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pubmed_614_23571 | Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement is a clinical sign often found in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and associated with TMJ osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthrosis is a degenerative joint disease that may be associated with pain and functional disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of joints with disc displacement presenting osteoarthrosis via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. In total, 224 TMJ images from patients with signs and symptoms of a TMD were evaluated. The OR, a measure of association, was used to calculate the likelihood of TMJ disc displacement (with or without reduction) with osteoarthrosis. Joints with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) were 2.73- and 8.25-times, respectively, more likely to have osteoarthrosis. A nine-times greater likelihood of osteophyte occurrence was observed in cases of ADDwoR, whereas a lower OR for their occurrence (OR 2.96) was observed in cases of ADDwR. The significant OR of joints with disc displacement presenting osteoarthrosis, particularly in cases of ADDwoR, emphasizes the importance of accurate assessment of changes in disc position, which may be associated with other painful and functional disorders of the TMJ. | pubmed_614_23571 |
pubmed_21_8460 | OBJECTIVES
To investigate the effect of prolonged chemical challenges on colour stability, staining susceptibility, and roughness of a silorane composite material when compared to methacrylate-based composites.
METHODS
Initial colour and roughness were registered for specimens fabricated from methacrylate or silorane composites. Specimens were individually stored at 37°C in 0.02 N citric acid, 0.02 N phosphoric acid, 75% ethanol or distilled water for 7, 14, 21 and 180 days, when new measurements were performed. A staining test was performed after the chemical challenge by immersion in coffee during 3 weeks at 37°C. Colour changes were characterized using the CIEL a b colour system. Data were submitted to analysis of variance for repeated measures, two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test (α=0.05).
RESULTS
Colour changes on the methacrylate-based resins were considered acceptable (although significantly different) after immersion in water, citric acid, phosphoric acid or ethanol, but were unacceptable for the silorane composite immersed in ethanol for 180 days. The methacrylate-based resins stored in ethanol were significantly more stained by coffee than those stored in other media. The silorane composite demonstrated no staining, but increased roughness, when compared to the methacrylate-based resins.
CONCLUSIONS
No effect of the immersion solution was noticed on roughness of the investigated materials. Ethanol influenced colour stability and staining susceptibility differently for the methacrylate-based and silorane composites.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The knowledge of how acids and solvents affect the properties of tooth-coloured restorative materials is one of the decision-making criteria for the selection of a restorative material. | pubmed_21_8460 |
pubmed_416_11988 | The up-regulation of phase II detoxifying and stress-responsive genes is believed to play an important role in cancer prevention, and many natural compounds have been shown to be potent inducers of these genes. Previous studies showed that the antioxidant responsive element (ARE), found in these genes, can be bound by the transcription factor Nrf2, and is responsive to the activation by chemopreventive compounds and by oxidative stress. In the present study, we investigated the roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase (JNK) in the regulation of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)-induced and Nrf2-dependent ARE activity and ARE-driven heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression in PC-3 cells. ARE activity and HO-1 expression were strongly increased after treatment with PEITC. PEITC also increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 and caused release of Nrf2 from sequestration by Keap1, and its subsequent translocation into the nucleus. Importantly, Nrf2 was also translocated into the nucleus after transfection with ERK or JNK and that these activated ERK and JNK colocalized with Nrf2 in the nucleus. Activation of ERK and JNK signaling also resulted in the elevation of ARE activity and HO-1 expression. Importantly, PEITC-induced ARE activity was attenuated by inhibition of ERK and JNK signaling. In vitro kinase assays showed that both ERK2 and JNK1 could directly phosphorylate glutathione S-transferase-Nrf2 protein. Taken together, these results strongly suggest a model in which PEITC treatment of PC-3 cells activates ERK and JNK, which, in turn, phosphorylate Nrf2 and induce its translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear Nrf2 activates ARE elements and induces expression of stress-responsive genes, including HO-1. | 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-05-0497 |
pubmed_594_4054 | PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to determine whether visual impairment and age affected driver performance and safety rated during in-traffic driving conditions.
METHODS
Participants included 30 younger, 25 middle-aged, and 35 older subjects with normal vision and 47 older subjects with visual impairment. All subjects were legally eligible to drive. Driving performance was assessed during in-traffic conditions by a professional driving instructor and an occupational therapist using specific scoring criteria.
RESULTS
Group allocation significantly affected driving performance as assessed by the driving instructor and occupational therapist (p < 0.05). The driving instructor and occupational therapist scores were highly correlated (r = 0.76). Of the drivers who were scored as being unsafe, all were older and the majority (75%) had visual impairment.
DISCUSSION
Older drivers with or without visual impairment were rated as being less safe than the younger and middle-aged drivers with normal vision. | 10.1097/00006324-200105000-00018 |
pubmed_692_18471 | Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a worldwide health concern and is the number one disease of stocker, backgrounder, and feedlot cattle in North America. In feedlots in the USA, BRD accounts for 70-80% of all feedlot morbidity and 40-50% of all mortality. In 2011, the US Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Monitoring System conducted a feedlot study that showed 16.2% of all feedlot cattle were treated for BRD. It is universally accepted that this number is distressingly high and that our industry has the tools available to reduce the incidence of BRD. | 10.1017/S1466252314000115 |
pubmed_1128_21241 | We report another three cases of renal angiomyolipoma with different modes of presentation and treatment. Two cases are considered to be of particular interest; one patient presented chyluria in the course of the disease and Wunderlich's syndrome posteriorly, and in the other patient the presenting features were extrarenal. The diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities are discussed and attention is focussed on the conservative approach whenever possible. | pubmed_1128_21241 |
pubmed_81_9384 | Measurements of k(L)a were carried out in 1. 5- and 5-L New Brunswick Scientific CelliGen bioreactors. The measured k(L)a in water were identical for both vessel sizes operated in similar condition. The mass transfer rate increased with temperature, mixing speed, and aeration rate, with this last parameter being the most significant. Surface aeration alone gave k(L)a values of 0. 4 to 1. 6 h(-1). A 25% decrease in k(L)a was observed above an aeration rate of 1. 6 vvm. This was caused by the particular foam breaker of the CelliGen bioreactor. Measurements of k(L)a using a mammalian cell culture medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) have confirmed the negative effect of the foam breaker on k(L)a The measured value in this medium was 1. 2 h(-1) for all aeration rates, more than 60% of which was attributed to surface aeration. | 10.1002/bit.260350107 |
pubmed_482_6162 | BACKGROUND
Systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy has been widely used in the surgical treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients. Nevertheless, the corresponding therapeutic may not provide a survival benefit. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in such patients.
METHODS
Patients with advanced ovarian cancer (stage III-IV, according to the classification presented by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) who were admitted and treated in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2004 to December 2013 were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively. All patients were optimally or suboptimally debulked (absent or residual tumor < 1 cm) and divided into two groups. Group A (no-lymphadenectomy group, n = 170): patients did not undergo lymph node resection; lymph nodes resection or biopsy were selective. Group B (n = 240): patients underwent systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.
RESULTS
A total of 410 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. The patients' median age was 51 years old (range, 28-72 years old). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 78 and 24% in the no-lymphadenectomy group and 76 and 26% in the lymphadenectomy group (P = 0.385 and 0.214, respectively). Subsequently, there was no significant difference in 5-year OS and 2-year PFS between the two groups stratified to histological types (serous type or non-serous type), the clinical evaluation of negative lymph nodes or with macroscopic peritoneal metastasis beyond pelvic (IIIB-IV). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was not a significant factor influencing the patients' survival. Patients in the lymphadenectomy group had a higher incidence of postoperative complications (incidence of infection treated with antibiotics was 21.7% vs. 12.9% [P = 0.027]; incidence of lymph cysts was 20.8% vs. 2.4% [P < 0.001]).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed that systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy did not significantly improve survival of advanced ovarian cancer patients with residual tumor < 1 cm or absent after cytoreductive surgery, and were associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. | 10.1186/s12885-020-07144-1 |
pubmed_744_9893 | Although insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) belong to one family, insulin folds into one thermodynamically stable structure, while IGF-1-folds into two thermodynamically stable structures (native and swap forms). We have demonstrated previously that the bifurcating folding behavior of IGF-1 is mainly controlled by its B-domain. To further elucidate which parts of the sequences determine their different folding behavior, by exchanging the N-terminal sequences of mini-IGF-1 and recombinant porcine insulin precursor (PIP), we prepared four peptide models: [1-9]PIP, [1-10]mini-IGF-1, [1-4]PIP, and [1-5]mini-IGF-1 by means of protein engineering, and their disulfide rearrangement, V8 digestion, circular dichroic spectra, disulfide stability, and in vitro refolding were investigated. Among them only [1-9]PIP, like mini-IGF-1/IGF-1, was expressed in yeast as two isomers: isomer 1 (corresponding to swap IGF-1) and isomer 2 (corresponding to native IGF-1), which are supported by the experimental results of disulfide rearrangements, peptide mapping of V8 endoprotenase digests, circular dichroic analysis, in vitro refolding, and disulfide stability analysis. The other peptide models, [1-10]mini-IGF-1, [1-4]PIP, and [1-5]mini-IGF-1, fold into one stable structure as PIP does, which indicates that sequence 1-4 of mini-IGF-1 is important for the folding behavior of mini-IGF-1/IGF-1 but not sufficient to lead to a bifurcating folding. The results demonstrated that the folding information, by which mini-IGF-1/IGF-1-folds into two thermodynamically structures, is encoded/written in its sequence 1-9, while sequences 1-10 of B chain in insulin/PIP play an important role in the guide of its unique disulfide pairing during the folding process. | 10.1021/bi049710y |
pubmed_534_16455 | The complicated process of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis involves about 200 assembly factors that transiently associate with the nascent pre-ribosome in a spatiotemporally ordered way. During the early steps of 60S subunit formation, several proteins, collectively called A3 cluster factors, participate in the removal of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) from 27SA3 pre-rRNA. Among these factors is the conserved hetero-trimeric Nop7-Erb1-Ytm1 complex (or human Pes1-Bop1-Wdr12), which is removed from the evolving pre-60S particle by the AAA ATPase Rea1 to allow progression in the pathway. Here, we clarify how Ytm1 and Erb1 interact, which has implications for the release mechanism of both factors from the pre-ribosome. Biochemical studies show that Ytm1 and Erb1 bind each other via their ß-propeller domains. The crystal structure of the Erb1-Ytm1 heterodimer determined at 2.67Å resolution reveals an extended interaction surface between the propellers in a rarely observed binding mode. Structure-based mutations in the interface that impair the Erb1-Ytm1 interaction do not support growth, with specific defects in 60S subunit synthesis. Under these mutant conditions, it becomes clear that an intact Erb1-Ytm1 complex is required for 60S maturation and that loss of this stable interaction prevents ribosome production. | 10.1093/nar/gkv1365 |
pubmed_63_4718 | The simple structure of Arabidopsis roots provides an excellent model system to study epidermal cell fate specification. Epidermal cells in contact with 2 underlying cortical cells differentiate into hair cells (H cells; trichoblasts), whereas cells that contact only a single cortical cell differentiate into mature hairless cells (N cells; atrichoblasts). This position-dependent patterning, in combination with the constrained orientation of cell divisions, results in hair and nonhair cell files running longitudinally along the root epidermis. Here, we present strong evidence that steroid hormones called brassinosteroids (BRs) are required to maintain position-dependent fate specification in roots. We show that BRs are required for normal expression levels and patterns of WEREWOLF (WER) and GLABRA2 (GL2), master regulators of epidermal patterning. Loss of BR signaling results in loss of hair cells in H positions, likely as a consequence of reduced expression of CAPRICE (CPC), a direct downstream target of WER. Our observations demonstrate that in addition to their well-known role in cell expansion, BRs play an essential role in directing cell fate. | 10.1073/pnas.0811633106 |
pubmed_49_10108 | In this report, the authors review the diverse mechanisms of compensation to chronic hypoxaemia, that is principally a displacement to the right of the haemoglobin dissociation curve and polycythaemia which tends to improve the supply of oxygen to the cells. The tissue effects of this chronic hypoxaemia are specified (excluding the right heart). As regards the left ventricle, ventricular function seems to be conserved until late yet there is a risk of arrhythmias which appears to increase proportionately to the degree of desaturation. Chronic respiratory failure produces clear cut neuropsychological deficits which correlate with the degree of hypoxaemia as well as problems with the quality of life and interference with memory. These troubles seem to be limited or even partially reversed by oxygen therapy. These patients also have troubles with urine output of water and sodium and there are also sexual problems as well as peripheral neuropathy. | pubmed_49_10108 |
pubmed_442_16657 | BACKGROUND
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has improved clinical outcomes compared to HPV-negative disease. However, the biology underlying differences in prognosis remains unclear.
METHODS
We characterized the expression of DNA-protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PkCS ), a key DNA repair protein also associated with tumor progression, in 29 cases of oropharyngeal SCCs and correlated our findings with HPV status and disease recurrence. In addition, we assessed therapeutic response, migration, and invasion in head and neck cancer cell lines upon DNA-PkCS knockdown.
RESULTS
DNA-PkCS expression was significantly decreased in HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative oropharyngeal SCC samples. Within the HPV-positive subgroup, DNA-PkCS expression was inversely related to HPV E6 and E7 expression and trended toward significance as a predictor of recurrence. DNA-PkCS knockdown in cell lines resulted in increased sensitivity to cisplatin and radiotherapy and reduced cell migration and invasion.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest DNA-PkCS should be further studied as a potential marker of tumor progression in HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCCs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 206-214, 2017. | 10.1002/hed.24562 |
pubmed_914_3161 | This article presents a thermal biosensor to diagnose the anemia without chemical treatments using temperature increase of red blood cells (RBC) when hemoglobin molecules absorb specific wavelength of photons and convert them to thermal energy. For measuring temperature change of red blood cell, the micro-scaled platinum resistance temperature detector (Pt RTD) was developed. For maintenance of constant ambient temperature, we designed and fabricated a thermostat system. The thermostat system consists of a K-type thermocouple and two electric heaters that serve to increase the system temperature, which is monitored by the thermocouple. Both heaters and the thermocouple were connected to a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and enabled to maintain the temperature constant (<±0.1°C). For specific heating of red blood cell, 8.0 W/cm(2) diode pumped solid state (DPSS) continuous wave (CW) laser module was used with 532 nm wavelength. Using this system, we successfully measured the temperature variations (from 66.33±2.72°C to 74.16±2.06°C) of whole blood samples from 10 anemic patients and subsequently determined the concentration of hemoglobin (from 7.2 g/dL to 9.8 g/dL). The method proposed in this paper requires significantly less amount of whole blood sample (6 μl) compared with the conventional methods (175 μl) and allows instantaneous diagnosis (3 s) of anemia. | 10.1016/j.bios.2010.06.055 |
pubmed_407_17029 | Gastric cancer often carries a poor prognosis, with an estimated 740,000 deaths from the malignancy occurring yearly worldwide (Dicken et al., 2005). The mortality of disease is largely dependent on the extent of tumor spread, as gastric cancer has a predilection to metastasize to other visceral secondaries via hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination. Direct invasion of a gastric adenocarcinoma to adjacent organs secondary to gastric wall perforation does occur; however, it is often present in the setting of advanced disease. Rarely does direct tumor invasion to adjacent organs from a gastric adenocarcinoma present as the initial manifestation of extranodal tumor spread. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with direct tumor extension to the liver as an initial presentation of extranodal tumor spread from a gastric adenocarcinoma. Clinicians should be aware of such an occurrence, as treatment modalities in direct liver extension from a gastric adenocarcinoma vary and may be directed towards palliation rather than curative intent. | 10.1155/2012/651232 |
pubmed_28_4049 | The incidence of hip fractures in the United States is increasing as the population ages. Elderly patients are more likely to have extensive comorbidities, which contribute to long-term consequences after a hip fracture. These patients often experience permanent disability, restrictions in activities of daily life, higher rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality rate. The authors describe a combination of peripheral nerve blocks to provide surgical anesthesia for corrective hip surgery in 5 high-risk patients. | 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001367 |
pubmed_740_21009 | BACKGROUND
Late exercise preconditioning (LEP) is confirmed to have a protective effect on acute cardiovascular stress. However, the mechanisms by which mitophagy participates in exercise preconditioning (EP)-induced cardioprotection remain unclear. LEP may involve mitophagy mediated by the receptors PARK2 gene-encoded E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) and BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) to scavenge damaged mitochondria.
METHODS
Our EP protocol involved four 10-minute periods of running, separated by 10-minute recovery intervals, plus a period of exhaustive running at 24 hours after EP. We assessed this late protective effect by injection of the autophagy inhibitor wortmannin, transmission electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and other molecular biotechnology methods; we simultaneously detected related markers, analyzed the specific relationships between mitophagy proteins, and assessed mitochondrial translocation.
RESULTS
Exhaustive exercise (EE) causes serious injuries to cardiomyofibrils, inducing hypoxia-ischemia and changing the ultrastructure. EE fails to clear excessively generated mitochondria to link with LC3 accumulation. After EP, increased autophagy levels at 30 minutes were converted to mitophagy within 24 hours. We found that LEP significantly suppressed EE-induced injuries, which we confirmed by observing decreased levels of the mitochondria-localized proteins COX4/1 and TOM20. LEP to exhaustion caused mitochondrial degradation by increasing the efficiency of LC3-outer mitochondrial membrane translocation in a Parkin-mediated manner, in which activated protein kinase and TOM70 may play both key roles. However, we did not observe mitophagy to be associated with Bnip3 mediation in LEP-induced cardioprotection. However, Bnip3 may play a role in inducing mitochondrial LC3-II increases. Wortmannin had no effect on LC3 translocation; instead, it influenced LC3-I to convert to LC3-II. Thus, suppressing mitophagy led to the attenuation of EP-induced cardioprotection. | 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000572 |
pubmed_123_15609 | Patients with a recent (less than 10 days) proximal deep vein thrombosis of the leg or pelvis are candidates for thrombolysis as the major benefit over heparin seems to be the prevention of the postphlebitic limb, an aim which is still not proven in a satisfactory manner. Nonocclusive thrombi appear to lyse more readily than occlusive thrombi. For this indication the optimal dose regimens for the three thrombolytic drugs (streptokinase, urokinase, alteplase) are not established. Acute massive pulmonary embolism with hypotension or shock should be treated with thrombolytic drugs and, pending the outcome in the first hour, be considered for pulmonary embolectomy. Major acute pulmonary embolism with haemodynamic instability responds well to thrombolysis. Whether thrombolysis is superior to heparin in subacute intermediate pulmonary embolism has not been proven unequivocally in terms of mortality or clinically important endpoints. Systemic administration of thrombolytic drugs for peripheral arterial occlusion has been abandoned for catheter-directed and intraoperative intra-arterial repeated bolus or short-term infusions. The efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolytic treatment following a major ischaemic stroke is presently being tested in large scale trials; its use must be restricted to experimental protocols. | 10.1016/s0950-3536(05)80276-8 |
pubmed_1070_1407 | No national breeding programme for llamas is in place in Bolivia. Initiatives for genetic improvement are rarely found and are usually carried out by NGOs working in rural development or improvement of livestock production or research stations. Farmers in the Province of Ayopaya in the District of Cochabamba have formed a breeders' organization with the aim of improving fibre production. In this study, a detailed outline of a breeding programme with a focus on organizational and technical details is described. Facing constraints like illiteracy of farmers, bad infrastructure and lack of finances, a simple breeding programme is set up. The breeding goal is a higher fleece weight while keeping the fleece quality at the current high level. Greasy fleece weight and fibre diameter are identified as main selection criteria. Mass selection of males is carried out. Selected males are either exchanged between farmers and used in the herds or are kept during the mating season in a central mating station owned by the breeders' organization. Model calculations were carried out with the program zplan, which is based on a deterministic approach. zplan evaluates the genetic and economic efficiency of breeding strategies considering one cycle of selection. Scenarios with only intra-herd use, using only the central mating station or combinations of those were compared in terms of expected genetic gain and expected increase of inbreeding. Fastest genetic progress is achieved when the males are kept in a central mating station as the selection intensity is on a high level. Rates of inbreeding vary between 0.08 and 0.32% per generation. | 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2007.00713.x |
pubmed_1114_306 | OBJECTIVES
To optimize the efficacy of treatment with tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we comparatively analyzed the outcome of tocilizumab treatment in patients with normal background changes associated closely with IL-6.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study involved 87 patients with RA satisfying the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and receiving continuous tocilizumab treatment for 24 weeks or longer. The outcome of tocilizumab treatment in these patients was comparatively analyzed in relation to the baseline platelet count (the high platelet count group and the normal group), pretreatment hemoglobin levels (the low group and the normal platelet count group), and speed of bone destruction (the rapid progression group and slow progression group).
RESULTS
Treatment with tocilizumab significantly improved the 28-joint disease activity score using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), regardless of baseline platelet count, hemoglobin level, or annual speed of bone destruction (ΔTSS). The margins of improvement in DAS28-ESR and CDAI did not differ depending on baseline hemoglobin level or ΔTSS, but the improvement was significantly greater in the high platelet count group than in the normal platelet count group.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that in patients with high platelet count, IL-6 is a more important factor involved in RA pathogenesis and that tocilizumab is suitable as a first-line biologic for the treatment of RA patients with high platelet count. | 10.3109/14397595.2014.915073 |
pubmed_618_24499 | In this article, we describe a system for detecting dominant prostate tumors, based on a combination of features extracted from a novel multi-parametric quantitative ultrasound elastography technique. The performance of the system was validated on a data-set acquired from n = 10 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Multi-frequency steady-state mechanical excitations were applied to each patient's prostate through the perineum and prostate tissue displacements were captured by a transrectal ultrasound system. 3D volumetric data including absolute value of tissue elasticity, strain and frequency-response were computed for each patient. Based on the combination of all extracted features, a random forest classification algorithm was used to separate cancerous regions from normal tissue, and to compute a measure of cancer probability. Registered whole mount histopathology images of the excised prostate gland were used as a ground truth of cancer distribution for classifier training. An area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 +/- 0.01 was achieved in a leave-one-patient-out cross validation. Our results show the potential of multi-parametric quantitative elastography for prostate cancer detection for the first time in a clinical setting, and justify further studies to establish whether the approach can have clinical use. | 10.1007/978-3-319-10404-1_70 |
pubmed_681_10494 | OBJECTIVES
To investigate the cause of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and the correlation between presence of bacterial signal and the response to antibiotics by detecting bacterial 16S rRNA gene signal using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
METHODS
EPS and first void urine (VB1) from 59 men with CPPS were analyzed by PCR for bacterial signal using universal primers specific for bacterial 16S rRNA gene. If the bacterial signal was found only in EPS or the EPS bacterial signal was at least 10 times stronger than the VB1 one, positive result could be decided for bacterial signal detection. All patients were treated with levofloxacin and azithromycin for 4 weeks. The treatment could be considered effective if more than 50% improvement, compared to the state before the treatment, was achieved in the symptom severity index(SSI), symptom frequency questionnaire(SFQ), national institutes of health chronic prostatis symptom index of pain(quasi-CPSI) or the patients' general subjective assessment.
RESULTS
Positive bacterial signal was detected in 46 of the 59 CPPS patients; The difference of improvement rates between positive bacterial signal group and negative bacterial signal group, which were 65%-74% and 0 respectively, was significant.
CONCLUSIONS
The basis of detecting 16S rRNA gene signal by PCR in clinical practice was built. The study shows that bacterial infection is related to CPPS. Bacterial signal detection results can help predict the effect of antimicrobial therapy. | pubmed_681_10494 |
pubmed_836_18232 | The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate a new model for teaching spinal anesthesia to nurse anesthesia students. The new teaching tool was evaluated to determine if the use of a spinal model allowing visual combined with the haptic sense was more effective than the traditional spinal model using primarily the haptic sense. Specifically, was there a difference in the number of successful passes, the amount of time taken for each spinal attempt, and the number of participants who reached 90% proficiency when comparing the use of both spinal models? Data analysis using a paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed that the number of successes, amount of time needed to complete 1 needle pass, and point at which 90% proficiency was reached with the newly designed model were significantly greater than with the traditional model. The present study demonstrated that significant differences exist between participants who used both visual and haptic sense and participants who used primarily the haptic sense when performing spinal anesthesia. Findings of this study will be used to provide information that may be used to change the current curriculum for the training of nurse anesthesia students in spinal anesthetic procedures. | pubmed_836_18232 |
pubmed_1090_7675 | The objective of the research was to scrutinize maxillary alteration of skeletal Class III patients following protraction headgear therapy. The sample comprised of 15 patients (6 males, 9 females) aged 8-13 years. According to Sassouni Analysis, the maxilla was retrognathism whereas the mandible was prognathism. All of them were treated with fixed appliance and protraction headgear. Orthopedic force system included maxillary protraction with 400 gram force, mandibular retraction with 1000 gram for 12-14 hours per day. Alteration of the maxilla was scrutinized from consecutive lateral cephalograms prior to orthodontic treatment, immediate posttreatment and 2 years of follow up. The result indicated that orthopedic force enhanced the anterior portion of the maxilla to move downward and forward significantly, without rotation and relapse. | pubmed_1090_7675 |
pubmed_699_13811 | Background
The third INTEnsive care bundle with blood pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial (INTERACT3) is an ongoing, international, multicenter, stepped-wedge cluster, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint assessed trial evaluating the effectiveness of a quality improvement "care bundle" for the management of patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). An embedded process evaluation aims to explore the uptake and implementation of the intervention, and understand the context and stakeholder perspectives, for interpreting the trial outcomes.
Methodology
The design was informed by Normalization Process Theory and the UK Medical Research Council process evaluation guidance. Mixed methods are used to evaluate the implementation outcomes of fidelity, reach, dose, acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, sustainability, and relevant contextual factors and mechanisms affecting delivery of the care bundle. Semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations are conducted with the primary implementers (physicians and nurses) and patients/carers to explore how the care bundle was integrated into routine care. Focus group discussions are conducted with investigators and project operational staff to understand challenges and possible solutions in the organization of the trial. Data from observational records, surveys, routine monitoring data, field notes and case report forms, inform contextual factors, and adoption of the intervention. Purposive sampling of sites according to pre-specified criteria is used to achieve sample representativeness.
Discussion
Implementation outcomes, and relevant barriers and facilitators to integrating the care bundle into routine practice, will be reported after completion of the process evaluation. The embedded process evaluation will aid understanding of the causal mechanisms between care bundle elements and clinical outcomes within complex health systems across diverse LMIC settings.
Trial Registration
The INTERACT3 study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03209258). | 10.3389/fmed.2022.813749 |
pubmed_663_22064 | The present research deals with the optimization of the operating parameters (cathode replacement time, hydraulic retention time, current intensity and pH) of an electrochemical process aimed at the regeneration of a soil washing EDTA solution used for heavy metal extraction from a natural contaminated soil (excavated from Bellolampo, Palermo, Italy), which was vastly polluted with Cu (59 261.0 mg kg(-1)), Pb (14 178.1 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (14 084.9 mg kg(-1)). The electrolytic regeneration of the exhausted washing solution was performed in a laboratory scale electrolytic cell with 50 ml each cathodic and anodic chambers divided by a cation exchange membrane. Experiments II and III showed maximum Cu and Zn removal efficiencies from the EDTA solution, of 99.2+/-0.2 and 31.5+/-9.3%, respectively, when a current intensity of 0.25 A and a hydraulic retention time of 60 min were applied to the electrolytic cell, while the maximum Pb removal efficiency of 70.9+/-4.6% was obtained with a current intensity of 1.25 A and a hydraulic retention time of 60 min. During Experiment I the overall heavy metals removal efficiency was stable and close to 90% up to 20 h, while decreased to values lower than 80% after 40 h, indicating the occurrence of a significant saturation of the cathode graphite bed between 20 and 40 h. The capability of the regenerated EDTA solution to treat heavy metals polluted soils was tested in further experiments applying both a single and a multi-step washing treatment procedure. In particular, the latter showed the feasibility to increase heavy metal soil extractions over subsequent washing steps with Cu, Pb and Zn total removal efficiencies of 52.6, 100.0 and 41.3%, respectively. | 10.1039/b816295f |
pubmed_160_13177 | OBJECTIVE
To explore the role of fas apoptosis signal transduction pathway in the abnormal apoptosis of Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ Treg in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
METHODS
Twenty-five active SLE patients, 20 remission SLE patients and 25 controls were selected. The level of fas expression on peripheral blood Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ Treg surface was detected in SLE patients. And analyzed the expression rate of Foxp3 on CD4+CD25+ T cells was analyzed to explore the relationship between the expression rate and disease activity.
RESULTS
(1) The expression rate of fas on Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ Treg was (23.72 ± 2.35)%, (14.0 ± 2.1)% in active and remission SLE groups respectively versus (10.1 ± 1.2)% in control group. The fas expression rate of active SLE group was significantly higher than those of remission SLE group(P < 0.01)and control group (P < 0.01). And the remission SLE and control groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The expression rate of fas on the Foxp3+CD4+ CD25+ Treg was positively correlated with the SLEDAI (SLE disease activity index) score (r = 0.336, P < 0.05). (2) The expression rate of Foxp3 on CD4+CD25+ T cells was (2.83 ± 0.30)%, (5.38 ± 0.63)% in active and remission SLE groups respectively versus (8.12 ± 0.70)% in control group. The expression rate of Foxp3 was significantly lower in active SLE group than that in remission SLE group (P < 0.01)and control group (P < 0.01). And the Foxp3 expression rate of remission group was also lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). The expression rate of Foxp3 was negatively correlated with the SLEDAI score (r = -0.581, P < 0.01). (3) The expression rate of Foxp3 was negatively correlated with fas (r = -0.349, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The abnormal apoptosis of Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ Treg mediated by the fas apoptosis signal transduction pathway may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms of disease activity in SLE patients. | pubmed_160_13177 |
pubmed_869_6025 | We determined the contributions of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin to growth in extremely premature infants over the first two years. Weight (Wt), crown-to heel length (CHL), plasma IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin were measured in infants (gestation 24-33 wk) at birth (n = 54), expected date of delivery (EDD) and 6, 12 and 24 mo post-EDD (n = 29). Area under the curve (AUC) for hormone levels was calculated over 4 periods: birth-EDD, EDD-200 d, EDD-350 d and EDD-700 d. IGFBP-3, but not IGF-I or leptin, on day 1 correlated with birth Wt SD scores (SDS) (r = 0.46, p = 0.002) and CHL SDS (r = 0.41, p = 0.01). Wt SDS at EDD correlated with AUC IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin (birth-EDD), but leptin was the best predictor in multiple regression (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). Wt at EDD + 700 d correlated with AUC leptin (EDD-700 d) (r = 0.62, p = 0.002). CHL SDS at EDD correlated with AUC IGFBP-3 and leptin (birth-EDD), but IGFBP-3 was the best predictor (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). CHL at EDD + 700 d correlated with AUC IGF-I and IGFBP-3 (EDD-700 d), but IGFBP-3 was the best predictor (r = 0.47, p = 0.01). Wt and CHL at birth were associated with IGFBP-3 levels in these infants. Wt at EDD and EDD + 700 d was predicted by concurrent leptin output while linear growth at EDD and EDD + 700 d was predicted by IGFBP-3 output. | 10.1203/01.pdr.0000250036.34522.f1 |
pubmed_1114_1047 | Recently, the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f (TwHF) of the Celastraceae family has attracted increasing attention for its potential therapeutic application in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is well accepted that TwHF exerts the antirheumatic activity and mainly depends on its potent anti-inflammatory property. To further explore the therapeutic potential of the well-defined TwHF-derived single compound - celastrol in RA, we study the therapeutic efficacy of celastrol on bone erosion in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and delineate its effects on osteoclast differentiation and functions in RANKL-induced osteoclast precursors RAW264.7 cell line. In CIA mice, daily injection of celastrol (beginning on day 28 after arthritis induction) markedly suppressed arthritis, and reduced bone damage in the joints as demonstrated by histology and bone micro-computed tomography (CT). The effects were accompanied by reductions of osteoclast cells in joints, serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b, and expression of osteoclastic genes (Trap, Ctsk, Ctr, Mmp-9) and transcriptional factors (c-Fos, c-Jun and NFATc1). When RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL, celastrol inhibited the formation of TRAP+ multinucleated cells and the bone-resorbing activity in dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, celastrol reduced the RANKL-induced expression of osteoclastic genes and transcriptional factors, as well as phosphorylation of NF-kB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). These findings show that celastrol could directly inhibit osteoclast formation and function, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy of celastrol for managing RA, especially in preventing bone destruction. | 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.12.012 |
pubmed_364_7134 | AIMS
To critically appraise contemporary literature and synthesize common components of nurse manager development programmes.
BACKGROUND
Although the need for nurse manager development programmes has been well documented, minimal recent research exists which identifies and evaluates the common components in these programmes. Furthermore, nurse managers continue to be poorly prepared and supported in role transition, contributing to poor organisational and role performance and decreased retention.
METHOD
A structured literature review saw 14 original research publications appraised for quality, analysed and included in the review.
RESULTS
The common components identified in nurse manager development programmes include curriculum, method of delivery, support, and funding components. Various subthemes were also identified.
CONCLUSION
The components identified within existing nurse manager development programmes are varied. Although there are common components within nurse manager development programmes, these individual components have not been evaluated for effectiveness. There is a clear need for further development of nurse manager development programmes and evaluation of the specific components within.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT
An understanding of the common components in NM development programmes is useful for designing and implementing robust evidence-based programmes. Inclusion of these components may facilitate a smoother role transition, enhance performance and improve recruitment and retention of nurse managers. | 10.1111/jonm.13183 |
pubmed_30_9319 | Rabbit polyclonal antibodies were raised against ovalbumin conjugates of purified bovine brain acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and a synthetic peptide containing the N alpha-terminal 1-24 amino acid sequence of bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). These antibodies were used to specifically detect 1-ng quantities of aFGF and bFGF by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western immunoblot procedures. Antibodies raised against aFGF recognized bovine brain aFGF and bovine recombinant aFGF but very poorly recognized recombinant bFGF or purified porcine or bovine pituitary bFGF with ELISA and Western immunoblot procedures. Antibodies raised against bFGF (1-24) recognized purified bovine, porcine, and recombinant human bFGF but only very poorly recognized aFGF with ELISA and Western immunoblot procedures. In vitro addition of anti-bFGF antibodies was able to partially neutralize bFGF-stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation by COMMA-D mouse mammary epithelial cells while having no effect on aFGF or epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. In vitro addition of anti-aFGF antibodies had no effect on bFGF- or EGF-stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation, but surprisingly, had a potentiating effect on aFGF stimulation. Antibodies against aFGF immobilized on protein A-Sepharose were able to specifically and completely remove mitogenic activity from solutions containing aFGF but had no effect on removal of mitogenic activity from control solutions containing bFGF or EGF. Similarly, immobilized anti-bFGF antibodies completely removed mitogenic activity from solutions of bFGF, but not aFGF or EGF controls. These antibodies have been useful for the identification and characterization of growth factors from tissue and recombinant sources. | 10.1002/jcp.1041380224 |
pubmed_569_19743 | The aim of this study is to extract indicators that are associated with the heat/nonheat and excess/deficiency patterns in stroke pattern identification through the large-scale analysis of clinical data. Two experts, who had more than three years of clinical experience with stroke, independently performed the pattern identification. We analyzed indicators of clinical data with two doctors' concurrent diagnoses on the patient's pattern identification. To verify heat/nonheat and excess/deficiency patterns, which are the basic elements of pattern identification, we grouped 960 patients diagnosed as the fire-heat pattern, the Yin deficiency pattern, and the Qi deficiency pattern in to two groups, the heat/nonheat group and the excess/deficiency group. We then extracted significant indicators using univariate and multivariate analysis. As a result of the comparison of 65 indicators, we were able to extract 10 indicators for the heat pattern, 6 for the nonheat pattern, 9 for the excess pattern, and 10 for the deficiency pattern. Extracted indicators in this study can be used for pattern identification in the context of stroke. These are positive indicators from large-scale clinical studies and are greatly expected to be crucial discriminant indicators in individual pattern identification henceforth. | 10.1155/2015/869894 |
pubmed_584_3962 | We study the effects of additive noise on the lifetimes of chaotic repellors. Using first-order perturbation theory, we argue that noise will increase the lifetime if the escape holes lie in regions where the unperturbed density is higher than that in the immediate vicinity and that it decreases if the density is lower. Numerical experiments support the qualitative conclusions also beyond perturbation theory. | 10.1103/PhysRevE.68.026215 |
pubmed_809_13263 | One premise of the underdetermination argument is that entailment of evidence is the only epistemic constraint on theory-choice. I argue that methodological rules can be epistemically significant, both with respect to observables and unobservables. Using an example from the history of medicine -- Koch's 1882 discovery of tuberculosis bacteria -- I argue that even anti-realists ought to accept that these rules can break the tie between theories that are allegedly underdetermined. I then distinguish two types of underdetermination and argue that anti-realists, in order to maintain the underdetermination argument, need to do more than show that theories are empirically equivalent: they need to show that a certain kind of underdetermination obtains. | 10.1016/j.shpsc.2007.06.002 |
pubmed_540_59 | Blindness due to primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) can be reduced significantly if the ongoing angle-closure process is arrested at an early stage. Various treatments such as laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), iridoplasty, and clear lens extraction (CLE) have been advocated as first-line therapy for primary angle-closure (PAC), PACG, and high-risk cases of primary angle-closure suspect (PACS). EAGLE study, propagated the effectiveness of CLE over LPI for the management of primary angle closure and have sparked controversy regarding the role of LPI as a first line procedure. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses of RCTs done on the same question provide us with a solid base for creating guidelines/modules for our day-to-day clinical practice. A systematic review was conducted, searching several databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov, for the last 16 years (January 2005-December 2021) for RCTs with data published related to primary angle-closure disease (PACD). The search strategy included the following terms: "Primary Angle Closure disease," "Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma," "Primary Angle Closure," "Primary Angle Closure Suspect," "clear lens extraction," "laser iridotomy," "laser peripheral iridotomy," "argon laser peripheral iridoplasty," "selective laser trabeculoplasty," "trabeculectomy," "randomized control trial," and "meta-analysis of randomized control trial." In this review, we will discuss recently published RCTs (within the last 16 years) for the management of PACD and their clinical implications in day-to-day practice. | 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1807_21 |
pubmed_232_12026 | OBJECTIVE
Added transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) inhibits the proliferation of immature cardiomyocytes. We have now examined the hypothesis that suppression of endogenous TGFbeta signaling will boost the proliferative response (DNA synthesis) of cardiac myocytes to serum and/or to the mitogenic factor fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2).
METHODS AND RESULTS
Overexpression of a kinase-deficient TGFbeta type II receptor (TGFbetaRIIDeltaKD) resulted in a 2.8-fold increase in cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis in serum-rich cultures, an effect requiring active FGFR-1 since it was not observed in the presence of excess kinase-deficient FGFR-1. This finding suggested that endogenous TGFbeta-TGFbetaRII suppressed endogenous FGFR-1-mediated signals that stimulate or are permissive for DNA synthesis. TGFbeta had no effect, however, on the FGF-2-induced acute stimulation of extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2. FGF-2, added in the absence or presence of TGFbeta inhibition, elicited a 3- or a 13-fold stimulation of DNA synthesis, respectively, pointing to a synergistic effect.
CONCLUSION
Inhibition of TGFbetaRII-transduced signaling upregulates the proliferative response of cardiomyocytes to serum, and greatly potentiates the stimulatory effect of FGF-2. A combinatorial strategy including activation of FGF-2 and inhibition of TGFbeta-triggered signal transduction may be required for maximal stimulation of immature cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis. | 10.1016/j.cardiores.2004.08.009 |
pubmed_491_16929 | In this paper we introduce a novel framework for 3D object retrieval that relies on tree-based shape representations (TreeSha) derived from the analysis of the scale-space of the Auto Diffusion Function (ADF) and on specialized graph kernels designed for their comparison. By coupling maxima of the Auto Diffusion Function with the related basins of attraction, we can link the information at different scales encoding spatial relationships in a graph description that is isometry invariant and can easily incorporate texture and additional geometrical information as node and edge features. Using custom graph kernels it is then possible to estimate shape dissimilarities adapted to different specific tasks and on different categories of models, making the procedure a powerful and flexible tool for shape recognition and retrieval. Experimental results demonstrate that the method can provide retrieval scores similar or better than state-of-the-art on textured and non textured shape retrieval benchmarks and give interesting insights on effectiveness of different shape descriptors and graph kernels. | 10.1109/TPAMI.2015.2477823 |
pubmed_463_2745 | Photo-onycholysis caused by doxycycline has rarely been reported in children. We present the case of a boy who loved to play pinball while at the beach, holding tightly to the machine. He developed a photo-onycholysis predominantly on his thumbs while he was being treated with 20 mg/day of doxycycline, a low dose but enough to trigger the photoreaction. | 10.1111/pde.12223 |
pubmed_864_14671 | OBJECTIVE
To explore a convenient and effective method for norovirus nucleic acid extraction from oysters suitable for long-term viral surveillance.
METHODS
Two methods, namely method A (glycine washing and polyethylene glycol precipitation of the virus followed by silica gel centrifugal column) and method B (protease K digestion followed by application of paramagnetic silicon) were compared for their performance in norovirus nucleic acid extraction from oysters. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect norovirus in naturally infected oysters and in oysters with induced infection.
RESULTS
The two methods yielded comparable positive detection rates for the samples, but the recovery rate of the virus was higher with method B than with method A.
CONCLUSION
Method B is a more convenient and rapid method for norovirus nucleic acid extraction from oysters and suitable for long-term surveillance of norovirus. | pubmed_864_14671 |
pubmed_891_24122 | OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the ability of axillary ultrasonography to predict the number of lymph nodes with metastases found in sentinel node axillary surgery or axillary lymph node resection in patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer after percutaneous biopsy.
METHODS
This prospective study included patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer by percutaneous biopsy. Axillary lymph nodes were classified at ultrasound examination as suspicious or not suspicious, and the number of suspicious nodes was compared with the number classified as suspicious in the surgical specimen.
RESULTS
We included 142 patients, 4 of whom had bilateral cancer; 133 of the 146 tumors were clinically classified as T1-T2 N0. The median number of suspicious lymph nodes at ultrasound was 2 (1-6), and the median number of suspicious lymph nodes in the surgical biopsy specimen was 1 (1-16); the difference was not significant (p=0.1). The correlation between the number of positive lymph nodes on axillary ultrasound and the number of metastatic lymph nodes in the surgical specimen was 72.7% p=0.0002 and the concordance was 79% (95%CI 62.4%-95.6%) p=0.0001. For diagnosing high axillary tumor load (≥3 metastatic lymph nodes) versus low axillary tumor load (<3 metastatic lymph nodes), axillary ultrasound had 86.6% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, 92% PPV, and 71.4% NPV.
CONCLUSION
Our results show that preoperative axillary ultrasound can differentiate between low and high tumor load and can be used as a tool to select the type of treatment. These results need to be confirmed in randomized multicenter studies. | 10.1016/j.rx.2021.07.004 |
pubmed_713_2189 | Dietary supplement use continues to increase, with athlete use surpassing non-athlete utilization. Most research has been conducted on dietary supplement use in elite or collegiate-level athletes. This study investigated supplement use in adult recreational runners and determined relationships between supplement use and participants' training volume, motivations for exercise, self-reported health status, and reasons for using dietary supplements. Participants (n = 283) were recruited for this cross-sectional study via a convenience sampling method. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire using Likert-scale response options. Correlations between the aggregate variables of health status, training level, exercise motivation, reasons for using supplements, and supplement use were calculated using bivariate Pearson correlation analysis. There was a positive correlation between the variables exercise motivation and supplement use (r = 0.267, n = 276, p = 0.01), and between variables influencing reasons for using dietary supplements and reported supplement use was also found (r = 0.425, n = 276, p = 0.01). There was no correlation between health status and supplement use (r = 0.043, n = 275, p = 0.476), or between training level and supplement use (r = 0.00, n = 275, p = 0.994). This study demonstrated a positive correlation between runners' supplement use and motivations for exercising and reasons for consuming supplements. A significant relationship was not found between supplement use and participants' health status or supplement use and runners' training volume. This finding contrasts with previous research in supplement use in the athlete population, which largely reports increased dietary supplement use with increased training volume. | 10.1080/19390211.2021.1910395 |
pubmed_232_7328 | Pneumocystis pneumonia or PCP is caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, an obligate parasite of the human lung. In this study P. jirovecii genomic sequence encoding FAS, a trifunctional protein including dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA), hydroxymethyldihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (PPPK) and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) were identified by PCR amplification from fixed broncheolar lavage samples from patients having Pneumocystis pneumonia. The P. jirovecii trifunctional DHNA-PPPK-DHPS genes (PjFAS) showed a high degree of conservation with the rat Pneumocystis carinii and P. carinii f. sp. macaca sequences. To test the functionality of the PjFAS sequences introns were removed followed by cloning and expression of PjFAS sequences in a DHPS-disrupted Escherichia coli strain. Complementation depended on the presence of N-terminal FAS sequences in addition to a glutathione S- transferase tag to the N-terminus of PjFAS. Functional complementation allowed evaluation of DHPS mutations implicated with sulfa drug resistance. | 10.1016/j.fgb.2004.08.006 |
pubmed_839_22686 | Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) is a rare condition characterized by the absence of a portion of skin at birth. Skin defects are usually small (0.5 to 3 cm) and located on the scalp. Although there can be other physical or genetic abnormalities, ACC is most often a benign isolated condition. Rarely is an underlying bony defect present, and this association increases the rate of complications. We report a case of a newborn male with ACC of the entire crown and vertex scalp, non-ossified parietal skull and dysplastic corpus callosum. The patient's skull and skin defects were treated non-surgically, and he recovered well. | 10.1038/jp.2008.250 |
pubmed_689_23256 | Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms surface-attached communities that persist in the face of antimicrobial agents and environmental perturbation. Published work has found that extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production, regulation of motility, and induction of stress response pathways contribute to biofilm tolerance during such insults. However, little is known regarding the mechanism(s) whereby biofilm maintenance is regulated when exposed to such environmental challenges. Here, we provide evidence that the diguanylate cyclase YfiN is important for the regulation of biofilm maintenance when exposed to peroxide. We find that compared to the wild type (WT), static biofilms of the ΔyfiN mutant exhibit a maintenance defect, which can be further exacerbated by exposure to peroxide (H2O2); this defect can be rescued through genetic complementation. Additionally, we found that the ΔyfiN mutant biofilms produce less c-di-GMP than WT and that H2O2 treatment enhanced motility of surface-associated bacteria and increased cell death for the ΔyfiN mutant grown as a biofilm compared to WT biofilms. These data provide evidence that YfiN is required for biofilm maintenance by P. aeruginosa, via c-di-GMP signaling, to limit motility and protect viability in response to peroxide stress. These findings add to the growing recognition that biofilm maintenance by P. aeruginosa is an actively regulated process that is controlled, at least in part, by the wide array of c-di-GMP metabolizing enzymes found in this microbe. IMPORTANCE We build on previous findings that suggest that Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes c-di-GMP metabolizing enzymes to actively maintain a mature biofilm. Here, we explore how the diguanylate cyclase YfiN contributes to the regulation of biofilm maintenance during peroxide exposure. We find that mature P. aeruginosa biofilms require YfiN to synthesize c-di-GMP, regulate motility, and ensure viability during peroxide stress. These findings provide further evidence that the modulation of c-di-GMP in response to environmental signals is an important mechanism by which biofilms are maintained. | 10.1128/JB.00396-21 |
pubmed_192_25023 | The emotional cascade model proposes that the emotional instability and engagement in maladaptive behaviors within borderline personality disorder (BPD) may be linked to rumination. Previous research has established that BPD is highly related to neuroticism, childhood emotional vulnerability, and parental invalidation. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess whether the constructs of the emotional cascade model relate to other constructs within the BPD nomological network. More specifically, neuroticism, childhood emotional vulnerability, and parental invalidation should relate to the ruminative process and engagement in maladaptive behaviors as described by the emotional cascade model. The current study investigated the relation between these factors using a cross-lagged panel design with data collected online at 3 time points in a student sample and an Amazon Mechanical Turk sample. Neuroticism predicted rumination 1 month later across both samples and for 3 measures of rumination. Childhood emotional vulnerability and parental invalidation predicted rumination 2 months later for 2 measures of rumination in the student sample only. Future studies should continue to investigate the potential role of personality traits and BPD vulnerability factors within the emotional cascade model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved). | 10.1037/per0000330 |
pubmed_642_22202 | Densitometry data generated for Western blots are commonly used to compare protein abundance between samples. In the last decade, it has become apparent that assumptions underpinning these comparisons are often violated in studies reporting Western blot data in the literature. These violations can lead to erroneous interpretations of data and may contribute to poor reproducibility of research. We assessed the reliability of Western blot data obtained to study human myometrial tissue proteins. We ran dilution series of protein lysates to explore the linearity of densitometry data. Proteins analysed included αSMA, HSP27, ERK1/2, and GAPDH. While ideal densitometry data are directly proportional to protein abundance, our data confirm that densitometry data often deviate from this ideal, in which case they can fit nonproportional linear or hyperbolic mathematical models and can reach saturation. Nonlinear densitometry data were observed when Western blots were detected using infrared fluorescence or chemiluminescence, and under different SDS-PAGE conditions. We confirm that ghosting artefacts associated with overabundance of proteins of interest in Western blots can skew findings. We also confirm that when data to be normalised are not directly proportional to protein abundance, it is a mistake to use the normalisation technique of dividing densitometry data from the protein-of-interest with densitometry data from loading control protein(s), as this can cause the normalised data to be unusable for making comparisons. Using spiked proteins in a way that allowed us to control the total protein amount per lane, while only changing the amount of spiked proteins, we confirm that nonlinearity and saturation of densitometry data, and errors introduced from normalisation processes, can occur in routine assays that compare equal amounts of lysate. These findings apply to all Western blot studies, and we highlight quality control checks that should be performed to make Western blot data more quantitative. | 10.1155/2019/5214821 |
pubmed_892_19195 | Tachykinins, including substance P, neurokinin A, and neuropeptides K and gama, are expressed widely in the peripheral nervous system where they affect smooth muscle contraction, exocrine gland secretion, vascular permeability, and neurotransmission. Substance P, the preferred ligand for the NK1 receptor, is found in high concentrations in the enteric nervous system. In the present study, the localisation and distribution of the NK1 receptor was studied throughout the gastrointestinal tract of the guinea-pig by using a polyclonal antiserum raised against the C-terminal 15 amino acids of the NK1 receptor. Co-localisation with other neuronal markers was examined in the ileum. Nerve cell bodies reactive for the NK1 receptor were found in the myenteric plexus of all regions and the submucous plexus of the small and large intestines. In the small intestine, the interstitial cells of Cajal were also immunoreactive. Immunoreactivity was largely confined to cell surfaces. Almost all immunoreactive myenteric nerve cells had Dogiel type I morphology, and most of these were immunoreactive for nitric oxide synthase, a transmitter of inhibitory neurons to the muscle and of descending interneurons. Neuropeptide Y-containing secretomotor neurons in the submucous and myenteric plexuses also exhibited NK1 receptor immunoreactivity. NK1 receptors were present on a minority of tachykinin immunoreactive neurons of submucous ganglia. The results suggest that receptors on the longitudinal muscle might not be conventional NK1 receptors, that excitation of the circular muscle of the ileum is indirect, perhaps via the interstitial cells of Cajal, and that enteric inhibitory neurons may be excited via NK1 receptors. | 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19960408)367:3<342::AID-CNE2>3.0.CO;2-5 |
pubmed_924_20259 | Catheter-directed thrombolysis is an important treatment option for many patients with acute lower extremity ischemia due to arterial and/or graft thrombosis. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that thrombolytic therapy for acute limb ischemia reduces the need for amputation; however, bleeding complications are more likely with lytic therapy. New direct-acting fibrinolytic compounds are being developed that facilitate thrombolysis while reducing the risk of bleeding. Plasmin, the active enzyme produced by all plasminogen activators, works directly upon thrombus and is neutralized instantly in the systemic circulation. This report reviews the principles for effective catheter directed thrombolysis for acute arterial occlusions and describes the development and evaluation of the new thrombolytic, plasmin. | 10.1016/j.thromres.2008.06.012 |
pubmed_94_24835 | An artificial protein-probe hybrid, Cm-Np-B@BSA, was prepared via host-guest interactions between hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-responsive Cm-Np-B molecule and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The Cm-Np-B@BSA probe exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity towards H2O2 under physiological conditions and had excellent biocompatibility, allowing for sensitive ratiometric detection and imaging of endogenous H2O2 in live cells. | 10.1039/d0tb00856g |
pubmed_326_16331 | This study examined the effect of metal ions Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ and sonication on ejaculated frozen-thawed bovine sperm adenylate cyclase activity, and whether cAMP levels in sperm changed during capacitation with heparin. The sperm adenylate cyclase was almost insensitive to Ca2+ at concentrations up to 10 mM when cold-shocked homogenized spermatozoa were used. Adenylate cyclase activity, as observed by cAMP formation (pmol/mg protein/min), did not increase significantly in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+. However, a 40-fold stimulation (cAMP 400-800 pmol/mg protein/min) occurred in the presence of 5 mM Mn2+. Although Ca2+ per se had no effect, it acted synergistically with Mg2+ and Mn2+ in stimulating sperm adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase activity was highest in cold-shocked, homogenized spermatozoa. Sonication of cold-shocked spermatozoa resulted in loss of adenylate cyclase activity, and a logarithmic decrease in cAMP production (1,155.5 to 109.7 pmol cAMP) occurred when sonication was increased from 2 x 5 to 2 x 25 s on ice. Cyclic AMP levels in spermatozoa incubated under non-capacitating conditions, both untreated and treated with glucose or heparin plus glucose, remained higher (P < 0.01) compared with those incubated with heparin for the first 4 h of incubation. When spermatozoa were incubated under non-capacitating conditions, cAMP levels increased (P < 0.01), especially during the first hour of incubation, and then declined gradually throughout the incubation. In contrast, cAMP levels of heparin-treated spermatozoa declined gradually for 3 h, at which time they began to rise, peaked at 4 h and then remained fairly stable until 6 h. Glucose antagonized the effect of heparin on adenylate cyclase activity but not for more than 4 h. We conclude that: i) Ca2+ stimulates adenylate cyclase in the presence of Mg2+; ii) homogenization by sonication reduces cyclase activity in frozen-thawed, cold-shocked spermatozoa; iii) adenylate cyclase activity is inhibited by heparin but rises concomitantly with the onset of capacitation (after 4 h) in spermatozoa incubated under capacitating conditions; and iv) glucose, which prevents capacitation by heparin, antagonizes heparin action on adenylate cyclase. | 10.1051/rnd:19960207 |
pubmed_901_2131 | Comparative studies were carried out on some methods and nutrient media used for the isolation and identification of mastitis causative agents. Milk from normal andmastitis-affected udder quarters was aseptically sampled and treated under various conditions. Individual samples were simultaneously seeded in different media. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Milk samples for the diagnosis of mastitis of a subclinical character can be taken at the beginning and at the end of milking. 2. Direct seedings of milk have equal diagnostic value as those of the sediment. With the former the process of bacteriologic treatment of the samples is shortened in time, and the isolation and differentiation of the mastitis agents is rendered feasible. 3. At the present etiologic structure of the subclinical types of mastitis in this country most suitable has proved the blood agar medium in which almost all mastitis causative agents can be demonstrated. 4. Kartashova's medium and the TKT-medium possess a pronounced selectivity with special reference to streptococci and have higher diagnostic value for farms where streptococcus mastitis is prevailing. | pubmed_901_2131 |
pubmed_1000_7548 | A case of severe nephrotic syndrome (urinary protein excretion 12.9 g/day) due to membranous nephropathy associated with untreated prostate cancer and multiple bone metastases is described. A combination of initial endocrine treatment and steroid therapy resulted in normalization of prostate-specific antigen levels followed by a rapid decrease of urinary protein excretion within 4 months. No proteinuria was subsequently detected. Seven months after the initiation of therapy, the patient remained well with complete clinical remission from the nephrotic syndrome. This rapid achievement of remission may have been due to tumor shrinkage by androgen ablation in addition to steroid therapy of the membranous nephropathy. The nephrotic syndrome is a rare complication of prostate cancer, and, to the best of our knowledge, no previous cases have been reported of membranous nephropathy as one of the first disease manifestations. | 10.1159/000045542 |
pubmed_857_4139 | This case illustrates the difficulty of diagnosing a colonic stenosis of ischemic origin. A 70-year-old lady presents with abdominal pain, fever and melaena. Lc are 15.2, ESR 39 mm, CEA 2.7 ng/ml. A barium enema shows a stenosis of the transverse colon that is suspicious of neoplasia. At time of operation, an induration of the transverse colon is found with edema of the corresponding mesocolon but no tumour is palpated. A resection of this area is performed and an end to end anastomosis performed. Pathology shows an ischemic colitis secondary to a lymphocytic thrombotic venulitis. The patient is discharged home one month postoperatively. 4 weeks later she is readmitted with the same symptoms. A gastrograffin enema shows a similar stenosis in the transverse colon including the anastomosis. The diagnosis is made of a recurrent ischemic stenosis. The patient improves over a 10-day period of conservative treatment (anticoagulation, TPN, steroids). A control barium enema shows a near resolution of the stenosis. The majority of ischemic colitis are of arterial origin nevertheless ischemic colitis of venous origin exists. The factor causing venous ischemia are not known. It is though thought to be associated with hypersensitivity vasculitis of drug origin. Its initial diagnosis versus neoplasia is difficult but once made there is a good response to a conservative treatment. | pubmed_857_4139 |
pubmed_714_613 | Influenza is a worldwide public health issue. The virus circulates annually in winter and can cause significant morbidity in the general population and increased mortality rates in those who are more susceptible to complications if infected by the virus, especially the elderly. Although antivirals to treat and prevent influenza have been available in several countries for up to 30 years, annual influenza vaccination strategies remain the primary focus in reducing the burden of illness caused by this viral infection. Zanamivir is the first of a new class of compounds to offer significant advantages over existing influenza treatments. It is a potent and specific competitive inhibitor of both influenza A and B virus neuraminidase. The drug is administered topically by inhalation directly to the site of virus replication in a dose of 10 mg twice daily for 5 days. In both experimental and naturally acquired treatment studies, zanamivir has been shown to have efficacy against both influenza A and B virus and to be well tolerated. Significant treatment benefits resulting in reductions in illness of up to 2.5 days have been demonstrated in both the general population and in patients considered at high risk. In addition, patients receiving zanamivir have been able to return to normal activities significantly faster. | 10.3109/07853899908995897 |
pubmed_1022_20737 | OBJECTIVE
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an important cause of maternal mortality (MM) around the world. Seventy percent of the PPH corresponds to uterine atony. The objective of our study was to evaluate multicenter PPH cases during a 10-month period, and evaluate severe postpartum hemorrhage management.
STUDY DESIGN
The study population is a cohort of vaginal delivery and cesarean section patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage secondary to uterine atony. The study was designed as a descriptive, prospective, longitudinal, and multicenter study, during 10 months in 13 teaching hospitals.
RESULTS
Total live births during the study period were 124,019 with 218 patients (0.17%) with severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPHH). Total maternal deaths were 8, for mortality rate of 3.6% and a MM rate of 6.45/100,000 live births (LB). Maternal deaths were associated with inadequate transfusion therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
In all patients with severe hemorrhage and subsequent hypovolemic shock, the most important therapy is intravascular volume resuscitation, to reduce the possibility of target organ damage and death. Similarly, the current proposals of transfusion therapy in severe or massive hemorrhage point to early transfusion of blood products and use of fresh frozen plasma, in addition to packed red blood cells, to prevent maternal deaths. | 10.1155/2013/525914 |
pubmed_676_6275 | Transposable elements have been used as an effective mutagen and as a tool to clone tagged genes. Insertion of a transposable element into a gene can lead to loss- or gain-of-function, changes in expression pattern, or can have no effect on gene function at all, depending on whether the insertion took place in coding or non-coding regions of the gene. Cloning transposable elements from different plant species has made them available as a tool for the isolation of tagged genes using homologous or heterologous tagging strategies. Based on these transposons, new elements have been engineered bearing reporter genes that can be used for expression analysis of the tagged gene, or resistance genes that can be used to select for knockout insertions. While many genes have been cloned using transposon tagging following traditional forward genetics strategies, gene cloning has ceased to be the rate-limiting step in the process of determining sequence-function relations in several important plant model species. Large-scale insertion mutagenesis and identification of insertion sites following a reverse genetics strategy appears to be the best method for unravelling the biological role of the thousands of genes with unknown functions identified by genome or expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing projects. Here we review the progress in forward tagging technologies and discuss reverse genetics strategies and their applications in different model species. | 10.1016/s1360-1385(99)01375-8 |
pubmed_362_26902 | The need for prospective randomized clinical trials investigating novel graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prevention strategies that include other clinical outcomes impacted by GVHD has been highlighted as a priority for the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation. A recently completed study through the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN 1301) comparing CD34+ selection and post-transplantation cyclophosphamide with tacrolimus/methotrexate (Tac/MTX) for GVHD prevention demonstrated no significant differences in the primary endpoint of chronic GVHD relapse-free survival among the 3 approaches. The trial did not demonstrate a superior approach compared with Tac/MTX; however, it did highlight several challenges in determining the best and most relevant approaches to clinical trial design, particularly in the context of current and ongoing changes in real-world practices. Here we review the results of BMT CTN 1301 and their implications for clinical practice and future clinical trial design. | 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.05.002 |
pubmed_63_21355 | Emotional abilities were measured with a performance test of emotional intelligence (The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test; Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2002) in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, substance abuse disorder, or borderline personality disorder (BPD), and a nonclinical control group. Findings showed that all clinical groups differed from controls with respect to their overall emotional intelligence score, which dovetails with previous findings from self-report measures. Specifically, we found that the ability to understand emotional information and the ability to regulate emotions best distinguished the groups. Findings showed that patients with substance abuse disorder and BPD patients were most impaired. | 10.1002/jclp.20597 |
pubmed_1029_4794 | The present study was conducted to determine to what extent the combined effects of two forward maskers can be predicted from addition of their individual effects. The maskers were 50-Hz wide noise bands with center frequencies ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 kHz. The signal was a brief, 2.0-kHz tone burst. When the maskers were gated on and off together, the combination produced sometimes more and sometimes less masking than predicted depending on the particular pair and the relative amounts of masking produced by the individual members of the pair. The greatest discrepancy occurred, however, when the masker pair was presented simultaneously with the signal or when the forward maskers were presented in sequence. In the latter case, the obtained threshold exceeded the predicted threshold by as much as 34 dB. | 10.1016/0378-5955(88)90041-x |
pubmed_849_5701 | The genome sizes of the B- and Q-types of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennnadius) were estimated using flow cytometry (Drosophila melanogaster as the DNA reference standard and propidium iodide (PI) as the fluorochrome) and k-mer analysis. For flow cytometry, the mean nuclear DNA content was 0.686 pg for B-type males, 1.392 pg for B-type females, 0.680 pg for Q-type males, and 1.306 pg for Q-type females. Based on the relationship between DNA content and genome size (1 pg DNA = 980 Mbp), the haploid genome size of B. tabaci ranged from 640 to 682 Mbp. For k-mer analysis, genome size of B-type by two methods were consistent highly, but the k-mer depth distribution graph of Q-type was not enough perfect and the genome size was estimated about 60 M larger than its flow cytometry result. These results corroborate previous reports of genome size based on karyotype analysis and chromosome counting. However, these estimates differ from previous flow cytometry estimates, probably because of differences in the DNA reference standard and dyeing time, which were superior in the current study. For Q-type genome size difference by two method, some discussion were also stated, and all these results represent a useful foundation for B. tabaci genomics research. | 10.3389/fphys.2015.00144 |
pubmed_899_7303 | INTRODUCTION
Although deaf people are exposed to hepatitis B and C risk factors, epidemiological studies regarding these diseases in deaf people are lacking.
METHODS
After watching an explanatory digital versatile disc (DVD) in Brazilian Sign Language, 88 deaf people were interviewed and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV).
RESULTS
The prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 8%; they were associated with incarceration and being born outside the State of São Paulo. No cases of hepatitis C were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Participants showed a substantial lack of knowledge regarding viral hepatitis, indicating a need for public policies that consider linguistic and cultural profiles. | pubmed_899_7303 |
pubmed_55_22496 | The X-ray structure of the C-terminal fragment, containing residues 449-946, of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase adenylyl transferase (ATase) has been determined. ATase is part of the cascade that regulates the enzymatic activity of E. coli glutamine synthetase, a key component of the cell's machinery for the uptake of ammonia. It has two enzymatic activities, adenylyl removase (AR) and adenylyl transferase (AT), which are located in distinct catalytic domains that are separated by a regulatory (R) domain. We previously reported the three-dimensional structure of the AR domain (residues 1-440). The present structure contains both the R and AT domains. AR and AT share 24% sequence identity and also contain the beta-polymerase motif that is characteristic of many nucleotidylyl transferase enzymes. The structures overlap with an rmsd of 2.4 A when the superhelical R domain is omitted. A model for the complete ATase molecule is proposed, along with some refinements of domain boundaries. A rather more speculative model for the complex of ATase with glutamine synthetase and the nitrogen signal transduction protein PII is also presented. | 10.1016/j.jmb.2009.12.011 |
pubmed_109_8583 | A case of renal allograft pseudorejection owing to perinephric hematoma is presented and the Page kidney phenomenon is discussed as the pathophysiologic mechanism. The term pseudorejection is introduced and defined as a remediable form of graft dysfunction resulting from renal parenchymal compression. Sonography was helpful, in addition to the standard diagnostic modalities in making the diagnosis. Early recognition and decompression of a peritransplant hematoma or lymphocele may decrease graft loss from this insidious entity. | 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)58953-3 |
pubmed_1069_1679 | STUDY DESIGN
This case report describes a 17-year-old male with Dubowitz syndrome in whom a progressive left thoracic scoliosis developed that required surgical correction.
OBJECTIVE
Scoliosis associated with Dubowitz syndrome had not been previously described among the orthopedic manifestations of this rare syndrome. A review of the literature and the surgical treatment of this patient is presented.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Dubowitz syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by microcephaly, craniofacial abnormalities, eczematous skin rash, delayed skeletal maturation, and shortness of stature. The orthopedic manifestations of this condition primarily involve the hands and feet with brachyclinodactyly of the fifth finger and syndactyly of the second and third toes. Spinal deformity in these individuals is not well described in the literature.
METHODS
Over a 2-year period, the patient's scoliosis progressed to 88 degrees, resulting in severe truncal imbalance without neurologic sequelae. A posterior spinal fusion with segment instrumentation alone was used to correct the deformity.
RESULTS
After surgery, excellent restoration of spine sagittal and coronal plane alignment was achieved, resulting in improved sitting and standing balance.
CONCLUSION
Patients with Dubowitz syndrome may be at risk of having a progressive, rigid scoliosis. These individuals may need to be observed over a prolonged period for the development of spinal deformity because of the potential for extended delay in skeletal maturation. | 10.1097/00007632-199511000-00012 |
pubmed_967_2503 | The effect of N2O on 41 ears suspicious of seromucoid otitis media is analysed and seems to be without action on important effusion. Tympanometry remains a first-rate test in order to follow the evolution of the disease. | pubmed_967_2503 |
pubmed_908_24773 | BACKGROUND
Neuromyelitis optica leads to severe disability. Preventive treatment includes steroids and immunosuppressants, and indications are based on retrospective and observational studies.
METHODS
We analyzed 158 patients with neuromyelitis optica regarding disease course, prognostic factors, and treatment response to azathioprine, a widely available low-cost drug. Disability accumulation was used as an endpoint to treatment response.
RESULTS
Eight patients with monophasic and 150 with relapsing disease with a median 7 years of disease duration and 4.6 years of follow-up were evaluated. All relapsing patients received preventive treatment, 100 with azathioprine. Only 30% reached Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 6, and 69% of patients presented no disability accumulation along follow-up. The time under azathioprine and prednisone use were inversely correlated to the hazard of disability accumulation (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.981 and 0.986, respectively; p < 0.01). Each month under azathioprine use reduced disability accumulation by 2.6% (HR = 0.974, p < 0.01), corresponding to an 80% decrease in EDSS progression over 5 years.
INTERPRETATION
We report less disability accumulation than previous series on patients with neuromyelitis optica, two-thirds presenting no disability accumulation along follow-up. Continued azathioprine used from early disease onset was strongly associated to maintenance of neurological function and should be offered as a viable option for low-income scenarios. | 10.1177/1352458518776584 |
pubmed_294_1233 | The Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) protease has been cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-2T, expressed in fusion with the glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma japonicum, and purified to apparent homogeneity after thrombin cleavage of the chimeric protein. The purified protease showed maximum activity at pH 6.0 and was inhibited by several aspartyl protease inhibitors, found to be active toward the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) protease. Peptides representing maturation cleavage sites in Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins were accurately cleaved by the recombinant protease, and kinetic parameters have been determined. In addition, oligopeptides mimicking the cleavage site found in the transmembrane protein and leading to the formation of p15E and p2E were also hydrolyzed at the expected position. The Mo-MuLV protease appears to be more closely related to the HIV-1 protease than to the mouse mammary tumor virus enzyme, based on its substrate specificity and sensitivity to aspartyl protease inhibitors. | 10.1006/viro.1993.1511 |
pubmed_1040_1003 | A simple test is presented to measure the efficiency of mammary artery-left anterior descending coronary artery anastomosis. While the aorta is still cross-clamped and a pronounced temperature gradient exists between the warm patient and the hypothermic heart, a thermoprobe is inserted into the apex of the heart and the flow through the mammary artery pedicle is released. Rapid warming of the cardiac apex indicates good function of the anastomosis. | 10.1016/s0003-4975(10)62643-4 |
pubmed_148_8614 | Blum's (1954) interpretation of psychoanalytic theory leads him to predict that Ss will defend against a threatening stimulus which is just below a recognition threshold and be vigilant toward the same stimulus when it is farther below the same threshold. 7 males and 9 females were presented the same four Blacky pictures, at the same speed and illumination, and using the same procedure as Blum. The results offered no support for the theory of perceptual vigilance or defense. The many weaknesses inherent in Blum's theory and supporting methodology were discussed. | 10.2466/pms.1975.41.3.723 |
pubmed_940_21752 | A clinical and morphological analysis was done in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that showed high incidence (61.8%) of lesions of the internals in RA. Affliction of the heart was present in 48 percent of cases, that of the lungs and pleura in 47.6 percent, renal lesions were recordable in 23 percent, serious breakdown of the liver in 16 percent, and of the alimentary canal in 22 percent of cases, with the associated visceral lesions present in a major part of the population. Considering high incidence of visceral lesions in RA and their impact on the gravity of the course of the disease and, not infrequently, on the prognosis we consider it necessary for the practitioners to bend their energies to thorough clinical examination of the RA patients when he or she first applied for medical advice. Other measures to be instituted include deliberate dynamic observation, timely prescription of adequate complex therapy and inauguration of preventive measures during the period of remission of the disease. | pubmed_940_21752 |
pubmed_511_9614 | AIM
To date, few studies have analyzed the effects of exercise on cardiac adipose tissue. Overall, exercise programs did not meet the recommendations for significant weight loss, the utilization of resistance training was minimal, and the conclusions derived from these studies have diminished exercise as a strategy for cardiac fat loss.
PURPOSE
The objective of this pilot study was to analyze the effects of 3-week high-intensity, moderate-volume muscular endurance resistance training (RT) on cardiac fat and arterial stiffness.
METHODS
A total of 11 young females with obesity, BMI = 34.13 (± 3.16) kg/m2 (n = 5 control, n = 6 intervention) completed the study. Absolute strength was assessed using one repetition maximum test (1RM) for bench press (BP) and leg press (LP), and relative strength was calculated using body weight (BW) as BP-to-BW and LP-to-BW ratio. Magnetic resonance was used to quantify epicardial and paracardial adipose tissue (EAT and PAT) volume, and applanation tonometry was used to assess arterial stiffness by estimating pulse wave velocity (PWV).
RESULTS
EAT and PAT volumes (ml) showed significant interaction effects (p = 0.037 and p = 0.031), and very large changes (d > 1) of EAT (p = 0.006) and PAT (p = 0.036) in the intervention group. In addition, strength was significantly improved, including BP (p = 0.003), LP (p = 0.001), BP-to-BW ratio (p = 0.001), and LP-to-BW ratio (p = 0.002), while no changes were found in PWV.
CONCLUSIONS
High-intensity, moderate-volume RT, designed to enhance muscular endurance following the recommendations reduces EAT and PAT volumes, improves physical fitness in females with obesity, and has no negative effects on arterial stiffness. | 10.1007/s00421-018-3852-9 |
pubmed_631_2309 | OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the early detachment of the Solitaire stent during mechanical thrombectomy, we tested the stent in vitro under various conditions and evaluated with microscopy.
METHODS
A total of five stents were tested. Using a dynamic mechanical analysis machine, we calculated the tensile force needed for separation of the four stents from the pusher wire. Stent Nos 1 and 2 were tested without any prior manipulation. During the retraction test, no sheathing around the stent-wire junction was applied to stent No 1 whereas stent No 2 was partially covered with a sheath in accordance with instructions for use (IFU) recommendations. Stent No 3 was tested after deployment and retrieval were performed three times in an in vitro vascular replica with sheathing during retrieval. Stent No 4 was tested after one deployment and retrieval using the same replica as in stent No 3 without sheathing. In addition, forward pushing force was applied intentionally during retraction to induce excessive bending of the stent. Stent No 5 was pulled apart by both hands. After separation, stent tips and pusher wires were studied for all stents under the microscope.
RESULTS
The tensile force needed for separation was about 6 N for stent Nos 1, 2, and 3, and about 4 N for stent No 4. All of the stents showed separation at the proximal marker, not at the detachment zone.
CONCLUSIONS
Detachment of the Solitaire stent during thrombectomy can be due to separation around or inside the proximal marker. Adherence to the manufacturer's IFU of partial re-sheathing during retraction and not using the device for more than two passes might decrease the possibility of such device failure. | 10.1136/neurintsurg-2013-010942 |
pubmed_275_7152 | The role of Legionella spp. in the aetiology of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is largely unknown. In this case-control study, conducted in a general practitioner setting during 2000 and 2001, nose and throat samples from patients presenting with ARIs (n = 230) and controls (n = 200) were analysed for the presence of Legionella spp. by real-time PCR. Legionella DNA was not detected in any of the cases or controls. Thus, Legionella spp. do not seem to play a role in patients presenting with ARIs, nor were they present in patients who visited their general practitioner for complaints other than ARIs. | 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2005.01112.x |
pubmed_121_1254 | BACKGROUND
To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) based on enhanced recovery after surgery on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This was a single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Between December 2018 and 2019, 144 female undergoing breast conserving surgery were assigned to conventional (A), preoperative EA (B), intraoperative EA (C), and combination of preoperative and intraoperative EA (D) groups. Primary outcome was the self-rating anxiety scale. Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale, quality of recovery 40, postoperative complications, and acupuncture-related adverse reactions.
RESULTS
141 patients completed the trial. Groups B and D self-rating anxiety scale were significantly lower than A and C (P < .01); the sleep quality was significantly better (P < .01). The incidence of nausea at 6 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in group D than other groups (P < .007); the incidence of vomiting at 6 hours postoperatively was better than group A (P < .007). visual analogue scale at 24 hours postoperatively was significantly different between groups A, B, and D (P < .01). Quality of recovery 40 total score at 24 hours postoperatively in group D was significantly higher than A and B (P < .05). The 72-hour postoperative emotional state was most significantly improved in group D (P < .05), while groups B and C showed interactive effect (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
Preoperative EA alleviated anxiety in the preoperative waiting area, and improved sleep quality. Combination of preoperative and intraoperative EA may be more effective in improving postoperative quality of life.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019979. Registered on December 10, 2018. (http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=27653&htm=4). | 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.04.010 |
pubmed_1009_8439 | Unilateral adrenalectomy for benign causes of primary aldosteronism is an established procedure. The established surgical cure for aldosterone-producing adenoma justifies a thorough preoperative evaluation. No single test accurately identifies aldosterone-producing adenomas in patients with primary aldosteronism. However, a useful algorithm combines postural studies, computerized axial tomography, and adrenal vein catheterization for selective hormonal assay, if computerized axial tomography is negative or equivocal and the suspicion of aldosterone-producing adenoma is high. If an adrenal mass is present and biochemical studies suggest a diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma, resection of the affected gland from a limited unilateral approach is indicated. Cure can be expected in 80 percent of cases. In the uncommon circumstance that the adrenal tumor was not an aldosterone-producing adenoma but a hyperplastic nodule, these patients may still be cured or more easily controlled with antihypertensive medications. Thirty-eight patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy are presented and discussed. | 10.1016/0002-9610(86)90160-1 |
pubmed_1110_5555 | Using a gRNA and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, we performed simultaneous site-directed mutagenesis of two GmPPD loci in soybean. Mutations in GmPPD loci were confirmed in at least 33% of T2 seeds. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated endonuclease 9 (Cas9) system is a powerful tool for site-directed mutagenesis in crops. Using a single guide RNA (gRNA) and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, we performed simultaneous site-directed mutagenesis of two homoeologous loci in soybean (Glycine max), GmPPD1 and GmPPD2, which encode the orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana PEAPOD (PPD). Most of the T1 plants had heterozygous and/or chimeric mutations for the targeted loci. The sequencing analysis of T1 and T2 generations indicates that putative mutation induced in the T0 plant is transmitted to the T1 generation. The inheritable mutation induced in the T1 plant was also detected. This result indicates that continuous induction of mutations during T1 plant development increases the occurrence of mutations in germ cells, which ensures the transmission of mutations to the next generation. Simultaneous site-directed mutagenesis in both GmPPD loci was confirmed in at least 33% of T2 seeds examined. Approximately 19% of double mutants did not contain the Cas9/gRNA expression construct. Double mutants with frameshift mutations in both GmPPD1 and GmPPD2 had dome-shaped trifoliate leaves, extremely twisted pods, and produced few seeds. Taken together, our data indicate that continuous induction of mutations in the whole plant and advancing generations of transgenic plants enable efficient simultaneous site-directed mutagenesis in duplicated loci in soybean. | 10.1007/s00299-018-2251-3 |
pubmed_49_5408 | The prognosis of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) from rupture of intracranial aneurysms was studied in 43 patients admitted to our institution and to Kaga Central Hospital between April 1984 and December 1987. The total number of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients admitted during this period was 156, so that 28% of SAH patients had IVH. In this study, the patients were analyzed with respect to IVH grading, volumes of intraventricular and intracerebral hematoma, consciousness level, intracranial pressure (ICP), ventricular dilatation and age. The IVH resulted from aneurysmal rupture of the anterior communicating artery (48%), anterior cerebral artery (distal portion of the anterior communicating artery) (11%), internal carotid artery (21%), middle cerebral artery (25%), and vertebro-basilar artery (14%). The mortality rate in patients with IVH was 33%, a poorer rate than that in patients without IVH (25%). As for morbidity, 44% of the patients with IVH had no or moderate disability, whereas the other 23% had severe disability or were in a persistent vegetative state. On the other hand, there was no or only moderate disability in 63%, and severe disability or a persistent vegetative state in 12% of the patients without IVH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | pubmed_49_5408 |
pubmed_275_8827 | Pathogens and toxins can be converted to bioweapons and used to commit bioterrorism and biocrime. Because of the potential and relative ease of an attack using a bioweapon, forensic science needs to be prepared to assist in the investigation to bring perpetrators to justice and to deter future attacks. A new subfield of forensics--microbial forensics--has been created, which is focused on characterization of evidence from a bioterrorism act, biocrime, hoax, or an inadvertent release. Forensic microbiological investigations are essentially the same as any other forensic investigation regarding processing. They involve crime scene(s) investigation, chain of custody practices, evidence collection, handling and preservation, evidence shipping, analysis of evidence, interpretation of results, and court presentation. In addition to collecting and analyzing traditional forensic evidence, the forensic investigation will attempt to determine the etiology and identity of the causal agent, often in a similar fashion as in an epidemiologic investigation. However, for attribution, higher-resolution characterization is needed. The tools for attribution include genetic- and nongenetic-based assays and informatics to attempt to determine the unique source of a sample or at least eliminate some sources. In addition, chemical and physical assays may help determine the process used to prepare, store, or disseminate the bioweapon. An effective microbial forensics program will require development and/or validation of all aspects of the forensic investigative process, from sample collection to interpretation of results. Quality assurance (QA) and QC practices, comparable to those used by the forensic DNA science community, are being implemented. Lastly, partnerships with other laboratories will be requisite, because many of the necessary capabilities for analysis will not reside in the traditional forensic laboratory. | 10.1007/s00414-005-0535-y |
pubmed_48_25435 | The dynamics of skin-draining cells following infection or vaccination provide important insight into the initiation of immune responses. In this study, the local recruitment and activation of immune cells in draining lymph nodes (LNs) was studied in calves in an adjuvant-induced inflammation. A transient but remarkably strong recruitment of monocytes was demonstrated after onset of inflammation, constituting up to 41% of live cells in the draining LNs after 24 h. Numerous CD14(+) cells were visualized in subcutaneous tissues and draining LNs, and the majority of these cells did not express dendritic cell-associated markers CD205 and CD11c. In the LNs, recruited cells were predominately of a CD14(++) and CD16(+) phenotype, consistent with an intermediate monocyte subset characterized to possess a high inflammatory potential. Moreover, monocytes from the draining LN showed a high expression of genes coding for pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNFa, and TGFβ. Shortly after their appearance in the LN cortical areas, the monocytes had moved into the medulla followed by an increase in peripheral blood. In conclusion, this study provides novel information on in vivo monocyte recruitment and migration after onset of inflammation. | 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00322 |
pubmed_569_16964 | Approximately 20% to 25% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have rheumatoid nodules. These nodules most commonly involve the soft tissues of the upper extremity, particularly adjacent to the olecranon. We present an uncommon case of a solitary rheumatoid nodule arising from the paratenon of the Achilles tendon with ultrasound and magnetic resonance images. | 10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000172 |
pubmed_1052_2614 | BACKGROUND
Individuals with fever are screened for malaria in specially-established malaria diagnostic laboratories set up in rural hospitals in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. Large numbers of blood smears negative for malaria parasites are being screened daily. Good quality smears are essential to maintain a high diagnostic competency among the technical staff. The modifications made to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard operating procedures to improve the quality of smears have been studied.
METHODS
A blinded, controlled, interventional study was conducted in 22 intervention and 21 control malaria diagnostic laboratories. Changes were made to the WHO standard operating procedure protocols to prepare, stain and examine blood smears for malaria parasite detection which were implemented in intervention laboratories. These included wipe-cleaning slides, preparing both thick and thin smears on the same slide, reversing the order of collecting blood for thick and thin smears, dry fixing thick smear for 20-25 minutes under table lamp, polishing the edge of spreader slide with sand paper and fixing the thin smear with methanol if not stained within four hours. Parameters with respect to quality of the smear as per WHO criteria were studied using randomly selected slides, and time taken for the report to be issued was recorded in both groups before and after the intervention.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences observed in the parameters studied at baseline between the two groups or pre and post intervention in the control group. In the intervention group streak formation in thin smears was reduced from 29.4% to 5.0%. The average fixing time of thick smears was reduced from 2.4 hours to 20 minutes. Inappropriate thickness of thick smears reduced from 18.3% to 1.5%. Overall quality of thick smears and thin smears increased from 76.1% to 98.0% and 81.7% to 87.0%, respectively. The quality of slides bearing both thick and thin smears increased from 60.0% to 87.0%.
CONCLUSIONS
New protocols with amendments to the WHO standard technical procedures ensure that good quality blood smears are prepared rapidly to diagnose malaria and the time required to issue the reports was reduced. | 10.1186/1475-2875-13-98 |
pubmed_460_16777 | OBJECTIVES
The allelic variants in the NOD2/CARD15 gene G908R, R702W, and 1007fs are strongly and independently associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD). Our aim was to compare the NOD2/CARD15 genotype and the genotype-phenotype correlation in Jewish pediatric patients with CD (</=16 years of age) with older patients with CD.
STUDY DESIGN
Carrier frequencies of the three variants were determined in 67 children and 144 adults with CD. Variants were detected by using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion assay. Demographic and phenotypic characterizations of the patients were determined.
RESULTS
The carrier rate of the three NOD2/CARD15-associated variants was 51.5% in children and 37.5% in adults (P=.07). The most prevalent allele variant was G908R (allele frequency 18% in children, 11% in adults; P=.063). Young Ashkenazi patients had the highest allele frequency of G908R, and higher than Ashkenazi adults: 25% and 9%, respectively (P=.003). Children had more family history of inflammatory bowel disease and more inflammatory-type disease, with no relation to variant allele carriage.
CONCLUSIONS
G908R allele-variant of the NOD2/CARD15 gene is closely related with the appearance of CD at a young age in Jewish Ashkenazi patients. | 10.1016/j.jpeds.2004.05.024 |
pubmed_622_12926 | The use of impulsive acoustic radiation force for transient strain imaging was investigated and compared with conventional elastography. A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the performances of the technique on gelatine phantoms containing inclusions and to determine a range of applications where radiation force elastography may be useful compared with static elastography. Slip boundaries and cylindrical inclusions of varying elastic modulus were placed in background materials. A focused ultrasound transducer was used to apply localised radiation force to a small volume of tissue mimic (100 mm3) for durations of 8 ms. A conventional real-time ultrasound imaging probe was used to obtain radio- frequency echo signals. The resulting strains were mapped using ultrasound correlation-based methods. The instantaneous strain immediately following cessation of the radiation force was observed at depth within homogeneous gels and within stiff inclusions. The highly localised and transient strain that is produced at depth permits the sensing of variations in tissue elastic properties that are difficult to detect with conventional elastography, due to greater independence from boundary conditions. In particular, radiation force elastograms were more homogeneous in the background and within the inclusions and displayed a superior contrast-transfer-efficiency, particularly for regions that had negative modulus contrast or that were disconnected from the background or the anterior medium by a low friction boundary. | 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2006.12.004 |
pubmed_795_2055 | Numerous studies have shown there is consistent evidence implicating genetic factors in the etiology of autism. In some cases chromosomal abnormalities have been identified. One type of these abnormalities is gaps and breaks nonrandomly located in chromosomes, denominated fragile sites (FS). We cytogenetically analyzed a group of autistic individuals and a normal population, and we examined the FS found in both samples with the aim of (1) comparing their FS expression, (2) ascertaining whether any FS could be associated with our autistic sample, and (3) examining if there are differences between individual and pooled-data analyses. Different statistical methods were used to analyse the FS of pooled and individual data. Our results show that there are statistically significant differences in the spontaneous expression of breakages between patients and controls, with a minimal sex difference. Using the method for pooled data, eight autosomal FS have preferential expression in patients and five patients were found to be positive at FS Xq27.3. With the method per-individual analysis, four FS emerged as specific in our autistic sample. Inferences of FS from pooled data were different from those of individual data. The findings suggest that although analysis of pooled data is necessitated by the problem of sparse data, analysis of single individuals is essential to know the significance of FS in autism. | 10.1023/a:1020876010236 |
pubmed_830_7278 | Over one-third of the world adult population is overweight or obese, and the prevalence continues to increase. Obesity is a risk factor for injury, and the growing prevalence may be associated with increases in the future incidence and cost of injuries. In this study, we examined obesity-related differences in muscular capacity during sustained isometric exertions involving hand grip, shoulder flexion, and trunk extension. Thirty-six young individuals who were obese or not obese (aged 18-29) completed these exertions at fixed levels of absolute loads involving low-moderate levels of effort. Individuals who were obese had an overall ∼20% higher absolute strength, but ∼20% lower relative strength. These differences were most evident in the hand grip and shoulder exertions. Parameters of fitted exponential relationships between endurance time and task demands (as a percentage of strength) were similar in both groups. Perceptual and performance responses were also consistent between groups. Accordingly, we conclude that obesity may not substantially influence muscular capacity for these tasks. | pubmed_830_7278 |
pubmed_286_22733 | BACKGROUND
In Bangladesh, folk medicinal practitioners are called "Kaviraj" and are consulted for treatment of various ailments by a large part of the rural and urban population. There are some previous studies conducted in the Tangail district of Bangladesh about medicinal plants, but there is no relevant information about this aspect in some parts of this district.
AIM
To conduct an ethno-pharmacological survey among the "Kaviraj" of two upazilas (regions) in Tangail district, namely Tangail Sadar Upazila and Nagarpur Upazila, to identify the trouble-free formulations of medicinal plants for various diseases used by the folk medicine practitioners on or after other forms of medical practices.
METHODS
A guided field-walk survey was carried out employing a local guide and asking local people about practicing "Kaviraj"; four of the "Kaviraj" convened and after receiving permission from the "Kaviraj", interviews were conducted through focused group discussion.
RESULTS
It was observed that the "Kaviraj" of the two upazilas used a total of 25 plants distributed into 20 families for healing of various diseases. In most of the cases, leaves were the key part of most of the plants used for treatment. Plants were mainly used for treating gastrointestinal tract disorders, fever, constipation, and diarrhea, and indigestion, loss of appetite, pain and skin disorders. "Kaviraj" also treat complicated diseases such as tuberculosis, hypertension, sexual disorders, infections, urinary problems, hepatic disorders, pneumonia, stomach stones, diabetes, swellings, debility, kidney problems, tumor, vitamin C deficiency and poisoning by using medicinal plants.
CONCLUSION
For a country such as Bangladesh, and particularly the district studied, medicinal plants are essential assets and have a major role in people's health care structure. Also, appropriate research should be conducted for using these medicinal plants in possible new drug designs as well as many other pharmaceutical benefits. | 10.19082/4759 |
pubmed_697_21537 | OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to examine the effect of physical exercise on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) which is a significant public health problem.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a population-based cohort study.
METHODS
We hypothesized that those who engage in regular exercise would have lower chances of dozing in the daytime and examined causal relationships between EDS and known risk factors for EDS using structural equation model (SEM).
RESULTS
We found that causal relationships from both depression and sleep quality to EDS were relatively weaker in those who regularly engage in physical exercise, which resulted in lower chances of having EDS.
CONCLUSION
Regular exercise may play a protective role in EDS prevention. | 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.08.024 |
pubmed_709_8326 | An actin-like material was extracted from human spermatozoa. The material comigrated with actin on sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and showed specific affinity for myosin. Purified anti-actin antibodies were used to localize actin to the posterior region of the sperm head and to the connecting piece, midpiece and mainpiece of the tail. Determination of the function of sperm actin requires further investigation. | 10.1095/biolreprod26.2.319 |
pubmed_245_23586 | We reviewed the literature on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) used as a therapy for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, with a particular focus on: stimulation site, stimuli parameters, neural structures thought to be targeted, and the clinical and urodynamic outcomes achieved. The majority of studies used sacral or tibial nerve stimulation. The literature suggests that, whilst TENS therapy may have neuromodulation effects, patient are unlikely to benefit to a significant extent from a single application of TENS and indeed clear benefits from acute studies have not been reported. In long-term studies there were differences in the descriptions of stimulation intensity, strategy of the therapy, and positioning of the electrodes, as well as in the various symptoms and pathology of the patients. Additionally, most studies were uncontrolled and hence did not evaluate the placebo effect. Little is known about the underlying mechanism by which these therapies work and therefore exactly which structures need to be stimulated, and with what parameters. There is promising evidence for the efficacy of a transcutaneous stimulation approach, but adequate standardisation of stimulation criteria and outcome measures will be necessary to define the best way to administer this therapy and document its efficacy. | 10.1016/j.ajur.2015.04.013 |
pubmed_1114_25612 | Catechins are a class of polyphenols and have high anti-bacterial activity against various microorganisms. Here, we report the mechanism for antibacterial activity of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, which is highly sensitive to EGCg. Transmission electron microscope analysis revealed that deposits containing EGCg were found throughout the cell envelope from the outermost surface to the outer surface of cytoplasmic membrane. Aggregating forms of proteins and EGCg were identified as spots that disappeared or showed markedly decreased intensity after the treatment with EGCg compared to the control by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Among the identified proteins included 4 cell surface proteins, such as oligopeptide ABC transporter binding lipoprotein, glucose phosphotransferase system transporter protein, phosphate ABC transporter substrate-binding protein, and penicillin-binding protein 5. Observations of glucose uptake of cells and cell shape B. subtilis after the treatment with EGCg suggested that EGCg inhibits the major functions of these proteins, leading to growth inhibition of B. subtilis. | 10.1080/09168451.2014.993356 |
pubmed_876_14720 | The heat transfer coefficient and adiabatic effectiveness of cylindrical, fan shaped holes and a slot are presented for the region zero to 50 diameters downstream of the holes. Narrow-band liquid crystals were used on a heated flat plate with heated air coolant. These parameters have been measured in a steady state, low speed facility at engine representative Reynolds number based on hole diameter and pressure difference ratio (ideal momentum flux ratio). The aerodynamic loss due to each of the film cooling geometries has been measured using a traverse of the boundary layer far downstream of the film cooling holes. Compared to the cylindrical holes, the fan shaped hole case showed an improvement in the uniformity of cooling downstream of the holes and in the level of laterally averaged film cooling effectiveness. The fan effectiveness approached the slot level and both the fan and cylindrical hole cases show lower heat transfer coefficients than the slot and non film cooled cases based on the laterally averaged results. The drawback to the fan shaped hole was that the aerodynamic loss was significantly higher than both the slot and cylindrical hole values due to inefficient diffusion in the hole exit expansion. | 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05871.x |
pubmed_1132_22210 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic surgery in inflammatory hip arthritis.
METHODS
A retrospective clinical study was conducted inspecting 40 hips in 36 patients of inflammatory arthritis. There were 17 cases of ankylosing spondylitis, 11 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, and 8 cases of psoriatic arthritis. The joints were irrigated and the inflamed tissues were debrided with anthroscopy. The patients were followed up with Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test.
RESULTS
All of the 36 cases were followed up for 46-103 months, averaging 67.2±8.4 months. Harris and Oxford scores increased from 66.9±12.1 and 69.4±16.4 before operation to 78.4±19.3 and 80.2±18.8 after operation, respectively (P<0.05). VAS score decreased from pre-operative 8.5±2.5 to post-operative 7.2±2.5 (P<0.05). All the patients showed improved joint range of motion. MRI revealed alleviation of hip synovitis. The results were classified as excellent in 8 patients, good in 17 patients, fair in 8 patient, and poor in 3 according to Harris hip score. Twenty-seven patients were satisfied with the operative outcomes as they regained normal daily activities.
CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopy-assisted joint debridement and synovium resection is an effective procedure for hip lesion in inflammatory arthritis. The inflammatory lesion might be thereby controlled and the symptoms be relieved. | 10.1016/s1001-9294(13)60017-6 |
pubmed_563_7181 | Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in sunless tanning products and a combustion product from e-juices in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). DHA is rapidly absorbed in cells and tissues and incorporated into several metabolic pathways through its conversion to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). Previous studies have shown DHA induces cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction, though the extent of these effects is highly cell-type specific. Here, we investigate DHA exposure effects in the metabolically active, HepG3 (C3A) cell line. Metabolic and mitochondrial changes were evaluated by characterizing the effects of DHA in metabolic pathways and nutrient-sensing mechanisms through mTOR-specific signaling. We also examined cytotoxicity and investigated the cell death mechanism induced by DHA exposure in HepG3 cells. Millimolar doses of DHA were cytotoxic and suppressed glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Nutrient sensing through mTOR was altered at both short and long time points. Increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial-specific injury induced cell cycle arrest and cell death through a non-classical apoptotic mechanism. Despite its carbohydrate nature, millimolar doses of DHA are toxic to liver cells and may pose a significant health risk when higher concentrations are absorbed through e-cigarettes or spray tanning. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0278516 |
pubmed_0_15389 | The paper propses a new shape morphometry approach that combines advanced classification techniques with geometric features to identify morphological abnormalities on the brain surface. Our aim is to improve the classification accuracy in distinguishing between normal subjects and schizophrenic patients. The approach is inspired by natural language processing. Local brain surface geometric patterns are quantized to visual words, and their co-occurrences are encoded as visual topic. To do this, a generative model, the probabilistic. Latent Semantic Analysis is learned from quantized shape descriptors (visual words). Finally, we extract from the learned models a generative score, that is used as input of a Support Vector Machine (SVM), defining an hybrid generative/discriminative classification algorithm. An exhaustive experimental section is proposed on a dataset consisting of MRI scans from 64 patients and 60 control subjects. Promising results are reporting by observing accuracies up to 86.13%. | 10.1007/978-3-642-15745-5_22 |
pubmed_32_15294 | Caudate-putamen membranes of rhesus monkey were solubilized (1% digitonin; w/v) and [3H]WIN 35,428 ([3H]CFT: 2 beta-carbomethoxy-3- beta-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-[3H]methyltropane) binding assayed. Saturation analysis revealed high- and low-affinity binding components (KHIGH: 7.48 +/- 2.77 nM; KLOW: 292 +/- 788 nM; mean +/- SEM). Monoamine transport inhibitors and neurotransmitters had similar affinities for soluble and membrane [3H]CFT binding sites (r, 0.998; P < .001). The rank order of potency of these compounds for inhibiting [3H]CFT binding (Lu 19-005 > mazindol > CFT > GBR 12909 > (-)-cocaine > talsupram > dopamine > norepinephrine > citalopram) was consistent with [3H]CFT labeling cocaine binding sites on the dopamine transporter. [3H]CFT binding sites were separated into three protein fractions by anion-exchange chromatography. Monoamine transport inhibitors and neurotransmitters inhibited [3H]CFT binding in each fraction with a rank order of potency consistent with binding to the dopamine transporter. Detection of multiple binding components for [3H]CFT labeled sites by these drugs varied in each fraction. Size-exclusion chromatography indicated [3H]CFT bound to a single protein in each fraction (apparent molecular weight, 170 kDa). Therefore, multiple binding components for cocaine reside solely on the dopamine transporter and exhibit different affinities for drugs depending on the charge-state of the transporter. | pubmed_32_15294 |
pubmed_349_9113 | Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by excess insulin secretion, which results in hypoglycemia. Mutation of sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1), encoded by the ABCC8 gene, is the main cause of CHI. Here, we captured the phenotype of excess insulin secretion through pancreatic differentiation of ABCC8-deficient stem cells generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. ABCC8-deficient insulin-producing cells secreted higher insulin than their wild-type counterparts, and the excess insulin secretion was rescued by nifedipine, octreotide and nicorandil. Further, we tested the role of SUR1 in response to different potassium levels and found that dysfunction of SUR1 decreased the insulin secretion rate in low and high potassium environments. Hence, pancreatic differentiation of ABCC8-deficient cells recapitulated the CHI disease phenotype in vitro, which represents an attractive model to further elucidate the function of SUR1 and to develop and screen for novel therapeutic drugs. | 10.1038/s41598-017-03349-w |
pubmed_554_16477 | With the acceleration and increasing complexity of macro-scale problems such as climate change, the need for scientists to ensure that their work is understood has become urgent. As citizens and recipients of public funds for research, scientists have an obligation to communicate their findings in ways many people can understand. However, developing translations that are broadly accessible without being "dumbed down" can be challenging. Fortunately, tenets of visual literacy, combined with narrative methods, can help to convey scientific knowledge with fidelity, while sustaining viewers' interest. Here we outline strategies for such translating, with an emphasis on visual approaches. Among the examples is an innovative, National Science Foundation-funded professional development initiative in which National Park rangers use scientists' imagery to create compelling explanations for the visiting public. Thoughtful visualizations based on interpretive images, motion pictures, 3D animations and augmented, immersive experiences complement the impact of the natural resource and enhance the role of the park ranger. The visualizations become scaffolds for participatory exchanges in which the ranger transcends the traditional roles of information-holder and presenter, to facilitate provocative conversations that provide members of the public with enjoyable experiences and well-founded bases for reflection and ultimately understanding. The process of generating the supporting visualizations benefits from partnerships with design professionals, who develop opportunities for engaging the public by translating important scientific findings and messages in compelling and memorable ways. | 10.1093/icb/icy033 |
pubmed_539_7201 | Calcium and vitamin D supplementation have been shown to reduce secondary hyperparathyroidism and play a role in age-related osteoporosis. In order to define the optimal regimen of calcium and vitamin D supplementation to produce the maximal inhibition of parathyroid hormone secretion, we compared the administration of a calcium-vitamin D supplement as a single morning dose with the administration of two divided doses at 6-hour intervals. Twelve healthy male volunteers were assigned to three investigational procedures, which were alternated at weekly intervals. After a 'blank' control procedure, when they were not exposed to any supplements, they received one of two calcium-vitamin D supplement regimens: either two doses of Orocal D3 (500 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D3) with a 6-hour interval between doses, or one water-soluble effervescent powder pack of Cacit vitamin D3, taken in the morning (1000 mg calcium and 880 IU vitamin D3). During the three procedures (control and the two calcium-vitamin D supplementation protocols), veinous blood was drawn every 60 minutes for up to 9 hours, for serum calcium and parathyroid hormone measurements. The order of administration of the two calcium and vitamin D supplementation regimens was allocated by randomization. No significant changes in serum calcium were observed during the study. During the first 6 hours following calcium-vitamin D supplementation, a statistically significant decrease in serum parathyroid hormone was observed with both regimens, compared with baseline and the control procedure. During this first period, no differences were observed between the two treatment regimens. However, between the 6th and the 9th hour, serum parathyroid hormone levels remained significantly decreased compared to baseline with the twice-daily Orocal D3 administration, while they returned to baseline values with the once-daily Cacit D3 preparation. During this period, the percentage decrease in serum parathyroid hormone relative to baseline was significantly greater with Orocal D3 than Cacit D3 (p = 0.0021). We therefore conclude that the twice-daily administration of 500 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D3 at 6-hour intervals provides a more prolonged decrease in serum parathyroid hormone levels than the administration of the same total amount of calcium and vitamin D, as a single morning dose in young healthy. | pubmed_539_7201 |
pubmed_623_17553 | As a signatory to World Health Assembly Resolution WHA65.21 on eliminating schistosomiasis, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) recommends early identification and timely treatment of the infection carriers for morbidity control, plus complementary preventive measures, such as health education, for transmission control. This study reports infection and awareness of schistosomiasis among schoolchildren before the implementation of school-based educational actions in an endemic municipality with persisting moderate prevalence levels despite successive control campaigns since the late 1990s. A questionnaire was applied in April 2013 to schoolchildren in the middle years of schooling (6th to 8th year) of Malacacheta municipality to assess baseline knowledge and risk behaviour related to schistosomiasis. A stool survey was conducted in May/June 2013 in 2519 schoolchildren from all years of fundamental education (first to 9th year) to identify the infection carriers, as well as to assess baseline prevalence and intensity of infection using the Kato-Katz method (one sample, two slides). The infected schoolchildren were treated promptly with single-dose praziquantel 60mg/kg and followed up after 45days for treatment efficacy. Relevant outcomes from baseline stool survey, treatment and follow-up were statistically evaluated in relation to area of residence (rural/urban), gender, age group (<11/≥years) and infection. Adherence to baseline survey was 81.2%, and prevalence of infection was 21.4%. Of the 539 positives, 60 (11.1%) had ≥400 eggs per gram of faeces (heavy-intensity infection). Prevalence of infection was significantly higher among rural residents and≥11year olds, whereas intensity of infection was higher among rural residents,≥11year olds and boys. Adherence by the positives to treatment was 93.3% and adherence by the treated children to 45-day follow-up was 72.2%. At 45days after treatment, 97.0% of the 363 children surveyed were egg-negative; the egg reduction rate was 99.4%. Of the 924 children who responded to the questionnaire, 95.5% showed awareness of schistosomiasis, although 76.2% reported contact with natural, unsafe bodies of water. Reported contact with water was significantly more frequent among infected than non-infected, and boys than girls. The results show persisting infection and risk behaviour among schoolchildren, regardless of their basic knowledge about schistosomiasis. These are grounds for implementing specific educational actions to improve awareness and behavioural change, jointly with other control measures, to attain the MoH goals. | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.015 |
pubmed_753_21851 | OBJECTIVES
The mechanism by which Optison (an albumin-shelled, octafluoropropane gas-filled microbubble contrast agent; Amersham Health, Amersham, England) enhances gene transfection in skeletal muscle in vivo with or without ultrasound (US) is unclear. The possible mechanisms were investigated by experimenting with different constituents, both with and without US.
METHODS
Plasmid DNA (10 μg) encoding green fluorescent protein was mixed with Optison or its constituents dissolved in saline (in an equivalent concentration as in Optison) and injected into the tibialis anterior muscle of mice with or without adjunct US (1 MHz, 2 W/cm², 30 seconds, and 20% duty cycle). The efficiencies of green fluorescent protein transgene expression were determined under different experimental conditions: (1) plasmid plus saline as a negative control; (2) plasmid plus Optison as a positive control; (3) plasmid plus heat-treated Optison (without microbubbles); (4) plasmid plus human serum albumin; (5) plasmid plus N-acetyltryptophan; and (6) plasmid plus caprylic acid. Transfection efficiency was assessed by counting the maximum number of green fluorescent protein-positive fibers. Tissue damage was assessed by measuring the damaged area on serial sections.
RESULTS
Heat-treated Optison with or without US and albumin with US showed similarly high levels of transgene expression as Optison in mouse muscle without substantially increased tissue damage. N-Acetyltryptophan and caprylic acid had no effect on the delivery of plasmid green fluorescent protein into mouse muscle but instead showed the potential to increase tissue damage.
CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that US and albumin separately potentiate transfection in this model. The combination of albumin and perfluoropropane is highly effective, which probably explains why Optison is so effective. | 10.7863/jum.2011.30.3.325 |
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