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pubmed_1088_904
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In the nuclei of eukaryotic cells, euchromatin is located at the center, whereas heterochromatin is found at the periphery and is interspersed in the nucleoplasm. Solovei et al. (2009) now reveal that this normal pattern is reversed in the retinal rod cells of mice. This inversion might serve to maximize light transmission to photoreceptors in nocturnal mammals.
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10.1016/j.cell.2009.04.006
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pubmed_196_10808
|
AIM
To assess how sociodemographic, clinical and treatment characteristics impact employment status five-years following a breast cancer diagnosis, and to compare the incidence rate of changes with the general population.
METHODS
A total of 462 women with incident breast cancer were evaluated before treatment and three- and five-years later. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were computed through multinomial logistic regression. Data for comparisons were retrieved from the SHARE Project. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95%CIs were calculated using Poisson regression.
RESULTS
Among the 242 employed women prior to diagnosis, 162 remained employed, 26 became unemployed, 27 entered early retirement, 14 entered normal retirement and 13 were on sick leave at five-years. Unemployment increased with age (≥55 vs < 55 years: OR = 4.49, 95%CI:1.56-12.92; OR = 3.40, 95%CI:1.05-10.97 at three- and five-years, respectively) and decreased with education (>4 vs ≤ 4 years: OR = 0.36, 95%CI:0.13-0.97; OR = 0.27, 95%CI:0.10-0.71 at three- and five-years, respectively). Axillary surgery (unemployment at five-years: OR = 5.13, 95%CI:1.30-20.27), hormonal therapy (unemployment at three-years: OR = 0.28, 95%CI:0.10-0.83) and targeted therapy (sick leave at three-years: OR = 3.79, 95%CI:1.14-12.63) also influenced employment status. Five-years post diagnosis, women with breast cancer had a lower incidence of unemployment (IRR = 0.51, 95%CI:0.30-0.89) than the general population, while, among older women, there was a higher tendency to enter early retirement (IRR = 1.72, 95%CI:0.82-3.61).
CONCLUSIONS
Although not all women may want to pursue or continue a professional life following their breast cancer experience; those who do may benefit from social and employer support when returning to work.
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10.1016/j.breast.2019.07.007
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pubmed_203_18300
|
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of atorvastatin on the activity of peripheral blood lymocyte nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and plasma soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1) in acute coronary syndromes.
METHODS
Sixty-eight patients with acute coronary syndrome were randomly divided into atorvastatin therapeutic group (n = 37) and conventional therapeutic group (n = 31). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the plasma sICAM-1, and immunohistochemical method was used to measure the activity of NF-kappaB in the peripheral blood lymphocyte before and 12 weeks after the therapy in the two groups.
RESULTS
Before the therapy, the level of NF-kappaB activity in the peripheral blood lymphocytes [(45.2 +/- 8.4)% vs (40.8 +/- 9.2)%, P > 0.05] and the plasma sICAM-1 [(357.2 +/- 84.5) ng/ml vs (365.5 +/- 91.3) ng/ml, P > 0.05] in the two groups had no significant difference. After 12 weeks of the therapy, in the conventional group the level of NF-kappaB activity in the peripheral blood lymphocytes [(40.8 +/- 9.2)% vs (38.7 +/- 8.9)%, P > 0.05] and the plasma sICAM-1 [(357.2 +/- 84.5) ng/ml vs (365.5 +/- 91.3) ng/ml, P > 0.05] still had no significant difference. But in the atorvastatin group the level of NF-kappaB activity in the peripheral blood lymphocyte [(45.2 +/- 8.4)% vs (25.6 +/- 7.9)%, P < 0.05 and the plasma soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 [(357.2 +/- 84.5) ng/ml vs (175.8 +/- 75.6) ng/ml, P < 0.05] did show a significant difference.
CONCLUSION
The cholesterol-lowering therapy with atorvastatin can reduce the inflammation and stabilize the plaque in the acute coronary syndrome, which may be related to the inhibition of NF-KB and sICAM-1 activities.
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pubmed_203_18300
|
pubmed_869_11318
|
This study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy beliefs mediated the relation between pain-related fear and pain, and between pain-related fear and disability in CLBP patients who exhibited high pain-related fear. In a cross-sectional design, 102 chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients completed measures for pain, disability, self-efficacy and pain-related fear (fear of movement and catastrophizing). Multistep regression analyses were performed to determine whether self-efficacy mediated the relation between pain-related fear and outcome (pain and/or disability). Self-efficacy was found to mediate the relation between pain-related fear and pain intensity, and between pain-related fear and disability. Therefore, this study suggests that when self-efficacy is high, elevated pain-related fear might not lead to greater pain and disability. However, in instances where self-efficacy is low, elevated pain-related fear is likely to lead to greater pain and disability. In view of these findings, we conclude that it is imperative to assess both pain-related fear and self-efficacy when treating CLBP patients with high pain-related fear.
|
10.1016/j.ejpain.2006.10.009
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pubmed_298_24558
|
SUMMARY This play tells the story of one woman coming to terms with her "poly" identity through a journey into the multiple layers of love, race, sex, appearance and Otherness. The one-woman show Impossible Body was first performed for a reading series sponsored by "Onstage" at the University of Colorado, Boulder, in February 1997. A revised version was developed and staged at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington in April 1997. The current script, from which these excerpts are taken, was first presented at the Queer Studies Conference in Boulder, Colorado.
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10.1300/J155v03n01_15
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pubmed_261_14798
|
OBJECTIVE
To study Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) scoring in adolescents with an aim to correlate these scores with serum androgens and mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS).
DESIGN
Cross sectional study.
SETTING
Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic of a university hospital.
PATIENTS
Twenty-four hirsute adolescent girls age 12-19 with a FG score of 6 or greater.
INTERVENTIONS
FG examination and collection of serum levels of MIS, total testosterone, free testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, cortisol, and androstenedione.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Correlation between FG scores in adolescents and serum androgens and MIS.
RESULTS
Weak correlations were seen between FG score and FSH, free-testosterone, total testosterone, and cortisol. Increasing FG scores correlated with an increase in cortisol. As FG score increased, FSH, free-testosterone, and total testosterone decreased. There was no statistical relationship between FG score and LH, androstenedione, prolactin, and MIS. There were weak positive correlations between MIS levels and FSH, total testosterone, and androstenedione. There was no evidence for a linear relationship between MIS levels and LH, free testosterone, cortisol, prolactin, and FG score.
CONCLUSIONS
The utility of FG scoring in adolescents is unknown. There were no direct correlations found with MIS levels and FG score. MIS was not found to be a predictor of hirsutism. A larger study is needed to assess the clinical relevance of FG scoring and presence of underlying causes of hirsutism in adolescents.
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pubmed_261_14798
|
pubmed_973_24490
|
A 63-year-old white woman with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, and transient ischemic attack, on Premarin, presented with a 2-week history of worsening edema and pain on the left side of the lower extremity associated with purplish discoloration and decreased temperature after a prolonged car travel. Physical examination revealed 2+ edema from the midthigh to the toes associated with purpuric discoloration. All arterial pulses were 4+. Ultrasound examination demonstrated an acute deep vein thrombus extending from the external iliac veins down throughout the visualized veins of the left calf. The patient was started on intravenous heparin and underwent venogram with subsequent thrombolysis. After 48 hours of alteplase infusion, balloon angioplasty was performed and 2 stents were placed in the left common and external iliac veins. Premarin was discontinued and she remains on oral anticoagulation with Coumadin. The patient did well clinically and a second ultrasound showed interval improvement. There is significant family history but no personal history of thrombotic events; however, thrombophilia evaluation is unremarkable.
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10.1016/j.ajem.2009.05.016
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pubmed_239_17148
|
Electronic skins need to be versatile and able to detect multiple inputs beyond simple pressure and touch while having attributes of transparency and facile manufacturability. Herein, we demonstrate a versatile nanostructured transparent sensor capable of detecting wide range of pressures and proximity as well as novel nonoptical detection of printed patterns. The architecture and fabrication processes are straightforward and show robustness to repeated cycling and testing. The sensor displays good sensitivity and stability from 30 Pa to 5 kPa without the use of microstructuration and is conformal and sensitive to be utilized as a wrist-based heart-rate monitor. Highly sensitive proximity detection is shown from a distance of 9 cm. Finally, a unique nonoptical pattern recognition dependent on the difference in the dielectric constant between ink and paper is also demonstrated, indicating the multifunctionality of this simple architecture.
|
10.1021/acsami.6b16840
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pubmed_819_18071
|
Ultraviolet-B (UVB; 280-320 nm) radiation is a small but biologically significant portion of the solar spectrum reaching the earth's surface. Research interests have been fostered because UVB has been increasing in recent years due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. Ultraviolet-B that penetrates into plant tissue may damage important cellular macromolecules. Although there has been considerable research on the effects of UVB on plants, the influence of the level of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400-700 nm) on effects of UVB requires further definition as a prelude to studies of UVB sensitivity and defense mechanisms. Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type ecotype Landsberg erecta (LER), which is relatively insensitive to UVB, and the relatively sensitive LER-based mutant transparent testa-5 (tt5), were grown under 100 or 250 mumol m-2 s-1 PAR and then exposed to (zero) or 7 kJ m-2 day-1 UVBBE under these PAR levels. Plants exposed to UVB had reduced dry weight and leaf area and higher levels of UV-absorbing compounds in leaf tissue. The level of PAR did influence the effects of UVB, with the higher level of PAR prior to UVB exposure reducing sensitivity of LER to UVB. In contrast to other studies, higher PAR supplied simultaneously with UVB increased rather than decreased sensitivity of both genotypes to UVB. These results demonstrate the importance of controlling and comparing PAR levels when undertaking studies of UVB sensitivity, as effects of UVB on plants are influenced by the PAR levels plants are growing under prior to and during exposure to UVB.
|
10.1111/j.1751-1097.1996.tb02429.x
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pubmed_93_17378
|
A number of studies have investigated the association between TNF-308 (rs1800629 G/A) polymorphisms and the susceptibility towards tuberculosis (TB) in different populations. However, many of these studies provided inconsistent results. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published studies was performed to gain a clearer understanding of this association. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI databases were searched for case-control studies published up to Jan 2011, we used no lower date limit. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 18 publications from 2001 to 2010, involving 2584 TB cases and 3817 controls were included. Overall, for the A allele carriers (G/A + A/A) vs. homozygote GG, the pooled OR was 1.03 (95% CI = 0.89-1.19; P = 0.912 for heterogeneity). For the allele A vs. allele G, the pooled OR was 1.07 (95% CI = 0.93-1.22; P = 0.013 for heterogeneity). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, among Asians significant risk was found for allele A vs. allele G (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02-1.47; P = 0.152 for heterogeneity), no significant risks were found among Caucasians. This meta-analysis indicated that the TNF-308 polymorphism was not associated with the risk of TB in the total population, however the significant risk for TNF-308 A allele was found among Asians not Caucasians.
|
10.1007/s11033-011-1110-x
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pubmed_570_21870
|
In the present study, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of delta-tocotrienol long term (48, 72 h) on the melanin content of cells treated with delta-tocotrienol, and whether cells treated with delta-tocotrienol for long a time show cytotoxicity. We also examined whether other enzymes responsible for melanin biosynthesis, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and -2 (TRP-2), are involved in the decrease in melanin levels. Protein levels in cells treated with 25 or 50 microM delta-tocotrienol for 48 h or 72 h were similar to those in control cells. Melanin content decreased by 44 (25 microM delta-tocotrienol) to 50% (50 microM) at 48 h, and by 14 to 21% at 72 h, compared to control levels. Tyrosinase activity, amounts of tyrosinase and TRP-1 decreased dependent on dose : by 50 (25 microM delta-tocotrienol) to 75% (50 microM), 20 to 45% and 42 to 82% at 48 h, and by 25 to 50%, 75 to 80% and 78 to 77% at 72 h, respectively. Although the amount of TRP-2 increased by 20% on treatment with 25 microM delta-tocotrienol for 48 h, it decreased by 52% on treatment with 50 microM delta-tocotrienol for 48 h. The amount of TRP-2 dose-dependently decreased by 55% and 75% on 72 h by treatment with 25 and 50 microM delta-tocotrienol, respectively. From these findings, delta-tocotrienol at up to 50 microM dose-dependently caused a reduction in melanin content by the decrease of TRP-1 and TRP-2 as well as tyrosinase, and no cytotoxicity.
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10.1248/bpb.33.1471
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pubmed_189_7929
|
γ-CsPbI3 solar cells have achieved promising efficiencies, yet the quantitative understanding of their defect properties is limited due to the severe computational challenges when using hybrid functionals. We have discovered an algorithm to improve the convergence speed through a combination of structural relaxation with a strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) Meta-generalized-gradient approximation (Meta-GGA) functional and further ionic and electronic calculations with the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE) hybrid functional. The static HSE calculations with SCAN results as inputs are qualitatively reliable in defect calculations, different from one-ionic step HSE calculations based on GGA inputs. Contradictory to previous GGA defect results, a suppressed bipolar conductivity by p-type VCs and VPb, and n-type CsI is found. Additionally, stable bipolar defects Iint and CsPb, with features of strong bond orbital coupling or structural deformation, detrimentally serve as carrier-traps. This strengthened bond orbital coupling in γ-CsPbI3 causes more defect charge states than organic perovskites with larger lattice constants.
|
10.1039/d1cp04449d
|
pubmed_757_7091
|
This paper presents an account of the senses and what differentiates them that is compatible with richly multisensory perception and consciousness. According to this proposal, senses are ways of perceiving. Each sense is a subfaculty that comprises a collection of perceptual capacities. What each sense shares and what differentiates one sense from another is the manner in which those capacities are exercised. Each way of perceiving involves a distinct type of information gathering, individuated by the information it functions to extract and the medium from which it does so. This approach distinguishes the project of characterizing and differentiating senses from that of attributing experiences to sensory modalities. Perceptual experiences are episodes in which perceptual capacities are exercised. Conscious perceptual episodes may be ascribed to distinct sensory modalities, according to the manners in which perceptual capacities are deployed on an occasion. According to this account, senses are not exclusive. First, their capacities may overlap. Second, perceptual episodes, including conscious experiences, may belong to multiple senses. Indeed, some episodes require the joint use of several senses. In this account, subjects have only limited first-person knowledge of the senses they employ.
|
10.1163/22134808-bja10024
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pubmed_598_12085
|
BACKGROUND
Peptic ulcer disease is a multifactorial health problem, and its prevalence and risk factors have changed considerably within the past century.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of peptic ulcer among the population of Arar city and to identify risk factors for peptic ulcer and to estimate their relative impact on ulcer incidence.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out on the population of Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia from November 01, 2016 to April 30, 2017. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using descriptive statistics, prevalence, and Chi-square test.
RESULTS
Total prevalence of peptic ulcer among the studied respondents was thus: 21.9% had peptic ulcer; 16.2% gastric ulcer and 5.6% duodenal ulcer. In 19.7% of the cases, the pain was severe, 92.4% reported that pain was precipitated by certain food. In addition to heartburn, 78.8% reported loss of appetite, 71.2% indigestion, 66.7% regurgitation, 59.1% nausea and vomiting and 42.4% with chest pain. Regarding the risk factors, coffee drinking came in first place (81.8%) followed by physical stress in 77.3%, spicy food in 57.6%, prolonged use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 33.3% and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in 24.2%. A further 22.7% reported melena as a complication while only 10.6% reported hematemesis.
CONCLUSION
This is the first population-based study in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia reporting point prevalence of peptic ulcer disease. The rate of 16.2% for gastric ulcer and 5.6% for duodenal ulcers are substantially high. Coffee drinking, physical stress, spicy food, prolonged use of NSAID and H. pylori infection were the reported risk factors. Population-based endoscopic studies are recommended.
|
10.19082/5740
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pubmed_1061_14303
|
Transitional ecotones such as vegetated buffer strips, stream banks, and streambeds retain phosphorus (P) in the immediate surroundings of farmland. Yet the fate of P in these ecotones remains unclear. Our objectives were to (i) test the difference in the P pool composition of soil and sediment between sites surrounded by agriculture and forestry and (ii) test whether specific P pools differ among transitional ecotones. Phosphorus pools (by a modified Hedley fractionation scheme) and the degree of P saturation (DPS) were determined in 33 soil and sediment samples from eight farmland and three forest sites. At farmland sites, total P in soil and sediment was more than twofold higher as compared to forestry sites. The proportion of labile inorganic P (Pi) and the DPS were significantly larger in transitional ecotones close to farmland. We further used normalized values for comparing the respective ecotones at the sites. The deviation of each transitional ecotone relative to the respective site average revealed that the normalized total P concentration and proportions of labile and moderately labile Pi were significantly smaller in bed sediment adjacent to farmland as compared to respective stream bank and buffer strip soil, whereas the stable Ca-Pi proportion was larger. The results reflected a decreased Pi sorption capacity in combination with Pi desorption and transfer of Pi into secondary Ca-Pi minerals in bed sediment. In summary, the influence of agriculture increases labile P pools in soil and sediment, which are then subject to a succession of dynamic processes resulting in a partial loss of Pi to the aqueous phase as well as fixation of Pi in the Ca-Pi pool.
|
10.2134/jeq2019.01.0012
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pubmed_906_22236
|
In this issue of Neuron, DeVries (2001) describes experiments suggesting that acidification of the synaptic cleft can reduce Ca2+ channel activity and thereby act as a brake on tonic synaptic release of glutamate from cone cells. This work hints at a potentially important new facet to the regulation of synaptic transmission.
|
10.1016/s0896-6273(01)00549-9
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pubmed_862_7103
|
We present a simple coarse-grained lattice model for monodomain biaxial liquid-crystal elastomers and perform large-scale Monte Carlo simulations in the proposed model system. Orientational ordering--uniaxial or biaxial--reflects in sample deformations on cooling the system. The simulation output is used to predict calorimetry data and deuterium magnetic resonance spectra.
|
10.1140/epje/i2007-10280-6
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pubmed_398_6388
|
Risk assessment is an evolving process, based not only upon toxicology but also upon a broad background of knowledge in fields ranging from chemistry to physiology and molecular biology and from environmental transport processes to applied statistics. Risk assessment procedures must be continually updated to reflect advances in these basic sciences. This review addresses several areas of risk assessment that are receiving heightened attention, including neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and toxicokinetics and modeling. Risk assessors must work with the scientific community at large to incorporate advances in the basic sciences into their extrapolations. A concerted attempt to better define the variability and decrease the uncertainty of hazard estimates will result in more efficient protection of the public and the environment against toxic hazards.
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10.1146/annurev.pa.35.040195.002013
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pubmed_714_20068
|
Using the patch-clamp technique, we studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on whole cell and single channel currents in adult rat alveolar epithelial type II cells in primary culture in the presence or absence of EGF for 48 h. In symmetrical sodium isethionate solutions, EGF exposure caused a significant increase in the type II cell whole cell conductance. Amiloride (10 microM) produced approximately 20-30% inhibition of the whole cell conductance in both the presence and absence of EGF, such that EGF caused the magnitude of the amiloride-sensitive component to more than double. Northern analysis showed that alpha-, beta- and gamma-subunits of rat epithelial Na(+) channel (rENaC) steady-state mRNA levels were all significantly decreased by EGF. At the single channel level, all active inside-out patches demonstrated only 25-pS channels that were amiloride sensitive and relatively nonselective for cations (P(Na(+))/P(K(+)) approximately 1.0:0.48). Although the biophysical characteristics (conductance, open-state probability, and selectivity) of the channels from EGF-treated and untreated cells were essentially identical, channel density was increased by EGF; the modal channel per patch was increased from 1 to 2. These findings indicate that EGF increases expression of nonselective, amiloride-sensitive cation channels in adult alveolar epithelial type II cells. The contribution of rENaC to the total EGF-dependent cation current under these conditions is quantitatively less important than that of the nonselective cation channels in these cells.
|
10.1152/ajpcell.1999.277.6.C1058
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pubmed_17_7542
|
BACKGROUND
The effects of pancreas transplant alone (PTA) on cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) and cardiac function in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients are still unsettled.
METHODS
We studied 13 T1DM patients who received PTA with portal drainage and 11 matched control patients. Parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and several additional classic CRF were assessed before and up to 6 months posttransplant. Cardiac morphology and function were assessed by Doppler echocardiographic examination.
RESULTS
Insulin independence was promptly achieved and then maintained after PTA. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower after transplantation, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations did not change. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values and fibrinogen levels improved significantly. In addition, PTA determined a significant amelioration of several morphologic and functional cardiac indices. None of the measured parameters changed in the control patients.
CONCLUSIONS
PTA with portal drainage induces an early improvement of CRF and ameliorates cardiac function in patients with T1DM.
|
10.1097/01.TP.0000084202.18999.1D
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pubmed_203_22150
|
Aim our study is to compare the effects of repaglinide vs glimepiride administration on cardiovascular risk factors after meal test. Thus, after 2 weeks washout period, a 3-month randomised, cross-over parallel group trial of repaglinide (1 mg x 2/day) vs glimepiride (2 mg/day) in 14 patients with type 2 diabetes "naive" on diet treatment was made. Both treatments significantly declined plasma glucose, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, PAI-1, PAP levels and increased HDL-cholesterol. Lowering in plasma PAI-1 and PAP levels was significantly greater in repaglinide group. Furthermore, repaglinide administration resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma free fatty acids, fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin complex and reaction product of malondialdehyde with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) levels, in absence of significant difference in fasting plasma insulin levels. Decrease in plasma TBARS levels correlated with the decrease in Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (r = 0.72; P < 0.003) and free fatty acids concentrations (r = 0.62; P < 0.01). Analysis of the insulin and glucose concentrations throughout the meal test revealed that AUC for glucose (758 +/- 19 vs 780 +/- 28 mg/Lxmin; P = 0.02) was significantly lower after repaglinide than glimepiride administration despite similar AUC for insulin (2327 +/- 269 vs 2148 +/- 292 mU/Lxmin; P = 0.105). At time 120' of meal test, repaglinide vs glimepiride administration was associated with a significant decline in plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, fibrinogen, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, plasmin-alpha(2)-antiplasmin complex, thrombin-antithrombin complex, TBARS levels and increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. In repaglinide group a negative correlation between insulin secretion during 1st phase of meal-test and plasma TBARS levels (r = -0.55; P < 0.03) at time 120' was found. Such correlation was lost after adjusting for changes in postprandial hyperglycaemia (r = -0.48; P < 0.09). In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that repaglinide is more efficient than glimepiride on controlling for postprandial glucose excursion and may have beneficial effect on reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
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10.1016/s1262-3636(07)70192-1
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pubmed_812_18779
|
To quantify genetic diversity among modern and earlier maize cultivars, 133 varieties, representative of the maize grown in France during the last five decades, were fingerprinted using 51 SSR. The varieties were grouped into four periods. For each period, allelic richness, genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among periods were computed. A total of 239 alleles were generated. Allelic richness, in terms of number of alleles per locus, for each period was 4.5, 3.6, 3.9 and 3.6 respectively. Genetic diversity corresponding to Nei's unbiased heterozygosity was calculated, based on allelic frequencies. Values ranged from 0.56 to 0.61. Period I presented the highest genetic diversity, whereas the three other periods all presented a similar value. A great proportion of the total genetic diversity (H(T)=0.59) was conserved within all periods (H(S)=0.57), rather than among periods (G(ST)=0.04). The analysis of molecular variance showed that the variation among periods represented only 10% of the total molecular variation. However, the differentiation among periods, although low, was significant, except for the last two periods. Our results showed that the genetic diversity has been reduced by about 10% in the maize cultivars bred before 1976 compared to those bred after 1985. The very low differentiation (G(ST)=0.21%) observed among cultivars of the last two decades should alert French maize breeders to enlarge genetic basis in their variety breeding programmes.
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10.1007/s00122-004-1834-2
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pubmed_1034_12689
|
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the histologic features of vestibular biopsies from patients affected by fibro myalgia (FM), or vulvodynia (VD), or the their association (FM-VD) in order to facilitate differential diagnosis among conditions that present sexual pain with similar clinical characteristics.
STUDY DESIGN
Fourty-four women already diagnosed with FM were recruited to evaluate the presence of sexual pain not owing to FM. Fourteen women affected by sexual pain of unknown origin who came to our department requesting treatment were also recruited. All subjects were interviewed regarding their history of pain and examined in order to exclude vaginal conditions. Sexual pain did not show the characteristics of VD in 18 FM women; in the remaining 22 women VD resulted as associated with FM. All fourteen self-referred women were diagnosed with VD. All subjects underwent a posterior vestibular biopsy at the fourchette under local anesthesia. Tissue specimens were processed for histologic examination and immunostained for S-100protein and CD34. Statistical analysis was performed with the Pearson's Chisquare test.
RESULTS
Data analysis showed a statistically significant prevalence of inflammation in the VD group. Analysis of the histologic features showed that the concomitant presence of inflammation, nerve bundles, and fibrosis (often mild) is prevalent in VD. Fibrosis is highly frequent and often moderate/severe in FM and it is rarely associated to inflammation and nerve bundles. FM-VD women show intermediate grading.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show different histologic characteristics in vestibular biopsy in patients affected by Fibro Myalgia, by Vulvodynia or by their association that could be useful to facilitate the differential diagnosis between conditions of sexual pain with similar clinical characteristics.
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pubmed_1034_12689
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pubmed_372_16071
|
Here, I present my career as a case study for young researchers and clinicians to consider their futures. I outline a number of possibilities, the most important of which are the originality and creativity of research and passion to overcome the difficulties experienced when generating a new path.
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10.11477/mf.1416201980
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pubmed_978_19630
|
Corticosteroid-induced isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (AP) can easily be demonstrated in canine plasma as a routine procedure because of its greater heat stability at 65 degrees C in comparison with that of other AP-isoenzymes. In this study the accuracy of this test for the diagnosis of hypercorticism was investigated. The AP-65 degrees C test had its highest efficiency when applied to plasma AP levels exceeding 150 units/litre. In a group of 146 dogs, clinically suspected of having hyperadrenocorticism, the test had a sensitivity of 0.92 and a positive predictive value for a positive test result of 0.89. Its lack of specificity (0.44) makes it unsuitable as a diagnostic test. The main application of AP-65 degrees C is in detecting hypercorticism in dogs by routine laboratory measurements, as was demonstrated in 711 dogs, in which a positive predictive value for the presence of hypercorticism of 0.89 was found.
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10.1136/vr.125.1.12
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pubmed_970_11293
|
OBJECTIVES
Dysphagia is a frequent and highly relevant symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) due to high associated morbidity and mortality. To compare the effect of simultaneous stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra (SNr) with conventional STN-stimulation on swallowing function in Parkinson's disease.
METHODS
In this controlled, randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial, 15 PD patients were assessed with DBS switched off (STIM OFF), STN-DBS, STN + SNr-DBS. Patients and 32 age-matched healthy controls were examined clinically and by flexible-endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to evaluate the swallowing function. The primary endpoint was the assessment of residues, secondary endpoints were penetration/aspiration, leakage, retained pharyngeal secretions, drooling, and assessments of the patient's self-perception of swallowing on a visual analog scale.
RESULTS
Compared with healthy controls PD patients showed significantly more pharyngeal residues in STIM OFF and both DBS modes. Residues or aspiration events were found in 80% of the patients under STN-stimulation. Simultaneous STN + SNr-stimulation had no additional positive effect on objective dysphagia and self-reported swallowing function compared to STN-DBS.
INTERPRETATION
Simultaneous STN + SNr-stimulation seems to have no additional beneficial effects on dysphagia when compared with conventional STN-stimulation, but did not deteriorate the swallowing function. If STN + SNr-stimulation is planned to be applied for the improvement of axial symptoms and gait disorders in PD patients, it can be considered safe in terms of dysphagia.
|
10.1002/acn3.51027
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pubmed_1125_8188
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Synthesis of trehalose in Saccharomycopsis fibuligera sdu under various stress conditions was investigated. Neither the activation of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (SfTPS1) nor the change in trehalose content was observed under stress exposure of S. fibuligera sdu cells. The results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, which was performed with the specific primers designed to target the SfTPS1 gene fragment cloned from this strain, also showed that all stress treatments did not increase the expression of SfTPS1 gene. These results demonstrated that synthesis of trehalose in response to stress conditions in S. fibuligera sdu clearly differs from that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and most other fungi. The phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence deduced from the SfTPS1 gene fragment showed that the SfTPS1 sequence formed a separate family that was far related to S. cerevisiae TPS1. The yeast strain, which can accumulate a large amount of trehalose under normal growth conditions, has many applications and TPS1 gene in such strain may have unique use in transgenic organisms.
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10.1007/s00253-006-0688-8
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pubmed_538_4074
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A full understanding of the immune system and its responses to infection by different pathogens is important for the development of anti-parasitic vaccines. A growing number of large-scale experimental techniques, such as microarrays, are being used to gain a better understanding of the immune system. To analyse the data generated by these experiments, methods such as clustering are widely used. However, individual applications of these methods tend to analyse the experimental data without taking publicly available biological and immunological knowledge into account systematically and in an unbiased manner. To make best use of the experimental investment, to benefit from existing evidence, and to support the findings in the experimental data, available biological information should be included in the analysis in a systematic manner. In this review we present a classification of tasks that shows how experimental data produced by studies of the immune system can be placed in a broader biological context. Taking into account available evidence, the classification can be used to identify different ways of analysing the experimental data systematically. We have used the classification to identify alternative ways of analysing microarray data, and illustrate its application using studies of immune responses in mice to infection with the intestinal nematode parasites Trichuris muris and Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
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10.1017/S0031182005008796
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pubmed_867_14583
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High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has recently been described in the treatment of patients with glaucoma. However, despite previous studies in animal and mathematical models, the mechanisms of action are not completely understood. We therefore undertook a histologic study of 15 porcine eyes to evaluate the effect of HIFU and, in particular, the changes seen after sequential insonification on previously treated areas of sclera. We demonstrated initial scleral swelling that was followed by scleral thinning. The scleral thinning could be maximized by a second superimposed course of HIFU. The most consistent change in the ciliary body was necrosis of the pars plana. Some treated animals developed a hemorrhagic retinal detachment that we believe to be due to the presence of a circumferential blood vessel, which runs in the ora serrata of the pig but which is not present in humans. Based on our observations, possible mechanisms of action of this treatment are discussed.
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pubmed_867_14583
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pubmed_373_2187
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Acute fracture of the os peroneum without concurrent rupture of the peroneus longus is a rarely cited injury. Sudden violent contraction of the peroneus longus muscle and direct trauma are documented mechanisms of injury. This injury can easily be overlooked due to its infrequency, and it may lead to chronic pain and impairment of function. Presented is a case of acute fracture of the os peroneum bilaterally. The fractures occurred approximately 21 months apart. Treatment varied with the right foot responding to 4 months of conservative therapy, and the left foot undergoing surgical excision of the fractured ossicle following 5 weeks of failed conservative therapy. This case is unique as it presents bilateral os peroneum fractures. This unique situation allows for a comparison of the two distinct treatment options. A fractured os peroneum without peroneus longus tendon rupture may be treated conservatively, however, surgical excision of the ossicle following 4 weeks of conservative therapy may expedite the recovery period and avoid chronic pain.
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10.1016/s1067-2516(97)80119-6
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pubmed_24_20921
|
Mycoplasmas recovered from the respiratory tract and genitourinary system of dogs, with and without respiratory infection, have been characterized by biological and immunological methods. Some of the isolates were indentified as being similar to the three species of canine mycoplasmas described earlier under the designation Mycoplasma spumans, M. canis, and M. maculosum. Other mycoplasmas placed in three groups (A, C, and D) were found to be clearly distinct from the three classified species. Group A strains fermented glucose but not mannose and were serologically distinct from other canine mycoplasmas recovered in this study. These strains were subsequently found to be biologically and serologically related to a previously reported, but unclassified, canine mycoplasma. Group D strains differed in some biological properties but were serologically related. These were found to be nonfermenting mycoplasmas representing isolations from the throat and bladder of dogs. They were serologically distinct from other canine mycoplasmas and were apparently unrelated to other known mycoplasma serotypes. Group C mycoplasmas were recovered only from the lungs of dogs. Within the group, they differ in some immunological properties but appear to be serologically distinct from other canine strains. They can also be separated from other dog strains in their ability to ferment glucose and mannose. Group B strains were found to have biological properties similar to M. canis strains but seemed to be only partially related to this serotype when examined in several serological techniques. It is suggested that these strains might represent antigenic variants of M. canis.
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10.1128/iai.1.1.1-7.1970
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pubmed_380_6348
|
Reports that estrogen treatment modulates arachidonic acid metabolism by bone and bone cells are found in the literature. However, conflicting indications of the relationship that exists between estrogen and arachidonic acid metabolism emerge from the analysis of those reports. The present studies were undertaken to determine if estrogen effected the production of prostaglandins (PG) in human osteoblast-like (hOB) cell cultures derived from adults, under basal or cytokine-stimulated conditions. A 48-hour estrogen pretreatment did not modify hOB cell PG biosynthesis on a qualitative basis, and PGE2 formation predominated under all tested conditions. Estrogen pretreatment did lead to increased PGE2 production in specimens stimulated conjointly with transforming growth factor-beta1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( p < 0.001). No changes in PGE2 production were observed in estrogen pretreated specimens stimulated singly with either tested cytokine, nor in samples in which either TGFbeta or TNF was replaced by interleukin-1beta. Anti-estrogen (ICI 164,384) inclusion prevented the estrogen-dependent increase in PGE2 production in the TGFbeta plus TNF-stimulated samples. These results suggest that an estrogen effect on bone cell prostaglandin biosynthesis may be most evident and significant under conditions in which the cells are exposed to multiple osteotropic cytokines, a condition that applies during the bone remodeling process.
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10.1007/s00223-002-0023-z
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pubmed_460_16100
|
INTRODUCTION
Vasoactive drugs (e.g. inotropes), namely adrenaline and noradrenaline, are frequently used in critical care to maintain cardiovascular function. This is achieved by ensuring that a continuous infusion of the vasoactive drug is administered so that when one infusion is about to finish another infusion is commenced. This is known as "double pumping" or "piggy backing". Failure to administer these drugs appropriately may result in haemodynamic instability (hypotension and hypertension) and in extreme cases death.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to evaluate current practice and identify the safest method for inotrope administration.
METHODS
A series of three consecutive audits were undertaken to determine which 'Method' and 'Syringe Driver' were associated with the least adverse effects to patient blood pressure.
RESULTS
The findings suggest that Modified Method 2, when used in conjunction with a high-risk syringe driver and guidelines, proved to be the safest method for 'double pumping' inotrope drugs. Modified Method 2 instructed nurses to: 'Run both syringe drivers together until a rise in systolic blood pressure is seen (>5 mmHg), then turn the near empty infusion off'.
CONCLUSION
As a direct result of these audits, and the development of guidelines, inotrope administration practice on the unit has improved.
|
10.1016/j.iccn.2004.04.008
|
pubmed_758_3335
|
Water quality is being affected by herbicides, some allegedly harmful to human health. Under scrutiny is atrazine (1-chloro-3-ethylamino-5-isopropylamino-2,4,6-triazine), a commonly used herbicide in corn (Zea mays L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production. Concentrations of soluble and adsorbed atrazine losses sometimes exceed the safe drinking water standard of 3 microg L(-1) established by the USEPA. This study assesses the protective implications of runoff control structures and alternative crop farming practices to minimize atrazine losses. Using a computerized simulation model, APEX, the following four practices were the most effective with respect to the average atrazine loss as a percent of the amount applied: (i) constructing sediment ponds, 0.09%; (ii) establishing grass filter strips, 0.14%; (iii) banding a 25% rate of atrazine, 0.40%; and (iv) constructing wetlands, 0.45%. Other atrazine runoff management options, including adoption of alternative tillage practices such as conservation and no-till as well as splitting applications between fall and spring, were marginally effective.
|
10.2134/jeq2004.7000
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pubmed_994_17680
|
Introduction Warthin tumor is described as papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum and is the second most common tumor of the parotid glands. Bilateral synchronous incidence is rare, occurring in 7 to 10% of the cases. It is more common in males between 60 and 70 years of age and is closely related to smoking. There is slow growth and the condition is a delimited nodule of regular outlines; it has low rates of malignant progression and recurrence. Objective Report a case of synchronous bilateral Warthin tumor occurring in an elderly patient, and review incidence and peculiarities of this tumor. Case Report A 78-year-old man who used to smoke had a history of mild pain in the topography of right parotid three weeks ago. Patient with hypertension, diabetes and a longtime smoker (smoking a pack per day for 32 years) noticed a progressive bulging in the right parotid region for about 2.5 years ago, and noticed another progressive bulging (althought in the left parotid region), for about one year ago. Patient denied fever, redness, skin lesions and pain during this period until last three weeks, when he sought medical attention for a mild pain in the right facial region. The patient underwent cervical magnetic resonance imaging that showed tumor lesions in both parotids. Fine needle aspiration revealed a typical lesion of epithelial oxyphilic cells associated with reactive lymphoid proliferation, suggesting Warthin tumor. The patient underwent two superficial parotidectomies, and the histopathologic result from both tumors of parotid glands showed papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum. Conclusion The occurrence of synchronous bilateral Warthin tumor is extremely rare, and anamnesis and physical examination, as well as some complementary examinations, are important means for diagnostic evaluation. Confirmation of the diagnosis can only be obtained through a histopathologic study. A superficial or total parotidectomy is the recommended treatment for the disease.
|
10.1055/s-0033-1351676
|
pubmed_716_23736
|
Pruritus of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is one of the most common and irritating sensations that severely affects the quality of life. However, the changes in the functional connectivity (FC) between thalamic subregions and other brain regions have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the potential changes in brain neural circuits by focusing on various subregions of the thalamus in patients with CSU pruritus to contribute to the understanding of chronic pruritus from the perspective of central mechanisms. A total of 56 patients with CSU and 30 healthy controls (HCs) completed the data analysis. Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7), pruritus visual analog score (VAS-P), Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) values were collected to assess clinical symptoms. Seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) analysis was used to assess relevant changes in the neural circuits of the brain. Compared to HCs, seeds within the caudal temporal thalamus (cTtha) on the right side of patients with CSU showed increased rs-FC with the cerebellum anterior lobe (CAL). Seeds within the lateral prefrontal thalamus (lPFtha) on the right side showed increased rs-FC with both CAL and pons, while those within the medial prefrontal thalamus (mPFtha) on the right side showed increased rs-FC with both CAL and the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) on the right side. Seeds within the posterior parietal thalamus (PPtha) on the right side showed increased rs-FC with the cerebellum posterior lobe (CPL) on the left side. The UAS7 values and IgE levels were positively correlated with the rs-FC of the right dlPFC. Our results suggest that patients with CSU may exhibit stronger rs-FC alterations between certain thalamic subregions and other brain regions. These changes affect areas of the brain involved in sensorimotor and scratching.
Trial registration number
[http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR1900022994].
|
10.3389/fnins.2022.1026200
|
pubmed_624_11855
|
Age-adjusted, population-weighted mortality rates of ischaemic heart disease (1968-78) and all cardiovascular diseases (1962-82) are presented for the four study communities investigated by the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Temporal trends in mortality rates and differences by gender, race and study community are discussed. There is an overall pattern of decline in ischaemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease mortality in the four study areas, but the onset and the magnitude of the decline differ markedly by study community, race and gender. Preliminary data on population levels of selected cardiovascular risk factors measured in the ARIC Study cohort participants are also presented.
|
10.1093/ije/18.supplement_1.s88
|
pubmed_718_19820
|
In wild-type Drosophila, the period protein (PER) is found in nuclei of the eyes and brain, and PER immunoreactivity oscillates with a circadian rhythm. The studies described here indicate that the nuclear localization of PER is blocked by timeless (tim), a second chromosome mutation that, like per null mutations, abolishes circadian rhythms. PER fusion proteins without a conserved domain (PAS) and some flanking sequences are nuclear in tim mutants. This suggests that a segment of PER inhibits nuclear localization in tim mutants. The tim gene may have a role in establishing rhythms of PER abundance and nuclear localization in wild-type flies.
|
10.1126/science.8128247
|
pubmed_847_11657
|
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate a digital multi-piece zirconia post-crown to restore a mandibular second molar with extensive coronal loss and limited restoration space, and to compare the stress distribution between endocrowns made of zirconia or alloy and CAD/CAM multi-piece zirconia post-crowns.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Four three-dimensional finite element analysis models of a mandibular second molar with extensive coronal loss and limited restoration space were created as follows: (A) intact molar; (B) zirconia endocrown restored molar; (C) multi-piece post-crown restored-molar with tapered nail; (D) multi-piece post-crown restored molar with T-shaped nail. Models C and D were divided into two subgroups according to the material type: C1/D1, zirconia; C2/D2, NiCr alloy. The maximum modified von Mises failure criterion (mvM) stresses were calculated, and the stress distribution was recorded to analyze the effects of the restoration and material types on the biomechanical properties of dentin and prosthesis.
RESULTS
The maximum mvM stress of dentin in model B (33.80 MPa) was lower compared with models C (C1, 37.81 MPa; C2, 36.36 MPa) and D (D1, 36.34 MPa; D2, 34.97 MPa) under vertical load, but the opposite was observed under oblique load. The highest mvM stress was concentrated in the nail region located in the root canal, and the T-shaped nail values were greater than the tapered nail, whereas model D with T-shaped nail showed a lower mvM stress level in dentin compared with Model C with tapered nail.
CONCLUSIONS
The digital multi-piece zirconia post-crown is a potential approach to restore mandibular second molars with extensive coronal loss and limited restoration space.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The digital multi-piece zirconia post-crown has potential to restore mandibular second molars with extensive coronal loss and limited restoration space using an innovative approach.
|
10.1007/s00784-022-04470-5
|
pubmed_733_22023
|
A rapid and sensitive assay was developed for the detection and identification of viroids by standard or multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-probe capture hybridization (RT-PCR-ELISA). The assay was applied successfully for the detection and identification of the following six viroid species from infected tissues: Potato spindle tuber viroid (Pospiviroid), Peach latent mosaic viroid (Pelamoviroid), Apple scar skin viroid (Apscaviroid), Apple dimple fruit viroid (Apscaviroid), Pear blister canker viroid (Apscaviroid), and Hop stunt viroid (Hostuviroid). Total RNA was obtained from infected tissue by the Qiagen RNeasy kit and, then viroid cDNA was synthesized using viroid specific complementary DNA primer. To identify and differentiate the amplicons of the six viroids, each amplicon was digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled during the amplification process, and then detected by a colorimetric system using a biotinylated cDNA capture probe specific for each viroid. The results revealed that each capture probe hybridized only to its complementary DIG-labelled amplicon. Thus the six viroids can be detected and differentiated in a multiplex RT-PCR-ELISA assay. In the multiplex assay, cDNAs of six viroids were synthesized simultaneously in one tube, DIG-labelled during amplification, then a portion of the DIG-labelled amplified products was hybridized with selected capture probe. All the six viroid capture probes hybridized to their respective complementary DIG-labelled RT-PCR-amplified product. These findings are important for viroid detection and identification for studying host-viroid interactions and for management and control viroid diseases.
|
10.1016/s0166-0934(02)00090-3
|
pubmed_664_18751
|
A 1,10-phenanthroline-ligated cationic silver complex allows the intramolecular chloroamination of allenes with N-chlorosuccinimide using 2,6-lutidine as a base. This process proceeds under mild conditions and can tolerate a variety of functional groups. The chloroamination products are useful synthetic intermediates and can be easily transformed into functionalized 3-pyrroline and pyrrole derivatives.
|
10.1021/ol201895s
|
pubmed_612_15392
|
In consultation with academia and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), we have developed guidance for drafting protocols for clinical trials concerning medical devices for the healing of hard-to-heal wounds without ischaemia. The guidance summarises the validity of single-arm trials for hard-to-heal wounds, the definition of hard-to-heal wounds without ischaemia, methods of patient enrolment and clinical endpoints. This review focuses on the logical thinking process that was used when establishing the guidance for improving the efficiency of clinical trials concerning medical devices for hard-to-heal wounds. We particularly focused on the feasibility of conducting single-arm trials and also tried to clarify the definition of hard-to-heal wounds. If the feasibility of randomised control trials is low, conducting single-arm trials should be considered for the benefit of patients. In addition, hard-to-heal wounds were defined as meeting the following two conditions: wounds with a wound area reduction <50% at four weeks despite appropriate standards of care; and wounds which cannot be closed by a relatively simple procedure (for example, suture, skin graft and small flaps). Medical devices for hard-to-heal wound healing are classified into two types: (1) devices for promoting re-epithelialisation; and (2) devices for improving the wound bed. For medical devices for promoting re-epithelialisation, we suggest setting complete wound closure, percent wound area reduction or distance moved by the wound edge as the primary endpoint in single-arm trials for hard-to-heal wounds. For medical devices for improving the wound bed, we suggest setting the period in which wounds can be closed by secondary intention or a simple procedure, such as the primary endpoint.
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10.12968/jowc.2021.30.8.666
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pubmed_968_9476
|
BACKGROUND
Lower limb amputation causes difficulties in mobility together with motor and sensory loss. Challenging situations such as concurrent tasks cause gait parameters to deteriorate. Understanding the effect of concurrent tasks on gait is important for the rehabilitation of amputees.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Are the effects of concurrent cognitive and motor tasks on gait parameters at fixed speed different in individuals with transtibial amputation, or transfemoral amputation compared to healthy individuals?
METHODS
The gait parameters were evaluated of 20 individuals with transtibial amputation, 13 individuals with transfemoral amputation and 20 healthy individuals while walking on a motorized treadmill under single task (ST), cognitive dual task (CDT) and motor dual task (MDT) conditions. The self-selected comfortable velocity, which was determined in the single-task gait, was used in all three walking tests.
RESULTS
ST, CDT and MDT gait parameters of individuals with transtibial amputation, transfemoral amputation and healthy individuals were significantly different (p < 0.01). Covariance of step length variability increased in amputees when walking under MDT (p < 0.05). The dual task cost (DTC) for all the gait parameters was similar in all three groups (p > 0.05). The motor DTC of covariance of step length was greater than cognitive DTC (p < 0.05).
SIGNIFICANCE
Individuals with lower limb amputation have the capacity to walk with cognitive and motor tasks without changing velocity on the treadmill, but concurrent motor tasks cause an increase in gait variability. The results of this study suggest that there is an increase in gait variability especially with motor tasks, which may cause a higher risk of falling. Trial number: NCT04392466 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.10.036
|
pubmed_719_25125
|
We have previously shown that infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) enters the embryo cell line CHSE-214 by macropinocytosis. In this study, we have extended our investigation into SHK-1 cells, a macrophage-like cell line derived from the head kidney of Atlantic salmon, the most economically important host of IPNV. We show that IPNV infection stimulated fluid uptake in SHK-1 cells above the constitutive macropinocytosis level. In addition, upon infection of SHK-1 cells, IPNV produced several changes in actin dynamics, such as protrusions and ruffles, which are important features of macropinocytosis. We also observed that the Na+/H+ pump inhibitor EIPA blocked IPNV infection. On the other hand, IPNV entry was independent of clathrin, a possibility that could not be ruled out in CHSE 214 cells. In order to determine the possible role of accessory factors on the macropinocytic process, we tested several inhibitors that affect components of transduction pathways. While pharmacological intervention of PKI3, PAK-1 and Rac1 did not affect IPNV infection, inhibition of Ras and Rho GTPases as well as Cdc42 resulted in a partial decrease in IPNV infection. Further studies will be required to determine the signalling pathway involved in the macropinocytosis-mediated entry of IPNV into its target cells.
|
10.1111/jfd.13009
|
pubmed_168_2398
|
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are in the superfamily of Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels, and are pentameric assemblies of five subunits, with each subunit arranged around the central ion-conducting pore. The binding of ACh to the extracellular interface between two subunits induces channel opening. With the recent 4 A resolution of the Torpedo nAChR, and the crystal structure of the related molluscan ACh binding protein, much has been learned about the structure of the ligand binding domain and the channel pore, as well as major structural rearrangements that may confer channel opening. For example, the putative pathway coupling agonist binding to channel gating may include a major rearrangement of the C-loop within the ligand binding pocket, and the disruption of a salt bridge between an arginine residue at the end of the beta10 strand and a glutamate residue in the beta1-beta2 linker. Here we will review and discuss the latest structural findings aiming to further refine the transduction pathway linking binding to gating for the nAChR channels, and discuss similarities and differences among the different members of this Cys-loop superfamily of receptors.
|
10.1113/jphysiol.2007.142554
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pubmed_333_470
|
The effect of 1 mg hydrocortisone (HC) administered 3 h before the experiment was studied the bioelectric activity of ventral roots of spinal cord, the size and morphology of motoric neurons and also the size of synaptic endings being measured under different frequency of electric stimulation in frogs. It was found that the effect of HC on the electric activity of spinal cord and morphology of its neural elements was dependent on the stimulation used. Under the resting conditins the administration of HC resulted in a small decrease of the size of neurons. Under a low frequency stimulation HC did not affect the electric activity of spinal cord, but prevented the swelling of neurons and of synaptic endings resulting from the stimulation. Under a high frequency stimulation themorphology of neurons was remarkably changed, a shrinkage of these and an appearance of "dark" cells being found. Also these changes were prevented by the administration of HC. It was concluded that in all experiments HC prevented the changes resulting from electrostimulation, its effect, however, being dependent on the parameters of the stimulation used.
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pubmed_333_470
|
pubmed_1110_22827
|
Key scientific discoveries have resulted from genetic studies of Drosophila melanogaster, using a multitude of transgenic fly strains, the majority of which are constructed in a genetic background containing mutations in the white gene. Here we report that white mutant flies from w strain undergo retinal degeneration. We observed also that w mutants have progressive loss of climbing ability, shortened life span, as well as impaired resistance to various forms of stress. Retinal degeneration was abolished by transgenic expression of mini-white+ in the white null background w . We conclude that beyond the classical eye-color phenotype, mutations in Drosophila white gene could impair several biological functions affecting parameters like mobility, life span and stress tolerance. Consequently, we suggest caution and attentiveness during the interpretation of old experiments employing white mutant flies and when planning new ones, especially within the research field of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. We also encourage that the use of w strain as a wild-type control should be avoided.
|
10.3389/fnins.2017.00732
|
pubmed_434_25220
|
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®), a commonly used immunosuppressive drug in solid organ transplantation, has recently been shown to cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-like changes in the gastrointestinal tract. On rare occasions, true GVHD has also been documented in the gastrointestinal tract of solid organ transplant patients. Because the treatment for these two entities is different, i.e. removal of the offending agent versus the administration of steroids, proper identification of the cause is imperative. We present a case of mycophenolate mofetil colitis mimicking grade I GVHD of the gut. In our study, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization for the Y chromosome to document the lack of male donor lymphocytes in the female recipient colon biopsy. We suggest that molecular techniques including fluorescence in situ hybridization could be used to discriminate between MMF-related colitis and true GVHD in order to help guide therapy.
|
10.1159/000260903
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pubmed_229_13580
|
Norepinephrine plays a significant role in the working memory functions of the prefrontal cortex by its actions at alpha-2a noradrenergic receptors. Guanfacine has demonstrated efficacy in reversing working memory deficits in non-human primate. In the present study the effect of guanfacine adjunctive treatment to neuroleptics on the cognitive performance of schizophrenic patients was investigated in a four week, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel design trial. The primary analyses revealed no significant differences between guanfacine and placebo treatment; however, exploratory non-parametric statistics revealed some significant and some trend differences between guanfacine and placebo on spatial working memory test performance and CPT reaction time in those subjects treated with atypical neuroleptics.
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10.1016/S0893-133X(01)00249-4
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pubmed_361_3441
|
Antibody microprobes were used to measure immunoreactive substance P (irSP) release in the substantia gelatinosa of the lower lumbar spinal cord of barbiturate-anaesthetized cats. Release of irSP was produced by noxious peripheral stimuli. Such release was not altered by blocking spinal conduction at the first lumbar segment by cooling or transecting the spinal cord. The results suggest that the release of irSP from the central terminals of nociceptors is not subject to tonic supraspinal inhibition.
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10.1007/BF00248752
|
pubmed_974_13936
|
INTRODUCTION
Reducing cancer disparities is a major public health objective. Disparities often are discussed in terms of either race and ethnicity or socioeconomic status (SES), without examining interactions between these variables.
METHODS
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-18 data, excluding Alaska Native and Louisiana registries, from 2002 to 2008, were used to estimate five-year, cause-specific survival by race/ethnicity and census tract SES. Differences in survival between groups were used to assess absolute disparities. Hazard ratios were examined as a measure of relative disparity. Interactions between race/ethnicity and neighborhood SES were evaluated using proportional hazard models.
RESULTS
Survival increased with higher SES for all racial/ethnic groups and generally was higher among non-Hispanic white and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) than non-Hispanic black and Hispanic cases. Absolute disparity in breast cancer survival among non-Hispanic black vs non-Hispanic white cases was slightly larger in low-SES areas than in high-SES areas (7.1% and 6.8%, respectively). In contrast, after adjusting for stage, age, and treatment, risk of mortality among non-Hispanic black cases compared with non-Hispanic white cases was 21% higher in low-SES areas and 64% higher in high-SES areas. Similarly, patterns of absolute and relative disparity compared with non-Hispanic whites differed by SES for Hispanic breast cancer, non-Hispanic black colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer cases. Statistically significant interactions existed between race/ethnicity and SES for colorectal and female breast cancers.
DISCUSSION
In health disparities research, both relative and absolute measures provide context. A better understanding of the interactions between race/ethnicity and SES may be useful in directing screening and treatment resources toward at-risk populations.
|
10.1093/jncimonographs/lgu020
|
pubmed_710_20754
|
PURPOSE
In the present study the influence and application of a newly developed external lower punch vibration system for an improved die filling on a running rotary tablet press was investigated.
METHODS
Tablets were manufactured at different conditions (with and without vibration) and characterized regarding their direct compressibility and mechanical stability. Thus, two typical pharmaceutical binders for direct compression (Parmcel 102 and Tablettose® 80) were compared with two binders unsuitable for direct compression (Ceolus® KG1000 and GranuLac® 200). The powders were characterized by helium pycnometry, laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and by determination of the powder flow. Furthermore, a novel technique to determine the occurrences of segregation within a tablet after manufacturing was introduced. For this purpose, a powder blend containing one spray-colored type of microcrystalline cellulose (Vivapur® 200) were prepared.
RESULTS
It was shown that under application of externally applied lower punch vibration, the powder flow into the die increased and thus the die filling process was significantly improved. Hence, it was possible to manufacture tablets from powders, which are actually unsuitable for direct compression. In addition, the mechanical stability of the produced tablets was distinctly improved by application of lower punch vibration, whereby the occurrence of segregation was comparatively low.
CONCLUSION
In summary, lower punch vibration allows a more efficient die filling, whereby the powder flow as well as mechanical stability of the tablets are improved.
|
10.1007/s11095-019-2711-7
|
pubmed_358_5064
|
Caloric restriction started at the young adult (YA) stage and the full adult (FA) stage in mice was compared, specifically focussing on whether there would be a delay in the onset time of spontaneous hepatoma or a reduction in its frequency. Caloric restriction lengthened the life spans of both groups, the YA, and FA. Both groups showed striking reductions of spontaneous hepatomas, from 70.9 +/- 3.5% for non-restricted controls down to 35.7 +/- 5.7 and 30.4 +/- 4.0%, for mice restricted from young adult, and from full adult stages, respectively; further, the numbers of tumor-free mice in the restricted groups increased by 45.7% and 38.5%, respectively, from 11.5%, in the non-restricted control. The cumulative incidences of hepatoma in the caloric restricted groups showed a delayed and lower incidence compared with those of the non-restricted group; a parallel delay might result from a weakened activity in tumor-promotion, whereas a lower frequency, might reflect a possible reduction of target cells for hepatomata development. Both effects can be assumed to have resulted from caloric restriction. When cumulative incidences of small hepatomas were compared between the two restricted groups, restriction started at the young adult stage is assumed to have caused fewer initiation stresses, as well as to have delayed promotion, as clearly evidenced by a flatter curve of incidence with a lower total incidence. Thus, the time at which caloric restriction is started plays a critical role in its subsequent effects.
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pubmed_358_5064
|
pubmed_80_23752
|
BACKGROUND
The ability to assess the hemostatic effect of the direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) may be valuable in clinical situations such as bleeding or thrombosis, before urgent surgery, or reversal of anticoagulation. We sought to assess the anticoagulant effect of DOACs with the new-generation fully automated thrombelastograph TEG 6s using resonance-frequency viscoelasticity measurements and disposable multichannel microfluidic cartridges.
METHODS
A single dose of oral dabigatran 150 mg, rivaroxaban 20 mg, or apixaban 5 mg was given to 9 healthy males. Phlebotomy was performed at 0, 1, and 3 hours after administration of DOAC. TEG parameters were measured using TEG _6s. Concentrations of DOACs were measured using chromogenic assays. The TEG parameters were correlated to the DOAC concentrations.
RESULTS
The reaction time (R) demonstrated the strongest response to DOAC intake. There were no correlations between other TEG parameters and DOAC concentrations. Using the direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) channel, R was significantly correlated with dabigatran levels (r = 0.94, P < 0.0001). Using the anti-factor Xa (AFXa) channel, R was significantly correlated with rivaroxaban and apixaban levels (r = 0.93 and r = 0.83, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both). R >2.5 minutes for dabigatran (DTI channel), >2.5 minutes for apixaban, and >1.8 minutes for rivaroxaban (AFXa channel) were associated with 100% sensitivity and ≥ 90% specificity to detect DOAC levels of ≥ 50 ng/mL.
CONCLUSION
We have demonstrated that TEG _6s R has significant correlation with DOAC blood concentrations and has potential for monitoring the DOAC's effect on hemostasis with reasonable sensitivity in the small sample analyzed. This novel technology is easy to use on a small volume of whole blood without requiring a specialized laboratory. Further study is warranted to correlate R with clinical outcomes.
|
10.1002/rth2.12206
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pubmed_1105_23620
|
We present a case of a young child who developed eight-and-a-half syndrome following a pontine tuberculoma, an unusual complication of central nervous system tuberculosis not previously described in an immunocompetent child. The combination of clinical findings allowed for precise localization of the lesion whilst magnetic resonance T1 weighted imaging with contrast provided valuable etiological information. We also discuss the management and outcome of the case.
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10.1016/j.ejpn.2005.11.003
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pubmed_60_11028
|
Disease mongering starts at the top of recent accusations being hurled at psychiatry. It is used to refer to the attempts by pharmaceutical companies or others who have similar interests, to enlarge the market for a treatment by convincing people that they are sick and need medical intervention. This paper critically analyses the 'for' and 'against' arguments of disease mongering in psychiatric disorders, both new and old, such as Bipolar disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Restless legs syndrome, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, female sexual dysfunction, social phobia, metabolic syndrome and road rage disorder.
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pubmed_60_11028
|
pubmed_229_13118
|
We reviewed a consecutive series of 33 infants who underwent surgery for obstetric brachial plexus palsy at a mean age of 4.7 months. Of these, 13 with an upper palsy and 20 with a total palsy were treated by nerve reconstruction. Ten were treated by muscle transfer to the shoulder or elbow, and 16 by tendon transfer to the hand. The mean postoperative follow-up was 4 years 8 months. Ten of the 13 children (70%) with an upper palsy regained useful shoulder function and 11 (75%) useful elbow function. Of the 20 children with a total palsy, four (20%) regained useful shoulder function and seven (35%) useful elbow function. Most patients with a total palsy had satisfactory sensation of the hand, but only those with some preoperative hand movement regained satisfactory grasp. The ability to incorporate the palsied arm and hand into a co-ordinated movement pattern correlated with the sensation and prehension of the hand, but not with shoulder and elbow function.
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10.1302/0301-620x.83b6.11389
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pubmed_381_22445
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The recent finding of predictive brain signals preceding anticipated perceptual and linguistic stimuli opens new questions for experimental research. Here, we address the possible brain basis of phonological predictions regarding the features of specific speech sounds and their relationship to phonological priming. To this end, we recorded EEG correlates of both pre- and post-stimulus brain responses in a phonological priming study. Redundant spoken sounds induced stimulus expectations, which manifested as a slow-wave anticipatory activity (the Prediction Potential, PP), whereas articulatory-congruent (e.g.,/bƏ/in the context of expected/pƏ/) pairs elicited weaker post-stimulus MMN-like responses as compared to the articulatory-incongruent (e.g.,/bƏ/in the context of expected/dƏ/) pairs, a pattern reminiscent of perceptual priming mediated by articulatory-motor areas. Source analysis reveal clusters of activation in lateral prefrontal, temporal and ventral motor areas, thus providing the proof of the relevance of multimodal representation units subserving predictive and perceptual phonemic processing.
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10.1016/j.cortex.2022.06.017
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pubmed_97_13451
|
Voltage-activated Na+, Ca2+, and K+ channels contain a common motif, the S4 sequence, characterized by a basic residue at every third position interspersed mainly with hydrophobic residues. The S4 sequence is proposed to function as the voltage sensor and to move in response to membrane depolarization, triggering conformational changes that open the channel. This hypothesis has been tested in previous studies which revealed that mutations of the S4 basic residues often shift the curve of voltage dependence of activation along the voltage axis. We find that comparable or larger shifts are caused by conservative substitutions of hydrophobic residues in the S4 sequence of the Shaker K+ channel. We suggest that the S4 structure plays an essential role in determining the relative stabilities of the closed and open states of the channel.
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10.1016/0896-6273(91)90271-z
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pubmed_1131_1752
|
The dysfunction of DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway contributes to tumorigenesis and drug-resistance in cancer. MUS81 is a member of the conserved xeroderma pigmentosum group F (XPF) family protein of endonucleases, which is important to the DDR pathway. However, the role of MUS81 in the development of ovarian cancer remains uncertain. To explore the expression of MUS81 and its association to serous ovarian cancer (SOC), 43 biopsies of SOC patients were detected by qRT-PCR, and 29 specimens were further performed by immunohistochemistry analysis. Here, we observed that MUS81 was over-expressed in SOC tissues at both transcript and protein levels, and the expression level of MUS81 protein in ovarian cancer cell lines was also higher than that in human normal ovarian surface epithelial cell line (HOSEpiC). We also found that down-regulation of MUS81 expression in ovarian cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation ability, and influenced cell cycle progression. Moreover, inhibition of MUS81 expression induced cellular senescence and enhanced the antitumor effect of cisplatin. Down-regulation of MUS81 expression could suppress the growth and development of SOC. These results indicate that MUS81 might play important roles in the progression of SOC and influence the antitumor effect of cisplatin.
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10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.152
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pubmed_63_22125
|
Blue vitiligo is a distinct variant of vitiligo characterized by a blue-grey appearance of the skin, which corresponds histologically with absence of epidermal melanocytes and presence of numerous dermal melanophages. A 23-year-old woman of Indian origin with Fitzpatrick skin type V presented with a 1-month history of normoaesthetic depigmented macules over the right forearm, dorsa of the hands and right areola. The macule over the right forearm had a bluish tinge. A clinical diagnosis of vitiligo vulgaris with blue vitiligo was made. Dermatoscopy of the interface between the blue macule and the hypopigmented macule revealed a linear depigmented macule in the centre with multiple blue dots and absence of epidermal melanin on the side of the blue macule, and reticular pigmentation with a few depigmented macules and scattered blue dots over the side of the hypopigmented macule. Blue vitiligo was described previously in a patient seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus, and believed to represent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in areas bordering the vitiliginous patches as a result of psoralen ultraviolet A treatment. This case is unusual because of its rarity and the description of the associated dermatoscopical findings.
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10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.03155.x
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pubmed_835_3879
|
The use of magnet compression to endoscopically create an esophageal anastomosis is an intriguing approach to esophageal atresia repair, but published cases with an existing available device have demonstrated mixed success. One major shortcoming has been the formation of subsequent severe, recalcitrant strictures after primary repair. To address the limitations of the existing device, we recently introduced and reported success with specially designed bi-radial magnets that exhibit a novel geometry and unique tissue compression profile. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes using our novel device (novel group, NG) with those of previous reports which utilized the historical device (historic group, HG) in a PRISMA-compliant systematic review. Seven studies were eligible for further analysis. Additionally, one of our previously unreported cases was included in the analysis. Esophageal pouch approximation prior to primary repair was performed more frequently in the NG than in the HG (100% NG vs. 21% HG; p = 0.003). There was no difference in the overall postoperative appearance of postoperative stricture (95% HG vs. 100% NG; p = 0.64). The number of postoperative dilatations trended lower in the NG (mean 4.25 NG vs. 9.5 HG; p = 0.051). In summary, magnetic compression anastomosis adds a new promising treatment option for patients with complex esophageal atresia. Prior approximation of pouches and a novel magnet design have the potential to lower the rate of stricture formation.
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10.3390/children9081113
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pubmed_61_18202
|
Reactivation of latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) following allogeneic transplantation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and predisposes to severe complications, including superinfection by Aspergillus species (spp). Antimicrobial polypeptides, including defensins and mannan-binding lectin, are known to block viral fusion by cross-linking sugars on cell surface. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a member of the long pentraxin family, successfully restored antifungal immunity in experimental hematopoietic transplantation. We assessed here whether PTX3 binds HCMV and murine virus (MCMV) and the impact on viral infectivity and superinfection in vivo. We found that PTX3 bound both viruses, reduced viral entry and infectivity in vitro, and protected from MCMV primary infection and reactivation as well as Aspergillus superinfection. This occurred through the activation of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) in dendritic cells via the TLR9/MyD88-independent viral recognition sensing and the promotion of the interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IFN-gamma-dependent effector pathway.
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10.1182/blood-2006-03-009266
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pubmed_701_10049
|
Four ascomycete species of the genus Gaeumannomyces infect roots of monocotyledons. Gaeumannomyces graminis contains four varieties, var. tritici, var. avenae, var. graminis, and var. maydis. G. graminis varieties tritici, avenae, and graminis have Phialophora-like anamorphs and, together with the other Gaeumannomyces and Phialophora species found on cereal roots, constitute the Gaeumannomyces-Phialophora complex. Relatedness of a number of Gaeumannomyces and Phialophora isolates was assessed by comparison of DNA sequences of the 18S rRNA gene, the 5.8S rRNA gene, and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS). G. graminis var. tritici, G. graminis var. avenae, and G. graminis var. graminis isolates can be distinguished from each other by nucleotide sequence differences in the ITS regions. The G. graminis var. tritici isolates can be further subdivided into R and N isolates (correlating with ability [R] or inability [N] to infect rye). Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS regions of several oat-infecting G. graminis var. tritici isolates suggests that these isolates are actually more closely related to G. graminis var. avenae. The isolates of Magnaporthe grisea included in the analysis showed a surprising degree of relatedness to members of the Gaeumannomyces-Phialophora complex. G. graminis variety-specific oligonucleotide primers were used in PCRs to amplify DNA from cereal seedlings infected with G. graminis var. tritici or G. graminis var. avenae, and these should be valuable for sensitive detection of pathogenic isolates and for diagnosis of take-all.
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10.1128/aem.61.2.681-689.1995
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pubmed_743_13177
|
Hybrid perovskite materials are one of the most promising candidates for optoelectronic applications, e.g., solar cells and LEDs, which can be produced at low cost compared to established materials. Although this field of research has seen a huge upsurge in the past decade, there is a major lack in understanding the underlying processes, such as shape-property relationships and the role of defects. Our aerosol-assisted synthesis pathway offers the possibility to obtain methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) microcrystals from a liquid single source precursor. The differently shaped particles are aligned on several substrates, without using a directing agent or other additives. The obtained particles show good stability under dry conditions. This allows us to characterize these materials and their pure surfaces at the single-crystal level using time- and spatially resolved methods, without any influences of size-dependent effects. By optimizing the precursor for the aerosol process, we were able to eliminate any purification steps and use the materials as processed. In addition, we performed theoretical simulations to deepen the understanding of the underlying processes in the formation of the different crystal facets and their specific properties. The model system presented provides insights into the shape-related properties of MAPbBr3 single crystals and their directed but ligand-free synthesis.
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10.3390/nano11113057
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pubmed_573_9157
|
The prevalence of mental illness and suicide among female adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system is alarmingly high and there is a need to identify risk factors that may be amenable to intervention. This study examined the independent association between dating violence and poor mental health (psychological distress and attempted suicide) among 305 female adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system in Nevada. Overall, 28% of the sample met the criteria for clinically significant psychological distress and 18% had attempted suicide with intent to die. After controlling for well-established risk factors such as sexual orientation, childhood abuse, and substance abuse, dating violence remained independently associated with psychological distress and attempted suicide. These findings suggest that mental health programming for this population may be more effective if it includes a focus on dating violence.
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10.1177/1078345812474639
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pubmed_789_23902
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A method for screening of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor was carried out using capillary electrophoresis (CE) based on the interaction of MAO and its substrate kynuramine (Kyn). Bioactive proteoliposome was reconstituted by liposome and MAO and then was applied as the pseudostationary phase (PSP) of CE to mimic the interaction between the enzyme and its substrate. N-prolmrgyl-R-2-heptylamine (R-2-HPA) and rasagiline [N-propargyl-1-(R)-aminoindan], which are two kinds of MAO inhibitors, were added into the running buffers containing proteoliposome. The results showed that the relative migration time ratio (RMTR × 10(-1)) values of Kyn were enhanced from 8.88 to 9.31 with an increase of the concentrations of rasagiline from 10(-6) to 1 mM. However, the RMTR values of Kyn were enhanced from 8.83 to 9.14 with an increase of the concentrations of R-2-HPA from 10(-6) to 1 mM. The RMTR value of Kyn in the presence of rasagiline was larger than that in the presence of R-2-HPA when rasagiline and R-2-HPA were at the same concentration. The results indicated that the interaction between Kyn and MAO was weakened with the increase of the inhibitors. In addition, the results of offline incubation showed that the inhibitions of rasagiline were 100.0, 72.1, 51.8 and 5.4% at the concentration of 1, 10(-2), 10(-4) and 10(-6) mM; moreover, the inhibitions of R-2-HPA were 70.0, 44.9, 4.1 and 0.9% at the concentrations of 1, 10(-2), 10(-4) and 10(-6) mM. The inhibition efficiency of rasagiline was stronger than that of R-2-HPA at the same concentration. Additionally, the interaction between Kyn and liposome was also investigated. This newly developed method might provide a potential tool for screening MAO inhibitor.
|
10.1093/chromsci/bms053
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pubmed_567_19318
|
We report a case of left radial neuropathy from a venipuncture, in a 59-year-old woman. She had a history of amputation of the four last fingers of the right hand, when she was 27-year-old. One year before, she had a difficult venipuncture of the left radial vein, for a preanaesthetic assessment for cataract surgery. The puncture elicited an excruciating pain, associated with hypoaesthesia in the area of the radial nerve, at forearm and the wrist. Conventional therapeutic means had only a minor efficiency. The concept of nervous system sensitizing is discussed. Prevention is essential.
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10.1016/s0750-7658(00)00125-8
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pubmed_334_21879
|
Respiratory symptoms might originate sometimes in the diseases of another thoracic organ than the lungs, the esophagus, which is able to determine sufferings mimicking pulmonary diseases. The authors review a series of esophageal diseases capable of generating respiratory symptoms, as well as the criteria for differential diagnosis: Zenker diverticulum, esophageal fistula, achalasia, cancer of the esophagus, esophageal cyst and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
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pubmed_334_21879
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pubmed_692_12865
|
Acar and Sun (2013, Biometrics 69, 427-435) presented a generalized Kruskal-Wallis (GKW) test for genetic association studies that incorporated the genotype uncertainty and showed its robust and competitive performance compared to existing methods. We present another interesting way to derive the GKW test via a rank linear model.
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10.1111/biom.12260
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pubmed_635_4557
|
Mosquitoes are the most deadly vectors of parasites that cause diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and filariasis. In view of the recent increased interest in developing plant origin insecticides as an alternative to chemical insecticides, the objective of this study was to determine the repellent activity of creams formulated with methanol crude extract (MCE), hexane fraction (HF), and ethyl acetate fractions (EAFs) of Ocimum gratissimum and Lantana camara leaves in single and combined actions against female Aedes aegypti. Evaluation was carried out in the net cages (30 by 30 by 30 cm) containing 60 blood-starved female mosquitoes each and were assayed in the laboratory condition following World Health Organization 2009 protocol. All formulations (single and mixture) were applied at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/cm(2) in the exposed area of human hands. Only acetone + white soft paraffin served as negative control and odomos (12% DEET) as positive control. All the formulations presented good protection against mosquito bites without any allergic reaction by the human volunteers. The repellent activity was dependent on the strength of the extracts and fractions. Among the tested formulations, the maximum protection time was observed in MCE (120 min) and EAF (150 min) of O. gratissimum; MCE:MCE (150 min) and HF:HF (120 min) mixtures of both plants. In addition, MCE:MCE and HF:HF mixtures from both plants showed possible synergistic effect. From the results, the combination of O. gratissimum and L. camara to formulate natural mosquito repellent using small amount of extracts can be encouraging to be an alternative to conventional DEET.
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pubmed_635_4557
|
pubmed_256_2347
|
Microbial cultures typically produce acids when metabolizing the common carbon source, glucose. Acid production not only represents a waste of carbon, but its accumulation can limit cell concentration and culture stability, thereby reducing productivity. On the basis of prior work, acid production was attributed to be due to a mismatch between glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle capacities. To suppress acid production, a strategy entailing adding citrate to glucose minimal medium proved extremely effective. The effect of citrate on in-vivo flux distribution was quantified using a detailed flux-model. When the molar glucose-citrate ratio was varied between 3 and 6, a significant reduction in glycolytic flux and essentially complete suppression of acid formation was found as compared to chemostat cultures grown solely on glucose. Adding other biosynthetic precursors such as glutamine did not invoke the same suppression, thus indicating that citrate's effect is at the regulatory level. We hypothesized that the reduction of glycolytic flux in the presence of citrate results from its transport being coupled with the uptake of divalent metal ions. Citrate transport alters the intracellular balance of metal ions which in turn could trigger a sophisticated series of metabolic events leading to reduction of the activities of the pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase (PFK), the regulatory enzymes of glycolysis. On the basis of this scenario and other regulatory information, pyruvate kinase has emerged as a potential metabolic engineering site. It's deactivation in Bacillus subtilis or Escherichia coli strains is expected to yield constructs with a much lower tendency for making acid byproducts.
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10.1021/bp00034a003
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pubmed_962_17393
|
BACKGROUND
Despite rising medical malpractice costs, little is known about the factors associated with claims filed against Mohs surgeons.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to define the scope of medical malpractice claims filed against Mohs surgeons and to identify salient factors associated with the filing and disposition of those claims.
METHODS
A comprehensive survey was mailed to 599 physicians with US addresses listed in the 2003 directory of the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology.
RESULTS
Of the 300 completed surveys returned, 33 (11%) reported ever having been sued. Physicians who practiced Mohs surgery for a longer period of time were more likely to have been sued for malpractice. Physicians reported the wrong site and functional outcome as the most frequent causes of malpractice lawsuits.
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10.1111/1524-4725.2006.32009
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pubmed_300_14702
|
We investigate the width of the resonance zone in a degenerate Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom, in which the Hamiltonian lacks the quadratic term in the Taylor expansion. This leads to larger excursions of action in the phase space than the nondegenerate one, and corresponding resonance frequency widths would become narrower. However, in contrast to the nonautonomous Hamiltonian system with one and half degree of freedom, we find that the above case is not generic and only occurs at particular resonances. An example relevant to the interaction of resonances is considered. Analytic results are verified in numerical simulations.
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10.1103/PhysRevE.80.026216
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pubmed_260_16487
|
Cancer recurrence following response to therapy suggests that resistant cells lay dormant and subsequently reactivate. The cancer stem cell paradigm explains why tumors typically consist of a large therapy sensitive compartment, and a smaller compartment with profound intrinsic resistance. Here we examine co-expression of tissue stem cell markers (CD90, CD117, CD133) and cytokeratin in previously untreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In normal lung (NL), we assign a provisional phenotype to resting stem cells (low scatter, cytokeratin-and either CD90(dim)/CD133+, or CD117+). Progenitors share this phenotype but are morphologically complex, downregulating CD90 as they gain cytokeratin. This pattern is retained in well-differentiated NSCLC, but is deranged in poorly-differentiated NSCLC, the most common pattern being overexpression of cytokeratin on stem/progenitors. Stem cells and progenitors are present at approximately 1% and 10% in NL and NSCLC, respectively. Constitutive multiple drug resistance (MDR) was present in approximately 6% of well-differentiated and approximately 50% of poorly differentiated tumors. We hypothesize that among the minority of tumor cells capable of propagating a tumor, only those that self-protect survive therapy. Of surviving cells, only those which, like normal stem cells, are predominantly resting, cause recurrence after remission. The therapeutic index of antineoplastics thus becomes one of sensitivity of cancer and normal stem cells, which are protected by the same mechanisms.
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10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.05.005
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pubmed_307_13548
|
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by low levels of the SMN protein, encoded by the Survival Motor Neuron genes (SMN1 and SMN2). Mouse models of SMA can be rescued by increased SMN expression, but the timing of SMN replacement for complete rescue is unknown. Studies in zebrafish predict restoration of SMN function during embryogenesis may be important for axonal pathfinding, while the mouse models and normal human disease progression suggest that post-natal treatment may be sufficient for amelioration of disease. To evaluate the timing for SMN replacement, we have generated a stably integrated Cre-inducible SMN mouse in which expression of full-length SMN2 occurs after tamoxifen administration. Our temporally inducible SMN transgene is able to express SMN in embryonic, neonatal, and weanling mice and as such can be utilized in severe and mild SMA mouse models to identify the therapeutic window for SMN replacement.
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10.1002/dvg.20764
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pubmed_587_8193
|
Kinesin is a motor protein that transports organelles along a microtubule toward its plus end by using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. To clarify the nucleotide-dependent binding mode, we measured the unbinding force for one-headed kinesin heterodimers in addition to conventional two-headed kinesin homodimers under several nucleotide states. We found that both a weak and a strong binding state exist in each head of kinesin corresponding to a small and a large unbinding force, respectively; that is, weak for the ADP state and strong for the nucleotide-free and adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate states. Model analysis showed that (i) the two binding modes in each head could be explained by a difference in the binding energy and (ii) the directional instability of binding, i.e., dependence of unbinding force on loading direction, could be explained by a difference in the characteristic distance for the kinesin-microtubule interaction during plus- and minus-end-directed loading. Both these factors must play an important role in the molecular mechanism of kinesin motility.
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10.1073/pnas.092546199
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pubmed_39_4835
|
On the basis of the golden stage of development of processing techniques of medicinals in the Song dynasty, the theory and techniques of processing in the Ming-Qing dynasties developed and accomplished further. The knowledge of some physicians on the processing of common medicinal, such as Radix rehmannia and Radixophiopogonis, was questioned, with new idea of processing methods put forward and argued against those insisting traditional ones, marking the progress of the art of processing. By reviewing the contention of technical theory of medicinal processing in the Ming-Qing period, useful references can be provided for the inheritance and development of the traditional art of processing medicinals.
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pubmed_39_4835
|
pubmed_297_24420
|
Nicotine use can lead to dependence through complex processes that are regulated by both its rewarding and aversive effects. Recent studies show that aversive nicotine doses activate excitatory inputs to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) from the medial habenula (MHb), but the downstream targets of the IPN that mediate aversion are unknown. Here we show that IPN projections to the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg) are GABAergic using optogenetics in tissue slices from mouse brain. Selective stimulation of these IPN axon terminals in LDTg in vivo elicits avoidance behavior, suggesting that these projections contribute to aversion. Nicotine modulates these synapses in a concentration-dependent manner, with strong enhancement only seen at higher concentrations that elicit aversive responses in behavioral tests. Optogenetic inhibition of the IPN-LDTg connection blocks nicotine conditioned place aversion, suggesting that the IPN-LDTg connection is a critical part of the circuitry that mediates the aversive effects of nicotine.
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10.1038/s41467-018-04654-2
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pubmed_495_15282
|
To evaluate the rationale of using antibiotics in acute pancreatitis and to determine whether the indication for their use depends upon the etiology of the pancreatitis, the records of 202 patients with acute pancreatitis were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of abnormal body temperature, leukocytosis, bacteremia and the results of biochemistry tests in different etiologies of the disease were investigated. Pancreatitis was found to be alcohol-related (47 patients), gallstone-related (105 patients), idiopathic (26 patients) and miscellaneous (24 patients). On admission, 83 patients had abnormal body temperature and 146 patients showed leukocytosis. Bacteremia occurred in 20 patients. Of these, 15 had gallstone-related pancreatitis, two had pancreatic cancers and one developed bacteremia after endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). These 18 patients had abnormal biochemistry results (including high serum levels of direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase) and dilated bile ducts on imaging studies, indicating biliary infections. The remaining two patients with bacteremia included one alcoholic patient and one patient with idiopathic pancreatitis. The most commonly involved pathogens were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, eight patients (4%) developed secondary pancreatic infections during hospitalization; the blood cultures of seven of these patients were negative on admission. Although fever and leukocytosis are not good predictors of infection in acute pancreatitis our results showed that bacteremia is common in patients whose pancreatitis is related to gallstones, ERCP or pancreatic malignancy with obstructive jaundice. We recommend that antibiotics be used only in this subset of acute pancreatitis patients.
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pubmed_495_15282
|
pubmed_979_5346
|
This review presents a summary of what is known about genetic factors possibly involved in iodine deficiency disorders. After an overview on thyroid iodine metabolism and the role of environmental factors in endemic goitre, we analyse genetic studies on endemic goitre reported in the literature. We hypothesize that endemic goitre is a multifactorial disease in which the major factor would be of environmental nature (iodine deficiency) with a lesser role for genetic factors. Mutations, in a heterozygote state, of one of the genes involved in tiered hormonogenesis could lead to a less effective metabolic pathway in the iodine transport or hormonogenesis. We also briefly review various hereditary disorders which may be involved in endemic goitre. Then, we postulate that the presence of some genetic variants in the population or the heterozygote status of individuals for thyroid hereditary disorders may influence the degree of the thyroid enlargement and/or hypothyroidism.
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pubmed_979_5346
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pubmed_1074_9344
|
Overexpression of the T cell cytokine IL-22 is linked to the development of some chronic diseases, but little is known about IL-22 deficiency in humans. As demonstrated in this study, acne inversa (AI; also designated as Hidradenitis suppurativa) lesions show a relative deficiency of IL-22 and IL-20, but not of IL-17A, IL-26, IFN-γ, IL-24, or IL-1β. Moreover, AI lesions had reduced expression of membranous IL-22 and IL-20 receptors and increased expression of the natural IL-22 inhibitor, IL-22 binding protein. AI is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with prevalence up to 4% of the population and in which cutaneous bacterial persistence represents an important pathogenetic factor. Accordingly, we also found a relative deficiency of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) in AI lesions and a positive correlation between lesional IL-22 and IL-20 versus AMP levels. IL-22, like its tissue cell downstream mediator IL-20, upregulated AMPs in reconstituted human epidermis and was critical for increased AMP levels under inflammatory conditions. The relative IL-22 deficiency in AI was not linked to lesional T cell numbers or Th22/Th1/Th17 subset markers and -inducing cytokines. However, IL-10 was highly expressed in AI lesions and correlated negatively with IL-22 expression. Moreover, IL-10 inhibited IL-22 but not IL-17 production in vitro. The IL-10 overexpression, in turn, was not associated with an elevated presence of regulatory T cells but with the enhanced presence of an IL-10-inducing cytokine. We conclude that IL-22 deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of certain chronic disorders as postulated in this paper for AI.
|
10.4049/jimmunol.0903907
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pubmed_1141_19844
|
The variety 'Langdon' and its substitution series were used to evaluate the effect of each substituted chromosome of the A and B genomes on the in vitro androgenetic potential. This study showed the implication of chromosomes 1B and 5B in repressing embryogenesis. Genes located on these chromosomes seem to have an inhibitor effect. The substitution of these chromosomes by their homeologous ones from the D genome increased the number of embryos while with the presence of the original genes the number of embryos was less than in the control. Chromosome 5B is also especially involved in the regeneration of green plants. The genetic control is inhibitory; this explains the difficulty of obtaining good levels of in vitro androgenesis in durum wheat. In this study no effect of the D genome on the androgenetic response of the substitution lines was observed.
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10.1016/s0764-4469(00)00131-1
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pubmed_371_15373
|
Using the concept of person-environment fit to determine the effectiveness of residential and program placements for chronic psychiatric clients requires systematic and concrete information about these community environments in addition to information about the clients themselves. The conceptual and empirical development of the Behavior Setting Assessment (BSA), a measure based on Barker's behavior setting theory, is described. Use of the BSA with 28 residences (117 settings) and 11 programs (176 settings) from two community support systems demonstrated that all 293 settings assessed could be described and analyzed in terms of differences in their demands for self-care skills, food preparation and consumption, verbal/cognitive responses, and solitary or group activities. The BSA is an efficient measure for obtaining specific, concrete information about the behavioral demands of important community environments.
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10.1007/BF00752382
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pubmed_1076_480
|
BACKGROUND
Disordered discourse in cases of senile dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) has mainly been described in conversation and picture description tasks. The referential communication task provides researchers and clinicians with new insights on the nature of these disorders.
AIMS
To study to what extent persons suffering from DAT can benefit from shared experience through trial repetition to achieve common reference.
METHODS & PROCEDURES
Thirteen persons suffering from DAT at minimal or mild stage (MMSE score range = 18-27) were compared with 13 healthy elderly adults (64-86 years) in neuropsychological assessment of executive functions and in a referential communication paradigm. To study how the two partners achieve mutual understanding by progressively elaborating a common ground, the task was repeated three times.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS
Persons with DAT produced a larger number of words than control participants and they benefited from the task repetition. However, they were less able to take into account previously shared information, used no definite referential expressions and were more idiosyncratic in their descriptions of the referent. This decline of communicative effectiveness was found not to relate closely to executive deficits.
CONCLUSIONS
Collaborative exchanges allow healthy elderly persons to ground reference in common experience. This process is severely disturbed in persons with DAT, in relation to poor memory of preceding episodes or to other cognitive impairments.
|
10.1080/13682820600624216
|
pubmed_651_14142
|
Percentages of various T-lymphocyte subpopulations in the blood were studied at the onset of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. The number of lymphocytes with OKT8 markers was higher in the diabetic patients than in control subjects (p less than 0.005) and the ratio between helper and suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells (OKT4/OKT8 ratio) was lower in the diabetic patients than in the control group (p less than 0.005). The values in the diabetic patients were, however, essentially within the normal range. When Ia-antigen-positive cells were analysed in T-cell enriched cell populations, Type 1 diabetic patients had higher percentages of these cells (p less than 0.01), suggesting T-cell activation. When patients with either of the two major HLA risk antigens (Dw3 or Dw4) were compared, there was a significant difference in the OKT4/OKT8 ratio (p less than 0.005), as Dw3-positive patients had higher and Dw4-positive patients lower ratios. This finding supports the concept of heterogeneity of the disease and can also explain the discrepant findings of earlier studies. When patients with complement-fixing islet cell antibodies were compared with patients without islet cell antibodies, there was no significant difference, although the OKT4/OKT8 ratio was slightly lower in the complement-fixing islet cell antibody-positive patients.
|
10.1007/BF00275661
|
pubmed_723_11698
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An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
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10.1038/s41598-019-55020-1
|
pubmed_977_12513
|
WHAT IS NEW AND OBJECTIVES
Older people from ethnic minorities experience the intersectionality of age and ethnicity in relation to complex medication management and polypharmacy. Minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom are at risk of poor medication management because factors such as cultural beliefs, language barriers, lack of knowledge of how the healthcare system works may affect their ability to safely manage their medications. The aim of this systematic review was to review the literature focussing on medication management in the older population amongst ethnic minority communities in United Kingdom.
METHODS
The review was conducted and reported according to methods in the Cochrane Handbook and in the PRISMA 2020 statement using databases such as EMBASE, ASSIA, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and others. Studies conducted in the United Kingdom on individuals over 60 years of age and from a minority ethnic background were included. A thematic analysis was used to synthesize the results.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Nine studies (eight from initial searches, one from a search update in 2021) met the inclusion criteria. Three main themes were identified: misbeliefs around medications, poor health literacy, communication and education as possible intervention to improve medication management. Misbeliefs around long-term illnesses exert a negative impact on medication management. Poor health literacy around medications influences patients' adherence to treatments. Poor communication is perceived as barrier to successful medication management. Despite extensive searching, the team identified a limited number of studies and a lack of intersectional studies focussing on minority ethnic groups and the older population.
WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest tailored education as a possible intervention to improve medication management amongst these minority groups. Future research should look at recruiting participants from specific ethnic groups and from rural as well as urban areas to explore how medication management operates in different areas of the United Kingdom.
|
10.1111/jcpt.13735
|
pubmed_552_23
|
The effect of the two antineoplastic drugs, Adriamycin and methotrexate, on orthotopic bone, and on the induction of experimental heterotopic bone in rats was analyzed. The drugs were administered as single injections: Adriamycin in s.c. doses of 0.5 and 2 mg/kg body weight and methotrexate i.v. 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight followed by leucovorin rescue after 2 h. A passing, but significant, decrease in body weights occurred in the methotrexate-treated animals, but not in those given Adriamycin. Analysis of the amount of heterotopic bone formed 4 weeks after induction by demineralized bone matrix revealed a 30-40% decrease in the groups treated with either of the antineoplastic agents, whereas orthotopic bone was unaffected. Six weeks after the treatment the net effect on the induced bone had decreased. The present study shows that the two antineoplastic drugs Adriamycin and methotrexate inhibit heterotopic new bone formation induced by demineralized bone matrix in rats to an equal extent, although their mode of action on the cellular level is entirely different, and that the inhibitory effect of a single treatment diminishes in the presence of a continuous inductive process.
|
10.1002/jor.1100080207
|
pubmed_75_17532
|
Preliminary findings on NMR imaging of 30 soft tissue tumors demonstrated the indispensable value of this examination (particularly when a surface antenna is used) for preoperative investigation and diagnosis of tumoral recurrence when compared with other radiologic techniques. The possible potential of NMR imaging for characterization of tissues, apart from lipoma or liposarcoma, cannot be evaluated at the present time.
|
pubmed_75_17532
|
pubmed_121_27010
|
The role of methylation in adaptive, developmental and speciation processes has attracted considerable interest, but interpretation of results is complicated by diffuse boundaries between genetic and non-genetic variation. We studied whole genome genetic and methylation variation in the European eel, distributed from subarctic to subtropical environments, but with panmixia precluding genetically based local adaptation beyond single-generation responses. Overall methylation was 70.9%, with hypomethylation predominantly found in promoters and first exons. Redundancy analyses involving juvenile glass eels showed 0.06% and 0.03% of the variance at SNPs to be explained by localities and environmental variables, respectively, with GO terms of genes associated with outliers primarily involving neural system functioning. For CpGs 2.98% and 1.36% of variance was explained by localities and environmental variables. Differentially methylated regions particularly included genes involved in developmental processes, with Hox clusters featuring prominently. Life stage (adult versus glass eels) was the most important source of inter-individual variation in methylation, probably reflecting both ageing and developmental processes. Demethylation of transposable elements relative to pure European eel was observed in European X American eel hybrids, possibly representing postzygotic barriers in this system characterized by prolonged speciation and ongoing gene flow. Whereas the genetic data are consistent with a role of single-generation selective responses, the methylation results underpin the importance of epigenetics in the life cycle of eels and suggest interactions between local environments, development and phenotypic variation mediated by methylation variation. Eels are remarkable by having retained eight Hox clusters, and the results suggest important roles of methylation at Hox genes for adaptive processes.
|
10.1111/mec.16586
|
pubmed_125_15773
|
BACKGROUND
Tacrolimus is converted from intravenous to oral formulation for the prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease when patients can tolerate oral intake and graft-versus-host disease is under control. Oral tacrolimus formulation presents poor bioavailability with intraindividual and interindividual variations; however, some factors affecting its blood concentration among pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) recipients are still unclear. This study aimed to identify the clinical factors affecting tacrolimus blood concentrations after switching its formulation.
METHODS
Changes in the blood concentration/dose ratio (C/D) of tacrolimus in pediatric HCT recipients were analyzed after the switching of tacrolimus from intravenous to oral formulation. Clinical records of 57 pediatric patients who underwent allogenic HCT from January 2006 to April 2019 in our institute were retrospectively reviewed. The C/D of tacrolimus before discontinuation of intravenous infusion (C/Div) was compared with the tacrolimus trough level within 10 days after the initiation of oral administration (C/Dpo). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting (C/Dpo)/(C/Div).
RESULTS
The constant coefficient of (C/Dpo)/(C/Div) was 0.1692 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.137-0.2011]. The concomitant use of voriconazole or itraconazole and female sex were significant variables with a beta coefficient of 0.0974 (95% CI, 0.062-0.133) and -0.0373 (95% CI, -0.072 to -0.002), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
After switching of tacrolimus formulation, pediatric HCT recipients might need oral tacrolimus dose that is 5-6 and 3.5-4.5 times the intravenous dose to maintain tacrolimus blood concentrations and area under the concentration-time curve, respectively. With the concomitant use of voriconazole or itraconazole, an oral tacrolimus dose of 4-5 times the intravenous dose seemed appropriate to maintain blood tacrolimus concentration.
|
10.1097/FTD.0000000000000793
|
pubmed_100_17600
|
Patients suffering from congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) depend on mechanical ventilation during sleep, from birth and throughout life. They lack CO₂-chemosensitivity. Hope has recently been raised by serendipitous observations of chemosensitivity recovery under treatment by desogestrel, a very potent progestin (Straus et al., 2010). Caution is however needed, because this effect could depend on dose, idiosyncrasies, or be transient. Desogestrel should not be prescribed to CCHS patients with a respiratory purpose until the results of a pending clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov. NCT01243697) are available.
|
10.1016/j.resp.2011.07.007
|
pubmed_1129_6234
|
Wound healing in human periodontium is a complex process which involves both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Integrins play a major role in regulation of these cell-cell, cell-matrix interaction. Wound healing involves two major events i.e. re-epithelialization and connective tissue repair. In this concise review, we will discuss the role of integrins in these major events as well as their impIications in periodontal wound repair. Integrins are differentially expressed in both of these major events. In re-epithelialization, keratinocytes express novel integrins receptors αvβ1, α5β1and αvβ6 which are not expressed in normal healthy epithelium. Re-epithelialization also involves interaction of integrins with TGF-β and fibronectin. Similarly, in connective tissue repair, the activation of fibroblast as well as the expression of integrins α5β1 and α3β1 is upregulated. In healthy periodontium, integrin αvβ6 is normally expressed in junctional epithelium which is generally expressed only at wound sites in other parts of the body. The epithelialization at implant surface has not been yet fully explored with respect to interactions among integrins and other extra-cellular matrix molecules.
|
10.1016/j.jobcr.2018.01.002
|
pubmed_13_23355
|
Research has shown that estrogen is present and plays a critical role in vertebrate reproduction and metabolism, but the influence of steroids on Toxoplasma gondii has received less attention. Our data showed that estradiol and progesterone induced parasitic cytosolic Ca2+ fluxes. This process required estrogen to enter the cytoplasm of T. gondii, and cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) and phosphoinositide-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) emerged as important factors controlling parasitic intracellular (IC) Ca2+ signals. Cytosolic Ca2+, which is regulated by estradiol, was mostly mobilized from acidic organelles. Moreover, cytosolic Ca2+ slightly increased MIC2 protein secretion and promoted the gliding motility and egress of parasites, thus enhancing the pathogenicity of T. gondii, as shown in our previous research. We subsequently determined that the main source of Ca2+ regulated by progesterone was a neutral store. In contrast to the findings of estradiol, progesterone reduced MIC2 protein secretion and inhibited the gliding motility of parasites, which may decrease their pathogenicity. Additionally, unlike in mammals, estradiol and progesterone had no effect on nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in T. gondii.
|
10.3389/fmicb.2018.01266
|
pubmed_709_9986
|
In order to clarify the role of dopamine on the pathophysiology of essential hypertension, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), urine volume (UV), urinary sodium excretion (UNaV), endogenous creatinine clearance (Ccr), fractional excretions of sodium (FENa), inorganic phosphorus (FEP) and potassium (FEK), plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma noradrenaline concentration (PNA) were measured before and after intravenous infusion of dopamine (3 micrograms/kg/min, 60 min) in normotensive (NT) and essential hypertensive subjects (EHT). Following dopamine infusion, a significant decrease of MAP and an increase of HR were observed in EHT but not in NT. UV, UNaV, Ccr, FENa, FEP and FEK increased significantly in both NT and EHT, and changes in these except for Ccr were significantly greater in EHT than in NT. In EHT, following dopamine infusion, PNA was clearly elevated, but no remarkable change was found in PRA and PAC. A significantly positive correlation was found between delta UNaV and delta FENa or delta FEP, and between delta FENa and delta FEP, while no significant relation was observed between delta UNaV and delta Ccr, delta MAP or MAP before dopamine infusion. A significant inverse correlation between supine PRA before dopamine infusion and delta FENa or delta FEP and a positive correlation between age and delta FENa or delta FEP were also observed in these patients. The changes in UNaV positively correlated with delta FENa and delta FEP in both low renin (group L) and normal renin EHT (group N) and with delta Ccr i group N but not in group L. The mean values of delta FENa, delta FEP and delta FEK were significantly higher in group L as compared with those in age-matched group N. These results suggest that, since the enhanced response to infused dopamine may reflect reduced dopaminergic activity, attenuation of renal dopaminergic activity might exist and be involved through a distribution of water-sodium metabolism, at least in part, in the pathophysiological mechanism in EHT, particularly in group L.
|
10.1253/jcj.46.486
|
pubmed_699_16117
|
INTRODUCTION
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in developed countries. Due to population aging, the number of people requiring rehabilitation after stroke is going to rise in the coming decades. Robot-mediated neurorehabilitation has the potential to improve clinical outcomes of rehabilitation treatments. A statistical analysis of the literature aims to focus on the main trend of this topic.
AREAS COVERED
A bibliometric survey on post-stroke robotic rehabilitation was performed through a database collection of scientific publications in the field of rehabilitation robotics. By covering the last 20 years, 17,429 sources were collected. Relevant patterns and statistics concerning the main research areas were analyzed. Leading journals and conferences which publish and disseminate knowledge in the field were identified. A detailed nomenclature study was carried out. The time trends of the research field were captured. Opinions and predictions of future trends that are expected to shape the near future of the field were discussed.
EXPERT OPINION
Data analysis reveals the continuous expansion of the research field over the last two decades, which is expected to rise considerably in near future. More attention will be paid to the lower limbs rehabilitation and disease/design specific applications in early-stage patients.
|
10.1080/17434440.2022.2096438
|
pubmed_401_8525
|
17α-Estradiol (αE2) is a natural diastereoisomer of 17β-estradiol (E2). It is well known that αE2 can bind to estrogen receptors. However, its biological activity is less than that of E2 and is species and tissue specific. The goal of our study was to propose the mechanism of αE2 hormonal response in rat sperm during their capacitation in vitro and compare it with a previously studied mouse model. Concentration changes in externally added αE2 during capacitation of rat sperm were monitored by the high-performance liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-MS/MS). The calculated values of relative concentrations Bt were subjected to kinetic analysis. The findings indicated that αE2 in rat sperm did not trigger autocatalytic reaction, in contrast to the mouse sperm, and that the initiation of the hormone penetration through the sperm plasma membrane was substantially faster in rats.
|
10.3390/molecules27134092
|
pubmed_33_22915
|
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2-phase (a first phase with Twin Block therapy immediately followed by a second phase with fixed appliance therapy with nonextraction) and 1-phase (fixed appliance therapy with extraction of 4 first premolars) treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion.
METHODS
Two groups of successfully treated subjects, aged 10 to 14 years with class II division 1 malocclusion, were evaluated: 2-phase group (n = 70) and 1-phase group (n = 76). Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms were traced manually and subjected to Student t test.
RESULTS
In the 2-phase group, the forward positioning of the mandible (Pg-Olp) was less than that of the extraction group. The sagittal mandibular forward growth (Pg-Olp) was, on average, 2.39 ± 0.4 mm in the 2-phase group and 4.56 ± 2.51 mm in the 1-phase group (P = 0.008, P < 0.05). In the vertical plane, the increases in lower facial height and mandibular plane angle were greater in the 2-phase treatment. In the 2-phase group, the lower anterior teeth proclined (Ii-MP) by 7.3 ± 2 degrees, and in the extraction treatment group, it changed -4.1 ± 3.6 degrees. The 1-phase group contributed more sagittal orthopedic effects than did the 2-phase group.
CONCLUSIONS
The proclination of the mandibular incisors in the 2-phase group might restrain the mandibular bone from growing enough and cause the backward and downward rotation of the mandible.
|
10.1097/SCS.0b013e31824f6454
|
pubmed_788_2456
|
BACKGROUND
Despite the medical evidence, few women of reproductive age in the United States use intrauterine contraception (IUC) in comparison with women worldwide. To reduce cost as a barrier, Kaiser Permanente removed the cost to the patient for IUC throughout California in 2002. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether providing evidence-based information about IUC would result in changes in the knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns of clinicians and in greater IUC utilization as compared with removing cost alone.
STUDY DESIGN
A comprehensive education intervention was conducted in half of Kaiser Permanente Northern California ob-gyn departments. To make comparisons between the intervention and comparison sites, we surveyed clinicians in both groups before and after the intervention about their IUC knowledge, attitudes as well as practice patterns and collected utilization data for 27 months.
RESULTS
Statistically significant changes in attitudes and practice patterns were reported by the intervention group as compared with the usual care comparison group. By the end of the study, change in IUC utilization was significantly greater in the intervention group (utilization rate=9.57/1000) as compared with the comparison group (utilization rate=7.35/1000) (p=.02).
CONCLUSION
A multifaceted approach to providing evidence-based clinician and patient education resulted in statistically significant reported changes in attitudes and practice patterns and in greater IUC utilization as compared with usual practice.
|
10.1016/j.contraception.2006.10.010
|
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