 2) and burn scar (n = 2). Defect location involved the nose (n = 13), floor of mouth (n = 3), tongue (n = 1), lower eyelid (n = 1), and lower lip (n = 1).
RESULTS
Twelve helical, seven temporal artery posterior auricular skin (TAPAS), and one hemiauricular flap were performed. One patient required venous re-anastomosis but complete flap necrosis eventually occurred. This patient later underwent successful contralateral helix flap reconstruction. Overall flap survival was 95%. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 69 months. A moderate to excellent aesthetic and functional outcome was achieved in all cases, but most (13/19) required later minor refinement surgery.
CONCLUSION
As a versatile source of free flap options, the ear can provide more than just the helix. | 10.1002/micr.30178 |
pubmed_574_14305 | Zinc(II) accumulated by platelets has profound effects on platelet activity. This study is focused on the distribution of Zn(II) between human platelet subcellular compartments. After incubation with 86Rb+ and platelet lysis, the organelles were separated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Fibrinogen served as a marker for alpha-granules. 86Rb+ and factor XIII served as markers for the cytoplasmic fractions. Zn(II) was found to be distributed between the cytoplasm and the alpha-granules, with variations between different individual units. The total platelet Zn concentration and its relative subcellular distribution were dependent on its extracellular level. Incubation of platelets with 100 microM Zn(II) resulted in a twofold increase of its level in the cytoplasm and by one order of magnitude in the alpha-granules. In addition to the anticipated factor XIII activity in the cytoplasmic pool fraction, we found thrombin-inducible factor XIII activity within the alpha-granules. Immunoblotting confirmed the presence of both the a and b subunits of plasma factor XIII (a2b2 form) in the alpha-granules. As fibrinogen is not synthesized in the platelet, we propose that by virtue of their mutual binding, fibrinogen, Zn(II) and plasma factor XIII-a2b2 are simultaneously taken up into the alpha-granules by endocytosis, presumably through the vehicle of the GPIIb/IIIa fibrinogen receptor. A rationale for co-packaging these components within the alpha-granules is that Zn(II) inhibits factor XIII activity and thereby prevents the premature cross-linking of the concentrated fibrinogen prior to platelet activation and secretion. By contrast, cytoplasmic Zn(II) may increase platelet responsiveness to agonists due to its interaction with cytoplasmic modulators of platelet activity. | 10.1002/jcp.1041560302 |
pubmed_536_11013 | A total of 243 individuals from Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus spadiceus), Rugao, Anka, Wenchang and Silikes chicken populations were used for polymorphism analysis in functional apoVLDL-II gene by Restriction fragment length polymorphism and single strand conformation polymorphism markers. The results show that Anka population has highest gene diversity and Shannon information index, while Red jungle fowl shows highest effective number of allele. In addition, the higher coefficient of genetic differentiation (Gst) across all loci in apoVLDL-II was indicating that high variation is proportioned among populations. As expected total gene diversity (Ht) has upper estimate compared with within population genetic diversity (Hs) across all loci. The mean Gst value across all loci was (0.194) indicating about 19.4% of total genetic variation could be explained by breeds differences, while the remaining 80.6% was accounted for differences among individuals. The average apoVLDL-II gene flow across all loci in five chicken populations was 1.189. The estimates of genetic identity and distance confirm that these genes are significantly different between genetically fat and lean population, because fat type breed Anka shows highest distance with the other Silikes and Rugao whish are genetically lean. In addition, Wenchang and Red jungle fowl were found more closely and genetically related than the other breeds with 49.4% bootstrapping percentages, then they were related to Silikes by 100% bootstrapping percentages followed by Rugao and finally all of them are related with exotic fat breed Anka. | 10.3923/pjbs.2007.2454.2459 |
pubmed_348_23369 | OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to retrospectively review the surgical outcome of 309 craniopharyngioma cases treated by a single neurosurgeon in China.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 309 cases of craniopharyngioma that were treated surgically from January 1996 to May 2006. Among them, 162 (52.4%) patients were male and 147 (47.6%) were female. There were 259 (83.8%) patients older than 15 years (mean 35.8 years) and 50 (16.2%) younger than 15 years (mean 8.8 years). The tumor size varied in diameter from 2.0 cm to 9.0 cm (mean 34.5 mm). Pterional approach was performed in 211 (68.3%) cases, trans-laminal terminal approach through frontobasal interhemispheric fissure in 55 (17.8%) cases, subfrontal approach in 20 (6.5%) cases, and transcallosum approach into the anterior third ventricle in 11 (3.6%) cases.
RESULTS
Total, subtotal, and partial removal of tumors were achieved in 276 (89.3%), 20 (6.5%), and 13 (4.2%) patients, respectively. The pituitary stalk was preserved in 186 (60.2%) cases, severed in 49 (15.9%) cases, and unidentified in 74 (23.9%) cases during surgery. There were 12 (3.9%) patients died within 1 month after surgery. A total of 204 (66%) patients were followed from 6 months to 8 years (mean 2.1 years). In the 167 patients with total tumor removal, 23 (13.7%) had tumor recurrence within an average of 1.8 years. While, in the 32 patients with subtotal or partial resection, 24 (75%) had recurrence within an average of 0.5 years. There were five deaths occurred during follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Pre-surgery neuroimaging evaluations have improved our knowledge of intricate anatomical relationship between craniopharyngioma and the structures of the hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, and optic apparatus, which make total tumor resection feasible with the preservation of these vital structures to ensure a lower recurrence rate with acceptable mortality. However, excessive long-term morbidity, mostly related to hypopituitarism, which leads to the poor quality of life for the craniopharyngioma patients, is still remained. Further effort should be invested to monitor and maintain the normal hormone levels, hence improve the quality of life for craniopharyngioma patients. | 10.1016/j.clineuro.2007.10.013 |
pubmed_982_3164 | Angiogenesis is characteristic of cartilage tumors, not of normal cartilage tissue. In addition to our previous report on differential expression of proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in cartilage tumors, we analyzed the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1), which has been identified as a potent inhibitor of VEGF-A. We further used a chondrosarcoma cell line to study the effect of interleukin (IL)-1beta and hypoxia on the regulation of ADAMTS1 and VEGF-A expression. ADAMTS1 was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in all analyzed samples from enchondromas, conventional chondrosacromas, and dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas without exception. In contrast to previous reports on other cancers, we did not detect a consistent decrease in ADAMTS1 expression in chondrosarcomas. Interleukin-1beta stimulation, not hypoxia, transcriptionally downregulated ADAMTS1 in chondrosarcoma cells, whereas VEGF-A expression was upregulated either by hypoxia or IL-1beta. We conclude that ADAMTS1 and VEGF-A in chondrosarcoma cells are regulated independently from each other. We believe that IL-1beta has a stronger impact on vascularization in chondrosarcomas than hypoxia, as both factors, ADAMTS1 and VEGF-A, are regulated in a way that favors angiogenesis. | 10.1016/j.humpath.2006.06.012 |
pubmed_273_1219 | The mycobacterial cell wall is a complex architecture, which has, as its major structural component, a lipidated polysaccharide covalently bound to peptidoglycan. This structure, termed the mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan complex, possesses a core galactan moiety composed of approximately 30 galactofuranosyl (Galf) resides attached via alternating beta-(1-->6) and beta-(1-->5) linkages. Recent studies have shown that the entire galactan is synthesized by the action of only two bifunctional galactofuranosyltransferases, GlfT1 and GlfT2. We report here saturation-transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy studies with GlfT2 using two trisaccharide acceptor substrates, beta-D-Galf-(1-->6)-beta-D-Galf-(1-->5)-beta-D-Galf-O(CH(2))(7)CH(3) (2) and beta-D-Galf-(1-->5)-beta-D-Galf-(1-->6)-beta-D-Galf-O(CH(2))(7)CH(3) (3), as well as the donor substrate for the enzyme, UDP-Galf. Competition STD-NMR titration experiments and saturation transfer double difference (STDD) experiments with 2 and 3 were undertaken to explore the bifunctionality of this enzyme, in particular to answer whether one or two active sites are responsible for the formation of both beta-(1-->5)- and beta-(1-->6)-Galf linkages. It was demonstrated that 2 and 3 bind competitively at the same site; this suggests that GlfT2 has one active site pocket capable of catalyzing both beta-(1-->5) and beta-(1-->6) galactofuranosyl transfer reactions. The addition of UDP-Galf to GlfT2 in the presence of either 2 or 3 generated a tetrasaccharide product; this indicates that the enzyme was catalytically active under the conditions at which the STD-NMR experiments were carried out. | 10.1002/cbic.200900202 |
pubmed_898_15931 | INTRODUCTION
Positive effects from tongue-strengthening exercises (TSE) are widely described, but dose-dependent studies concerning exercise frequency have not yet been reported. This study aimed to determine the training and detraining effects of TSE with exercise frequencies of respectively 3 and 5 times per week on maximum isometric anterior and posterior tongue pressures (MIPA and MIPP) and on anterior and posterior tongue strength during an effortful saliva swallow (PswalA and PswalP).
METHOD
Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to two exercise groups, training 3 (EX3, n = 10) or 5 (EX5, n = 10) times per week with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. MIPA, MIPP, PswalA, and PswalP were measured at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of training and 4 and 8 weeks after the last training session to document detraining effects. Descriptive statistics, linear mixed model effects, and post hoc analyses were calculated.
RESULTS
Significant increases in MIPA, MIPP, PswalA, and PswalP were measured for training both 3 and 5 times per week. No significant differences on any parameter were found between EX3 and EX5 groups. No significant detraining effects were found after 4 or 8 weeks in any treatment arm either for MIPs or for effortful swallow pressures.
CONCLUSION
This randomized study demonstrated a positive effect of TSE on MIP and Pswal in healthy older adults, without detraining effects. No superiority of exercise frequency was identified based on significance testing, although some trends are discussed. | 10.1159/000505153 |
pubmed_422_6703 | PURPOSE
To report the clinical features and outcome of patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the anus following radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A retrospective analysis was performed on 15 patients referred to Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute between 1981 to 1998 with primary adenocarcinoma of the anus. The median follow-up was 7.5 years. Six patients underwent treatment with curative intent-either chemoradiation or radiotherapy alone. Surgery was mainly limited to either incisional or excisional biopsy. The remaining nine patients were treated with palliative intent because of advanced age, advanced disease, or poor medical status. The biological equivalent doses were calculated for all patients and correlated with time to progression.
RESULTS
None of the curative group had relapsed after a median follow-up of 6.6 years. All except one were alive and well. No patient developed any serious long-term toxicity and all patients avoided colostomy. All patients managed with palliative intent died with persistent locoregional disease with a median survival of 0.8 year.
CONCLUSION
Primary adenocarcinoma of the anus is a very rare disease that precludes a rigorous analysis. This study demonstrates that radiation and in particular chemoradiation are effective therapies consistent with other recent series and analogous to squamous cell carcinomas of the anus. It also emphasizes the poor prognosis of patients treated with palliative intent. | 10.1016/s0360-3016(99)00267-9 |
pubmed_108_9131 | BACKGROUND
Dual health system use may provide increased access to physicians, medications, and other health care resources but may also increase the complexity and coordination of medication regimens. Thus, it is important to elucidate the impact of dual use on medication adherence.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact on medication adherence for veterans with dual health care system use (VA and Medicare) when obtaining prescription antihyperglycemic medications to treat diabetes.
METHODS
This was a longitudinal cohort study using VA and Medicare data from 2006 to 2010. Medication adherence was estimated by calculating annualized drug class-level proportion of days covered (PDC), where PDC >80% was considered adherent. Generalized linear models were used for estimations, accounting for correlation over time.
RESULTS
In total, 254 267 veterans with diabetes were included, with 71 057 (27.9%) defined as pharmacy system dual users. Mean age was 77.5 years, and nearly all had multiple comorbidities (mean count 10.2). During follow-up, 75% of VA-only users were deemed adherent to diabetes prescriptions, compared with 63% of dual users. In adjusted models, dual prescription benefit use from VA/Medicare was associated with 39% lower odds of medication adherence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.60-0.61). Medication adherence significantly worsened with each additional diabetes medication (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.64-0.65) and significantly decreased over time (OR = 0.95 per year; 95% CI = 0.95-0.96). Conclusion and Relevance: These data suggest that veterans utilizing VA and Medicare to obtain diabetes prescriptions are significantly less likely to be adherent. | 10.1177/1060028019828681 |
pubmed_215_8208 | GnRH regulates reproduction via the well-characterized mammalian pituitary GnRH receptor (type I). In addition, two homologous genes for a second form of the GnRH receptor (type II) are present in the human genome, one on chromosome 14 and the second on chromosome 1. The chromosome 14 gene is ubiquitously transcribed at high levels in the antisense orientation but lacks exon 1, required to encode a full-length receptor. In comparison, the chromosome 1 gene contains all three exons. The issue of whether this gene is transcribed in any human tissue(s), and whether these transcripts encode a functional receptor protein, remains unresolved. We have directly addressed this by screening a panel of human RNAs by hybridization and RT-PCR. These analyses showed that, unlike the chromosome 14 gene, chromosome 1 gene expression is limited and of low abundance. Exon 1-containing transcripts were detected by in situ hybridization in mature sperm and in human postmeiotic testicular cells. Further sequence analysis revealed that although all the potential coding segments were present, the human transcripts, like the gene, contain a stop codon within the coding region and a frame-shift relative to other mammalian GnRH receptors. Although this suggests that the human gene may be a transcribed pseudogene, a functional type II GnRH receptor cDNA has recently been cloned from monkeys. Given the well-established role of GnRH in spermatogenesis and reported evidence of type II GnRH receptor immunoreactivity in human tissues, it is possible that the chromosome 1 gene is functional. | 10.1095/biolreprod.101.002808 |
pubmed_359_3059 | Cellular immune responses were examined in the skin of cattle after primary and secondary experimental infections with Hypoderma lineatum larvae. Skin biopsies were taken at 0, 6, 12, 48 and 96 h post-infection (h.p.i.). In primary infected animals the penetration of Hypoderma larvae was characterized by moderate inflammatory responses. The pattern of cellular changes in previously infected animals suggested an allergic or rheumatic process, probably as a consequence of the development of a type III hypersensitivity reaction against the second or successive reinfections. Perivascular infiltration with CD3(+) T lymphocytes was marked in infected groups, but especially in previously infected animals, with a significant increase with respect to uninfected controls at 48 h.p.i. B cells remained close to control values during primary infection, while they increased significantly 12 h.p.i. in reinfected animals. IgG(+) plasma cells were also very abundant during secondary infections, with significant differences from primary infected and uninfected animals from 6 h.p.i. onwards. These results suggest that secondary infections allow cellular responses which may be effective in killing some of the entering larvae, resulting in a degree of resistance. | 10.1016/j.vetimm.2005.06.001 |
pubmed_857_15247 | Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in the United States. A relatively new technology used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias that lead to sudden cardiac death is the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. This device uses patches on the heart to deliver an energy current to convert lethal dysrhythmias. The nurse practitioner can expect to encounter these devices when seeing patients for a variety of diagnoses. This article will serve as a resource for clinical management and patient education. | 10.1111/j.1745-7599.1993.tb00873.x |
pubmed_699_293 | In the course of finding new antifungal natural compounds against plant pathogens, the methanol extract of Desmodium triflorum was investigated phytochemically. From n-butanol-soluble fraction, seven compounds (1-7) were isolated and structurally elucidated. Of which, six compounds belong to flavone 6- or 8-C-glycoside class (1-6). Three major compounds (1-3) exhibited moderate in vitro antifungal activity against Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, and Phytophthora palmivora. Compound 1 (IC50 = 162.1 μg/mL) was most active against S. rolfsii in a dose-dependent manner. At 300 μg/mL, compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited P. palmivora, whereas compound 3 lacked effectiveness. In addition, the nanoemulsion of the methanol extract with a droplet size of 12.2 nm displayed an excellent inhibition against S. rolfsii and P. palmivora compared with the normal extract. The presence of 1 (0.846%) and 2 (0.759%) in the methanol extract may attribute to the antifungal activity of D. triflorum. These results proved the potential of D. triflorum and its C-glycoside flavonoids against phytopathogenic fungi for the first time. Besides, an enhancement in the effectiveness of nanoemulsion containing D. triflorum extract against the fungi was confirmed. The structural characteristics of 1 and 2 could be considered to develop new fungicidal substances in the future. | 10.1515/znc-2022-0048 |
pubmed_352_13680 | Chicken phosvitin was prepared from egg yolk by a variety of published methods, including a modification of our own original procedure. Yolk granules and all phosvitin preparations have been previously found to contain major phosphoproteins at Mr 40,000 and 33,000 and minor satellite components when electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gradient gels and stained with Stains-all. However, only our current preparation contained three additional phosphoproteins (Mr 18,000, 15,000 and 13,000) that are also present in yolk granules. Our current phosvitin preparation also appeared to have additional components when compared with other preparations by size-exclusion and anion-exchange chromatography. Particularly complex but entirely reproducible patterns were obtained by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. However, a cross-referencing of fractions eluted by size-exclusion chromatography to the other procedures employed, including gel electrophoresis, reinforced the notion that unfractionated chicken phosvitin contains at least five major components, designated B, C, E1, E2 and F for the Mr 40,000, 33,000, 15,000, 18,000, and 13,000 phosphoproteins, respectively. Stoichiometric considerations lead us to suggest that vitellogenin I gives rise to phosvitins C and F, vitellogenin II gives rise to phosvitin B, and vitellogenin III gives rise to either phosvitin E1 or E2, but not both. Thus, a fourth, as yet undetected, vitellogenin may exist for the chicken. | 10.1042/bj2400871 |
pubmed_389_24749 | Climatic changes are altering Earth's hydrological cycle, resulting in altered precipitation amounts, increased interannual variability of precipitation, and more frequent extreme precipitation events. These trends will likely continue into the future, having substantial impacts on net primary productivity (NPP) and associated ecosystem services such as food production and carbon sequestration. Frequently, experimental manipulations of precipitation have linked altered precipitation regimes to changes in NPP. Yet, findings have been diverse and substantial uncertainty still surrounds generalities describing patterns of ecosystem sensitivity to altered precipitation. Additionally, we do not know whether previously observed correlations between NPP and precipitation remain accurate when precipitation changes become extreme. We synthesized results from 83 case studies of experimental precipitation manipulations in grasslands worldwide. We used meta-analytical techniques to search for generalities and asymmetries of aboveground NPP (ANPP) and belowground NPP (BNPP) responses to both the direction and magnitude of precipitation change. Sensitivity (i.e., productivity response standardized by the amount of precipitation change) of BNPP was similar under precipitation additions and reductions, but ANPP was more sensitive to precipitation additions than reductions; this was especially evident in drier ecosystems. Additionally, overall relationships between the magnitude of productivity responses and the magnitude of precipitation change were saturating in form. The saturating form of this relationship was likely driven by ANPP responses to very extreme precipitation increases, although there were limited studies imposing extreme precipitation change, and there was considerable variation among experiments. This highlights the importance of incorporating gradients of manipulations, ranging from extreme drought to extreme precipitation increases into future climate change experiments. Additionally, policy and land management decisions related to global change scenarios should consider how ANPP and BNPP responses may differ, and that ecosystem responses to extreme events might not be predicted from relationships found under moderate environmental changes. | 10.1111/gcb.13706 |
pubmed_624_3372 | Oligohydramnios is associated with increased perinatal mortality and morbidity. Traditional methods of in utero fetal evaluation have been unsuccessful in reliably distinguishing oligohydramnios with normal outcome from that associated with increased perinatal morbidity. A prospective study was undertaken to establish the predictive value of Doppler velocimetry in identifying the fetus with oligohydramnios at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Twenty-two gravid women with subjective oligohydramnios on ultrasound had continuous-wave umbilical artery velocimetry. Subjects were divided into two groups based on the results of Doppler analysis. Group 1 (N = 13) had normal umbilical Doppler waveforms. In this group, 12 of 13 patients had normal perinatal outcome, defined by the absence of intrapartum fetal distress or evidence of intrauterine growth retardation. Group 2 consisted of nine subjects with abnormal waveforms. Perinatal morbidity occurred in 100% in this group. We conclude that an abnormal umbilical artery waveform may provide confirmatory evidence of impending fetal compromise when the antenatal sonographic diagnosis of oligohydramnios is made. | pubmed_624_3372 |
pubmed_1000_18855 | Three genetically independent avirulence genes, AVR1-Irat7, AVRI-MedNoi; and AVR1-Ku86, were identified in a cross involving isolates Guy11 and 2/0/3 of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea. Using 76 random progeny, we constructed a partial genetic map with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers revealed by probes such as the repeated sequences MGL/MGR583 and Pot3/MGR586, cosmids from the M. grisea genetic map, and a telomere sequence oligonucleotide. Avirulence genes AVR1-MedNoi and AVR1-Ku86 were closely linked to telomere RFLPs such as marker TelG (6 cM from AVR1-MedNoi) and TelF (4.5 cM from AVR1-Ku86). Avirulence gene AVR1-Irat7 was linked to a cosmid RFLP located on chromosome 1 and mapped at 20 cM from the avirulence gene AVR1-CO39. Using bulked segregant analysis, we identified 11 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers closely linked (0 to 10 cM) to the avirulence genes segregating in this cross. Most of these RAPD markers corresponded to junction fragments between known or new transposons and a single-copy sequence. Such junctions or the whole sequences of single-copy RAPD markers were frequently absent in one parental isolate. Single-copy sequences from RAPD markers tightly linked to avirulence genes will be used for positional cloning. | 10.1094/MPMI.2000.13.2.217 |
pubmed_786_11367 | BACKGROUND
While the popularity of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has increased, concern persists about the potential deleterious effects of pneumoperitoneum on renal function. Thus, preload optimization with vigorous intravenous hydration has been recommended. The purpose of this study was to compare central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring with a noninvasive measure of cardiac preload (esophageal Doppler) during LDN.
METHODS
Thirteen patients were studied. Following induction of general anesthesia, a Doppler probe was inserted in the lower third of the esophagus to measure flow time corrected for heart rate (FTc), which is an index of preload. In 10 patients, a catheter was placed in the right internal jugular vein and CVP measured. CVP and FTc were measured at baseline in the supine and right lateral decubitus positions, then 15 and 60 min after the establishment of CO(2) pneumoperitoneum (12-15 mmHg). IV fluids were increased if the FTc fell below 300 msec. Results are expressed as means (+/-SD). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
RESULTS
Lateral positioning and pneumoperitoneum significantly increased CVP from baseline ( p < 0.01), while the FTc did not change ( p = 0.57). After 60 min of pneumoperitoneum, the FTc was <300 msec in only one patient.
CONCLUSION
CVP is not an accurate guide for administration of IV fluids during LDN. Esophageal Doppler monitoring can be used to noninvasively follow changes in preload during LDN and is worthy of further study. | 10.1007/s00464-003-8907-1 |
pubmed_500_6596 | Cognitive function was assessed, and unenhanced CT head scans were carried out in 44 patients with renal failure. Thirteen had been on regular hemodialysis for 5 years or more (long-term hemodialysis group, LTHD), 12 had received hemodialysis for less than 5 years (short-term hemodialysis, STHD), 9 were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD group) and 10 had severe chronic renal failure and were near to-but had not reached-dialysis dependence (chronic renal failure group, CRF). Employing an index of deterioration (the "discrepancy score") based on the discrepancy between current reading skills and current performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 6 LTHD patients, 2 STHD patients, 2 CAPD patients and 5 CRF patients were identified as functioning below their predicted premorbid optimum level. Cerebral sulci were abnormally wide in 22 patients (8 LTHD, 2 STHD, 6 CAPD and 6 CRF) and one of the STHD group also had cerebral ventricular dilatation. Nine patients had both an abnormal scan and evidence of cognitive deterioration, 13 had an abnormal scan in the absence of such evidence and 6 had evidence of cognitive deterioration and a normal scan. Both cognitive deterioration and the CT scan finding of widening of cerebral sulci were commoner in these patients than would be expected in an age-matched sample of the general population, but no simple relationship was found between anatomical abnormality and cognitive functioning. Statistically significant correlations were found between discrepancy score and the cumulative amount of aluminum prescribed to be taken orally in both LTHD and CAPD groups. | pubmed_500_6596 |
pubmed_388_6881 | The advent of computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) has augmented the neurologic diagnostic armamentarium dramatically. The ability of the CAT scan to differentiate and accurately locate various intracranial densities in a noninvasive manner makes it a very valuable method of investigating craniopharyngiomas. Because they are often composed of cystic, solid, and calcified portions, craniopharyngiomas are very well demonstrated, with the same CAT scan revealing ventricular size as well. A recent and representative case is reported demonstrating the correlation between the CAT scan and the operative findings. | 10.1016/s0022-3468(77)80017-1 |
pubmed_20_24248 | The TMSOTf-mediated synthesis of β-configured spirocyclic 2-substituted-2-oxazoline ribosides was achieved using a "Ritter-like" reaction in toluene through nucleophilic addition of electron-rich nitriles to the oxacarbenium ion intermediate of 1,2;3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-β-D-psicofuranose derivatives with concomitant intramolecular trapping of the C2 hydroxymethyl group on the electrophilic nitrilium carbon. These carbohydrate-derived spirooxazolines are stable and were obtained in good yield with high stereoselectivity due to the conformational rigidity imparted by the 3,4-isopropylidene group. | 10.3762/bjoc.11.249 |
pubmed_292_22996 | BACKGROUND
The fragile-site associated tumor suppressor (FATS, formerly known as C10orf90), a regulator of p53-p21 pathway has been involved in the onset of breast cancer. Recent data support the idea that the crosstalk between FATS and p53 may be of physiological importance for reproduction during evolution. The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that FATS genetic polymorphism can influence the risk of breast cancer.
METHODS
We conducted population-based studies in two independent cohorts comprising 1 532 cases and 1 573 controls in Tianjin of North China, and 804 cases and 835 controls in Guangzhou of South China, coupled with functional validation methods, to investigate the role of FATS genetic variant in breast cancer risk.
RESULTS
We identified a functional variant rs11245007 (905C > T, 262D/N) in fragile-site gene FATS that modulates p53 activation. FATS-262 N exhibited stronger E3 activity to polyubiquitinate p53 than did FATS-262D, leading to the stronger transcriptional activity of p53 and more pronounced stabilization of p53 protein and its activation in response to DNA damage. Case-control studies found that CT or TT genotype was significantly associated with a protective effect on breast cancer risk in women with parity ≥ 3, which was not affected by family history.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest the role of FATS-p53 signaling cascade in suppressing pregnancy-related carcinogenesis and potential application of FATS genotyping in breast cancer prevention. | 10.1186/s12885-015-1570-9 |
pubmed_239_7599 | Pelvic tuberculosis is most frequently observed in developing countries and often leads to the misdiagnosis of pelvic malignancy. We report the first case of pelvic tuberculosis mimicking deep endometriosis. | 10.1016/j.jogoh.2017.04.002 |
pubmed_809_22032 | BACKGROUND
Chloroquine (CQ) resistance has reached high levels in Africa in recent years. Little is known about variations of resistance between urban and rural areas.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the rates of in vivo resistance to CQ and the prevalences of the main molecular marker for CQ resistance among young children from urban and rural areas in Burkina Faso.
METHODS
The current analysis used the frame of a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN27290841) on the combination CQ-methylene blue (MB) (n=177) compared to CQ alone (n=45) in young children with uncomplicated malaria. We examined clinical and parasitological failure rates as well as the prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter gene (pfcrt) T76 mutation.
RESULTS
Clinical and parasitological failure rates of CQ-MB differed significantly between urban (70%) and rural areas (29%, p<0.0001). Likewise, CQ failure rates were higher in the urban setting. Matching this pattern, pfcrt T76 was more frequently seen among parasite strains from urban areas (81%) when compared to rural ones (64%, p=0.01). In the presence of parasites exhibiting pfcrt T76, the odds of overall clinical failure were increased to 2.6-fold ([1.33, 5.16], p(LR)=0.005). CQ was detected at baseline in 21% and 2% of children from the urban and the rural study area, respectively (p(Chi)=0.002).
CONCLUSION
Even within circumscribed geographical areas, CQ efficacy can vary dramatically. The differences in the prevalence of pfcrt T76 and in CQ failure rates are probably explained by a higher drug pressure in the urban area compared to the rural study area. This finding has important implications for national malaria policies. | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2007.07.014 |
pubmed_702_21034 | This review focuses on the negative impact of obesity in reproduction by considering the pathophysiology of obesity and infertility in men and women, the influence of obesity on the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome, and the benefits of weight loss on reproduction and on menstruation, ovulation, semen parameters, and reproductive outcomes. | 10.1016/j.ogc.2009.03.002 |
pubmed_351_13829 | A minor subset of T lymphocytes express a TCR composed of gamma and delta chains. This subset differs from conventional T cells for a number of phenotypic and functional characteristics. TCR gamma/delta+ cells simultaneously lack both CD4 and CD8 antigens. Cloning of CD4-8- peripheral blood lymphocytes, under limiting dilution conditions, revealed that they are homogeneously composed of cytolytic cells which efficiently lyse tumor target cells. Formal proofs have been provided that TCR gamma/delta+ cells are able to recognize antigens. For example, they proliferated in response to allogeneic mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC); in addition, MLC-derived TCR gamma/delta+ cells specifically lysed PHA-induced blast cells bearing the stimulating alloantigens. The selection of monoclonal antibodies specific for TCR gamma/delta molecules allowed to identify two distinct subsets of TCR gamma/delta+ cells. Both of these mABs, termed BB3 and delta TCS-1 respectively, induced specific activation of cloned cells expressing the corresponding antigenic determinants (as assessed by measurements of intracellular Ca++ and/or lymphokine production or cytolytic activity). Analysis of the distribution of subsets expressing different forms of TCR gamma/delta, showed that the BB3-reactive form is prevalent in the peripheral blood. In contrast, delta-TCS-1-reactive cells are relatively infrequent in peripheral blood but represent the majority of TCR gamma/delta+ cells in tissues. | 10.1007/BF02194781 |
pubmed_1044_320 | Purpose
Accumulated studies revealed that electromagnetic field can affect human brain and sleep, and the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field, Schumann resonance, may have the potential to reduce insomnia symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of patients with insomnia to a non-invasive treatment, Schumann resonance (SR), and to evaluate its effectiveness by subjective and objective sleep assessments.
Patients and Methods
We adopted a double-blinded and randomized design and 40 participants (70% female; 50.00 ± 13.38 year) with insomnia completed the entire study. These participants were divided into the SR-sleep-device group and the placebo-device group and were followed up for four weeks. The study used polysomnography (PSG) to measure objective sleep and used sleep diaries, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and visual analogy of sleep satisfaction to measure subjective sleep. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to evaluate quality of life. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon test were used to analyze the data.
Results
About 70% of the subjects were women, with an average age of 50±13.38 years and an average history of insomnia of 9.68±8.86 years. We found that in the SR-sleep-device group, objective sleep measurements (sleep-onset-latency, SOL, and total-sleep-time, TST) and subjective sleep questionnaires (SOL, TST, sleep-efficiency, sleep-quality, daytime-sleepiness, and sleep-satisfaction) were significantly improved after using the SR-sleep-device; in the placebo-device group, only such subjective sleep improvements as PSQI and sleep-satisfaction were observed.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the SR-sleep-device can reduce the insomnia symptoms through both objective and subjective tests, with minimal adverse effects. Future studies can explore the possible mechanism of SR and health effects and, with a longer tracking time, verify the effectiveness and side effects. | 10.2147/NSS.S346941 |
pubmed_1122_14326 | Two laboratory studies were conducted to examine the effects of acute psychological stress on craving and stress reactivity in cocaine abusers. In the first preliminary study, we examined the effects of a speech stressor task and a personalized stress imagery task on self-reported craving and emotional state in ten cocaine abusers. Both stressors led to significant decreases in neutral and joy states, and significant increases in fear ratings as compared to baseline ratings. In addition, the stress imagery condition led to significant increases in cocaine craving and sadness and anger ratings, as compared to baseline. Thus, the personalized stress imagery task appeared to be more effective than the speech stress task in inducing craving in the laboratory. The second study examined the effects of stress imagery as compared to neutral imagery on cocaine craving, subjective anxiety and physiological responses in a second group of ten cocaine abusers. The stress imagery task once again produced significant increases in cocaine craving along with increases in heart rate, salivary cortisol and subjective anxiety ratings. These data are the first to document that acute psychological stress consistently increases craving for cocaine in cocaine abusers. The studies also provide a promising method for examining the association between stress and drug craving in the laboratory. | 10.1007/s002130050898 |
pubmed_1105_4862 | OBJECTIVE
There is inconsistent evidence for the validity of a single item to screen depression. In inner-city minority populations, the "yes/no" forced-response option may encourage bias, especially in elders and men, who view depression as stigmatizing or the healthcare system as untrustworthy. In contrast, an open-choice format with a category for ambivalent and missing responses could be acceptable if administered during the legitimized context of a physical symptom assessment.
METHOD
Retrospective data were analyzed from 146 black and Latino inner-city patients receiving palliative care for various physical conditions. Bivariate analyses and ordinal regressions are based on the most recent comprehensive patient assessment conducted by a black female nurse and a bilingual Latina social worker.
RESULTS
The depression item (no, unknown, yes) predicts pain and symptom attitude, which is more "hopeful" in older men with unknown depression status than in younger and older women with unknown depression status or no depression.
CONCLUSIONS
The more "hopeful" pain and symptom attitudes by older men in the unknown category for depression suggest that depression, apathy, and resignation in older minority men may be hidden from clinicians in the absence of the open-choice depression item. | 10.1097/01.JGP.0000194648.49784.60 |
pubmed_687_12512 | Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) is an emerging imaging technology that exploits the multiplexed analysis capabilities of the CyTOF mass cytometer to make spatially resolved measurements for tissue sections. In a comprehensive view of tissue composition and marker distribution, recent developments of IMC require highly sensitive, multiplexed assays. Approaching the sensitivity of the IMC technique, we designed a novel type of biocompatible metal-labeled aptamer nanoprobe (MAP), named 167Er-A10-3.2. The small molecular probe was synthesized by conjugating 167Er-polymeric pentetic acid (167Er-DTPA) with an RNA aptamer A10-3.2. For demonstration, 167Er-A10-3.2 was applied for observing protein spatial distribution on prostatic epithelium cell of paraffin embedded Prostatic adenocarcinoma (PaC) tissue sections by IMC technology. The 167Er-A10-3.2 capitalizes on the ability of the aptamer to specifically bind target cancer cells as well as the small size of 167Er-A10-3.2 can accommodate multiple aptamer binding antigen labeled at high density. The detection signal of 167Er-A10-3.2 probe was 3-fold higher than that of PSMA antibody probe for a targeted cell under lower temperature epitope retrieval (37 °C) of PaC tissue. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the simultaneously staining ability of aptamer probes in IMC analysis. The successful imaging acquisition using aptamers probes in IMC technology may offer opportunity for the diagnosis of malignancies in the future. | 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05159 |
pubmed_115_16793 | BACKGROUND
In humans the prevalence of asthma is higher among females than among males after puberty. The reason for this phenomenon is not clear.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the hypothesis that female mice are more susceptible to the development of allergic asthma than male mice and studied allergic immune responses in the lung.
METHODS
We compared allergic airway inflammation, i.e. methacholine (MCh) responsiveness, serum IgE, and cytokines, and the number of the different leucocytes in lungs of male and female BALB/c mice, twice-sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and subsequently challenged with OVA (OVA-mice) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS-mice) aerosols on days 24-26, 30, and 31.
RESULTS
OVA challenge significantly increased MCh responsiveness, numbers of eosinophils, CD4(+) T cells, CD4(+)/CD25(+) T cells, B cells, and levels of Thelper (Th)2 cytokines, total, and OVA-specific IgE. There was, however, also an effect of gender, with female mice responding to OVA challenges with higher numbers of eosinophils, CD4(+) T cells, B cells, and levels of IL-4, IL-13, IFN-gamma, total, and OVA-specific IgE than male mice. In contrast, female PBS-mice had significantly lower percentages of regulatory CD4(+)/CD25(+) T cells than males (females 4.2+/-0.2% vs. males 5.3+/-0.1% of CD4(+) T cells, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Female mice develop a more pronounced type of allergic airway inflammation than male mice after OVA challenge. The reduced percentage of regulatory T cells in the lungs of female PBS-mice may indicate that the level of these cells in the lung during the sensitization phase is important for the development and/or progression of an allergic immune response after multiple OVA challenges. | 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02362.x |
pubmed_534_6115 | [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the validity, demographic features of the newly developed Amer Dizziness Diagnostic Scale (ADDS), provide differential diagnosis of the vestibular disorders, assist in the clinical research and practice activities of health workers as well as to understand the probability of the utilization of the ADDS as a first-line evaluation tool in general clinical practice. [Subjects and Methods] Two hundred subjects of various ages including both male and female patients with a history of vertigo and/or dizziness were included in the study and evaluated once using the ADDS. [Results] There were more female (59.5%) than male (49.5) patients in this study. Additionally, we found that most patients (64.4%) had a central mediated problem. In addition, the Amer Dizziness Diagnostic Scale has been found to have both a sensitivity and specificity of 96% that can adequately determine the possible diagnosis of vestibular disorders. [Conclusion] This study has demonstrated the validity of the ADDS scale, the predominance of female involvement related to supplementary medication, vitamin D deficiency, general lifestyle factors, and fluid retention, high sensitivity and specificity, provide differential diagnosis of vestibular disorders that could be used as a first-line evaluation tool in general clinics. | 10.1589/jpts.27.3195 |
pubmed_306_5945 | STUDY OBJECTIVE
Transgender, transsexual, or transitioned (trans) people have reported avoiding medical care because of negative experiences or fear of such experiences. The extent of trans-specific negative emergency department (ED) experiences, and of ED avoidance, has not been documented.
METHODS
The Trans PULSE Project conducted a survey of trans people in Ontario, Canada (n=433) in 2009 to 2010, using respondent-driven sampling, a tracked network-based method for studying hidden populations. Weighted frequencies and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the trans population in Ontario and for the subgroup (n=167) reporting ED use in their felt gender.
RESULTS
Four hundred eight participants completed the ED experience items. Trans people were young (34% aged 16 to 24 years and only 10% >55 years); approximately half were female-to-male and half male-to-female. Medically supervised hormones were used by 37% (95% CI 30% to 46%), and 27% (95% CI 20% to 35%) had at least 1 transition-related surgery. Past-year ED need was reported by 33% (95% CI 26% to 40%) of trans Ontarians, though only 71% (95% CI 40% to 91%) of those with self-reported need indicated that they were able to obtain care. An estimated 21% (95% CI 14% to 25%) reported ever avoiding ED care because of a perception that their trans status would negatively affect such an encounter. Trans-specific negative ED experiences were reported by 52% (95% CI 34% to 72%) of users presenting in their felt gender.
CONCLUSION
This first exploratory analysis of ED avoidance, utilization, and experiences by trans persons documented ED avoidance and possible unmet need for emergency care among trans Ontarians. Additional research, including validation of measures, is needed. | pubmed_306_5945 |
pubmed_638_12087 | Young people today are bombarded with information suggesting consequences do not apply to them. Increasing alarm over the exposure to violence of America's youth has sparked intensified examination of the need for targeted and enhanced primary prevention efforts. | 10.1111/j.1939-3938.2007.tb00101.x |
pubmed_101_20248 | The purpose of this study was to compare measures of anthropometry characteristics and physical fitness performance between rugby union players (17.9 ± 0.5 years old) recruited (n = 39) and non-recruited (n = 145) to the Portuguese under-19 (U19) national team, controlling for their playing position (forwards or backs). Standardized anthropometric, physical, and performance assessment tests included players' body mass and height, push up and pull-up test, squat test, sit-and-reach test, 20 m shuttle run test, flexed arm hang test, Sargent test, handgrip strength test, Illinois agility test, and 20-m and 50-m sprint test. Results showed that recruited forwards players had better agility scores (p = 0.02, ES = -0.55) than the non-recruited forwards, whereas recruited backs players had higher right (p < 0.01, ES = 0.84) and left (p = 0.01, ES = 0.74) handgrip strength scores than their counterparts. Logistic regression showed that better agility (for the forwards) and right handgrip strength scores (for the backs) were the only variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being recruited to the national team. In sum, these findings suggest that certain well-developed physical qualities, namely, agility for the forwards players and upper-body strength for the back players, partially explain the selection of U19 rugby players to their national team. | 10.3390/ijerph18041499 |
pubmed_86_16706 | Insulin receptors were labeled with 125I-photoreactive insulin (specifically labeling alpha-subunits) and by insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation (specifically labeling beta-subunits). The results show that the insulin receptor exists under different free and disulfide-linked combinations of alpha and beta subunits. Moreover, the insulin receptor is closely associated to class I antigens of the major histocompatibility complex to form a high molecular weight multi-molecular membrane complex. | 10.1016/s0300-9084(85)80114-0 |
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