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pubmed_371_9011
The effects of administration of BST on milk production of dairy cows are summarised on the basis of a number of review papers. Then the results of a trial with forty control cows and thirty-seven cows, in which six doses of 640 mg of BST were subcutaneously injected at twenty-eight day intervals from the fourth month after calving in a third of fourth lactation are discussed. The response to administration of BST was a 3.2 kg of milk yield, 165 g for milk fat, 105 g of milk protein and 155 g lactose. Efficiency of milk production during the period of treatment was seven per cent higher in the treated cows. During the successive lactations, the response to BST in milk fat slightly declined, but similar responses were recorded for milk protein and lactose. Plasma levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate and NEFA were higher after treatment with BST. Fertility and health were not affected by this treatment. Calves from treated cows showed five per cent lower birth weight, which had no effects on viability and postnatal weight gain. Treatment with BST did not have any effect on the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and NEFA in milk. In the successive lactations, the somatic cell count in the milk of treated cows increased slightly more than that in controls. During the third and fourth lactation, in the period of treatment, the number and percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and number of macrophages were higher in milk showing higher cell counts. More quarters of the udders of treated cows were bacteriologically infected compared to the controls before and after treatment. Small injection sites were detected on 50-60 per cent of the treated cows, which disappeared rapidly. In the third and fourth lactation, no marked differences between controls and treated cows were recorded in frequencies of diseases and culling.
pubmed_371_9011
pubmed_810_13010
Porphyry-type ore deposits are major resources of copper and gold, precipitated from fluids expelled by crustal magma chambers. The metals are typically concentrated in confined ore shells within vertically extensive vein networks, formed through hydraulic fracturing of rock by ascending fluids. Numerical modeling shows that dynamic permeability responses to magmatic fluid expulsion can stabilize a front of metal precipitation at the boundary between lithostatically pressured up-flow of hot magmatic fluids and hydrostatically pressured convection of cooler meteoric fluids. The balance between focused heat advection and lateral cooling controls the most important economic characteristics, including size, shape, and ore grade. This self-sustaining process may extend to epithermal gold deposits, venting at active volcanoes, and regions with the potential for geothermal energy production.
10.1126/science.1225009
pubmed_463_1901
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a type of avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurring mainly in male children and causing early osteoarthritis. We report 2 generations of 4 male family members with LCPD-like features and mutation of the COL2A1 gene of the 12q13 chromosome. If LCPD occurs in any family member, we recommend genetic analysis and counselling as well as early radiological screening of related children.
10.1177/230949901302100230
pubmed_739_9899
To simultaneously and rapidly measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and contraction in vascular smooth muscle, the Ca2+ fluorophore, fura-2/acetoxymethyl ester, was incorporated into an intact sample of rat aorta. Noradrenaline produced a biphasic [Ca2+]i response (phase-1 and phase-2) which was different to the monophasic contractile response. Phase-1 of the [Ca2+]i response was a large, fast, transient increase which usually clearly preceded contraction. Phase-2 of the [Ca2+]i response was slower, peaked between 20-40 s after addition of noradrenaline, and often subsequently declined whilst contraction continued to increase. Contraction followed phase-2 of the [Ca2+]i response to noradrenaline more closely than phase-1. WB 4101 (alpha 1A-adrenoceptor antagonist) produced a major reduction in phase-1 of the [Ca2+]i response to noradrenaline, a lesser reduction of phase-2 of the [Ca2+]i response to noradrenaline and least reduction of contraction. Chlorethylclonidine (alpha 1B-adrenoceptor antagonist) reduced phase-1 and phase-2 of the [Ca2+]i response and contraction to noradrenaline to a similar degree. We conclude that noradrenaline produces a biphasic [Ca2+]i increase and that neither alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype is specifically linked to phase-1 or phase-2 of the [Ca2+]i response to noradrenaline in the rat aorta. However, selective alpha 1B-adrenoceptor activation shows a higher force/[Ca2+]i relationship in comparison to alpha 1A-adrenoceptor activation.
10.1016/s0014-2999(96)00978-8
pubmed_15_8668
The past decade has produced an avalanche of experimental data on the structure and dynamics of the ribosome. Groundbreaking studies in structural biology and kinetics have placed important constraints on ribosome structural dynamics. However, a gulf remains between static structures and time dependent data. In particular, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM studies produce static models of the ribosome in various states, but lack dynamic information. Single molecule studies produce information on the rates of transitions between these states but do not have high-resolution spatial information. Computational studies have aided in bridging this gap by providing atomic resolution simulations of structural fluctuations and transitions between configurations.
10.1016/j.sbi.2012.01.008
pubmed_290_3182
The communication outposts of the emerging Internet of Things are embodied by ordinary items, which desirably include all-printed flexible sensors, actuators, displays and akin organic electronic interface devices in combination with silicon-based digital signal processing and communication technologies. However, hybrid integration of smart electronic labels is partly hampered due to a lack of technology that (de)multiplex signals between silicon chips and printed electronic devices. Here, we report all-printed 4-to-7 decoders and seven-bit shift registers, including over 100 organic electrochemical transistors each, thus minimizing the number of terminals required to drive monolithically integrated all-printed electrochromic displays. These relatively advanced circuits are enabled by a reduction of the transistor footprint, an effort which includes several further developments of materials and screen printing processes. Our findings demonstrate that digital circuits based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) provide a unique bridge between all-printed organic electronics (OEs) and low-cost silicon chip technology for Internet of Things applications.
10.1038/s41467-019-13079-4
pubmed_639_751
Visceral hypersensitivity as a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain. Our prior studies authenticated that the activation of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contributed to visceral hypersensitivity in mice, but puzzles still remain with respect to the underlying hyperactivation of corticotropin-releasing factor neurons. Herein, we employed maternal separation (MS) to establish mouse model of visceral hypersensitivity. The neuronal circuits associated with nociceptive hypersensitivity involved paraventricular nucleus CRF neurons by means of techniques such as behavioral test, pharmacology, molecular biology, retrograde neuronal circuit tracers, electrophysiology, chemogenetics and optogenetics. MS could predispose the elevated firing frequency of CRF neurons in PVN in murine adulthood, which could be annulled via the injection of exogenous GABA (0.3mM, 0.2µl) into PVN. The PVN-projecting GABAergic neurons were mainly distributed in the anterior ventral (AV) region in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), wherein the excitability of these GABAergic neurons was reduced. Casp3 virus was utilized to induce apoptosis of GABA neurons in BNST-AV region, resulting in the activation of CRF neurons in PVN and visceral hyperalgesia. In parallel, chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches to activate GABAergic BNSTAV-PVN circuit in MS mice abated the spontaneous firing frequency of PVN CRF neurons and prevented the development of visceral hypersensitivity. A priori, PVNCRF-projecting GABAergic neurons in BNST-AV region participated in the occurrence of visceral hypersensitivity induced by MS. Our research may provide a new insight into the neural circuit mechanism of chronic visceral pain.
10.3389/fphar.2021.615202
pubmed_540_3143
BACKGROUND The association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the viral dynamic of HBV and its association with change of body mass index (BMI), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels after bariatric surgery. METHODS Patients who underwent bariatric surgery between June 2011 and May 2014 were selected in this retrospective study. BMI, AST, ALT, and HBV DNA levels were calculated pre-operatively and at 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative months. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-nine patients including 34 (12.2%) HBsAg-positive and 245 (87.8%) HBsAg-negative patients were enrolled. Eighteen HBsAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients were matched with 36 HBsAg-negative patients. A significant decrease in BMI was found since 1st postoperative month in both groups. AST and ALT increased at 1st postoperative month, but decreased at 3rd and 6th postoperative months in both groups. However, a significant increase in HBV DNA level was observed in HBeAg-negative patients since 1st postoperative month with the highest peak at 3rd postoperative month. HBV reactivation occurred in 4 out of 17 (23.5%) patients, 8 out of 16 (50.0%) patients, and 4 out of 12 (33.3%) patients at 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative months, respectively. The change of HBV DNA was not associated with change of BMI, AST, or ALT after bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION Bariatric surgery can achieve significant weight loss and improvement of liver function tests. However, there existed significant risk of HBV reactivation after bariatric surgery for patients with obesity.
10.1007/s11695-022-05979-0
pubmed_334_12377
An analytical method was developed to detect the three sulfonamides para-toluenesulfonamide (p-TSA), ortho-toluenesulfonamide (o-TSA) and benzenesulfonamide (BSA) in environmental water samples at concentrations down to 0.02 microg/L using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Wastewater, surface water, groundwater and drinking water samples from Berlin (Germany) were analysed for all three compounds which appear to be ubiquitously present in the aquatic environment. p-TSA was found in high concentrations in the wastewater (<0.02-50.8 microg/L) and in groundwater below a former sewage farm (<0.02-41 microg/L), and in lower concentrations in the surface water (<0.02 to 1.15 microg/L) and drinking water (<0.02-0.27 microg/L). o-TSA and BSA were detected in considerably lower concentrations. The study makes clear that p-TSA should be monitored because of its comparatively high concentration in Berlin's drinking water.
10.1016/j.chroma.2007.04.042
pubmed_675_16889
INTRODUCTION Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare and presents with high morbidity and mortality. As a rare entity, a few patients with CNS metastasis from NPC have been reported, and no studies were available on treatment and prognosis. Based on our clinical experience, early diagnosis with incorporation of a clear palliative plan is imperative in providing holistic care for patients with locally-invasive and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CASE REPORT Our study reports a case of a 48-year-old Filipino male with known NPC Stage IVB who developed acute symptoms of constipation, urinary retention, and bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed intramedullary lesions in multiple segments of the spinal cord. Steroid and radiotherapy of the spine were initiated with noted transient improvement of the motor strength. Subsequently, he developed cancer-related stroke. The patient progressively deteriorated despite best medical care.
10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2021.100713
pubmed_397_18259
Individual observations are routinely used in livestock evaluations. In some cases, pooled data representing the joint but not individual performance of a group of animals may be available. For example, pooled feed intake may be measured on a pen of livestock. The usual mixed model approach to genetic evaluation can still be applied as an exact method in this setting, provided incidence and residual variance-covariance matrices are suitably modified to account for the pooling. Approximate evaluations may be achieved by treating average performance as if it pertained to each individual in the pool. Theoretical accuracies can be obtained as a function of elements of the inverse coefficient matrix. A 3-generation data set representing 1,000 animals with feed intake observations from 49 sires and 200 maternal grand sires was simulated with heritability of 0.34. Individual records were pooled to represent circumstances in which animals with records were collectively measured. Animals were allocated into pens at random, by sire, or by maternal grand sire. Simulation was replicated with unique fixed effects for each pen. Following evaluation from each method, the empirical accuracy or product-moment correlation between true (simulated) and estimated merit could be quantified. The analysis of individual observations resulted in empirical accuracy of 0.63 for animals on test and 0.77 for their sires. Pooling the observations in pens of 2, 4, or 12 animals reduced empirical accuracies for animals on test to 0.50, 0.41, and 0.21 when pooling was at random and 0.53, 0.47, and 0.34 when pooling was by sire. Simulating a fixed pen effect representing 10% phenotypic variation, but ignoring that effect in the evaluation minimally reduced empirical accuracies to 0.52, 0.46, and 0.33 when pooling by sire. Theoretical accuracies were in close agreement with empirical accuracies when the exact method was used. The approximate method that treated averages of pooled data as if they were individually observed overstated accuracy and should not be used. Selection on the basis of pooled observations can be almost as effective as using individual observations when pool sizes are small. The exact method to account for pooled data is no more complex than conventional procedures.
10.2527/2006.84188x
pubmed_987_15758
BACKGROUND Contrast agents may affect the anticoagulant properties of novel oral anticoagulants. PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of iohexol as a contrast agent on the anticoagulant activity of oral factor Xa inhibitors. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 65 individuals who underwent contrast computed tomography(CT). Group 1 comprised 20 patients using rivaroxaban, Group 2, 20 patients using apixaban, and Group 3, 20 patients using edoxaban. Group 4 was the control group of five healthy volunteers. Iohexol (60 mL) was used as a contrast agent. Blood samples of 2 mL were withdrawn into two tubes at 4 h after the drug dose and 1 h after the contrast CT (CT was performed 3 h after the drug was taken) from all the patients, and for the control group, at any time before and 1 h after contrast CT. The anticoagulant properties of rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban were evaluated using anti-factor Xa levels. RESULTS The anti-factor Xa level was increased after using the contrast agent in the rivaroxaban group (0.66 ± 0.32 U/mL vs. 0.67 ± 0.32 U/mL; P = 0.01) and the edoxaban group (0.74 ± 0.35 U/mL vs. 0.76 ± 0.36 U/mL; P = 0.006). No significant difference was observed in the apixaban group (0.66 ± 0.33 U/mL vs. 0.66 ± 0.32 U/mL; P = 0.21) and control group (0.02 ± 0.01 U/mL vs. 0.03 ± 0.01 U/mL; P = 0.33). CONCLUSION The anticoagulant properties of rivaroxaban and edoxaban tended to increase significantly, but there was no statistically significant difference in the anticoagulant properties of apixaban after the administration of contrast agent. To determine whether the small laboratory difference has a clinical effect, there is a need for larger clinical trials (NCT04611386).
10.1177/02841851221081474
pubmed_1122_13526
One of the diabetes susceptibility genes of the BB/W (Biobreeding/Worcester) rat maps to the lyp locus on chromosome 4. The BB/W lyp allele is responsible for a severe peripheral T lymphopenia. Correction of this lymphopenia by transfer of normal, histocompatible T cells prevents diabetes, providing T cell reconstitution is initiated before insulitis. We have analyzed this time-dependent regulation of the diabetogenic process by normal T cells. We demonstrate that T cell reconstitution after the initiation of insulitis precipitates the onset of diabetes through the recruitment of donor T cells to the autoimmune process. This inability of normal T cells to regulate primed diabetogenic BB/W T cells and their own autoreactive potential were observed when normal T cells outnumbered pathogenic T cells by approximately 1000-fold. Analysis of donor-derived T cells recovered from BB/W rats that were reconstituted before insulitis, and hence protected from diabetes, demonstrates that early T cell reconstitution of BB/W rats does not result in a long term physical or functional depletion of islet cell-specific T cell precursors among donor cells or in the expansion of T cells that can regulate the activation and expansion of diabetogenic T cells.
pubmed_1122_13526
pubmed_724_8526
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Use of small bore chest drains (<14F), inserted via the Seldinger technique, has increased globally over the last few years. They are now used as first line interventions in most acute medical situations when thoracostomy is required. Limited data are available on the associated complications. In this study, the frequency of complications associated with 12F chest drains, inserted using the Seldinger technique, was quantified. METHODS A retrospective case note audit was performed of consecutive patients requiring pleural drainage over a 12-month period. One hundred consecutive small bore Seldinger (12F) chest drain insertions were evaluated. RESULTS Few serious complications occurred. However, 21% of the chest drains were displaced ('fell out') and 9% of the drains became blocked. This contributed to high morbidity rates, with 13% of patients requiring repeat pleural procedures. The frequency of drain blockage in pleural effusion was reduced by administration of regular normal saline drain flushes (odds ratio for blockage in flushed drains compared with non-flushed drains 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.37, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Regular chest drain flushes are advocated in order to reduce rates of drain blockage, and further studies are needed to determine optimal fixation strategies that may reduce associated patient morbidity.
10.1111/j.1440-1843.2008.01296.x
pubmed_759_5819
Extracts of sporulating cells were found to be defective in vitro translation of phage SP01 ribonucleic acid (RNA) and vegetative Bacillus subtilis RNA. The activity of washed ribosomes from sporulating cells was very similar to that of washed ribosomes from vegetative cells in translating polyuridylic acid, SP01 RNA, and vegetative RNA. The S-150 fraction from either vegetative or sporulating cells grown in Difco sporulation medium contained an apparent inhibitor of protein synthesis. The crude initiation factor fraction from ribosomes of sporulating cells was defective in promoting the initiation factor-dependent translation of SP01 RNA. The crude initiation factor preparations from sporulating cells were as active as the corresponding preparations from vegetative cells in promoting the initiation factor-dependent translation of either phage Qbeta or phage T4 RNA by washed Escherichia coli ribosomes. The crude initiation factors from sporulating cells were perhaps more active than those from vegetative cells in promoting the initiation factor-dependent synthesis of phage T4 lysozyme by E. coli ribosomes. The crude initiation factor preparations from either vegetative or stationary-phase cells of an asporogenous mutant showed similar ability to promote the in vitro translation of SP01 RNA.
10.1128/jb.132.1.13-22.1977
pubmed_398_18693
It is difficult to establish on the basis of rigorous criteria when a prosthetic implant must be considered loosened, but it is even more difficult to define with certainty whether a loosened prosthesis must be reimplanted, and particularly when it is necessary to act. The authors emphasize the need to act quickly every time there is loss of periprosthetic bone substance that progresses in time, and that may make anatomical reconstruction difficult.
pubmed_398_18693
pubmed_506_12372
Social rank in human and nonhuman animals is signaled by a variety of behaviors and phenotypes. In this research, we examined whether a sartorial manipulation of social class would engender class-consistent behavior and physiology during dyadic interactions. Male participants donned clothing that signaled either upper-class (business-suit) or lower-class (sweatpants) rank prior to engaging in a modified negotiation task with another participant unaware of the clothing manipulation. Wearing upper-class, compared to lower-class, clothing induced dominance--measured in terms of negotiation profits and concessions, and testosterone levels--in participants. Upper-class clothing also elicited increased vigilance in perceivers of these symbols: Relative to perceiving lower-class symbols, perceiving upper-class symbols increased vagal withdrawal, reduced perceptions of social power, and catalyzed physiological contagion such that perceivers' sympathetic nervous system activation followed that of the upper-class target. Discussion focuses on the dyadic process of social class signaling within social interactions.
10.1037/xge0000023
pubmed_1070_2887
This work investigated the degradation of a natural (17beta-estradiol) and a synthetic (17alpha-ethinylestradiol) estrogens (pure or in the mixture) and the removal of estrogenic activity by the ozonation and O3/H2O2 process in three different pHs (3, 7 and 11). The effect of oxidation via OH radical was evaluated adding a radical scavenger (t-butanol) in the medium. Estrogenic activity was performed using the YES assay. 17beta-estradiol and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol presented similar estrogenic potential and the association of these estrogens resulted in an addictive effect for estrogenic activity. Ozonation and O3/H2O2 processes were effective in removing the estrogens in aqueous solution. In the mixture at pH 11, removals were higher than 98% and 96% for 17beta-estradiol and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol, respectively. In pH 3, 17beta-estradiol and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol removals were 100% and 99.7%, respectively. When estrogens were treated separately, the removals in pH 11 were superior to 99.7 and 98.8%, while in pH 3 were 100% and 99.5% for 17beta-estradiol and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol, respectively. 17alpha-ethinylestradiol has been always removed at lower rates (pure or in the mixture) for all applied conditions. Estrogenic activity was completely removed in pH 3 for ozonation or O3/H2O2. The samples oxidized in pH 11 presented higher estrogenic activity than those in pH 7. Estrogens removal was lower at pHs 7 and 11, when the scavenger was added to the media. The higher estrogen residual concentrations found in ozonation in presence of tert-butanol are contributing for higher estrogenic activity observed in pHs 7 and 11. By-products with estrogenic activity were formed by oxidation via OH radical. Only a few compounds could be identified in pHs 7 and 11 and they have a phenolic ring, which, probably is contributing to the estrogenic activity observed.
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.08.011
pubmed_664_22477
Recently it has been shown that aggregation of drug/cyclodextrin inclusion complexes is strongly influenced by the drug molecule in addition to self-assembling tendencies of the cyclodextrin itself in aqueous media. Whereas the mechanistic basis of cyclodextrin self-assembly is known, the driving forces for complex aggregation are still unknown. In the present study, the influence of temperature on hydrocortisone/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex aggregation is investigated as are influences associated with the addition of ethanol or water soluble polymers to the aqueous systems. Furthermore the effect of stirring on the aggregation is assessed. Size exclusion permeability studies were conducted to estimate complex aggregation tendencies. The results indicate that self-assembled complex aggregates are metastable and notably become smaller with increasing temperature and the addition of ethanol. Water soluble polymers also reduce the size of the complex aggregates. Specifically, hexadimethrine bromide had the greatest impact, since addition of this compound eliminated aggregates from the systems or reduced their size below the molecular weight cut-off of the sizing membrane (8 kDa). Similar observations are made when aqueous solutions of hydrocortisone and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin are equilibrated by stirred.
10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.07.041
pubmed_791_1241
Yes-associated protein (YAP) activation after acute ischemic kidney injury might be related to interstitial fibrosis and impaired renal tubular regeneration. Verteporfin (VP) is a photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy to treat age-related macular degeneration. In cancer cells, VP inhibits TEA domain family member (TEAD)-YAP interactions without light stimulation. The protective role of VP in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis and related mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the protective effects of VP on UUO-induced renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis and its regulation of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. We find that VP decreased the UUO-induced increase in tubular injury, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition in mice. VP also decreased myofibroblast activation and proliferation in UUO kidneys and NRK-49F cells by modulating Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. Therefore, YAP inhibition might have beneficial effects on UUO-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
10.3390/ijms21218184
pubmed_807_18150
A 40-year-old woman had her right extremity avulsed at the proximal upper arm level and the wrist and hand of her left extremity irretrievably injured in a traffic accident. The right distal forearm was surgically amputated and replanted onto the stump of the left distal forearm. New strategy for nerve repair was applied and the function recovery of the cross-replanted hand was favorable. We thought that cross-extremity replantation was indicated when the patient suffered from bilateral total or subtotal amputation at different levels and orthotopic replantation was impossible.
10.1007/s00402-010-1112-5
pubmed_894_21202
An intense and reproducible peroxidase staining in the cutaneous mast cells of two patients with systemic mast cell disease and urticaria pigmentosa is demonstrated at the ultrastructural level. This enzyme activity was demonstrated by use of a cytochemical technique employing 3,3'- diaminobenzicine (DAB) as an oxidizable substrate, after fixation by a tannic acid-aldehyde mixture. Enzyme activity was localized in the perinuclear cisterna and strands of endoplasmic reticulum. Granules appeared unreactive. This peroxidase activity appears sensitive to fixation by aldehydes; it is inhibited by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) and by lack of H2O2 or DAB in the incubation medium. These characteristics are fundamentally different from the peroxidase activity of basophils, and the demonstration of this enzyme is therefore not a further argument for a common ontogenetic origin of both cells. On the other hand, the cytochemical characteristics of this enzyme are very similar to those of platelet peroxidase (P-PO), which has been connected to the synthesis by platelets of prostaglandins. Since the mast cell is known to generate prostaglandins, the relationship between the enzyme described and prostaglandin synthesis by mast cells is discussed.
10.1177/32.6.6327807
pubmed_172_14543
The role of conscious factors in the ventilatory compensation for shortened inspiratory muscle length and the potency of this compensatory response were studied in five normal subjects during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep. To shorten inspiratory muscles, functional residual capacity (FRC) was increased and maintained for 2-3 min at a constant level (range of increase 160-1,880 ml) by creating negative pressure within a tank respirator in which the subjects slept. Minute ventilation was maintained in all subjects over the entire range of increased FRC (mean change +/- SE = -3 +/- 1%) through preservation of tidal volume (-2 +/- 2%) despite slightly decreased breathing frequency (-6 +/- 2%). The decrease in frequency (-13 +/- 2%) was due to a prolongation in expiratory time. Inspiratory time shortened (-10 +/- 1%). Mean inspiratory flow increased 15 +/- 3% coincident with an increase in the slope of the moving time average of the integrated surface diaphragmatic electromyogram (67 +/- 21%). End-tidal CO2 did not rise. In two subjects, control tidal volume was increased 35-50% with CO2 breathing. This augmented tidal volume was still preserved when FRC was increased. We concluded that the compensatory response to inspiratory muscle shortening did not require factors associated with the conscious state. In addition, the potency of this response was demonstrated by preservation of tidal volume despite extreme shortening of the inspiratory muscles and increase in control tidal volumes caused by CO2 breathing. Finally, the timing changes we observed may be due to reflexes following shortening of inspiratory muscle length, increase in abdominal muscle length, or cardiovascular changes.
10.1152/jappl.1987.62.3.1299
pubmed_1035_3562
In seeking to diminish government's role in financing human services, the Reagan Administration has advocated increased responsibility for the voluntary sector. This analysis of data from a variety of voluntary not-for-profit agencies documents the initial effects of Reaganomics and considers projections for the future of those agencies.
10.1093/sw/29.5.421
pubmed_12_4551
Graft excision and extra-anatomic revascularization is the treatment of choice for the septic aortic prosthesis. From 1979 to 1988, 20 patients underwent resection of aortic grafts and extra-anatomic bypass for the treatment of graft infections (No. 11) and aorto-enteric fistulas (No.9). The mean time interval from primary aortic surgery to the reoperative procedure was 65 months (range 1-192 months). Three patients died (one less than 30 days) after the secondary procedure for a mortality rate of 15%. One patient developed infection of the extra-anatomic bypass graft which resulted in an above-knee amputation. This was the only major limb loss in this series. A second patient developed contralateral buttock necrosis when he had unilateral axillary-femoral bypass without femoral-femoral bypass because of a previous above-knee amputation on the affected side. Major complications occurred in 7 patients (35%). Mean duration of follow-up after the reoperative aortic procedure was 44 months (range 6-120 months). One patient suffered aortic stump blowout 7 months after repair of an aortic duodenal fistula. Aortic graft excision and extra-anatomic revascularization of the lower extremities can be performed with low mortality and risk of limb loss and should remain the treatment of choice for aorto-enteric fistulas and infected aortic prostheses. Bilateral groin revascularization is important even in patients who have had a previous lower extremity amputation to provide pelvic blood flow.
pubmed_12_4551
pubmed_1076_3093
The influence of backwashing on biological perchlorate reduction was evaluated in two laboratory scale fixed bed biofilm reactors using 1- or 3-mm glass beads as support media. Influent perchlorate concentrations were 50 microg/L and acetate was added as the electron donor at a concentration of 2 mg C/L. Perchlorate removal was evaluated at various influent dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. Complete perchlorate removal was achieved with an influent DO concentration of 1mg/L resulting in bulk phase DO concentrations below the detection limit of 0.01 mg/L. The influence of increasing influent DO concentrations for 12 h periods was evaluated before and after individual backwash events. Partial perchlorate removal was achieved with an influent DO concentration of 3.5 mg/L before a strong backwash (bulk phase DO concentrations of approximately 0.2mg/L), while no perchlorate removal was observed after the strong backwash at the same influent DO level (bulk phase DO concentrations of approximately 0.8 mg/L). The immediate effect of backwashing depended on influent DO concentrations. With influent DO concentrations of 1 mg/L, strong backwashing resulted in a brief (<12 h) increase of effluent perchlorate concentrations up to 20 microg/L; more pronounced effects were observed with influent DO concentrations of 3mg/L. Daily weak backwashing had a small and, over time, decreasing negative influence on perchlorate reduction, while daily strong backwashing ultimately resulted in the breakdown of perchlorate removal with influent DO concentrations of 3 mg/L.
10.1016/j.watres.2007.01.025
pubmed_740_9922
BACKGROUND The percutaneous endoscopic technique through an interlaminar approach is a commonly used minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, even lumbar spinal stenosis. This report describes complete decompression with the percutaneous endoscopic technique for patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). CASE DESCRIPTION We performed surgical decompression in of 2 patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by OLF using percutaneous endoscopic surgery through an interlaminar approach. After surgery, the patients described significant improvement in their preoperative neurologic symptoms. Postoperative thoracic computed tomography showed that the ossification of ligaments was completely removed. CONCLUSION We applied the percutaneous endoscopic technique for the treatment of thoracic OLF accomplished direct decompression of the ossified ligaments with minimal trauma and instability. This technique could be used as an alternative choice. However, the fused types should be performed prudently because of the difficulties of the operation.
10.1016/j.wneu.2018.02.152
pubmed_1075_1480
Approximate rotational characterization of variational rovibrational wave functions via the rigid rotor decomposition (RRD) protocol is developed for Hamiltonians based on arbitrary sets of internal coordinates and axis embeddings. An efficient and general procedure is given that allows employing the Eckart embedding with arbitrary polyatomic Hamiltonians through a fully numerical approach. RRD tables formed by projecting rotational-vibrational wave functions into products of rigid-rotor basis functions and previously determined vibrational eigenstates yield rigid-rotor labels for rovibrational eigenstates by selecting the largest overlap. Embedding-dependent RRD analyses are performed, up to high energies and rotational excitations, for the H(2) (16)O isotopologue of the water molecule. Irrespective of the embedding chosen, the RRD procedure proves effective in providing unambiguous rotational assignments at low energies and J values. Rotational labeling of rovibrational states of H(2) (16)O proves to be increasingly difficult beyond about 10,000 cm(-1), close to the barrier to linearity of the water molecule. For medium energies and excitations the Eckart embedding yields the largest RRD coefficients, thus providing the largest number of unambiguous rotational labels.
10.1063/1.4707463
pubmed_569_7993
An environmental protection agency EPA expert workshop prioritized three cyanotoxins, microcystins, anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsin (MAC), as being important in freshwaters of the United States. This study evaluated the prevalence of potentially toxin producing cyanobacteria cell numbers relative to the presence and quantity of the MAC toxins in the context of this framework. Total and potential toxin producing cyanobacteria cell counts were conducted on weekly raw and finished water samples from utilities located in five US states. An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) was used to screen the raw and finished water samples for microcystins. High-pressure liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC/PDA) verified microcystin concentrations and quantified anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin concentrations. Four of the five utilities experienced cyanobacterial blooms in their raw water. Raw water samples from three utilities showed detectable levels of microcystins and a fourth utility had detectable levels of both microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. No utilities had detectable concentrations of anatoxin-a. These conventional plants effectively removed the cyanobacterial cells and all finished water samples showed MAC levels below the detection limit by ELISA and HPLC/PDA.
10.3390/toxins7062198
pubmed_173_5857
Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) functions as a tumor suppressor gene, and loss in the expression of LKB1 contributes to human carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The present study investigated the association between LKB1 and gastric cancer. SGC‑7901 gastric cancer cell lines and 63 patients with gastric cancer were examined in the present study, and lentivirus transfection, reverse transription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometric analyses were performed. By examining the expression of LKB1 using immunohistochemical analyses, the present study found that the expression of LKB1 was reduced in the gastric cancer tissues, and restoration of the expression of LKB1 reduced tumor cell viability, migration rate and the expression of CD44, induced cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase of the cell cycle, and increased the sensitivity of the gastric cancer cells to anticancer drugs. LKB1 protein is a tumor‑suppressor in gastric cancer and may be potentially be developed as a novel gene therapy target in the treatment of gastric cancer.
10.3892/mmr.2015.4508
pubmed_603_25583
Although perinatal factors are associated with the development of several psychiatric disorders, it is unknown whether these factors are linked with personality disorder. Cases of personality disorder were drawn from a national registry of all forensic psychiatric evaluations (n = 150). Two control groups were used: (1) A sample of forensic evaluations without any psychiatric disorder (n = 97) allowing for a nested case-control investigation; and (2) A population-based sample matched by age and gender with no history of psychiatric hospitalization (n = 1498). Prematurity (<37 weeks of completed gestation) was significantly associated with a diagnosis of personality disorder, both in the nested and the population-based case-control comparisons with adjusted odds ratios (OR) for this risk factor ranging from 2 to 4. Asphyxia (adjusted OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-4.1) and complicated delivery (adjusted OR = 1.5, 1.0-2.1) were associated with personality disorder in the population-based study, and the former remained significant in multivariate models. Overall, perinatal complications were found to be associated with a later diagnosis of personality disorder in this selected sample. As with other psychiatric disorders where such associations have been demonstrated, changes during the perinatal period may lead to abnormal brain development and function.
10.1521/pedi.2012.26.5.737
pubmed_44_15178
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in Han nation of northeast China. METHODS Standard microcytotoxicity test and polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers method were used to detect the HLA class I antigens and HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles in 27 patients with PV and results were compared with control group. RESULTS Gene and phenotype frequencies of HLA-A3, A26(10), B60(40), and B13 (27.99%, 48%; 16.11%, 30%; 23.02%, 41%; 16.11%, 30%, respectively) increased significantly in PV group compared with control (1.01%, 2%; 0.5%, 1%; 4.61%, 9%; 5.13%, 10%, respectively). After P value correction, the difference of A3, A26 (10), and B60 (40) between the two groups was still significant. The gene frequencies of HLA-DRB1*140x (1401, 1404, 1405, 1407, 1408), DRB1*120x, and DQB1*0503 alleles in PV group (42.26%, 25.46%, and 23.02%) were significantly higher than control group (5.09%, 7.74%, and 1.89%). After P value correction, the difference was still significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION PV significantly relates with HLA in PV patients of Han nation of northeast China.
pubmed_44_15178
pubmed_71_1516
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed at evaluating the relation of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) to coronary atherosclerosis detected and assessed by computed tomography (CT). METHODS Thirty-two patients with one or more coronary atherosclerotic lesions detected on cardiac CT underwent 18F-NaF PET/CT. Each coronary atherosclerotic lesion was evaluated on CT angiography for plaque types (calcified plaque [CP], non-calcified plaque [NCP], partially calcified plaque [PCP]), and the presence of CT-based high-risk features (minimum CT density <30 Hounsfield units and vascular remodeling index >1.1). Focal 18F-NaF uptake of each lesion was quantified using maximum tissue-to-background ratio (TBRmax). RESULTS A total of 111 lesions were studied. In a patient-based analysis, logarithmically transformed coronary calcium score correlated positively with maximum TBRmax per patient, and 15 patients with myocardial infarction or unstable angina history showed a higher maximum TBRmax per patient than those without (1.36 ± 0.15 versus 1.15 ± 0.15, p = 0.0006). In a lesion-based analysis, PCP showed a higher TBRmax than CP and NCP (1.17 ± 0.19 versus 1.00 ± 0.24 and 0.92 ± 0.18, respectively, p < 0.0001), and the lesions with high-risk features had a higher TBRmax than those without (1.20 ± 0.21 versus 1.02 ± 0.20, p = 0.0011). CONCLUSIONS Coronary arterial 18F-NaF uptake is related to total plaque burden, coronary event history, and specific features of coronary atherosclerosis based on CT analysis. 18F-NaF PET/CT, in combination with cardiac CT, may provide a new molecular imaging approach to identify high-risk patients and coronary atherosclerotic lesions.
10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.04.024
pubmed_765_3630
The food enzyme trehalase (α,α-trehalase glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.28) is produced with a genetically modified Trichoderma reesei DP-Nzs51 by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. The trehalase is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production. Since residual amounts of total organic solids are removed by distillation (> 99%), toxicological data were not considered necessary and dietary exposure was not calculated. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and no matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure can be excluded. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.
10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5768
pubmed_222_13886
BACKGROUND Approximately 32 000 nonpowder firearm injuries are reported annually with more than 60% occurring in the pediatric population. Case reports of serious and fatal injuries have been described; however, no large inclusive series have been published. We reviewed an 11-year experience of an urban pediatric emergency department to evaluate the circumstances, spectrum of injuries, and outcomes attributable to nonpowder firearms. METHODS A retrospective, descriptive case series of all children 18 years of age or younger evaluated at an urban children's hospital from January 1983 through December 1994 were eligible for study. Patients were identified using a computerized database, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, and the trauma registry in the department of surgery. Medical records were reviewed to collect demographic information, circumstances of injury, anatomic site and type of injury, treatment, and outcomes for nonpowder firearm injuries. RESULTS One hundred eighty patients were identified, and a complete data set was available for 166 (92%). The mean age was 12 +/- 3.7 years, 24% of children were <10 years old, and 71% of the children were male. Three patients returned with a second nonpowder firearm injury during the study period. Forty-nine percent of injuries were intentional and 44% of all injuries occurred during the summer and early fall months. The most common sites of injury were the extremity/buttocks (39%), head and neck (33%), thorax (13%), and eye (8%). Serious injuries included intracranial hemorrhage, cardiac right ventricle laceration, hyphema, and abdominal visceral injury (liver laceration, pancreatic laceration, intestinal perforation). The majority of wounds required local wound care, and the children (74%) were discharged from the emergency department. Of the patients admitted to the hospital (27%), 45% required operative intervention. There were no deaths. Seven percent (12/166) of patients sustained some functional deficit with 42% (5/12) the result of an ocular injury. CONCLUSION The majority of nonpowder firearm injuries are minor; however, the potential for serious injury should not be underestimated. Minor injuries can be treated with local wound care and tetanus prophylaxis, and patients can be discharged from the emergency department. Education of parents and children to the potential risks associated with these weapons is essential. Stricter regulations regarding ownership of nonpowder firearms and mandatory safety instruction should be considered.
10.1542/peds.100.4.e5
pubmed_32_11276
PURPOSE We studied the effects of inflammation, repeated antibiotic doses, and the surgical status of the eye on penetration of vancomycin hydrochloride into the rabbit vitreous cavity after intravenous administration. METHODS We studied three anatomic states (phakic, aphakic, and aphakic, vitrectomy-treated eyes) subdividing each into inflamed and noninflamed groups. Intravenous vancomycin hydrochloride (15 mg/kg of body weight) was administered every 12 hours for 48 hours. Eyes were harvested for the assay of vitreous cavity antibiotic levels at various intervals from one to 49 hours. We determined concentrations and calculated mean values and S.E.M. RESULTS Therapeutic levels were not established in the vitreous cavity at any time period in the two phakic groups. At 25 hours, the inflamed aphakic eyes had concentrations of 5.05 +/- 1.9 micrograms/ml and the control noninflamed aphakic eyes 4.5 +/- 1.23 micrograms/ml; slight increases were found by 49 hours. Concentrations tested in the aphakic, vitrectomy-treated eyes at two, 13, 25, and 49 hours demonstrated progressive increases both in the inflamed eyes (5.4 +/- 2.4 micrograms/ml, 9.64 +/- 4.25 micrograms/ml, 9.2 +/- 3.96 micrograms/ml, 10.34 +/- 4.49 micrograms/ml) and noninflamed eyes (3.52 +/- 2.1 micrograms/ml, 5.4 +/- 1.96 micrograms/ml, 6.8 +/- 2.53 micrograms/ml, 8.7 +/- 5.44 micrograms/ml). CONCLUSIONS Vitreous vancomycin concentrations in aphakic and aphakic, vitrectomy-treated eyes after intravenous administration exceed the minimal inhibitory concentrations for the usual gram-positive pathogens that create endophthalmitis, suggesting a role for intravenous vancomycin in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis.
10.1016/s0002-9394(14)72784-9
pubmed_839_6074
Reaction of simple bis-bidentate ligands, containing two chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine units connected to a central aromatic spacer, with six-coordinate transition metal dications results in self-assembly of an extensive series of polyhedral cage complexes. These include M(4)L(6) tetrahedra, M(8)L(12) cubes, M(12)L(18) truncated tetrahedra and M(16)L(24) tetra-capped truncated tetrahedra. In all cases the metal : ligand ratio is 2 : 3, reflecting the combination of six-coordinate metal ions with tetradentate ligands. The resulting structures are based on those polyhedra which have a 2 : 3 ratio of vertices to faces, with a metal ion at each vertex and bridging ligand spanning each edge. The cages display a range of interesting properties such as an anion-based template effect in the smaller examples; host-guest chemistry associated with the central cavity; aromatic stacking around the periphery between electron-poor and electron-rich ligand fragments which appears to contribute substantially to their stability; and modified fluorescence properties arising from the aromatic stacking of fluorophores such as naphthyl and anthracenyl groups built into the ligand backbone. Even more complex structural types are available using a mixture of face-capping (tris-bidentate) and edge-bridging (bis-bidentate) ligands, such as examples of M(12) cuboctahedra which select a combination of two types of ligand during the self-assembly process.
10.1039/b906726b
pubmed_724_8119
A Dynamic Interviewing Program (DIP) is presented for automated online interviewing via the instant messaging service ICQ. DIP can conduct parallel structured interviews with several ICQ users at a time, 24 hours a day. The interview itself can be dynamic (branched testing), which means that each question depends on the answer given to the previous one. An online ICQ address book offers the possibility to validate demographic data in order to evaluate data quality. Experiences with DIP and a first empirical study open up new perspectives for Internet-based automatic interviewing.
10.1089/cpb.2007.0030
pubmed_788_13947
Current practice in genetic counseling may not allow a full deliberation of the consequences of decisions about genetic testing for cancer risk, despite increasing demand for these services. Thus, two decision aids for individuals considering genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) susceptibility were developed and pilot tested with 43 individuals who had previously considered genetic testing for these cancer syndromes. A description of the decision aid development process is provided, as well as results of the pilot testing, which assessed participants' perceptions of the decision aids. All participants reported that they would recommend the decision aid to others facing the same situation, and 93% reported that the decision aid would have been relevant during their decision-making. The perceived impact of the decision aids on participants' emotions and understanding of genetic testing were assessed. Limitations of the study and future directions are discussed.
10.1007/s10897-006-9068-x
pubmed_120_437
Ticks control their host's hemostatic system by secretion of bioactive components during feeding that inhibit blood coagulation and platelet aggregation. Dissolution of platelets that have already aggregated can enhance control over the hemostatic system. It has been shown that disaggregation of aggregated platelets by the enzyme apyrase was accompanied by a shape change from the aggregated spherical form back to the discoid form associated with un-activated platelets. The present study concerns the disaggregation effect of the alpha IIb/beta3 antagonist, savignygrin. Aggregated platelets that were disaggregated by savignygrin and platelets pre-incubated with savignygrin before activation with ADP, retained a spherical form similar to platelets disaggregated by the fibrinogenolytic enzyme plasmin. The number of pseudopods were however, markedly reduced suggesting a disruption of the focal adhesion points that act as a localization point of alpha IIb/beta3. These results are concurrent with targeting of alpha IIb/beta3 and dissociation of fibrinogen from its receptor, once aggregation has taken place. This is the second mediator of platelet disaggregation found in soft ticks and suggests that disaggregation of aggregated platelets might play an important part in the anti-hemostatic strategy of ticks.
10.1023/a:1021613001297
pubmed_41_13588
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of hypoxia on the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) mRNA in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). METHODS rBMSCs were isolated and cultured by whole bone marrow cell adherent method, and an optimal hypoxic preconditioning model was established with CoCl2 (cobalt chloride). rBMSCs were incubated in cell culture mediums with different concentrations of CoCl2 (final concentrations of CoCl2 were 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L) and incubated for different times. MTT assay was applied to detect the effect of CoCl2 on cell proliferation. mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α of rBMSCs was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. After treated with 100 μmol/L CoCl2 for 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 h, the expression of rBMSCs OPG/RANKL mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The differences in distribution of each genotype were analyzed with SPSS 18.0 software package. RESULTS Compared with the control group, 200, 400 μmol/L CoCl2 inhibited the proliferation of rBMSCs (P<0.05). However, 50, 100 μmol/L CoCl2 had no significant impact on the proliferation of rBMSCs (P>0.05). Real-time PCR and Western blot showed that HIF-1α expression in 50 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L CoCl2 groups was significantly higher than the control group; the effect of 100 μmol/L CoCl2 was significantly greater than 50 μmol/L CoCl2. After cultivated in hypoxia condition for 12 h, the expression of OPG and RANKL mRNA in rBMSCs didn't change significantly (P>0.05). After cultured hypoxia condition for 24, 48, 72, 96 h, the expression of OPG mRNA in rBMSCs increased while the RANKL decreased, thus the ratio of OPG/RANKL increased and the difference was significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Hypoxia can regulate the mRNA expression of OPG and RANKL mRNA in rBMSCs and significantly promote osteogenic differentiation.
pubmed_41_13588
pubmed_855_6745
In order to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (Type 1 DM) and identify factors associated with microalbuminuria, we studied 312 Type 1 DM patients attending in three hospitals in two Spanish regions over 6 months. Clinical characteristics, micro- and macro-vascular complications, blood pressure, 24-h urine albumin excretion, lipid profile, HbA1(c) levels, smoking habits, and family history of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy were recorded. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to examine associations between these variables and the prevalence of microalbuminuria. We detected microalbuminuria in 29% of the patients. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was high during the second decade of diabetes and declined thereafter. Univariate analysis showed dyslipidaemia (P<0. 002), previously diagnosed hypertension (P<0.001), family history of hypertension (sibling alone P<0.006; mother alone P<0.05), family history of diabetic nephropathy (P<0.001), and laser-treated retinopathy (P<0.03) to be factors associated with the presence of microalbuminuria. Multiple logistic regression revealed an association between microalbuminuria and family history of nephropathy (OR 7.6, 3.6-16). In conclusion, in our sample the frequency of microalbuminuria seems to be related to the presence of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and to a family history of hypertension or nephropathy.
10.1016/s0168-8227(99)00133-3
pubmed_95_600
Systemic administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro--arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to rabbits bearing a corneal implant blocked vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but not basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced angiogenesis. L-NAME completely blocked angiogenesis induced by VEGF-transfected MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells and the cells remained dormant in the cornea. Postcapillary endothelial cell migration and growth induced by VEGF were blocked by both the NO synthase inhibitor Nomega-mono-methyl--arginine and by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY 83583. We conclude that NO is a downstream imperative of VEGF-, but not bFGF-induced angiogenesis, and propose that the NO synthase/guanylate cyclase pathway is a potential target for controlling tumor angiogenesis in response to VEGF. Our studies support recent evidence that VEGF and bFGF induce angiogenesis by different mechanistic pathways using the alphavbeta5 and alphavbeta3 integrins, respectively.
10.1172/JCI119451
pubmed_28_8057
Background/aim To reveal the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ultrasound (US) in prenatal diagnosis of fetal craniospinal anomalies by retrospectively comparing the prenatal and postnatal findings. Materials and methods After institutional review board approval, between January 2010 and May 2020, 301 pregnant women, which had a gestational age between 19–37 weeks (mean 26.5 ± 6.1 weeks), diagnosed with cranial and spinal anomalies on fetal US and later on imaged with MRI were evaluated, and in 179 of those cases prenatal imaging findings were compared with postnatal findings. Results A total of 191 fetal craniospinal anomalies were detected in 179 pregnant women. MRI and US diagnosis were completely correct in 145 (75.9%) and 112 (58.6%), respectively. Diagnostic performance of MRI was significantly higher than that of the US (p < 0.05). Both prenatal MRI and US findings were concordant with postnatal diagnosis in 53% of the cases. In 28.7% cases, prenatal MRI contributed to US by either changing the wrong US diagnosis (8.9%), demonstration of additional findings (14%), or confirming the suspicious US diagnosis (5.8%). Conclusion Due to its high resolution and multiplanar imaging capability, fetal MRI contributes significantly to US in the correct prenatal diagnosis of craniospinal anomalies. This contribution especially is significant in neural tube defects, cortical malformations, and ischemic-hemorrhagic lesions.
10.3906/sag-2011-122
pubmed_530_18380
OBJECTIVE Examine systemic and central hemodynamic responses following McKenzie lumbar flexion and extension mobility exercises performed in lying (FIL and EIL). DESIGN Crossover experimental study. SETTING Clinical laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Healthy male volunteers (n=25) (mean(SD) age: 28(3)years; range 21 to 34). INTERVENTIONS Based on alternating assignment of either FIL or EIL to participants, three sets of the first exercise (10, 15, 20 repetitions) were performed with 5-minute rest between sets; after 15-minute rest, the protocol was repeated for the other exercise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Systemic hemodynamic parameters included heart rate (HR), and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP, DBP). Central hemodynamic parameters included abdominal aortic diameter (AD), peak systolic velocity (PSV/AD), end diastolic velocity (EDV/AD) and resistive index (RI). Measures recorded after each exercise set. RESULTS FIL RPP at baseline was 9.1 (1.4), after 20 repetitions 18.3 (2.5), mean difference 8.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9 to 9.8) compared to EIL at baseline 9.1 (1.5), after 20 repetitions 13.0 (3.1), mean difference 4.1 (95% CI 3.3 to 5.0). FIL RI at baseline was 0.78 (0.03), after 20 repetitions 0.87 (0.03), mean difference 0.08 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.10) compared to EIL at baseline 0.78 (0.03), after 20 repetitions 0.83 (0.03), mean difference 0.05 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.07). CONCLUSIONS Although 10 repetitions of FIL and EIL may be regarded as safe, our findings support screening patients with lifestyle risk factors, and cautioning about adhering to recommended repetition number given associated increased work of the heart. The extent of AD mechanical perturbation remains unclear.
pubmed_530_18380
pubmed_105_6913
The large size of free-ranging mysticetes, such as humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), make capture and release health assessments unfeasible for conservation research. However, individual energetic condition or reproductive health may be assessed from the gene expression of remotely biopsied tissue. To do this, researchers must reliably extract RNA and interpret gene expression measurements within the context of an individual's sex. Here, we outline an RNA extraction protocol from blubber tissue and describe a novel mammalian RNA sex determination method. Our method consists of a duplex reverse transcription-quantitative (real-time) polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) with primer sets for a control gene (ACTB) and the X-chromosome inactivation gene (XIST). Products of each RT-qPCR had distinct melting temperature profiles based on the presence (female) or absence (male) of the XIST transcript. Using high-resolution melt analysis, reactions were sorted into one of two clusters (male/female) based on their melting profiles. We validated the XIST method by comparing results with a standard DNA-based method. With adequate quantities of RNA (minimum of approx. 9 ng µl-1), the XIST sex determination method shows 100% agreement with traditional DNA sex determination. Using the XIST method, future cetacean health studies can interpret gene expression within the context of an individual's sex, all from a single extraction.
10.1098/rsos.220556
pubmed_135_13831
The conversion of agricultural and forestry waste biomass materials into bio-oil by mild hydro-thermal technology has a positive effect on extending the agricultural industry chain and alleviating the world energy crisis. The interaction investigation of biomass components during bio-oil formation can be significant for the efficient conversion of lignocellulose when different raw materials are fed together. In this paper, a bio-oil pyrolysis behavior (thermogravimetric analysis, TG) perspective component interaction investigation of cotton stalks under low-temperature hydro-thermal conversion (220 °C) was studied. Cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, and protein were used as lignocellulose model components, by their simple binary blending and multi-variate blending and combined with thermo-gravimetric analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) characterization and analysis. The interaction of different model components and real biomass raw material components in the hydro-thermal process was explored. Results showed that the components of hydro-thermal bio-oil from cotton stalks were highly correlated with the interactions between cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, and protein. During the hydro-thermal process, cellulose and hemi-cellulose inhibit each other, which reduces the content of ketones, aldehydes, ethers, and alcohols in bio-oil. Interaction between cellulose and lignin was obvious, which promotes the formation of oligomers, such as ketones, aldehydes, esters, phenols, and aliphatic, while inhibiting the production of aromatic and multi-hybrid compounds. Otherwise, there was no obvious interaction effect between hemi-cellulose and lignin or between lignin and protein. This research will guide the industrialization of lignocellulose, especially the possible co-feed hydro-thermal conversion technology.
10.3390/polym14204307
pubmed_75_10783
An in vitro investigation is described in which the biomechanical properties of several host artery-graft combinations are characterized under realistic hemodynamic environments. Canine carotid arteries served as the host vessel and were anastomosed to one of the following graft materials: 4 mm I.D. thin-walled expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), 6 mm I.D. thin-walled e-PTFE, modified human umbilical vein, autogenous foreleg vein, and carotid artery. A novel feature of the experimental design is the use of a pulsatile perfusion apparatus that simulates realistic normotensive or hypertensive hemodynamics, including pulse rate, perfusion pressure, and flow rate. Measurements of dynamic transmural pressure and vessel radial motion (determined with a helium-neon laser micrometer) were obtained during pulsatile perfusion. From these data calculation of the mismatch in diameter and elasticity modulus between the host carotid artery and various graft materials is made. The longitudinal propagation of the non-uniform radial displacement associated with the construction of the anastomotic junction is also calculated and presented. The present methodology is directly applicable to testing of other vascular substitutes and provides repeatable and reliable biomechanical data.
10.1067/mva.1986.avs0040396
pubmed_299_21289
BACKGROUND Measurement of FENO might substitute bronchial provocation for diagnosing asthma. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of FENO measurement compared with established reference standard. METHODS Systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis. Data sources were Medline, Embase and Scopus up to 29 November 2015. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated using a bivariate model. Additionally, summary receiver-operating characteristic curves were estimated. RESULTS 26 studies with 4518 participants (median 113) were included. Risk of bias was considered low for six of seven items in five studies and for five items in seven studies. The overall sensitivity in the meta-analysis was 0.65 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.72), the overall specificity 0.82 (0.76 to 0.86), the diagnostic OR 9.23 (6.55 to 13.01) and the area under the curve 0.80 (0.77 to 0.85). In meta-regression analyses, higher cut-off values were associated with increasing specificity (OR 1.46 per 10 ppb increase in cut-off) while there was no association with sensitivity. Sensitivities varied significantly within the different FENO devices, but not specificities. Neither prevalence, age, use of bronchoprovocation in >90% of participants or as exclusive reference standard test, nor risk of bias were significantly associated with diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS There appears to be a fair accuracy of FENO for making the diagnosis of asthma. The overall specificity was higher than sensitivity, which indicates a higher diagnostic potential for ruling in than for ruling out the diagnosis of asthma.
10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-208704
pubmed_644_14489
In this work, we have studied the effect of amplifying different alleles involved in the threonine biosynthesis on the amino acid production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The genes used were wild-type HOM3, HOM2, HOM6, THR1, and THR4, and two mutant alleles of HOM3 (namely HOM3-R2 and HOM3-R6), that code for feedback-insensitive aspartate kinases. The results show that only the amplification of the HOM3 alleles leads to threonine and, in some instances, to homoserine overproduction. In terms of the regulation of the pathway, the data indicate that the main control is exerted by inhibition of the aspartate kinase and that, probably, a second and less important regulation takes place at the level of the homoserine kinase, the THR1 gene product. However, amplification of THR1 in two related Hom3-R2 strains does not increase the amount of threonine but, in one of them, it does induce accumulation of more homoserine. This result probably reflects differences between these strains in some undetermined genetic factor/s related with threonine metabolism. In general, the data indicate that the common laboratory yeast strains are genetically rather heterogeneous and, thus, extrapolation of conclusions must be done carefully. (c) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
10.1002/(SICI)1097-0290(19960320)49:6<667::AID-BIT8>3.0.CO;2-M
pubmed_980_5956
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a wave of digitalization in medicine. In the coming years, the use of state-of-the-art technologies will revolutionize routine diagnostic and treatment approaches, as well as have a positive effect on the physician-patient relationship. The application of AI (artificial intelligence) and Big Data, combined with the development of mHealth (mobile health), represents the most significant milestone in the creation of a digital and intelligent health system!
10.1007/s41972-020-00126-2
pubmed_770_3837
The nucleotide sequence of serine dehydratase mRNA of rat liver has been determined from a recombinant cDNA clone, previously cloned in this laboratory, and from a recombinant cDNA clone screened from a primer-extended cDNA library. The sequence of 1322 nucleotides includes the entire protein coding region and noncoding regions on the 3'- and 5'-sides. The deduced polypeptide consists of 327 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 34,462 Da. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of the serine dehydratase polypeptide with those of biosynthetic threonine dehydratase of yeast and biodegradative threonine dehydratase of E. coli revealed various extents of homology. A heptapeptide sequence, Gly-Ser-Phe-Lys-Ile-Arg-Gly, which is the pyridoxal-binding site in the yeast and E. coli threonine dehydratases was found as a highly conserved sequence.
10.1016/0014-5793(88)80110-8
pubmed_756_12816
Pluripotent stem cells are hugely attractive in the tissue engineering research field as they can self-renew and be selectively differentiated into various cell types. For stem cell and tissue engineering research it is important to develop new, biocompatible scaffold materials and graphene has emerged as a promising material in this area as it does not compromise cell proliferation and accelerates specific cell differentiation. Previous studies have shown a non-invasive optical technique for mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell differentiation and transfection using femtosecond (fs) laser pulses. To investigate cellular responses to the influence of graphene and laser irradiation, here we present for the first time a study of mES cell fs laser transfection on graphene coated substrates. First we studied the impact of graphene on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO-K1) cell viability and cell cytotoxicity in the absence of laser exposure. These were tested via evaluating the mitochondrial activity through adenosine triphosphates (ATP) luminescence and breakages on the cell plasma membrane assessed using cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) screening. Secondly, the effects of fs laser irradiation on cell viability and cytotoxicity at 1064 and 532 nm for cells plated and grown on graphene and pure glass were assessed. Finally, optical transfection of CHO-K1 and mES cells was performed on graphene coated versus plain glass substrates. Our results show graphene stimulated cell viability whilst triggering a mild release of intracellular LDH. We also observed that compared to pure glass substrates; laser irradiation at 1064 nm on graphene plates was less cytotoxic. Finally, in mES cells efficient optical transfection at 1064 (82%) and 532 (25%) nm was obtained due to the presence of a graphene support as compared to pristine glass. Here we hypothesize an up-regulation of cell adhesion promoting peptides or laminin-related receptors of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell samples grown and irradiated on graphene substrates. By bringing together advances in optics and nanomaterial sciences we demonstrate pathways for enhancement of pluripotent stem cell biology.
10.1002/jbio.201300028
pubmed_1054_13461
350 specimens comprising sputum, bronchial aspirate, pleural fluid, pus and biopsy material were investigated for the presence of Nocardia spp. by the paraffin bait technique. Nocardia spp. were isolated in 15 of them. The physiological and morphological characteristics of the organisms and the use of paraffin baiting, a selective technique for isolating Nocardia spp. from clinical specimens, are discussed.
pubmed_1054_13461
pubmed_1129_15017
BACKGROUND Previous studies have found extensive geographic and demographic differences in tobacco use. These differences have been found to be reduced by effective public policies, including banning smoking in public spaces. Smokefree outdoor spaces reduce secondhand smoke exposure and de-normalize smoking. METHODS After previously publishing a study of smokefree indoor and outdoor space policies, it was brought to the authors' attention that the dataset used in analyses was incomplete (Lowrie et al., BMC Public Health 17:456, 2017). The current manuscript is a corrected version. Here, we include analyses for outdoor space policies. We evaluated regional and demographic differences in the proportion of the population (both adult and child) covered by smokefree outdoor space policies for school grounds and playgrounds enacted in the United States prior to 2014. RESULTS Children had a low level of protection in playgrounds and schools (8% covered nationwide in both settings). Significant differences in coverage were found by ethnicity, region, income, and education (p < 0.001). The odds of having a smokefree playgrounds policy was lower for jurisdictions with higher proportions of poor households, households with no high school diploma, whites and the Alaska/Hawaii region. Increased ethnic heterogeneity was found to be a significant predictor of increased odds of having a smokefree playgrounds policy, meaning that diversity is protective, with differential effect by region (p < 0.001) - which may relate to urbanicity. CONCLUSIONS Disparities in smokefree outdoor space policies have potential to exacerbate existing health inequities. A national increase in smokefree outdoor space policies to protect children in playgrounds and schools is a crucial intervention to reduce such inequities.
10.1186/s12889-018-5602-7
pubmed_560_18229
BACKGROUND Our aim was to further examine the diagnostic utility of the Mood Swings Questionnaire (MSQ) and to compare its properties with the standard bipolar screening measure, the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ). METHODS A total of 1040 patients attending the Black Dog Institute Depression Clinic and diagnosed with a primary mood disorder (unipolar or bipolar) completed the MSQ and a smaller subset completed the MDQ. All patients underwent clinical assessment by an Institute psychiatrist. RESULTS Based on pre-established cut-off scores, the MSQ demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity to the MDQ, both for the full version (MSQ-46; 85.1% and 77.9% vs. 63.3% and 70.2%) and the 27-item version (MSQ-27; 81.7 and 77.9% vs. 63.3% and 70.2%). The sensitivity of the MDQ in detecting a bipolar disorder was improved when its impairment criterion was ignored. Optimal cut-off scores derived in the current sample were generally consistent with those quantified previously. The stability of these discriminatory properties across different samples provides encouraging evidence for the utility of the MSQ and MDQ in screening for bipolar disorder in samples of depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS These results provide further positive evidence for the capacity of the MSQ and the MDQ as self-report screening measures to discriminate bipolar and unipolar depressive conditions.
10.1016/j.jad.2011.12.016
pubmed_810_9925
Since the recent achievement of Kurotobi and Murata to capture a water molecule in a C(60) fullerene (Science 2011, 333, 613), there has been a debate about the properties of this H(2)O@C(60) complex. In particular, the polarity of the complex, which is thought to be underlying the easy separation of H(2)O@C(60) from the empty fullerene by HPLC, was calculated and found to be almost equal to that of an isolated water molecule. Here we present our detailed analysis of the charge distribution of the water-encapsulated C(60) complex, which shows that the polarity of the complex is, with 0.5 ± 0.1 D, indeed substantial, but significantly smaller than that of H(2)O. This may have important implications for the aim to design water-soluble and biocompatible fullerenes.
10.1021/jp311161q
pubmed_10_8577
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades mediate cellular responses to environmental signals. Previous studies in the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum have revealed a crucial role of Fmk1, the MAPK orthologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fus3/Kss1, in vegetative hyphal fusion and plant infection. Here, we genetically dissected the individual and combined contributions of the three MAPKs Fmk1, Mpk1 and Hog1 in the regulation of development, stress response and virulence of F. oxysporum on plant and animal hosts. Mutants lacking Fmk1 or Mpk1 were affected in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and impaired in hyphal fusion and aggregation. Loss of Mpk1 also led to increased sensitivity to cell wall and heat stress, which was exacerbated by simultaneous inactivation of Fmk1, suggesting that both MAPKs contribute to cellular adaptation to high temperature, a prerequisite for mammalian pathogens. Deletion of Hog1 caused increased sensitivity to hyperosmotic stress and resulted in partial rescue of the restricted colony growth phenotype of the mpk1Δ mutant. Infection assays on tomato plants and the invertebrate animal host Galleria mellonella revealed distinct and additive contributions of the different MAPKs to virulence. Our results indicate that positive and negative cross-talk between the three MAPK pathways regulates stress adaptation, development and virulence in the cross-kingdom pathogen F. oxysporum.
10.1111/mpp.12446
pubmed_572_19625
Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are promising candidates for energy storage, with the development of novel anode materials. We report the fabrication of Fe3O4 nanoparticles/graphene foam via electrostatic assembly and directly utilize it as a binder-free anode for LIBs. Owing to the integrated effect of the well-dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the conductive graphene foam network, such composite exhibited remarkable electrochemical performances. It delivered a large reversible specific capacity reaching to ∼1198 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1, a good rate capacity, and an excellent cyclic stability over 400 cycles. This work demonstrated a facile methodology to design and construct high-performance anode materials for LIBs.
10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b01519
pubmed_477_3988
Hemoglobin and ferritin iron content have been followed during differentiation in tissue cultures of murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC) using the techniques of Mössbauer spectroscopy and electron microscopy. In undifferentiated cells grown without DMSO, only iron stored in ferritin was detected. The amount of iron in a cell grown in the presence of iron citrate is approximately 1.2 X 10(-14) g, whereas in a cell grown in the presence of transferrin the amount is approximately 0.28 X 10(-14) g. These quantities do not depend on the iron concentration in the nutrition medium in a range from 0.3 to 2.0 microgram Fe/ml and are the same for growth times between 8 hr and 7 days. Cells grown with DMSO contain, in addition to ferritin, increasing concentrations of hemoglobin. Chase experiments prove that ferritin iron participates in hemoglobin synthesis. The amount of ferritin iron reaches saturation within less than 8 hr in MELC grown with or without DMSO. In differentiating cells grown with iron citrate there is a decrease with time in ferritin iron content concomitant with the increase in hemoglobin. Cells grown with transferrin incorporate additional amounts of iron, which are approximately equal to the amounts used for hemoglobin synthesis maintaining a constant ferritin iron level. In the electron microscope, iron is seen only as ferritin within lysosomes. The density of the ferritin in lysosomes correlates with the ferritin iron concentrations determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy.
pubmed_477_3988
pubmed_205_20885
The present study examined the roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) in activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), a pivotal event in liver fibrogenesis. RNase protection assay detected mRNA for PPARgamma1 but not that for the adipocyte-specific gamma2 isoform in HSC isolated from sham-operated rats, whereas the transcripts for neither isoforms were detectable in HSC from cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction confirmed a 70% reduction in PPARgamma mRNA level in HSC from BDL. Nuclear extracts from BDL cells showed an expected diminution of binding to PPAR-responsive element, whereas NF-kappaB and AP-1 binding were increased. Treatment of cultured-activated HSC with ligands for PPARgamma (10 microm 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15dPGJ(2)); 0.1 approximately 10 microm BRL49653) inhibited DNA and collagen synthesis without affecting the cell viability. Suppression of HSC collagen by 15dPGJ(2) was abrogated 70% by the concomitant treatment with a PPARgamma antagonist (GW9662). HSC DNA and collagen synthesis were inhibited by WY14643 at the concentrations known to activate both PPARalpha and gamma (>100 microm) but not at those that only activate PPARalpha (<10 microm) or by a synthetic PPARalpha-selective agonist (GW9578). 15dPGJ(2) reduced alpha1(I) procollagen, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA levels while inducing matrix metalloproteinase-3 and CD36. 15dPGJ(2) and BRL49653 inhibited alpha1(I) procollagen promoter activity. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (10 ng/ml) reduced PPARgamma mRNA, and this effect was prevented by the treatment with 15dPGJ(2). These results demonstrate that HSC activation is associated with the reductions in PPARgamma expression and PPAR-responsive element binding in vivo and is reversed by the treatment with PPARgamma ligands in vitro. These findings implicate diminished PPARgamma signaling in molecular mechanisms underlying activation of HSC in liver fibrogenesis and the potential therapeutic value of PPARgamma ligands for liver fibrosis.
10.1074/jbc.M006577200
pubmed_277_19218
OBJECTIVE Contractile function is depressed at the isolated myocyte level in heart failure (HF), which could result from the decreased availability of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) to the myofibrils and/or the depressed sensitivity of myofilaments to [Ca2+]i. However, the cellular basis of contractile dysfunction remains unestablished. METHODS We isolated left ventricular myocytes from dogs with rapid pacing-induced HF. Cell shortening and [Ca2+]i transients were measured by indo-1 fluorescence and the myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity was analyzed by the shortening-[Ca2+]i relation in intact myocytes as well as by the pCa tension relation in skinned cells. RESULTS Peak cell shortening magnitude was depressed in HF, associated with a parallel decrease of [Ca2+]i transient amplitude. There was a significant positive correlation between these two variables (r = 0.71, P < 0.01). In contrast, myofibrillar sensitivity to Ca2+, determined by both intact and skinned myocytes, was comparable between control and HF. Further, there was no significant difference in Ca2+ sensitivity between control and HF even at shorter (1.8 microns) or longer (2.2 microns) sarcomere length. CONCLUSIONS Using both intact and skinned cellular preparations, a potential defect in myocyte contractile function in HF was a reduction in Ca2+ availability to the myofilaments, rather than the inherent defects in myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+.
10.1016/s0008-6363(99)00205-9
pubmed_784_14316
A complete mathematical account of the buffer capacity of bivalent ampholytes is given. The consistent use of dimensionless parameters makes it possible to obtain very neat expressions and equations. Direct proof of the well-known condition K1 > or = 4 K2 is presented. Since water is also an ampholyte, its buffer capacity is considered as well.
10.1002/elps.11501301180
pubmed_793_4507
The biosynthesis and turnover of rat liver NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase was studied in in vivo pulse-labeling and long-term, double-labeling experiments. Rats under thiopental anesthesia were injected into the portal vein with [(3)H]L-leucine and sacrificed at various times after the injection. NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase was extracted from liver cell fractions by cathepsin D-catalyzed cleavage and was then immunoadsorbed onto antireductase-bearing affinity columns in the presence of excess unlabeled rat serum. After elution of the enzyme from the columns with a pH-2.2 buffer, the amount of the reductase protein in the samples was determined by radioimmunoassay, and the radioactivity in reductase was determined on SDS polyacrylamide gel reductase bands. The specific radioactivity of the reductase extracted from the homogenate as well as from rough and smooth microsomal, mitochondrial, and Golgi fractions, estimated at the end of the pulse (10 min after the injection) and at various time points thereafter, remained approximately constant over a 6-h period. These data suggest tha tth eenzyme is independently inserted into the various membranes where it is located. Moreover, the specific radioactivity of the mitochondrial reductase was lower than that of the other fractions, suggesting that it turns over at a slower rate. The lower turnover rate of the mitochondrial enzyme was confirmed by long-term, double-labeling experiments carried out according to the technique of Arias et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 244: 3303-3315.). The relevance of these findings in relation to the understanding of membrane biogenesis and turnover is discussed.
10.1083/jcb.86.1.38
pubmed_851_4088
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the biomechanical performance of a novel asymmetric 6-strand flexor tendon repair technique without locking loops. METHODS Twenty porcine flexor tendons were equally repaired by using the asymmetric technique and compared with the modified Lim-Tsai repair technique. The ultimate tensile strength, load to 1-mm gap force, stiffness, and mechanism of failure were measured. RESULTS The asymmetric repair technique had significantly higher tensile strength (63.3 ± 3.7 N) than the modified Lim-Tsai repairs (46.7 ± 8.3 N). CONCLUSIONS A novel flexor tendon repair technique with improved biomechanical performance may be available for use in flexor tendon repairs.
10.1177/1558944716685829
pubmed_417_17208
Experimental studies have shown that administration of antilymphocyte serum combined with donor bone marrow cells can induce tolerance to allograft tissue. We have initially reported application of these protocols in clinical studies of cadaveric renal allograft recipients who were treated with MALG and donor-specific bone marrow cells. To evaluate the effectiveness of the donor marrow cells in the production of chimerism, a detection method based on 32P-incorporated PCR was established. The 32P PCR was utilized with primers specific for the HLA class II, VNTR (D17S5 and D1S111), and/or Y-chromosome genes to detect the presence of allogeneic chimerism in the recipients. Immediately posttransplant, 26.4% of marrow recipients demonstrated the presence of allogeneic chimerism prior to the marrow transfusion as did 18% in the untransfused controls. In transfused patients, chimerism was detected most frequently during the 1-3-month interval after marrow transfusion (65%), and then diminished to 50-56% at 3-12 months posttransfusion. In the control group the frequency of allogeneic chimerism was gradually decreased and was undetectable in the majority of the patients beyond 3 months posttransplant while marrow-transfused recipients were more likely to have chimeric cells detected consistently beyond 3 months. Rejection episodes were significantly effected by the presence of chimerism in the recipients. Of the transfused patients, 91.3% who demonstrated allogeneic chimerism were rejection-free as compared with 8.7% who experienced at least one rejection episode (P = 0.01). While the presence of allogeneic chimerism in the control group was correlated with rejection-free graft survival, this difference did not reach statistical significance.
10.1097/00007890-199403270-00014
pubmed_1032_10573
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy has surely increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV. However, long term complications like HIV associated sensory neuropathy has a negative impact on quality of life among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Ethiopia, lack of data on magnitude of the burden and predictors of HIV associated sensory neuropathy in many resource limited setting has led to under diagnosis and eventually under management of HIV-SN. Hence, this study was set out to establish the burden of HIV-associated sensory neuropathy and, its association with demographic, health and clinical characteristics among people living with HIV in Ethiopia. METHODS Cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of HIV-associated sensory neuropathy and the associated factors among adult HIV patients at University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screening tool validated by AIDs Clinical trial group was used for screening HIV-associated sensory neuropathy. Data were analyzed descriptively and through uni- and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS In total 359 adult PLHIV with a mean age of 36.5± 9.07 years participated, their median duration of HIV infection was 60 months (IQR 36-84) and their median CD4 count 143cells/μL (IQR 69.5-201.5). Age above 40 years, anti-tuberculosis regimen, tallness, and exposure to didanosine contained antiretroviral therapy were found to be associated with HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (AOR 1.82, 1.84, 1.98 and 4.33 respectively). CONCLUSIONS More than half of the HIV patients who attended HIV care clinic at University of Gondar hospital during the study period were found to present with peripheral sensory neuropathy. Higher age, tallness, TB medication, and didanosine in ART were significantly associated with HIV-SN as screened by effective diagnostic (BPNS) tool.
10.1371/journal.pone.0211354
pubmed_476_10732
Due to the limited storage space of spacecraft and downlink bandwidth in the data delivery during planetary exploration, an efficient way for image compression onboard is essential to reduce the volume of acquired data. Applicable for planetary images, this study proposes a perceptual adaptive quantization technique based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). This technique is used for bitrate reduction while maintaining the subjective visual quality. The proposed algorithm adaptively determines the Coding Tree Unit (CTU) level Quantization Parameter (QP) values in HEVC intra-coding using the high-level features extracted by CNN. A modified model based on the residual network is exploited to extract the saliency map for a given image automatically. Furthermore, based on the saliency map, a CTU level QP adjustment technique combining global saliency contrast and local saliency perception is exploited to realize a flexible and adaptive bit allocation. Several quantitative performance metrics that efficiently correlate with human perception are used for evaluating image quality. The experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm achieves better visual quality along with a maximum of 7.17% reduction in the bitrate as compared to the standard HEVC coding.
10.1371/journal.pone.0263729
pubmed_531_815
External hydrocephalus (EH) was identified in 58 infants under 3 years of age during the period 1 June 1986 to 28 February 1990. Radiological images and clinical features were compared with 11 cases of cerebral atrophy (CA). Significant differences were found in delivery, head circumference, and the incidence of motor and developmental abnormalities. The population with EH was found to be quite heterogeneous, with a male preponderance. Intracranial pressure was normal in 15 cases in which lumbar puncture was done. The flow of cerebral spinal fluid was considered to be within the normal range in 6 cases. The results of a few cases examined with metrizamide cisternography are presented. The prognosis in our cases was not as benign as previously published, and use of the name EH is questioned. The less committal term "hypodense extracerebral images" is proposed when computed tomography (CT) is the only study done. The hypothesis that encephalocranial disproportion is the basic underlying entity for the CT images is proposed.
10.1007/BF00304833
pubmed_401_1697
Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate lipoprotein particle distributions and the likelihood of achieving cholesterol homeostasis in the remission phase of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in paediatric patients. We hypothesized that lipoprotein particle distributions moved toward less atherogenic profile and that cholesterol homeostasis was achieved. Materials and methods Thirty-three children, 2 to 9 years old with NS were recruited. Blood sampling took place both in the acute phase and during remission. Serum low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL) were separated using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel (3-31%) electrophoresis. Serum non-cholesterols sterols (NCSs), desmosterol, lathosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), campesterol and β-sitosterol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results All patients had desirable serum HDL cholesterol concentrations during remission. The dominant lipoprotein diameters and LDL subclass distribution did not change significantly during follow-up. In contrast, HDL lipoprotein particle distribution shifted towards larger particles. The absolute concentration of desmosterol was significantly lower during remission (P = 0.023). β-sitosterol concentration markedly increased during remission (P = 0.005). Desmosterol/β-sitosterol (P < 0.001) and 7-DHC/β-sitosterol (P = 0.005) ratios significantly declined during disease remission. Conclusions Favourable changes in the serum lipid profiles, HDL particle subclass distribution and cholesterol metabolism in paediatric patients with NS during remission took place. For the first time, we found that cholesterol homeostasis changed in favour of increased cholesterol absorption during disease remission. Nevertheless, complete cholesterol homeostasis was not achieved during disease remission.
10.11613/BM.2022.020706
pubmed_716_20717
Self-disclosures on online social networks have received increased attention in the last two decades. Researchers from different disciplines investigated manifold influencing variables, and studies applied different theories to explain why many users share very sensitive and personal information despite potential risks and negative consequences, whereas others do not. Oftentimes, it is argued that self-disclosure decisions result from a kind of rational "calculus" of risks and benefits. However, such an assumption of rationality can and has been criticized. Nevertheless, fundamental cognitive and affective mechanisms that underlie self-disclosure decision making on social networks are still under-explored. By building upon previous self-disclosure theories and models, dual-and tripartite-system perspectives of decision making, and former empirical findings, we propose a Tripartite Self-Disclosure Decision (TSDD) model that conceptualizes inner processes of online self-disclosure decision making. Central to this model is the proposed interaction of three neural and cognitive/affective systems: a reflective, an impulsive, and an interoceptive system. We further highlight individual and environmental features, which can impact individuals' online self-disclosure decisions by (interactively) influencing the proposed inner decision-making processes targeting the aforementioned three systems. Possible short- and long-term consequences are also discussed, which in turn can affect certain model components in subsequent self-disclosure decision situations. By taking such a neurocognitive perspective, we expand current research and models, which helps to better understand potentially risky information sharing on online social networks and can support attempts to prevent users from incautious self-disclosures.
10.3389/fpsyg.2022.996512
pubmed_891_847
The accelerated approval pathway for new drugs in the United States is often praised but faces growing criticism of whether it is finding the appropriate balance between uncertainty, access and cost. To support efforts to strengthen the pathway, this paper provides an analysis of key concerns and the advantages and disadvantages of ten potential policy reforms - those achievable through the US FDA action alone, and those that would require a combination of government, payer and life science industry actions. Accelerated approval sits at the heart of many of the controversies regarding drug approvals and pricing, and this analysis provides perspectives on how best to strengthen the pathway within the broader landscape of an innovative US healthcare system.
10.2217/cer-2021-0184
pubmed_894_1418
Mucoceles involving the sphenoidal sinus are not as common as those affecting the frontal and ethmoidal sinuses. The subtle expansile change produced by a sphenoidal sinus mucocele often requires conventional tomography or computed tomography examination to be detected. Similarly, involvement of surrounding structures by a sphenoidal mucocele may require special study, which this section illustrates. The sphenoidal enlargement and density change produced by fibrous dysplasia may mimic sinus disease. Focal or widespread bone destruction resulting from neoplastic involvement of the sphenoidal sinus requires special examination similar to that used with mucoceles.
10.1002/hed.2890050309
pubmed_739_16073
In this study we determined the cardiovascular effects produced by microinjection of angiotensin peptides [Angiotensin-(1-7) and Angiotensin II] and angiotensin antagonists (losartan, L-158,809, CGP 42112A. Sar1-Thr8-Ang II, A-779) into the rostral ventrolateral medulla of freely moving rats. Microinjection of angiotensins (12.5-50 pmol) produced pressor responses associated to variable changes in heart rate, usually tachycardia. Unexpectedly, microinjection of both AT1 and AT2 ligands produced pressor effects at doses that did not change blood pressure in anesthetized rats. Conversely, microinjection of Sar1-Thr8-Ang II and the selective Ang-(1-7) antagonist, A-779, produced a small but significant decrease in MAP an HR. These findings suggest that angiotensins can influence the tonic activity of vasomotor neurons at the RVLM. As previously observed in anesthetized rats, our results further suggest a role for endogenous Ang-(1-7) at the RVLM. The pressor activity of the ligands for AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptor subtypes at the RVLM, remains to be clarified.
10.1016/s0006-8993(96)01476-x
pubmed_990_15594
Strong epidemiological evidence links human papilloma viruses (HPV) with the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cancers of the uterine cervix. The localization of HPV DNA sequences high up in the female genital tract (in benign and malignant lesions) is not that uncommon, but its precise significance is uncertain. In particular, the detection of HPV DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) needs careful interpretation, because the source of the amplicon may emanate from tumor cells, direct contamination from the cervix, or possibly from extratumoral sites in the endometrium. We have previously reported the identification of koilocyte-like changes in the squamous epithelium of some endometrial adenoacanthomas. Adenoacanthomas (adenocarcinoma with squamous metaplasia) are mixed epithelial tumors arising in the endometrium composed of malignant glandular areas admixed with benign metaplastic squamous epithelium. The rarer adenosquamous carcinoma containing both malignant glandular and squamous areas is also described. The origin of benign/malignant squamous epithelial islands in endometrial tumors has been the subject of speculation, with some investigators considering an origin from metaplastic glandular endometrial cells. In this study, we examined 10 normal endometrial samples, 20 adenocarcinomas, 41 adenocarcinomas with squamous metaplasia, and two adenosquamous carcinomas, (including control cervical material where possible) for the presence of HPV DNA sequences using nonisotopic in situ hybridization (NISH), type-specific HPV PCR, general primer PCR (to detect sequenced and unsequenced HPVs), and PCR in situ hybridization (PCR-ISH). We did not identify HPV DNA sequences in normal endometrial tissue. In adenocarcinomas (endometrioid type), HPV was only identified in 2 of 20 cases by PCR, both of which were HPV 11 positive. We were unsuccessful in identifying HPV in endometrial carcinomas by NISH or by PCR-ISH, raising the possibility of contamination from the cervix in the two positive cases. In adenoacanthomas, a low-risk HPV type (HPV 6) was found in 19 of 41 cases. NISH signals were intranuclear in location in squamous regions of adenoacanthomas. Additional positive nuclei were uncovered using PCR-ISH, which increases the sensitivity of standard NISH detection. HPV DNA sequences were located in some malignant endometrial glandular epithelial cells, but this accounted for a minority of samples. HPV DNA sequences were not detected in extraepithelial sites. Mixed infection by two different HPV types was identified in two cases. Most cases showed similar HPV types in cervical and endometrial lesions, although discordant cases were uncovered. In adenosquamous carcinomas, one case showed mixed infection with HPV 6 and 33 by PCR. The apparent segregation of low-risk HPV type (HPV 6) with benign squamous metaplastic epithelium in adenocarcinoma with squamous metaplasia, and high-risk type (HPV 33) with malignant squamous epithelium in adenosquamous carcinoma, raises important questions in relation to the role of HPVs in mixed epithelial tumors of the endometrium and their interplay in the pathogenesis of squamous metaplasia at extracervical sites.
10.1016/s0046-8177(98)90120-4
pubmed_761_368
Mammalian circadian rhythms are entrained by photic stimuli that are relayed by retinal projections to the core of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Neuronal activation, as demonstrated by expression of the immediate early gene c-fos, leads to transcription of the core clock gene per1. The duper mutation in hamsters shortens circadian period and amplifies light-induced phase shifts. We performed two experiments to compare the number of c-FOS immunoreactive (ir) and PER1-ir cells, and the intensity of staining, in the SCN of wild-type (WT) and duper hamsters at various intervals after presentation of a 15-min light pulse in the early subjective night. Light-induced c-FOS-ir within 1 hr in the dorsocaudal SCN of duper, but not WT hamsters. In cells that express vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which plays a critical role in synchronization of SCN cellular oscillators, light-induced c-FOS-ir was greater in duper than WT hamsters. After the light pulse, PER1-ir cells were found in more medial portions of the SCN than FOS-ir, and appeared with a longer latency and over a longer time course, in VIP cells of duper than wild-type hamsters. Our results indicate that the duper allele alters SCN function in ways that may contribute to changes in free running period and phase resetting.
10.1111/ejn.14214
pubmed_105_12452
Despite the high sensitivity and widespread use of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines do not recommend the routine use of preoperative MRI owing to the conflicting results and lack of clear benefit to the surgical outcome (reoperation and mastectomy) and long-term clinical outcomes (local recurrence and metachronous contralateral breast cancer). Preoperative MRI detects additional cancers that are occult at mammography and ultrasound but increases the rate of mastectomy. Concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of preoperative MRI might be mitigated by adjusting the confounding factors when conducting studies, using the state-of-the-art image-guided biopsy technique, applying the radiologists' cumulative experiences in interpreting MRI findings, and performing multiple lumpectomies in patients with multicentric cancer. Among the various imaging methods, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI has the highest accuracy in predicting pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Prospective trials aimed at applying the MRI information to the de-escalation of surgical or radiation treatments are underway. In this review, current studies on the clinical outcomes of preoperative breast MRI are updated, and circumstances in which MRI may be useful for surgical planning are discussed.
10.4048/jbc.2022.25.e35
pubmed_584_23255
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that cell death is a pathophysiologic consequence of ischemia-reperfusion and that interleukin-10 gene therapy improves the function of transplanted lungs. Interleukin-10 downregulates the inflammatory response and can inhibit apoptosis. The objective was to determine whether donor lung transfection with the interleukin-10 gene ameliorates lung dysfunction by decreasing cell death after transplantation. METHODS Single lung transplants were performed in 3 groups of rats (n = 5 each): AdhIL-10, transtracheal administration of Ad5E1RSVhIL-10 (5 x 10(9) pfu); EV, empty vector; and VD, vector diluent (3% sucrose). After in vivo transfection, donor lungs were excised, stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours, and then transplanted. After 2 hours of reperfusion, lungs were flushed with trypan blue and fixed. TUNEL staining was used for the detection of apoptosis. This combined staining technique allows one to determine the mode of cell death by distinguishing apoptotic dead cells from necrotic dead cells. RESULTS Lung function was superior in the interleukin-10 group (P =.0001) vs the EV and VD group (Pao(2): 240 +/- 31 mm Hg vs 98 +/- 17 mm Hg vs 129 +/- 11 mm Hg, respectively). Although the total number of dead cells (as percent of total cells) was similar in all groups (32.7% +/- 3.2%, 30.2% +/- 2.5%, and 30.3% +/- 3.8%), interestingly, apoptosis was highest in interleukin-10 lungs (9.7 +/- 1.9 vs 2 +/- 1.9 and 1.8 +/- 2, P =.0001), and necrosis was lowest in the interleukin-10 group (20.6 +/- 5.7 vs 28.3 +/- 3.1 and 30.3 +/- 4.2, P =.01). CONCLUSIONS AdhIL-10 gene transfection improves function of transplanted lungs. Although the total number of cells dying as a result of the transplant process did not change, the mode of cell death appears to have been modified. It is possible that AdhIL-10, by decreasing proinflammatory cytokine production, ameliorates the overall injury and preserves the ability of damaged cells to undergo a more quiescent and less tissue-damaging mode of cell death-apoptosis, rather than necrosis.
10.1016/s0022-5223(03)00114-4
pubmed_1015_2111
The electron microprobe analysis has been used to determine the concentrations of Ca and P in different regions of functional teeth in adult Salamandra salamandra (Amphibia, Urodela). Ca and P levels were found to be more elevated in the dentine shaft below the apex than in its basal part and in the pedicel. The concentrations are similar to those measured in teeth of higher vertebrates.
pubmed_1015_2111
pubmed_556_2447
The objective of the present study is to investigate the possibility of preparing pure protein microspheres from regenerated silk fibroin (RSF). It is found that RSF microspheres, with predictable and controllable sizes ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 µm, can be prepared mild self-assembling of silk fibroin molecular chains. The merits of this novel method include a rather simple production apparatus and no potentially toxic agents, such as surfactants, initiators, cross-linking agents, The results show that the particle size and size distribution of RSF microspheres are greatly affected by the amount of ethanol additive, the freezing temperature and the concentration of silk fibroin. Finally, the mechanism of RSF microspheres formation is also discussed based on our experimental results.
10.1039/b703139d
pubmed_256_5467
Although the silent period duration has often been evaluated as a potential indicator of stomatognathic system dysfunction, there is still some uncertainty as to its normal biologic variation. This study investigated the subject variation in the silent period in a group of 22 young and healthy subjects under standardized conditions. Electromyographic recordings were obtained from the masseter muscle at 40% clenching after chin taps. Four different patterns of the silent period were recorded: one simple and three combined. Although the latencies of the early and late phases of depression were generally consistent, the results for duration were more variable and depended on the pattern of the silent period.
10.1016/s0022-3913(05)80074-5
pubmed_28_19348
AIMS Existing quality of life questionnaires are either disease specific or generic in their assessment of themes which are perceived important to the quality of life in populations with disabilities. To be able to improve quality of life in a population with diverse disabilities there was a need for a cross-disability instrument. The Electronic Quality of Life (EQOL)-questionnaire was developed to meet this need. It is crucial that such an instrument is validated, easy to use, and interpret by, for example, clinicians and policy planners. This study aims to test the content validity of the EQOL questionnaire and to construct a user-friendly, cross-disability quality of life profile. METHODS To further test the content validity of the EQOL-questionnaire, we conducted field test analyses on 318 individuals (aged 16-64) with self-reported disabilities. Comments on the questionnaire were scrutinised and sorted. A profile with six domains of quality of life was developed. Model fit was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis and content validity was evaluated based on distributions. RESULTS The EQOL-questionnaire was found to have an acceptable content validity and respondents from the field test found that it features important themes of quality of life. The confirmatory factor analysis estimated a satisfying model fit by the root-mean-squared error of approximation (0.06), whereas the comparative fit index and goodness of fit index indicated poorer model fit. Graphical charts, with colour categories for user-friendly interpretation, were constructed. CONCLUSION By identifying themes reported as problematic, the EQOL-profile can be used to inform and target interventions aiming to improve quality of life in populations with diverse disabilities.
10.1177/1403494820981437
pubmed_307_8053
The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its 7-O-glucuronide (MPAG) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Thirty-one SLE patients in remission maintenance phase treated with mycophenolate mofetil (median 1500 mg/d) and prednisolone and followed-up for up to 56 months (median 13 months) were enrolled. Creatinine clearance and metal medication were significant predictors accounting for interindividual variability in the dose-normalized predose plasma concentration (C₀) of MPA (adjusted R²=0.305, p=0.01) in a multivariate analysis. Dose-normalized MPAG C₀ was significantly correlated with only creatinine clearance (adjusted R²=0.135, p=0.03). The free fraction of MPA was significantly correlated with only serum albumin (adjusted R²=0.700, p<0.01). The free fraction of MPAG was significantly correlated with serum albumin, metal medication, and age (adjusted R²=0.598, p=0.02). In conclusion, renal function and co-administered metal influenced the pharmacokinetics of MPA and MPAG in SLE patients in remission maintenance phase.
10.1248/bpb.34.755
pubmed_1082_21258
the current definitions of caring in nursing education denote a mutual relationship between teachers and students in which they interact to provide an environment which supports the students' personal and professional development. The learning of caring in an interactional context is typical of the female experience. It is unknown if this is representative of the male experience. The lived experience of 20 male students as they learned to care as nurses was the focus of this phenomenological research study. The participants concurred that, although caring as a nurse could be learned if one was 'open to learning', teachers could only facilitate this learning; they could not directly teach it. The interactional strategies of storytelling, modelling, being cared for, the 'aha' encounter, and observing and giving care, were used by the participants in learning to care as nurses. The implications of these findings for nursing education and research are presented.
10.1046/j.1365-2648.1995.22030600.x
pubmed_439_1088
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of hypoxia on the chemosensitivity of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cells to Vincristine (VCR) and the mechanisms. METHODS B-ALL cells SUP-B15, Nalm-6 and RS4;11 were selected as the research objects. The cells were divided into the control group and the hypoxia mimic group (CoCl2 pretreatment). The two groups were treated with VCR at different concentrations for 24 hours, CCK-8 was used to detect cell viability, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, and Western bolt method was used to detect hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α), BAX, Bcl-2 and β-actin protein expression. Quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect BAX and β-actin mRNA levels. RESULTS CoCl2 could simulate hypoxic environment to induce the expression of HIF-1α. The cells SUP-B15 and RS4;11 of the hypoxia mimic group were lower sensitivity to VCR as compared with the control group; the apoptosis rate of the hypoxia mimic group was lower than that of the control group after 80 nmol/L VCR treatment. The expression levels of BAX protein and mRNA in the hypoxia mimic group were lower than those of the control group, and there was no significant difference in the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein between two groups. CONCLUSION Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-1α may mediate VCR resistance in B-ALL cells by downregulating the pro-apoptotic protein BAX.
10.19746/j.cnki.issn.1009-2137.2022.02.011
pubmed_37_6325
GOAL OF WORK While significance of the concept of meaning in understanding adaptation to cancer is widely accepted, it has been little studied, especially in longitudinal data. This study aims to clarify the role of global meaning and meaning-related life attitudes (death acceptance and goal seeking) in predicting different aspects of psychological and existential distress by reference to a specified research model. PATIENTS AND METHODS At baseline (T1), a sample of 270 cancer patients was recruited. Data from 178 patients could be obtained after 3 months at T2. Patients completed the Life-Attitude-Profile-Revised assessing global meaning and meaning-related life attitudes, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Demoralization Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses were carried out in two steps. Sociodemographic and physical factors were controlled. RESULTS Global meaning emerged as a significant negative predictor of depression (β = -0.27) (p ≤ 0.001) and demoralization (β = -0.27) (p ≤ 0.001). Death acceptance was a predictor of anxiety only (β = -0.21) (p ≤ 0.003), whereas goal seeking was a positive predictor of depression (β = 0.29) (p ≤ 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.36) (p ≤ 0.001), and demoralization (β = 0.35) (p ≤ 0.001). DISCUSSION Findings confirm a global sense of meaning as an important protecting factor regarding the development of distress symptoms. Results suggest that different dimensions of meaning contribute to different dimensions of psychological well-being, as they refer to different existential problems. The need for and relevance of meaning-focused interventions in cancer patients is strengthened.
10.1007/s00520-010-0845-6
pubmed_921_3905
The role of glutamate receptors in the inferior colliculus (IC) in audiogenic and audiogenic-like seizures was investigated in adult rats with transient neonatal hypothyroidism by 0.02% propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment through mother's milk (PTU rats) and in naive rats treated intracisternally with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-proprionic acid (AMPA), or cyclothiazide, an inhibitor of rapid AMPA receptor desensitization. All rats showed audiogenic or audiogenic-like seizures characterized by running fit (RF) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). While systemically administered MK-801 inhibited GTCS, intracisternally administered NBQX inhibited RF and GTCS in both audiogenic and audiogenic-like seizures. Auditory stimulation shortened the latency to GTCS induced by AMPA, but not NMDA, at a subclinical dose and further elongated the shortened duration of RF, but not GTCS, induced by MK-801 pretreatment. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos in the IC following induction of audiogenic or audiogenic-like seizures. The significant induction of c-fos mRNA by audiogenic seizures in PTU rats or by AMPA- or cyclothiazide-induced seizures in naive rats was prominent in the IC. MK-801 suppressed c-fos mRNA expression in the IC induced by audiogenic seizures in PTU rats or by AMPA-induced seizures in naive rats. NBQX suppressed the expression of c-fos mRNA in the IC induced by AMPA-induced seizures but did not suppress c-fos mRNA in PTU rats or rats with cyclothiazide-induced seizures. Auditory stimuli failed to affect c-fos mRNA induction by AMPA. The present study suggests that audiogenic-like seizures can be reproduced by glutamate receptor agonists in which AMPA receptors are primarily linked to the initiation of audiogenic seizures (RF) while NMDA receptors presumably located within the IC are involved in the propagation of GTCS in audiogenic seizures.
10.1006/exnr.2000.7401
pubmed_148_3267
Numerous electron-opaque deposits appear in the SR of the relaxed smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig Taenia coli that had been treated, before fixation, with a depolarizing medium containing oxalate to precipitate calcium ions in situ. X-ray spectra obtained by spot and line-scanning analyses of these deposits in situ show characteristic calcium signals, thus providing direct evidence for calcium accumulation inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum of smooth muscle.
10.1083/jcb.67.3.911
pubmed_63_25322
Multi-functional cellulase gene mfc was expressed in Coprinus cinereus under naturally non-inductive conditions using three heterologous promoters. Endo-beta-1,4-glucanase expression was achieved in solid and liquid media with promoter sequences from the Lentinula edodesgpd gene, the Flammulina velutipes gpd gene and the Volvariella volvaceagpd gene. As measured by enzyme activity in liquid cultures, a 613-bp gpd promoter fragment from L. edodes was most efficient, followed by a 752-bp gpd fragment from F. velutipes. The V. volvacea gpd promoter sequence was less active, in comparison. Irrespective of the promoter used, enzymatic activities increase 34-fold for highly active transformants and 29-fold for less active one by using cellulase-inducing medium. The highest activities of endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (34.234 U/ml) and endo-beta-1,4-xylanase (263.695 U/ml) were reached by using the L. edodesgpd promoter.
10.1016/j.biortech.2009.04.021
pubmed_444_10599
With patients living longer and retaining their natural teeth for longer, dental healthcare professionals are presented with new challenges. This paper outlines considerations for dental health care professionals managing periodontal disease in an ageing population. Although age itself is not considered an independent risk factor for periodontal disease, there may be complicating factors associated with ageing that impact upon the planning and delivery of care. This paper describes current evidence for the management of periodontal disease in the context of health conditions associated with ageing. It identifies aspects to consider and provides advice on how treatment planning for this patient population may be tailored.
10.1177/2050168420943407
pubmed_651_9326
No experimental setting is available to exclude residual infectivity in HBsAg vaccines derived from human plasma. Thus, safety can be achieved only by means of their preparation. To reduce infectivity of the starting material, only plasma from healthy anti-HBe positive donors was used. In the FRG, 50% of all healthy HBsAg carriers with anti-HBe have a suitable serum level of 5 to 20 micrograms/ml. The purification procedure removed hepatitis B virus by a factor greater than 10(4). The purified product contained only the HBsAg proteins and no serum protein, as shown by SDS gel electrophoresis. The pure HBsAg was treated with formalin 1:500 at 37 degrees C for 4 days. A loss of 30 to 50% antigenicity was tolerated to achieve the highest possible destruction of known and unknown infectious agents. After inactivation, the HBsAg was bound to aluminium hydroxide gel. The gel was washed repeatedly to remove the formalin. Doses of 40 micrograms or 20 micrograms absorbed HBsAg protein were given to greater than 2500 persons without serious side effects. In greater than 97% anti-HBs was formed with a median titer of 1900 I.U./ml.
pubmed_651_9326
pubmed_509_2651
BACKGROUND: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 supports integration of substance abuse interventions and treatments into the mainstream health care system. Thus, effective screening and intervention for substance use disorders in health care settings is a priority. OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders (abuse or dependence) in primary care settings and emergency departments, as well as current screening tools and brief interventions. METHODS: MEDLINE was searched using the following keywords: alcohol use, alcohol use disorder, drug use, drug use disorder, screening, primary care, and emergency departments. Using the related-articles link, additional articles were screened for inclusion. This review focuses on alcohol and drug use and related disorders among adults in primary care settings. CONCLUSION: Screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment are feasible and effective in primary care settings, provided that funding for screening is available, along with brief interventions and treatment facilities to which patients can be referred and treated promptly.
10.2147/SAR.S30057
pubmed_1097_5925
Secretory protein proline-rich acid protein 1 (PRAP1) is abundantly expressed in late pregnant uterus. However, regulation and function of PRAP1 in pregnant uterus is still elusive. We firstly reported differential expression of PRAP1 in peri-implantation uteri and its localization in endometrial epithelia. Expression of PRAP1 in uterus was induced by 17β-estradiol and its expression showed a negative correlation with that of class Ihistone deacetylases (HDACs) in isolated endometrial epithelia. PRAP1 was increased by HDACs inhibitor sodium butyrate treatment, while decreased significantly by estrogen receptor inhibitor ICI182,780 via up-regulating class IHDACs. Number of implanted embryos was decreased in mice immunized with pCR3.1-PRAP1 or injected with rabbit anti-PRAP1 antibody. DNA immunization or antibody injection could affect apoptosis and expression of cytokines (IL-4, IFN-γ). In conclusion, both 17β-estradiol and class IHDACs are involved in modulating PRAP1 expression in peri-implantation uteri. Preliminary functional research indicates that neutralizing PRAP1 protein causes reduction of implanted embryos.
10.1016/j.mce.2010.06.003
pubmed_969_7941
The ability of several 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) analogues to inhibit the uptake of [3H]serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) into synaptosomes was examined. In addition, the ability of the compounds to inhibit the uptake of [3H]5-HT and DA into synaptosomes from rats pretreated with reserpine (5 mg/kg i.p., 16 h pretreatment) was compared to control experiments. All of the test compounds were found to be potent releasers of non-vesicular 5-HT (the reserpine IC50 was significantly smaller than the control IC50). The range of 5-HT inhibitory activity corresponds well to the small range of ED50 values of the test compounds to substitute in drug discrimination experiments with animals trained to discriminate MDMA or S-(+)-N-methyl-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-aminobutane (S-MBDB) from saline. In contrast, there was a wide range of potency for the inhibition of NE and DA uptake. In addition, several of the analogues appeared to be pure uptake inhibitors of DA while others were found to be releasers of non-vesicular DA. Several of the compounds were very selective for 5-HT over DA or NE uptake inhibition, including 3-methoxy-4-methylamphetamine (MMA) and 5-methoxy-6-methyl-2-aminoindan (MMAI). A correlation was noted between the 5-HT neurotoxic potential of some of the test compounds and their relative ability to induce a release of non-vesicular DA. The potential catechol metabolites of the methylenedioxy-substituted compounds also showed potent monoamine releasing properties, suggesting that metabolism may play a role in the neurotoxic actions of some of these drugs. The present data support the hypothesis that drug-stimulated non-vesicular 5-HT release is primarily responsible for the discriminative cue of MDMA.
10.1016/0014-2999(91)90659-e
pubmed_564_11940
The authors review the recent development of methods aimed at characterizing endocrine tumours. With new immunocytochemical methods, not only specific hormonal peptides can be identified but also hormonal precursors and their sites of processing. Immunodensitometry allows to quantify the hormonal cellular load and to assess hormonal synthesis via the precursors. Finally hormonal receptors can be identified by various techniques of autoradiography.
pubmed_564_11940
pubmed_51_15930
BACKGROUND We describe our experience of the case of a young female who presented with chest pain and was found to have an intra-pericardial mass that was later confirmed to be a paraganglioma. Although preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not show any left atrial invasion, the patient died in the peri-operative period due to irreparable damage of the cardiac structures from extensive neoplastic invasion. We then performed a retrospective analysis of the available literature to find the factors associated with adverse surgical and long-term outcomes in patients with cardiac paraganglioma. METHODS We found 93 case reports of cardiac and/or pericardial paragangliomas in the literature. After exclusions, 82 cases were included in the final analysis. The patients were divided into two groups based on the outcome of surgical management. Univariate analysis was performed using SPSS software (Chicago, IL version 18), and the statistical significance was defined as a p-value<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The comparison of available demographic, clinical, pathological and laboratory parameters between the deceased and the surviving patients revealed that only the intra-cardiac location (p-value=0.021) and the development of metastases (p-value<0.001) were independently associated with increased surgical and long-term mortality, respectively. The size of a paraganglioma, its functional status or invasion into the surrounding structures does not appear to affect short-or long-term survival in these patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed excellent long-term prognosis for patients with a complete surgical removal of the neoplasm. Based on our experience, we also suggest preoperative imaging with a three dimensional cardiac CT and evaluation for cardiac transplantation before embarking on the surgical resection of these tumors.
pubmed_51_15930
pubmed_361_1708
The delta-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus has been investigated in terms of its potential to form ion channels in planar lipid bilayers formed at the tip of patch electrodes. Channel formation has been shown to occur for delta-toxin concentrations in the range 0.1 to 2.0 microM. In 0.5 M KCl, two major classes of channels were seen--'small' with conductances of 70-100 pS, and 'large' with a conductance of approx. 450 pS. Current-voltage relationships for lipid bilayers containing several delta-toxin channels revealed both voltage-dependent and independent components to channel gating. Reversal potential measurements showed the channels to be cation selective. In the presence of 3.0 M KCl, the channel gating kinetics were complex, with multiple open and closed states. The results are interpreted in terms of a model for the channel consisting of a hexameric cluster of alpha-helical delta-toxin molecules.
10.1016/0005-2736(88)90030-2
pubmed_722_21063
West Nile virus (WNV) which is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitos, may lead to asymptomatic infection, mild febrile illness or encephalitis. Many sporadic cases and major outbreaks of West Nile fever have been reported worldwide, however, WNV infections have not been well documented in Turkey. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of past WNV infections in a population of blood donors. Blood samples were collected from donors with their informed consent. Samples were processed and tested for WNV IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Euroimmun, Germany) according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Demographic data of the donors were recorded. A total of 2821 serum samples were tested. Among them, 28 samples were found to be WNV IgG positive (0.9%) and 41 of them were indeterminate (1.4%). Thus a total of 69 objects were considered to have encountered WNV (2.4%). All of the IgG positive samples (n= 69) and randomly-selected negative samples (n= 60) were re-analysed for the presence of viral RNA by a commercial real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (LightMix® Kit West Nile Virus, TIBMolbiol, Germany). West Nile virus RNA was not found in any of the samples. In conclusion, our data have supported the results of other studies indicating the presence of WNV infection in Turkey. Further larger scale studies are necessary to evaluate the possible risks of WNV infections in our country in terms of blood banking.
pubmed_722_21063
pubmed_486_8196
Previous studies regarding age-related changes in proactive control were inconclusive and the effects of emotion on proactive control in ageing are yet to be determined. Here, we assessed the role of task-relevant emotion on proactive control in younger and older adults. Proactive control was manipulated by varying the proportion of conflict trials in an emotional Stroop task. In Experiment 1, emotional target faces with congruent, incongruent or non-word distractor labels were used to assess proactive control in younger and older adults. To investigate whether the effects of emotion are consistent across different stimulus types, emotional target words with congruent, incongruent or obscured distractor faces were used in Experiment 2. Data from this study showed that older adults successfully deployed proactive control when needed and that task-relevant emotion affected cognitive control similarly in both age groups. It was also found that the effects of emotion on cognitive performance were qualitatively different for faces and words, with facilitating effects being observed for happy faces and for negative words. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of emotion and age on proactive control depend on the task at hand and the chosen stimulus set.
10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01906
pubmed_735_633
OBJECTIVE To describe and validate a gynecologic laparoscopic-surgery training model. METHODS The present prospective observational study was conducted at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre Jesús Usón, Cáceres, Spain, between January 2011 and June 2013. Novice gynecologists attended a 3-day course including simulation and animal training. Participants' were assessed before and after training using a virtual reality simulator; during training, gynecologists were timed and assessed using an Objective and Structured Assessment of Technical Skills score. The virtual reality simulator-assessed skills were eye-hand coordination, hand-hand coordination, and transference of objects. Participants were asked to rate various elements of the training program using a five-point scale. RESULTS The study enrolled 21 gynecologists. Participants performed all tasks faster (P<0.001), using fewer movements (P<0.05 for left and right instruments), after receiving training. During participants' final animal and simulator training sessions, completion times were reduced (P<0.001) and assessment scores (P<0.001) increased for all techniques and tasks. Participants considered suturing to be the most useful aspect of the basic-skills training (4.95±0.22); animal training received a higher rating than simulator training for practicing new techniques (4.81±0.40 vs 4.05±0.86) and maintaining skills (4.76±0.54 vs 3.95±0.97). CONCLUSION Combining proficiency-based physical simulation and animal training models under expert guidance is an efficient model for improving basic and advanced laparoscopic skills. Suturing and animal models were the preferred training components.
pubmed_735_633