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pubmed_649_4973 | A retrospective review of the cases of 180 patients who had 198 acute open fractures of the tibial shaft and were admitted to a multiple-trauma referral center over a three-year period revealed an incidence of accompanying compartment syndrome of 9.1 per cent (eighteen fractures in sixteen patients). Each of the eighteen compartment syndromes was documented by measurements of intracompartmental pressure that were obtained by the saline-injection technique, and all were treated by four-compartment fasciotomy. The incidence of compartment syndrome was found to be directly proportional to the degree of injury to soft tissue and bone; this complication occurred most often in association with a comminuted, grade-III open injury to a pedestrian. The physician must maintain a high index of suspicion to detect a compartment syndrome in the patient who has multiple trauma, as its clinical signs and symptoms may be masked by a closed injury of the head or the need for ventilatory support or prolonged anesthesia for other surgical procedures. | pubmed_649_4973 |
pubmed_959_8580 | This study evaluated the effect of aerobic exercise training (AET) and supplementation with açai on cardiac structure and function in rats submitted to a high-fat diet. Two-month old Fischer male rats were divided into 5 groups: Control (C), High-fat Diet (H), High-fat Diet + Açai (HA), High-fat Diet + AET (HT), High-fat Diet + Açai + AET (HAT). The high-fat diet had 21.8% lard and 1% cholesterol (H and HT), or supplemented with 1% lyophilized açai pulp (HA and HAT). The HT and HAT groups performed AET on a treadmill (5 days/week, 1 h/day, 60% of the maximum running speed) for 8 weeks. Exercise tolerance test were performed, and adiposity index calculated. After euthanasia, the left ventricle (LV) was dissected and processed for histological, single myocyte intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) transient and contractility, oxidative stress and gene expression analysis. AET improved running capacity and reduced the adiposity index. Both AET and açai supplementation inhibited the increase in the LV collagen content, the deleterious effects on the [Ca2+]i transient and contractility in cardiomyocytes and the increment in oxidative stress, caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet. Aerobic exercise training and açai supplementation can mitigate damage caused by high-fat diet in cardiac structure and function, though the combination of treatments had no additional effects. | 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110168 |
pubmed_256_15280 | A microdialysis technique was used to measure myocardial catabolism of adenine nucleotides during preconditioning. Following thoracotomy in domestic pigs, a probe was inserted into the ischaemic myocardium and two probes into normal myocardium. Preconditioning was instituted by occluding a diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery four times over a 10 min period (interspersed with 20 min of reperfusion each time), followed by index ischaemia for 40 min and terminated by 20 min of reperfusion. Non-preconditioned animals, which had been subjected to 40 min ischaemia and 20 min of reperfusion were used as controls. Sham operated animals were additional controls. Following equilibration, the dialysis fluid was continuously pumped and the microdialysate analysed at 5 min intervals. In the dialysate, the amount of lactate, pyruvate, adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine and guanosine was measured. Circulatory parameters were: rate pressure product, pulmonary artery pressures, cardiac output and pulmonary wedge pressure. There was no significant statistical difference in cardiac work between preconditioned pigs and controls. A sharp rise in adenosine was observed during the first short ischaemic period with attenuation during the following three short ischaemic periods. In the microdialysate, lactate, adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine and guanosine were significantly lower during index ischaemia in the preconditioned group than in the non-preconditioned group. Pyruvate levels decreased during preconditioning and rose to a higher level after each brief ischaemic period, followed by a decrease, which was proportionally similar in the preconditioned and unpreconditioned animals during index ischaemia. The effect of preconditioning on lactate and catabolite levels indicated a powerful inhibition of adenine nucleotide catabolic processes due to ischaemia. | 10.1093/oxfordjournals.eurheartj.a060951 |
pubmed_921_17235 | Bovine beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) in vivo has been found complexed with fatty acids, especially palmitic and oleic acid. To elucidate the still unknown structure-function relationship in this protein, the interactions between 13C enriched palmitic acid (PA) and BLG were investigated by means of one-, two-, and three-dimensional NMR spectroscopy in the pH range 8.4-2.1. The NMR spectra revealed that at neutral pH the ligand is bound within the central cavity of BLG, with the methyl end deeply buried within the protein. The analysis of 13C spectra of the holo protein revealed the presence of conformational variability of bound PA carboxyl end in the pH range 8.4-5.9, related to the Tanford transition. The release of PA starts at pH lower than 6.0, and it is nearly complete at acidic pH. This finding is relevant in relation to the widely reported hypothesis that this protein can act as a transporter through the acidic gastric tract. Ligand binding and release is shown to be completely reversible over the entire pH range examined, differently from other fatty acid binding proteins whose behavior is analyzed throughout the paper. The mode of interaction of BLG is compatible with the proposed function of facilitating the digestion of milk fat during the neonatal period of calves. | 10.1110/ps.9.7.1347 |
pubmed_358_13586 | The study was carried out in 20 children aged 6-18 years receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment for nephrotic syndrome. In these children densitometric evaluation of bone by DEXA method (total body and spine) and ultrasound measurement of heel were performed. Moreover, basic parameters of calcium-phosphate metabolism were determined. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were diagnosed in 6/20 (30%) patients. Disturbances of bone mineralisation were accompanied by hyperhydroxyprolinuria, hypercalciuria, hypocalcemia and also by some clinical symptoms. The results of these pilot investigations point at necessity periodical assessment of bone mineralisation and calcium-phosphate metabolism in children with nephrotic syndrome receiving corticosteroid treatment. | pubmed_358_13586 |
pubmed_481_17632 | The emergence of new analytical technology and the production of pharmaceuticals for a global market in a cost-effective manner necessitate the establishment of worldwide specifications that are appropriate for the product and the manufacturing process. This requires a thorough knowledge of the protein and control of the systems that produce it as well as an understanding of the accuracy and precision of the assays used for testing. Harmonization of specifications among the worldwide regulatory authorities is critical for the future development of new pharmaceuticals. A continuing dialogue between industry and regulators to achieve this goal needs to be encouraged and supported. | pubmed_481_17632 |
pubmed_559_8107 | Ethoxylated FSM-type mesoporous silica (folded-sheet mesoporous material) with a pore diameter of 6.2 nm (FSM6.2) remarkably enhances rigidly of the structure in aqueous solutions. The esterified material could be used successfully as an adsorbent to accommodate subunit protein, methemoglobin (Fe(3+)). Furthermore, methemoglobin (Fe(3+)) in the pores of ethoxy-FSM is maintained a peroxidase activity similar to the native, indicating methemoglobin retains its fore subunit structure in the pores of FSM6.2. | 10.1002/bit.21231 |
pubmed_347_15110 | We recently developed a user-friendly web-based application called bc-GenExMiner (http://bcgenex.centregauducheau.fr), which offered the possibility to evaluate prognostic informativity of genes in breast cancer by means of a 'prognostic module'. In this study, we develop a new module called 'correlation module', which includes three kinds of gene expression correlation analyses. The first one computes correlation coefficient between 2 or more (up to 10) chosen genes. The second one produces two lists of genes that are most correlated (positively and negatively) to a 'tested' gene. A gene ontology (GO) mining function is also proposed to explore GO 'biological process', 'molecular function' and 'cellular component' terms enrichment for the output lists of most correlated genes. The third one explores gene expression correlation between the 15 telomeric and 15 centromeric genes surrounding a 'tested' gene. These correlation analyses can be performed in different groups of patients: all patients (without any subtyping), in molecular subtypes (basal-like, HER2+, luminal A and luminal B) and according to oestrogen receptor status. Validation tests based on published data showed that these automatized analyses lead to results consistent with studies' conclusions. In brief, this new module has been developed to help basic researchers explore molecular mechanisms of breast cancer. DATABASE URL: http://bcgenex.centregauducheau.fr | 10.1093/database/bas060 |
pubmed_442_23832 | Of 881 patients with hip fracture operated on in Galway between 1968 and 1973 only 77 per cent were alive after six months from the time of injury, 72 per cent survived 1 year and 63 per cent survived two years. A control sample, sex and age matched, showed survival rates of 96 per cent, 93 per cent and 84 per cent for corresponding periods. After six months the hip fracture appears to have little bearing on survival.Factors having an adverse effect on the outcome were the following in their order of importance: atheroma, bedsores on admission, male sex, concomitant illness and sustaining the injury in the first quarter of the year. A better than average outcome was associated with the absence of these factors or their logical converse. Factors which appear to play an insignificant role in relation to mortality are the type of operation, the length of operation or the accident circumstances except road traffic accidents, which were often in young healthy patients and so gave a better than expected survival. In assessing the influence of these factors on mortality each group was again compared with matched samples from the general population. | 10.1007/BF02938917 |
pubmed_1069_4515 | The value of dobutamine 99mTc-MIBI SPECT (Dobu-ECT) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) was assessed in 39 patients. Compared with coronary angiography, the overall sensitivity and specificity of Dobu-ECT for detecting CAD were 92.9% and 90.9%. Of 13 patients with CAD without myocardial infarction, the sensitivity of Dobu-ECT was 84.6%. In detecting CAD with single, double or triple vessel diseases, the sensitivity of Dobu-ECT was 90.9%, 87.5% and 100% respectively. Furthermore, 88.2% of the patients (15/17) with multivessel (two or three vessels) diseases were correctly identified as having multivessel involvement. For detecting CAD, the sensitivity and specificity of dobutamine ECG were 53.5% and 82%. No serious side effects were observed in the study. The results showed that Dobu-ECT is a feasibie, safe and noninvasive method for diagnosing CAD. | pubmed_1069_4515 |
pubmed_579_9582 | To better understand the mechanisms of development of harmful algal blooms (HABs), accurate estimates of species-specific in situ growth rates are needed. HABs are caused by rapid cell division by the causative microorganisms. To accurately estimate the in situ growth rates of harmful algae having non-uniform and/or irregular cell cycles, we modified a standard equation based on the cell cycle, and calculated the in situ growth rate to describe the process of bloom development in nature. Sampling of a developing bloom of Heterosigma akashiwo in Pohang Bay, Korea, was conducted every 3 h from 15:00 on August 2 to 07:00 on August 4, 2006. The amount of H. akashiwo DNA was measured using flow cytometry following tyramide signal amplification-fluorescence in situ hybridization. On August 2, the percentage of G1 phase cells decreased from 15:00 to 19:00 then increased until 22:00; it then decreased until 07:00 on August 3, followed by an increase to 10:00. This indicates the ability of the cells in nature to undergo more than one round of division per day. During the following night two rounds of division did not occur. The in situ growth rates estimated using the modified equation ranged from 0.31 to 0.53 d(-1) . We conclude that the use of this equation enables more accurate estimates of bloom formation by rapidly dividing cells. | 10.1002/jobm.201400732 |
pubmed_278_1469 | This study aimed to investigate incidence and predictors of wound healing, relapse, major amputation, and/or death among patients with chronic leg wounds who were referred to specialist treatment at hospital for their condition. A nationwide register-based cohort study design was applied with 5 years of follow-up. All patients with diagnoses of chronic leg wounds in Denmark between 2007 and 2012 were included (n = 8394). Clinical, social, and demographic individual-level linked data from several Danish national registries were retrieved. Incidence rate per 1000 person-years (PY) was calculated. Predictors were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Incidence rates of having a healed wound was 236 per 1000 PY. For relapse, the incidence rate was 75 per 1000 PY, for amputation 16 per 1000 PY, and for death 100 per 1000 PY. Diabetes, peripheral arteria disease, or other comorbidities were associated with decreased chance of wound healing and increased risk of relapse, major amputation, and death. Regional differences in all four outcomes were detected. Basic or vocational education independently predicted risk of amputation and death. This study provides epidemiological data that may help identify patients at particular risk of poor outcomes. It also elucidates social inequality in outcomes. | 10.1111/iwj.13607 |
pubmed_87_6814 | A charge-coupled device camera was used for the optical monitoring of activated sludge flocs and filaments, and the image analysis results were compared with the effluent clarity at a full-scale activated sludge plant during a three-month period. The study included a maintenance stoppage at the wastewater treatment plant, which was followed by a settling problem. Thus, the study presents the development of floc morphology from poor flocculation to good flocculation. In this case, the evolution of flocs was a slow process, and the optimum floc morphology was achieved before the purification results improved. To diagnose the cause of the settling problems using optical monitoring, four major factors were found to be relevant: the mean area of the flocs, the amount of small particles, the amount of filament and the shape parameters of the flocs. In this case, the settling problem was caused by dispersed growth based on the image analysis results. In conclusion, the method used has the potential for usefulness in the development of monitoring applications to predict plant performance and also to diagnose the causes of the settling problems. | 10.1080/09593330.2013.875065 |
pubmed_402_8657 | The degree of DNA banding pattern polymorphism exhibited by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREM) strains isolated on a renal unit over an 11-month period was investigated. Thirty VREM strains from different patients were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE; with extended run and optimal pulse times), ribotyping, plasmid profile analysis, biotyping, pyrolysis mass spectrometry, and antibiogram analysis. PFGE resolved 17 banding patterns which formed four distinct clusters at the 82% similarity level. Intercluster band differences ranged from 14 to 31 bands. The strains in one cluster, which contained seven patterns that differed from each other by one to seven bands and from the common pattern by five bands, were confirmed to be a single strain by four of the five other typing methods. The strains in a second cluster with eight patterns, which differed from each other by 1 to 12 bands, contained two subclusters. This subdivision was supported by ribotyping and biotyping. However, it was unclear whether these subclusters represented distinct strains. In one strain, marked polymorphism (patterns that differed from each other by up to four bands) was observed in the ribotype pattern. This study demonstrates the high degree of DNA banding pattern polymorphism found for some strains of VREM and illustrates the complexity involved in defining such strains. | 10.1128/JCM.37.4.1084-1091.1999 |
pubmed_578_6972 | Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder, characterized by skin and mucosaL bleeding in most of the cases. In the Western world, the approximate number of bleeding VWD patients is 6.9 to 17 million. The disease is represented by several types with specific treatment for each type. Diagnosis can be troublesome and, therefore, n order to prevent bleeding complications, a professional clinical/laboratory team is required. | pubmed_578_6972 |
pubmed_491_23637 | INTRODUCTION
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic agent frequently used by for the treatment of several malignancies both in the adjuvant and metastatic setting. Although myelosuppression is the most adverse event of this therapy, gemcitabine might induce severe pulmonary toxicities. We describe a case of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) related to gemcitabine.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient was an 83-year-old man with a metastatic pancreatic cancer who was treated by gemcitabine as first-line therapy. He was in good health and received no other chemotherapy. A dose of 1000 mg/m(2) of gemcitabine was administered over a 30-minute intravenous infusion on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. After a period of 6 months, a complete response was observed. Nevertheless, the patient developed a severe dyspnea, with arterial hypoxemia and very low lung diffusion for carbon monoxide. A CT scan showed diffuse ground glass opacities with septal lines, bilateral pleural effusion, and lymph node enlargement. On echocardiography, there was a suspicion of pulmonary hypertension with elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure and normal left ventricular pressures. Right heart catheterization confirmed pulmonary hypertension and normal pulmonary artery occlusion pressure. Diagnosis of PVOD was made, and a gemcitabine-induced toxicity was suspected. A symptomatic treatment was started. At last follow-up, patient was in functional class I with near-normal of CT scan, arterial blood gases, and echocardiography. A gemcitabine-induced PVOD is the more likely diagnosis. | 10.4137/CMO.S26537 |
pubmed_341_7181 | Objective:To further recognize the clinical characteristics of non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct through the retrospective analysis of cases, with the purpose of providing references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Method:Collect 54 cases of non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and analyze their clinical characteristics after history taking, physical examination, audiometry and imaging examination. Measure the biggest width of midpoint between internal and external of vestibular aqueduct on temporal bone thin-section CT, and analyze the relationship between the pipe width and sides of ear, types of hearing loss and degree of hearing loss through t test. Result:All 54 patients with non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct had bilateral ear involvement. There were 42 cases with prelingual deafness, 12 cases with postlingual deafness, and there were 38 ears with severe deafness, 70 ears with profound deafness. Ninety-six ears of hearing loss showed sensorineural deafness, and 12 ears manifested mixed deafness. The biggest width of midpoint between internal and external of vestibular aqueduct spread over 1.60-3.90 mm, and the average was 2.60 mm. There were no significant differences in data between left and right sides, degree of hearing loss and type of hearing loss. Conclusion:Non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct mainly manifests serious sensorineural deafness, and the diagnosis depends on imaging examination. There is no difference in the degree of expanding between left and right ear, and the extent of enlargement is not related to the type and the severity of hearing loss. | 10.13201/j.issn.1001-1781.2019.03.017 |
pubmed_826_203 | Steroid saponins are a class of naturally existing substances widely distributed in the plants of Smilacaceae. Their biological activities have been attracting the interest of scientists in the chemical field for the past few years. To our best knowledge, there has been no study on structural characterization of steroidal saponins from Smilax trinervula (S. trinervula) using LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry, which could provide an excellent approach for rapid screening of steroidal saponins in other plants of Smilacaceae. An ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS) method was therefore developed to characterize steroidal saponins in S. trinervula. This method was operated in both negative and positive ion modes with HRMS, as a result, a total of twenty-two steroidal saponins with three aglycone skeletons were elucidated in the crude extract from the root of S. trinervula. The characteristic-fragment ions could well identify and differentiate the three types of aglycone skeletons (diosgenyl saponins, furostanol saponins, C27-hydroxy diosgenyl saponins). | pubmed_826_203 |
pubmed_586_9063 | 1. L-Asparaginase has been isolated from aerobically grown Escherichia coli 055:B5 and purified about 140-fold in a three-step procedure involving acidification to pH 4.5, ammonium sulphate fractionation and column chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50. The activity of the preparation is 140 U/mg protein. 2. The enzyme acts within a broad pH range (pH 5-9) and is affected neither by PCMB, N-ethylmaleimide nor metal ions. 3. Molecular weight of the isolated asparaginase is 130 000. | pubmed_586_9063 |
pubmed_152_23883 | Since the first use in neonates in 1974, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been a life-saving technology for newborns with respiratory and cardiac failure. ECMO has been used to treat a variety of cardio-respiratory problems, including meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), sepsis, and cardiac anomalies. For this group of high-mortality neonates, ECMO has produced a survival of 76% in all newborns treated. This review article will examine the current selection criteria for ECMO, the clinical management of neonates on ECMO and discuss the long-term outcome of neonates treated with ECMO. | 10.1055/s-2000-13449 |
pubmed_779_18946 | The co-contamination of the environment by metals and organic pollutants is a significant concern, and one such example is lead (Pb) and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) due to their historic use as fuel additives. Clinoptilolite is an abundant and efficient zeolite for metal removal, but the potential interference of co-existing organic pollutants on metal removal, such as MTBE, have rarely been discussed. In this study, a combination of batch sorption tests and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses were employed to investigate Pb sorption mechanism(s) onto clinoptilolite in the presence and absence of MTBE. A comparison was made to synthetic ZSM-5 zeolite to gain insights into differences in Pb binding mechanisms between hydrophilic (clinoptilolite) and hydrophobic (ZSM-5) zeolites. Site occupancy and surface precipitation contributed equally to Pb removal by clinoptilolite, while surface precipitation was the main Pb removal mechanism for ZSM-5 followed by site occupancy. Despite the negligible effect of 100 mg/L MTBE on observed Pb removal from solution by both zeolites, a surface-embedded Pb removal mechanism, through the Mg site on clinoptilolite surface, arises when MTBE is present. This study provides an understanding of atomic-level Pb uptake mechanisms on zeolites, with and without co-contaminating MTBE, which aids in their application in water treatment at co-contaminated sites. | 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126528 |
pubmed_687_19618 | BACKGROUND
Little is known about sex-based dietary differences in middle-income countries, particularly those undergoing the nutrition transition. This study aims at examining sex disparities in energy and macronutrients' intakes, food consumption patterns, and micronutrients' adequacy in Lebanon, while adopting a life course approach.
METHODS
Data were derived from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in Lebanon in 2008/2009. The study sample consisted of 3636 subjects: 956 children and adolescents aged 6-19.9 years; 2239 adults aged 20-59.9 years and 441 older adults aged above 60 years. At the households, trained nutritionists conducted face-to-face interviews with participants to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and one 24-h diet recall. Food items were categorized into 25 food groups. The Nutritionist Pro software was used for the analysis of dietary intake data and the estimation of energy, macronutrients', and micronutrients' intakes.
RESULTS
In all age groups, males had significantly higher energy intakes, while females had significantly higher fiber intakes. In addition, in adolescents aged 12-19.9 years, females had higher fat intakes as compared to males (37.02 ± 0.6% vs 35.03 ± 0.61%), and in adults aged 20-59.9 years, females had significantly higher total fat (37.73 ± 0.33% vs 36.45 ± 0.38%) and saturated fat intakes (11.24 ± 0.15% vs 10.45 ± 0.18%). These differences in macronutrient intakes were not observed in younger children nor in older adults. Sex-based differences in food groups' intakes were also observed: men and boys had significantly higher intakes of red and processed meat, bread, fast food, soft drinks, and alcohol, while girls and women had higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk, and sweets. In all age groups, females had lower micronutrient intakes compared to males, including calcium, iron, and zinc.
CONCLUSIONS
This study identified sex-specific priorities that ought to be tackled by context-specific interventions to promote healthier diets in Lebanon. The fact that sex-based differences in nutrient intakes and food consumption patterns were the most noticeable in the adolescent and adult years, hence women's reproductive years call for concerted efforts to improve nutrition for women and girls as this would lay the foundation not only for their future education, productivity, and economic empowerment, but also for the health of future generations. | 10.1186/s12937-020-00543-x |
pubmed_197_1939 | Complex regional pain syndrome-type I (CRPS-I; reflex sympathetic dystrophy) is a chronic pain condition that usually follows a deep-tissue injury such as fracture or sprain. The cause of the pain is unknown. We have developed an animal model (chronic post-ischemia pain) that creates CRPS-I-like symptomatology. The model is produced by occluding the blood flow to one hind paw for 3 hours under general anesthesia. Following reperfusion, the treated hind paw exhibits an initial phase of hyperemia and edema. This is followed by mechano-hyperalgesia, mechano-allodynia, and cold-allodynia that lasted for at least 1 month. Light microscopic analyses and electron microscopic analyses of the nerves at the site of the tourniquet show that the majority of these animals have no sign of injury to myelinated or unmyelinated axons. However, electron microscopy shows that the ischemia-reperfusion injury produces a microvascular injury, slow-flow/no-reflow, in the capillaries of the hind paw muscle and digital nerves. We propose that the slow-flow/no-reflow phenomenon initiates and maintains deep-tissue ischemia and inflammation, leading to the activation of muscle nociceptors, and the ectopic activation of sensory afferent axons due to endoneurial ischemia and inflammation. These data, and a large body of clinical evidence, suggest that in at least a subset of CRPS-I patients, the fundamental cause of the abnormal pain sensations is ischemia and inflammation due to microvascular pathology in deep tissues, leading to a combination of inflammatory and neuropathic pain processes. Moreover, we suggest a unifying idea that relates the pathogenesis of CRPS-I to that of CRPS-II. Lastly, our hypothesis suggests that the role of the sympathetic nervous system in CRPS-I is a factor that is not fundamentally causative, but may have an important contributory role in early-stage disease. | 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00911.x |
pubmed_117_1937 | This paper presents the results of an ideal theoretical energy and exergy analysis for a combined, building scale Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) and expansion turbine system. This work identifies the upper bounds of energy and exergy efficiency for the combined LAES-expansion system which has not been investigated. The system uses the simple Linde-Hampson and pre-cooled Linde-Hampson cycles for the liquefaction subsystem and direct expansion method, with and without heating above ambient temperature, for the energy production subsystem. In addition, the paper highlights the effectiveness of precooling air for liquefaction and heating air beyond ambient temperature for energy production. Finally, analysis of the system components is presented with an aim toward identifying components that have the greatest impact on energy and exergy efficiencies in an ideal environment. This work highlights the engineering trade-space and serves as a prescription for determining the merit or measures of effectiveness for an engineered LAES system in terms of energy and exergy. The analytical approach presented in this paper may be applied to other LAES configurations in order to identify optimal operating points in terms of energy and exergy efficiencies. | 10.3390/e20100770 |
pubmed_1080_6056 | The contribution of diabetes duration, both pre- and postpuberty, to the development of microvascular complications and mortality in diabetic subjects was investigated in three study populations from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) Registry. Life-table analyses by total and postpubertal IDDM duration were used to evaluate differences in the prevalence of microvascular complications and diabetes-related mortality in subjects diagnosed before and during puberty, as defined by an age at IDDM onset marker of 11 yr for girls and 12 yr for boys. The prevalence of retinopathy and overt nephropathy in 552 White adult diabetic subjects (population 1, mean IDDM duration 20.8 yr was significantly greater in subjects diagnosed during puberty compared with those diagnosed before puberty. However, similar analyses by postpubertal duration showed no difference in microvascular complication prevalence between the two groups. These findings did not appear to be due to a confounding effect of age. Additional analyses of 239 adolescent diabetic subjects (population 2, mean duration 8.3 yr) revealed the same trend for the prevalence of retinopathy. Finally, results concerning the risk of diabetes-related mortality in a cohort of 1582 subjects (population 3, mean duration 12.9 yr) indicated that postpubertal duration of IDDM may be a more accurate determinant of the development of microvascular complications and diabetes-related mortality than total duration, and it is suggested that the contribution of the prepubertal years of diabetes to long-term prognosis may be minimal. | 10.2337/diacare.12.10.686 |
pubmed_714_16482 | We report a case of individual pulmonary vein atresia associated with multiple levels of left heart obstruction, including aortic coarctation, valvular aortic stenosis, and parachute mitral valves with stenosis. The diagnosis of pulmonary vein obstruction is likely to be missed in patients who also have other left heart obstructive diseases, since the latter usually dominates the clinical presentation. We diagnosed the existence of individual pulmonary vein atresia preoperatively via cardiac catheterization. The pulmonary artery angiograms revealed back and forth motion of the dye with no visualization of either a capillary or venous phase on the lesion side. The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was unevenly elevated and highest on the lesion side. The results were later confirmed by operation and autopsy. Thus, selective pulmonary artery catheterization and angiography remains a good diagnostic tool to rule out the existence of pulmonary vein obstruction in cases which have multiple levels of left heart obstruction. | pubmed_714_16482 |
pubmed_546_7085 | Bleeding oesophageal varices are a frequent and sometimes fatal complication of portal hypertension. Prompt resuscitation and arrest of haemorrhage are the immediate short term priorities. Vasoactive therapy to reduce portal pressure is administered on presentation. Early endoscopy is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy; usually emergency sclerotherapy or banding. After the acute bleeding episode, follow-up therapy is instituted either to obliterate the varices by sclerotherapy or banding, or to chronically lower portal pressure and hence reduce the risk of bleeding pharmacologically; a combination of both strategies may be also used. Active surveillance of those at risk of developing varices is advocated. Long term beta-blocker therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in both the primary prevention of variceal haemorrhage and the prevention of rebleeding in those who have already bled. Despite a multitude of therapeutic regimes and ongoing clinical trials, mortality from this condition remains disappointingly high. | 10.2165/00003495-199957030-00005 |
pubmed_575_598 | BACKGROUND
A polysaccharide was purified in this study, which was acquired from the fermentation broth of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo. We aimed to investigate the structural features and bioactivity of this polysaccharide.
RESULTS
The polysaccharide was purified and the main polysaccharide fraction (i.e., DOP-1) was obtained. High-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) revealed that the molecular weight of DOP-1 was 447.48 kDa. Galactose, glucose and mannose were found to be present in DOP-1 via monosaccharide composition analysis, at a ratio of 1:1.79:6.71. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis indicated that the backbone of DOP-1 was →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α-d-Manp-(1 → 4)-α-d-Manp-(1 → 4,6)-α-d-Manp-(1→, and its repeating units were also preliminarily established. In vitro tests proved that DOP-1 not only protects RAW264.7 macrophages from the cytotoxic effect induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but also inhibits cytokines (i.e., interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α) induced by LPS. DOP-1 demonstrated good scavenging activity in vitro toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals, as well as good metal chelating activity. Therefore, DOP-1 has potential antioxidant applications.
CONCLUSION
The structural characteristics of DOP-1 support its favourable biological activities and lay a strong foundation for further exploration of its structure-activity relationships and activity development, providing experimental data for the development and utilisation of fermentation broth of D. officinale. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. | 10.1002/jsfa.11356 |
pubmed_828_16251 | This article explores mindfulness skills in community and borderline personality disorder (BPD) samples. Study 1 includes 173 community volunteers and explores the psychometric properties of the French version of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS). Study 2 explores the KIMS factor structure in 130 BPD patients and compares KIMS scores of this sample with those of the community sample from Study 1. Study 3 investigates the changes in KIMS scores in a BPD sample (n = 82) treated with Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (I-DBT). Results suggest that the psychometric properties of the French KIMS are comparable with those of the original version in the community and the BPD samples. Moreover, fewer mindfulness skills were found in BPD patients than in control participants. It was also observed that the ability to describe and to act with awareness increased in BPD patients after I-DBT. The present work makes a French instrument measuring mindfulness in daily activities available for clinical practice and research. | 10.1177/1073191110363551 |
pubmed_987_21424 | Mutations in genes encoding cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial complex IV) subunits and assembly factors [e.g., synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2)] are linked to severe metabolic syndromes. Notwithstanding that SCO2 is under transcriptional control of tumor suppressor p53, the role of mitochondrial complex IV dysfunction in cancer metabolism remains obscure. Herein, we demonstrate that the loss of SCO2 in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells leads to significant metabolic and signaling perturbations. Specifically, abrogation of SCO2 increased NAD+ regenerating reactions and decreased glucose oxidation through citric acid cycle while enhancing pyruvate carboxylation. This was accompanied by a reduction in amino acid levels and the accumulation of lipid droplets. In addition, SCO2 loss resulted in hyperactivation of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)/AKT axis with paradoxical downregulation of mTOR signaling, which was accompanied by increased AMP-activated kinase activity. Accordingly, abrogation of SCO2 expression appears to increase the sensitivity of cells to IGF1R and AKT, but not mTOR inhibitors. Finally, the loss of SCO2 was associated with reduced proliferation and enhanced migration of HCT116 cells. Collectively, herein we describe potential adaptive signaling and metabolic perturbations triggered by mitochondrial complex IV dysfunction. | 10.1002/2211-5463.13398 |
pubmed_238_20797 | Processing delays are a disturbing factor in hearing devices, especially with vented or open fits. While the disturbance due to delays is well characterized, neither have the perception thresholds of delays been systematically assessed, nor are the perceptual detection mechanisms clear. This study presents experiments determining the delay detection thresholds in simulated linear vented hearing devices in normal-hearing listeners, where spectral effects of delays were either compensated or not. Furthermore, the psychometric function for the detection of delays was determined for an example condition and linked to model predictions, showing that delay detection can be well predicted from spectral artefacts. | 10.1121/10.0003064 |
pubmed_586_1813 | Secretion of serotonin from platelets induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) derived from antigen-stimulated, IgE-sensitized rabbit basophils was studied to further characterize the biochemical requirements. Inhibition of secretion with diisopropylphosphofluoridate (DFP) was observed if the DFP was present during the reaction, but not if platelets or PAF were pretreated with the inhibitor. This suggested a role for an activatable serine protease in the secretion. Supporting evidence came from the observation that other protease inhibitors and a variety of low molecular weight amino acid esters were also inhibitory. TAMe was most effective, and AGLMe and LeuMe were inactive, indicating a specificity for different esters. Secretion was reduced by agents that increased intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), but enhanced by alpha-adrenergic stimulation, which reduced the levels of cAMP. Concurrent with PAF-induced secretion, a reduction in cAMP levels was observed. No effect of cyclic GMP or cholinergic stimulation was found. Secretion was inhibited by colchicine and enhanced by cytochalasin B, suggesting a role for microfilaments and microtubules. The effects of these three systems on PAF-induced secretion indicate the basic uniformity of the secretory process in platelets (and other cells) whatever the stimulus. The uniqueness of the reaction apparently lies in the stimulus-receptor interaction and the nature of the serine protease which is activated. | 10.1084/jem.143.4.953 |
pubmed_947_18213 | Introduction
Previously, we have reported a withanolide-type steroid, named tubocapsenolide A (TA), which shows potent anti-proliferative activity in several cancer cell lines. However, its inhibitory effect on the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway and therapeutic potential on osteosarcoma have not been reported.
Objectives
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of TA in osteosarcoma.
Methods
The biological functions of TA in U2OS cells were investigated using colony formation, 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining, and cell cycle/apoptosis assays. The interaction between TA and Src homology 2 phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) was detected by enzyme activity and validated by target-identification methods such as drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and biolayer interferometry (BLI). The in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of TA was analyzed in the xenograft tumor model. Western blotting analysis was performed to detect the protein expression levels.
Results
TA exhibited antitumor activity against osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo by regulating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mechanically, TA interacted with SHP-2 directly and activated its phosphatase activity. Importantly, protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor, SHP-2 inhibitor, and SHP-2 siRNA could reverse the inhibitory effect of TA on the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and restored the TA-induced cell death.
Conclusion
TA activated the phosphatase activity of SHP-2, which resulted in the inhibition of the JAK/STAT3 pathway and contributed to the antitumor efficacy of TA. Collectively, these findings suggested that TA could serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteosarcoma. | 10.1016/j.jare.2021.06.004 |
pubmed_445_1019 | The ability of skin epidermal cells to induce allogeneic lymphocytes into proliferation was examined in mixed skin cell-lymphocyte culture reaction (MSLR). The stimulating capacity of skin cells was reduced significantly by trypsin digestion, although the damage was repaired by incubation at 37 C for 3 hr. The optimal concentration of mitomycin C for treatment of stimulating cells in the MSLR differed from that in mixed lymphocyte culture reaction (MLR). Irradiation rendered them three to four times more stimulatory than did mitomycin C. Removal of adherent cells from responding cells by passage through a nylon-wool column gave a substantial elevation of the MSLR. The lymphocytes cocultured with skin cells in the primary MSLR incorporated 3H-thymidine, with the peak at the 6th day of culture. If the lymphocytes primed in the MSLR were restimulated with skin cells from the same stimulating strain, the primed lymphocytes responded promptly and in great magnitude. | 10.1097/00007890-197903000-00011 |
pubmed_324_13592 | OBJECTIVE
To describe the effect of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the QT variability index (QTVI).
METHODS
Digital electrocardiograms from 113 age-matched men (40 with tetraplegia, 26 with high paraplegia, 17 low paraplegia and 31 controls) were analyzed. RR interval, heart rate (HR) variability [total power (TP(RR)), low frequency (LF(RR)) and high frequency (HF(RR))], QT interval duration, Bazett HR-corrected QT (QTc), QT interval variance (QTVN) and QTVI were compared.
RESULTS
Significant group main effects were present for RR, QTc, TP(RR) and LF(RR), but not QT duration, QTVN or HF(RR). Post hoc comparisons revealed the following: (1) longer RR in controls versus subjects with high paraplegia and low paraplegia, and in subjects with tetraplegia versus high paraplegia and low paraplegia; (2) QTc was longer in subjects with low paraplegia versus controls and shorter in subjects with tetraplegia versus high paraplegia, and (3) TP(RR) and LF(RR) were different in controls and subjects with high paraplegia compared to those with low paraplegia. QTVI was significantly elevated in all SCI groups compared to controls. Significant negative correlations between QTVI and HF(RR) were observed in all SCI groups, and TP(RR) and LF(RR) in subjects with tetraplegia and high paraplegia only. Age was negatively correlated in controls.
CONCLUSIONS
QTVI is negatively affected in otherwise healthy SCI men compared to age-matched controls. This observation appears to reflect the attenuation of vagal modulation, sympathetic impairment above the sixth thoracic vertebra and/or a heightened degree of cardiovascular disease risk. | 10.1159/000323337 |
pubmed_995_8097 | Local resection of a 1200 g, apparently inoperable pancreatic mass was performed on an elderly woman. Because she survived for more than 6 years without recurrence or metastases, the specimens were reviewed. They were compatible with giant cell tumor of osteoclast type. Correct diagnosis of this unusual tumor is important because of its seemingly favorable prognosis. | pubmed_995_8097 |
pubmed_340_16544 | PURPOSE
To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in the management of macular oedema caused by central, hemi-, and branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO, HRVO, or BRVO).
METHODS
This prospective, interventional case series included 13 patients (13 eyes) with retinal vein occlusion and macular oedema. They received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Follow-up was for 1 year with repeat injections where appropriate. Outcome measures were visual acuity and macular thickness measured using ocular coherence tomography (OCT).
RESULTS
There were four patients with CRVO, one with HRVO, and eight with BRVO (13 eyes). Mean duration of symptoms before intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection was 6.8 months (SD 4.5 months). Eight eyes (62%) responded well with improved visual acuity and macular thickness 1-3 months postinjection. All eight eyes developed recurrent macular oedema and five received repeat injections. Three patients declined a second injection. No improvement in visual acuity or OCT macular thickness was seen after the second injection with visual acuity returning to baseline levels at 1-year follow-up. Three eyes (23%) showed no response to the initial injection (no improvement in macular thickness or visual acuity). Seven patients (54%) had a rise in intraocular pressure with six (46%) requiring treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide is effective as a short-term treatment of macular oedema owing to retinal vein occlusion, improving both visual acuity and macular thickness. However, this effectiveness is not maintained after 1 year despite repeat injections. | 10.1038/sj.eye.6702518 |
pubmed_333_1672 | Normal mononuclear leukocytes were incubated with serum from patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy subjects and then studied on lymphoproliferative tests. Serum from SLE patients that contained an autoantibody to a subpopulation of thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes inhibited suppressor T-cell activity induced with concanavalin A. These sera did not inhibit lymphoproliferative responses or suppression by monocytoid cells. Mitogen-activated suppressor cells were not inhibited with serum from SLE patients or healthy subjects lacking T-cell autoantibody. This abnormality may contribute to the altered immune response that occurs with SLE. | 10.1172/JCI109180 |
pubmed_916_20441 | Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) is a key component of Chinese medicine (Turmeric) and has been proven effective in killing various cancer cells. Its role in inducing cytotoxic effects in many cancer cells has been reported, but its role regarding DNA damage on lung cancer cells has not been studied in detail. In the present study, we demonstrated DMC-induced DNA damage and condensation in NCI-H460 cells by using the Comet assay and DAPI staining examinations, respectively. Western blotting indicated that DMC suppressed the protein levels associated with DNA damage and repair, such as 14-3-3σ (an important checkpoint keeper of DNA damage response), DNA repair proteins breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA1), O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1), and p53 (tumor suppressor protein). DMC activated phosphorylated p53 and p-H2A.X (phospho Ser140) in NCI-H460 cells. Furthermore, we used confocal laser systems microscopy to examine the protein translocation. The results showed that DMC promotes the translocation of p-p53 and p-H2A.X from the cytosol to the nuclei in NCI-H460 cells. Taken together, DMC induced DNA damage and affected DNA repair proteins in NCI-H460 cells in vitro. | pubmed_916_20441 |
pubmed_912_22408 | In this paper, we investigate the reconstruction of a signal defined as the sum of K orientations from samples taken with a kernel defined on the 3D rotation group. A potential application is the recovery of fiber orientations in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. We propose an exact reconstruction algorithm based on the finite rate of innovation theory that makes use of the spherical harmonics representation of the signal. The number of measurements needed for perfect recovery, which may be as low as 3K, depends only on the number of orientations and the bandwidth of the kernel used. Furthermore, the angular resolution of our method does not depend on the number of available measurements. We illustrate the performance of the algorithm using several simulations. | 10.1109/EMBC.2012.6346421 |
pubmed_387_10812 | A review of the literature and our own series revealed 38 patients with lower gastrointestinal (LGI) hemorrhage among 4086 renal transplant recipients (0.9%). These patients represent 30% of 128 patients with major colorectal complications in this group. Of the 32 patients whose treatment and outcome were reported, only 12 (38%) were treated operatively. The overall mortality rate was 72%. The causes of LGI hemorrhage included colitis from opportunistic infections (42%); pseudomembranous, ischemic, or uremic colitis (40%); and idiopathic ulcers of the colon (18%). Colonoscopic, gross, and histopathologic findings of a patient with massive LGI hemorrhage from a fungal ulcer of the colon are the focus of this study, as are the implications of such findings. We propose an algorithm for diagnostic and therapeutic management decisions. We emphasize prompt diagnosis and the importance of colonoscopy. We propose withdrawal of immunosuppression and early operative intervention if the patient survival rate is to improve. | 10.1001/archsurg.1988.01400300085015 |
pubmed_707_21357 | BACKGROUND
Bronchoscopy is the main method for the diagnosis of tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB). However, it is not well-used in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), leading to misdiagnosis. The aim of this study is to verify the value and feasibility of bronchoscopy for an early diagnosis and treatment of TBTB.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective observational study was performed in patients with active PTB. The ratios of TBTB and tracheobronchial stenosis were analyzed with propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline characteristics, and a Cox regression model was further employed to adjust for residual confounding factors.
RESULTS
A total of 656 patients with active PTB were enrolled in the study that included 307 patients in the active group and 349 patients in the non-active group. The ratio of TBTB was significantly higher in the active group than that in the non-active group [hazard ratio (HR), 2.31; 95% CI, 1.70-3.14; p < 0.001]. With PSM, the proportion of tracheobronchial stenosis in the non-active group was significantly higher than that in the active group (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.15-2.95; p = 0.011). Moreover, the number of patients with moderate to severe stenosis were significantly higher than that in the active group (HR, 4.13; 95% CI, 2.25-7.63; p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained with multivariate analysis. With 12 months of treatment, both therapeutic effective rate (84.7 vs. 68.2%; p = 0.009) and improvement rate of non-fibrotic tracheobronchial stenosis (79.1 vs. 47.4%; p = 0.022) were higher in the active group than that in the non-active group.
CONCLUSION
Active and regular bronchoscopy is conducive to early diagnosis of TBTB, combined with prompt anti-tuberculosis therapy, greatly reducing the occurrence of tracheobronchial stenosis and improving prognosis. | 10.3389/fmed.2022.825736 |
pubmed_106_12656 | Microtubule plus ends dynamically attach to kinetochores on mitotic chromosomes. We directly imaged this dynamic interface using high resolution fluorescent speckle microscopy and direct labeling of kinetochores in Xenopus extract spindles. During metaphase, kinetochores were stationary and under tension while plus end polymerization and poleward microtubule flux (flux) occurred at velocities varying from 1.5-2.5 micro m/min. Because kinetochore microtubules polymerize at metaphase kinetochores, the primary source of kinetochore tension must be the spindle forces that produce flux and not a kinetochore-based mechanism. We infer that the kinetochore resists translocation of kinetochore microtubules through their attachment sites, and that the polymerization state of the kinetochore acts a "slip-clutch" mechanism that prevents detachment at high tension. At anaphase onset, kinetochores switched to depolymerization of microtubule plus ends, resulting in chromosome-to-pole rates transiently greater than flux. Kinetochores switched from persistent depolymerization to persistent polymerization and back again during anaphase, bistability exhibited by kinetochores in vertebrate tissue cells. These results provide the most complete description of spindle microtubule poleward flux to date, with important implications for the microtubule-kinetochore interface and for how flux regulates kinetochore function. | 10.1083/jcb.200301088 |
pubmed_888_14066 | Cemented femoral stem fixation is reproducible and provides excellent early recovery of hip function in patients 60 to 80 years old. The durability of fixation has been evaluated up to 20 years with 90% survivorship. Achieving a uniform cement mantle and minimizing polyethylene wear has been shown to reduce the incidence of fixation failure. This article describes the senior author's (C.S.R.) technique for cemented total hip arthroplasty with particular emphasis on the art of cemented femoral stem fixation and his experience with 3 different cemented stem designs over 30 years. The results of using this cement technique with a modern stem design with a surface roughness of 30 to 40 microinches have produced a 95% survivorship at 10- to 20-year follow-up in patients 60 to 80 years old. | 10.1016/j.arth.2004.03.004 |
pubmed_394_6587 | Functional and structural abnormalities in the renal microvasculature are important processes contributing to the pathophysiology of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). Renewed interest in the complex interplay between tubular injury, inflammation and microvascular alterations has emerged in order to gain a better understanding of acute kidney injury syndromes. This review examines alterations of the renal microvasculature as they relate to ischemic and septic AKI with an emphasis on the mechanisms involved in altered microvascular permeability. | 10.1016/j.mvr.2008.09.004 |
pubmed_851_2784 | Despite the outstanding progress in modern medicine, the oral delivery of peptide drugs is limited until today due to their instability in the gastrointestinal tract and low mucosa penetration. To overcome these hurdles, liposomes containing the specific tetraether lipid GCTE (glycerylcaldityltetraether lipid) were examined. For this purpose, the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin was used as model substance and liposomes were prepared by DAC (dual assymetric centrifugation). These liposomes showed a size and polydispersity index comparable to standard liposomes. A high encapsulation efficiency of 58.53±1.76% of the peptide drug vancomycin could be obtained as detected by HPLC. FCS analysis showed that in average each liposome contains 30 molecules of vancomycin. TEM and Cryo-EM micrographs verified the size and lamellarity of the liposomal formulations. Cytotoxicity tests in Caco-2 cells showed no significant cytotoxicity for all liposomal concentrations tested, indicating the good tolerability of these formulations. Furthermore, the use of sucrose as lyoprotector enabled the long term storage of the liposomal formulation for at least three months. The potency of this drug delivery system could be proven in an animal model using Wistar rats. One hour after oral application, 4.82±0.56% of the administered dose of vancomycin could be found in the blood as detected by immunoassay measurements. This transport did also not affect the integrity of the peptide as verified by immunoassay measurements. In combination with long term storage stability, this formulation appears to be a promising delivery system for oral application of peptide drugs. | 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.07.013 |
pubmed_196_14172 | OBJECTIVES
Harmful alcohol consumption is associated with considerable social and economic damage to individuals and society. Because gender and ethnic background influence alcohol intake differently, examining gender specific factors influencing harmful drinking is necessary. This study investigated gender differences in alcohol consumption, harmful drinking, and the associated factors among Korean adults.
METHODS
We analyzed the data from the 2012-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data from survey participants aged 20-64 years (N = 18,581) were included. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used for alcohol dependence, and pooled weights were used. Chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
The prevalence of harmful alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score ≥ 16) was 10.7% in the total sample; 18.4% in men and 3.4% in women, which constituted a significant difference. Education, marital status, smoking, perceived stress, and depressive feeling were associated with harmful drinking in both genders. However, household income, occupation, and perceived health status were associated with harmful drinking only in men.
CONCLUSION
Since there are gender differences in harmful drinking and alcohol dependence, gender tailored prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol dependence are necessary including consideration of smoking, stress, and depressive feeling. | 10.24171/j.phrp.2019.10.4.02 |
pubmed_893_18407 | BACKGROUND
Actinomycosis is a chronic and extensive granulomatous, bacterial infection. Revelation by oral ulceration is rare.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A 76-year-old patient with diabetes was treated with dabrafenib for stage IV melanoma. A follow-up visit revealed two ulcerated, infiltrated and hyperalgesic lesions of the palate and gingiva. There were no associated signs. The laboratory findings were normal. The possibility of squamous cell carcinoma occurring with BRAF inhibitors was discussed, despite the rarity of such cases in the literature. Histological examination showed an actinomycotic grain. A scan of the facial mass showed no osteitis. Antimicrobial therapy was initiated with amoxicillin for four months, with a favorable outcome.
DISCUSSION
Actinomycetes are Gram-positive filamentous saprophytic bacteria of the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract. They can become pathogenic under the influence of several factors. Cervicofacial involvement in the form of a peri-mandibular inflammatory nodule with secondary fistulation on the skin or in the mouth is the classic presentation. To our knowledge, no cases of opportunistic infection under BRAF inhibitors have been described. Only two cases of tuberculosis have been reported with sorafenib. The initial presentation led to suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma. In our patient, poor oral hygiene and diabetes were the two key factors considered. Moreover, this is the first case reported under dabrafenib, which does not appear to be a favoring factor. We would stress the importance of mucosal examination in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors. | 10.1016/j.annder.2017.11.002 |
pubmed_608_5796 | For many college students, joining a research group is a critical step toward developing strong mentor-mentee relationships that help shape their science identities and research self-efficacy. ReBUILDetroit, a program that seeks to diversify the biomedical research workforce, uses a scaffolded process to help its scholars transition into research. The first-year curriculum includes a research methods course and a course-based undergraduate research experience that prepare ReBUILDetroit Scholars for entering a research group. Curricular and cocurricular elements prepare scholars for faculty interactions and diminish barriers that might otherwise prevent diverse students from obtaining these research experiences. The program facilitates research placements through student coaching and speed-pairing events. Quantitative and qualitative data on the scholars show strong perceived gains in science identity, enhanced research self-efficacy, and greater research preparedness. | 10.18833/spur/2/1/5 |
pubmed_1128_17188 | In a series of 120 eyes of 60 patients in 24 affected families, 28 eyes were treated by photocoagulation in order to stabilize the extension of bullous peripheral retinoschisis to the posterior pole or to prevent retinal detachment. 3 eyes affected by severe retinal detachment in the months following this treatment. After analysis of spontaneous evolution of the untreated eyes and review of literature, the authors conclude that preventive photocoagulation in bullous retinoschisis is not advised, because of spontaneous regression with age and the possibility of complications. Prophylaxis treatment of retinal detachment by encircling the posterior pole by photo-coagulations is discussed. | pubmed_1128_17188 |
pubmed_458_63 | The freshwater bivalve, L. marginalis was experimentally exposed to 10 and 30 ppm concentrations of CdCl2 to examine filtration rate, oxygen uptake and glycogen level of liver and gills for health assessment for their reuse in the reclamation of cadmium intoxicated environments. In situ experiment was also performed for better appraisal of the filtration rate in the lake. Oxygen uptake in the treated group exceeded that of control by 15-22% during the early 24 hr after cadmium exposure, but followed an essential decline (23-30%) thereafter. The reduction of filtration rate ranged from 12-62% in laboratory to 83-85% in field trials. At the tissue level, glycogen content was reduced by 61-72% in liver and 52-63% in gill. In both tissues, glycogen content was inversely proportional to the cadmium contents of the animal. Critical appraisal of data suggests that the threshold values of cadmium in gill and liver were 50-80 microg/g dw for oxygen uptake and 50-60 microg/g for filtration rate because of marked reduction of these parameters beyond the values of cadmium. It is concluded that filtration rate, oxygen uptake of the freshwater bivalve, L. marginalis can be used as biomarker for animal health assessment and for possible reuse of the stock animals. | pubmed_458_63 |
pubmed_299_19886 | OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of total flavonoids of Herba Epimedium (FHE) on BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway in promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).
METHODS
Passage 3 BMSCs were randomly divided into the control group, the experimental group, and the inhibitor group. BMSCs in the control group were cultured in 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide + Osteogenuxic Supplement (OS) fluid + DMEM/F12 culture media. BMSCs in the experimental group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE. BMSCs in the inhibitor group were intervened by 20 microg/mL FHE and 1 microg/mL NOGGIN recombinant protein. At day 9 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. Calcium nodules were stained by alizarin red staining and the density was observed. The transcription expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins (type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin) and related factors of BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway was assayed by RT-PCR.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, ALP activities were enhanced and the density of calcium nodules significantly increased; type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin expression levels were increased in the experimental group. The expression of osteogenesis-related transcription factor was also increased in the experimental group. Noggin recombinant protein inhibited FHE promoting BMSCs osteogenesis in the inhibitor group. Compared with the experimental group, ALP activity decreased (P < 0.05), the density of calcium nodules was lowered, expression levels of type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the inhibitor group.
CONCLUSION
20 microg/mL FHE promoted osteogenic differentiation process of BMSCs by BMP-2/RunX2/OSX signaling pathway. | pubmed_299_19886 |
pubmed_100_15069 | Previous research has demonstrated that comorbid obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with greater overall OCD severity, functional impairment, and poorer treatment outcomes (Coles et al., 2008; Lochner et al., 2010; Pinto, 2009). However, research has only examined the effects of OCPD categorically and has yet to thoroughly examine the impact of individual OCPD characteristics dimensionally. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the relationships between various OCPD-related dimensions (e.g., perfectionism, rigidity) and OCD symptomology and severity. The study recruited a sample of OCD patients (n=51) in the OCD units of two residential treatment facilities. Findings yielded significant relationships between OCD severity and the following OCPD dimensions: flexibility, doubts about actions (a dimension of perfectionism), and hoarding. Interpretations of these results and the implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcome are discussed. Furthermore, the current study provides insight into a unique perspective which leaves room for more symptom overlap and variability between OCD and OCPD. | 10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.06.011 |
pubmed_279_13196 | OBJECTIVES
To describe the epidemiology of non-fatal injuries sustained by young Victorians requiring hospitalisation, and to provide baseline data to establish and evaluate injury prevention programs.
DATA SOURCE
The Victorian Inpatient Minimum Database, as modified for use by Monash University Accident Research Centre.
DESIGN
A five-year (July 1986 to June 1991) retrospective epidemiological study of 56,209 15-24-year-olds admitted to Victorian public hospitals because of injury.
RESULTS
The annual Victorian hospital admission rate of 15-24-year-olds with injuries was 1609 per 100,000. The major causes of admission were, in order of frequency, transport injuries, falls (excluding falls in sport), sports injuries, assault, and self-inflicted injuries. The cost to the Victorian community in hospital expenditure is at least $31.5M per year. Of these injuries, 73.9% were unintentional; however, intentional self-inflicted and assault injury rates were higher for both adolescents (15-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) compared with other age groups.
CONCLUSION
High rates of injury for young people have been found, imposing a considerable burden on the community. As many injuries are preventable, the risk factors warrant further investigation. In particular, control measures could help reduce sports, transport-related and intentionally inflicted injuries. | 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1994.tb125948.x |
pubmed_222_21123 | In order to select the main medicinal plants used in folk medicine to treat arterial hypertension and/or diabetes, a survey was undertaken in different areas of oriental Morocco. The patients (370 women and 256 men) were divided into three groups: diabetics (61%), hypertensives (23%) and hypertensive diabetic persons (16%). On average, 67.51% of patients regularly use medicinal plants. This proportion is perceptibly the same in all groups and does not depend on sex, age and socio-cultural level. This result shows that phytotherapy is widely adopted in northeastern Morocco. For diabetes, 41 plants were cited, of which the most used were Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae), Globularia alypum L. (Globulariaceae), Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (Compositae), Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) and Tetraclinis articulata Benth. (Cupressaceae). In the hypertension's therapy 18 vegetal species were reported, of which the most used were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae), Olea europea L. (Oleaceae), Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae), Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) and Petroselinum crispum A.W. Hill (Apiaceae). Among the 18 species used for hypertension, 14 were also employed for diabetes. Moreover, these two diseases were associated in 41% of hypertensives. These findings suggest that hypertension observed in this region would be in a large part related to diabetes. | 10.1016/s0378-8741(97)00077-9 |
pubmed_256_21095 | The effects of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) on collagen expression by keloid fibroblasts were examined in the absence and presence of heparin. Collagen biosynthesis and gene expression of type I collagen were down-regulated by the FGFs in the presence of heparin. Acidic FGF, in a concentration range of 0.4 to 50 ng/ml, had little or no effect on collagen synthesis after a 4-day incubation. However, in the presence of heparin (100 micrograms/ml) acidic FGF, in concentrations ranging from 2 to 50 ng/ml, decreased [3H]hydroxyproline synthesis by 44 to 68%, compared with untreated control cultures. Total [3H]hydroxyproline synthesis was similar between control and heparin-treated cultures. Basic FGF (2.0 to 50 ng/ml) was effective in suppressing [3H]hydroxyproline synthesis by 50 to 90% after a 4-day incubation without heparin in keloid and normal fibroblast cultures. The steady-state levels of type I collagen messenger RNA were significantly decreased by acidic FGF in the presence of heparin, as well as by basic FGF without heparin. The data suggest that the FGFs are effective in down-regulating excess collagen production by keloid fibroblasts and that this inhibitory effect is apparently associated with pretranslational events. Moreover, acidic FGF is apparently dependent on heparin, whereas basic FGF is not, for potentiation of the down-regulatory effects of the FGFs. | pubmed_256_21095 |
pubmed_126_4056 | The purpose of the paper is a presentation of contemporary opinions about IOL implantation in children based on literature and own 11-years-long experience in this field. IOLs are implanted into the bag in children aged from 2 years. Removal of the central part of posterior capsule by capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy through posterior capsule hole is performed before implantation. | pubmed_126_4056 |
pubmed_678_16275 | A great improvement in valence change memory performance has been recently achieved by adding another metallic layer to the simple metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure. This metal layer is often referred to as oxygen exchange layer (OEL) and is introduced between one of the electrodes and the oxide. The OEL is believed to induce a distributed reservoir of defects at the metal-insulator interface thus providing an unlimited availability of building blocks for the conductive filament (CF). However, its role remains elusive and controversial owing to the difficulties to probe the interface between the OEL and the CF. Here, using Scalpel SPM we probe multiple functions of the OEL which have not yet been directly measured, for two popular VCMs material systems: Hf/HfO2 and Ta/Ta2O5. We locate and characterize in three-dimensions the volume containing the oxygen exchange layer and the CF with nanometer lateral resolution. We demonstrate that the OEL induces a thermodynamic barrier for the CF and estimate the minimum thickness of the OEL/oxide interface to guarantee the proper switching operations is ca. 3 nm. Our experimental observations are combined to first-principles thermodynamics and defect kinetics to elucidate the role of the OEL for device optimization. | 10.1021/acsami.6b16268 |
pubmed_789_23523 | A palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-alkynylphenol with 2-alkynylvinyl bromide gives rise to cyclopenta[c]chromenes in good yields. Three bonds are formed during the process and a double insertion of triple bonds is believed to be the key step. | 10.1039/c2cc32077k |
pubmed_294_6370 | UNLABELLED
The increase of sympathetic activity in heart failure is accompanied by a reduced parasympathetic tone. The renin-angiotensin system has not only multiple interactions with the sympathetic nervous system, but may also influence vagal tone directly by angiotensin II. Animal studies show a reduction of parasympathetic tone by a direct action of angiotensin II in the area postrema where the blood brain barrier is absent. It is possible that, in addition to the sympathetic and renin-angiotensin system, the parasympathetic nervous system may also influence prognosis in heart failure. Therefore, baroreflex sensitivity as (CBS) an index of vagal tone was examined in 35 patients with moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA II-III). Independent of the severity of heart failure BS was the lower the higher plasma-renin-activity was. Fifty-six months after the initial examination a comparison of the surviving patients (Group 1, n = 20) with the patients who died or underwent heart transplantation (Group 2, n = 15) did not reveal significant differences in the initial hemodynamic data. However, group 2 patients showed a tendency to higher initial plasma-renin-activity and significantly lower BS 1.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.3 ms/mm Hg; p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
In patients with heart failure a relation between the renin-angiotensin system and the parasympathetic nervous system is likely as there is a significant negative relationship between BS and plasma-renin-activity. Among patients with a similar degree of heart failure a low vagal tone identifies patients with a poor prognosis. | pubmed_294_6370 |
pubmed_866_17483 | Ischemic stroke kills more women compared with men thus emphasizing a significant sexual dimorphism in ischemic pathophysiological outcomes. However, the mechanisms behind this sexual dimorphism are yet to be fully understood. It is well established that cerebral ischemia activates a variety of inflammatory cascades and that microglia are the primary immune cells of the brain. After ischemic injury, microglia are activated and play a crucial role in progression and resolution of the neuroinflammatory response. In recent years, research has focused on the role that microglia play in this sexual dimorphism that exists in the response to central nervous system (CNS) injury. Evidence suggests that the molecular mechanisms leading to microglial activation and polarization of phenotypes may be influenced by sex, therefore causing a difference in the pro/anti-inflammatory responses after CNS injury. Here, we review advances highlighting that sex differences in microglia are an important factor in the inflammatory responses that are seen after ischemic injury. We discuss the main differences between microglia in the healthy and diseased developing, adult, and aging brain. We also focus on the dimorphism that exists between males and females in microglial-induced inflammation and energy metabolism after CNS injury. Finally, we describe how all of the current research and literature regarding sex differences in microglia contribute to the differences in poststroke responses between males and females. | 10.1111/cns.13267 |
pubmed_218_8424 | The case of a 48-year-old Japanese man with idiopathic bronchostenosis in the right lower lobe is reported. The patient had fourteen episodes of pneumonia in two years and therefore surgical resection of the right lower lobe was performed for both diagnosis and treatment. Histopathology demonstrated no evidence of malignancy, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis or amyloid deposition. Despite an exhaustive evaluation, a specific etiology was never determined. The patient was given the diagnosis of acquired idiopathic localized bronchostenosis with frequent recurrence of pneumonia. | 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.2413 |
pubmed_715_3213 | BACKGROUND
There are numerous potential sources of interference in immunoassays. Our aim was to identify the blood component that causes negative interference in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) immunoassays based on antibodies against the central part of cTnI.
METHODS
We isolated an interfering factor (IF) from a sample with low recovery of added cTnI, using several consecutive purification steps: caprylic acid precipitation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and purification on Cibacron Blue gel and protein G columns. Purified IF was identified by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric analysis of protein bands. For the direct detection of human antibodies to cardiac troponin in serum samples, we developed immunoassays using three different anti-human immunoglobulin antibodies and measured troponin antibodies in samples with low and normal cTnI recovery.
RESULTS
Treatment with caprylic acid did not precipitate IF, but IF precipitated at 40% ammonium sulfate saturation. IF bound to a Cibacron Blue gel column, from which it was eluted with a linear salt gradient; it also bound to protein G. Gel electrophoresis of purified IF showed two major bands with molecular masses corresponding to the heavy (approximately 50 kDa) and light chains (approximately 25 kDa) of immunoglobulin, and their identities were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The presence of troponin-specific autoantibodies was confirmed in samples with low recoveries of cTnI by three different immunoassays. The median signals were significantly higher in 10 samples with low recovery than in 10 samples with normal recovery of cTnI (P < or = 0.007).
CONCLUSIONS
Circulating autoantibodies to cTnI or other proteins of the troponin complex can be a source of negative interference in cTnI immunoassays. | 10.1373/clinchem.2004.040063 |
pubmed_847_18167 | Background
Opioid overdose related injury or death can be prevented by bystander naloxone administration. For naloxone to be present when and where overdoses occur, opioid prevention education and naloxone distribution (OPEND) must be established on a broad level. This is the 30-month follow-up of the first multi-site naloxone project in Sweden, implemented at 31 sites in the County of Skåne 2018.
Aim
To address participant characteristics and factors associated with returning for naloxone refill and with having used naloxone for overdose reversal. An additional aim was to describe self-reported reasons for naloxone refill and overdose experiences.
Methods
Data were collected during June 2018-December 2020 through questionnaires at baseline and upon naloxone refill of the initial and subsequent naloxone kit. Descriptive statistics was used to address participant characteristics, those returning for naloxone refill and reporting overdose reversal. Chi-2 test was used for variable comparison between groups. Factors associated with overdose reversals were examined by logistic regression analysis. Reasons for naloxone refill, overdose situation and management were presented descriptively.
Results
Among 1,079 study participants, 22% (n = 235) returned for naloxone refill, of which 60% (n = 140) reported a total of 229 overdose reversals. Reversals were more likely to be reported by participants trained at needle exchange programs (NEPs) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.18, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 3.38-7.95)], with previous experience of own (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03-2.58) or witnessed (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.05-4.29) overdose, or who had used sedatives during the last 30 days before initial training (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.04-2.33). A majority of overdoses reportedly occurred in private settings (62%), where the victim was a friend (35%) or acquaintance (31%) of the rescuer.
Conclusion
Participants with own risk factors associated with overdose (e.g., injection use, concomitant use of benzodiazepines and previous experience of own overdose) were more likely to report administering naloxone for overdose reversal. Overdose management knowledge was high. The findings indicate that implementation of multi-site OPEND reaches individuals at particularly high risk of own overdose in settings with limited previous harm reduction strategies and favors a further scaling up of naloxone programs in similar settings. | 10.3389/fpubh.2022.811001 |
pubmed_653_6712 | Recent studies suggest that in utero exposure of methyl donors influences programming of the fetal immune system in favor of development of allergic disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, folic acid supplementation, and circulating folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations during pregnancy were associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, and atopic dermatitis in offspring. The study was a population-based birth cohort from fetal life until 48 mo (n = 8742). The use of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy was assessed by questionnaire. Plasma folate and serum vitamin B-12 concentrations and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism were available from blood collected in early pregnancy. Atopic dermatitis, wheezing, and shortness of breath in the offspring were assessed by parental-derived questionnaires at 12, 24, 36, and 48 mo. Maternal folate >16.2 nmol/L and vitamin B-12 >178 pmol/L were positively associated with the development of atopic dermatitis [adjusted OR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05-1.33) and adjusted OR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.06-1.60) for the highest quartiles of folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations, respectively] but not with wheezing and shortness of breath. Maternal MTHFR C677T polymorphism and folic acid supplementation were not associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, and atopic dermatitis. No interactions were found by age, family history of atopy, folic acid supplementation, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, or maternal smoking (P-interaction > 0.10). High folate and vitamin B-12 levels during pregnancy are associated with increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the offspring. Potential risks of high folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations on allergic outcomes should be evaluated when discussing mandatory fortification programs. | 10.3945/jn.111.154948 |
pubmed_108_2381 | Sweet potatoes (the tuber of Ipomoea batatas) are a major food crop globally. The sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius elegantulus) is a serious pest of this important crop. The triterpenol, boehmerol, has previously been found in the skin of the tuber where, as its acetate ester, it has been shown to signal oviposition by the weevil. A new triterpenol, batatasenol, was identified in two varieties of sweet potatoes, 'Covington' and 'Purple Stokes'. In the 'Covington' variety, batatasenol was practically the only triterpenol present in the skins. In the 'Purple Stokes' variety, batatasenol was present along with boehmerol and several minor triterpenols. Based on the structures of the co-occurring compounds, it is proposed that their biosynthesis involves an epoxysqualene cyclase which can carry out both all-chair and B-boat cyclizations. | 10.1002/cbdv.201800439 |
pubmed_46_3941 | Transcriptional regulators control much of hematopoiesis. One such transcriptional regulator is the myeloid zinc finger gene MZF-1. MZF-1 has been localized to the telomere of chromosome 19q, where a large number of related zinc finger genes reside. It has been found to be essential in granulopoiesis. It is a bi-functional transcriptional regulator, repressing transcription in non-hematopoietic cells, and activating transcription in cells of hematopoietic origins. Its consensus DNA binding site has been isolated, and sites in several promoters of myeloid-specific genes, such as CD34, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase, have been defined. In co-transfection experiments MZF-1 has been found to regulate transcription from the CD34 promoter. | 10.1007/978-3-642-85232-9_16 |
pubmed_902_22488 | An expression is derived for the mean irradiance distribution of a finite cross-section laser beam propa: gating in sea water. The effects of large-scale refractive variations on beam quality due to temperature and salinity fluctuations and the incoherent scattering of suspended biological particles with indices of refraction close to that of sea water are included. The analysis is general; it is valid in both the near and the far field of the laser transmitting aperture and also for an arbitrary complex electromagnetic optical wavefunction in the exit pupil of the transmitting aperture. Analytic results are presented for the beam pattern and spot size of a Gaussian laser beam. In particular, the manner in which image resolution, beam spread, and the parameters that describe the inhomogeneities in the water are quantitatively related is discussed. Furthermore, we present a general procedure for estimating beam spot size. Finally some comments regarding focused-beam propagation and limiting angular resolution are given. It is shown that when underwater inhomogeneities dominate the small-angle scattering, the limiting angular resolution is independent of wavelength. | 10.1364/AO.12.000108 |
pubmed_752_19148 | One paradigmatic example of "irrational" bias in human economic decision-making-known as the "reflection effect"-is a tendency to prefer sure amounts over risky gambles in situations involving potential gain, but to prefer risky gambles over sure amounts in situations involving potential loss. To date, there is no causal evidence regarding the neural basis of the reflection effect. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is believed to play a critical role in mediating value-based decision-making. In this study, we administered a behavioral test of the reflection effect to three groups of subjects: neurosurgical patients with focal bilateral vmPFC lesions, neurosurgical patients with lesions outside vmPFC, and neurologically healthy adults. Subjects made a series of choices between a sure amount (e.g., gain of $50) and a gamble (e.g., 50% chance of gaining $100, 50% chance of gaining $0). Half the trials featured potential gains while the other half featured potential losses. The sure amounts varied across trials. Relative to the two comparison groups, the vmPFC lesion patients exhibited a significantly greater reflection effect; more gambles selected in the loss condition and fewer gambles selected in the gain condition. This finding demonstrates a critical role for vmPFC in governing susceptibility to bias in decision-making. | pubmed_752_19148 |
pubmed_379_18285 | Herbal and other plant-derived remedies have been estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the most frequently used therapies worldwide. Therapeutic agents derived from plants include pure chemical entities available as prescription drugs (e.g., digitoxin, morphine, and taxol), standardized extracts, herbal teas, and food plants; plant-derived remedies can contain chemicals with potent pharmacologic and toxicologic properties. Although precise levels of use of these remedies in the United States are unknown, in 1991, herbal products accounted for sales of approximately $1 billion. Previous reports about herbal remedies in the rural South have described the use and biologic activities of locally gathered plant species and details of preparation and dosage, but have not determined the prevalence of use of plant-derived remedies in the study population and the prevalence of use of specific remedies. To assess the prevalence of use of plant-derived remedies (excluding prescription drugs) and the prevalence of use of specific remedies in rural central Mississippi, The University of Mississippi conducted a survey during March-June 1993. This report describes two case reports of use of these remedies and summarizes the findings of the survey. | pubmed_379_18285 |
pubmed_315_7733 | A combination of ultrasound velocimetry, density, and UV spectroscopy has been employed to study the hydration effects of binding of Mn(2+) and alkaline-earth cations to poly(rA) and poly(rU) single strands. The hydration effects, obtained from volume and compressibility measurements, are positive due to overlapping the hydration shells of interacting molecules and consequently releasing the water molecules to bulk state. The volume effects of the binding to poly(rA), calculated per mole of cations, range from 30.6 to 40.6 cm(3) mol(-1) and the compressibility effects range from 59.2 x 10(-4) to 73.6 x 10(-4) cm(3) mol(-1) bar(-1). The volume and compressibility effects for poly(rU) are approximately 17 cm(3) mol(-1) and approximately 50 x 10(-4) cm(3) mol(-1) bar(-1), respectively. The comparative analysis of the dehydration effects suggests that the divalent cations bind to the polynucleotides in inner-sphere manner. In the case of poly(rU) the dehydration effects correspond to two direct coordination, probably between adjacent phosphate groups. The optical study did not reveal any effects of cation on the secondary structure or aggregation of poly(rU). In the case of single-helical poly(rA) binding is more specific: dehydration effects correspond to three to five direct contacts and must involve atomic groups of adenines, and the divalent cations stabilize and aggregate the polynucleotide. | 10.1002/bip.20082 |
pubmed_832_25897 | The number of in-hospital beds in Sweden has decreased during recent decades, resulting in the smallest number (2.2 available beds/1000 inhabitants) within the European Union. At the same time, the number of patients attending Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments has increased, resulting in overcrowding and boarding. The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of being subjected to boarding at an A&E department, as experienced by patients. A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was chosen to interpret and understand the meaning of boarding at A&E. The study was carried out at a hospital in the south of Sweden. Seventeen participants with a mean age of 64 years (range: 35-86 years) were interviewed. The thematic structural analysis covers seven themes: Being in a state of uncertainty, Feeling abandoned, Fearing death, Enduring, Adjusting to the circumstances, Being a visitor in an unsafe place, and Acknowledging the staff, all illustrating that the participants were in a state of constant uncertainty and felt abandoned with no guidance or support from the clinicians. The conclusion is that the situation where patients are forced to wait in A&E, i.e., boarding, violates all conditions for professional ethics, presumably causing profound ethical stress in the healthcare professionals involved. Thus, boarding should be avoided. | 10.3390/healthcare9010066 |
pubmed_1025_23639 | Lymphodepletion therapies are increasingly tested for controlling immune damage. One appealing premise for such a therapy is that it may 'reboot' the immune system and restore immune tolerance. However, the tolerogenic potential of lymphodepletion therapies remains controversial. The debate is exemplified by conflicting evidence from the studies of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), a prototype of immunodepleting drugs, in particular on whether it induces CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells. To understand the impact of ATG on T cells at a clonal level in vivo, we studied the effect of anti-mouse thymocyte globulin (mATG) in a reductionist model in which the T-lymphocyte repertoire consists of a single clone of pathogenic T effector (Teff) cells specific to a physiological self-antigen. The mATG treatment led to peripheral induction of antigen-specific Treg cells from an otherwise monoclonal Teff repertoire, independent of thymic involvement. The de novo induction of Treg cells occurred consistently in local draining lymph nodes, and persistence of induced Treg cells in blood correlated with long-term protection from autoimmune destruction. This study provides in vivo evidence for clonal conversion from a pathogenic self-antigen-specific Teff cell to a Treg cell in the setting of immunodepletion therapies. | 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2011.03466.x |
pubmed_911_890 | In an attempt to define mechanisms by which B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) may escape rituximab immunotherapy, we developed several rituximab-resistant cell lines (RRCL) generated from the rituximab-sensitive cell lines (RSCL) Raji and RL. Rituximab resistance was associated with CD20 downregulation and upregulation of CD52 and the complement inhibitory proteins (CIPs) CD55 and CD59. No significant alemtuzumab-associated complement-mediated cell lysis (CMC) or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was demonstrated in RSCL. In contrast, in vitro exposure of RRCL to alemtuzumab resulted in a significant degree of CMC and ADCC. Of note, in vitro blocking of CD52 with anti-CD52 F(ab')(2) fractions in RRCL improved rituximab-associated CMC as compared to unblocked RRCL. Our current data provides a basis for further evaluation of alemtuzumab-based clinical trials for patients with rituximab-resistant NHL. | 10.1080/10428190701647879 |
pubmed_191_2857 | Advances in neonatal care have led to survival of more Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants weighing < 1,500 grams with growing concerns about neuro-developmental outcomes. To identify relationships between outcomes and birth weight, we evaluated 213 VLBW infants over a six-year period using a standardized test to identify relationships between outcomes and birth weight, and participation in early intervention programs at a one-year follow-up. Average Mental Development Indices were obtained for the majority of infants across all birth weight categories with the smallest group (500-750 grams) scoring significantly lower than infants in all other categories. Infants who did not participate in early intervention scored better which suggests this group was healthier and less likely to need intervention services. Further clarification of the salient components of early intervention is recommended in future studies. | pubmed_191_2857 |
pubmed_746_12982 | In recent times, trace levels of pharmaceuticals detected in wastewater effluents and surface waters have raised the level of attention around the ultimate fate and the potential persistence of pharmaceuticals in the environment. We have seen the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicines (EMEA) recently include more rigorous environmental fate testing in European Union (EU) Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) guidance to assess the ultimate fate in water/sediment systems. Yet to date, there is little data available that covers the fate of pharmaceuticals in the water/sediment compartment, and little that assess whether current aerobic and anaerobic methods are appropriate for pharmaceuticals. In this study, the biodegradation profiles of 3 Pfizer products were investigated following the latest ERA guidance and its recommendation for OECD 308 water/sediment biodegradation testing. Experiments included 14C-labeled exemestane, azithromycin, and varenicline representing neutral and cationic pharmaceuticals with average K(oc) values of 3704, 49 400, and 10 483 respectively. Specific HPLC/radioactive monitoring (RAM) methods were used to profile water and sediment samples for biotransformation products. Binding to sediment, as "non-extractables", was considerable for all three pharmaceuticals, though most notable for the cationic pharmaceuticals varenicline and azithromycin ranging from 52% to 94% at study termination, respectively. In general, for all 3 pharmaceuticals studied, the anaerobic conditions demonstrated less biotransformation and mineralization than the aerobic; though their biotransformation profile (number of metabolites) and amount bound to sediment were similar. Based on these findings and our current understanding of anaerobic biodegradation, we would recommend a tiered approach to the OECD 308 water/ sediment test: with default testing just for aerobic conditions; and then if needed, anaerobic testing only for those compounds potentially amenable to typical anaerobic processes. We suggest that as a simulation test would be better suited in later tier testing under EU ERA guidance. Inherent biodegradation or die-away tests seem better suited to derive biodegradation rate constants for subsequent environmental modeling of water and sediment compartments. | 10.1021/es063043+ |
pubmed_178_5428 | Two new cutaneous free-flap donor areas are described on the medial and lateral sides of the thigh. The medial thigh flap is supplied by an unnamed artery from the superficial femoral artery and is drained by the accompanying venae comitantes. Its nerve supply is from the medial femoral cutaneous nerve. The lateral thigh flap has its vascular pedicle from the third perforating artery of the profunda femoral artery and its accompanying vein. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve provides sensation over the area. These flaps provide a large surface area of both skin and subcutaneous tissue without the usual bulk of subcutaneous fat and muscle. Their desirable features include long vascular pedicles with large vessel diameters and potential of being neurovascular flaps with specific sensory nerve supply and predictable anatomy. The principal disadvantage is that the donor site may leave a slight contour defect with primary closure or require grafting when a large flap is taken. We predict that these flaps will become important donor sites for reconstructive problems requiring resurfacing of cutaneous defects in various anatomic areas. | 10.1097/00006534-198303000-00012 |
pubmed_674_15096 | BACKGROUND
Strategies to ensure timely diagnostic evaluation of hematuria are needed to reduce delays in bladder cancer diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the performance of electronic trigger algorithms to detect delays in hematuria follow-up.
METHODS
We developed a computerized trigger to detect delayed follow-up action on a urinalysis result with high-grade hematuria (>50 red blood cells/high powered field). The trigger scanned clinical data within a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national data repository to identify all patient records with hematuria, then excluded those where follow-up was unnecessary (e.g., terminal illness) or where typical follow-up action was detected (e.g., cystoscopy). We manually reviewed a randomly-selected sample of flagged records to confirm delays. We performed a similar analysis of records with hematuria that were marked as not delayed (non-triggered). We used review findings to calculate trigger performance.
RESULTS
Of 310,331 patients seen between 1/1/2012-12/31/2014, the trigger identified 5,857 patients who experienced high-grade hematuria, of which 495 experienced a delay. On manual review of 400 randomly-selected triggered records and 100 non-triggered records, the trigger achieved positive and negative predictive values of 58% and 97%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Triggers offer a promising method to detect delays in care of patients with high-grade hematuria and warrant further evaluation in clinical practice as a means to reduce delays in bladder cancer diagnosis. | 10.4338/ACI-2016-10-RA-0176 |
pubmed_1_12919 | UNLABELLED
The aim of the research was to reduce the risk ventilator-associated infections (VAI) in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.
DESIGN
retrospective, observational, single center, historical control.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
113 newborns were included in the study. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was diagnosed based on the criteria of VAP CDC/NNIS. Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis was determined on the basis of criteria of Code LRI-BRON proposed CDC National Healthcare Safety Network. Patients divided into two groups. In the main group (n=54) hand hygiene, closed suction system and non-invasive mechanical ventilation were used as a methods of prevention of ventilator-associated infection (IAI). In comparison group (n = 59) hand hygiene only.
RESULTS
The frequency of VAI was 27.5 per 1000 days of ventilation. Timing of development and the etiology of VAI were comparable in both groups of patients the duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly (p = 0.01) lower in the main group. In the main group length of stay in the intensive care unit (p = 0.01) and duration of hospital treatment (p = 0.047) decreased The incidence of VAI was significantly lower in the main group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Closed suction system with hand hygiene and early weaning from the respirator are acceptable methods of prevention of lower respiratory tract infection associated with mechanical ventilation in neonates with respiratorv distress syndrome. | pubmed_1_12919 |
pubmed_992_2041 | Herein we show that oxaliplatin reacts rapidly with DMSO in aqueous solutions, despite being stable in pure DMSO and pure water. Furthermore, the reactivity of the clinically applied Pt(ii) drugs in water/DMSO and PBS/DMSO mixtures, and the nature of the species formed were investigated by MS, NMR and RP-HPLC techniques. | 10.1039/c7dt01628j |
pubmed_1141_18885 | Simultaneous measurements of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and tension were performed to clarify whether the mechanisms which cause the neuropeptide Y (NPY)-elicited contraction and potentiation of noradrenaline contractions, and the NPY inhibition of forskolin responses are linked to a single or different NPY receptor(s) in rat mesenteric small arteries. In resting arteries, NPY moderately elevated [Ca(2+)](i) and tension. These effects were antagonized by the selective Y(1) receptor antagonist, (R)-N(2)-(diphenacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-D-argininea mide (BIBP 3226) (apparent pK(B) values of 8.54+/-0.25 and 8.27+/-0.17, respectively). NPY (0.1 microM) caused a near 3 fold increase in sensitivity to noradrenaline but did not significantly modify the tension-[Ca(2+)](i) relationship for this agonist. BIBP 3226 competitively antagonized the contractile response to NPY in arteries submaximally preconstricted with noradrenaline (pA(2) 7.87+/-0.20). In arteries activated by vasopressin, the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin (3 microM) induced a maximum relaxation and a return of [Ca(2+)](i) to resting levels. NPY completely inhibited these effects. The contractile responses to NPY in arteries maximally relaxed with either sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or nifedipine were not significantly higher than those evoked by the peptide at resting tension, in contrast to the contractions to NPY in forskolin-relaxed arteries. BIBP 3226 competitively antagonized the contraction to NPY in forskolin-relaxed arteries with a pA(2) of 7.92+/-0.29. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) at 8-32 Hz caused large contractions in arteries relaxed with either forskolin or noradrenaline in the presence of phentolamine. These responses to EFS were inhibited by BIBP 3226. Similar EFS in resting, non-activated arteries did not produce any response. The present results suggest that different intracellular pathways are linked to a single NPY Y(1) receptor in intact rat mesenteric small arteries, and provide little support for involvement of other postjunctional NPY receptors in the contractile responses to NPY. Neurally released NPY also seems to act through Y(1) receptors, and may serve primarily as an inhibitor of vasodilatation. | 10.1038/sj.bjp.0703256 |
pubmed_667_243 | In vivo adsorption of salivary albumin and alpha-amylase onto titanium, enamel and dentin was analysed following their exposure to the oral cavity for 2h. Oral appliances in six adults served as a platform for carrying 4-mm discs of the three materials. Adherent proteins were eluted from the discs and the amounts of salivary albumin and alpha-amylase were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. While significant difference between the adsorption of albumin and alpha-amylase onto enamel as compared with dentin was observed, adsorption onto titanium was significantly lower. A sample of whole saliva was also collected from each participant. The mean total amounts of albumin and alpha-amylase in the participants' whole saliva were 0.03 and 0.54 mg ml-1, respectively. Titanium adsorbed significantly less (4.43%) of the total albumin than did enamel (14.30%) or dentin (18.80%). No significant difference was found in the relative amounts of alpha-amylase adsorbed by the three materials. This significantly selective adsorption of proteins may enable the attachment of specific bacteria and thus alter the composition of the dental plaque and its potential pathogenicity. | 10.1016/s0142-9612(97)00026-4 |
pubmed_655_1091 | This study was performed to characterize the receptor subtypes involved in the endothelin stimulation of phospholipase D (PLD) in rat cortical astrocytes in primary culture. PLD activity was determined by measuring the formation of [32P]phosphatidylbutanol in [32P]orthophosphate prelabelled cells stimulated in the presence of 25 mM butanol. The agonists endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-3 (ET-3), sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) and IRL 1620 elicited PLD activation in a concentration-dependent manner. The potencies of ET-1, ET-3 and S6c were similar. The maximal effects evoked by the ET(B)-preferring agonists, ET-3, S6c and IRL 1620, were significantly lower than the maximal response to the non-selective agonist ET-1. The response to 1 nM ET-1 was inhibited by increasing concentrations of the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-123 in a biphasic manner. A high potency component of the inhibition curve (24.2+/-3.5% of the ET-1 response) was defined at low (up to 1 microM) concentrations of BQ-123, yielding an estimated Ki value for BQ-123 of 21.3+/-2.5 nM. In addition, the presence of 1 microM BQ-123 significantly reduced the maximal response to ET-1 but did not change the pD2 value. Increasing concentrations of the ET(B) selective antagonist BQ-788 inhibited the S6c response with a Ki of 17.8+/-0.8 nM. BQ-788 also inhibited the effect of ET-1, although, in this case, two components were defined, accounting for approximately 50% of the response, and showing Ki values of 20.9+/-5.1 nM and 439+/-110 nM, respectively. The ET-1 concentration-response curve was shifted to the right by 1 microM BQ-788, also revealing two components. Only one of them, corresponding to 69.8+/-4.4% of the response, was sensitive to BQ-788 which showed a Ki value of 28.8+/-8.9 nM. Rapid desensitization was achieved by preincubation with ET-1 or S6c. In cells pretreated with S6c neither ET-3 nor S6c activated PLD, but ET-1 still induced approximately 40% of the response shown by non-desensitised cells. This remaining response was insensitive to BQ-788, but fully inhibited by BQ-123. In conclusion, endothelins activate PLD in rat cortical astrocytes acting through both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors, and this response desensitizes rapidly in an apparently homologous fashion. The percentage contribution of ET(A) and ET(B) receptors to the ET-1 response was found to be approximately 20% and 80%, respectively, when ET(B) receptors were not blocked, and 30-50% and 50-70%, respectively, when ET(B) receptors were inhibited or desensitized. These results may be relevant to the study of a possible role of PLD in the proliferative effects shown by endothelins on cultured and reactive astrocytes. | 10.1038/sj.bjp.0701997 |
pubmed_832_20356 | Even in the era of PCR-based monitoring, prophylaxis, and preemptive therapy, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia remains a relevant cause of non-relapse mortality (NRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, studies using binary analysis (presence/absence of CMV) reported contradicting data for NRM, overall survival and leukemia relapse. Here, we analyzed CMV replication kinetics in 11 508 whole blood PCR samples of 705 patients with HCT between 2012 and 2017. Using two independent models based on CMV peak titers and on the time point of first CMV reactivation, we stratified patients into risk cohorts. Each cohort had distinct cellular immune reconstitution profiles and differentiated for relevant clinical outcomes. Patients with high CMV peak titers had significantly reduced overall survival (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.53-2.96; p < .0001), due to high NRM. Early impaired T cell reconstitution was a risk factor for high CMV peak titers, however relevant CMV viremia also related to boosted T cell reconstitution. Importantly, intermediate CMV peak titers associated with a significantly reduced relapse probability (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.91; p = .022). In short, CMV kinetics models distinguished relevant clinical outcome cohorts beyond the R+ serostatus with distinct immune reconstitution patterns and resolve in part contradicting results of previous studies exclusively focused on the presence or absence of CMV. | 10.1002/ajh.26094 |
pubmed_332_23536 | Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are highly conserved signal transduction pathways, which play a wide variety of important roles in extracellular signal transduction. The first MAPK gene of the maize pathogen Curvularia lunata, Clk1, was isolated via a PCR-based approach with a primer pair designed on the basis of conserved regions of known MAPKs. Southern blot analysis showed that the gene existed in the genome as a single copy. The predicted amino acid sequence (352 amino acids) was highly homologous with MAP kinases of other phytopathogenic fungi. Flanking regions of Clk1 were obtained through RACE and genomic walking technology. To understand the role of Clk1 in C. lunata, targeted gene disruption was adopted to construct Clk1 mutants. It was found that mutants lacking functional domain of Clk1 were not able to produce conidia but tended to form a few special chlamydospore-shaped structures. Clk1 mutants grew slower in adverse environments (at 24°C), produced less cell degrading enzymes (CWDEs) than the wild type, and they were almost unable to infect maize leaves via artificial wounds. | 10.1002/jobm.201100518 |
pubmed_632_14582 | BACKGROUND
Public health journals need to have clear policies for reporting the funding of studies and authors' personal financial and non-financial conflicts of interest (COI) disclosures. This study aims to assess the policies of public health journals on reporting of study funding and the disclosure of authors' COIs.
METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study of "Public, Environmental & Occupational Health" journals. Teams of two researchers abstracted data in duplicate and independently using REDCap software.
RESULTS
Of 173 public health journals, 155 (90%) had a policy for reporting study funding information. Out of these, a majority did not require reporting of the phase of the study for which funding was received (88%), nor the types of funding sources (87%). Of the 173 journals, 163 (94%) had a policy requiring disclosure of authors' COI. However, the majority of these journals did not require financial conflicts of interest disclosures relating to institutions (75%) nor to the author's family members (90%) while 56% required the disclosure of at least one form of non-financial COI.
CONCLUSIONS
The policies of the majority of public health journals do not require the reporting of important details such as the role of the funder, and non-financial COI. Journals and publishers should consider revising their editorial policies to ensure complete and transparent reporting of funding and COI. | 10.1186/s12889-018-5456-z |
pubmed_1097_12932 | Silicon nitride films were synthesized in a Balzers BAP 800 coating plant by low voltage reactive ion plating. Transparent, stoichiometric films free of hydrogen, oxygen, argon, and heavy metals were obtained. The properties of the silicon nitride films were investigated in terms of optical constants, chemical composition, and hydrogen content. | 10.1364/AO.28.004436 |
pubmed_661_14752 | Basal cell herniations, i.e. basal keratinocyte processes protruding through basal lamina gaps were observed in psoriasis, circinate balanitis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, patch tests, gold dermatitis and conjunctivitis. This indicates that they are not specific to psoriasis and tumours as has been reported. | pubmed_661_14752 |
pubmed_919_15314 | Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is two-step process that first involves the primary mechanical injury and then the secondary injury is induced by various biochemical reactions. Apoptosis is one of secondary SCI mechanisms and it is thought to play an important role for the delayed neuronal injury. The enhanced formation of nitric oxide (NO) via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of apoptosis in SCI. The level of .iNOS mRNA peaked at 6 hr after SCI and it declined until 72 hr after SCI in a rat model. Double-immunofluorescence staining revealed that iNOS positive cells were stained for ED-1, synaptophysin, GFAP, and oligodendrocyte marker. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) positive cell count was higher for the 72 hr post-SCI group than for the 24 hr post-SCI group. This cell count was also higher going in the caudal direction than in the rostral direction from the epicenter, and especially for the 72 hr group. Treatment with a selective iNOS inhibitor resulted in the reduction of TUNEL-positive cells at the lesion site. These findings suggest that nitric oxide generated by the iNOS of macrophages, neurons, oligodentrocytes, and astrocytes plays an important role for the acute secondary SCI that results from apoptotic cell death. | 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.4.663 |
pubmed_1031_12335 | The Patient Self-Determination Act was passed by the U.S. federal government in 1990 and became effective in December 1991. This federal law requires institutions that accept Medicaid funding to provide written information about rights to make decisions about medical care to all persons admitted for care. To meet federal guidelines, many health care institutions provide this information in the admission packet. Studies have shown that compliance with addressing this subject has been uneven at best and that providers may be uncomfortable discussing this issue with clients. Midwife-attended births accounted for 7.3% of all births in 2000. The majority of these births occur in the hospital setting; therefore, laboring women are subject to the Patient Self-Determination Act. This article addresses the responsibilities of the certified nurse midwife/certified midwives in counseling women and their families regarding advanced directives. | 10.1016/s1526-9523(03)00158-2 |
pubmed_469_30 | Background
Atazanavir/ritonavir is recommended as a preferred second-line antiretroviral regimen in children older than 3 months, alternatively to lopinavir/ritonavir. We performed a systematic review to assess safety and effectiveness of atazanavir use in children and adolescents.
Methods
We searched observational studies and clinical trials on Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL database between 2009/01/01 and 2020/10/01; as well as grey literature. We extracted safety (adverse events, grade 3 or 4 adverse events, treatment discontinuation) and effectiveness (CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load) outcomes. We estimated weighted summary pooled incidence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.
Results
Out of the 1,085 records screened, we included five studies (one comparative cohort, three single phase 2-3 trial arms, one retrospective cohort) reporting 975 children and adolescents, of whom 56% (544) received atazanavir. Three studies reported all-cause treatment discontinuation rates, yielding a pooled incidence of 19% [15-22] at 12 months. The comparative cohort compared atazanavir to darunavir, with few grade 3-4 adverse events, except transient hyperbilirubinemia, occurring in half (92/188) of the atazanavir patients. No death occurred (two studies reporting). Four studies described increased CD4 cell counts and decreased HIV viral load at 6 or 12 months.
Conclusion
Few safety and effectiveness data were available for children and adolescents exposed to atazanavir. Transient grade 3-4 hyperbilirubinemia was the main adverse outcome reported. Immune and viral responses were descriptive. The use of atazanavir/ritonavir in children and adolescents needs further investigation, but remains a suitable option for a preferred second-line antiretroviral regimen.
PROSPERO number
CRD42022309230. | 10.3389/fped.2022.913105 |
pubmed_917_9309 | A highly sensitive and specific immunoblot assay has been developed to quantitate the content of rat liver thymidylate synthetase (EC 2.1.1.45). Applying the method, it is demonstrated that the increase of the activity of thymidylate synthetase in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is due to the de novo synthesis of the enzyme protein. Administration of cycloheximide, phenoxybenzamine, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, nifedipine, dexamethasone or indomethacin to partially hepatectomized rats prevented the synthesis of thymidylate synthetase in regenerating liver. Thyroparathyroidectomy also inhibited the increase of the enzyme in liver regeneration. These observations are discussed in relation to the signal transduction concerning the alpha 1-receptor, which was shown to regulate liver regeneration in our previous papers. | 10.1016/0304-4165(88)90173-0 |
pubmed_142_22905 | We sought to review our kidney transplant biopsy experience to assess the incidence, type, presenting symptoms, and timing of renal transplant biopsy complications, as well as determine any modifiable risk factors for postbiopsy complications. This is an observational analysis of patients at the University of Wisconsin between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009. Patients with an INR ≥1.5 or platelet counts less than 50 000 were not biopsied. An 18-gauge needle was used for biopsy. Over the study period, 3738 biopsies were performed with 66 complications (1.8%). No deaths occurred. A total of 0.7% were mild complications, 0.7% were moderate complications, 0.21% were severe complications, and 0.19% were life-threatening. Most complications occurred within the 4-h postbiopsy period, although serious complications were often delayed: 67% of complications requiring surgical intervention presented greater than 4 h after biopsy. Biopsy within 1 week of transplant had a 311% increased risk of a complication. Postbiopsy reduction in hematocrit and hemoglobin at 4 h was associated with a complication. In conclusion, life-threatening complications after renal allograft biopsy occurred in 0.19% of patients. Most complications occurred within 4 h postprocedure; however, many serious complications occurred with a time delay after initially uneventful monitoring. The only clinically significant laboratory predictor of a complication was a fall in the hematocrit or hemoglobin within 4 h. Patients biopsied within a week of transplant were at the highest risk for a complication and should therefore be most closely monitored. | 10.1111/tri.12660 |
pubmed_22_3639 | Uric acid (UA) has been proposed as an important risk factor for cardiovascular and renal morbidity. We conducted an interventional trial to assess effects of altered salt intake on plasma and urine UA levels and the relationship between UA levels and salt sensitivity in humans. Ninety subjects (18-65 years old) were sequentially maintained on a normal diet for 3 days at baseline, a low-salt diet for 7 days (3.0 g/day, NaCl), and a high-salt diet for an additional 7 days (18.0 g/day of NaCl). Plasma UA levels significantly increased from baseline to low-salt diet and decreased from low-salt to high-salt diet. By contrast, daily urinary levels of UA significantly decreased from baseline to low-salt diet and increased from low-salt to high-salt diet. The 24 h urinary sodium excretions showed inverse correlation with plasma UA and positive correlation with urinary UA excretions. Additionally, salt-sensitive subjects presented significantly higher plasma UA changes in comparison to salt-resistant subjects, and a negative correlation was observed between degree of salt sensitivity and plasma UA difference. The present study indicates that variations in dietary salt intake affect plasma and urine UA levels, and plasma UA may be involved in pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity. | 10.1038/s41598-018-20048-2 |
pubmed_551_14080 | The intracellular sensor NOD1 has important host-defense functions relating to a variety of pathogens. Here, we showed that this molecule also participates in the induction of a noninfectious pancreatitis via its response to commensal organisms. Pancreatitis induced by high-dose cerulein (a cholecystokinin receptor agonist) administration depends on NOD1 stimulation by gut microflora. To analyze this NOD1 activity, we induced pancreatitis by simultaneous administration of a low dose of cerulein (that does not itself induce pancreatitis) and FK156, an activator of NOD1 that mimics the effect of gut bacteria that have breached the mucosal barrier. The pancreatitis was dependent on acinar cell production of the chemokine MCP-1 and the intrapancreatic influx of CCR2(+) inflammatory cells. Moreover, MCP-1 production involved activation of the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3, each requiring complementary NOD1 and cerulein signaling. These studies indicate that gut commensals enable noninfectious pancreatic inflammation via NOD1 signaling in pancreatic acinar cells. | 10.1016/j.immuni.2012.05.024 |
pubmed_837_10659 | Probable serotypes of faecal adenoviruses 40, 41, 31, 2 and 1 were found in the Tokyo area by rapid DNA restriction endonuclease analyses directly of stool specimens or after primary culture in Graham 293 cells. Some variations were found in both adenoviruses 40 and 41 by this method. | 10.1007/BF00442621 |
pubmed_1061_43 | Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are sophisticated transporters assembled from diverse proteins termed nucleoporins (Nups). They control all nucleocytoplasmic transport and form a stringent barrier between the cytosol and the nucleus. While selective receptor-mediated transport enables translocation of macromolecules up to striking sizes approaching megadalton-scale, the upper cutoff for diffusion is at 40 kDa. Raising the cutoff is of particular importance for nuclear delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles, for example, gene and chemotherapy. In this work, we set out to present compounds capable of raising the cutoff to an extent enabling nuclear delivery of 6 kbp pDNA (150 kDa) in cultured human vascular endothelial cells. Of all tested compounds one is singled out, 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HD). Our observations reveal that 1,6-HD facilitates nuclear delivery of pDNA in up to 10-20% of the tested cells, compared to no delivery at all in control conditions. It acts by interfering with bonds between Nups that occupy the NPC channel and confer transport selectivity. It also largely maintains cell viability even at high concentrations. We envisage that 1,6-HD may serve as a lead substance and usher in the design of potent new strategies to increase nuclear delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles. | 10.1002/btm2.10136 |
pubmed_949_7118 | A case of Caroli's disease is presented and the findings of various imaging modalities are discussed with emphasis on the role of Technetium 99mTc diethyl-iminodiacetic acid scan in reaching the final diagnosis. The 'beaded' appearance of the dilated intrahepatic ducts seen in this scan is believed to be pathognomonic for this condition. | pubmed_949_7118 |
pubmed_508_4949 | Despite recent advances in critical care medicine, caring for patients with MODS remains one of the most challenging experience a critical care can encounter. New therapies that current exist and continue to be developed contribute to successful outcomes for patients with MODS, but there is no substitute for prevention and early intervention for persons at risk for developing MODS. Early and subtle changes in the patient who is at risk and has endured an initial insult can make a great difference in the patient's outcome and chances of mortality. Goal-directed therapy, supportive management, as well as an understanding of the inflammatory process are key to decreasing the mortality rate among patients with MODS. | 10.1016/j.ccell.2006.11.002 |
pubmed_1081_11928 | Chemotaxis plays a key role in many biological systems. In particular in the context of the developing nervous system, growing neurites can respond in vitro to shallow gradients of chemotropic molecules such as nerve growth factor (NGF). However, in such studies the gradient parameters are often not well controlled. Here we present a dataset of ~3500 images of early postnatal rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants growing in 40 different precisely controlled combinations of absolute concentration and gradient steepness of NGF. Each image has been segmented into neurite and explant-body regions. We provide computer code for exploration and quantification of the data, including a Fourier analysis of the outer contour of neurite growth, which allows quantities such as outgrowth and guidance as a function of concentration and gradient steepness to be easily extracted. This is the most comprehensive quantitative dataset of chemotactic responses yet available for any biological system, which we hope will be useful for exploring the biological mechanisms governing chemotaxis. | 10.1038/sdata.2018.183 |
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