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pubmed_80_21682
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BACKGROUND
A taxonomy of the objects of study, theory, assessment, and intervention is critical to the development of all clinical sciences. Clinical psychology has been conceptually and administratively dominated by the taxonomy of an adjacent discipline - psychiatry's Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM). Many have called for a 'paradigm shift' away from a medical nosology of diseases toward clinical psychology's own taxonomy of clinical psychological problems (CPPs), without being able to specify what is to be listed and classified.
MAIN TEXT
An examination of DSM's problems for clinical psychology, especially its lack of clinical utility, and a search for the essence of CPPs in what clinical psychologists actually do, leads to the proposal that: The critical psychological-level phenomenon underlying CPPs is the occurrence of 'problem-maintaining circles' (PMCs) of causally related cognitions, emotions, behaviours, and/or stimuli. This concept provides an empirically-derived, theory-based, treatment-relevant, categorical, essentialist, parsimonious, and nonstigmatizing definition of CPPs. It distinguishes psychological problems in which PMCs have not (yet?) formed, and which may respond to 'counseling', clinical psychological problems in which active PMCs require clinical intervention, and psychopathological problems which are unlikely to be 'cured' by PMC-breaking alone.
CONCLUSION
A subsequent classification and coding system of PMCs is proposed, and expected benefits to research, communication, and the quality of case formulation in clinical psychology are described, reliant upon a development effort of some meaningful fraction of that which has been devoted to the DSM.
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10.1186/s40359-019-0318-8
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pubmed_540_10458
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PURPOSE
Radiologist medical school pathways have received little attention in recent workforce investigations. With osteopathic enrollment increasing, we assessed the osteopathic versus allopathic composition of the radiologist workforce.
METHODS
Linking separate Medicare Doctors and Clinicians Initiative databases and Physician and Other Supplier Files from 2014 through 2019, we assessed (descriptively and using multivariate panel logistic regression modeling) individual and practice characteristics of radiologists who self-reported medical degrees.
RESULTS
Between 2014 and 2019, as the number of osteopathic radiologists increased 46.0% (4.7% to 6.0% of total radiologist workforce), the number of allopathic radiologists increased 12.1% (representing a relative workforce decrease from 95.3% to 94.0%). For each year since completing training, practicing radiologists were 3.7% less likely to have osteopathic (versus allopathic) degrees (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96 per year, P < .01). Osteopathic radiologists were less likely to work in urban (versus rural) areas (OR = 0.95), and compared with the Midwest, less likely to work in the Northeast (OR = 0.96), South (OR = 0.95), and West (OR = 0.94) (all P < .01). Except for cardiothoracic imaging (OR = 0.78, P = .24), osteopathic radiologists were more likely than allopathic radiologists to practice as general (rather than subspecialty) radiologists (range OR = 0.37 for nuclear medicine to OR = 0.65 for neuroradiology, all P < .01).
CONCLUSIONS
Osteopathic physicians represent a fast-growing earlier-career component of the radiologist workforce. Compared with allopathic radiologists, they more frequently practice as generalist radiologists, in rural areas, and in the Midwest. Given recent calls for greater general and rural radiology coverage, increasing osteopathic representation in the national radiologist workforce could improve patient access.
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10.1016/j.jacr.2022.06.004
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pubmed_336_1001
|
Dietary composition largely influences pig's gastrointestinal microbiota and represents a useful prophylactic tool against enteric disturbances in young pigs. Despite the importance for host-microbe interactions and bacterial colonization, dietary responses of the mucosa-associated bacterial communities are less well investigated. In the present study, we characterized the mucosa-associated bacterial communities at the Pars non-glandularis of the stomach, ileum and colon, and identified shifts in these communities in response to different dietary calcium-phosphorus (Ca-P) contents (100% versus 190% of the Ca and P requirements) in combination with two basal diets (wheat-barley- or corn-based) in weaned pigs. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes from 93 mucosal samples yielded 447,849 sequences, clustering into 997 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity level. OTUs were assigned to 198 genera belonging to 14 different phyla. Correlation-based networks revealed strong interactions among OTUs at the various gastrointestinal sites. Our data describe a previously not reported high diversity and species richness at the Pars non-glandularis of the stomach in weaned pigs. Moreover, high versus adequate Ca-P content significantly promoted Lactobacillus by 14.9% units (1.4 fold change) at the gastric Pars non-glandularis (P = 0.035). Discriminant analysis revealed dynamic changes in OTU composition in response to dietary cereals and Ca-P contents at all gastrointestinal sites which were less distinguishable at higher taxonomic levels. Overall, this study revealed a distinct mucosa-associated bacterial community at the different gut sites, and a strong effect of high Ca-P diets on the gastric community, thereby markedly expanding our comprehension on mucosa-associated microbiota and their diet-related dynamics in weaned pigs.
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10.1371/journal.pone.0086950
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pubmed_386_5270
|
Among beetles, thousands of species develop horns, the size of which is often extraordinarily disproportionate with respect to body size. The Scarabaeidae is the family in which horned species are most predominant, but other families, such as the Geotrupidae (dor beetles), also show remarkable horns, although in a more limited number of species. Horn expression mechanisms are well documented in Scarabaeidae but, despite the wealth of studies on this family, the horn morphological pattern of the Geotrupidae, to our knowledge, has never been investigated. In this paper, we describe for the first time the horn expression pattern in a dor beetle. As a study species, we chose Ceratophyus rossii, an Italian endemic dor beetle of the protected Mediterranean maquis in Tuscany, which shows remarkable head and pronotal horns in males and a notable cephalic horn in females. We identified and modeled shape and size horn patterns combining traditional and geometric morphometric approaches. We discuss the results in the wider landscape of developmental models described for other, more well-characterized, scarab beetles.
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10.2108/zs140079
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pubmed_42_21487
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VP40, the putative matrix protein of both Ebola and Marburg viruses, possesses a conserved proline-rich motif (PY motif) at its N terminus. We demonstrate that the VP40 protein can mediate its own release from mammalian cells, and that the PY motif is important for this self-exocytosis (budding) function. In addition, we used Western-ligand blotting to demonstrate that the PY motif of VP40 can mediate interactions with specific cellular proteins that have type I WW-domains, including the mammalian ubiquitin ligase, Nedd4. Single point mutations that disrupted the PY motif of VP40 abolished the PY/WW-domain interactions. Significantly, the full-length VP40 protein was shown to interact both physically and functionally with full-length Rsp5, a ubiquitin ligase of yeast and homolog of Nedd4. The VP40 protein was multiubiquitinated by Rsp5 in a PY-dependent manner in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. These data demonstrate that the VP40 protein of Ebola virus possesses a PY motif that is functionally similar to those described previously for Gag and M proteins of specific retroviruses and rhabdoviruses, respectively. Last, these studies imply that VP40 likely plays an important role in filovirus budding, and that budding of retroviruses, rhabdoviruses, and filoviruses may proceed via analogous mechanisms.
|
10.1073/pnas.250277297
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pubmed_496_8960
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The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) has been increasing by about 5% per year of the past 40 years in a population which is growing continuously older and as such presents a growing therapeutic challenge. We report on two elderly female residents of a retirement home with histologically confirmed SCC on the back of the hand. In one case the tumor was completely excised and covered with a graft. In the second case the patient refused all surgical and radiotherapeutic procedures. We sought an adequate therapeutic alternative considering the extent and thickness of the tumor. Topical application of the immune response modifier imiquimod appeared to represent an alternative solution because of its unique antineoplastic mode of action, even though there was no published experience with this approach. She has remained tumor-free for four years, justifying our decision. In both cases, a comparable cosmetic result with full functional capacity of the hands was obtained. Imiquimod 5% cream was approved last year for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma.
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10.1111/j.1610-0387.2005.05733.x
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pubmed_579_8331
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The 1988 publication of the report of the Cartwright Inquiry and acceptance of its recommendations by the New Zealand Government initiated comprehensive and internationally important reform of bioethics and patients' rights. However, recent writing about the legacy of the inquiry has challenged the legitimacy of the inquiry and contributed to a climate questioning the value of the ethical reforms initiated by it. This article describes unsuccessful attempts to correct factual errors in one publication criticizing the inquiry. These attempts at correction raise ethical issues about the dissemination of the products of medical research-in particular, about the place of research subjects in post-publication ethical deliberations and the responsibility of universities and publishers in decision-making, especially in relation to the correction of error in academic publications.
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10.1007/s11673-015-9644-6
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pubmed_867_3593
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A natural killer cell assay was developed for the mink (Mustela vison) using mink peripheral mononuclear cells as effector cells and a mouse lymphoma cell line as targets. Baseline levels of natural killer cell activity were established in fertile mutation mink, primary infertile dark mink and secondary infertile dark mink with autoimmune orchitis. Blood samples were taken from dark mink at the end of March and from mutation mink during the first 2 weeks in April. Statistically significant differences in activity were noted between color phases and among groups. The possibility of genetic and/or seasonal differences in natural killer cell activity is discussed.
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pubmed_867_3593
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pubmed_914_19715
|
The effect of trace metal ions (Co²+, Cu²+, Fe²+, Mn²+, Mo⁶+, Ni²+, Zn²+, SeO₄⁻ and WO₄⁻) on growth and ethanol production by an ethanologenic acetogen, Clostridium ragsdalei was investigated in CO:CO₂-grown cells. A standard acetogen medium (ATCC medium no. 1754) was manipulated by varying the concentrations of trace metals in the media. Increasing the individual concentrations of Ni²+, Zn²+, SeO₄⁻ and WO₄⁻ from 0.84, 6.96, 1.06, and 0.68 μM in the standard trace metals solution to 8.4, 34.8, 5.3, and 6.8 μM, respectively, increased ethanol production from 35.73 mM under standard metals concentration to 176.5, 187.8, 54.4, and 72.3 mM, respectively. Nickel was necessary for growth of C. ragsdalei. Growth rate (μ) of C. ragsdalei improved from 0.34 to 0.49 (day⁻¹), and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) and hydrogenase (H₂ase)-specific activities improved from 38.45 and 0.35 to 48.5 and 1.66 U/mg protein, respectively, at optimum concentration of Ni²+. At optimum concentrations of WO₄⁻ and SeO₄⁻, formate dehydrogenase (FDH) activity improved from 32.3 to 42.6 and 45.4 U/mg protein, respectively. Ethanol production and the activity of FDH reduced from 35 mM and 32.3 U/mg protein to 1.14 mM and 8.79 U/mg protein, respectively, upon elimination of WO₄⁻ from the medium. Although increased concentration of Zn²+ enhanced growth and ethanol production, the activities of CODH, FDH, H₂ase and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) were not affected by varying the Zn²+ concentration. Omitting Fe²+ from the medium decreased ethanol production from 35.7 to 6.30 mM and decreased activities of CODH, FDH, H₂ase and ADH from 38.5, 32.3, 0.35, and 0.68 U/mg protein to 9.07, 7.01, 0.10, and 0.24 U/mg protein, respectively. Ethanol production improved from 35 to 54 mM when Cu²+ was removed from the medium. The optimization of trace metals concentration in the fermentation medium improved enzyme activities (CODH, FDH, and H₂ase), growth and ethanol production by C. ragsdalei.
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10.1007/s10295-010-0794-6
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pubmed_923_16921
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Hamster tracheal organ cultures were used to investigate the relationship between DNA adduct formation measured directly by the 32P-postlabeling assay, and the DNA damage measured indirectly by the unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay. Hamster tracheas were treated with three concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) for 2 days. Postlabeling and UDS assays were also carried out a few days after removal of the B[a]P. Furthermore, the types of B[a]P-DNA adducts formed in the in vitro organ culture were qualitatively compared with those formed in vivo after intratracheal intubation of B[a]P attached to Fe2O3 particles. In vivo only one adduct was detected by 32P-postlabeling. This adduct cochromatographed with the trans-addition produce of dG and (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE). In vitro, a clear B[a]P-DNA adduct pattern was also found with the 32P-postlabeling assay. Four different adducts were found. The main adduct spot migrated to the same position on the thin-layer chromatogram as the in vivo adduct. B[a]P-DNA adduct formation was both time- and dose-dependent. During the first day after removal of B[a]P the adduct levels still increased, thereafter they decreased at all B[a]P concentrations. A time- and dose-dependent increase in UDS was observed in the tracheal epithelial cells treated with B[a]P in vitro. After removal of the B[a]P, UDS decreased immediately, in contrast to the formation of DNA adducts. The results of the present study show that B[a]P induces time- and dose-dependently both DNA adducts and UDS in hamster tracheal organ culture. Moreover, the main DNA adduct formed in vitro, dG-(+)-anti-BPDE, was the same as that found in vivo.
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10.1093/carcin/14.3.463
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pubmed_232_17406
|
BACKGROUND
The role of leukotrienes (LTs) in the pathophysiology of isocyanate-induced asthma is not well known.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to characterize the type of airway inflammation induced by exposure to isocyanates and to investigate whether exposure to isocyanates induced an increase in LT receptor cysteinyl leukotriene ((CysLT)(1), CysLT(2) and leukotriene B(4) receptor (BLT(1))) expression, as well as a release of LT (LTC(4) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4))) and IL-8 in both asthmatics with isocyanate-induced asthma and healthy subjects.
METHODS
We investigated eight subjects with isocyanate-induced asthma and eight healthy subjects. Both groups underwent specific inhalation challenges to isocyanates in the laboratory. Induced sputum was collected before and after exposure to isocyanates. CysLT(1), CysLT(2) and BLT(1) expression was assessed by flow cytometry, whereas LTC(4), LTB(4) and IL-8 were measured in the sputum supernatants by enzyme immunoassay.
RESULTS
Exposure to isocyanates induced an increase in sputum neutrophils only in subjects with occupational asthma. There was a significant increase in CysLT(1) and BLT(1) receptor expression, as well as a release of LTB(4) and IL-8 after exposure to isocyanates compared with the baseline, only in subjects with isocyanate-induced asthma, whereas there was no increase in LTC(4). Exposure to isocyanates did not induce any change in LT receptor expression nor in the levels of LTC(4), LTB(4) and IL-8, in healthy subjects.
CONCLUSION
The neutrophilia observed after exposure to isocyanates is likely to be related to the release of LTB(4), probably enhanced by the increased expression of BLT(1) on neutrophils as well as by the release of IL-8. The significance of the increase of CysLT1 receptor expression on neutrophils is unknown and needs further investigation.
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10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02102.x
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pubmed_666_18041
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The amount of research being performed in children, in particular pharmacological research, is lower than in adults, which is in direct contrast to the aims of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. A Pediatric Clinical Research Center (PCRC) has been established at Sahlgrenska University Hospital with the aim of supporting clinical research in children and adolescents. The number of inquiries and initiated clinical studies at PCRC has increased since the start in 2016. In addition, there is a need for regional and national infrastructures for paediatric clinical research and a national network for paediatric clinical studies. CONCLUSION: Sahlgrenska University Hospital has established an infrastructure to support paediatric research and to work with national networks and infrastructures.
|
10.1111/apa.15385
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pubmed_1053_14573
|
To assess the platelet inhibitory effect of high doses of fish oils and relate it to alterations in eicosanoid synthesis, we used a canine model in which coronary thrombosis, the time to reperfusion induced by recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and the rate of spontaneous reocclusion are sensitive to platelet inhibition. In the animals fed fish oil, the time to rt-PA induced thrombolysis was accelerated (mean, 63 vs. 27 minutes; p less than 0.003). The time to thrombotic occlusion and the rate of reocclusion were unaltered. The ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid rose in platelet and endothelial cell membranes, whereas serum thromboxane (Tx) B levels fell a mean 86%, and basal excretion of 2,3-dinor-TxB2 (TxA2-M) declined. Basal prostaglandin (PG) I2 formation was unaltered, whereas biosynthesis of EPA-derived TxA3 and PGI3 increased. In control animals, TxA2 formation increased during thrombosis; there was a further, more marked rise during reperfusion. PGI2 formation also increased, probably as a response to platelet-vascular interactions. Stimulated production of both eicosanoids was strikingly suppressed in the animals fed fish oil. Fish oils significantly enhance the efficacy of rt-PA in vivo, albeit to a modest extent. Because the time to reperfusion is highly sensitive to Tx-dependent platelet activation, this effect is likely to reflect the demonstrated suppression of TxA2 biosynthesis by fish oils.
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10.1161/01.cir.82.1.178
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pubmed_20_1864
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BACKGROUND
Heavy alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) but few studies have investigated drinking and disease risk in middle income, non-western countries. We report on the relationship between alcohol consumption and NCDs in Thailand.
METHODS
A nationwide cross sectional survey was conducted of 87,151 Thai adult open university students aged 15 to 87 years (mean age 30.5 years) who were recruited into the Thai Cohort Study. Participants were categorized as never having drunk alcohol (n = 22,527), as being occasional drinkers who drank infrequently but heavily (4+ glasses/occasion - occasional heavy drinkers, n = 24,152) or drank infrequently and less heavily (<4 glasses/occasion - occasional light drinkers, n = 26,861). Current regular drinkers were subdivided into those who either drank heavily (4 + glasses per occasion - regular heavy drinkers, n = 3,675) or those who drank less (<4 glasses/occasion -regular light drinkers, n = 490). There were 7,548 ex-drinkers in the study. Outcomes were lifetime diagnoses of self-reported NCDs and obesity (body mass index ≥ 25).
RESULTS
Most women were never drinkers (40 % among females) or occasional light drinkers (39 %), in contrast to men (11 % and 22 %, respectively). Alcohol consumption was associated with urban in-migration and other recognized risks for NCDs (sedentary lifestyle and poor diet). After adjustment for these factors the odds ratios (ORs) for several NCDs outcomes - high cholesterol, hypertension, and liver disease - were significantly elevated among both occasional heavy drinkers (1.2 to 1.5) and regular heavy drinkers (1.5 to 2.0) relative to never drinkers.
CONCLUSIONS
Heavy alcohol consumption of 4 or more glasses per occasion, even if the occasions were infrequent, was associated with elevated risk of NCDs in Thailand. These results highlight the need for strategies in Thailand to reduce the quantity of alcohol consumed to prevent alcohol-related disease. Thailand is fortunate that most of the female population is culturally protected from drinking and this national public good should be endorsed and supported.
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10.1186/s12889-015-2662-9
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pubmed_977_6185
|
Aim
Women with evidence of ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) have an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To investigate potential links between INOCA and HFpEF, we examined pathophysiological findings present in both INOCA and HFpEF.
Methods
We performed adenosine stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in 56 participants, including 35 women with suspected INOCA, 13 women with HFpEF, and 8 reference control women. Myocardial perfusion imaging was performed at rest and with vasodilator stress with intravenous adenosine. Myocardial perfusion reserve index was quantified as the ratio of the upslope of increase in myocardial contrast at stress vs. rest. All CMRI measures were quantified using CVI42 software (Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc). Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression models, Fisher's exact tests, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results
Age (P = 0.007), Body surface area (0.05) were higher in the HFpEF group. Left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.02) was lower among the INOCA and HFpEF groups than reference controls after age adjustment. In addition, there was a graded reduction in myocardial perfusion reserve index in HFpEF vs. INOCA vs. reference controls (1.5 ± 0.3, 1.8 ± 0.3, 1.9 ± 0.3, P = 0.02), which was attenuated with age-adjustment.
Conclusion
Reduced myocardial perfusion reserve appears to be a common pathophysiologic feature in INOCA and HFpEF patients.
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10.20517/2574-1209.2021.103
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pubmed_199_11340
|
The tensile load strength of a glass-ionomer cement to untreated, etched, and citric acid-cleansed enamel, dentin, and cementum was measured. This study also tested one material for which neither conditioning nor etching was recommended by the manufacturer.
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10.1016/0022-3913(85)90108-8
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pubmed_738_698
|
OBJECTIVE
Leishmaniasis is caused by members of the Leishmania species and constitute a group of infective diseases that range from cutaneous lesions to lethal visceral forms. In infected persons, macrophages recognize and eliminate the parasites via phagocytosis. In order to change a hostile environment into an environment adequate for survival and reproduction, the engulfed Leishmania species needs to modulate the function of its host macrophage. The expression patterns of cytokine genes such as interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1, and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) represent the immune response. In this study, we employed an RNA-seq approach for human monocyte-derived macrophages infected with Leishmania major (L. major) to decipher cytokine gene expression alterations in host macrophages.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this descriptive study, human monocytes were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and cultured in the presence of monocyte colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) to obtain the macrophages. Monocyte-derived macrophages were then co-cultured with metacyclic promastigotes of L. major for 4 hours. RNA isolation was performed using TRIzol reagent. RNA sequencing was performed using the Illumina sequencing platforms. Gene expression analysis was performed using a Bioconductor DESeq2 package.
RESULTS
Our data revealed significant changes in immune response gene expressions in macrophages infected with L. major, with an up-regulation of cytokines and mostly down-regulation of their receptors.
CONCLUSION
The obtained data could shed more light on the biology of L. major and how the host cell responds to leishmaniasis.
|
10.22074/cellj.2021.6524
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pubmed_334_16129
|
Almost all ancient civilizations described tuberculous bacilli in their old scripts, and these bacteria have been found in prehistoric skeletal remains. The clinical availability of specific antitubercular drugs was the most important breakthrough in managing spinal tuberculosis. Any attempt at surgical excision of the disease prior to the antitubercular era met with serious complications, dissemination of disease and high mortality (nearly 50%). Antitubercular drugs markedly improved the results of management by operative treatment. Excellent healing of disease was also observed in those patients who were treated nonoperatively. However, it took many years (1950-1970) for clinicians to appreciate the efficacy of antitubercular drugs. Operations for spinal tuberculosis are now indicated less for control of disease (5-10% of all cases) than for complications, including nonresponding neural deficit (nearly 40% of neural complications), prevention or correction of severe kyphotic deformity, and for tissue diagnosis (approximately 5% of all cases). For a classic spondylodiscitis when surgery is required for débridement and decompression, an anterior approach through an extrapleural anterolateral route or through transpleural route is recommended. Healthy posterior elements should not be jeopardized by surgery. The real control of tuberculous disease requires a serious and sustained global effort to eliminate immunocompromised states, poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowding.
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10.1097/BLO.0b013e318065b75e
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pubmed_626_16577
|
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of timely reperfusion for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in regional STEMI Receiving Center (SRC) networks.
BACKGROUND
The American College of Cardiology Door-to-Balloon (D2B) Alliance target is a >75% rate of D2B <or=90 min. Independent initiatives nationwide have organized regional SRC networks that coordinate universal access to 9-1-1 with the pre-hospital electrocardiogram (PH-ECG) diagnosis of STEMI and immediate transport to a SRC (designated PPCI-capable hospital).
METHODS
A pooled analysis of 10 independent, prospective, observational registries involving 72 hospitals was performed. Data were collected on all consecutive patients with a PH-ECG diagnosis of STEMI. The D2B and emergency medical services (EMS)-to-balloon (E2B) times were recorded.
RESULTS
Paramedics transported 2,712 patients with a PH-ECG diagnosis of STEMI directly to the nearest SRC. A PPCI was performed in 2,053 patients (76%) with an 86% rate of D2B <or=90 min (95% confidence interval: 84.4% to 87.4%). Secondary analyses of this cohort demonstrated a 50% rate of D2B <or=60 min (n = 1,031), 25% rate of D2B <or=45 min (n = 517), and an 8% rate of D2B <or=30 min (n = 155). A tertiary analysis restricted to 762 of 2,053 (37%) cases demonstrated a 68% rate of E2B <or=90 min.
CONCLUSIONS
Ten independent regional SRC networks demonstrated a combined 86% rate of D2B <or=90 min, and each region individually surpassed the American College of Cardiology D2B Alliance benchmark. In areas with regional SRC networks, 9-1-1 provides entire communities with timely access to quality STEMI care.
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10.1016/j.jcin.2008.11.013
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pubmed_170_21098
|
PURPOSE
In the chick embryo, the administration of cadmium (Cd) induces ventral body wall defects (VBWDs) similar to the human omphalocele. Transforming growth factors beta (TGFs-beta) are involved in many developmental processes, including ventral body wall formation. The Tgfbeta2(-/-) Tgfbeta3(-/-) double knockout mice and Tgfbeta2(-/-) Tgfbeta3(+/-) mutants show VBWD, whereas Tgfbeta2(+/-) Tgfbeta3(-/-) mutants display normal ventral body wall fusion. We designed this study to investigate the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 in the Cd-induced omphalocele chick model during early embryogenesis.
METHODS
Chick embryos were exposed to either Cd or saline, harvested 1 hour (1H), 4H, and 8H after treatment and then divided into 2 groups: control and Cd (n = 8 at each time-point, respectively). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the mRNA levels of TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 and statistically analyzed.
RESULTS
The mRNA expression levels of TGF-beta2 at 1H were significantly decreased in the Cd group compared to controls (P < .05). However, the levels of TGF-beta3 were not altered at all the time-points studied.
CONCLUSION
We provide evidence, for the first time, that TGF-beta2 gene expression is downregulated during a narrow window of early embryogenesis in the Cd chick model. Our data show that TGF-beta2 is the key gene involved in the formation of ventral body wall.
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10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.02.016
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pubmed_392_22209
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Advanced antibacterial methods are urgently needed to deal with possible infectious diseases. As promising alternatives to antibiotics, enzyme-mimic nanocatalysts face bottlenecks of low activities and indistinct catalytic mechanisms, which seriously restrict their development for anti-infection treatment. Herein, metastable copper sulfide (Cu2-S) nanozymes with diversiform sizes and compositions were selected to adjust the electronic structure for enhancing enzyme-mimic activities. The as-synthesized large and thin nanoplates (L/TN nanoplates), with the stoichiometric ratio of Cu1.25S, were proven to possess the optimal peroxidase (POD)-mimic activity. Using quantum mechanics, it was theoretically revealed that the sulfur vacancies could alter the electronic structure of copper active sites and thus reduce the reaction energy barrier of H2O2 to·OH to promote the POD-mimic performance. Moreover, through enhanced enzyme-mimic activities, L/TN nanoplates achieved efficient depletion of glutathione and ascorbic acid for improving antibacterial performances. Further, synergizing with the NIR irradiation, the satisfactory destruction capability for bacteria and biofilm was achieved for L/TN nanoplates under an inflammatory level of hydrogen peroxide (50 μM). Altogether, this work provides a deeper understanding of geometrical and electronic properties-dependent antibacterial performance, and paves the way toward precise compositions and structures engineering of nanozymes.
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10.1021/acsami.1c17985
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pubmed_986_6041
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Isoelectric focusing in a thin layer of polyacrylamide gel is shown to be a suitable method for the resolution of intermediates trapped during the refolding process of reduced cystine-containing proteins. The method has been applied to the well-characterized snake neurotoxin erabutoxin b. An explanation is offered for the relatively low rate of refolding of this polypeptide.
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10.1042/bj2010495
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pubmed_73_14506
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The properties of the amyloid-beta peptide that lead to aggregation associated with Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood. This study aims at identifying conformational differences among four variants of full-length Abeta42 that are known to display very different aggregation properties. By extensive all-atom Monte Carlo simulations, we find that a variety of beta-sheet structures with distinct turns are readily accessible for full-length Abeta42. In the simulations, wild type (WT) Abeta42 preferentially populates two major classes of conformations, either extended with high beta-sheet content or more compact with lower beta-sheet content. The three mutations studied alter the balance between these classes. Strong mutational effects are observed in a region centered at residues 23-26, where WT Abeta42 tends to form a turn. The aggregation-accelerating E22G mutation associated with early onset of Alzheimer's disease makes this turn region conformationally more diverse, whereas the aggregation-decelerating F20E mutation has the reverse effect, and the E22G/I31E mutation reduces the turn population. Comparing results for the four Abeta42 variants, we identify specific conformational properties of residues 23-26 that might play a key role in aggregation.
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10.1002/prot.22775
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pubmed_1118_20059
|
Cell migration frequently involves the formation of lamellipodia induced by Rac GTPases activating WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) to drive Arp2/3 complex-dependent actin assembly. Previous genome editing studies in B16-F1 melanoma cells solidified the view of an essential, linear pathway employing the aforementioned components. Here, disruption of the WRC subunit Nap1 (encoded by Nckap1) and its paralog Hem1 (encoded by Nckap1l) followed by serum and growth factor stimulation, or active GTPase expression, revealed a pathway to formation of Arp2/3 complex-dependent lamellipodia-like structures (LLS) that requires both Rac and Cdc42 GTPases, but not WRC. These phenotypes were independent of the WRC subunit eliminated and coincided with the lack of recruitment of Ena/VASP family actin polymerases. Moreover, aside from Ena/VASP proteins, LLS contained all lamellipodial regulators tested, including cortactin (also known as CTTN), the Ena/VASP ligand lamellipodin (also known as RAPH1) and FMNL subfamily formins. Rac-dependent but WRC-independent actin remodeling could also be triggered in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts by growth factor (HGF) treatment or by gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes usurping HGF receptor signaling for host cell invasion. Taken together, our studies thus establish the existence of a signaling axis to Arp2/3 complex-dependent actin remodeling at the cell periphery that operates without WRC and Ena/VASP.
|
10.1242/jcs.260364
|
pubmed_890_2689
|
Pollen tubes grow by spatially and temporally regulated expansion of new material secreted into the cell wall at the tip of the tube. A complex web of interactions among cellular components, ions and small molecule provides dynamic control of localized expansion and secretion. Cross-correlation studies on oscillating lily (Lilium formosanum Wallace) pollen tubes showed that an increase in intracellular calcium follows an increase in growth, whereas the increase in the alkaline band and in secretion both anticipate the increase in growth rate. Calcium, as a follower, is unlikely to be a stimulator of growth, whereas the alkaline band, as a leader, may be an activator. To gain further insight herein we reversibly inhibited growth with potassium cyanide (KCN) and followed the re-establishment of calcium, pH and secretion patterns as growth resumed. While KCN markedly slows growth and causes the associated gradients of calcium and pH to sharply decline, its removal allows growth and vital processes to fully recover. The calcium gradient reappears before growth restarts; however, it is preceded by both the alkaline band and secretion, in which the alkaline band is slightly advanced over secretion. Thus the pH gradient, rather than the tip-focused calcium gradient, may regulate pollen tube growth.
|
10.3390/plants6010003
|
pubmed_366_570
|
Mycoplasmas recovered recently from dogs were found unrelated to three classified canine Mycoplasma serotypes but were similar in biological and serological properties to a Mycoplasma strain (C21, PG-24) isolated 18 years earlier. It is proposed that strains with the characteristics described be designated Mycoplasma edwardii sp. n.
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10.1128/jb.101.2.346-349.1970
|
pubmed_1071_15849
|
BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. T2DM treatment is a step-wise approach beginning with lifestyle modifications (for example, diet, exercise), followed by the addition of oral hypoglycemic agents (for example, metformin). Patients who do not respond to first-line therapy are offered second-line therapy (for example, sulfonylureas). Third-line therapy may include insulin and/or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.It is unclear whether DPP-4 inhibitors are safer and more effective than intermediate acting insulin for third-line management of T2DM. As such, our objective is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of DPP-4 inhibitors versus intermediate acting insulin for T2DM patients who have failed both first- and second-line diabetes treatments.
DESIGN/METHODS
Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and grey literature (for example, trial registries, public health websites) will be conducted to identify studies examining DPP-4 inhibitors compared with each other, intermediate acting insulin, no treatment, or placebo for adults with T2DM. The outcomes of interest include glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) (primary outcome), as well as emergency department visits, physician visits, hospital admissions, weight gain, quality of life, microvascular complications, macrovascular complications, all-cause mortality, and cost (secondary outcomes). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-RCTs, controlled before-after, interrupted time series, cohort studies, and cost studies reporting data on these outcomes will be included. Eligibility will not be restricted by publication status, language of dissemination, duration of study follow-up, or time period of study conduct.Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts resulting from the literature search, as well as potentially relevant full-text articles, in duplicate. Data will be abstracted and quality will be appraised by two team members independently. Conflicts at all levels of screening and abstraction will be resolved through team discussion.Our results will be described narratively. Random effects meta-analysis and network meta-analysis will be conducted, if feasible and appropriate.
DISCUSSION
Our systematic review results can be used to determine the most effective, safe and cost-effective third-line strategies for managing T2DM. This information will be of great use to health policy-makers and clinicians, as well as patients living with T2DM and their families.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registry number: CRD42013003624.
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10.1186/2046-4053-2-47
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pubmed_1090_3086
|
A case of atypical presentation of a post-traumatic intranasal meningo-encephalocele is described in a patient with a history of recurrent bacterial meningitis occurring 5 years after closed head injury. The usefulness of the CT and MRI findings in diagnostic evaluation of this lesion is emphasized.
|
10.1136/pgmj.67.786.377
|
pubmed_748_12149
|
Identification of genes required for segregation of chromosomes in meiosis (scm) is difficult because in most organisms high-fidelity chromosome segregation is essential to produce viable meiotic products. The biology of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe facilitates identification of such genes. Insertional mutagenesis was achieved by electroporation of linear ura4+ DNA into cells harboring a ura4 deletion. Approximately 1000 stable transformants were screened individually for the production of elevated frequencies of aneuploid spore colonies. Twenty-two candidates were subjected to a secondary screen for cytological defects. Five mutants exhibited significant levels of aberrant meiotic chromosome segregation, but were proficient for mating and completion of meiosis. Each mutant's phenotype cosegregated with its respective ura4+ transgene. The mutations were recessive and defined five complementation groups, revealing five distinct genes (scm1, scm2, scm3, scm4 and scm5). Southern blotting revealed single-site integration in each transformant, indicating that insertional mutagenesis is useful for generating single-locus scm mutations linked to a selectable marker. The transgene insertion points were refractory to analysis by inverse-PCR. Molecular and real-time PCR analyses revealed the presence of multiple, truncated copies of ura4+ at each integration site. Thus, electroporation-mediated insertional mutagenesis in S.pombe is preceded by exonucleolytic processing and concatomerization of the transforming DNA.
|
10.1093/nar/gkh767
|
pubmed_512_11603
|
Faithful execution of developmental programs relies on the acquisition of unique cell identities from pluripotent progenitors, a process governed by combinatorial inputs from numerous signaling cascades that ultimately dictate lineage-specific transcriptional outputs. Despite growing evidence that metabolism is integrated with many molecular networks, how pathways that control energy homeostasis may affect cell fate decisions is largely unknown. Here, we show that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central metabolic regulator, plays critical roles in lineage specification. Although AMPK-deficient embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were normal in the pluripotent state, these cells displayed profound defects upon differentiation, failing to generate chimeric embryos and preferentially adopting an ectodermal fate at the expense of the endoderm during embryoid body (EB) formation. AMPK(-/-) EBs exhibited reduced levels of Tfeb, a master transcriptional regulator of lysosomes, leading to diminished endolysosomal function. Remarkably, genetic loss of Tfeb also yielded endodermal defects, while AMPK-null ESCs overexpressing this transcription factor normalized their differential potential, revealing an intimate connection between Tfeb/lysosomes and germ layer specification. The compromised endolysosomal system resulting from AMPK or Tfeb inactivation blunted Wnt signaling, while up-regulating this pathway restored expression of endodermal markers. Collectively, these results uncover the AMPK pathway as a novel regulator of cell fate determination during differentiation.
|
10.1101/gad.274142.115
|
pubmed_795_22086
|
Antiarrhythmic drug allapinin has been used in clinical practice for a long time but data of investigation of its effects and mechanism of action are scanty. The aim of this review is to summarize results of clinical studies of allapinin supplementing them with personal unpublished data. The review embraces pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug, its efficacy in the treatment of various cardiac rhythm disturbances and side effects. The conclusion is made that clinical application of allapinin as class 1C antiarrhythmic drug according to Vaughan-Williams classification should be guided by general recommendations concerning indications and contraindications for this class of antiarrhythmic drugs. Special feature of allapinin is its high efficacy for prevention of attacks of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
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pubmed_795_22086
|
pubmed_69_6200
|
The viral and patient factors affecting the efficacy of therapy were discussed. The modern data on the molecular mechanism of action of main drugs for hepatitis C therapy were presented. New antiviral drugs (protease inhibitors) and pharmacological substances under development targeted against viral polymerase and protein NS5A were considered.
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pubmed_69_6200
|
pubmed_183_23948
|
A flow-injection (FI) manifold including a solid-phase extraction (SPE) mini-column has been coupled on-line to an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence detector (EDXRFD) by locating a lab-modified 18-microL flow-cell, 10-mm path length, connected to the SPE column by PTFE tubing of 0.5 mm i.d., in the X-ray spectrometer chamber. The optical window of the flow-cell was adjusted and fixed to the X-ray irradiation zone of the spectrometer. Two PTFE tubes connected the flow-cell to the FI device and were introduced into the spectrometer chamber by a small orifice without distortion nor modification of the instrument. The SPE-EDXRFD coupling was tested for Pb and Cd aqueous solutions using Dowex 50 cation-exchange resin as sorbent, and flushing the eluate through the flow-cell for monitoring. The LODs and LOQs thus obtained were 1 and 3.2 microg for Pb and 1.8 and 4.8 microg for Cd, respectively; values which allow using the approach for the analysis of waste water by injecting 20 mL of sample into the FI manifold. The linear dynamic ranges are a function of the sample volume circulated through the mini-column. For a sample volume of 20 mL the ranges are between 1 and 4000 microg for Pb and between 1.8 and 2000 microg for Cd. The method was validated by the standard addition method using ground-water samples. The SPE-EDXRFD coupling enables to carry out the study of those variables influencing the SPE process--namely, the effect of the sample volume flushed through the column, concentration of analytes in the sample, amount of resin packed, breakthrough volume of the resin, elution profiles, sample pH and retention and elution flow-rates--in an automatic, cheap, fast and precise way.
|
10.1016/j.aca.2007.05.018
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pubmed_1082_13987
|
We report here that B7/BB1 molecules expressed on activated T lymphocytes are involved in signal transduction. Anti-B7/BB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) enhanced allogeneic proliferative responses against three different B lymphoma lines in a dose-dependent manner, while the same mAb inhibited T-cell response against allogeneic T cells expressing B7/BB1. Induction of B7/BB1 expression on T cells with allogeneic stimulation was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. With the purified preactivated T cells as responder cells, anti-B7/BB1 mAb costimulated these primed T cells with coimmobilized anti-CD3 mAb. Moreover, cross-linking of B7/BB1 molecules induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in preactivated T cells with a phosphorylation pattern distinct from those induced by signalling through other T-cell molecules. These results suggest that B7/BB1 molecules function not only as costimulatory ligands expressed on antigen-presenting cells but as receptors on T cells to transduce the costimulatory signals into the cells and may play a role for T-cell-T-cell interactions leading to clonal expansion of activated T lymphocytes. However, the physiological relevance of our finding remains to be explored.
|
pubmed_1082_13987
|
pubmed_830_17591
|
Fibrosis is a hallmark histologic event of chronic liver diseases and is characterized by the excessive accumulation and reorganization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The gold standard for assessment of fibrosis is liver biopsy. As this procedure has various limitations, including risk of patient injury and sampling error, a non-invasive serum marker for liver fibrosis is desirable. The increasing understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis has suggested several markers which could be useful indicators of hepatic fibrogenesis and fibrosis. These markers include serum markers of liver function, ECM synthesis, fibrolytic processes, ECM degradation and fibrogenesis related cytokines. Recently, neo-epitopes, which are post-translational modifications of proteins, have been successfully used in bone and cartilage diseases which are characterized by extensive ECM remodeling. Increasing numbers of studies are being undertaken to identify neo-epitopes generated during liver fibrosis, and which ultimately might be useful for diagnosing and monitoring fibrogenesis. To date, the metalloproteinases generated fragment of collagen I, III, IV and VI have been proven to be elevated in two rat models of fibrosis. This review summarizes the recent efforts that have been made to identify potentially reliable non-invasive serum markers. We used the recently proposed BIPED (Burden of disease, Investigative, Prognostic, Efficacy and Diagnostic) system to characterize potential serum markers and neo-epitope markers that have been identified to date.
|
10.4137/BMI.S10009
|
pubmed_370_11002
|
A circulating anticoagulant against factor XII was detected in a patient with smoldering leukemia. Despite severe associated thrombocytopenia the patient suffered two thromboembolic episodes, besides mucosal bleeding. The circulating anticoagulant was demonstrated not only in the plasma but also in the serum. Its activity was not affected by heating at 56 degrees C for 30 min and it was not adsorbed by SO4Ba or A1(OH)3. The circulating anticoagulant was not dializable and demonstrated to be an IgG. This is apparently the first reported association of smoldering leukemia and a circulating anticoagulant against factor XII.
|
10.1159/000207039
|
pubmed_857_4889
|
The Alcaligenes eutrophus 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate/alpha-ketoglutarate dioxygenase, encoded by the tfdA gene of plasmid pJP4, is an Fe(II)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate to 2,4-dichlorophenol and glyoxylate concomitant with the decomposition of alpha-ketoglutarate to form succinate and carbon dioxide (Fukumori, F., and Hausinger, R. P. (1993) J. Bacteriol. 175, 2083-2086). Using recombinant Escherichia coli cells that overexpress the tfdA gene, the thermolabile enzyme (stable only up to 30 degrees C) was purified to apparent homogeneity (specific activity of 16.9 mumol of substrate converted min-1 mg of protein-1) by a simple two-step procedure. The native protein has an apparent M(r) of 50,000 +/- 2,500, consistent with a homodimeric structure. Ferrous ion is absolutely required for activity and cannot be replaced by several other divalent cations tested. Ascorbic acid stimulates dioxygenase activity and reduces the rate of enzyme inactivation by a metal ion-mediated process. The enzyme exhibits maximum activity at pH 6.5-7, however, it is stable over a pH range of 6.5-11. Although capable of hydroxylating a wide range of phenoxyacetates and related compounds, the enzyme exhibits the greatest affinity (Km 17.5 +/- 1.0 microM) and highest catalytic efficiency for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate. Similarly, alpha-ketoglutarate is the preferred co-substrate (Km 3.20 +/- 0.54 microM) for the enzyme, but it can utilize a range of other alpha-ketoacids with lower efficiency. Results from chemical modification studies are consistent with the presence of multiple essential histidine residues in the enzyme.
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pubmed_857_4889
|
pubmed_419_5080
|
Children with dyslexia, compared with typically reading peers, are at increased risk of internalising (e.g., anxiety) and externalising (e.g., aggression) mental health concerns; why this is the case is largely unknown. Our aim was to explore the socio-emotional experience of growing up with dyslexia from both child and parent perspectives. In so doing, we aimed to gain a better understanding of self-esteem and mental health in the context of dyslexia. One-to-one semi-structured interviews with 17 children with reading difficulties (aged 9-14 years; 16 with a diagnosis of dyslexia) and their mothers (interviewed separately) were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis approach with a neurodiversity lens. We developed three themes to address the research aim: (1) Different in a good/bad way; (2) Exhausted and overwhelmed; and (3) It takes a community: Family school connections. Children discussed having "worries" and experiencing school-related stress and embarrassment. Mothers perceived children's internalising and externalising behaviour (meltdowns), school refusal, and homework resistance as emotional responses to children's school struggles due to poor "person-environment fit." Our analysis highlights the particular importance of parent support, friendship, and school-connectedness for the wellbeing of children with dyslexia.
|
10.1002/dys.1729
|
pubmed_891_1382
|
BACKGROUND
Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) confers a high recurrence risk following surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy (CHT) is typically administered in all stages. The benefit of radiation therapy (RT) in UCS, when added to adjuvant CHT, is unknown. We sought to analyze the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to ascertain whether RT improves overall survival (OS) when added to surgery and CHT for UCS.
METHODS
SEER 18 Custom Data registries (Nov 2018 submission) were queried for uterine (ICD10 C54.1-9, C55.9) carcinosarcoma (ICD-0-3 8980-3). Patients with stage I-III UCS who underwent surgery and CHT ± RT were analyzed with univariate analysis (UVA) and multivariable analysis (MVA) using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. Propensity-score matched analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to account for indication bias. Furthermore, conditional landmark analysis (minimum three-month follow-up) was performed to minimize immortal time bias.
RESULTS
All 1541 patients (1988-2016) underwent surgery and CHT and 54% received RT. On UVA, RT improved median and 5-year OS from 41 to 87 months and 43-55%, respectively (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56-0.77) (p < 0.001). After IPTW adjustment, RT improved median and 5-year OS from 46 to 65 months and 46-53%, respectively (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.87) (p < 0.001). The benefit of RT remained on unadjusted and adjusted MVA and conditional landmark analysis.
CONCLUSION
In stage I-III UCS treated with surgery and CHT, receipt of RT is associated with OS benefit. Further prospective data are needed to investigate the RT's benefit in UCS.
|
10.1007/s10147-021-02007-6
|
pubmed_579_10747
|
BACKGROUND
Ultramarathon is a high endurance exercise associated with a wide range of exercise-related problems, such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Early recognition of individuals at risk of AKI during ultramarathon event is critical for implementing preventative strategies.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the impact of speed variability to identify the exercise-related acute kidney injury anticipatively in ultramarathon event.
METHODS
This is a prospective, observational study using data from a 100 km ultramarathon in Taipei, Taiwan. The distance of entire ultramarathon race was divided into 10 splits. The mean and variability of speed, which was determined by the coefficient of variation (CV) in each 10 km-split (25 laps of 400 m oval track) were calculated for enrolled runners. Baseline characteristics and biochemical data were collected completely 1 week before, immediately post-race, and one day after race. The main outcome was the development of AKI, defined as Stage II or III according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent association between variables and AKI development.
RESULTS
26 ultramarathon runners were analyzed in the study. The overall incidence of AKI (in all Stages) was 84.6% (22 in 26 runners). Among these 22 runners, 18 runners were determined as Stage I, 4 runners (15.4%) were determined as Stage II, and none was in Stage III. The covariates of BMI (25.22 ± 2.02 vs. 22.55 ± 1.96, p = 0.02), uric acid (6.88 ± 1.47 vs. 5.62 ± 0.86, p = 0.024), and CV of speed in specific 10-km splits (from secondary 10 km-split (10th - 20th km-split) to 60th - 70th km-split) were significantly different between runners with or without AKI (Stage II) in univariate analysis and showed discrimination ability in ROC curve. In the following multivariate analysis, only CV of speed in 40th - 50th km-split continued to show a significant association to the development of AKI (Stage II) (p = 0.032).
CONCLUSIONS
The development of exercise-related AKI was not infrequent in the ultramarathon runners. Because not all runners can routinely receive laboratory studies after race, variability of running speed (CV of speed) may offer a timely and efficient tool to identify AKI early during the competition, and used as a surrogate screening tool, at-risk runners can be identified and enrolled into prevention trials, such as adequate fluid management and avoidance of further NSAID use.
|
10.1371/journal.pone.0133146
|
pubmed_940_7274
|
1. Changes in membrane potential following electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1, 2 and 5 pulses at 5 Hz, 0.5 ms duration, 60-80 V) of non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) inhibitory nerves in the rat isolated anococcygeus muscle were measured using standard intracellular recording techniques. Resting membrane potential ranged between -60 and -70 mV. 2. In the presence of guanethidine (30 microM), atropine (1 microM), propranolol (1 microM) and phentolamine (0.05 microM) to establish NANC conditions, the membrane potential depolarized to between -40 and -50 mV. Under these conditions, EFS caused pulse-dependent, tetrodotoxin (1 microM)-sensitive biphasic inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) comprising a fast onset and time-to-peak phase followed by a second, slower phase that delayed repolarization. The duration of NANC IJPs ranged between 10 and 20 s. 3. Inhibition of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels with apamin (0.1 microM) selectively blocked the first fast phase of the NANC IJP, whereas inhibitors of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (charybdotoxin and iberiotoxin) and ATP-sensitive K+ channels (glibenclamide) all had no effect on NANC IJPs. 4. Both the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG; 100 microM) and the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase 1-H-oxodiazol-[1,2,4]-[4,3-a] quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ; 10 microM) had no effect on the first fast phase of the NANC IJP. Each treatment, however, markedly inhibited the slow phase with the duration of the IJP reduced to between 1 and 3 s. The L-NOARG-resistant fast phase of the NANC IJP was almost abolished by the subsequent addition of apamin (0.1 microM). 5. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates unequivocal NANC nerve-mediated biphasic IJPs in the rat isolated anococcygeus. We propose that nitric oxide (NO), via activation of cGMP-dependent K+ channels, and a non-NO inhibitory factor which activates apamin-sensitive K+ channels contribute to NANC nerve-evoked IJPs in the rat anococcygeus.
|
10.1111/j.1469-7793.1998.835ba.x
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pubmed_295_12739
|
Yeasts have wide applicability in the industrial field, as in the production of enzymes used in biocatalysts. Biocatalysts are more efficient when compared to chemical catalysts, with emphasis on hydrolytic enzymes, such as amylase, cellulase and protease. Here we focused on prospecting yeasts, with a high capacity to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes, from a continental lotic ecosystem environment in Brazil. 75 yeasts were grown in Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD) medium supplemented with antibacterial and their capacity for enzymatic production was tested in specific media. Accordingly, 64 yeasts showed enzyme production capacity. From those, six showed good enzyme indexes, 3 for amylase, 2 for cellulase and 1 for protease. All showed at least one hydrolytic enzyme activity for the tested enzymes (amylase, cellulase and protease), which suggested that the yeasts are metabolically active. By sequencing the 26S gene, we identified Naganishia diffluens and Apiotrichum mycotoxinivorans as the species with highest enzyme production activities. Those species showed potential for application as biological catalysts in the biotechnological scope, collaborating in a sustainable way for the development of industrial products.
|
10.1016/j.btre.2021.e00630
|
pubmed_422_14045
|
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess effects of the Hansin-Awaji Earthquake on health-status of community residents.
METHOD
This study was conducted at Itami City, Hyogo prefecture, one of the affected areas of this disaster. Methods as follows: 1) We assessed health-status of 159 adult residents (36 males and 123 females) before, just after, and 1 year after this disaster using annual health check-up data. 2) We compared health check-up data of 109 adult residents (42 males and 67 females) living in temporary-housing after this disaster with the control group matched by age and sex not living in temporary-housing 6 months after the disaster.
RESULT
1) In the residents living in severe damaged area, triglyceride level significantly just after this disaster and tended to go down one year after. 2) Significantly more temporary-housing residents had greater prevalence of irregular dietary habits, more smoking habit, lower HDL-cholesterol level and higher triglyceride level, compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
We found this disaster had many negative effects on their health-status. In addition, temporary-housing residents had poorer health-status than control group. Therefore, these results suggest that we must deal with improvements to the health-status of these residents.
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pubmed_422_14045
|
pubmed_1135_19740
|
This study examined the item functioning of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) in an ethnically diverse sample 1,190 of first-time justice-involved adolescents (mean age = 15.28 years, SD = 1.29). On elimination of 2 items, the total ICU score provided a reliable (internally consistent and stable) and valid (correlated with and predictive of measures of empathy, school conduct problems, delinquency, and aggression) continuous measure of callous and unemotional (CU) traits. A shortened, 10-item version of the total scale, developed from item response theory (IRT) analyses, appeared to show psychometric properties similar to those of the full ICU and, thus, could be used as an abbreviated measure of CU traits. Finally, item analyses and tests of validity suggested that the factor structure of the ICU reported in a large number of past studies could reflect method variance related to the ICU, including equal numbers of positively and negatively worded items. Specifically, positively worded items (i.e., items for which higher ratings are indicative of higher levels of CU traits) were more likely to be rated in the lower response categories, showed higher difficulty levels in IRT analyses (i.e., discriminated best at higher levels of CU traits), and were more highly correlated with measures of antisocial and aggressive behavior. On the basis of these findings, we recommend using the total ICU as a continuous measure of CU traits and do not recommend continued use of the subscale structure that has been reported in multiple past studies.
|
10.1037/pas0000183
|
pubmed_753_17260
|
INTRODUCTION
Glaucoma is a prevalent ocular disease with characteristic optic disc and visual field changes. Globally, it is the second most common cause of visual disability, and the most common cause of irreversible and preventable blindness. Ocular hypertension (OH) occurs where intraocular pressure elevation occurs in the absence of glaucomatous disc and visual field changes. OH is a strong risk factor for glaucoma. Ocular hypotensive medications are the mainstay of glaucoma and OH treatment, and their use modifies the course of the disease by preventing onset and progression of damage.
AREAS COVERED
Prostaglandin analogs, β-blockers, α-agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and parasympathomimetics are available in our glaucoma armamentarium and are reviewed. Novel agents have evolved as our understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in aqueous humor production and obstacles to aqueous outflow increases. Potential future candidates appear to act on enhancing trabecular meshwork outflow: the Rho-kinase inhibitors, ion-channel modulators and chelating agents. Further work is needed on other promising agents: serotonergics, melatonins, cannabinoids, adenosine agonists, components of the actomyosin system, nucleotide analogs and gene silencing. Methods to improve side effect profiles or efficacy of currently available therapies are also being developed. As glaucoma treatment adherence is poor, novel drug delivery methods might address this challenge.
EXPERT OPINION
Although there are good intraocular pressure-lowering medications available, novel mechanisms and drug delivery modes may provide more effective glaucoma control in future.
|
10.1517/14728214.2011.521631
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pubmed_152_16175
|
OBJECTIVE
To describe a rehabilitation model using a multidisciplinary team approach for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with golf injuries or physically challenged persons desiring to play golf.
DESIGN
A retrospective, descriptive study of a multidisciplinary golf rehabilitation program that included evaluation by a physiatrist, a physical therapist, and a Professional Golf Association golf professional.
RESULTS
A total of 145 individuals were treated in this program between 1994 and 1997. The majority of subjects were amateur (95%), male golfers (80%), with a mean age of 55.7 yr (range, 14-80 yr). Golfing injuries of the lower back were the most common diagnosis and had a higher frequency in men than women (49% vs. 28%); women were more likely to have shoulder (28% vs. 10%) and elbow (13% vs. 9%) injuries than men. Interventions used included medical or surgical treatment (89%), physical rehabilitation, including exercises or diathermy (92%), and modification of golf swing technique (83%). Outcomes included a return to sports participation in 98% of subjects. All subjects with golf-induced injuries returned to sports participation, and one male and one female subject won state amateur golf championships.
CONCLUSION
A comprehensive, multidisciplinary model for the evaluation and rehabilitation of golf injuries has been developed, using a team of healthcare professionals and a golf teaching professional. This approach may play a role in facilitating recovery and sports participation in injured golfers.
|
10.1097/00002060-200207000-00005
|
pubmed_260_10766
|
Recurring chromosomal translocations observed in human leukemia often result in the expression of fusion proteins that are DNA-binding transcription factors. These altered proteins acquire new dimerization properties that result in the assembly of inappropriate multimeric transcription complexes that deregulate hematopoietic programs and induce leukemogenesis. Recently, we reported that the fusion protein AML1/MDS1/EVI1 (AME), a product of a t(3;21)(q26;q22) associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia, displays a complex pattern of self-interaction. Here, we show that the 8th zinc finger motif of MDS1/EVI1 is an oligomerization domain involved not only in interaction of AME with itself but also in interactions with the parental proteins, RUNX1 and MDS1/EVI1, from which AME is generated. Because the 8th zinc finger motif is also present in the oncoprotein EVI1, we have evaluated the effects of the interaction between RUNX1 and EVI1 in vitro and in vivo. We found that in vitro, this interaction alters the ability of RUNX1 to bind to DNA and to regulate a reporter gene, whereas in vivo, the expression of the isolated 8th zinc finger motif of EVI1 is sufficient to block the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced differentiation of 32Dcl3 cells, leading to cell death. As EVI1 is not detected in normal bone marrow cells, these data suggest that its inappropriate expression could contribute to hematopoietic transformation in part by a new mechanism that involves EVI1 association with key hematopoietic regulators, leading to their functional impairment.
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10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-3962
|
pubmed_1058_7896
|
BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunctions are common among patients with chronic renal failure. The prevalence was assessed in a population of 281 patients (20-60 years), and it was attempted to determine whether their mode of treatment (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation), or biochemical and endocrine variables and neuropathy affect sexual functioning. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis served as a comparison group.
METHODS
Assessment included clinical history, physical and laboratory examinations, questionnaires measuring erotosexual dysfunctions, and a psychophysiological test procedure. The latter is a laboratory method which measures, in a waking state, subjective and physiological sexual arousal.
RESULTS
Men on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis suffered significantly more often from 'Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder', 'Sexual Aversion Disorder' and 'Inhibited Male Orgasm' than men with kidney transplantation or rheumatoid arthritis. Interestingly, the prevalence of 'Male Erectile Disorder' did not differ significantly between the four groups and ranged between 17 and 43%. Of the women, transplanted patients suffered significantly less from 'Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder' than the other three groups; the prevalence of other sexual dysfunctions did not differ between the groups. Although 'Male Erectile Disorder' and 'Female Sexual Arousal Disorder' had a relatively high prevalence there were no differences in the four groups of patients in genital responses during psychophysiological testing. Genital responses during psychophysiological assessment had no relationship to the duration of renal replacement treatment, biochemical/endocrine variables, or the presence/ absence of neuropathy.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high. Sexual dysfunction in men on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis was not so much due to erectile failure but largely to loss of sexual interest, subjectively ascribed to fatigue. The latter was also found in women on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
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10.1093/ndt/12.12.2654
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pubmed_121_25652
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Renewable energy generation and increased electrification are pivotal to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Consequently, global deployment of wind turbines has soared, and the trend is expected to continue. Installed turbines have only recently started reaching the end of their design lives, and waste volumes are projected to escalate rapidly. Approximately 94% of a wind turbine (by mass) is recyclable, but the waste polymer composite blades are most commonly landfilled. This mini-review aims to review current end-of-life (EoL) management practices in the large-scale wind industry for countries with established EoL standards as well as those with less mature regulations. Data on current EoL management practices, initiatives and regulations in industry was sourced primarily from literature reviews and publicly available internet information. Additional insights and perspectives were gained from WindEurope's EoL Issues and Strategies 2020 seminar and through communication with select individuals from various sectors such as wind energy development and operations, government, industry associations, academia and research organizations. The results show that the decision on EoL options is dictated by the remaining useful life (RUL) of the wind turbines, prevailing policies and electricity prices. The contribution of this article is, firstly, identifying a number of key technical, economic and regulatory questions that must be asked before deciding on the most appropriate EoL option. Secondly, the article identifies factors that impede current EoL management efforts to close the circular economy gap and those that can support sustainable technology deployment. Finally, the article considers the way that countries with a young fleet of wind farms may learn from more experienced nations. There are few proven business cases, and barriers to the profitability and effectiveness of EoL strategies include uncertainty about the assets' RUL, collection logistics, the size of wind farm operation margins, low waste feedstock and limited markets for recycled products. Designing for circularity, stakeholder collaboration, circular business models and technology-specific regulations can improve EoL sustainability. The research found that wind turbine EoL management is dynamic and complex and needs to consider multiple, often conflicting factors. However, it is necessary and has immense environmental, technical and economic potential as the industry matures and business cases are proven.
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10.1177/0734242X221105434
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pubmed_135_11726
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The absorption efficiencies of CO2 in hollow-fiber membrane contactors using an ethanolamine (MEA) solvent under both concurrent- and countercurrent-flow operations were investigated theoretically and experimentally. Two-dimensional mathematical modeling was developed by Happel's free surface model, and the resultant partial differential equations were solved analytically using the separated variables method with the use of an orthogonal expansion technique. A simplified expression of Sherwood number variations was reported by employing the relevant operations conditions and expressed in terms of the computed eigenvalues for predicting concentration distribution and absorption efficiency. It is emphasized that, in comparing various fiber packing configurations, both theoretical predictions and experimental results should be compared to find the absorption flux increment accomplished by the CO2/N2 stream passing through the fiber cells under the same mass flow rate. The value of the present mathematical treatment is evident to propose a simplified expression of the averaged Sherwood number variations, and provides the predictions of the absorption flux, absorption efficiency, average Sherwood number with the absorbent Graetz number, inlet CO2 concentration, and absorbent flow rates as parameters. The availability of such concise expressions, as developed directly from the analytical formulations, is the value of the present study. The experiments of the CO2 absorption using MEA with alumina (Al2O3) hollow fiber membranes are also set up to confirm the accuracy of the theoretical predictions. The accuracy derivations between the experimental results and theoretical predictions for concurrent- and countercurrent-flow operations are 4.10×10-2≤E≤1.50×10-2 and 1.40×10-2≤E≤9.0×10-1, respectively. The operations of the hollow-fiber membrane contactor implementing N = 7 fiber cells and N = 19 fiber cells offer an inexpensive method of improving absorption efficiency by increasing fiber numbers with consideration of device performance.
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10.3390/membranes12101021
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pubmed_198_9972
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Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) has been implicated as a putative central neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in some brain functions. This study demonstrates binding of [3H]AVP to rat brain homogenates that is pH and temperature dependent, is saturable (Kd = 0.77 nM, Bmax = 0.374 pmol/mg) and reversible. A number of AVP analogues competitively displaced the [3H]AVP binding, indicating that central AVP binding sites may have a resemblance to the peripheral (V1) AVP vasopressor receptor. Homogenate binding occurred predominantly in the microsomal fraction (P3) of the hypothalamus while in the hippocampus and septum binding was predominantly in the synaptosomal fraction (P2). Autoradiographic methods showed displaceable [3H]AVP binding in the lateral septum, amygdala, supraoptic, paraventricular and suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus supporting the results of homogenate binding in preparations of these regions.
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10.1016/0006-8993(88)90879-7
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pubmed_488_5374
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1. Acetylcholine synthesis and release were studied in rabbit retinas isolated from the eye and incubated under conditions in which their electrophysiological function is maintained. ACh synthesized from exogenous [14C] choline appeared in the retina at an initial rate of 16 nmol/g wet wt-h. Incorporation of labeled choline into ACh was accelerated by stimulation of the retina with light. 2. Retinas incubated for 40 min in the presence of labeled choline and then superfused with a medium containing an anticholinesterase released radioactive ACh into the perfusate. The rate of release increased approximately fourfold during stimulation with light. 3. When retinas were incubated with labeled choline and then superfused with medium containing no pharmacological agents, stimulation with light caused an increased release of choline into the perfusate. The recovery of labeled choline following stimulation was enhanced by hemicholinium 3. 4. Neither the light-induced release of ACh (in perfusate containing anticholinesterase) nor the light-induced release of choline (in perfusate containing no anticholinesterase) occurred if the perfusate contained 20 mM Mg2+ and 0.2 mM Ca2+. 5. Synthesis of ACh by the retina at a high rate, acceleration of choline incorporation by stimulation, and Ca2+-dependent release of ACh by stimulation are each presumptive evidence that the retina contains a cholinergic synapse. If this presumption is correct, one such synapse may be of an amacrine or bipolar cell since these cells can depolarize during illumination, whereas the predominant response of receptor and horizontal cells is hyperpolarization.
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10.1152/jn.1976.39.6.1210
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pubmed_970_8868
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Bacterial infections can cause serious health problems. The rapid identification of bacteria plays a vital role in the treatment of bacterial infection at an early stage of the disease. In this work, an active polythiophene derivative containing reactive pentafluorophenyl (PFP) ester pendant groups was prepared via Fe3+-catalyzed oxidative polymerization. As far as we know, this is the first report of active polythiophene with reactive PFP ester moieties. The active polythiophene derivative was conjugated with vancomycin and α-methoxy-ω-amino poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG-NH2) via a reactive ester-amine reaction, resulting in the formation of water-soluble and fluorescent vancomycin-containing polythiophene (PTPVan). Since vancomycin can selectively interact with Gram-positive bacteria and kill them, the antibacterial properties of PTPVan were evaluated. The detection of Gram-positive bacteria was carried out by observing the color change and the fluorescence response of bacteria upon incubation with PTPVan through the naked eye and a fluorescence spectroscope, respectively. The staining of Gram-positive bacteria was observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).
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10.1039/c7tb02061a
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pubmed_1008_14169
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The effect of local application of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and subsequent UVA irradiation on palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) was studied in 10 patients. In 8 patients 8-MOP baths were used, and in 5 patients an 8-MOP ointment was applied, 3 patients receiving both forms of treatment. The number of treatment sessions varied from 15 to 128, with maximal UVA doses of 1.2 to 12 J/cm2, and total cumulative doses of 8 to 348 J/cm2. Two patients experienced a brisk phototoxic erythema and one patient developed a bullous reaction. Only 3 patients responded favourably to the treatment, 2 with moderate and 1 with good clearing of the lesions. In the remaining 7 patients either no effect (5 patients) or an exacerbation of the disease (2 patients) was seen.
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pubmed_1008_14169
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pubmed_175_7665
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The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) as well as the requirement for long, expensive and toxic drug regimens impede efforts to control and eliminate TB. Therefore, there's a need for effective and affordable anti-mycobacterial agents which can shorten the duration of therapy and are active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in both active and latent phases. Nitrofurantoin (NFT) is a hypoxic agent with activity against a myriad of anaerobic pathogens and, like the first-line TB drug, rifampicin (RIF), kills non-replicating bacilli. However, the poor ability of NFT to cross host cell membranes and penetrate tissue means that it does not reach therapeutic concentrations. To improve TB efficacy of NFT, a series of NFT analogues was synthesized and evaluated in vitro for anti-mycobacterial activity against the laboratory strain, Mtb H37Rv, and for potential cytotoxicity using human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. The NFT analogues showed good safety profiles, enhanced anti-mycobacterial potency, improved lipophilicity, as well as reduced protein binding affinity. Analogue 9 which contains an eight carbon aliphatic chain was the most active, equipotent to isoniazid (INH), a major front-line agent, with MIC90 = 0.5 μM, 30-fold more potency than the parent drug, nitrofurantoin (MIC90 = 15 μM), and 100-fold more selective towards mycobacteria. Therefore, 9 was identified as a validated hit for further investigation in the urgent search for new, safe and affordable TB drugs.
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10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103587
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pubmed_445_4942
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The effects of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl CTP (ara-CTP) on DNA replication were studied in an in vitro system from polyoma-infected BALB/3T3 cells. Ara-CTP concentrations of larger than or equal to 150 muM were found to block in vitro DNA synthesis completely, and concentrations of smaller than or equal to 0.3 muM had no inhibitory effect. Intermediate concentrations resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of the in vitro synthesis rate. Long-term labeling with [alpha-32-P]ara-CTP demonstrated the incorporation of the analogue into cellular and viral DNA concomitantly with [3-H]TTP. In pulse-labeling experiments, at noninhibitory concentrations of the analogue, ara-CTP was incorporated into short DNA fragments and long growing strands to relatively the same extent as TTP. Partial venom phosphodiesterase digestion liberated the incoporated are-CTP at essentially the same rate as incorporated TTP, excluding a predominantly terminal incorporation, and after total venom phosphodiesterase digestion greater than 80% of the incorporated ara-CTP was recovered as 5'-ara-CMP. Analysis of the long-term in vitro viral DNA product made in the presence of partially inhibiting ara-CTP concentrations demonstrated that none of the steps leading to mature viral DNA were totally inhibited at the ara-CTP concentrations used. Pulse labeling of replicating viral DNA in the presence of ara-CTP revealed two consistent differences in the pattern found in control pulses: (i) predominant labeling of short chains (5S) with reduced amounts of radioactivity in the longer growing viral DNA strands (smaller than or equal to 16S), and (ii) a one-third to one-half reduction in size for short DNA chains labeled in the presence of ara-CTP. Release of the ara-CTP inhibition with excess dCTP resulted in covalent extension of these smaller short chans to approximately the size of regular short chains labeled in the absence of the inhibitor. Isolated short chains synthesized in the presence of ara-CTP exhibited a slightly lower degree of self-complementarity than regular short chains. The predominant labeling of short chains during pulses is, therefore, not a consequence of discontinuous growth on both sides of the replication fork. Similar results were obtained with ara-ATP and N-ethylmaleimide. The experiments indicate that ara-CTP acts primarily on DNA-polymerizing activities, affecting different DNA polymerases to varying degrees. The results are discussed in terms of the possible number and identity of polymerases involved in viral (and cellular) DNA replication.
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10.1128/JVI.15.4.759-775.1975
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pubmed_824_17509
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Quantum spin ice, modeled for magnetic rare-earth pyrochlores, has attracted great interest for hosting a U(1) quantum spin liquid, which involves spin-ice monopoles as gapped deconfined spinons, as well as gapless excitations analogous to photons. However, the global phase diagram under a [111] magnetic field remains open. Here we uncover by means of unbiased quantum Monte Carlo simulations that a supersolid of monopoles, showing both a superfluidity and a partial ionization, intervenes the kagome spin ice and a fully ionized monopole insulator, in contrast to classical spin ice where a direct discontinuous phase transition takes place. We also show that on cooling, kagome spin ice evolves towards a valence-bond solid similar to what appears in the associated kagome lattice model [S. V. Isakov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 147202 (2006)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.97.147202]. Possible relevance to experiments is discussed.
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10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.227204
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pubmed_273_18205
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In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the report of its Commission on Social Determinants of Health--Closing the Gap in a Generation. We describe how the report was initially received, what went into shaping the report during the months of its preparation and what more can be done now to realize the ultimate goal: population-level reduction in inequalities. As we find the Report to be strong in its presentation of evidence but weak in its policy recommendations, we present our own recommendations for research and action. From our perspectives within the increasingly visible field of social determinants of health research, we address this question: how can research improve the ability of public health policymakers to implement the Report's suggestions, plus develop new and better ones?
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10.1057/jphp.2009.15
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pubmed_269_26764
|
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to: (1) identify recent temporal changes in the prevalence of different cognitive and behavioral eating disorder (ED) symptoms, current probable EDs, lifetime ED diagnoses, and mental healthcare use among college students across the United States; (2) determine whether established disparities in ED prevalence and receiving mental healthcare have widened or narrowed over time for marginalized groups within this population.
METHOD
Participants included a large national sample of U.S. college students (N = 286,720) who completed the repeated cross-sectional Healthy Minds Study from 2013 to 2020. Descriptive statistics and polynomial regressions quantified time-trends in participants' ED symptoms and past 12-month mental healthcare. Moderated regressions examined temporal changes in ED symptoms and mental healthcare based on sociodemographic characteristics.
RESULTS
Individuals' engagement in different cognitive and behavioral ED symptoms, and likelihoods of exhibiting current probable EDs, reporting lifetime ED diagnoses, and (for individuals with current probable EDs) receiving therapy or counseling in the past 12-months exhibited nonlinear increases from 2013 to 2020. Further, the prevalence of current and lifetime ED symptoms and (for symptomatic individuals) past 12-month mental healthcare differed over time for individuals with different BMIs and gender, sexual, and racial/ethnic identities (but not ages). In particular, individuals with higher BMIs and those who identified as male, bisexual, and gay, lesbian, or queer exhibited increasing ED pathology over time.
DISCUSSION
These findings provide important information on groups of U.S. college students that have experienced increasing burden of ED symptoms and may help guide ED prevention, treatment, and research priorities.
PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE
Recent temporal changes in the prevalence of eating disorder (ED) symptoms and mental healthcare were examined in a national sample of U.S. young adults. Non-linear increases in ED symptoms and mental healthcare were identified among U.S. young adults overall from 2013 to 2020. U.S. young adults with higher BMIs, males, bisexual, and gay, lesbian, or queer individuals exhibited increasing ED burden over time.
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10.1002/eat.23709
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pubmed_157_17709
|
Information is a precise concept that can be defined mathematically, but its relationship to what we call 'knowledge' is not always made clear. Furthermore, the concepts 'entropy' and 'information', while deeply related, are distinct and must be used with care, something that is not always achieved in the literature. In this elementary introduction, the concepts of entropy and information are laid out one by one, explained intuitively, but defined rigorously. I argue that a proper understanding of information in terms of prediction is key to a number of disciplines beyond engineering, such as physics and biology.
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pubmed_157_17709
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pubmed_786_20543
|
The acylation of proteins with palmitate and related fatty acids has been known for over 30 years, but the molecular machinery that carries out palmitoylation has only recently emerged from studies in the model organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila. Two classes of protein acyltransferases (PATs) have been proposed. In yeast, members of a family of integral membrane proteins harboring a cysteine-rich domain (CRD) containing a conserved DHHC (Asp-His-His-Cys) motif are PATs for cytoplasmic signaling molecules. The DHHC-CRD protein Erf2p, together with an associated subunit Erf4p, palmitoylates yeast Ras proteins, and Akr1p catalyzes the palmitoylation of the yeast casein kinase Yck2p. The existence of a second class of PATs that modify secreted signaling proteins has been suggested from work in Drosophila. Rasp is required in vivo for the production of functional Hedgehog and shares sequence identity with membrane-bound O-acyltransferases, which suggests that it catalyzes the palmitoylation of Hedgehog. With the identification of PATs in model genetic organisms, the field is now poised to uncover their mammalian counterparts and to understand the enzymology of protein palmitoylation.
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10.1242/jcs.00989
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pubmed_720_19959
|
BACKGROUND
Mitral valve repair with the use of an annuloplasty ring is the procedure of choice in patients with significant mitral regurgitation (MR) due to floppy mitral valve (FMV)/mitral valve prolapse (MVP). The mitral annular size, shape and motion may vary substantially among patients and thus, commercially available rings may not be suitable for each individual patient.
METHODS
A "personalized ring" (PR) was easily constructed in the operating room using a Dacron sheet and titanium ligating clips to custom fit to each individual mitral annulus shape and size. There were 127 patients with severe MR due to FMV/MVP that underwent mitral valve repair surgery; 58 patients received a PR and 69 patients received a commercial Carpentier-Edwards Physio II ring. The patient records were retrospectively analysed.
RESULTS
There were no surgical deaths. In-hospital length-of-stay and blood transfusions were not statistically different between the two groups. Mitral valve area was greater (p < 0.05) in the PR group (3.78 ± 0.22) compared to the Physio II ring group (3.13 ± 0.21). Mitral annular area changed from systole to diastole by 14.35% ± 3.28% in the PR group and did not change in the Physio II ring group (p < 0.05). Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve occurred in 2 patients with the Physio II ring and no patients with the PR. Up to 8 years follow-up, all patients in both groups were alive with NYHA functional class I-II symptoms and mild or less MR.
CONCLUSIONS
The PR is suitable for all patients with significant MR due to FMV/MVP who require MV repair. The precise fit of the PR to the mitral annulus better preserves valve area and sphincter function of the mitral annulus, prevents SAM and provides excellent short and long-term results.
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10.1186/s13019-019-0926-7
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pubmed_691_12813
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Anti-adenylate antibodies were elicited in rabbits using a conjugate of adenylic acid and bovine serum albumin as immunogen. The specificity of the antibodies was determined by monitoring the inhibition of the binding of [3H]AMP to the antibodies by various nonradioactive nucleic acid components, using a nitrocellulose filter assay. The antibodies were found to be directed against the whole molecule of AMP. They were reactive to polyadenylic acid, RNA, and denatured DNA. The hapten-specific antibodies were isolated by employing an AMP-AH-Sepharose affinity column.
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pubmed_691_12813
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pubmed_1001_16915
|
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD) are, beside cognitive disorders, major features of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Diagnosis is important to enhance our knowledge of the pathophysiology of dementia and of their functional consequences for patients and caregivers. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of dementia depends to a large extent on the presence of BPSD. A committee of geriatricians, neurologists and psychiatrists specialized in dementia (THEMA 2) has promoted an epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic update in this field. This work was based on the BPSD Consensus Conference Report edited in 2000 by the International Psychogeriatric Association. This report was updated with the most recent literature reports, and was adapted to the French environment. This paper is a synthesis of this meeting, validated and corrected by the entire Thema 2 group.
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10.1016/s0035-3787(05)85064-7
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pubmed_40_22219
|
Transient polyelectrolyte hydrogels were formed by self-assembly of triblock copolyelectrolytes with a central hydrophilic block, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and two hydrophobic end blocks, poly(n-butyl acrylate(50%)-stat-acrylic acid(50%)) [P(nBA(50%)-stat-AA(50%))]. The relaxation of the concentration fluctuations was investigated by dynamic light scattering as a function of the concentration, the pH, the temperature, and the ionic strength. A relatively fast mode was observed at all polymer concentrations caused by cooperative diffusion of the polymers. Above the critical percolation concentration a second slow relaxation mode was observed caused by a linear displacement of small heterogeneities in the network with constant velocity. The relative amplitude of the slow mode was determined by the strength of the electrostatic repulsion. The velocity of the displacement in the transient network is shown to be directly correlated to the terminal relaxation time of the shear modulus and has the same Arrhenius temperature dependence. Both the velocity of the displacement and the mechanical relaxation strongly slow down with decreasing degree of ionization below 0.7 and increasing ionic strength above 0.5 M. A ballistic relaxation process has been reported earlier for colloidal gels, and the present study shows that it can also occur in polymeric networks.
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10.1103/PhysRevE.87.062302
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pubmed_968_24234
|
Humans can immediately perceive a rich and stable 3D visual world even though the visual inputs on the retina are 2D. Which raises the question; which cortical regions are responsible for reconstructing stereoscopic perception? In this article, I would like to outline the general research methods of stereopsis and introduce our recent research projects that show that the middle-or higher-order visual areas, V3A and V3B/KO, located adjacent to the interparietal sulcus, play an important role in the reconstruction of the 3D visual world.
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10.11477/mf.1416201922
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pubmed_900_12328
|
People are selfish, yet morally motivated. Morality is universal, yet culturally variable. Such apparent contradictions are dissolving as research from many disciplines converges on a few shared principles, including the importance of moral intuitions, the socially functional (rather than truth-seeking) nature of moral thinking, and the coevolution of moral minds with cultural practices and institutions that create diverse moral communities. I propose a fourth principle to guide future research: Morality is about more than harm and fairness. More research is needed on the collective and religious parts of the moral domain, such as loyalty, authority, and spiritual purity.
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10.1126/science.1137651
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pubmed_1036_5787
|
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the treatment outcome of patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with re-irradiation and chemotherapy.
METHODS
Between 1991 and 2004, 36 patients with locally recurrent NPC received re-irradiation and chemotherapy. The median re-irradiation dose was 37.9 Gy; the median total dose of prior irradiation and re-irradiation was 104.4 Gy. The outcome is studied retrospectively and also evaluated the prognostic factors and toxicities.
RESULTS
With a median follow-up of 40 months, 3-year overall survival (OS) was 58.3% and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 25.0%. Patients aged <50 and of early stage at recurrence had a significantly better OS and PFS. Over Grade 3 of late toxicities were seen in patients received a total dose of >110 Gy.
CONCLUSIONS
Age and stage at recurrence were identified as prognostic factors for OS and PFS. Patients received external beam radiation therapy at a total dose of more than 110 Gy should be careful for severe late toxicities, and it is thought to be the optimal dose for recurrent tumor.
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10.1093/jjco/hyn104
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pubmed_372_3654
|
Fluorescence microscopy is a method of choice for studying peptidoglycan assembly, but it presents two major challenges: the peptidoglycan must be labeled with a probe that will not perturb the physiological process, and the spatial resolution must reach the nanometer scale to reveal fine details of the synthesis process. This protocol meets both challenges by combining biorthogonal metabolic labeling of peptidoglycan in Streptococcus pneumoniae with super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (dSTORM), also providing cues to adapt it to other bacteria. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Trouve et al. (2021).
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10.1016/j.xpro.2021.101006
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pubmed_328_2384
|
This study demonstrates dual functional hybrid heterojunction photodiodes (PDs) that comprise an amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film blended with graphene nanoflakes and a SiO2 (5 nm)/Si substrate. The PDs exhibit a photo-responsivity of approximately 0.15-0.27 A W-1 under 633 nm illumination, which is much higher than that for a-IGZO based phototransistor in the visible region. The device also gives a long-lasting persistent photocurrent (PPC) when the UV light is extinguished. This results show that the hybrid heterojunction acts as a high performance photodetector for the detection of visible light and provides a universal scenario for development of PPC.
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10.1088/1361-6528/aae474
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pubmed_1027_10217
|
It is becoming increasingly apparent that many viruses employ multiple receptor molecules in their cell entry mechanisms. The human enterovirus coxsackievirus A21 (CAV21) has been reported to bind to the N-terminal domain of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and undergo limited replication in ICAM-1-expressing murine L cells. In this study, we show that in addition to binding to ICAM-1, CAV21 binds to the first short consensus repeat (SCR) of decay-accelerating factor (DAF). Dual antibody blockade using both anti-ICAM-1 (domain 1) and anti-DAF (SCR1) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) is required to completely abolish binding and replication of high-titered CAV21. However, the binding of CAV21 to DAF, unlike that to ICAM-1, does not initiate a productive cell infection. The capacity of an anti-DAF (SCR3) MAb to block CAV21 infection but not binding, coupled with immunoprecipitation data from chemical cross-linking studies, indicates that DAF and ICAM-1 are closely associated on the cell surface. It is therefore suggested that DAF may function as a low-affinity attachment receptor either enhancing viral presentation or providing a viral sequestration site for subsequent high-affinity binding to ICAM-1.
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10.1128/JVI.71.6.4736-4743.1997
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pubmed_339_561
|
Pneumonia is one of the most important infectious diseases, both in terms of incidence as well as potential severity. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most prevalent etiologic agent, accounting for about two-thirds of bacteremic cases. Diagnostic procedures include chest radiography, blood culture, Gram staining and culture of expectorated sputum, urine antigen assays for Legionella pneumophila and pneumococci, and asservation of an initial serum sample for comparative serologic investigations. Molecular biology techniques continue to gain importance for the diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionellae and viral respiratory infections, however, their availability at present is mainly restricted to research and reference laboratories.
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10.1024/0040-5930.58.10.575
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pubmed_632_7147
|
The ability to cause disease extends from the ability to grow within the host environment. The human host provides a dynamic environment to which fungal pathogens must adapt to in order to survive. The ability to grow under a particular condition (i.e., the ability to grow at mammalian body temperature) is considered a fitness attribute and is essential for growth within the human host. On the other hand, some environmental conditions activate signaling mechanisms resulting in the expression of virulence factors, which aid pathogenicity. Therefore, pathogenic fungi have evolved fitness and virulence attributes to enable them to colonize and infect humans. This review highlights how some of the major pathogenic fungi respond and adapt to key environmental signals within the human host.
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10.1016/bs.aambs.2017.10.004
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pubmed_869_19420
|
OBJECTIVE
Invasion of mediastinal structures (T4) is considered as an absolute contraindication to surgical management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors studied the role of surgical treatment in case of direct aortic and superior venous caval involvement.
PATIENTS
From 1995 to 2000, 13 patients with left lung NSCLC invading descending aorta and 9 patients with right upper lobe NSCLC and superior vena cava (SVC) invasion were subjected to thoracotomy for lung resection. Surgery was indicated in case of absence of intraluminal extension. All patients were cN2 negative. The pathology results and 5-year survival were recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS
In three cases (23%) the tumor was adhered to the parietal pleura overlying descending aorta, which was resected en block with tumor-associated lung parenchyma. Aortic adventitia invasion by tumor led to local resection of adventitia (<1cm(2)) in nine patients (69%). Invasion deeper than adventitia was encountered in one case (8%), which was managed with aortic partial occlusion, resection of aortic wall and repair of the defect with Gore graft patch. In three patients (33%) the SVC wall was involved by the tumor 1-3cm in length and 2-4mm of the circumference. The defect was repaired with direct suturing. In five patients (56%) the area of SVC wall that was invaded was 3cmx2cm. The defect was repaired with Dacron patch. In 1 patient (11%) an arterial 14 graft was end-to-end interposed. All resections were radical (R0). Neither associated postoperative complications nor operative mortality was recorded. Five-year survival was 30.7% for the cases with aortic invasion and 11% for the ones with SVC involvement.
CONCLUSIONS
Radical surgical resection of lung tumors with localized aortic invasion can be considered after exclusion of N2 involvement.
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10.1016/j.lungcan.2006.12.008
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pubmed_820_10356
|
Hemoconcentration with mental stress exposure may be involved in the triggering of acute cardiovascular events. In the present study, hematocrit was measured repeatedly at baseline, during a 4 min mental stress task and during 20 min of recovery. Blood was sampled every 1-2 min throughout. Blood pressure, heart rate and R-wave to pulse interval, a measure of cardiac contractility, were measured with the same periodicity. The stress task elicited a 1.3% increase in hematocrit, which was sustained with full return to baseline level occurring only after 16 min of recovery. Between-subject correlations between hematocrit and hemodynamic activity were low. Aggregate within-subject coefficients were more impressive; the temporal profile of hematocrit correlated significantly with all hemodynamic variables. Similar within-subject analyses indicated that whereas cardiac contractility was correlated with hematocrit both during stress-related increase and subsequent recovery, blood pressure was related to hematocrit only during the increase. This suggests that stress-induced hemoconcentration may driven by different mechanisms than those which underlie its recovery.
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10.1016/j.biopsycho.2005.12.004
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pubmed_1133_9723
|
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate visual and quantitative differences of delay-sensitive (singular value deconvolution [SVD]) and delay-insensitive (SVD+) computed tomography perfusion (CTP) postprocessing methods in acute ischemic stroke patients and their variability according to location of critical stenosis.
METHODS
The CTPs of 45 patients were retrospectively processed with 2 different methods. Comparing with the contralateral normal hemisphere, relative and difference of metrics were calculated (relative cerebral blood volume, relative cerebral blood flow [rCBF], relative mean transite time [rMTT], and difference mean transite time [dMTT]). Patients were categorized into 5 groups according to superiority in visual assessment of penumbra between postprocessing methods. Locations of critical stenosis and their percentages in each group were identified and compared.
RESULTS
Differences were formulated as (rCBF/1.4, rMTT × 1.4, dMTT/3.8) SVD = (rCBF, rMTT, dMTT) SVD+. In group 1, penumbra was noted in SVD, whereas pseudohyperperfusion was noted in SVD+. In groups 2 and 3, penumbra was better distinguished in SVD than in SVD+ in decreasing easiness, respectively. In group 4, penumbra assessment was similar in both. In group 5, penumbra was better distinguished in SVD+. Groups 1 and 5 were the groups in which the frequency of critical distal stenosis was 100%. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were the groups having high rates of proximal critical stenosis in decreasing proportions, respectively (90%, 87%, and 77%).
CONCLUSIONS
In both CTP methods, the most prominent difference was found in dMTT. Visually, penumbra was better distinguished by SVD in proximal critical stenosis, whereas was better distinguished by SVD+ in distal critical stenosis. In cases having both ipsilateral critical proximal and distal stenoses, penumbra was noted in SVD but pseudohyperperfusion in SVD+. This finding showed that extraction of contrast delay in the SVD+ method might cause false results in cases of ipsilateral critical proximal and distal stenoses.
|
10.1097/RCT.0000000000000658
|
pubmed_381_24107
|
AIM
To evaluate 30-day complications and 1-year mortality for older adults undergoing haemorrhoid surgery.
METHOD
This retrospective cohort study evaluated older adults (age 66+) undergoing haemorrhoid surgery using Medicare claims and the minimum data set (MDS). Long-stay nursing home residents were identified, and propensity score matched to community-dwelling older adults. Generalized estimating equation models were created to determine the adjusted relative risk of 30-day complications, length of stay (LOS), and 1-year mortality. Among nursing home residents, functional and cognitive status were evaluated using the MDS-activities of daily living (ADL) score and the Brief Instrument of Mental Status. Faecal continence status was evaluated among a subset of nursing home residents.
RESULTS
A total of 3664 subjects underwent haemorrhoid surgery and were included in the analyses. Nursing home residents were at significantly higher risk for 30-day complications (52.3% vs. 32.9%, aRR 1.6 [95% CI: 1.5-1.7], p < 0.001), and 1-year mortality (24.9% vs. 16.1%, aRR 1.6 [95% CI: 1.3-1.8], p < 0.001). Functional and mental status showed an inflection point of decline around the time of the procedure, which did not recover to the baseline trajectory in the following year. Additionally, a subset of nursing home residents demonstrated worsening faecal incontinence.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated high rates of 30-day complications and 1-year mortality among all older adults (yet significantly worse among nursing home residents). Ultimately, primary care providers and surgeons should carefully weigh the potential harms of haemorrhoid surgery in older adults living in a nursing home.
|
10.1111/codi.16334
|
pubmed_965_2723
|
The E(p)/(2), values of the ions Pb(2+), Bi(3+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Tl(+) were determined by means of cyclic voltammetry in solutions of acetate and Britton-Robinson buffers and in solutions containing EDTA and DCTA. DCTA was then utilized in the determination of small amounts of bismuth, down to 10(-7)M, in the presence of 10(4) times as much lead, and of traces of thallium down to 5 x 10(-9)M in the presence of 2 x 10(5) times as much cadmium by anodic stripping voltammetry. The precision was good. Further, the trace copper concentration in analytical grade DCTA was determined. A new flow-through vessel for stripping analysis with solution exchange is also described and the reproducibility of results without solution exchange, with manual solution exchange, and with the flow-through vessel is evaluated for a model determination of thallium in a DCTA solution.
|
10.1016/0039-9140(71)80092-9
|
pubmed_246_9672
|
Apart from detailed clinical ENT investigations on the indication for cochlear implant, we considered the following conditions and corresponding preliminary investigations to be indispensable: (1) confirmation of diagnosis of complete deafness, (2) the detection of sufficiently functional auditory nerve fibers, (3) clarification of the sociocultural conditions of the patient, (3.1) family conditions; possibility of auditory training at home, (3.2) psychological state, motivation for auditory training, and (3.3) degree of intelligence. Individual points are explained in accordance with our statistical data.
|
pubmed_246_9672
|
pubmed_989_21707
|
In social animals, affiliative behaviours bring many benefits, but also costs such as disease risk. The ways in which affiliation may affect the risk of infectious agent transmission remain unclear. Moreover, studies linking variation in affiliative interactions to infectious agent incidence/diversity have speculated that disease transmission may have occurred, rather than revealing that transmission did occur. We address these gaps using the phylogenetics of commensal gut Escherichia coli to determine whether affiliative grooming and huddling social networks mediated microbial transmission among rhesus macaques. We collected behavioural and microbial data from adult macaques across a 12-week period that was split into two 6-week phases to better detect dyadic transmission. We reconstructed undirected social networks from affiliative interactions and reconstructed microbial transmission networks from the pairwise phylogenetic similarity of E. coli pulsotypes from macaques within and across adjacent sampling events. Macaque E. coli pulsotypes were more phylogenetically similar to each other than to environmental isolates, which established a premise for socially mediated transmission. Dyadic grooming and huddling frequencies strongly influenced the likelihood of E. coli transmission during the second data collection phase, but not the first. Macaques that were more central/well connected in both their grooming and huddling networks were also more central in the E. coli transmission networks. Our results confirmed that affiliative grooming and huddling behaviours mediate the transmission of gut microbes among rhesus macaques, particularly among females and high-ranking individuals. The detectability of socially mediated E. coli transmission maybe partially masked by environmental acquisition in males, or by high frequencies of interactions in captivity. Predicting the potential transmission pathways of gastrointestinal parasites and pathogens, our findings add to current knowledge of the coevolutionary relationships between affiliative behaviour and health and may be used to identify 'superspreader' individuals as potential targets for disease control strategies.
|
10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.03.009
|
pubmed_273_11100
|
BACKGROUND
Epithelial ovarian cancer is diagnosed in 4500 women in the UK each year of whom 1700 will ultimately die of their disease. Ten to fifteen percent of all cases are diagnosed early when there is still a good possibility for cure. The treatment of early stage disease involves surgery to remove disease often followed by chemotherapy. The largest clinical trials of this adjuvant therapy show an overall survival (OS) advantage with adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy but the precise role of this treatment in sub-groups of patients with differing prognoses needs to be defined.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage epithelial ovarian cancer to determine; firstly whether there is a survival advantage of this treatment over the policy of observation following surgery with chemotherapy reserved for treatment of disease recurrence, and secondly; to determine if clinical sub-groups of differing prognosis based on histological sub-type or completeness of surgical staging, have more or less to gain from chemotherapy following initial surgery.
SEARCH STRATEGY
An electronic search was performed using the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, Issue 2, 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to 2008), EMBASE (1980 to 2008) and CancerLit. The search strategy was developed using free text and medical subject headings (MESH).
SELECTION CRITERIA
The review authors selected those clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria set out based on the populations, interventions, comparisons and outcome measures.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with a third review author. Random effects meta-analyses and sub-group analyses were conducted.
MAIN RESULTS
Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), enrolling 1277 women, with 46 to 110 months follow-up, met the inclusion criteria. These trials had low risk of bias. Meta-analysis of three trials with adequate data, assessing 1008 women, indicated that women who received adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy had better overall survival (OS) than those who did not (hazard ratio (HR) 0.71; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.93). Likewise, meta-analysis of four trials with adequate data, assessing 1170 women, indicated that women who received adjuvant chemotherapy had better progression-free survival (PFS) than those who did not (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.84). The trials included in these meta-analyses gave consistent estimates of the effects of chemotherapy.Sub-group analysis suggested that women who had optimal surgical staging of their disease were unlikely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (HR for OS 1.22; 95% CI 0.63 to 2.37) whereas those who had sub-optimal staging did (HR for OS 0.63; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.85). One trial showed a benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy among women at high risk (HR for OS 0.48; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.72) but not among those at low risk (HR for OS 0.95; 95% CI 0.54 to 1.66). However, these sub-group findings could be due to chance.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy is effective in prolonging the survival of the majority of patients who are assessed as having early stage epithelial ovarian cancer. However, even given the limits of sub-group analyses, there is strong evidence that optimal surgical staging identifies patients who have either little or nothing to gain from adjuvant chemotherapy. Taken together with the lack of a survival advantage seen in patients with "low-risk" cancers in the ICON1 trial, it appears safe to withhold adjuvant chemotherapy from optimally staged patients with well differentiated tumours.
|
10.1002/14651858.CD004706.pub3
|
pubmed_974_18957
|
Cardiovascular diseases represent the first cause of mortality in Germany and worldwide. Many of these diseases could be avoided with adequate prevention measures. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases affect both women and men, yet women who smoke, suffer from diabetes or are overweight develop cardiovascular conditions more frequently than men with the same risk factors. This relative risk increase is not incorporated into current practice, neither is it considered in common risk scores. In the following review we present data from current studies and suggestions for clinical practice.
|
10.1055/s-0034-1387394
|
pubmed_915_2584
|
Some bone lesions are reported to mimic bone metastasis on imaging tests. Herein, we report a case of a 55-year-old Japanese man who presented with a skin tumor on the left lower extremity. He also had a history of recurrent generalized cutaneous blister and erosion formation since childhood. His skin lesions were diagnosed as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma complicated by recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Magnetic resonance imaging of the left lower extremity detected multiple focal bone lesions mimicking bone metastases in the left femur and tibia. However, bone biopsy revealed that the bone lesions were osteonecrosis without tumor cells. We suggest that cancer-induced osteonecrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of bone lesions suspected of being metastases on magnetic resonance imaging.
|
10.2340/00015555-3303
|
pubmed_1115_2960
|
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the hyaC-hyaD gene was developed and used to identify strains of Pasteurella multocida belonging to serogroup-A. A set of serogroup-specific-PCR primers amplified a 564 bp product from genomic DNA prepared from bacterial cells or directly from bacterial colonies. This method detected as low as 10 ng of bacterial DNA and had a specificity of 100% for P. multocida serogroup-A. A nested PCR method yielded a single 374 bp product. All fifty isolates were also shown to be identical by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the PCR products after digestion with BglII.
|
10.1016/j.rvsc.2003.10.005
|
pubmed_1027_14462
|
A computer diary was developed for physicians to create a portfolio of their self-directed learning. Each item of learning is recorded in the form of a question along with the stimulus, the learning resources used and the outcome planned for the learning. The records of 123 physicians which volunteered to use the diary were analyzed. Their response to the software, elicited by survey, is described. Items of learning were most often stimulated by scanning the literature and while seeking information to manage a patient. The physicians recorded their intent to change their practice as the outcome to learning most often when the learning was stimulated while managing a patient. One-half of the physicians reported that keeping the diary made them think about their patient care.
|
pubmed_1027_14462
|
pubmed_1114_7879
|
Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most commonly used medicines in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The drug can produce steatosis and cirrhosis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare and serious adverse effect. We describe the case of a 53-year-old woman who developed autoimmune hepatitis after a long-term use of MTX for psoriatic arthritis. Hepatitis was completely resolved 4 months after stopping this drug. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of a drug-induced autoimmunity are unclear and complex. This report confirms the need to monitor liver enzymes carefully in patients using long-term treatment with MTX for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
|
10.4103/0253-7613.144940
|
pubmed_277_8632
|
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter migration to the upper abdomen is not an uncommon cause of catheter failure. We prospectively examined the role of the Fogarty catheter manipulation technique to reposition the PD catheter in the pelvis and regain patency. All patients with PD catheter malfunction caused by migration, confirmed by abdominal radiograph, underwent the same protocol. The patient was placed flat on the back, and the Fogarty was advanced into the PD catheter to a premarked point at which the end of the Fogarty was near the end of the PD catheter. The Fogarty balloon was inflated with 0.5 mL of sterile saline, and manipulation was performed by tugging movements until proper placement of the PD catheter into the pelvis was suspected. Infusion and drainage of dialysate was performed to determine patency. The return of the PD catheter into the pelvis was then confirmed by repeated radiograph. Success rates of Fogarty catheter manipulation, early and late recurrence (remigration < or =90 days or >90 days), and complications were prospectively examined in 232 patients over a 6-year period. Catheter migration occurred in 34 of 232 patients (15% incidence). All patients had curled-end, double-cuffed, non-swan-neck PD catheters. Successful repositioning occurred in 24 of 34 patients (71%). None of the 24 repositioned catheters had early recurrence, and 1 of 24 catheters (4%) had late recurrence. None of the patients had procedure-related peritonitis, bowel perforation, or exit-site trauma. These results show that PD catheter migration is relatively common (15%). The Fogarty manipulation technique is a simple, cost-effective way to prolong PD catheter life and preserve its long-term patency. This eliminates the need for surgical intervention in approximately 70% of patients with PD catheter migration.
|
10.1016/s0272-6386(00)70340-4
|
pubmed_261_3138
|
Sensory cortex is able to encode a broad range of stimulus features despite a great variation in signal strength. In cat primary visual cortex (V1), for example, neurons are able to extract stimulus features like orientation or spatial configuration over a wide range of stimulus contrasts. The contrast-invariant spatial tuning found in V1 neuron responses has been modeled as a gain control mechanism, but at which stage of the visual pathway it emerges has remained unclear. Here we describe our findings that contrast-invariant spatial tuning occurs not only in the responses of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) relay cells but also in their afferent retinal input. Our evidence suggests that a similar contrast-invariant mechanism is found throughout the stages of the early visual pathway, and that the contrast-invariant spatial selectivity is evident in both retinal ganglion cell and LGN cell responses.
|
10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0207-12.2012
|
pubmed_659_23162
|
Poor dispersion stability of carbon nanofluids is one of the key issues limiting their solar-thermal applications especially under medium-to-high temperatures. Herein, this work reported a facile way to prepare stably dispersed graphene quantum dot-ethylene glycol (GQD-EG) medium-temperature solar-thermal nanofluids. The hydroxyl-terminated GQDs were synthesized by a scalable hydrothermal approach. The obtained GQDs have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are self-dispersible within EG fluids. The GQD-EG nanofluids maintained their uniform dispersion after continuous heating at 180 °C for 7 days. The hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group on the surface of GQDs and the EG molecules helped achieve homogenous dispersion of GQDs in the nanofluids, and the small particle size and low density of GQDs helped mitigate the sedimentation tendency. The dispersed GQD-EG nanofluids have demonstrated broadband absorption of sunlight, high specific heat capacity and low viscosity, which are all desired for high-performance direct absorption-based solar-thermal energy. The prepared GQD-EG nanofluids have exhibited consistent volumetric harvesting of solar-thermal energy under concentrated solar illumination with a heating temperature up to 170 °C.
|
10.1039/d0ra08128k
|
pubmed_299_7529
|
Recovery of ventricular function occurs in a subset of patients with advanced heart failure treated with medical and/or mechanical therapy. Finding strategies that induce ventricular recovery through induction of repair, regeneration, or "rejuvenation" is a long-sought goal of research programs. Cell-based strategies, use of recombinant growth and survival factors, and gene delivery are under investigation. In this brief article we highlight a few of the biological approaches in development to treat heart failure.
|
pubmed_299_7529
|
pubmed_569_24669
|
Fragile X syndrome, which is caused by mutation in the FMR1 gene region, is one of the most prevalent forms of mental retardation. Direct diagnosis of the disease is based on PCR and southern blot analysis, but because of technical problems, use of polymorphic DNA markers can be helpful for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis in families with an affected individual. The polymorphic markers usually show a population-based haplotype frequency and heterozygosity. In the present study, genotyping and analysis of haplotype frequency of three microsatellite markers including DXS998, DXS548 and FRAXAC1 at the FMR1 gene region were carried out in 140 unrelated healthy women and 26 families from the Iranian population. The data indicated the presence of a novel allele for DXS998 in the Iranian population. Estimation of haplotype frequency using Arlequin program showed 50 different DXS998-DXS548-FRAXAC1 haplotypes for the input data of 5, 7 and 4 alleles, respectively. Among these haplotypes five of them showed relatively high frequencies (≥0.05). Analysis of linkage disequilibrium (LD) for the unrelated individuals using the PowerMarker computer program, showed that this haplotype combination can be an informative haplotype for linkage analysis in carrier detection and possible molecular diagnosis of fragile X in the Iranian population.
|
pubmed_569_24669
|
pubmed_1124_6004
|
Recent advances in the study of axon guidance have begun to clarify the intricate signalling mechanisms utilised by receptors that mediate path-finding. Many of these axon guidance receptors, including Plexin B, EphA, ephrin B and Robo, regulate the Rho family of GTPases, to effect changes in motility. Recent studies demonstrate a critical role for the cytoplasmic tails of guidance receptors in signalling and also reveal the potential for a great deal of crosstalk between the various receptor-signalling pathways.
|
10.1016/s0955-0674(02)00308-3
|
pubmed_509_16458
|
PURPOSE
A nonrandomized, retrospective, cohort, single-center study was designed to examine the visual and refractive outcome of epi-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia (with and without astigmatism) in patients with thin corneas (less than 500 µm), and to compare these results with those of a group of patients with normal corneal thickness.
METHODS
Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), spherical and cylindrical residual refractive error, mean keratometry readings (Km), and pupil diameter were measured postoperatively at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months in a group of 28 eyes with thin corneas (group 1) and a second age- and gender-matched group of 28 eyes with normal corneal thickness (group 2). In addition, the efficacy index was calculated at every postoperative examination.
RESULTS
Postoperative central corneal thickness was 464.14±50.40 µm in group 1 and 421.89±26.63 µm in group 2 (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in UCVA, efficacy index, and spherical and cylindrical residual error between both groups, with an evolution towards stability over time in all cases. Statistically significant between-group differences in Km at all follow-up examinations were explained by between-group differences in ablation depth and attempted spherical correction.
CONCLUSIONS
A 12-month follow-up revealed epi-LASIK for myopia (with and without astigmatism) to be a safe and predictable surface ablation procedure, with good visual and refractive outcome in patients with thin corneas, as compared with a group of patients with normal corneal thickness.
|
10.5301/ejo.5000170
|
pubmed_944_12517
|
Over the past decade, modern genetic tools have permitted scientists to study the function of myeloid lineage cells, including macrophages, as never before. Macrophages were first detected more than a century ago as cells that ingested bacteria and other microbes, but it is now known that their functional roles are far more numerous. In this review, we focus on the prevailing functions of macrophages beyond their role in innate immunity. We highlight examples of macrophages acting as regulators of development, tissue homoeostasis, remodeling (the reorganization or renovation of existing tissues) and repair. We also detail how modern genetic tools have facilitated new insights into these mysterious cells.
|
10.1016/j.molmed.2011.07.009
|
pubmed_60_22909
|
Increased creatine content in the muscle may delay post mortem lactate formation and postpone the pH decline, hence potentially improving the water-holding capacity (WHC). Duroc and Landrace pigs were supplemented with 0, 12.5, 25 or 50g creatine monohydrate (CMH)/d for 5 days prior to slaughter. Meat from Longissimus dorsi (LD) of Duroc pigs had a higher WHC and pH at all times, lower colour determinants; a* (redness), b* (yellowness), L* (lightness) and was more juicy compared to that of Landrace pigs. Furthermore, higher pH(2h), pH(24h) and decreased colour determinants were observed in carcass sides exposed to a faster cooling profile. Dietary supplementation with CMH increased the body weight gain of both breeds. However, only meat from Duroc pigs had higher pH(30min) and pH(45min) (at 50g CMH/d) and WHC, but reduced redness (reduced in both breeds) and juiciness when supplemented with CMH compared to non-supplemented controls.
|
10.1016/j.meatsci.2005.03.008
|
pubmed_337_14205
|
Pathogenic microorganisms exploit host cellular mechanisms and evade host defense mechanisms through molecular pathogen-host interactions (PHIs). Therefore, comprehensive analysis of these PHI networks should be an initial step for developing effective therapeutics against infectious diseases. Computational prediction of PHI data is gaining increasing demand because of scarcity of experimental data. Prediction of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within PHI systems can be formulated as a classification problem, which requires the knowledge of non-interacting protein pairs. This is a restricting requirement since we lack datasets that report non-interacting protein pairs. In this study, we formulated the "computational prediction of PHI data" problem using kernel embedding of heterogeneous data. This eliminates the abovementioned requirement and enables us to predict new interactions without randomly labeling protein pairs as non-interacting. Domain-domain associations are used to filter the predicted results leading to 175 novel PHIs between 170 human proteins and 105 viral proteins. To compare our results with the state-of-the-art studies that use a binary classification formulation, we modified our settings to consider the same formulation. Detailed evaluations are conducted and our results provide more than 10 percent improvements for accuracy and AUC (area under the receiving operating curve) results in comparison with state-of-the-art methods.
|
10.1039/c6mb00065g
|
pubmed_911_18660
|
Previous studies have shown that women not only donate live-related and unrelated kidneys more often, but are also less likely to receive a live kidney than men. Few data are, however, available from developing countries. To study a possible gender imbalance in living donor (LD) renal transplantation in India, we retrospectively analyzed all LD renal transplantations performed at a single center between 2001 and 2005. Of the 682 recipients, 606 (88.9%) were males and 76 (11.1%) were females (P<.0001). There were 552 biologically related, 118 spousal, and 12 unrelated nonspousal donors. Among the donors, there were 451 (66.1%) females and 231 (33.9%) males (P<.001). Most of the live donations were contributed by mothers (32.1%). In the spousal group, the greatest gender disparity was observed with predominantly wives donating for their husbands (90.7% vs 9.3%). Complex social and economic factors are responsible for the overall gender imbalance. In conclusion, women represent a highly vulnerable group in LD renal transplantation. Awareness and changes in attitudes of the public as well as physicians are needed to eliminate this gender inequity.
|
10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.08.089
|
pubmed_694_5486
|
Previously, we reported on an association of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene with delusional symptomatology of major psychoses. However, despite the strength of the association, it only accounted for 2% of the variance, indicating that contributions from other genes were probable. In the present study, we investigated the original cohort of subjects to evaluate the gene for the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor alpha-1 subunit (GABRA1). The possible association of GABRA1 with the psychopathology of major psychoses was tested both alone and in interaction with DRD4. Four hundred and sixty-one inpatients affected by major psychoses were assessed by the operational criteria checklist for psychotic illness (OPCRIT) and were also typed for the DRD4 and GABRA1 variants using PCR techniques. Mania, depression, delusion, and disorganization were the four symptomatologic factors used as phenotype definitions. GABRA1 variants were not associated with these symptomatologic factors, and consideration of possible stratification effects such as sex and psychiatric diagnosis also did not reveal any association. GABRA1 variants did not significantly influence the association of DRD4 with delusional symptoms. No interaction was observed on the other symptom factors. The GABA(A) alpha-1 subunit gene does not, therefore, interact with DRD4 in the symptomatology of major psychoses.
|
pubmed_694_5486
|
pubmed_878_25150
|
The growth of Distichlis spicata suspension cultures in LS medium without NaCl was inhibited 54% by 2 mM proline. In medium containing 260 mM NaCl, 10 mM proline inhibited growth by only 22%. The uptake and metabolism of 10 mM L-[1-(13)C] proline was followed by (13)C NMR and ninhydrin analyses of suspensions cultured in the presence of 0 or 260 mM NaCl. Uptake of 85 to 92% of the exogenous proline occurred within 72 h in all media. In 10 mM proline and no NaCl, cellular proline reached a maximm of 51.5 μmoles/g FW compared to 1.9 μmoles/g FW in suspensions not grown on proline. In medium containing 260 mM NaCl and proline, cellular proline reached 59-65 μmoles/g FW compared to 30-40 μmoles/g FW in controls grown without proline. The (13)C-label in the proline-C1 was either retained in proline or disappeared, presumably released as carbon dioxide, by catabolism through the TCA cycle. Since no metabolite of (13)C-proline was detected by NMR, proline was considered to be the molecule which inhibited the suspension culture growth.
|
10.1007/BF00269924
|
pubmed_5_18229
|
Endogenous antioxidants such as the lipid-soluble vitamin E protect the cell membranes from oxidative damage. Glutathione seems to be able to regenerate alpha-tocopherol via a so-called free radical reductase. The transient protection by reduced glutathione (GSH) against lipid peroxidation in control liver microsomes is not observed in microsomes deficient in alpha-tocopherol. Introduction of antioxidant flavonoids, such as 7-monohydroxyethylrutoside, fisetin or naringenin, into the deficient microsomes restored the GSH-dependent protection, suggesting that flavonoids can take over the role of alpha-tocopherol as a chain-breaking antioxidant in liver microsomal membranes.
|
10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01517-9
|
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