index
stringlengths 10
17
| text
stringlengths 101
18k
| doi
stringlengths 2
72
|
|---|---|---|
pubmed_363_17041
|
One of the major challenges for manufacturers of troponin immunoassays is to optimize the low-end of the assays because diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are based on decreasing cutpoints. Recently published consensus documents of the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology recommended the 99th percentile of a reference control group as cut-off for increased troponin I levels and suggested that imprecision at the 99th percentile for each assay should be < or = 10%. In this study, we have evaluated two newly modified cardiac troponin I (cTnI) enzyme immunoassays (Dimension cTnI assay, Dade Behring, Germany and AIA-PACK cTnI 2nd-Gen, Eurogenetics Tosoh, Belgium). With both assays all measured cTnI values in plasma and serum samples of apparently healthy volunteers were within the reference ranges given by the manufacturers. Intra-assay coefficients of variation of cTnI concentrations above the 99th percentile (given by the manufacturers) were below 17% and decreased with increasing cTnI concentrations. In most samples, the AIA-PACK cTnI assay yielded higher results; however, a close correlation between both assays was observed. Both tests exhibit acceptable overall performance, but (especially the Dimension cTnI assay) do not yet meet the above-mentioned precision in the low-end assay range. These data emphasize the need for cTnI assay standardization and for further optimization at clinical decision levels.
|
10.1515/CCLM.2002.145
|
pubmed_653_22170
|
BACKGROUND
We have previously reported that T-cell pro-inflammatory cytokines in the airways are associated with acute lung transplant rejection. However, during acute rejection episodes, we found no significant differences in airway intraepithelial T cell pro-inflammatory cytokines from stable and rejecting patients due to broad cytokine variability between patient groups. To overcome this limitation, we hypothesized that there would be an increase in pro-inflammatory intraepithelial T-cells in the graft compared with native airway during acute rejection.
METHODS
Bronchial brushings from patients with stable graft function, evidence of acute rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, infection, and healthy controls were stimulated and pro-inflammatory cytokines in intraepithelial T cells from graft and native airway were determined using multiparameter flow cytometry.
RESULTS
There was a significant increase in intraepithelial T-cell interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the graft of patients with acute rejection compared with intraepithelial T cells obtained from the native airway, but no changes were noted among other patient groups. The increase in intraepithelial T-cell TNF-α was more pronounced the higher the acute rejection grade.
CONCLUSIONS
The graft airway epithelium is enriched with T cells producing interferon-γ and TNF-α during acute graft rejection. Therapeutic targeting of these pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved monitoring using this assay may reduce acute lung transplant rejection.
|
10.1016/j.healun.2012.02.004
|
pubmed_43_2084
|
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) affects the clinical outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in adolescent patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
METHODS
This was a retrospective study with two groups. Group A was made up of 22 adolescent LDH patients with LSTV (18 males and 4 females). Group B was made up of 44 adolescent LDH patients without LSTV (36 males and 4 females), who were matched to group A for age, sex, and body mass index. All patients underwent PELD at the L4/5 or L5/S1 single level and were followed up at 18 months after surgery. We identified LSTV on radiographs and computed tomography and assessed the imaging characteristics of all patients. Outcomes were evaluated through a numerical rating scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the modified MacNab grading system, and the incidence of additional lumbar surgery.
RESULTS
At 18 months after PELD, both groups had significant improvements in the mean NRS scores of low back pain (LBP) or leg pain and the ODI scores. In terms of the MacNab criteria, 90.9% in group A and 93.2% in group B showed excellent or good outcomes. The mean NRS scores of LBP or leg pain, ODI score, and MacNab grade after surgery were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Two patients (one patient had a recurrence; one patient had a new lumbar disc herniation) in group A and 3 patients (one patient had a recurrence; two patients had new lumbar disc herniations) in group B underwent additional lumbar surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that in terms of pain relief, life function improvement, and the incidence of additional lumbar surgery, LSTV has no effect on the short-term clinical outcomes of PELD in adolescents. A new lumbar disc herniation is an important reason for additional surgery in adolescents, regardless of the LSTV status.
|
10.1155/2021/9911579
|
pubmed_412_15741
|
Microbiological tests in periodontics can be of great help in determining the characteristics of a pathogenic infection, prescribing the optimal antibiotic regimen, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. However, they are not without potential pitfalls. Current microbiological tests vary considerably in sensitivity and specificity. A false-positive test result may lead to unnecessary therapy and patient distress. A false-negative test result may prompt the withholding of necessary therapy and the subsequent progression of disease. Also, diagnostic tests can be relatively expensive and uncomfortable for patients. This article attempts to determine the usefulness of various microbiological testing systems for the management of periodontitis patients.
|
pubmed_412_15741
|
pubmed_1129_7332
|
BACKGROUND
Twenty percent of all brain metastases (BM) occur in the posterior fossa (PF). Radiotherapy sometimes associated with surgical resection remains the therapeutic option, while Karnovsky performance status and graded prognostic assessment (GPA) are the best preoperative survival prognostic factors.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the prognostic role of peritumoral brain edema in the PF, which has never been explored though its role in supratentorial BM has been debated.
METHODS
A total of 120 patients diagnosed with PF metastasis who underwent surgical resection were included retrospectively in this analysis. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic patient medical files. The tumor volumes and their associated edema were calculated via manual delineation; subsequently the edema/tumor volume ratio was determined.
RESULTS
In multivariate analysis with Cox multivariate proportional hazard model, the edema to tumor volumes ratio (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.727, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.427-2.083; P < .0001) was identified as a new strong independent prognosis factor on overall survival (OS) whereas edema volume alone was not (P = .469). Moreover, BM complete resection (HR: 0.447, 95% CI 0.277-0.719; P < .001), low (0-1) World Health Organization status at diagnosis (HR: 2.109, 95% CI 1.481-3.015; P < .0001), high GPA class at diagnosis (HR: 1.77, 95% CI 0.9-2.9; P < .04), and postoperative brain irradiation (HR: 2.019, 95% CI 1.213-3.361; P < .007] were all confirmed as independent predictive factors for survival.
CONCLUSION
The edema/tumor ratio appears to greatly influence OS in patients suffering from PF metastases unlike the extent of edema alone. This easily determined as well as strong prognostic factor could be used as an interesting tool in clinical practice to help the management of these patients.
|
10.1093/neuros/nyy222
|
pubmed_118_13433
|
This paper presents a novel 3D feature descriptor for object recognition and to identify poses when there are six-degrees-of-freedom for mobile manipulation and grasping applications. Firstly, a Microsoft Kinect sensor is used to capture 3D point cloud data. A viewpoint feature histogram (VFH) descriptor for the 3D point cloud data then encodes the geometry and viewpoint, so an object can be simultaneously recognized and registered in a stable pose and the information is stored in a database. The VFH is robust to a large degree of surface noise and missing depth information so it is reliable for stereo data. However, the pose estimation for an object fails when the object is placed symmetrically to the viewpoint. To overcome this problem, this study proposes a modified viewpoint feature histogram (MVFH) descriptor that consists of two parts: a surface shape component that comprises an extended fast point feature histogram and an extended viewpoint direction component. The MVFH descriptor characterizes an object's pose and enhances the system's ability to identify objects with mirrored poses. Finally, the refined pose is further estimated using an iterative closest point when the object has been recognized and the pose roughly estimated by the MVFH descriptor and it has been registered on a database. The estimation results demonstrate that the MVFH feature descriptor allows more accurate pose estimation. The experiments also show that the proposed method can be applied in vision-guided robotic grasping systems.
|
pubmed_118_13433
|
pubmed_181_22569
|
PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of oral spironolactone and eplerenone, two specific antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor, in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
METHODS
In this prospective, placebo-controlled trial, sixty patients with persistent CSCR were assigned to three treatment group. Twenty patients in Group 1 were treated with 25 mg of spironolactone (Aldactone; Pfizer) for 1 week, then increased to 50 mg for the following 3 weeks, then shifted to eplerenone 50 mg for 1 month. Twenty patients in Group 2 were treated with 25 mg of eplerenone (Inspra; Pfizer) for 1 week, then increased to 50 mg for the following 3 weeks, and then shifted to spironolactone 50 mg for 1 month. Twenty patients in Group 3 were treated with 1 placebo control tablet for 1 week, then increased to two tablets for the following 3 weeks, and then shifted to spironolactone 50 mg for 1 month. At the end of the second month, all the treatments were stopped, and the patients were followed for two additional months. Primary outcome measure was a change in BCVA at 1, 2, and 4 months. Secondary outcome was a change of >20 % in the size of SRF recorded with OCT at 1, 2, and 4 months of treatment.
RESULTS
In terms of BCVA, treatment in Group 1 was effective from the first month (spironolactone, p value 0.01), and in Group 2 effective from the second month (shift to spironolactone, p value 0.004). Since the p value after the first month was 0.2 in Group 2, even with a larger sample, it would be difficult to see an efficacy of an eplerenone treatment after 1 month. As for the SRF, both in Group 1 and Group 2, both treatments were found to be equally effective after 1 month of administration (p values 0.004). At 4 months, only in Group 3, there was no statistical improvement of BCVA and SRF (p values 0.09 and 0.5).
CONCLUSIONS
Spironolactone is statistically superior to eplerenone in improving BCVA of patients with CSCR, while both drugs can be considered equally effective in promoting the reabsorption of SRF.
|
10.1007/s10792-016-0377-2
|
pubmed_326_14870
|
Cystic dystrophy in heterotopic pancreas (CDHP) is characterized by the presence of cystic formations surrounded by inflammation and scarring. It usually involves the duodenal wall and can be responsible for strictures and pain. The diagnosis of this disorder was previously based on pancreatoduodenectomy specimens removed for a suspected pancreatic tumor. Six cases were observed in young men (mean age 40 years) between 1989 and 1993. Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) features allowed definitive preoperative diagnosis of CDHP. After surgical resection of the tissue-bearing segments that included five pancreatoduodenectomies and one antrectomy, symptoms disappeared in all patients. Patients were followed 2 to 45 months; one patient experienced recurrence of pain and hyperamylasemia 17 months after surgery. The preoperative diagnosis of CDHP is presently possible because of modern imaging procedures and improved knowledge of specific signs. Resection is the most appropriate treatment.
|
10.1007/s002689900047
|
pubmed_753_17149
|
Exposure and dose estimation are essential to understanding the etiology of environmentally linked childhood diseases. The behavior of resuspended particulate matter (PM) suggests that stationary measurements may underestimate household exposures in young children (ages 6-36 months). Because of the size and weight of the sampling equipment, use of personal samplers in this age group is either difficult or impossible. The Pretoddler Inhalable Particulate Environmental Robotic (PIPER Mk IV) sampler has been developed to provide a surrogate method to ascertain personal exposures to PM for this age group. As part of a study of childhood asthma, 55 homes in central New Jersey were tested. Simultaneous sampling for inhalable PM using stationary (110 cm height) and PIPER mobile sampler were carried out. In homes with bare floors (N=21), the absolute difference was 3.9 μg/m3 (SE=3.01; p=0.217) and relative difference (PIPER/Stationary) was 1.12 (linearized SE=0.11). On carpets (N=34), the absolute difference was 54.1 μg/m3 (SE=13.50; p=0.0003), and the relative difference was 2.30 (linearized SE=0.34). The results confirm the importance of understanding the personal dust cloud caused by children's activity in a room, particularly when rugs or carpets are present.
|
10.1021/es1033876
|
pubmed_911_25061
|
OBJECTIVE
To assess the long-term effect of HAART on non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) incidence in people with HIV (PHIV).
DESIGN
Follow-up of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).
METHODS
Between 1984 and 2006, 12 959 PHIV contributed a total of 75 222 person-years (py), of which 36 787 were spent under HAART. Among these PHIV, 429 NHL cases were identified from the SHCS dataset and/or by record linkage with Swiss Cantonal Cancer Registries. Age- and gender-standardized incidence was calculated and Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR).
RESULTS
NHL incidence reached 13.6 per 1000 py in 1993-1995 and declined to 1.8 in 2002-2006. HAART use was associated with a decline in NHL incidence [HR = 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20-0.33], and this decline was greater for primary brain lymphomas than other NHL. Among non-HAART users, being a man having sex with men, being 35 years of age or older, or, most notably, having low CD4 cell counts at study enrollment (HR = 12.26 for < 50 versus >or= 350 cells/microl; 95% CI, 8.31-18.07) were significant predictors of NHL onset. Among HAART users, only age was significantly associated with NHL risk. The HR for NHL declined steeply in the first months after HAART initiation (HR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27-0.77) and was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.05-0.25) 7 to10 years afterwards.
CONCLUSIONS
HAART greatly reduced the incidence of NHL in PHIV, and the influence of CD4 cell count on NHL risk. The beneficial effect remained strong up to 10 years after HAART initiation.
|
10.1097/QAD.0b013e3282f2705d
|
pubmed_725_9948
|
Cells and fibers containing somatostain (SRIF) or SRIF-like peptides were detected immunocytochemically in the brain of the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus L.). The periventricular preoptic nucleus and the paraventricular nucleus encompass a component of the SRIF-immunoreactive hypothalamo-infundibular and hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal systems. The suprachiastmatic, ventromedial and arcuate nuclei contain a number of SRIF-positive cells and receive a rich SRIF innervation. The extrahypothalamic systems containing SRIF can be subdivided into the following groups: (1) Afferents, the cellular origin of which is not always clearly evident, i.e., fibers of the septum, the lateral preoptic area, the thalamus, the superior olivary nucleus, the mesencephalic gray matter, and the subfornical organ; (2) dispersed cells with short projections (neocortex, caudate nucleus, putamen); (3) scattered cells with short projections (nucleus accumbens) or innervating remote territories (nucleaus interpeduncularis); (4) vascular organ of the lamina terminalis, a neurohemal area comparable to the median eminence. These observations lead to a theory of a functional bipotentiality of the somatostatin molecule. Immunocytological results depend on the antisera employed, the type of fixation and the experimental conditions. Adrenalectomy is followed by an accumulation of immunoreactive material in all SRIF-containing systems of the brain. These results clearly indicate the SRIF participates in the function of the CRF-ACTH-adrenal axis. The endocrine disturbance induced by adrenalectomy appears to modify the activity of both the neurohormonal and neuromodulator components of the SRIF system.
|
10.1007/BF00234758
|
pubmed_242_694
|
The highly enantioselective cobalt-catalyzed hydroboration reaction of aryl ketones with HBpin was developed using iminopyridine oxazoline ligands. Halides, amines, ethers, sulfides, esters and amides are well tolerated under the mild reaction conditions, demonstrating its synthetic advantage. Substituted diaryl ketones could also be hydroborated with high enantioselectivity.
|
10.1039/c5cc01084e
|
pubmed_703_6533
|
This study investigates the bone and tissue response to degrading magnesium pin implants in the growing rat skeleton by continuous in vivo microfocus computed tomography (μCT) monitoring over the entire pin degradation period, with special focus on bone remodeling after implant dissolution. The influence of gas release on tissue performance upon degradation of the magnesium implant is also addressed. Two different magnesium alloys - one fast degrading (ZX50) and one slowly degrading (WZ21) - were used for evaluating the bone response in 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats. After femoral pin implantation μCTs were performed every 4 weeks over the 24 weeks of the study period. ZX50 pins exhibited early degradation and released large hydrogen gas volumes. While considerable callus formation occurred, the bone function was not permanently harmed and the bone recovered unexpectedly quickly after complete pin degradation. WZ21 pins kept their integrity for more than 4 weeks and showed good osteoconductive properties by enhancing bone accumulation at the pin surface. Despite excessive gas formation, the magnesium pins did not harm bone regeneration. At smaller degradation rates, gas evolution remained unproblematic and the magnesium implants showed good biocompatibility. Online μCT monitoring is shown to be suitable for evaluating materials degradation and bone response in vivo, providing continuous information on the implant and tissue performance in the same living animal.
|
10.1016/j.actbio.2011.11.008
|
pubmed_616_24254
|
Injury of mesangial cells (MC) is a prominent feature of glomerulonephritis. Activated MC secrete inflammatory mediators that induce cell apoptosis. Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) is a locally active cytokine that enhances cell survival and is upregulated by proinflammatory factors in many cell types. The aim of this study was to analyze the regulation of PTHrP expression by inflammatory cytokines and to evaluate whether PTHrP itself acts as a proinflammatory and/or survival factor on male murine MC in primary culture. Our results showed that IL-1β (10 ng/ml) and TNF-α (10 ng/ml) rapidly and transiently upregulated PTHrP expression in MC. The effects of IL-1β were both transcriptional and posttranscriptional, with stabilization of the PTHrP mRNA by human antigen R (HuR). Proteome profiler arrays showed that PTHrP itself enhanced cytokines within 2 h in cell lysates, mainly IL-17, IL-16, IL-1α, and IL-6. PTHrP also stimulated sustained expression (2-4 h) of chemokines, mainly regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)/C-C motif chemokine 5 (CCL5) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)/C-X-C motif chemokine 2 (CXCL2), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17, and interferon-inducible T cell α-chemoattractant (I-TAC)/CXCL11. Moreover, PTHrP markedly enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and elicited its autoinduction through the activation of the NF-κB pathway. PTHrP induced MC survival via the COX-2 products, and PTHrP overexpression in MC blunted the apoptotic effects of IL-1β and TNF-α. Altogether, these findings suggest that PTHrP functions as a booster of glomerular inflammatory processes and may be a negative feedback loop preserving MC survival.
|
10.1152/ajpcell.00018.2017
|
pubmed_650_11776
|
Twenty subjects with chronic nightmares for 17.2 years mean duration were randomly divided into two groups: Rehearsal and Recording. At inception, subjects in both groups were instructed to write down their nightmares for one month. The Recording group received no other intervention. Rehearsal subjects received a single treatment group session teaching an imagery rehearsal technique to reduce nightmare frequency. At inception and three months follow-up, both groups were compared for nightmare frequency and for self-rated distress with scales (Symptom Checklist and Symptom Questionnaire) measuring anxiety, depression, hostility, somatization and total distress. Nightmare frequency decreased significantly in both groups: Rehearsal group-7.2 per month to 2.0 per month (72% reduction) (p < 0.006); Recording group-9.4 per month to 5.0 per month (47% reduction) (p < 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in the nightmare frequency reductions between groups. All anxiety, depression, somatization, hostility and total distress scores decreased substantially in the Rehearsal group. Most changes were significant. Changes in the Recording group were inconsistent and not significant. Two brief case histories are presented.
|
pubmed_650_11776
|
pubmed_631_10308
|
The purpose of this study was to determine the interobserver variability of radiographic pulmonary nodule diameter measurements among readers with varying levels of experience. Because interobserver variability may lead to inaccurate estimations of nodule growth on repeat radiographic assessment, an incorrect presumption of malignant etiology or misclassification of tumor response to treatment may result. The maximum diameters of 47 pulmonary nodules from 22 dogs and 7 cats were measured. Measurements were performed using one digital thoracic radiographic projection by eight clinicians. The eight clinicians included two interns, two residents, two board-certified veterinary specialists, and two board-certified veterinary radiologists. A mixed-effect analysis of variance model was used to evaluate the contribution of reader, experience level, patient, nodule, and nodule size to the overall variability in mean pulmonary nodule diameter. The interobserver variability in diameter measurement for any given nodule was 16%, and experience level and nodule size classification did not contribute to measurement variability. Linear measurements of the diameter of a pulmonary nodule can vary significantly among a group of clinicians; however, depending on the criteria used to evaluate nodule growth or tumor response, the 16% interobserver variability reported here is likely not clinically significant.
|
10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5988
|
pubmed_958_5049
|
Complex motor skills require planning and programming before execution. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is thought to transcribe these central operations at the peripheral level: a motor act is thought to be simultaneously programmed by central and autonomic nervous structures. The aim of this study was to verify that autonomic responses reflect the quality of central motor programming leading to successful or failed performance when subjects are required to perform a complex motor skill. The specificity of the ANS response has already been demonstrated through direct recording from sympathetic fibres. It has also been demonstrated through several mental tasks and closed motor skills such as shooting: ANS responses have been shown to be capable of distinguishing success from failure. The aim of this experiment was to test whether ANS responses are capable of distinguishing two levels of achievement during the performance of a skill involving uncertainty (open skill). The subjects had to intercept a ball on a volleyball court, using the forearm receive and pass technique, in order to pass it on to a moving human target. The results were displayed in terms of accuracy: accurate passes were successful and inaccurate passes missed the target. Six autonomic variables were recorded simultaneously during the task: skin resistance and potential, skin blood flow and temperature, instantaneous heart rate and respiratory frequency. Results showed that autonomic variables were capable of distinguishing success from failure in 22 subjects out of 24. This made it possible to build up autonomic patterns characterising subjects' performances, and to confirm that autonomic functioning may reveal information processing in the central nervous system. Thus, the study of autonomic responses may constitute an inferential model of central nervous system functioning. Such a method could be used as an index for the control of mental preparation.
|
10.1007/s004210050556
|
pubmed_751_17419
|
This paper discusses the difficult problem that arises when information is sought by female relatives of two or more brothers, each of whom has an identical but undiagnosed or 'new' syndrome, which is likely to be either autosomal recessive or sex linked recessive in inheritance. It is proposed that standard Bayesian methods may be applied in this situation thus incorporating the prior probability for each event with conditional probabilities based upon pedigree analysis.
|
10.1136/jmg.23.1.32
|
pubmed_288_16857
|
Energy storage is more important today than at any time in human history. Future generations of rechargeable lithium batteries are required to power portable electronic devices (cellphones, laptop computers etc.), store electricity from renewable sources, and as a vital component in new hybrid electric vehicles. To achieve the increase in energy and power density essential to meet the future challenges of energy storage, new materials chemistry, and especially new nanomaterials chemistry, is essential. We must find ways of synthesizing new nanomaterials with new properties or combinations of properties, for use as electrodes and electrolytes in lithium batteries. Herein we review some of the recent scientific advances in nanomaterials, and especially in nanostructured materials, for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
|
10.1002/anie.200702505
|
pubmed_644_16041
|
A lack of basic understanding of parasite biology has been a limiting factor in designing effective means of treating and preventing disease caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. Since the genomic DNA sequence encodes all of the heritable information responsible for development, disease pathogenesis, virulence, species permissiveness and immune resistance, a comprehensive knowledge of the C. parvum genome will provide the necessary information required for cost-effective and targeted research into disease prevention and treatment. With the recent advances in high-throughput automated DNA sequencing capabilities, large-scale genomic sequencing has become a cost-effective and time-efficient approach to understanding the biology of an organism. In addition, the continued development and implementation of new software tools that can scan raw sequences for signs of genes and then identify clues as to potential functions, has provided the final realization of the potential rewards of genome sequencing. To further our understanding of C. parvum biology, we have initiated a random shotgun sequencing approach to obtain the complete sequence of the IOWA isolate of C. parvum. Our progress to date has demonstrated that sequencing of the C. parvum genome will be an efficient and costeffective method for gene discovery of this important eukaryotic pathogen. This will allow for the identification of key metabolic and immunological features of the organism that will provide the basis for future development of safe and effective strategies for prevention and treatment of disease in AIDS patients, as well as immunocompetent hosts. Moreover, by obtaining the complete sequence of the C. parvum genome, effective methods for subspecific differentiation (strain typing) and epidemiologic surveillance (strain tracking) of this pathogen can be developed.
|
10.1002/cfg.67
|
pubmed_988_15023
|
Cell death within the developing vertebrate nervous system is regulated in part by interactions between neurons and their innervation targets that are mediated by neurotrophic factors. These factors also appear to have a role in the maintenance of the adult nervous system. Two neurotrophic factors, nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, share substantial amino acid sequence identity. We have used a screen that combines polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA and low-stringency hybridization with degenerate oligonucleotides to isolate human BDNF and a human gene, neurotrophin-3, that is closely related to both nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. mRNA products of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 genes were detected in the adult human brain, suggesting that these proteins are involved in the maintenance of the adult nervous system. Neurotrophin-3 is also expected to function in embryonic neural development.
|
10.1073/pnas.87.20.8060
|
pubmed_499_18219
|
BACKGROUND & AIM
Inflammation and oxidative stress are the most probable mechanistic link between obesity and its co-diseases with cancer among them. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the nutritional ketosis and weight loss induced by a very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) modulates the inflammatory and oxidative stress profile, compared with a standard, balanced hypocaloric diet (LCD) or bariatric surgery (BS) in patients with obesity.
METHODS
The study was performed in 79 patients with overweight or obesity and 32 normal-weight volunteers as the control group. Patients with obesity underwent a weight reduction therapy based on VLCKD, LCD or BS. The quantification of the circulating levels of a multiplexing test of cytokines and carcinogenesis/aging biomarkers, as well as of lipid peroxides and total antioxidant power, was carried out.
RESULTS
First, we observed that pro-inflammatory cytokines increase, while anti-inflammatory cytokines decrease under excessive body weight. Relevantly, when patients underwent weight loss strategies, it was shown that energy-restricted and surgical strategies of weight loss induced changes in circulating cytokine and lipid peroxides. This effect was more notable in patients following the VLCKD than the LCD or BS and it was observed mainly in the ketosis phase of the intervention. Particularly, IL-11, IL-12, IL-2, INF-γ, INF-β, Pentraxin-3 or MMP1 changed after VLCKD. Whereas, APRIL, TWEAK, osteocalcin and IL-28A increased after BS.
CONCLUSION
As far as we know, this is the first study that evaluate the time-course of cytokines and oxidative stress markers after a VLCKD as compared with a standard LCD and BS. The observed results support the immunomodulatory effect of nutritional ketosis induced by a VLCKD synergistically with weight loss as a strategy to improve innate-immunity and to prevent infections and carcinogenesis in patients with obesity.
|
10.1016/j.clnu.2022.05.007
|
pubmed_378_1809
|
We present 2 cases of hibernoma. Positron emission tomography using the glucose analog [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) of 2 patients with hibernoma showed intense accumulation. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) in these patients were 11.93 and 26.74, values much higher than the SUVs reported in published studies of liposarcomas. Standardized uptake values of FDG positron emission tomography may thus be able to differentiate hibernomas from liposarcomas.
|
10.1097/00004728-200603000-00033
|
pubmed_1050_21954
|
We investigate theoretically and experimentally stochastic resonance in a quantum dot coupled to electron source and drain via time-dependent tunnel barriers. A central finding is a transition visible in the current noise spectrum as a bifurcation of a dip originally at zero frequency. The transition occurs close to the stochastic resonance working point and relates to quantized pumping. For the evaluation of power spectra from measured waiting times, we generalize a result from renewal theory to the ac-driven case. Moreover, we develop a master equation method to obtain phase-averaged current noise spectra for driven quantum transport.
|
10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.206801
|
pubmed_697_8858
|
Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation refers to the localization of sound sources on an angular grid from noisy measurements of the associated wavefield with an array of sensors. For accurate localization, the number of angular look-directions is much larger than the number of sensors, hence, the problem is underdetermined and requires regularization. Traditional methods use an ℓ2-norm regularizer, which promotes minimum-power (smooth) solutions, while regularizing with ℓ1-norm promotes sparsity. Sparse signal reconstruction improves the resolution in DOA estimation in the presence of a few point sources, but cannot capture spatially extended sources. The DOA estimation problem is formulated in a Bayesian framework where regularization is imposed through prior information on the source spatial distribution which is then reconstructed as the maximum a posteriori estimate. A composite prior is introduced, which simultaneously promotes a piecewise constant profile and sparsity in the solution. Simulations and experimental measurements show that this choice of regularization provides high-resolution DOA estimation in a general framework, i.e., in the presence of spatially extended sources.
|
10.1121/1.4962325
|
pubmed_543_1171
|
Microbial degradation of diesel fuel and lubricating oil was studied in artificial soils. Soon after 1 week and until the end of the study (25 weeks) organic acids and ketones which were not original components of the oils contaminating the soil samples were identified. Predominantly alicyclic and branched-chain aliphatic organic acids as well as diacids and aromatic ketones were formed by degradation. Further degradation of these alicyclic acids was observed. Similar oxidized products were also identified in actual contaminated soils.
|
10.1016/0045-6535(94)00446-2
|
pubmed_431_23614
|
The aim of the present work was to complex furosemide (FSM) with fulvic acid (FA) extracted from shilajit with the hope of having a better understanding of the complexation behavior. The effect of FA on the aqueous solubility, dissolution rate, and permeability of FSM was investigated. Different techniques, such as grinding, freeze drying, solvent evaporation, and so forth, were used for the preparation of the complex. The complexes were prepared in molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 FSM:FA and were evaluated for drug inclusion, solubility, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dissolution study, and permeation study. These methods confirm the formation of an amorphous inclusion complex of FSM with FA.
|
10.1080/03639040701744053
|
pubmed_197_366
|
A woman presented with erythema nodosum followed by bilateral breast abscesses without a gastrointestinal manifestation, due to a rare serotype of Salmonella, namely, Salmonella enterica serotype Poona. This is the first reported case of erythema nodosum presumably associated with Salmonella infection without a gastrointestinal manifestation.
|
10.1128/JCM.00780-10
|
pubmed_730_15181
|
In eukaryotes, nuclear proteins that are transported into nuclei have nuclear localization signals (NLSs), which are recognized by proteins called importin alpha. We isolated a rice cDNA, #61L, and the corresponding gene that encodes a protein, which shows significant homology to the importin alpha. Although the encoded protein had only 23-27% amino acid identity to the importin alphas from various organisms including plants, the fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase showed a specific binding activity to the NLS of SV40 T-antigen. These results suggest that the rice #61L protein is a novel importin alpha in plants.
|
10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00540-7
|
pubmed_848_11663
|
Postpneumonectomy empyema with or without (bronchopleural) fistula is an infrequent but serious, and often life-threatening complication. In 20 of our patients postpneumonectomy empyema was discovered. The time interval between original operation and discovery of the empyema varied from 9 days to 9 years. In two cases, the empyema had been found and treated initially at another hospital but not adequately, so that at the time of treatment by us the bronchopleural fistula had already been present for 8 and 19 years. In 13 cases a bronchial stump fistula was discovered. In five patients the fistula was successfully closed endoscopically with glue. In one patient closure was performed by transmediastinal stump resection, in three patients with a fistula thoracoplasty was performed. In three patients we achieved closure by transposition of pedicled muscle flaps. In one of these patients a septic condition could be mastered by performing window thoracotomy. Two patients without fistula were successfully treated with irrigation, and two further patients with thoracostomy. In one patient recovery was achieved by medication after puncture. Two patients died of sepsis and after thoracoplasty. If a fistula is present, drainage with irrigation and endoscopical glueing should be the initial treatment. This should be followed by resection of the bronchial stump. If there is no fistula or if the stump is too short thoracostomy is the treatment of choice. If it is not successful thoracoplasty has to be performed.
|
10.1055/s-2007-1014048
|
pubmed_866_22286
|
BACKGROUND
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an uncommon cause of acute reversible ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Typically manifesting as apical wall ballooning, TTC can rarely present atypically with apical wall sparing.
CASE REPORT
A 62-year-old female presented with complaints of chest pain and features mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiogram revealed no obstructive CAD and left ventriculogram showed reduced ejection fraction, normal left ventricular apex and hypokinetic mid-ventricles consistent with atypical TTC. The patient was discharged home on heart failure medications and a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated improved left ventricular function with no wall motion abnormality.
CONCLUSION
This case report provides an insight into the diagnosis and management of TTC in the absence of pathognomic features.
|
10.2174/1573403X15666191120114442
|
pubmed_1022_8935
|
Non-indigenous species can dominate fouling assemblages on artificial structures in marine environments; however, the extent to which infected structures act as reservoirs for subsequent spread to natural habitats is poorly understood. Didemnum vexillum is one of few colonial ascidian species that is widely reported to be highly invasive in natural ecosystems, but which in New Zealand proliferates only on suspended structures. Experimental work revealed that D. vexillum established equally well on suspended artificial and natural substrata, and was able to overgrow suspended settlement plates that were completely covered in other cosmopolitan fouling species. Fragmentation led to a level of D. vexillum cover that was significantly greater than was achieved as a result of ambient larval recruitment. The species failed to establish following fragment transplants onto seabed cobbles and into beds of macroalgae. The establishment success of D. vexillum was greatest in summer compared with autumn, and on the underside of experimental settlement plates that were suspended off the seabed to avoid benthic predators. Where benthic predation pressure was reduced by caging, D. vexillum establishment success was broadly comparable to suspended treatments; by contrast, the species did not establish on the face-up aspect of uncaged plates. This study provides compelling evidence that benthic predation was a key mechanism that prevented D. vexillum's establishment in the cobble habitats of the study region. The widespread occurrence of D. vexillum on suspended anthropogenic structures is consistent with evidence for other sessile invertebrates that such habitats provide a refuge from benthic predation. For invasive species generally, anthropogenic structures are likely to be most important as propagule reservoirs for spread to natural habitats in situations where predation and other mechanisms do not limit their subsequent proliferation.
|
10.1371/journal.pone.0082229
|
pubmed_32_14797
|
The aim of the present study was to analyze some features of the peri-implant mucosa at sites in the dog model which had been exposed to plaque accumulation for periods up to 9 months. The experiment was carried out in 5 labrador dogs. The mandibular right and left 2nd, 3rd and 4th premolars (2P2, 3P3, 4P4) and the 1st molars (1M1) were extracted. Following a 3-month healing period, 3 titanium fixtures (Nobelpharma AB, Göteborg, Sweden) were installed in the edentulous premolar/molar regions. Abutment connection was performed 3 months later and a meticulous plaque control period of 3 months was initiated. A clinical examination was performed at the end of this preparatory period and a main study period of 9 months continued. During this period, the plaque control regimen was maintained in the mesial and central (left: L1, 2 and right: R1, 2) implant segments, whereas plaque was allowed to accumulate on the distal implants, i.e.. L3 and R3. At the end of the main study period, i.e., 12 months after abutment connection, the clinical examination was repeated, the animals perfused and biopsies obtained. Semi-thin sections were produced for histometric and morphometric analyses. The peri-implant mucosa at implant sites exposed to daily and comprehensive plaque control at biopsy was clinically noninflamed and the connective tissue lateral to a junctional epithelium was devoid of accumulations of inflammatory cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
|
10.1111/j.1600-051x.1995.tb00143.x
|
pubmed_987_12217
|
BACKGROUND
Giant lung bullae (GLB) are rare, and the only currently available management involves either an open surgical resection (thoracotomy) or the newer minimally invasive resection consisting of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible influence of GLBs pulmonary attachment on patient's post-operative complications.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients with GLBs who underwent bullae's surgical resection from 7/2007 to 12/2018. GLBs patient's individual characteristics, including demographics, comorbidities, and clinical pre-operative, surgical intra-operative and post-operative data were evaluated.
RESULTS
20 patients with GLBs, 15 males and 5 females with average age of 48.9 years (range, 22-67 years) underwent 21 surgical procedures. The GLBs were located in the right lung in 12 patients, in the left lung in seven patients, and in both lungs in one patient. Fifteen patients (75%) were symptomatic on admission and underwent urgent surgery. Five asymptomatic patients (25%) were operated on electively. Thirteen from 21 surgical procedures (61.9%) were VATS bullectomy, while the other eight were thoracotomies (38.1%). Complications included pneumonia successfully treated with intravenous antibacterial therapy in two thoracotomy patients and in one VATS patient (three patients, 14.2%) and a prolonged air leak in two thoracotomy and four VATS patients (six patients, 28.5%). Out of 21 GLBs, eight had a wide attachment with lung parenchyma (wide-based bullae's) and 13 had a short attachment (short-based bullae's). Two re-operated patients, with prolonged air leak complicated with empyema, had a wide-based GLBs. The median hospital stay was nine days. All patients completed the 24-month follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as an open thoracotomy surgery is a safe and effective for giant lung bullae (GLB). Patients with wide-based GLBs were more likely to develop postoperative prolonged air leak that requiring re-operation.
|
10.1186/s13019-022-01780-3
|
pubmed_689_2287
|
The development of the human gut microbiota is characterized by a dynamic sequence of events from birth to adulthood, which make the gut microbiota unique for everyone. Its composition and metabolism may play a critical role in the intestinal homeostasis and health. We propose a study on a single mother-infant dyad to follow the dynamics of an infant fecal microbiota and metabolome changes in relation to breast milk composition during the lactation period and evaluate the changes induced by introduction of complementary food during the weaning period. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was performed on breast milk and, together with 16S RNA targeted-metagenomics analysis, also on infant stool samples of a mother-infant dyad collected over a period running from the exclusive breastfeeding diet to weaning. Breast milk samples and neonatal stool samples were collected from the 4th to the 10th month of life. Both specimens were collected from day 103 to day 175, while from day 219-268 only stool samples were examined. An exploratory and a predictive analysis were carried out by means of Common component and specific weight analysis and multi-block partial least squares discriminant analysis, respectively. Stools collected during breastfeeding and during a mixed fruit/breastfeeding diet were characterized by high levels of fucosyl-oligosaccharides and glycolysis intermediates, including succinate and formate. The transition to a semi-solid food diet was characterized by several changes in fecal parameters: increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, including acetate, propionate and butyrate, dissapearance of HMOs and the shift in the community composition, mainly occurring within the Firmicutes phylum. The variations in the fecal metabolome reflected the infant's diet transition, while the composition of the microbiota followed a more complex and still unstable behavior.
|
10.3389/fmolb.2021.688440
|
pubmed_1132_19839
|
To examine whether perceived peer/parent norms or personal beliefs about adolescent substance use influence substance use among female adolescents with chronic medical conditions. Sixty-eight females reported on substance use, personal beliefs, and perceived peer/parent norms. Personal beliefs and perceived peer/parent norms were associated with adolescent's current and future substance use. Although perceived peer norms accounted for variance in current substance use, only personal beliefs accounted for variance in future alcohol use. Targeting perceived peer norms may be effective for intervention efforts among adolescents endorsing current substance use, whereas alcohol use prevention efforts should target personal beliefs.
|
10.1177/1359105313481077
|
pubmed_708_16104
|
In order to establish the frequency of inclusion body myositis (IBM) in a European neuropathological unit and to evaluate the specificity of IBM pathology, we reviewed the 850 muscle biopsies performed in our laboratory over the past 7 years. Clinical histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation of all cases showing rimmed vacuoles, a constant histopathological feature of IBM, was done and the diagnosis of IBM was assessed using the clinico-pathological criteria of Calabrese, Mitsumoto & Chou (1987). Among the nine cases showing rimmed vacuoles, five were classified as IBM (group 1), either definite (3/5) or probable (2/5), and four suffered from a chronic denervating process of muscle (group 2). The overall frequency of IBM (0.6% of all muscle biopsies) was similar to that reported by North American authors. IBM represented 16% of adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathies investigated in our laboratory. Clinical and histopathological findings in group 1 were homogeneous and distinctive. Muscle biopsy was consistent with an inflammatory myopathy in all patients in group 1 and with a non-inflammatory denervating process in 3/4 patients in group 2. Typical intrasarcoplasmic inclusions were detected by electron microscopy in 3/5 cases in group 1 and 1/4 in group 2, which raises questions about the specificity of the 16-18 nm tubulofilaments. Failure to demonstrate inclusions in two patients with otherwise typical IBM, was probably related to the paucity of rimmed vacuoles observed in these cases.
|
10.1111/j.1365-2990.1990.tb01267.x
|
pubmed_389_5710
|
MicroRNAs (miRNA, miR) are short - 19-25 nucleotide long - single stranded (in their mature form), non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression mostly at the posttranscriptional level. microRNAs are involved in the regulation of various physiological processes such as cell differentiation and proliferation, development, haematopoesis, cell death, while their aberrant expression is observed in numerous diseases, like autoimmune disorders, inflammations, vascular diseases or tumorigenesis. microRNAs are expressed in a tissue specific fashion. Beyond their appearance in tissues, they can be found in body fluids as well. microRNAs are present in blood, mother milk, semen, saliva, urine, etc. MicroRNAs in body fluids, especially the blood-borne circulating microRNAs can be exploited as minimally invasive biomarkers of tumor diagnosis. The number of endocrine tumor-associated circulating microRNA alterations is relatively low, mostly described for papillary thyroid cancer, adrenocortical cancer, ovarian and neuroendocrine tumors. As the histological diagnosis including the establishment of malignancy of some of these neoplasms is difficult, studies on circulating microRNAs might have great perspectives. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(13), 483-490.
|
10.1556/650.2017.30708
|
pubmed_278_15961
|
INTRODUCTION
Acute appendicitis is a disease with multifactorial etiology and frequently includes lumen obstruction. Appendicoliths can pose a challenge during the appendectomy procedure if not identified.
METHODS
This is a prospective case series at our academic institution involving two medically free patients with intra-abdominal abscess formation secondary to an overlooked appendicolith who were treated conservatively with a follow up period of one year for each patient.
RESULTS
Complications of a retained appendicolith are serious and include intra-abdominal abscess, perihepatic abscess, and delayed wound healing through fistula formation, most surgeons would undergo surgical removal with preoperative localization of the appendicolith using different modalities. In contrast, conservative management is an emerging approach to managing such conditions. The conservative approach involves percutaneous retrieval and the IR-guided draining of an intra-abdominal collection. In our cases, percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics were a successful treatment, with no abscess recurrence in over a year.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that patients with appendicoliths presenting with appendicitis should undergo appendicolith removal to prevent the risk of recurrent abscess formation. We also consider that the conservative management of patients with appendicoliths presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and abscesses after appendectomy is a better and safer approach than the surgical removal of a dropped appendicolith, as the risks of the surgical procedure complications can be avoided.
|
10.1016/j.ijscr.2021.105925
|
pubmed_1000_1141
|
The usual osteoblastic phenotype of metastatic prostate cancer is unexplained. Here we show that tissue and serum concentrations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-vary inversely with a substrate protein that binds a growth factor known to activate osteoblasts. These findings suggest that PSA may contribute to the osteoblastic phenotype, and could thus represent a new drug target devoid of antiandrogenic toxicity.
|
10.1016/S0140-6736(99)04805-9
|
pubmed_285_8812
|
Morphogens have been identified as guidance cues for postcrossing commissural axons in the spinal cord. Shh has a dual effect on postcrossing commissural axons: a direct repellent effect mediated by Hhip as a receptor, and an indirect effect by shaping a Wnt activity gradient. Wnts were shown to be attractants for postcrossing commissural axons in both chicken and mouse embryos. In mouse, the effects of Wnts on axon guidance were concluded to depend on the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Canonical Wnt signaling was excluded based on the absence of axon guidance defects in mice lacking Lrp6 which is an obligatory coreceptor for Fzd in canonical Wnt signaling. In the loss-of-function studies reported here, we confirmed a role for the PCP pathway in postcrossing commissural axon guidance also in the chicken embryo. However, taking advantage of the precise temporal control of gene silencing provided by in ovo RNAi, we demonstrate that canonical Wnt signaling is also required for proper guidance of postcrossing commissural axons in the developing spinal cord. Thus, axon guidance does not seem to depend on any one of the classical Wnt signaling pathways but rather involve a network of Wnt receptors and downstream components.
|
10.1002/dneu.22307
|
pubmed_777_4835
|
There is virtually no information in the literature about the exposure levels needed to induce hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) by diisocyanates. The present study reports a case of occupational HP due to diisocyanates after low-level exposure. A 53-yr-old female never-smoker developed progressive shortness of breath on exertion, cough, fatigue and flu-like symptoms shortly after she began work as a secretary of a car body repair shop. A diagnosis of HP was made 2 yrs later, based on a restrictive ventilatory defect, a reticulonodular and discrete ground-glass pattern on high-resolution computed tomography, lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage and specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to diisocyanate human serum albumin conjugates in the patient's serum. The diagnosis was confirmed by recovery after exposure cessation and deterioration after re-exposure. Ambient monitoring revealed air concentrations of different diisocyanate monomers below the detection limit in both the patient's work station and in front of the paint spray booths, with the exception of one measurement that showed 4,4-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate concentrations of 3 microg x m(-3) in front of one booth (corresponding to a total reactive isocyanate group concentration of 1 microg x m(-3)). The present authors conclude that concentrations of diisocyanates far below current exposure limits may induce hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible subjects.
|
10.1183/09031936.00060507
|
pubmed_621_5788
|
COPII-coated buds are formed at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES) to mediate ER-to-Golgi transport. Sec16 is an essential factor in ERES formation, as well as in COPII-mediated traffic in vivo. Sec16 interacts with multiple COPII proteins, although the functional significance of these interactions remains unknown. Here we present evidence that full-length Sec16 plays an important role in regulating Sar1 GTPase activity at the late steps of COPII vesicle formation. We show that Sec16 interacts with Sec23 and Sar1 through its C-terminal conserved region and hinders the ability of Sec31 to stimulate Sec23 GAP activity toward Sar1. We also find that purified Sec16 alone can self-assemble into homo-oligomeric complexes on a planar lipid membrane. These features ensure prolonged COPII coat association within a preformed Sec16 cluster, which may lead to the formation of ERES. Our results indicate a mechanistic relationship between COPII coat assembly and ERES formation.
|
10.1091/mbc.E12-05-0356
|
pubmed_1055_11261
|
The genome of Candida versatilis was sequenced to understand its characteristics in soy sauce fermentation. The genome size of C. versatilis was 9.7 Mb, the content of G + C was 39.74 %, scaffolds of N50 were 1,229,640 bp in length, containing 4711 gene. There were predicted 269 tRNA genes and 2201 proteins with clear function. Moreover, the genome information of C. versatilis was compared with another salt-tolerant yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. C. versatilis and Z. rouxii genome size was close and both smaller than 12.1 for the Mb of S. cerevisiae. Using the OrthoMCL protein, three genomes were divided into 4663 groups. There were about 3326 homologous proteins in C. versatilis, Z. rouxii and S. cerevisiae.
|
10.1007/s10295-016-1764-4
|
pubmed_1140_4990
|
The repair of oxidatively damaged DNA is integral to the maintenance of genomic stability, and hence prevention of a wide variety of pathological conditions, such as aging, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The ability to non-invasively assess DNA repair may provide information regarding repair pathways, variability in repair capacity, and susceptibility to disease. The development of assays to measure urinary DNA lesions offered this potential, although it rapidly became clear that possible contribution from diet and cell turnover may influence urinary lesion levels. Whilst early studies attempted to address these issues, up until now, much of the data appears conflicting. However, recent work from our laboratories, in which human volunteers were fed highly oxidatively modified 15N-labelled DNA demonstrates that diet does not appear to contribute to urinary levels of 8-hydroxyguanine and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine. Furthermore, we propose that a number of literature reports form an argument against a contribution from cell death. Indeed we, and others, have presented evidence, which strongly suggests the involvement of cell death to be minimal. Taken together, these data would appear to rule out various confounding factors, leaving DNA repair pathways as the principal source of urinary purine, if not DNA, lesions enabling such measurements to be used as indicators of repair.
|
10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2005.01.022
|
pubmed_536_24781
|
OBJECTIVE
To compare visual and spectrophotometric shade matching using Vita Easyshade and to evaluate its accuracy.
METHODS
One hundred and twenty participants with single anterior full ceramic restorations were included in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the visual shade matching group (Group V) and the spectrophotometric shade matching (Vita Easyshade) group (Group S). In each group, subjects were allocated into 2 subgroups, those matched with shade tabs (V1, S1) and those out of shade tabs (V2, S2). Following the treatment, the Commission International de I'Eclairage Lab parameters were tested using the spectrophotometric, and the DeltaEab* between the restoration and contrast teeth was calculated.
RESULTS
There were significant differences between DeltaEab*V (3.92 +/- 1.59) and DeltaEab*S (2.23 +/- 0.96), and also between DeltaEab*V2 (4.42 +/- 1.42) and DeltaEab*S2 (2.27 +/- 1.01), DeltaEab*V1 (2.29 +/- 0.88) and DeltaEab*V2 (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between DeltaEab*V1 and DeltaEab*S1 (2.12 +/- 0.84) (P = 0.698), nor between DeltaEab*S1 and DeltaEab*S2 (P = 0.014).
CONCLUSIONS
Spectrophotometric (Vita Easyshade) shade matching method is more accurate than visual shade matching when used on tooth that has out-of-shade-tab colour expression. It provides better colour reappearance, than does visual colour matching.
|
pubmed_536_24781
|
pubmed_821_19303
|
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to perform an economic analysis of a new therapy in 11 countries (Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK) to assess the cost of treating the gastrointestinal (GI) events associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
METHODS
Estimates of GI event-related costs were based on the results of resource utilisation questionnaires. Resources required for the treatment and follow-up of GI events were identified and converted into costs from society and payer perspectives.
RESULTS
From the perspective of society, the total per-event cost of managing GI-related events varies from $US51 to $US772 for GI discomfort, from $US108 to $US1100 for anaemia, from $US145 to $US1200 for ulcer and from $US1923 to $US5473 for serious GI events requiring hospitalisation. From the payer perspective, the total per-event cost varies from $US47 to $US680 for GI discomfort, from $US144 to $US762 for anaemia, from $US229 to $US795 for ulcer and from $US1787 to $US6729 for serious GI events requiring hospitalisation. The total cost is driven by hospital expenses for those events requiring hospital admission. For GI discomfort, physician consultations are generally the cost driver, whereas for ulcer and anaemia, cost is primarily driven by the rate of endoscopy.
CONCLUSIONS
Costs associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related GI events differ significantly across countries as a result of variations in resources consumed and price/tariff policies.
|
10.2165/00019053-200119001-00002
|
pubmed_175_12897
|
Background The growing aging population is a global phenomenon and a major public health challenge. Among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, Korea is the fastest aging country. We aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in quality of life (QOL) and cognitive function in older adults.
METHOD
Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging collected from 2008 to 2016 were used. In 3453 participants (men: 1943; women: 1541), QOL was measured by three aspects: general, financial, and familial. Changes in QOL status were assessed by four categories: remained poor, worsened, improved, and remained good. The level of cognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination score (MMSE, normal range cut-off value: 24 or above). For the statistical analysis, the generalized equation model (GEE) was performed.
RESULTS
For all three aspects of QOL measured, participants whose QOL score remained poor were associated with cognitive decline that their odds ratios (OR) were statistically significant (general: OR = 1.33; familial: OR = 1.39; financial: OR = 1.40). For subgroup analysis by gender, the highest OR in men was the financial aspect of QOL (OR = 1.45); in women, the highest OR was the familial aspect of QOL (OR = 1.75).
CONCLUSION
This study showed an association between QOL and cognitive function in a Korean elderly population. Our findings suggest that QOL measurements with a gender-specific approach can be used as a tool to detect cognitive changes in older adults and help prevent or delay cognitive decline.
|
10.3390/ijerph17031106
|
pubmed_58_3233
|
Hybrid materials, containing a 2D filler embedded in a polymeric matrix, are an interesting platform for several applications, because of the variety of properties that the filler can impart to the polymer matrix when dispersed at the nanoscale. Moreover, novel properties could arise from the interaction between the two. Mostly the bulk properties of these materials have been studied so far, especially focusing on how the filler changes the polymeric matrix properties. Here we propose a complete change of perspective by using the hybrid nanocomposite material as a platform suitable to engineer the properties of the filler and to exploit its potential in the fabrication of devices. As a proof of concept of the versatility and the potential of the new method, we applied this approach to prepare black phosphorus (bP) nanocomposites through its dispersion in poly (methyl methacrylate). bP is a very interesting 2D material, whose application have so far been limited by its high reactivity to oxygen and water. In this respect, we show that electronic-grade bP flakes, already embedded in a protecting matrix since their exfoliation from the bulk material, are endowed with significantly increased stability and can be further processed into devices without degrading their properties.
|
10.1088/1361-6528/aabd8d
|
pubmed_932_11583
|
The reasons for the relatively low transport mobility of graphene grown through chemical vapor deposition (CVD-G), which include point defect, surface contamination, and line defect, were analyzed in the current study. A series of control experiments demonstrated that the determinant factor for the low transport mobility of CVD-G did not arise from point defects or surface contaminations, but stemmed from line defects induced by grain boundaries. Electron microscopies characterized the presence of grain boundaries and indicated the polycrystalline nature of the CVD-G. Field-effect transistors based on CVD-G without the grain boundary obtained a transport mobility comparative to that of Kish graphene, which directly indicated the detrimental effect of grain boundaries. The effect of grain boundary on transport mobility was qualitatively explained using a potential barrier model. Furthermore, the conduction mechanism of CVD-G was also investigated using the temperature dependence measurements. This study can help understand the intrinsic transport features of CVD-G.
|
10.1038/srep00337
|
pubmed_890_1610
|
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disorder and its prevalence increases rapidly during midlife. Complex interactions of genetic alterations, sex hormone deficit, and aging with mechanical factors and systemic inflammation-associated metabolic syndrome lead to joint damage. Thus, the expression of a clinical phenotype in the early stages of OA relies on the main underlying pathway and predominant joint tissue involved at a given time. Moreover, OA often coexists with other morbidities in the same patient, which in turn condition the OA process. In this scenario, an appropriate identification of clinical phenotypes, especially in the early stages of the disease, may optimize the design of individualized treatments in OA. An ESCEO-EUGMS (European Union Geriatric Medicine Society) working group has recently suggested possible patient profiles in OA. Hereby, we propose the existence of 4 clinical phenotypes - biomechanical, osteoporotic, metabolic and inflammatory - whose characterization would help to properly stratify patients with OA in clinical trials or studies. Further research in this field is warranted.
|
10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.11.013
|
pubmed_496_11559
|
We are developing a computer-aided detection system to assist radiologists in the detection of lung nodules on thoracic computed tomography (CT) images. The purpose of this study was to improve the false-positive (FP) reduction stage of our algorithm by developing features that extract three-dimensional (3D) shape information from volumes of interest identified in the prescreening stage. We formulated 3D gradient field descriptors, and derived 19 gradient field features from their statistics. Six ellipsoid features were obtained by computing the lengths and the length ratios of the principal axes of an ellipsoid fitted to a segmented object. Both the gradient field features and the ellipsoid features were designed to distinguish spherical objects such as lung nodules from elongated objects such as vessels. The FP reduction performance in this new 25-dimensional feature space was compared to the performance in a 19-dimensional space that consisted of features extracted using previously developed methods. The performance in the 44-dimensional combined feature space was also evaluated. Linear discriminant analysis with stepwise feature selection was used for classification. The parameters used for feature selection were optimized using the simplex algorithm. Training and testing were performed using a leave-one-patient-out scheme. The FP reduction performances in different feature spaces were evaluated by using the area Az under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the number of FPs per CT section at a given sensitivity as accuracy measures. Our data set consisted of 82 CT scans (3551 axial sections) from 56 patients with section thickness ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 mm. Our prescreening algorithm detected 111 of the 116 solid nodules (nodule size: 3.0-30.6 mm) marked by experienced thoracic radiologists. The test Az values were 0.95 +/- 0.01, 0.88 +/- 0.02, and 0.94 +/- 0.01 in the new, previous, and combined feature spaces, respectively. The number of FPs per section at 80% sensitivity in these three feature spaces were 0.37, 1.61, and 0.34, respectively. The improvement in the test Az with the 25 new features was statistically significant (p<0.0001) compared to that with the previous 19 features alone.
|
10.1118/1.1944667
|
pubmed_630_7802
|
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GpM) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. Most previous studies have focused primarily on polar fractions of GpM for anticancer activities. In this study, a nonpolar fraction EA1.3A from GpM showed potent growth inhibitory activities against four cancer cell lines with IC50 ranging from 31.62 μg/mL to 38.02 μg/mL. Furthermore, EA1.3A also inhibited the growth of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-453 time-dependently, as well as its colony formation ability. EA1.3A induced apoptosis on MDA-MB-453 cells both dose-dependently and time-dependently as analyzed by flow cytometry and verified by western blotting analysis of apoptosis marker cleaved nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (cPARP). Additionally, EA1.3A induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Chemical components analysis of EA1.3A by GC-MS revealed that this nonpolar fraction from GpM contains 10 compounds including four alkaloids, three organic esters, two terpenes, and one catechol substance, and all these compounds have not been reported in GpM. In summary, the nonpolar fraction EA1.3A from GpM inhibited cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis and regulation of cell cycle progression. Our study shed light on new chemical bases for the anticancer activities of GpM and feasibilities to develop new anticancer agents from this widely used medicinal plant.
|
10.1155/2016/6308649
|
pubmed_548_6109
|
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between ventricular index (VI) measurements and postmenstrual age in preterm infants and to generate centile charts and normal ranges for frontal horn ratio (FHR) for a large contemporary cohort of preterm infants.
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective cohort study of 253 infants with birth gestation less than 32 weeks admitted between January 2009 and December 2011 to a tertiary NICU in Ireland.
RESULTS
A total of 816 cranial ultrasounds were reviewed. Data collected were grouped according to postmenstrual age at the time of scan from 23 weeks to 45 weeks. Median values for VI show a general trend to increase with gestation. FHR did not significantly change with postmenstrual age at scan with a median value of 0.31.
CONCLUSION
There is a slight increase in VI as gestation at the time of scans increases. These results provide the basis for updated centile charts which we propose for current practice.
|
10.1038/jp.2014.219
|
pubmed_887_7864
|
Most knee problems are seen first by the patient's primary physician who is thus in a unique position to intervene effectively. This article will emphasize the initial evaluation of patients with nontraumatic disorders of the knee, in which early recognition and therapeutic intervention is most likely to be beneficial.
|
pubmed_887_7864
|
pubmed_524_15662
|
Endothelial injury and microvascular/macrovascular thrombosis are common pathophysiological features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, the optimal thromboprophylactic regimens remain unknown across the spectrum of illness severity of COVID-19. A variety of antithrombotic agents, doses, and durations of therapy are being assessed in ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focus on outpatients, hospitalized patients in medical wards, and patients critically ill with COVID-19. This paper provides a perspective of the ongoing or completed RCTs related to antithrombotic strategies used in COVID-19, the opportunities and challenges for the clinical trial enterprise, and areas of existing knowledge, as well as data gaps that may motivate the design of future RCTs.
|
10.1016/j.jacc.2021.02.035
|
pubmed_710_19085
|
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the network dynamics mechanisms underlying differential initiation of epileptic interictal spikes and seizures.
METHODS
We performed combined in vivo 2-photon calcium imaging from different targeted neuronal subpopulations and extracellular electrophysiological recordings during 4-aminopyridine-induced neocortical spikes and seizures.
RESULTS
Both spikes and seizures were associated with intense synchronized activation of excitatory layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons (PNs) and to a lesser degree layer 4 neurons, as well as inhibitory parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (INs). In sharp contrast, layer 5 PNs and somatostatin-expressing INs were gradually and asynchronously recruited into the ictal activity during the course of seizures. Within layer 2/3, the main difference between onset of spikes and seizures lay in the relative recruitment dynamics of excitatory PNs compared to parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing inhibitory INs. Whereas spikes exhibited balanced recruitment of PNs and parvalbumin-expressing INs, during seizures IN responses were reduced and less synchronized than in layer 2/3 PNs. Similar imbalance was not observed in layers 4 or 5 of the neocortex. Machine learning-based algorithms we developed were able to distinguish spikes from seizures based solely on activation dynamics of layer 2/3 PNs at discharge onset.
INTERPRETATION
During onset of seizures, the recruitment dynamics markedly differed between neuronal subpopulations, with rapid synchronous recruitment of layer 2/3 PNs, layer 4 neurons, and parvalbumin-expressing INs and gradual asynchronous recruitment of layer 5 PNs and somatostatin-expressing INs. Seizures initiated in layer 2/3 due to a dynamic mismatch between local PNs and inhibitory INs, and only later spread to layer 5 by gradually and asynchronously recruiting PNs in this layer. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:97-115.
|
10.1002/ana.25628
|
pubmed_409_4411
|
Escherichia coli ingested by PMN are promptly growth arrested but undergo limited destruction. We have studied bacterial phospholipid hydrolysis as a possible limiting factor in the disassembly of ingested E. coli, comparing the fates, during phagocytosis by rabbit peritoneal exudate PMN, of three isogenic strains, differing in their content of the pldA gene encoding the principal E. coli phospholipase A (PLA), i.e., pldA-, pldA+, pldA (the latter strain bearing the pldA gene in a multicopy plasmid resulting in a 20-fold increase in PLA content). Ingestion and growth inhibition (greater than 99% within 15 min) were the same for the three strains, but phospholipid degradation differed according to bacterial PLA content: pldA up to 60%, pldA+ up to 30%, and pldA- up to 20%. Since the pldA- strain has no activatable PLA, phospholipid degradation in this strain demonstrates the action of a PMN PLA. Added PLA2-rich ascitic fluid (AF) or purified AF PLA2 increased the rate and extent of degradation of the pldA- strain, provided the enzyme was added before ingestion was complete. 125I-AF-PLA2 binds to both E. coli and PMN and thus can enter the vacuole during phagocytosis. Although up to 50-fold more AF-PLA2 than the PLA2 content of the PMN could be loaded into the PMN in this way, degradation of pldA- E. coli did not exceed 30%. Increased phospholipid degradation had no effect on the degradation of bacterial macromolecules. In contrast, bacterial disassembly manifest as structural disorganization, release of bacterial protein derived material, and inhibition of protein synthesis were markedly enhanced when greater than 50% of prelabelled bacterial phospholipids were degraded. These findings reveal a link between envelope phospholipid degradation and overall bacterial destruction, suggesting therefore that factors limiting PLA action limit the destruction of E. coli ingested by PMN.
|
10.1172/JCI114655
|
pubmed_1054_11511
|
Morpho-physiological reaction of alive bush-like interoceptors in the Rana temporaria isolated urinary bladder to the effect of procaine hydrochloride (PH) solution (0.5 and 0.05%) has been studied. Total impulse activity of the receptors has been studied synchronously with changes occurring in their structures. The alive receptors are revealed by means of methylene blue in concentration 1.6 X 10(-4) mol/l. PH sharply inhibits the impulse activity which is completely damped under 0.05% solution nearly in 12-13 min, and at administration of 0.5% solution--in 1-2 min. The impulse amplitude is decreasing. Morphological and tinctorial shifts, produced by PH administration, appear later--in 15-20 min on the background of a completely inhibited impulse activity and are manifested as swelling and increasing size of terminal plates, formation of varicosities on the preterminals and in the region of the Ranvier node, deterioration of staining properties and their dynamic changes.
|
pubmed_1054_11511
|
pubmed_673_15414
|
Previous workers have demonstrated that some crustacean neurons remain capable of spike propagation and transmitter release and replenishment for months after removal of their perikarya. Here, it is shown that postsynaptic reactions to chemical synaptic input can also persist for months after removal of the soma of the postsynaptic neuron. Interneuron A of the crayfish abdominal cord receives chemically transmitting terminals of ipsilateral tactile afferents of the tail fan. The neuron's soma lies contralateral to its axon and dendrites at the caudal margin of the last abdominal ganglion. The region containing the soma was removed. Interneuron A unambiguously identified by receptive field, location, and size, survived and continued to respond sensitively to tactile input in better than 50% of the cases examined for more than 8 weeks. Cobalt filling of the active fiber in several 8-week-old preparations ruled out the possibility that the severed neurite had reconnected with a foreign soma.
|
10.1016/0006-8993(77)90437-1
|
pubmed_167_6083
|
BACKGROUND
The DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) are associated with the cis-regulatory DNA elements. An efficient method of identifying DHSs can enhance the understanding on the accessibility of chromatin. Despite a multitude of resources available on line including experimental datasets and computational tools, the complex language of DHSs remains incompletely understood.
METHODS
Here, we address this challenge using an approach based on a state-of-the-art machine learning method. We present a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) which combined Inception like networks with a gating mechanism for the response of multiple patterns and longterm association in DNA sequences to predict multi-scale DHSs in Arabidopsis, rice and Homo sapiens.
RESULTS
Our method obtains 0.961 area under curve (AUC) on Arabidopsis, 0.969 AUC on rice and 0.918 AUC on Homo sapiens.
CONCLUSIONS
Our method provides an efficient and accurate way to identify multi-scale DHSs sequences by deep learning.
|
10.1186/s12864-018-5283-8
|
pubmed_239_12597
|
OBJECTIVE
To analyze and summarize the causes of unscheduled suspension of knee and hip arthroplasty and to provide the method for optimizing the patient's preoperative management and improving the efficiency of medical resources as well as the patient's satisfaction.
METHODS
The data for this report was retrospectively collected from September 2013 to August 2014 in our hospital, from cases of knee and hip arthroplasty that were suspended before the scheduled operation time. Acquisition data from the collected cases including the patients' gender, age and the surgical procedure. At the same time, the suspension reasons were recorded and analyzed. All the decisions of suspension was made by the surgeons and the anesthesiologists according to the abnormal result of preoperative examinations, after communicating with the patients and their families and obtaining their understandings.
RESULTS
In the collecting period, our department scheduled 1 146 cases of knee and hip arthroplasty, among which 1 003 were completed, 143 suspended (12.5% suspension rate). Among the causes of suspension, the top four common causes were cardiovascular disease (44/143, 31%), other infections (20/143, 14%), bacteriuria (18/143, 13%) and inappropriate surgical indication (16/143, 11%). Other causes include surgeon's reason, Blood system abnormalities, high inflammatory index, deep vein thrombosis, other diseases uncontrolled, abnormal liver function and poor diabetes mellitus control, etc. For the rate of suspension, there was no significant difference between the patients with different genders (male: 15.0%, and female: 11.7%, P=0.149), or age (≤50 years: 13.0%; 51-65 years: 11.6%; 66-80 years 13.3%; >80 years 11.1%; P=0.864). However compared with knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty had a higher suspension rate (knee arthroplasry 11.1%, hip arthroplasry 16.1%, P=0.021).
CONCLUSION
It is important to educate and manage the patients before their knee and hip arthroplasty. Through clear diagnosis, detailed medical history analysis careful physical examination, and targeted outpatient examinations and tests for which priority was focused on cardiovascular or other system diseases we could minimize the occurrence of operative suspension post hospitalization, therefore improving the efficiency of the use of medical resources.
|
pubmed_239_12597
|
pubmed_5_7833
|
To assess epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of severe malaria among adults in Dakar (Senegal), we carried out a 5-year retrospective study in Infectious Diseases Ward (January 1992-December 1996). Over this period, 222 cases of severe malaria were included according to WHO definition criteria, 120 of them (54%) being adult patients. Monthly distribution of cases showed 2 peaks, on October and November. Most of the patients were males (sex-ratio = 2.1) and lived in urban area (91.7%). The mean age was 28.9 years (range = 16-73 years). Clinically, all of the cases presented with stage II coma. Association existed with convulsion (20%), severe anaemia (29.2%), renal failure (19.2%), hypoglycaemia (17.5%) and jaundice (34%). Patients were treated using quinine intravenously. Case fatality rate reached 26.7%, indicating life-threatening potential of malaria in adults living in urban area.
|
pubmed_5_7833
|
pubmed_242_2226
|
Electroneurography (ENoG) is one of the most objective tests in grading the damage and prediction of prognosis in peripheral facial palsy (PFP). We aimed to determine temporal changes of ENoG recorded over occipitalis muscle in acute idiopathic PFP. Consecutive 21 patients with unilateral acute idiopathic PFP and age- and sex-matched 15 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Nasal and occipital ENoG values were recorded once in the control group and the same procedure was repeated daily between the second and eight days of the disorder in the PFP group. Occipital ENoG value began to increase on the third day while nasal ENoG value was still within the normal range (27.04 vs 7.69 %, p = 0.0001). In the fourth, fifth and sixth days, occipital ENoG value was significantly high compared to nasal ENoG value (p = 0.0001 for each day) whereas nasal and occipital ENoG values were very similar in the seventh and eighth days (p = 0.181 and p = 0.584, respectively). Our study presents further support for technical possibility of occipital ENoG which may reflect the degree of fiber degeneration earlier than the nasalis muscle in PFP.
|
10.1007/s00405-015-3569-x
|
pubmed_1079_1435
|
Anti-inflammatory strategies receive growing attention for their potential to prevent pathological deterioration in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, which is accompanied by inflammatory reactions that might play a critical role in the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons. We investigated the influence of dexamethasone - a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoids class of steroid hormones that acts as an anti-inflammatory - on the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of rats observed after intranigral injection of thrombin, a serine protease that induces inflammation through microglia proliferation and activation. We evaluated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons as well as astroglial and microglial populations; dexamethasone prevented the loss of astrocytes but was unable to stop microglial proliferation induced by thrombin. Moreover, dexamethasone produced alterations in the levels of nexin and the thrombin receptor PAR-1, and facilitated accumulation of alpha-synuclein induced by thrombin in dopaminergic neurons. Dexamethasone increased oxidative stress and expression of monoamine oxidase A and B, along with changes on different MAP kinases related to degenerative processes, resulting in a bigger loss of dopaminergic neurons after intranigral injection of thrombin in dexamethasone-treated animals. It is interesting to ascertain that inhibition of monoamine oxidase by tranylcypromine prevented neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons, thus suggesting that the deleterious effects of dexamethasone might be mediated by monoamine oxidase.
|
10.1016/j.neuro.2009.12.001
|
pubmed_57_17264
|
Using 80 kV electron beam irradiation we have created graphene blister defects of additional carbon atoms incorporated into a graphene lattice. These structures are the antithesis of the vacancy defect with blister defects observed to contain up to six additional carbon atoms. We present aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy data demonstrating the formation of a blister from an existing divacancy, together with further examples that undergo reconfiguration and annihilation under the electron beam. The relative stability of the observed variations of blister are discussed and considered in the context of previous calculations. It is shown that the blister defect is seldom found in isolation and is more commonly coupled with dislocations where it can act as an intermediate state, permitting dislocation core climb without the atom ejection from the graphene lattice required for nonconservative motion.
|
10.1021/nl404266k
|
pubmed_762_5826
|
Leukocyte recruitment to lymph nodes or inflammatory sites is regulated by adhesion and activation. L-selectin (CD62L) is expressed on leukocytes and mediates tethering and rolling of leukocytes on endothelial cells. Upon stimulation L-selectin is down-regulated by proteolytic cleavage but the molecular mechanisms regulating this shedding step are poorly defined. To study intracellular mechanisms, we induced shedding of L-selectin by cross-linking with an immobilized L-selectin antibody (Dreg56) in Jurkat cells. The loss of surface expression was quantitated by flow cytometry and the increase of soluble L-selectin was determined by Western blot analysis. We find that Jurkat and p56(lck)-deficient JCaM1.6 cells released L-selectin to similar extent (18+/-4% and 17+/-3%, respectively) and revealed comparable inhibition with the src-tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2. Glutathione (GSH), an inhibitor of the neutral sphingomyelinase, PD98059, a MAP-kinase (MAP-K) inhibitor and metalloprotease inhibitors (MPI) (TAPI, Ro 31-9790, and BB-3103) reduced significantly L-selectin-induced shedding by 60-80%. In Jurkat cells, L-selectin was present in Triton X-100 insoluble membrane rafts and was constitutively tyr-phosphorylated. Dreg56 cross-linking enhanced phosphorylation and recruitment of L-selectin into rafts which was significantly decreased by pretreatment of cells with PD98059. We conclude, that the metalloproteinase-mediated cleavage of L-selectin from cell surface is triggered by intracellular signaling pathways that are independent of p56(lck) tyrosine kinase activity, but require other tyrosine kinases and the neutral sphingomyelinase. The cleavage of L-selectin might involve membrane rafts as signaling platform.
|
10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02886-3
|
pubmed_954_19125
|
CONTEXT
Dental evidence is a valuable tool in identifying individuals, especially when disasters befall. Reference points in faciomaxillary region such as interpupillary distance, intercanthal distance, interalar distance and bizygomatic width can significantly contribute toward reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) facial profiles. This study was researched upon to determine the relationship between the maxillary intercanine width and the different reference points of the face.
AIM
The aim of the following study is to ascertain whether maxillary intercanine width can be used to detect interpupillary distance, intercanthal distance, interalar distance and bizygomatic distance and to evaluate the role of maxillary intercanine width in the 2D reconstruction of the face.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was carried out by consent and involved 90 subjects-45 males and 45 females who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Subjects were divided into three age groups, i.e. 18-24, 25-28, 29-35. Four parameters were measured- intercanine width, interpupillary distance, intercanthal distance and interalar distance. All the measurements were carried out with a digital Vernier caliper. The bizygomatic width was measured from posterior-anterior view. Two empiricists were assigned for the task. Each test was carried out twice to validate the soundness of the findings and to reduce bias.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation was established. Regression analysis was performed to predict the study variables by intercanine width.
RESULTS
Intercanine width showed a significant relationship with different points. The width varied with age and gender.
CONCLUSION
Inter canine width can be used as a valuable parameter in the reconstruction of face in two dimensional as it shows significant relationship with faciomaxillary reference point such as interpupillary distance, intercanthal distance, interalar distance and bizygomatic width.
|
10.4103/0975-1475.150290
|
pubmed_163_20042
|
INTRODUCTION
Bioequivalence is established by comparing the bioequivalence study results of generic drugs with the reference listed drug. Several global regulatory agencies have published the guidance for locally acting orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs) for bioequivalence approaches.
AREAS COVERED
The prime intent of the present article is to compare the regulatory guidance for bioequivalence assessment of locally acting OIDPs published by global regulatory authorities. Regulatory recommendations on bioequivalence were based on assessment for different parameters such as inhaler device, formulation, reference product selection, in-vitro, and in-vivo studies. The United States Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada suggest an aggregated weight of evidence approach and the European Medicines Agency promotes a stepwise approach, whereas though the Indian authorities have not published guidance specifically on OIDPs but provided guidelines for bioavailability and bioequivalence studies.
EXPERT OPINION
For OIDPs, currently, there is no universally adopted methodology, and regulatory guidance has not been globally harmonized. By understanding and comparing bioequivalence recommendations for different regions, we can create more sensitive, and economic evaluation methods for OIDPs. This could open more alternatives of safe, effective generic OIDPs to the public.
|
10.1080/17425247.2021.2010701
|
pubmed_1089_23733
|
BACKGROUND
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is found on the skin of approximately 90% of patients with atopic dermatitis and approximately 20% of apparently healthy subjects. S. aureus induces keratinocytes and immune cells to secrete immunoregulatory factors that cause epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic skin.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined factors that cause epidermal permeability barrier dysfunction in skin colonized by S. aureus.
METHODS
We examined the effect of S. aureus on keratinocyte differentiation in the stratum corneum (SC) of in vivo skin, normal human keratinocytes (NHKs) and a reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model. The fold change in expression of the terminal differentiation markers and the level of secreted cytokines were investigated.
RESULTS
The SC displayed decreased expression of keratin 10 (KRT 10). NHKs treated with S. aureus extracts increased expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and significantly reduced expression of the terminal differentiation markers KRT 1, KRT 10, loricrin (LOR), and filaggrin (FLG); however, the expression of basal layer markers (KRT 5, KRT 14) remained unchanged. Treatment of NHKs with an anti-IL-6 antibody in combination with IL-6 or the S. aureus extracts inhibited the decrease in KRT 10 mRNA or protein expression. After the RHEs were exposed to the S. aureus extracts, KRT 1 and KRT 10 protein levels decreased.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that S. aureus inhibits the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes by stimulating IL-6 secretion.
|
pubmed_1089_23733
|
pubmed_548_17422
|
The article deals with the problem of modern diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with the use of modern techniques used in endoscopy. This article provides an analysis of the current literature on the efficacy of diagnosis of various manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children of different ages. The data on the benefits of the various diagnostic techniques and endoscopic techniques. Article illyustrirovavana endofotografiyami original authors.
|
pubmed_548_17422
|
pubmed_476_24895
|
Background
Self-protective behaviors, such as handwashing and mask-wearing, are effective to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but few studies have focused on women living in rural areas who bear the brunt of the impacts of the pandemic due to their economic and social vulnerabilities. This study explores what prompted the adoption of self-protective behaviors in response to COVID-19 among women living in rural areas of western China.
Methods
The study sample consisted of 1,524 women from 116 townships across 10 counties in rural western China. We collected data in May and August 2020 on women's socioeconomic characteristics, exposure to COVID-19-related information, psychological response to COVID-19, and adoption of self-protective behaviors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted to analyze the relations among the variables.
Results
During the lockdown, 1,221 (80.12%) of the 1,524 women in the study sample reported wearing a mask every time when they went outside and 1,021 (66.99%) reported handwashing with soap every time after they came home. Perceived efficacy had the strongest association with self-protective behaviors (β = 0.38; p < 0.001). Receiving public health guidance (β = 0.18; p < 0.001) was indirectly associated with more self-protective behaviors via greater perceived efficacy. Higher socioeconomic status was also directly associated with increased adoption of self-protective behaviors (β = 0.24; p < 0.001). Other variables, such as receiving surveillance and risk information, communication channels, perceived risks, and fear, were indirectly associated with the adoption of self-protective behaviors with smaller effect sizes (all β were lower than 0.10).
Conclusions
Not all women were able to adopt self-protective behaviors, such as mask-wearing and handwashing, during the COVID-19 pandemic in western China. To further encourage behavioral changes in response to public health crises, the government should develop clear and actionable guidelines and adopt targeted health communication strategies to reach the most disadvantaged groups of society. These findings may inform tailored responses to COVID-19 in other low- and middle-income countries.
|
10.3389/fpubh.2021.756933
|
pubmed_621_14891
|
The recent advent of an entirely subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (ICD) has provided a relevant contribution to the debate concerning the use of ICD therapy in patients at high risk for death. Although conventional transvenous ICDs have proven very effective during the past 23 years, they still appear to be limited by nontrivial acute and long-term complications. This study delineates some of the historical and current issues characterizing the advent of the subcutaneous ICD system in daily clinical practice. Subcutaneous ICDs have proven effective in more than 1100 patients worldwide and appear to be competitive with transvenous ICD in all clinical conditions not requiring antibradycardia, antitachycardia, or cardiac resynchronization pacing.
|
10.1016/j.pcad.2012.03.006
|
pubmed_22_5378
|
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between blood lipid profiles and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive search of the literature related to lipid profiles and postmenopausal osteoporosis was conducted in Wanfang Database, CNKI, PubMed (1950-2015) and EMBASE (1974-2015). Appropriate studies were selected according to pre-defined exclusion criteria, and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were compared between osteoporosis and normal density groups. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3.
RESULTS
Ten published articles were selected for meta-analysis. The results showed that the levels of HDL, LDL, TC were higher in the osteoporosis group than the normal density group, whereas the levels of TG were lower in the osteoporosis group (HDL: MD = 2.63, 95% CI: 0.43 to 4.84, p = 0.02; LDL: MD = 9.67, 95% CI: -0.10 to 19.44, p = 0.0532; TG: MD = -0.42, 95% CI: -17.52 to 16.67, p = 0.96; TC: MD = 14.82, 95% CI: 2.84 to 26.80, p = 0.02). There was no statistical difference in LDL and TG.
CONCLUSIONS
The serum levels of HDL and TC are higher in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients, and may thus be potentially useful indicators to reflect the process of osteoporosis in these women. More research is needed to determine the relationship between LDL, TG and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
|
10.26355/eurrev_201801_14093
|
pubmed_17_13473
|
OBJECTIVES
Many deaths occur among persons without insurance coverage for hospice care. We examined the patient and agency characteristics associated with receiving unreimbursed hospice care in a national survey.
RESULTS
We examined the receipt of unreimbursed care using the 1998 National Home and Hospice Care Survey (NHHCS) discharge dataset. Overall, only 3% of hospice patients received unreimbursed care. Because 98% of older adults are eligible for Medicare, we stratified multivariate analysis on age greater or less than 65 years. Among persons less than 65 years of age, younger, nonwhite persons were more likely to receive unreimbursed care, as were persons with cancer. Agencies providing unreimbursed care to persons over the age of 65 years were more likely to be not-for-profit and freestanding.
CONCLUSION
Recipients of unreimbursed hospice care are demographically similar to the uninsured, and whether uninsured persons receive unreimbursed hospice care depends on clinical and agency organizational factors related to the motivation to provide unreimbursed care.
|
10.1089/109662103768253696
|
pubmed_723_21860
|
AIMS
This study used estimated sodium intake from 24-h urine sodium (24hUNa) to explore the relationship of sodium intake with proteinuria among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and with renal tubular injury markers [retinol-binding protein (RBP), beta 2-microglobulin (β2-MG), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG)].
METHODS
Hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (N = 269) were divided into two groups according to the median (0.08 g/day) 24-h urinary protein (24hUpro) level. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between 24hUNa and 24hUpro ≥ 0.08 g/L; scatter plots were used to analyze the association of RBP, β2-MG, and NAG with 24hUNa.
RESULTS
Overall, 269 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled (average age, 56 ± 12 years; men, 61.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between 24hUNa and 24hUpro ≥ 0.08 g/L; every 10 mmol of 24hUNa had an increased risk of 24hUpro elevation [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 (1.01-1.11)]. Compared with the lowest quartile of 24hUNa, the highest quartile had an increased risk of 24hUpro elevation [OR (95% CI): 2.76 (1.25-6.05)]; 24hUNa did not correlate with RBP, β2-MG, or NAG.
CONCLUSIONS
In hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes, 24hUNa was independently related to 24hUpro ≥ 0.08 g/day. However, no correlation of 24hUNa with RBP, β2-MG, or NAG was found.
|
10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2019.107498
|
pubmed_435_5212
|
BACKGROUND
The metabolism of the essential trace element copper remains incompletely understood and, until recently, nearly ignored in acute medicine. Menkes disease was for long the only known copper deficiency condition, but several case reports and investigations conducted over the last 2 decades have shown that deficiency is more frequent than previously suspected, with devastating individual consequences and potential public health consequences. The copper needs in healthy individuals are 0.9 mg/d, which translates to 0.3 mg/d intravenously in parenteral nutrition; the present review aims at gathering actual knowledge.
METHOD AND RESULTS
A review of literature was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane systematic reviews to identify the most recent information about copper deficiency and generate a narrative review. Copper deficiency has hereditary and acquired origins, the latter being the most frequent. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific but affect all organs and systems, particularly the hematologic (anemia) and the neurologic (myeloneuropathy) systems. Deficiency also affects the cardiovascular, cutaneous, and immune systems. Severe copper deficiency due to reduced absorption after bariatric bypass surgery has become frequent.
CONCLUSION
Deficiency is more frequent than previously recognized, probably because of changing nutrition patterns but also because of some treatments that have become very common such as bypass bariatric surgery and, in acute medicine, prolonged continuous renal replacement therapy. The patients may present with severe hematologic and neurologic complications that go untreated because copper deficiency was not considered in the differential diagnosis: These complications often need active intravenous repletion with doses 4-8 times the usual nutrition recommendations.
|
10.1002/ncp.10328
|
pubmed_1066_3321
|
BACKGROUND
Dermatophytes are highly contagious organisms of public health importance, particularly among primary school children in the resource-limited settings with a prevalence of 10% to 20% in East Africa. Here, we report the prevalence and associated factors of dermatophyte infections among primary school children in Ilemela, Mwanza - Tanzania.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 323 children aged between 4 and 10 years from 10 randomly selected primary schools. The study was conducted between July 2017 and September 2017. Pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant social-demographic information followed by clinical examination to establish the diagnosis of dermatophyte infections. Data were analysed using Stata version 13.
RESULTS
The mean age of the study participants was 7.63±1.27 years, with the slightl majority (n=183, 56.7%) of participants being girls. The majority (n=277, 70.3%) of the study participants were from public schools. A total of 299 (92.6%) children reported using tap water at home. Using clinical diagnosis, 94 (29.1%) children had dermatophyte infections with 92 (97.9%) of them having tinea capitis. By multivariate logistic regression analysis: being a boy (odds ratio [OR] 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 3.22; P=.01); using lake, river, or well water (OR 3.18; 95% CI, 1.36 to 7.38; P<.01); playing in a dusty environment (OR 2.65; 95% CI, 1.28 to 5.47; P<.01); playing with animals (OR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.56; P<.003); and having family members with dermatophyte infections (OR 10.56; 95% CI, 4.57 to 24.41; P<.001) predicted dermatophyte infections.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of dermatophyte infection is high in the study population and is associated with poor hygiene. Improved hygiene will reduce the prevalence of dermatophyte infections among primary school children in low-income countries. Further studies to identify the species and susceptibility patterns of these dermatophytes are recommended to establish empirical treatment guidelines.
|
10.24248/EAHRJ-D-18-00033
|
pubmed_750_23118
|
BACKGROUND
Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TF-PELD) is a minimally invasive technique with high radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to compare radiation exposure of ultrasound-guided TF-PELD with fluoroscopy-guided TF-PELD.
METHODS
In this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 patients with lumbar disc herniation were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups (30 cases in each group): the ultrasound-guided group or the fluoroscopy-guided group. The radiation exposure, fluoroscopy time, and visual analog scale score were recorded. The number of possible operations per year within the yearly occupational exposure limit (OEL) was calculated. We also recorded the adverse events to evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided TF-PELD.
RESULTS
In 30 patients from the ultrasound-guided group, the lumbar disc structure was clearly visible under ultrasound guidance. The effective dose to surgeons and radiation dose to patients were 1.7 ± 0.4 and 25.2 ± 4.9 μSv in the ultrasound-guided group and 9.0 ± 2.5 and 127.4 ± 27.1 μSv in the fluoroscopy-guided group (P < 0.05), respectively. The fluoroscopy time was 2.6 ± 0.5 seconds in the ultrasound-guided group and 127.3 ± 29.5 seconds in the fluoroscopy-guided group (P < 0.05). A surgeon with shielding devices could treat 5556 cases per year in the fluoroscopy-guided group before exceeding the OEL for whole-body radiation, whereas they could treat 29,412 cases in the ultrasound-guided group. No difference between groups was detected in postoperative visual analog scale score (P > 0.58). No serious adverse event was found in any patient.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided TF-PELD could decrease radiation exposure to surgeons and patients, without serious adverse events. It seems to be an acceptable alternative to fluoroscopy-guided TF-PELD.
|
10.1016/j.wneu.2018.12.169
|
pubmed_924_3428
|
PURPOSE
The effects of bleaching times, types of etching agent and storage period of bleached bovine tooth on the shear bond strength of resin cement to the enamel were examined.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bovine teeth were repeatedly bleached 0, 1, 3, and 5 times then stored in 37 degrees C water for 1 week. The effect of bleaching number of the bovine tooth on the bond strength of resin cement to the enamel was investigated using 40% phosphoric acid (EG) etching technique. Next, the effects of types of etching agent and of storage period of bleached bovine tooth with three times in 37 degrees C water on the bond strength were studied using 10% citric acid-3% ferric chloride (10-3) or 10% citric acid (10-0) solution.
RESULTS
The bleaching of bovine tooth allowed for a dramatic decrease in the bond strength from 18.3 MPa to 9.8 MPa (1 time), and 3.9 MPa (3 times), even though the bovine enamel was etched by EG. However, when 10-3 or 10-0 solution was applied to the three times bleached enamel, bond strengths were 13.9 and 10.0 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, prolonging of the storage period of the three times bleached bovine tooth in water to 2 months resulted in a increase in the bond strength from 3.9 to 10.1 MPa, even if bovine enamel was etched by EG, and close to that obtained from the 10-3 etching.
CONCLUSION
To obtain the expected bond strength to bleached enamel, it is better to wait for 2 months for a restoration and use the 10-3 etching.
|
10.2186/jjps.52.331
|
pubmed_160_20049
|
Volatile substance misuse is common during early adolescence; however, limited work has been conducted investigating the neurobiological effects of such use on the developing brain. While both animal and human studies report cognitive and neurobiological harm associated with volatile substance misuse during adolescence (particularly involving white matter structures), the complex psychosocial characteristics of volatile substance misusers confound the specificity of reported volatile substance-related pathology in human subjects. In addition, few studies have examined whether cognitive and neurobiological recovery occurs with abstinence, although there is some literature indicating that neurological and cognitive improvement is possible, but relates to the frequency and duration of previous use. Longitudinal studies utilizing well-matched control samples are required to fully delineate the short- and long-term impact of volatile substance misuse on adolescent brain development.
|
10.3109/10826084.2011.580216
|
pubmed_529_14810
|
OBJECTIVE
Chronic fatigue and chronic pain both deter people from participating in exercise, even though exercise is often a key component of treatment. While reasons for this may seem obvious, the extent and mechanism(s) of reduced exercise performance among affected individuals, particularly those with chronic pain, are not well described. We hypothesized that patients with chronic fatigue are more deconditioned than those with chronic pain, due to the nature of their illness or disability.
DESIGN
Retrospective chart audit June 2012 to December 2014.
SUBJECTS
Adolescents with chronic fatigue (320, 73 males) or chronic pain (158, 30 males).
METHODS
Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test to determine peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and work efficiency.
RESULTS
Mean (standard deviation (SD)) peakV̇O2 was similar between patients with chronic fatigue and chronic pain: males 36.5 (SD 8.3) vs 34.2 (SD 7.3) ml/kg/min (p = 0.17); females 27.3 (SD 6.1) vs 27.6 (SD 6.6) ml/kg/min (p = 0.67). PeakV̇O2 was < 90% predicted in 80% and 75% of females, or 77% and 83% of males, with chronic fatigue and chronic pain, respectively. Peak O2pulse and work efficiency were likewise similar.
CONCLUSION
Patients in both groups manifest exercise responses typical of cardiopulmonary deconditioning and to similar extent. Failure to detect unique cardiopulmonary or muscle pathophysiology suggests a shared pathway to low aerobic work capacity.
|
10.2340/16501977-2221
|
pubmed_774_18207
|
OBJECTIVE
Women with pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence (UI) are at an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of surgery for UI on sexual function.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 82 women who underwent mid-urethral transobturator tape (TOT) surgery between March 2010 and December 2014. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) were administered pre- and postoperatively.
RESULTS
We observed a significant increase in the total postoperative PISQ-12 scores compared to the preoperative scores (from 27.1±7.3 to 30.5±6.8, P<0.001). Improved sexual function was confirmed in the physical (13.3±4.5 vs. 15.8±3.5, P<0.001) and partner-related domains (6.7±2.6 vs. 7.4±2.4, P=0.001). Coital incontinence and preoperative urinary distress inventory score were significant factors influencing postoperative sexual function in women undergoing TOT surgery for UI after adjusting for age, body mass index, menopause, and preoperative PISQ-12 score in multivariate regression analysis.
CONCLUSION
TOT surgery for UI correction resulted in significant improvement in sexual function.
|
10.5468/ogs.2019.62.2.120
|
pubmed_236_16674
|
Mothers of 60 girls with fragile X [fra(X)] and 58 controls were asked to fill out the Conners' Parent's Questionnaire to determine if this commonly used checklist would detect behavior problems in young girls with fra(X). The mean T-scores were significantly different between the 2 groups of girls on 5 of the 6 factors on the Conners' Parent's Questionnaire and the girls with fra(X) had mean T-scores that were above the average range on both the Anxiety factor and the Hyperactivity Index factor. Significantly more girls had T-scores greater than 70 (> 98th centile) on 3 of the 6 factors. Twenty-three percent of the girls had T-scores greater than 70 on the Anxiety factor and 38% of the girls had T-scores greater than 70 on the Hyperactivity Index factor. This study suggests that some behavior problems will be reported frequently in young girls with fra(X) and should not be difficult for clinicians to detect.
|
10.1002/ajmg.1320510413
|
pubmed_1018_8673
|
We investigated the effects of potassium channel inhibitors on electrical activity, membrane ionic currents, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and hormone release in GH3/B6 cells (a line of pituitary origin). Patch-clamp recordings show a two-component after hyperpolarization (AHP) following each action potential (current clamp) or a two-component tail current (voltage-clamp). Both components can be blocked by inhibiting Ca2+ influx. Application of D-tubocurarine (dTc) (20-500 microM) reversibly suppressed the slowly decaying Ca2+-activated K+ tail current (I AHPs) in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, low doses of tetraethylammonium ions (TEA+) only blocked the rapidly decaying voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ tail current (I AHPf). Therefore, GH3/B6 cells exhibit at least two quite distinct Ca2+-dependent K+ currents, which differ in size, voltage- and Ca2+-sensitivity, kinetics and pharmacology. These two currents also play quite separate roles in shaping the action potential. d-tubocurarine increased spontaneous Ca2+ action potential firing, whereas TEA increased action potential duration. Thus, both agents stimulated Ca2+ entry. I AHPs is activated by a transient increase in [Ca2+]i such as a thyrotrophin releasing hormone-induced Ca2+ mobilization. All the K+ channel inhibitors we tested: TEA, apamin, dTC and charybdotoxin, stimulated prolactin and growth hormone release in GH3/B6 cells. Our results show that I AHPs is a good sensor for subplasmalemmal Ca2+ and that dTc is a good pharmacological tool for studying this current.
|
10.1016/s0303-7207(98)00066-5
|
pubmed_515_20273
|
This study reports 2 cases of IgG4-related disorder of the retroperitoneum resembling plasma cell type of Castleman's disease. A single lesion was located in the renal hilum and ureter, respectively, in these 2 cases. Histologically, both lesions were characterized by reactive follicular hyperplasia with active germinal centers and a sheet of polyclonal mature plasma cells in the interfollicular area. The prominent sclerosis and/or fibrosis, which were characteristic histological findings of IgG4-related disorders, were absent. However, immunohistochemical study demonstrated numerous IgG4+ plasma cells accounting for more than 50% of IgG+ cells. The phlebitis that occurs with early lesions of obliterative phlebitis is one of the characteristic histological findings of IgG4-related disorders and was noted in one case. Serum IgG4 concentration was increased in one case. The serum interleukin-6 level was within the normal range in one case that was examined. From a therapeutic perspective, it is important to discriminate IgG4-related disorder from plasma cell type of Castleman's disease.
|
10.1177/1066896909331996
|
pubmed_889_8596
|
The objective of this article is to propose a re-visiting of the paradigms of nano-carriers based drug routeing from an industrial viewpoint. The accumulation of drugs in specific body compartments after intravenous administration and the improvement of the oral bioavailability of peptides were taken as examples to propose an update of the translational framework preceding industrialisation. In addition to the recent advances on the biopharmacy of nano-carriers, the evolution of adjacent disciplines such as the biology of diseases, the chemistry of polymers, lipids and conjugates, the physico-chemistry of colloids and the assembling of materials at the nanoscale (referred to as microfluidics) are taken into account to consider new avenues in the applications of drug nano-carriers. The deeper integration of the properties of the drug and of the nano-carrier, in the specific context of the disease, advocates for product oriented programmes. At the same time, the advent of powerful collaborative digital tools makes possible the extension of the expertise spectrum. In this open-innovation framework, the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of nano-carriers are proposed as a roadmap for the translational process from the Research stage to the Proof-of-Concept in human.
|
10.1080/1061186X.2018.1561891
|
pubmed_83_15079
|
This article proposes a resilient framework for optimized consensus using a dynamic event-triggering (DET) scheme, where the multiagent system (MAS) is subject to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. When initiated by an adversary, DoS blocks the local and neighboring communication channels in the network. A distributed DET scheme is utilized to limit transmissions between the neighboring agents. A novel convex optimization approach is proposed that simultaneously co-designs all unknown control and DET parameters. The optimization is based on the weighted sum approach and increases the interevent interval for a predefined consensus convergence rate. In the presence of DoS, the proposed co-design framework is beneficial in two ways: 1) the desired level of resilience to DoS is included as a given (desired) input and 2) the upper bound for guaranteed resilience associated with the proposed co-design approach is less conservative (larger) compared to those obtained from other analytical solutions. A structured tradeoff between relevant features of the MAS, namely, the consensus convergence rate, frequency of event triggerings, and level of resilience to DoS attacks, is established. Simulations based on nonholonomic mobile robots quantify the effectiveness of the proposed implementation.
|
10.1109/TCYB.2020.3022568
|
pubmed_192_8809
|
LESSONS LEARNED
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with good performance status or no liver metastasis could benefit from apatinib.Circulating tumor DNA abundance may be a predictor in serial monitoring of tumor load.
BACKGROUND
Apatinib, an oral vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 inhibitor, has been approved as third-line treatment for metastatic gastric cancer in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib, in the treatment of patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of two or more lines of chemotherapy.
METHODS
In this open-label, single-arm, phase II study, patients with histological documentation of adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum were eligible if they had received at least two prior regimens of standard therapies including fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. These patients were treated with apatinib in a daily dose of 500 mg, p.o., in the third-line or higher setting. Capture sequencing was dynamically performed to identify somatic variants in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with a panel of 1,021 cancer-related genes. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and the tumor response was determined according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. Interim analysis was applied as predefined.
RESULTS
From June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017, 26 patients were enrolled. The median PFS of the whole group was 3.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-5.9). The median overall survival (OS) was 7.9 months (95% CI: 4.6-10.1+). Patients with performance status (PS) 0-1 had longer PFS than those with PS 2 (4.17 months vs. 1.93 months, p = .0014). Patients without liver metastasis also had longer PFS than those who had live metastasis (5.87 months vs. 3.33 months, p = .0274). The common side effects of apatinib were hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, proteinuria, and diarrhea. The incidence of grade 3-4 hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, proteinuria, and diarrhea was 76.92%, 11.54%, 73.08%, and 23.08%, respectively. All of the patients received dose reduction because of adverse effect. Results of capture sequencing showed APC, TP53, and KRAS were most frequently mutant genes. ctDNA abundance increased before the radiographic assessment in ten patients.
CONCLUSION
Apatinib monotherapy showed promising efficiency for patients with refractory colorectal cancer, especially in patients with PS 0-1 or no liver metastasis. ctDNA abundance may be a predictor in serial monitoring of tumor load.
|
10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0164
|
pubmed_203_9186
|
The corpus luteum is a transient endocrine gland that produces essentially progesterone, a required product for the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy. In the absence of pregnancy, the corpus luteum will cease to produce progesterone, and the structure itself will regress in size over time. The life span and function of the corpus luteum is regulated by complex interactions between stimulatory (luteotrophic) and inhibitory (luteolytic) mediators. Although the process of luteal formation and regression has been studied for several decades, many of the regulatory mechanisms involved in loss of function and involution of the structure are incompletely understood. In rodents, prolactin is the major luteotrophic hormone by maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the corpus luteum for several days after mating. Other factors involved in steroidogenesis, control of cell cycle, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling have been shown to play a role in corpus luteum development and maintenance. Especially, PGF2alpha seems to be the most potent luteolytic hormone. One of the most important advances in the study of mammalian genes has been the development of techniques to obtain defined mutations in mice. These tools enable us to target specific genes and to analyze the impact of their loss on cell fate and function. With these approaches, several receptors, transcription factors, enzymes, and other factors have been linked to corpus luteum development and maintenance. These models are helping to define mechanisms of reproductive function and to identify potential new contraceptive targets and genes involved in the pathophysiology of reproductive disorders.
|
10.1016/S0070-2153(05)68003-9
|
pubmed_625_16878
|
This current study is aimed towards the fabrication of AZ31 magnesium cylindrical mesh cage implant with circular holes for orthopedic applications. This mesh cage is coated with nanocomposite material containing polycaprolactone (PCL), pluronic F127 and nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) by electrospinning process. Morphology and composition were analyzed by various characterization techniques. Controlled degradation and weight loss of the nanocomposite coated samples in 28 days were observed when compared with uncoated samples in SBF (simulated body fluid). The nanocomposite coated material was not cytotoxic to MG63 osteosarcoma cells. The cell viability, morphology, ALP activity, calcium mineralization and collagen deposition were also better on this when compared to uncoated. Smooth and randomly deposited nanofibers on the mesh cage was observed and the contact angle indicated that the surface is hydrophilic with (initial contact angle of 55 ± 1° and after 10 s 0°) when compared to PCL (99°) coated surface. 2-5 fold higher mRNA expression levels of osteogenic genes namely ALP, BMP2, COL1 and RUNX2 was observed with nanocomposite coated scaffolds than uncoated and PCL coated samples in 14 days. These results indicate the potential use of the nanocomposite coated AZ31 cylindrical mesh cage for segmental bone defect repair and can be used as a degradable implant for orthopedic applications.
|
10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.09.010
|
pubmed_424_18841
|
Domoic acid (DA) is a naturally-occurring amino acid that causes a form of human intoxication called amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) following the consumption of shellfish. A rapid and sensitive HPLC-UV method has been developed for analysis of DA and analogues in shellfish without the need for SPE clean-up. Isocratic chromatographic separation of DA and its isomers from shellfish matrix interferences and from the prevalent amino acid, tryptophan, was achieved by careful control of the mobile phase pH. The optimised pH was found to be 2.5 when using a Luna(2) C18 column. Sample extraction was verified with control extracts from shellfish spiked at 5.0 and 10.0 microg/g of DA and with certified reference material. The average extraction efficiency was 98.5%. The calibration, based on mussel tissue spiked with DA standard, was linear in the range 0.05-5.0 microg/ml (r = 0.9999) and the detection limit (signal:noise 3:1) was better than 25 ng/ml. The DA assay achieved good precision; %RSD = 1.63 (intra-day, n = 6) and %RSD = 3.7 (inter-day, n = 8). This method was successfully applied to a variety of shellfish species, allowing the rapid screening of a large number of samples per day (20-30), without the need for SPE clean-up. Quantitative data were obtained for shellfish samples containing domoic acid in the concentration range 0.25-330 microg/g. Using the same chromatographic conditions, LC-MS3 was used to determine DA and its isomers, isodomoic acid D and epi-domoic acid, in scallop tissues.
|
10.1007/s00216-005-3109-4
|
pubmed_175_21120
|
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-negative zoonosis which occasionally infects humans via ingestion of contaminated food and water, and typically causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal tract infection. Patients who are immunocompromised, have haemochromatosis or liver cirrhosis are more likely to develop serious complications such as bacteraemia. We present the case of a 76-year-old man with fever and an acutely tender, swollen right knee. Blood cultures were positive for Y. pseudotuberculosis, and 16s ribosomal PCR analysis of his knee aspirate confirmed septic arthritis. He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and made an excellent recovery following knee washout. Interestingly, our patient did not have any of the classic risk factors described in the literature, or history of exposure to the pathogen to explain his diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is only the second confirmed case of Y. pseudotuberculosis bacteraemia with septic arthritis, and the first to involve the knee joint.
|
10.1136/bcr-2019-233125
|
pubmed_1136_10345
|
OBJECTIVE
To assess the vitamin D status and its seasonal variability in healthy young adults in Chandigarh, a city in northern India.
METHODS
The history was elicited and examination was performed pertaining to metabolic bone disease in 329 young adults (18 to 25 years of age) at the end of summer and 237 subjects from the same cohort at the end of winter. The calcium profile, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and intact parathyroid hormone were measured during both the seasons.
RESULTS
Among the young adults in this study cohort, 25(OH)D sufficiency (≥ 30 ng/mL) was found in 72.5% in summer and in 50.7% in winter. A significantly higher number of men were 25(OH)D sufficient in comparison with women in summer (P = .001). The mean (standard deviation) serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher at the end of summer-52.9 (33.7) ng/mL-in comparison with that at the end of winter-31.8 (21.1) ng/mL; P<.001. The intact parathyroid hormone levels were significantly lower in the 25(OH)D-sufficient group (P = .001) and began to increase at 25(OH)D levels below 25 ng/mL. The serum 25(OH)D levels correlated positively with the duration of exposure to sunlight during summer (r = 0.111; P = .05) and also the calcium intake during summer (r = 0.129; P = .03).
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D sufficiency may be a reality with a combination of young skin, optimal and effective exposure to sunlight, and adequate calcium intake.
|
10.4158/EP10155.OR
|
pubmed_848_18376
|
A retrospective chart review of 127 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was undertaken to determine the rate of requests for psychiatric consultation. Thirty-six patients (28.3%) had received psychiatric consultations. This is similar to the rate of consultations seen in other studies. Patients who were not intravenous (iv) drug abusers were more likely to be seen for mood disturbances; iv drug users were more likely to be seen for behavior disturbances. The implications of these findings for future demands on consultation-liaison services for AIDS patients are discussed.
|
10.1016/S0033-3182(90)72217-7
|
pubmed_207_13803
|
The ethanolic root extract of Plumbago rosea (Plumbaginaceae) was studied for acute toxicity in mice and subacute toxicity in rats. The 24 h LD50 values of the extract in mice were 239.88 mg and 1148.15 mg/kg b.wt. for intraperitoneal and oral routes, respectively. Oral administration of doses above 1250 mg/kg produced severe diarrhea. In subacute toxicity studies no mortality was observed when 50 mg/kg of the extract was injected i.p. daily for 30 days; however, there was no weight gain in the treated rats. Significant reduction in the weights of liver, kidney, thymus and testes was observed in the male rats, while the spleen weight showed a significant increase from control. The females showed a significant loss in thymus weight and a gain in the weight of the uterus, but the liver and spleen did not show any weight change from the control. There was a significant increase in total WBC and neutrophil counts as well as in the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase (ALT) in both sexes. Similarly, the liver alkaline phosphatase level was significantly higher than control, but a significant reduction was observed in the DNA, RNA and total proteins. Thus, a higher drug dose (total dose of 15 g/kg b.wt.) was tolerated in fractionated administration, but it had a growth inhibitory effect in both sexes. The males appear to be more susceptible than females when individual organs are considered.
|
10.1016/0378-8741(93)90081-f
|
pubmed_204_1493
|
PURPOSE
To investigate the long-term effects of corticosteroid pulse therapy (CPT) for the treatment of acute-stage Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients with severe ocular involvement.
DESIGN
Retrospective, comparative case series.
METHODS
This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 SJS/TEN patients who developed the disease between 2002 and 2018. Patients with severe ocular disorders (ie, ocular surface epithelial defect, pseudomembranous formation, or both) at the acute stage and who were followed for >1 year post SJS/TEN onset were enrolled. In those patients, the treatments administered for acute-stage SJS/TEN and associated ocular sequelae were examined, including the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the patient's worse eye and the incidence of the ocular complications at the final follow-up examination.
RESULTS
A total of 85 patients were enrolled. Of those, 36 received CPT within 4 days post disease onset (group A) and 49 patients did not receive CPT within 4 days post disease onset (group B). The percentage of eyes with a BCVA in the worse eye of ≥ 1.0 were 52.8% in group A and 14.3% in group B. Severe ocular sequelae (ie, a worsening of BCVA and corneal and conjunctival complications) were significantly less in group A than in group B.
CONCLUSIONS
In SJS/TEN patients with acute ocular involvement, CPT initiated within 4 days from disease onset may help reduce severe ocular sequelae.
|
10.1016/j.ajo.2021.06.015
|
pubmed_130_7289
|
In this work, freshwater microplastic samples collected from four different stations along the Italian Po river were characterized in terms of abundance, distribution, category, morphological and morphometrical features, and polymer type. The correlation between microplastic category and polymer type was also evaluated. Polymer identification was carried out developing and implementing a new and effective hierarchical classification logic applied to hyperspectral images acquired in the short-wave infrared range (SWIR: 1000-2500 nm). Results showed that concentration of microplastics ranged from 1.89 to 8.22 particles/m3, the most abundant category was fragment, followed by foam, granule, pellet, and filament and the most diffused polymers were expanded polystyrene followed by polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride, with some differences in polymer distribution among stations. The application of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as a rapid and non-destructive method to classify freshwater microplastics for environmental monitoring represents a completely innovative approach in this field.
|
10.1007/s11356-022-18501-x
|
pubmed_1042_19213
|
BACKGROUND
The rate of stunting in Nepal is among the highest in the world, which is a major public health problem. The objective of this study was to present data on stunting prevalence according to socio-demographic and geographical circumstances and to determine the impact of those circumstances on the risk of stunting.
METHODS
Data from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys were used with the study population of children under 5 years old. The prevalence of stunting was determined by descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for stunting.
RESULTS
The prevalence of stunting has declined in overall as well as in all groups and subgroups analysed. The percentage of stunted children from 2001 to 2016 decreased by 18 and 10.7% in the rural and urban areas respectively. The unadjusted analysis depicted association between stunting and children living in rural areas since children living in rural areas had higher odds of being stunted compared to their urban counterparts. However, the association was no longer observed when adjusted for other variables included in this study. Children born to mothers without any education had 2.27 (95% CI 1.70-3.05), 5.222 (95% CI 2.54-10.74), 1.81 (95% CI 0.92-3.55) and 1.92 (95% CI 1.28-2.89) odds of being stunted than those born to mothers with higher education for the year 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 respectively in the adjusted analysis. Similarly, children belonging to the poorest wealth quintile had 1.90 (95% CI 1.55-2.33), 1.87 (95% CI 1.36-2.58), 2.47 (95% CI 1.51-4.02) and 4.18 (95% CI 2.60-6.71) odds of being stunted than those belonging to the richest quintile in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 respectively. The association between stunting and wealth quintile depicting children belonging to the poorest and poorer wealth quintile having higher odds of being stunted remain the same in both unadjusted and adjusted analysis.
CONCLUSION
At national level, stunting is decreasing in Nepal; however, the prevalence of stunting is different between groups and subgroups analysed. The substantial inequalities in stunting have been preserved. Therefore, special emphasis should be given to vulnerable groups such as children belonging to the poorest and poorer wealth quintile instead of using blanket approach for delivering nutrition interventions. A balanced approach to nutritional inequalities prevalent across different regions and subgroups is required.
|
10.1186/s40795-019-0283-x
|
pubmed_1097_4688
|
Mercuric reductase (MerA) is central to the mercury (Hg) resistance (mer) system, catalyzing the reduction of ionic Hg to volatile Hg(0). A total of 213 merA homologues were identified in sequence databases, the majority of which belonged to microbial lineages that occupy oxic environments. merA was absent among phototrophs and in lineages that inhabit anoxic environments. Phylogenetic reconstructions of MerA indicate that (i) merA originated in a thermophilic bacterium following the divergence of the Archaea and Bacteria with a subsequent acquisition in Archaea via horizontal gene transfer (HGT), (ii) HGT of merA was rare across phylum boundaries and (iii) MerA from marine bacteria formed distinct and strongly supported lineages. Collectively, these observations suggest that a combination of redox, light and salinity conditions constrain MerA to microbial lineages that occupy environments where the most oxidized and toxic form of Hg, Hg(II), predominates. Further, the taxon-specific distribution of MerA with and without a 70 amino acid N-terminal extension may reflect intracellular levels of thiols. In conclusion, MerA likely evolved following the widespread oxygenation of the biosphere in a thermal environment and its subsequent evolution has been modulated by the interactions of Hg with the intra- and extracellular environment of the organism.
|
10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02260.x
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.