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pubmed_182_13711 | The transition from nanocluster to nanocrystal is a central issue in nanoscience. The atomic structure determination of metal nanoparticles in the transition size range is challenging and particularly important in understanding the quantum size effect at the atomic level. On the basis of the rationale that the intra- and interparticle weak interactions play critical roles in growing high-quality single crystals of metal nanoparticles, we have reproducibly obtained ideal crystals of Au144(SR)60 and successfully solved its structure by x-ray crystallography (XRC); this structure was theoretically predicted a decade ago and has long been pursued experimentally but without success until now. Here, XRC reveals an interesting Au12 hollow icosahedron in thiolated gold nanoclusters for the first time. The Au-Au bond length, close to that of bulk gold, shows better thermal extensibility than the other Au-Au bond lengths in Au144(SR)60, providing an atomic-level perspective because metal generally shows better thermal extensibility than nonmetal materials. Thus, our work not only reveals the mysterious, long experimentally pursued structure of a transition-sized nanoparticle but also has important implications for the growth of high-quality, single-crystal nanoparticles, as well as for the understanding of the thermal extensibility of metals from the perspective of chemical bonding. | 10.1126/sciadv.aat7259 |
pubmed_70_23319 | BACKGROUND
Next to feelings of hopelessness, certain cognitive features such as problem solving deficiency, attentional bias and reduced future positive thinking are involved in the development and maintenance of suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to examine feelings of hopelessness and problem solving ability in depressed suicide attempters and depressed individuals without a suicide attempt and to see whether these features change over time.
METHOD
Three groups of participants, depressed suicide attempters (N=23), psychiatric control group (N=27) and healthy volunteers (N=27) completed measures of hopelessness and executive planning and problem solving abilities. The two clinical groups completed all measures shortly after admission and then again 7 weeks later whereas the non-clinical control group completed measures at baseline only.
RESULTS
Both clinical groups displayed a higher level of hopelessness and poorer problem solving ability when compared to non-clinical volunteers. However, no differences were found between the two clinical groups. In neither of the clinical groups was improvement in problem solving ability between baseline and retesting observed despite the lowering of feelings of hopelessness.
LIMITATIONS
The diagnoses in the psychiatric controls group were only obtained by the psychiatrist and not checked by further documentation or questionnaires. Furthermore we did not control for personality traits which might influence cognitive functioning.
CONCLUSION
Since feelings of hopelessness decreased over time and problem solving ability nevertheless remained stable it is important that treatment not only focuses on mood improvement of depressed suicidal and depressed non-suicidal individuals but also on teaching problem solving techniques. | pubmed_70_23319 |
pubmed_552_7921 | The association of a vascularized periosteal flap with a cancellous bone graft was studied on a group of 20 Wistar rats. Ten rats were sacrificed at 6 weeks and seven at 12 weeks (three died prematurely). The behavior of the cancellous bone graft buried in striated muscle and the osteogenic capacity of a simple vascularized periosteal flap also were observed on the same animals. Results of the study are as follows: In 14 of 17 animals, a vascularized periosteal flap wrapped around a cancellous bone graft resulted in new cortical bone formation with little resorption of the initial cancellous graft. A vascularized musculoperiosteal flap has produced a small amount of new compact bone only in 4 of 17 animals. A cancellous bone graft buried into well-vascularized muscle tissue was resorbed (15 cases) or necrotic (2 cases) at 12 weeks. In conclusion, the association of a vascularized periosteal flap and cancellous bone is a better means to produce compact bone than a vascularized periosteal flap alone or an isolated cancellous bone graft. | 10.1097/00006534-199004000-00014 |
pubmed_968_12280 | Background
Interleukin-6 receptor blockade is effective in reducing the risk of relapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, its efficacy during acute attacks of NMOSD remains elusive.
Objective
We investigated the effects of tocilizumab on disability during acute attacks, as well as its maintenance, in patients with moderate-to-severe myelitis.
Methods
Nineteen patients with NMOSD received tocilizumab treatment as add-on to high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) in acute myelitis and twenty-two patients who only received HDMP were compared. Disease disability was assessed using a multi-level scaling system that included the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), Hauser ambulation index (HAI), modified Rankin scale (mRS), pain numerical rating scale (NRS), functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue scale (FACIT-F), activity of daily living (ADL), EuroQol five-dimensions-three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and sensory function score and bowel and bladder function score in Kurtzke functional systems scores (FSS).
Results
Improved EDSS, HAI, and mRS, as well as increased ADL and EQ-5D-3L were significant in patients on tocilizumab compared with those on steroids as monotherapy at 3 months (p < 0.05). Both groups of patients showed improved pain, fatigue, sensory function, and autonomic function at follow-ups, compared with baseline respectively. The changes in NRS, FACIT-F, and sensory and autonomic FSS showed no significant differences between the two groups. Tocilizumab significantly lowered the risk of relapses (HR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.76, p = 0.017) and reduced the annualized relapse rate compared with those by steroids (0.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.5 ± 0.6, p = 0.013).
Conclusion
Early initiation of tocilizumab provided a safe and effective add-on alternative during attacks, and its maintenance contributed to a significant reduction of relapse rate in NMOSD. | 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660230 |
pubmed_677_3287 | Midface lifting is valuable rejuvenative options for many patients and can provide a more youthful and balanced face. This procedure is well suited for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon because of familiarity with the intraoral and temporal surgical approaches, and it does not require any specialized equipment. This procedure has minimal postoperative recovery and a low complication rate. The results of this procedure have remained stable in the author's cohort of patients approaching 2 years. Contraindications include atrophic or minimal malar fat, in which case there is nothing to elevate. The midface lift can be performed as an isolated procedure or as part of multiple facial procedures. The astute surgeon considers midface rejuvenation in all cosmetic cases. | 10.1016/j.cxom.2004.04.007 |
pubmed_1135_24493 | Absorption spectroscopy, emissive properties, and ultrafast intersystem crossing processes in transition metal complexes are discussed in the light of recent developments in time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects, and non-adiabatic excited states dynamics. Methodological highlights focus on spin-orbit and vibronic couplings and on the recent strategies available for simulating ultra-fast intersystem crossings (ISC).The role of SOC in the absorption spectroscopy of third-row transition metal complexes is illustrated by two cases studies, namely Ir(III) phenyl pyridine and Re(I) carbonyl bipyridine complexes.The problem of luminescence decay in third-row transition metal complexes handled by TD-DFT linear and quadratic response theories including SOC is exemplified by three studies: (1) the phosphorescence of Ir(III) complexes from the lowest triplet state; (2) the emissive properties of square planar Pt(II) complexes with bidentate and terdentate ligands characterized by low-lying metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) and metal-centered (MC) states; and (3) the ultra-fast luminescence decay of Re(I) carbonyl bipyridine halides via low-lying singlet and triplet charge transfer states delocalized over the bipyridine and the halide ligands.Ultrafast ISC occurring in spin crossover [Fe (bpy)3]2+, in [Ru (bpy)3]2+, and [Re (Br)(CO)3(bpy] complexes are deciphered thanks to recent developments based on various approaches, namely non-radiative rate theory within the Condon approximation, non-adiabatic surface hopping molecular dynamics, and quantum wave packet dynamics propagation. | 10.1007/128_2015_635 |
pubmed_419_2832 | Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory type of cell death involved in the pathogenesis of multiple kidney diseases, while transcription factor EB (TFEB) is shown to be important for rescuing renal function. Cadmium (Cd) is an omnipresent toxic heavy metal with definite nephrotoxicity, but there is lacking of evidence regarding an interplay between TFEB activity and pyroptosis during Cd exposure. In this study, Cd-exposed NRK-52E cells were used to clarify this issue as an in vitro model of acute kidney injury. First, our results showed that Cd exposure evidently elevated the protein levels involved in pyroptosis, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and disrupted the cell membrane integrity, suggesting the occurrence of pyroptosis in NRK-52E cells. It is also shown that Cd induced a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to mediate pyroptosis. Simultaneously, downregulated TFEB expression with its inhibited nuclear translocation was revealed in Cd-exposed NRK-52E cells. Further investigations have demonstrated that TFEB knockdown promoted Cd-induced ROS production to exacerbate the pyroptosis, while TFEB overexpression inhibited Cd-induced ROS production to alleviate the pyroptosis in NRK-52E cells. In summary, these findings demonstrate that Cd-inhibited TFEB function results in ROS overproduction to promote pyroptosis in NRK-52E cells, which provide new insight into the therapeutic targets for Cd-induced kidney diseases. | 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110249 |
pubmed_351_14488 | The binding of the cyclic peptide (+)-D-Phe1-Cys2-Phe3-D-Trp4-(+)-Lys5-Thr6- Cys7-Thr(ol)8, a somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995), and the potential-sensitive dye 2-(p-toluidinyl)naphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) to lipid membranes was investigated with high-sensitivity titration calorimetry. The binding enthalpy of the peptide was found to vary dramatically with the vesicle size. For highly curved vesicles with a diameter of d congruent to 30 nm, the binding reaction was enthalpy-driven with delta H congruent to -7.0 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol; for large vesicles with more tightly packed lipids, the binding reaction became endothermic with delta H congruent to +1.0 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol and was entropy-driven. In contrast, the free energy of binding was almost independent of the vesicle size. The thermodynamic analysis suggests that the observed enthalpy-entropy compensation of about 8 kcal/mol can be related to a change in the internal tension of the bilayer and is brought about by an entropy increase of the lipid matrix. The "entropy potential" of the membrane may have its molecular origin in the excitation of the hydrocarbon chains to a more disordered configuration and may play a more important role in membrane partition equilibria than the classical hydrophobic effect. The binding of the peptide to the membrane surface induced a pK shift of the peptide terminal amino group. Neutral membranes were found to destabilize the NH3+ group, leading to a decrease in pK; negatively charged membranes, generated an apparent increase in pK due to the increase in proton concentration near the membrane surface. No pK shifts were seen for TNS. Titration calorimetry combined with the Gouy-Chapman theory can be used to determine both the reaction enthalpy and the binding constant of the membrane-binding equilibrium. | 10.1021/bi00156a026 |
pubmed_414_2193 | Aberrant expression of epigenetic regulators of gene expression contributes to initiation and progression of cancer. During recent years, considerable research efforts have focused on the role of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) in cancer cells, and the identification of pharmacologic agents that modulate gene expression via inhibition of HDACs. The following review highlights recent studies pertaining to HDAC expression in cancer cells, the plieotropic mechanisms by which HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) mediate antitumor activity, and the potential clinical implications of HDAC inhibition as a strategy for cancer therapy. | 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-08-2787 |
pubmed_839_6974 | Tryparedoxin peroxidase (TryP) is a key enzyme of the trypanothione-dependent metabolism for removal of oxidative stress in leishmania. These enzymes function as antioxidants through their peroxidase and peroxynitrite reductase activities. Inhibitors of this enzyme are presumed to be antilesihmania drugs and structural studies are prerequisite of rational drug design. We have constructed three dimensional structure of TryP of Leishmania infantum using comparative modeling. Structural analysis reveals several interesting features. Moreover, it shows remarkable structural difference with human host glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme involved in similar function and TryP from Leishmania major. | 10.2174/138920109789069305 |
pubmed_297_3533 | OBJECTIVES
Brain sulcation is an indirect marker of neurodevelopmental processes. Studies of the cortical sulcation in bipolar disorder have yielded mixed results, probably due to high variability in clinical phenotype. We investigated whole-brain cortical sulcation in a large sample of selected patients with high neurodevelopmental load.
METHODS
A total of 263 patients with bipolar disorder I and 320 controls were included in a multicentric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. All subjects underwent high-resolution T1-weighted brain MRI. Images were processed with an automatized pipeline to extract the global sulcal index (g-SI) and the local sulcal indices (l-SIs) from 12 a priori determined brain regions covering the whole brain. We compared l-SI and g-SI between patients with and without early-onset bipolar disorder and between patients with and without a positive history of psychosis, adjusting for age, gender and handedness.
RESULTS
Patients with early-onset bipolar disorder had a higher l-SI in the right prefrontal dorsolateral region. Patients with psychotic bipolar disorder had a decreased l-SI in the left superior parietal cortex. No group differences in g-SI or l-SI were found between healthy subjects and the whole patient cohort. We could replicate the early-onset finding in an independent cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
Our work suggests that bipolar disorder is not associated with generalized abnormalities of sulcation, but rather with localized changes of cortical folding restricted to patients with a heavy neurodevelopmental loading. These findings support the hypothesis that bipolar disorder is heterogeneous but may be disentangled using MRI, and suggest the need for investigations into neurodevelopmental deviations in the disorder. | 10.1111/bdi.12664 |
pubmed_510_14667 | The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of a Chinese herbal medicine Jiang-Zhi Zhong-Yao-Pian to reduce serum lipoid. Efficacy was observed in 30 cases of hyperlipemia; 20 cases administered with evening primose oil capsules were taken as controls. Each group took drugs for two or three months. The results were as follows: After treatment as compared with before treatment, the serum levels of TC, TG and TXB2 dropped from 264.28 +/- 70.52 mg%, 393.52 +/- 250.42 mg% and 110.75 +/- 43.52 pg/ml to 225.60 +/- 50.93 mg%, 264.97 +/- 252.81 mg% and 88.82 +/- 46.50 pg/ml respectively (P less than 0.001, less than 0.01, less than 0.05). However, in the group taking evening primrose oil capsules, TC, TG and TXB2 in comparing with the pre-treatment levels were changed from 251.33 +/- 58.24 mg%, 316.35 +/- 104.93 mg% and 131.53 +/- 49.77 pg/ml to 244.30 +/- 43.28 mg%, 272.10 +/- 92.52 mg% and 115.33 +/- 47.49 pg/ml respectively (P greater than 0.05, less than 0.05, greater than 0.05). This medicine had no side-effect. The results showed that the herbal formula might be useful to reduce serum TC, TG and TXB2. | pubmed_510_14667 |
pubmed_125_16218 | This contribution to the taxonomy of Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea, Tridactylidae) adds descriptions and photographic illustrations of two new species: Xya xishangbanna sp. nov. and Xya yunnanensis sp. nov. from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. Xya xishangbanna sp. nov. can be diagnosed by the shiny dark brown hind femora, and the epiproct with a shallow bottom of the middle "v-shaped" crack in the upper part and straight sides; Xya yunnanensis sp. nov. can be diagnosed by the compound eye bearing no narrow band along the inner margin, and the epiproct with the bottom of the side edge with a sharply angled protrusion and a narrow lower anchor-shaped base less than 1/2 the width of the upper one. Distributional information and bionomics for these two new species and photos for the habitat are given. A key to all Chinese species of Xya is provided. | 10.3897/zookeys.947.51067 |
pubmed_250_18749 | Androgens and estrogens may play a role in gastric cancer etiology. To investigate the association of gastric cancer with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in six genes (COMT, CYP1B1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, HSD17B1 and SHBG) involved in estrogen and androgen synthesis and metabolism, 58 haplotype-tagging SNPs were genotyped in 295 gastric cancer cases and 415 controls from a population-based study in Poland. We assessed differences in haplotype frequency between cases and controls using a global score test and calculated multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for individual haplotypes using logistic regression. We found associations in one linkage disequilibrium (LD) block containing the 3' untranslated region of COMT (rs9332377, rs165728, rs165849 and rs1110478), global score test (df = 4, P = 0.033). Relative to the most frequent GATA haplotype, the GATG haplotype was associated with statistically significant increased gastric cancer risk (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.06-2.12; false discovery rate (FDR) value = 0.459) and the AACA haplotype with borderline increased risk (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.00-1.85; FDR = 0.50). We also found associations for the LD block containing part of the SHBG coding region (rs6258, rs6259, rs2955617, rs1641544 and rs1641537). The CACCC haplotype was associated with statistically significant lower gastric cancer risk relative to the referent CGACC haplotype (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34-0.90; FDR = 0.459), but the overall score test was statistically non-significant. No other statistically significant associations were observed. In summary, we found possible associations between gastric cancer and polymorphisms in COMT, involved in estrogen inactivation, and SHBG, a modulator of hormone bioavailability. These findings should be interpreted cautiously until replicated in other studies. | 10.1093/carcin/bgn258 |
pubmed_680_13102 | RESEARCH QUESTION
Is seminal oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) clinically relevant to reproductive outcome?
DESIGN
Prospective observational study including a total of 144 couples who had an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle between June 2018 and December 2020. The study included patients undergoing fresh ICSI cycles with autologous gametes. Cycles that had day 3 embryo transfers and cryopreservation cycles were excluded. There was no restriction on patients with severe male infertility; couples with unexplained infertility and unexplained male infertility were included, those with azoospermia were excluded. Semen analysis, seminal ORP as determined by means of the MiOXSYS system, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and reproductive outcomes (fertilization, blastocyst development, clinical pregnancy and live birth) were determined.
RESULTS
Seminal ORP was significantly negatively correlated with fertilization rate (r = -0.267; P = 0.0012), blastocyst development rate (r = -0.432; P < 0.0001), implantation/clinical pregnancy (r = -0.305; P = 0.0003) and live birth (r = -0.366; P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed significant predictive power for ORP for fertilization (≥80%; area under the curve [AUC] 0.652; P = 0.0012), blastocyst development rate (≥60%; AUC 0.794; P < 0.0001), implantation/clinical pregnancy (AUC 0.680; P = 0.0002) and live birth (AUC 0.728; P < 0.0001). Comparable results were obtained for SDF (fertilization: AUC 0.678; blastocyst development: AUC 0.777; implantation/clinical pregnancy: AUC 0.665; live birth: AUC 0.723). Normal sperm morphology showed the lowest predictive power for all reproductive outcome parameters. With male age as confounding factor, ORP (cut-off value of 0.51 mV/106 sperm/ml) has significant (P < 0.04667) effects on odds ratios for all reproductive outcome parameters. Multivariate logistic regression to investigate potential seminal and female confounding factors revealed that seminal ORP significantly (P < 0.0039; P < 0.0130) affects reproductive outcome.
CONCLUSION
Seminal ORP is relevant for good fertilization, blastocyst development, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth. | 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.010 |
pubmed_396_8397 | The challenging nature of studies of membrane proteins has made it difficult to determine the molecular mechanism of transmembrane signaling. For the bacterial chemoreceptor family, there are crystal structures of the internal and external domains, structural models of the transmembrane domain, and evidence for subtle ligand-induced conformational changes, but the signaling mechanism remains controversial. We have used a novel site-directed solid-state NMR distance measurement approach, using (13)C(19)F REDOR, to measure a ligand-induced change of 1.0 +/- 0.3 A in the distance between helices alpha 1 and alpha 4 of the ligand-binding domain in the intact, membrane-bound serine receptor. This distance change is shown not to be due to motion of the side chain and thus is due to motion of either the alpha 1 or the alpha 4 helix. Additional distance measurements can be used to determine the type of backbone motion and to follow it to the cytoplasm, to test and refine current proposals for the mechanism of transmembrane signaling. This is a promising general method for high-resolution measurements of local structure in intact, membrane-bound proteins. | 10.1021/bi0015109 |
pubmed_652_12144 | Consanguinity is an important determinant of birth defects including intellectual disability (ID). Consanguineous populations have a relative high prevalence of autosomal recessive forms of intellectual disability (ARID), which constitute a highly heterogeneous group of disorders both in their clinical presentation and in their genetic aetiology. The availability of large cohorts of consanguineous families and the advent of next-generation sequencing techniques is currently accelerating the pace of gene identification in ARID. Because of the extreme heterogeneity, it is anticipated that hundreds of ARID (candidate) genes will be identified in the near future. With this robust progress, the proof of causality of the identified candidate genes is challenging. To this end, genetic recurrence, cellular assays and animal modelling would serve as three non-exclusive strategies, in order to assign causality to a certain gene. Extensive genetic investigations in consanguineous populations will help in reducing the total disease burden through proper genetic counselling. Moreover, such findings will be helpful to elucidate different pathways and further for possible therapeutic interventions. | 10.1159/000360539 |
pubmed_150_10019 | OBJECTIVE
Robotic surgery was first introduced in 2000 especially to overcome the limitations of low rectum cancer surgery. There is still no consensus regarding the standard method for colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare robotic surgery with laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This is a retrospective study. Data of patients with a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer were analyzed for robotic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
RESULTS
The cost of robotic surgery group was statistically higher than the laparoscopic surgery group (p=0.032). The average operation duration was 178 minutes in the laparoscopic surgery group and 228 minutes in the robotic surgery group, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.044). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding other parameters.
DISCUSSION
Disadvantages of robotic surgery seem to be its higher cost and longer operation duration as compared to laparoscopic surgery. We claim that an increase in the number of cases and experience may shorten the operation time while the increase in commercial interest may decrease the cost disadvantage of robotic surgery. | 10.5152/UCD.2015.3003 |
pubmed_742_15579 | BACKGROUND
Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) is the gold standard measure of cardiorespiratory fitness and a reliable predictor of survival in chronic heart failure patients. Furthermore, any form of physical training usually improves cardiorespiratory fitness, although the magnitude of improvement in peak VO2 may vary across different training prescriptions.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify, and subsequently rank, the magnitude of improvement in peak VO2 for different physical training prescriptions using data from published meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials.
METHODS
Prospective randomized controlled parallel trials and meta-analyses of exercise training in chronic heart failure patients that provided data on change in peak VO2 for nine a priori comparative analyses were examined.
RESULTS
All forms of physical training were beneficial, although the improvement in peak VO2 varied with modality. High-intensity interval exercise yielded the largest increase in peak VO2, followed in descending order by moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, functional electrical stimulation, inspiratory muscle training, combined aerobic and resistance training, and isolated resistance training. With regard to setting, the present study was unable to determine whether outpatient or unsupervised home exercise provided greater benefits in terms of peak VO2 improvment.
CONCLUSIONS
Interval exercise is not suitable for all patients, especially the high-intensity variety; however, when indicated, this form of exercise should be adopted to optimize peak VO2 adaptations. Other forms of activity, such as functional electrical stimulation, may be more appropriate for patients who are not capable of high-intensity interval training, especially for severely deconditioned patients who are initially unable to exercise. | pubmed_742_15579 |
pubmed_212_12684 | Recent literature shows the high degree of diagnostic accuracy of lumbar epidural phlebography in the diagnosis of disk herniation; lumbar myelography seems to be of less value. In our study we could prove that the diagnostic accuracy of both methods can be of equal level if the technical performance of lumbar myelography meets high demands of quality. | pubmed_212_12684 |
pubmed_484_1554 | Estrogens (E) and progesterone (P) are known to require their respective steroid receptors in order to exert structural and functional effects on the oviduct. Cyclic changes in progesterone receptor (PR) localization in the oviductal tissue of female pigs were determined using an immunohistochemical technique with mouse monoclonal antibody mPRI against PR. The variations observed during the estrous cycle in the progesterone receptor (PR) intensity and proportion between ampulla and isthmus probably reflect different response of these regions to progesterone. Immediately before ovulation, during follicular phase, no staining was observed in either the ampulla or the isthmus stroma. However, a low expression of PR in the epithelium of the ampulla was observed. After ovulation, during luteal phase, PR immunostaining was more intense in the whole oviduct. According to immunohistochemical assays, the binding assays for nuclear and cytosolic PR (PRn and PRc, respectively), by using [3H] R5020 at 4 degrees C for 15 h, also showed a higher specific binding during luteal phase. However, the PR mRNA in the oviduct, analyzed by RT-PCR, showed similar levels at both stages of the estrous cycle. Although this methods could not be quantitative, indicate the possibility that a post-transcriptional control could differentially regulate the PR in the pig oviduct. | 10.1016/j.domaniend.2004.05.008 |
pubmed_808_209 | Child labor is a major challenge in the developing countries and comprehensive health hazard identification studies on this issue are still lacking. Therefore, the current study is an effort to highlight the health concerns of child labor exposed in the key small scale industries of Sialkot, Pakistan. Our findings revealed jolting levels of heavy metals in the urine, blood, serum, saliva, and hair samples collected from the exposed children. For example, in the urine samples, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were measured at the respective concentrations of 39.17, 62.02, 11.94 and 10.53 μg/L in the surgical industries, and 2.10, 4.41, 1.04 and 5.35 μg/L in the leather industries. In addition, source apportionment revealed polishing, cutting, and welding sections in the surgical industries and surface coating, crusting, and stitching sections in the leather industries were the highest contributors of heavy metals in the bio-matrices of the exposed children, implying the dusty, unhygienic, and unhealthy indoor working conditions. Further, among all the bio-matrices, the hair samples expressed the highest bioaccumulation factor for heavy metals. In accordance with the heavy metal levels reported in the exposed children, higher oxidative stress was found in the children working in the surgical industries than those from the leather industries. Moreover, among heavy metals' exposure pathways, inhalation of industrial dust was identified as the primary route of exposure followed by the ingestion and dermal contact. Consequently, chemical daily intake (CDI), carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (HQs) of heavy metals were also reported higher in the exposed children and were also alarmingly higher than the corresponding US EPA threshold limits. Taken all together, children were facing serious health implications in these industries and need immediate protective measures to remediate the current situation. | 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.026 |
pubmed_889_21087 | BACKGROUND
The MDACC group recommends to extend the current borderline classification for pancreatic cancer into three groups: type A patients with resectable/borderline tumor anatomy, type B with resectable/borderline resectable tumor anatomy and clinical findings suspicious for extrapancreatic disease and type C with borderline resectable and marginal performance status/severe pre-existing comorbidity profile or age>80. This study intents to evaluate the proposed borderline classification system in a multicenter patient cohort without neoadjuvant treatment.
METHODS
Evaluation was based on a multicenter database of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery from 2005 to 2016 (n = 1020). Complications were classified based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. χ2-test, Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression hazard model were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Most patients (55.1%) were assigned as type A patients, followed by type C (35.8%) and type B patients (9.1%). Neither the complication rate, nor the mortality rate revealed a correlation to any subgroup. Type B patients had a significant worse progression free (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.005). Type B classification was identified as an independent prognostic marker for progression free survival (p = 0.005, HR 1.47).
CONCLUSION
The evaluation of the proposed classification in a cohort without neoadjuvant treatment did not justify an additional medical borderline subgroup. A new subgroup based on prognostic borderline patients might be the main target group for neoadjuvant protocols in future. | 10.1016/j.ejso.2018.12.012 |
pubmed_31_16649 | Much recent work on avian physiological adaptation to desert environments has focused on larks (Passeriformes: Alaudidae). We tested the prediction that the threatened red lark (Calendulauda burra), a species restricted to very arid parts of South Africa and which is not known to drink, exhibits highly efficient evaporative cooling and makes pronounced use of facultative hyperthermia when exposed to high air temperatures (Ta). We also predicted that C. burra possesses similarly low basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total evaporative water loss (EWL) at moderate Ta as reported for species from the deserts of the Middle East. Rest-phase thermoregulation in C. burra was characterized by an unusually low lower critical limit of thermoneutrality at Ta = ~ 21 °C and a BMR of 0.317 ± 0.047 W, the lowest BMR relative to allometrically-expected values yet reported in any lark. During the diurnal active phase, red larks were able to tolerate Ta up to 50 °C, with the onset of panting occurring at Ta = 38 °C. Maximum EWL was 1.475 ± 0.107 g h- 1 at Ta = 50 °C, equivalent to 620% of minimum EWL at thermoneutrality. The maximum ratio of evaporative heat dissipation to metabolic heat production was 1.58, a value towards the lower end of the range reported for passerines. Our data support the prediction that C. burra shows metabolic traits similar to those of other larks inhabiting extremely arid climates, but not the notion that evaporative cooling at high Ta in this species is more efficient than in most passerines. | 10.1007/s00360-018-1190-1 |
pubmed_123_19598 | Lateral neck radiographs performed to localize impacted fishbones have a low sensitivity. The differing radio-opacities of the bones of various fish species may be a reason for this. A cadaver head and neck and the rib bones of 10 species of fish were used in this study. A laryngoscope was used to introduce a fishbone into the vallecula and then into the hypopharynx of the cadaver. A lateral radiograph was taken in each case. Ten control films were taken. The radiographs were independently reviewed by a consultant radiologist and otolaryngologist. The presence and position of any bone seen was noted. There was no inter-observer variation. All species of fishbone were visible. One bone was not seen by either observer. Visualization of fishbones is more dependent on position than their degree of radio-opacity. Routine radiography is recommended. | 10.1111/j.1365-2273.1995.tb01855.x |
pubmed_631_23405 | BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Some postoperative complications after anterior cervical fusions have been attributed to anterior cervical plate (ACP) profiles and the necessary wide operative exposure for their insertion. Consequently, low-profile stand-alone interbody spacers with integrated screws (SIS) have been developed. Although SIS constructs have demonstrated similar biomechanical stability to the ACP in single-level fusions, their role as a stand-alone device in multilevel reconstructions has not been thoroughly evaluated.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the acute segmental stability afforded by an SIS device compared with the traditional ACP in the setting of a multilevel cervical arthrodesis.
STUDY DESIGN
In vitro human cadaveric biomechanical analysis.
METHODS
Thirteen human cadaveric cervical spines (C2-T1) were nondestructively tested with a custom 6 df spine simulator under axial rotation, flexion-extension, and lateral bending loading. After intact analysis, eight single-levels (C4-C5/C6-C7) from four specimens were instrumented and tested with ACP and SIS. Nine specimens were tested with C5-C7 SIS, C5-C7 ACP, C4-C7 ACP, C4-C7 ACP+posterior fixation, C4-C7 SIS, and C4-C7 SIS+posterior fixation. Testing order was randomized with each additional level instrumented. Full range of motion (ROM) data were obtained and analyzed by each loading modality, using mean comparisons with repeated measures analysis of variance. Paired t tests were used for post hoc analysis with Sidak correction for multiple comparisons.
RESULTS
No significant difference in ROM was noted between the ACP and SIS for single-level fixation (p>.05). For multisegment reconstructions (two and three levels), the ACP proved superior to SIS and intact condition, with significantly lower ROM in all planes (p<.05). When either the three-level SIS or ACP constructs were supplemented with posterior lateral mass fixation, there was a greater than 80% reduction in ROM under all testing modalities (p<.05), with no significant difference between the ACP and SIS constructs (p>.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The SIS device may be a reasonable option as a stand-alone device for single-level fixation. However, SIS devices should be used with careful consideration in the setting of multilevel cervical fusion. However, when supplemented with posterior fixation, SIS devices are a sound biomechanical alternative to ACP for multilevel fusion constructs. | pubmed_631_23405 |
pubmed_321_18596 | BACKGROUND
Triglycerides are reported to be positively associated with blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic). However, in a previous study, we reported a significant positive association between triglycerides and circulating CD34-positive cells (endothelial repair) among non-hypertensive, but not hypertensive, participants. Since hypertension and endothelial dysfunction have a bi-directional association (vicious cycle), the status of circulating CD34-positive cells may influence the association between triglycerides and hypertension.
METHODS
Since antihypertensive medication use may influence results of the present study, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 327 community dwelling elderly (aged 60-69 years) Japanese participants who were not taking anti-hypertensive medication and who had participated in a general health check-up in 2013-2015.
RESULTS
Participants were classified into two groups based on median values of circulating CD34-positive cells (0.93 cells/μL). For participants with lower circulating CD34-positive cells (n = 165), a significant positive association was seen between triglycerides and blood pressure, but not for participants with higher circulating CD34-positive cells (n = 162). The multivariable standardized parameter estimates (β) and p values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 0.23 (p = 0.007) and 0.18 (p = 0.036) for participants with lower circulating CD34-positive cells and 0.08 (p = 0.409) and 0.03 (p = 0.786) for those with higher circulating CD34-positive cells.
CONCLUSION
A significant positive association between triglycerides and blood pressure exists among those with lower, but not higher, circulating CD34-positive cells. The level of circulating CD34-positive cells acts as a determinant factor for the association between triglycerides and blood pressure. | 10.1186/s12199-017-0684-x |
pubmed_589_4224 | Catalysis by small molecules (≤1000 Da, 10(-9) m) that are capable of binding and activating substrates through attractive, noncovalent interactions has emerged as an important approach in organic and organometallic chemistry. While the canonical noncovalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, ion pairing, and π stacking, have become mainstays of catalyst design, the cation-π interaction has been comparatively underutilized in this context since its discovery in the 1980s. However, like a hydrogen bond, the cation-π interaction exhibits a typical binding affinity of several kcal mol(-1) with substantial directionality. These properties render it attractive as a design element for the development of small-molecule catalysts, and in recent years, the catalysis community has begun to take advantage of these features, drawing inspiration from pioneering research in molecular recognition and structural biology. This Review surveys the burgeoning application of the cation-π interaction in catalysis. | 10.1002/anie.201600547 |
pubmed_873_20477 | A new efficient, non-viral gene delivery cationic polymeric micellar system was developed by partial hydrolysis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) with two different hydrolysis percentages of PEtOx (30% and 60%) to reduce the disadvantages of the PEI. These self-assemble amphiphilic cationic micelles prepared from poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)30%-co-poly(ethyleneimine)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PEtOx30%-co-PEI-b-PCL) (PPP30) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) 60%-co-poly(ethyleneimine)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PEtOx60%-co-PEI-b-PCL) (PPP60) block copolymers were successfully condensed with pEGFP-C3 plasmid DNA via electrostatic interactions to form micelle/DNA complexes with desirable particle sizes. All formulations showed low critical micelle concentration (CMC) values that means highly stable in serum containing medium. Polymeric micelles were also evaluated for their stability in the presence of serum and nuclease as well as cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency. All our results proved that our novel polymeric micellar system prepared by PPP60 block copolymer offer to be an efficient promising carrier for gene delivery applications. Moreover, these findings contribute to design and development of novel gene vectors with tunable and functionality features and also to reduce the cytotoxicity of PEI by partial hydrolysis of PEtOx an alternative synthesis method to produce linear PEI. | 10.1080/21691401.2018.1491478 |
pubmed_260_11475 | The gastric glands synthesize glycoproteins whose oligosaccharides are linked to the peptide core mainly by the O-glycosidic bond, specifically removed by beta-elimination procedure. Our aim was to research the possibility of the existence of two subtypes of O-linked oligosaccharides with a different behavior to the removal procedure. The lectins from peanut (PNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAA-I) were histochemically used as markers of the O-linked oligosaccharides. Sections were also pretreated with beta-elimination and/or peptide N-Glycosidase F (PNGase-F) for the specific removal of O- and N-linked oligosaccharides, respectively. The lectin GNA, which mainly labels to N-linked oligosaccharides, was used to test the correct working of PNGase-F. To test the possibility that the beta-elimination treatment could remove the terminal sialic acid residues, the lectin LFA was used. The surface epithelium was negative to PNA, while it became strongly positive when beta-elimination was performed for 1 day. This staining was resistant to PNGase-F, suggesting that PNA was labeling to O-linked oligosaccharides. However, after beta-elimination for 5 days this staining is not observed. A similar pattern appeared with MAA-I. We propose the existence of two subtypes of O-linked oligosaccharides: labile and resistant. The labile O-linked oligosaccharides are removed with beta-elimination for 1 day, unmasking the PNA-positive oligosaccharides. These oligosaccharides are resistant O-linked oligosaccharides because staining is abolished with longer treatment of beta-elimination. The results with MAA-I also support this suggestion. In summary, the labile O-linked oligosaccharides are removed with short treatment, while the resistant O-linked oligosaccharides need a stronger procedure (for 5 days). | 10.1002/jemt.20465 |
pubmed_291_8107 | Autoreactive cytotoxic T cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia (AA) by myelosuppressive cytokines including interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and transforming growth factor beta. The purpose of this study is to determine which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes were relevant to AA risk and whether the relevant SNPs were associated with response to immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Among 84 screened patients, 80 patients confirmed as having acquired AA, and 84 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed consecutively. We genotyped ten polymorphisms in three cytokine genes (IFNG, TNF, and TGFB1) and FAS gene. We assessed the association between polymorphisms and AA risk, and the association between polymorphisms and response to IST in three genetic models (dominant, recessive, and additive). The IFNG -2,353 T allele (dominant model, OR = 0.43, p = .012) and TCA haplotype (dominant model, OR = 0.50, p = .038) were significantly associated with the development of AA. In addition, this relevant IFNG -2,353 T allele and TCA haplotype were related to the response of IST (dominant model, OR = 0.076, p = .034). Concerning TGFB1, although its polymorphisms are not related to AA susceptibility, P10L T allele (recessive model, OR = 0.18, p = .038) and CT haplotype (dominant model, OR = 5.68, p = .038) were associated with response to IST. This exploratory study concurred with prior studies indicating that polymorphisms in IFNG are related to AA susceptibility. In addition, it was found that polymorphisms in IFNG and TGFB1 are associated with response to IST. | 10.1007/s00277-010-1102-2 |
pubmed_177_8387 | Dietary change may play a role in the therapy of rosacea. Certain foods and beverages may act as "triggers" for rosacea exacerbations. These may be divided into heat-related, alcohol-related, capsaicin-related, and cinnamaldehyde-related. One potential pathogenic mechanism may be via the activation of transient receptor potential cation channels, which result in neurogenic vasodilatation. Further research is needed on the role of the gut skin connection in rosacea. Epidemiologic studies suggest that patients with rosacea have a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal disease, and one study reported improvement in rosacea following successful treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. While further research is required in this area, patients may be advised on measures to support a healthy gut microbiome, including the consumption of a fiber-rich (prebiotic) diet. | 10.5826/dpc.0704a08 |
pubmed_111_2700 | Chromosomal abnormalities and abnormal embryonic development have been observed after human in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Such investigations are not permitted according to the ethical guidelines approved by the IVF team in Berlin ("Berliner Modell"). However, the chromosomal status was studied in oocytes which remained unfertilised in a human IVF programme. In 50 fertilisation attempts the chromosomes of 62 oocytes could be analysed. 45 of the oocytes were in the process of meiotic maturation. One of these showed abnormalities in the first meiotic division and seven during the second meiotic division. After fertilisation in addition to normal embryos, all of which were transferred to the mother, three embryos were triploid and six oocytes were fragmented. The results prove that in human IVF chromosome abnormalities can occur in oocytes already before fertilisation. The importance of the results for later stages of embryonic development is discussed. | 10.1055/s-2008-1036478 |
pubmed_598_7109 | Arterial vasculature distributes blood from early embryonic development and provides a nutrient highway to maintain tissue viability. Atherosclerosis, peripheral artery diseases, stroke and aortic aneurysm represent the most frequent causes of death and are all directly related to abnormalities in the function of arteries. Vascular intervention techniques have been established for the treatment of all of these pathologies, yet arterial surgery can itself lead to biological changes in which uncontrolled arterial wall cell proliferation leads to restricted blood flow. In this review we describe the intricate cellular composition of arteries, demonstrating how a variety of distinct cell types in the vascular walls regulate the function of arteries. We provide an overview of the developmental origin of arteries and perivascular cells and focus on cellular dynamics in arterial repair. We summarize the current knowledge of the molecular signaling pathways that regulate vascular smooth muscle differentiation in the embryo and in arterial injury response. Our review aims to highlight the similarities as well as differences between cellular and molecular mechanisms that control arterial development and repair. | 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.018 |
pubmed_804_7903 | Chinese patent medicine containing aconitine is the key in clinical rational drug use. These drugs contain Chuanwu, Caowu or Fuzi, and Aconitum brachypodum with functions of expelling wind-dampness or tonifying Yang, all of which shall be used by strictly following the indications and dosage. However, there are many kinds of such drugs. Not only the unfamiliar knowledge of some Chinese and Western physicians about the characteristics of them, but also the combination of multiple drugs from different clinical departments, would increase the risk of aconitine poisoning. Based on the previous research, this paper proposed three core elements "syndrome differentiation-dosage differentiation-toxicity differentiation" from the prescription review and pharmacy consulting work, and objective and standardized evaluation was used to build a risk assessment scale containing 3 categories, 9 items and 36 indicators with Hulisan Jiaonang and Qufeng Zhitong Jiaonang as the example. This scale was used to evaluate the risk of a therapeutic regimen before and after the implementation. According to the verification of the existing adverse reaction cases, the risk assessment scale can be used to indicate the risk of drug treatment program and identify the risk level of drug treatment status. This paper tried to provide a methodological paradigm for scientific and objective evaluation on the safety of Chinese patent medicines, and help to identify the key links and risk prevention in the rational use by Chinese medicine physicians and pharmacists. | 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20171107.004 |
pubmed_1123_21589 | It is widely accepted in a conceptual framework that repetitive sequences, especially those with high sequence homogeneity among copies, tend to be under-represented in whole-genome shotgun sequence databases, because of the difficulty of assembling sequence reads into contigs. Although this is easily inferred, there is no quantitative illustration of this phenomenon. An example using a currently used database is expected to contribute to the intuitive understanding of how serious the under-representation is. The present study provides the first quantitative example (in the case of 16 copies of virtually identical, 4.7-kb sequences in a genome of 7 × 10 (8) bp) by comparing the results of BLAST searches of a sequence database (contig N50; 9.8 kb) with those of Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA. This has revealed that the internal regions of the repetitive sequences are under-represented to a striking extent. | 10.1139/G11-088 |
pubmed_751_17448 | This paper is concerned with father-daughter incest among blacks and the cultural and legal issues that tend to perpetuate incestuous behavior. From a decade of observations, the authors describe findings about the psychosocial and behavioral sequelae of this phenomenon in black families. | pubmed_751_17448 |
pubmed_275_9024 | The enormous public health problem posed by malaria has been substantially worsened in recent years by the emergence and worldwide spread of drug-resistant parasites. The utility of two major therapies, chloroquine and the synergistic combination of pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine, is now seriously compromised. Although several genetic mechanisms have been described, the major source of drug resistance appears to be point mutations in protein target genes. Clinically significant resistance to these agents requires the accumulation of multiple mutations, which genetic studies of parasite populations suggest arise focally and sweep through the population. Efforts to circumvent resistance range from the use of combination therapy with existing agents to laboratory studies directed toward discovering novel targets and therapies. | 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.45.120403.095946 |
pubmed_829_509 | Reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated compounds is the most important process occurring within the zerovalent iron (Fe0) barrier. The relative reaction rates of individual halocarbons with Fe0 can vary considerably. This variability has been the stimulus for using various chemical descriptors for a priori predictions of transformation rates via linear free-energy relationships (LFERs). Our objective was to determine the efficacy of four molecular descriptors to describe the transformation rates of three chloromethanes, three chloroethanes, and six chloropropanes by Fe0. This was accomplished by generating an internally consistent set of rate constants under controlled environmental conditions (16 degrees C, anaerobic) and regressing the surface-area normalized rate constants (k(SA)) against (i) energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (E(LUMO)); (ii) vertical attachment energies (VAE); (iii) thermal electron attachment rate constants; and (iv) the molar response from a commercial electron capture detector (ECD). Results showed good correlations between k(SA)'s and all four descriptors (r2: 0.72-1.0), but a separate trend line was required for the chloromethanes and the chloro- ethanes/ propanes. Given the availability and ease with which ECD response can be obtained, this physical measurement may provide a practical means of determining relative rates of reactivity of various halocarbons in permeable reactive iron barriers. | 10.1021/es061746l |
pubmed_215_17637 | Although most species in the genus Burkholderia are not pathogenic for healthy persons, a few are capable of causing severe, life threatening infection. B. mallei and B. pseudomallei are the causative agents of glanders and melioidosis, respectively. Interest in these species has increased recently owing to their potential for use as agents of bioterrorism. B. cepacia emerged during the past two decades as an important opportunistic pathogen among persons with certain underlying diseases. Persons with chronic granulomatous disease, a primary immunodeficiency, or cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal inherited disorder in Caucasians, are at particular risk. In CF, respiratory tract infection may be chronic or associated with a rapid deterioration in pulmonary function. Studies in the early 1990s utilized a variety of genotyping techniques to provide compelling evidence of person-to-person transmission of B. cepacia among CF patients. This prompted the institution of rigorous infection control measures that have placed a heavy burden on persons with CF. More recent work has demonstrated that several distinct bacterial species actually exist among bacteria previously identified merely as B. cepacia. How these species, collectively referred to as the B. cepacia complex, differ with respect to their epidemiology, natural history, and pathology in CF is the subject of ongoing investigation. | 10.2741/937 |
pubmed_90_4544 | The epididymis of ratitae is subdivided into a main part and a appendix epididymidis. The appendix epididymidis consists of the ductus aberrans and ductuli aberrantes. The ductus aberrans is the cranial continuation of the ductus epididymidis. The appendix epididymidis is cranially attached to the adrenal gland. In the main part of the epididymis the largest part of the rete testis is found. The rete testis is composed of an intratesticular rete (also named tubuli recti), and intracapsular rete (with a longitudinal cistern and a true rete), and an extratesticular rete (predominantly consisting of approximately 20 longitudinal channels). The rete testis develops most likely embryonally from buds of the glomerular capsules of the mesonephros. The ductuli efferentes proximales also from these capsules, while the ductuli efferentes distales develop from the proximal and distal tubules and intermediate-segments of the mesonephros. The ductus epididymidis originates from the Wolffian duct and meanders dorsolaterally through the epididymis. | 10.1007/BF00299973 |
pubmed_550_13021 | Proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines regulate the febrile response during infection. In this study, the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures was investigated, through comparing levels of interleukin-1beta in the peripheral blood of children with febrile seizures and in a matched control group of children with febrile illnesses without seizures. The study included 33 children with febrile seizures (mean +/- SD, 29.94 +/- 14.9 months) and 38 controls with comparable age, sex, and type of infection. A laboratory workup for the diagnosis of infection was performed, and interleukin-1beta levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the patients and the control groups immediately on arrival at the hospital. The plasma levels of interleukin-1beta were comparable in the patients and the control group (mean +/- SD, 7.321 +/- 3.123 and 8.087 +/- 4.8 pg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, there was no significant difference when comparing the plasma levels of interleukin-1beta in patients with simple and complex types of febrile seizures. Plasma interleukin-1beta levels did not show a significant correlation to either the duration of the last seizure, the number of the previous attacks of febrile convulsion, or the degree of temperature. However, interleukin-1beta levels were negatively correlated to the duration from the last seizure attack (r = -.8). Thus, the results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that increased production of interleukin-1beta is involved in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures in children. | 10.1177/0883073807304007 |
pubmed_292_5266 | Nostoc commune Vauch. has been traditionally used as a healthy food and medicine for centuries especially in China. It has been demonstrated that the polysaccharides isolated from Nostoc commune Vauch. exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. However, little is known about their anticancer activities and the underlying mechanisms of action. Herein, we report the isolation of a polysaccharide from Nostoc commune Vauch. (NVPS), and its physicochemical properties were analyzed. In an attempt to demonstrate the potential application of NVPS in tumor chemotherapy, the in vitro antitumor activity was determined. NVPS significantly suppressed the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 and DLD1 cells. The molecular mechanism underlying this in vitro antitumor efficacy was elucidated, and the results indicated that NVPS simultaneously triggered intrinsic, extrinsic and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated apoptotic signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that NVPS could be used as a novel promising source of natural antitumor agents. | 10.1039/c5fo00471c |
pubmed_658_4018 | OBJECTIVES
The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the degree of intelligence and spectral electroencephalographic (EEG) parameters and to find out which EEG variables are relevant for this correlation.
METHODS
Bipolar 1 min EEG recordings were derived for the fronto-central and parieto-occipital leads from 155 clinically healthy 10-year-old children in vigilance state awake with eyes closed. Relative spectral power parameters were calculated by Fast Fourier Transform. Two-group t tests according to the score values of the 'WISC-R' intelligence test as well as univariate and multiple correlation analyses between spectral and intelligence test variables were carried out.
RESULTS
A statistically significant positive correlation of the intelligence test variables with the spectral alpha power and a significant negative correlation with the spectral power of lower frequency bands was observed. Predicting the spectral parameters by means of intelligence test variables, significant multiple correlation coefficients were revealed in the frequency ranges: 0.5-1.5, 3.0-5.0 and 9.0-10.5 Hz. The highest significance (P<0.0001) was found for the spectral value at 9.0 Hz.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of t tests and correlation analyses confirm the strong relationship between spectral EEG parameters and the degree of intelligence indicating that the 'EEG recordings do reflect intellectual abilities'. It may be supposed that the amount of the intelligence quotient is correlated with the degree of EEG maturation and thus reflects the active number of synapses and the degree of differentiation of the neuronal controlling system. | 10.1016/s1388-2457(02)00212-2 |
pubmed_564_12114 | The majority of cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome and a smaller proportion of cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura have recently been shown to result from a toxin produced by enteric bacteria, referred to as verotoxin, or Shiga-like toxin. The predominant toxin-producing bacterial strain in North America is E. coli O157:H7, which causes hemorrhagic colitis in humans after ingestion of contaminated meat. The toxin is believed to gain entry to the circulation from the bowel wall; it then binds to specific glycolipid receptors abundant on renal vascular endothelial cells. The toxin inactivates ribosomes inside the cells, thereby killing them and producing the clinical manifestations of hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Recognition of the etiology of hemolytic-uremic syndrome may lead to better prospects for prevention and treatment. | 10.1097/00000441-199312000-00009 |
pubmed_867_16945 | Recent findings in our laboratory indicate that adrenal medullary grafts produce significant alterations in pain sensitivity. Electron microscopic studies were undertaken to correlate these behavioral changes with the neural interactions of the host and graft tissue in the periaqueductal gray. A striking change found 8 weeks after transplantation is that pronounced myelination has taken place both in the graft and in the host tissue. The new myelin formation in the graft has the typical appearance of PNS myelination and, in the host the appearance of CNS myelination. The endothelial cells of the capillaries in the grafted tissue are attenuated and fenestrated in contrast to those of the surrounding parenchymal tissue of the host. By 8 weeks, the graft becomes heavily encapsulated with collagen, while the host CNS tissue develops layers of glial processes outlining the graft. However, collagen and glial layers apparently do not form an absolute barrier to either cellular or humoral interaction between the host and graft tissue. Chromaffin cells can be found protruding into the host CNS tissue and sometimes forming synapses with presumably the host neuronal processes. Grafted chromaffin cells may participate as both postsynaptic and, less often, as presynaptic components of synaptic junctions. The behavioral relevance of these synaptic contacts is unclear, since similar implants of adrenal medullary tissue into the dorsal spinal cord subarachnoid space, which also induce potent analgesia, do not contain synapses. Thus, it is more likely that behavioral changes are brought about by diffusion of neuroactive substances from grafted chromaffin cells to host receptors. | 10.1007/BF00248558 |
pubmed_23_6101 | BACKGROUND
The problem of full-thickness rectal prolapse is formidable, with no clear predominant treatment of choice. Several operations have been proposed to correct rectal prolapse which can be divided into transabdominal and perineal procedures.
METHODS
From September 1982 to October 1999, 32 patients with rectal prolapse were treated with surgical procedures. There were 16 males and 16 females with a mean age of 58.3 years (Range 17-89). Forteen patients received rectopexy procedure, 6 patients received sigmoidectomy, 6 patients received perineal rectosigmoidectomy, 1 patient received Delorme procedure, 1 patient received Thiersch procedure and 4 patients received laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy. The median follow up times were 7.5 years.
RESULTS
In the rectopexy group, complication occurred in one patient (7.1%) and one patient recurred (7.1%). In the sigmoidectomy group, there were no complication but one patient recurred (10%). In the perineal rectosigmoidectomy group, there were no complication, but one patient recurred (16.7%). The total complication rate were 3.1% and total recurrence rate were 9.3%.
CONCLUSIONS
Although, the best operation for rectal prolapse remains a controversial subject, we believe that laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy offers a promising new option for the treatment of rectal prolapse. | pubmed_23_6101 |
pubmed_906_22366 | In Alzheimer's disease (AD) inflammatory processes occur in pathologically vulnerable brain regions. The objective of this study is to compare both the release and the presence of microvessel-associated cytokines in vessels isolated from the brains of AD patients to microvessels from control brains. Microvessels are isolated from the cortices of AD patients and age-matched controls, without evidence of neurodegenerative disease. Inflammatory factors in the media are quantitated by ELISA and microvessel-associated mediators assessed by Western blot. Our results demonstrate that unstimulated AD microvessels release significantly higher levels of interleukin-1beta-(IL-1beta), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) compared to non-AD microvessels. Levels of microvessel-associated monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and IL-1beta are high in AD-derived microvessels, but not detectable in non-AD microvessels. These results suggest that the cerebral microcirculation contributes inflammatory mediators to the milieu of the AD brain and may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuronal injury and death in this disorder. | 10.1016/s0197-4580(01)00276-7 |
pubmed_830_11330 | Mutations arise during DNA replication due to oxidative lesions and intrinsic polymerase errors. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation rate is therefore closely linked to the mitochondrial DNA turnover process, especially in post mitotic cells. This makes the mitochondrial DNA turnover rate critical for understanding the origin and dynamics of mtDNA mutagenesis in post mitotic cells. Experimental mitochondrial turnover quantification has been based on different mitochondrial macromolecules, such as mitochondrial proteins, lipids and DNA, and the experimental data suggested highly divergent turnover rates, ranging from over 2 days to about 1 year. In this article we argue that mtDNA turnover rate cannot be as fast as is often envisaged. Using a stochastic model based on the chemical master equation, we show that a turnover rate corresponding to mtDNA half-life in the order of months is the most consistent with published mtDNA mutation levels. | 10.1007/s10522-012-9390-7 |
pubmed_749_5500 | We present a novel dense crowd simulation method. In real crowds of high density, people manoeuvring the crowd need to twist their torso to pass between others. Our proposed method does not use the traditional disc-shaped agent, but instead employs capsule-shaped agents, which enables us to plan such torso orientations. Contrary to other crowd simulation systems, which often focus on the movement of the entire crowd, our method distinguishes between active agents that try to manoeuvre through the crowd, and passive agents that have no incentive to move. We introduce the concept of a focus point to influence crowd agent orientation. Recorded data from real human crowds are used for validation, which shows that our proposed model produces equivalent paths for 85 percent of the validation set. Furthermore, we present a character animation technique that uses the results from our crowd model to generate torso-twisting and side-stepping characters. | 10.1109/TVCG.2016.2545670 |
pubmed_615_12549 | OBJECTIVE
To present experience with surgical treatment of various gynaecological diseases in patients belonging to the Church of Jehova´s Witness. DESIGNE: Retrospective study.
SETTING
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Palacky University Olomouc, Institute of Health Care Studies, Faculty of Humanity Studies, Thomas Bata University, Zlín.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The study included 24 patients belonging to the Church of Jehova´s Witness who reject blood tranfusion. The operations in these patients were performed for malignant as well as nonmalignant gynaecological disorders which could not be treated by conservative therapeutic procedures. The operation records were analysed and evaluated according to a set of criteria including the type of surgical procedure, estimated amount of blood loss, postoperative complications and the outcome of surgical treatment.
CONCLUSION
Jehovas´s Witnesses represent a risk group of patients considering their refusal of blood transfusion. The indication for the operation and its performing is responsible decision which always inherits a certain degrese of risk. On the other hand, when adhering to the principles of bloodless surgery, the therapeutic results are very good and in the properly indicated cases the scope of risk is acceptable. | pubmed_615_12549 |
pubmed_21_9219 | PURPOSE
Sleep apnea is a multi-factorial disease with a variety of identified causes. With its close proximity to the upper airway, the cervical spine and its associated pathologies can produce sleep apnea symptoms in select populations. The aim of this article was to summarize the literature discussing how cervical spine pathologies may cause sleep apnea.
METHODS
A search of the PubMed database for English-language literature concerning the cervical spine and its relationship with sleep apnea was conducted. Seventeen published papers were selected and reviewed.
RESULTS
Single-lesion pathologies of the cervical spine causing sleep apnea include osteochondromas, osteophytes, and other rare pathologies. Multifocal lesions include rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine and endogenous cervical fusions. Furthermore, occipital-cervical misalignment pre- and post-cervical fusion surgery may predispose patients to sleep apnea.
CONCLUSIONS
Pathologies of the cervical spine present significant additional etiologies for producing obstructive sleep apnea in select patient populations. Knowledge of these entities and their pathophysiologic mechanisms is informative for the clinician in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea in certain populations. | 10.1007/s00586-013-3046-4 |
pubmed_633_7298 | BACKGROUND & AIMS
Preliminary data suggest that non-invasive methods could be useful to assess presence of oesophageal varices (OV) in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to further investigate simple serum non-invasive markers for diagnosing and grading OV.
METHODS
A retrospective set of 510 cirrhotics and a prospective set of 110 cirrhotics were enrolled consecutively in five centers. Platelets, AST-to-ALT ratio, AST-to-platelet-ratio index, Forns' index, Lok index, Fib-4, and Fibroindex were measured within 2 months from upper endoscopy, taken as a gold standard. Performance was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC).
RESULTS
A combination of Lok index (cutoff=1.5) and Forns' index (cutoff=8.8) had 0.80 AUC (0.76-0.84, 95% CI), and high NPV (>90%) to exclude clinically relevant OV, defined as large OV or small OV with red signs or in Child-Pugh C cirrhosis. By applying this combination, upper endoscopy would have been avoided in 1/3 of our cirrhotics. Large OV could be excluded with 96% NPV by Lok index (cutoff=1.5). A combination of Lok index (cutoff=0.9) and Forns' index (cutoff=8.5) predicted presence of any grade OV with good performance: 0.82 AUC (0.76-0.88, 95% CI), 88% PPV.
CONCLUSIONS
Serum non-invasive markers may be useful as a first line tool to identify cirrhotic patients in which the risk of clinically relevant OV is trivial, and to reduce the number of upper endoscopies. However, we are still far from the possibility of replacing upper endoscopy by simple serum non-invasive markers in the vast majority of patients. | 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.04.019 |
pubmed_354_17197 | Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play crucial roles in immune responses and other biological processes, but the role of miR-181a in myasthenia gravis (MG) has been relatively less studied. We found that miR-181a was downregulated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of MG patients and was associated with QMGs and anti-AChR Ab levels. In vitro experiments indicated that miR-181a was involved in the modulation of CD4+ T cell activation and plasticity and that miR-181a decreased the expression level of the Th1-related transcription factor T-bet and the Th17-related transcription factor RORγt. In the in vivo experiment, miR-181a treatment alleviated experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) symptoms and affected both CD4+ T cell differentiation and the production of anti-AChR antibodies. Moreover, in this study, we also found that IL-2 was regulated by miR-181a and that its expression level showed a strong negative correlation with miR-181a levels in MG patients. To illustrate that the expression levels of both IL-2 and miR-181a were sensitive to immunomodulatory therapy treatment in MG, we found that IL-2 and miR-181a were correlated with clinical severity. These findings demonstrate that miR-181a can contribute to the pathogenesis of MG by regulating IL-2 expression. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. | 10.1002/eji.201848007 |
pubmed_249_17922 | The tenascins are a family of large extracellular matrix glycoproteins that comprise five known members. Three of these, tenascin-C (TN-C) tenascin-R (TN-R) and tenascin-Y (TN-Y) are expressed in specific patterns during nervous system development and are down-regulated after maturation. The expression of TN-C, the best studied member of the family, persists in restricted areas of the nervous system that exhibit neuronal plasticity and is reexpressed after lesion. Numerous studies in vitro suggest specific roles for tenascins in the nervous system involving precursor cell migration, axon growth and guidance. TN-C has been shown to occur in a large number of isoform variants generated by combinatorial variation of alternatively spliced fibronectin type III (FNIII) repeats. This finding indicates that TN-C might specify neural microenvironments, a hypothesis supported by recent analysis of TN-C knockout animals, which has begun to reveal subtle nervous system dysfunctions. | 10.1016/s0945-053x(00)00136-0 |
pubmed_346_2846 | The etiologies of otitis media with effusion are certainly multiple but remain incompletely understood. The treatment of otitis media with effusion varies considerably. A discussion of known facts as well as debated issues underlying these differences is presented. | pubmed_346_2846 |
pubmed_563_1913 | Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world with high morbidity and mortality. Identifying an effective marker for predicting the prognosis and therapeutic response is extremely meaningful. Angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) play important roles in the tumor progression and immune-suppressive microenvironment formation.
Methods
The differential expressed ARGs associated with the prognosis of HCC were identified in the TCGA dataset. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression were applied to construct a ARGs Scoring model. The prognostic value of the ARGs Scoring model was assessed by Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier (KM) and ROC curve analyses. Then the model was further validated in an external dataset, ICGC dataset. The patients were split into two groups based on the ARGs Score and the clinical features were compared. TIMER, CIBERSORT and xCell algorithms were utilized to analyze the correlation between the ARGs Score and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Furthermore, we analyzed the efficacy of the model in predicting the therapeutic response for immunotherapy, targeted therapy and TACE treatment in different cohorts.
Results
A total of 97 differential expressed ARGs were identified relating to the prognosis of HCC patients from the TCGA dataset. Then the ARGs Scoring model based on a 9-gene signature was constructed using the Cox and LASSO regression analyses. Higher ARGs Score had a poor clinical outcome and was considered to be an independent prognostic predictor for HCC in the multivariate Cox analysis. The ARGs Score was related to the enrichment of various immune cells, such as CD4+ T cells, Treg, macrophage, neutrophil and dendritic cells, exhibiting a more immunosuppressive phenotype. Higher ARGs Score was correlated with higher expression of immune checkpoint genes and poor response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, higher ARGs Score indicated poor therapeutic response in the sorafenib and TACE treatment cohorts, individually.
Conclusions
The ARGs Scoring model exhibited robust predictive value for the prognosis and TIME for HCC patients. Higher ARGs Score indicated poor therapeutic response of the immunotherapy, sorafenib and TACE treatment. The ARGs Scoring model could be used as a biomarker to help physicians to develop more individualized treatment for HCC patients. | 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1013248 |
pubmed_61_1768 | We report a novel approach for the controlled delivery of an antiinflammatory, chemopreventive drug by an enzyme-triggered drug release mechanism via the degradation of encapsulated hydrogels. The hydro- and organogelators are synthesized in high yields from renewable resources by using regioselective enzyme catalysis, and a known chemopreventive and antiinflammatory drug, i.e., curcumin, is used for the model study. The release of the drug occurred at physiological temperature, and control of the drug release rate is achieved by manipulating the enzyme concentration and/or temperature. The byproducts formed after the gel degradation were characterized and clearly demonstrated the site specificity of degradation of the gelator by enzyme catalysis. The present approach could have applications in developing cost-effective controlled drug delivery vehicles from renewable resources, with a potential impact on pharmaceutical research and molecular design and delivery strategies. | 10.1021/ja062650u |
pubmed_646_9715 | It is crucial for the surgeon to know the physical properties of a surgical sealant. Current test methods of fibrin sealant involving animal testing or in vitro testing of sealant using artificial substrates have little clinical relevance. Most of these test methods also lack accuracy and reproducibility. A new model was developed for testing strength and in vitro adhesion of fibrin sealant to vital human tissue using fresh vein leftover from coronary artery bypass grafting. The vein leftover was cut into samples and fastened in a tensiometer linked to a computer. Patient-derived fibrin sealant (0.1 ml) was applied to the tissue, and the surfaces of the tissue samples were held together for 5 min, and then automatically pulled apart by the tensiometer. Data were generated in a load cell and recorded and analysed by the computer. The reproducibility for the adhesion strength was 6.6%, adhesion energy 9.8%, and elongation at break 8.4%. The method has been considered ethical and has good reproducibility. The method can be used for standardised measurements and comparison of different types of fibrin sealant without the sacrifice of animals. | 10.1159/000008729 |
pubmed_59_2522 | Principles that provide general normative frameworks in bioethics have been criticized since the late 1980s, when several different methods and types of moral philosophy began to be proposed as alternatives or substitutes. Several accounts have emerged in recent years, including: (1) Impartial Rule Theory (supported in this issue by K. Danner Clouser), (2) Casuistry (supported in this issue by Albert Jonsen), and (3) Virtue Ethics (supported in this issue by Edmund D. Pellegrino). Although often presented as rival methods or theories, these approaches are consistent with and should not be considered adversaries of a principle-based account. | 10.1353/ken.0.0111 |
pubmed_474_12045 | 1. Depending on the operative trauma, insulin secretion is decreased until the 10th day after abdominal surgery. 2. The decreased insulin release is caused by a diminished discharge from the pancreatic beta cell during the second phase of insulin secretion (partially newly synthesized insulin). Insulin release during the early phase of insulin secretion (prestored insulin) is unchanged or even accelerated. 3. The glucose tolerance level is pathologically diminished until the 10th postoperative day. | pubmed_474_12045 |
pubmed_494_15082 | Modified linker-PCR primers were developed to enable complete sequencing of a DGGE band in one reaction. Commonly used bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene PCR-DGGE primers were modified to contain linkers and sequencing primers. This protocol does not involve additional stages, and improves retrieval of sequence from DGGE bands by approximately 23%. | 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.08.006 |
pubmed_300_18908 | The lung-expanding action of the diaphragm is primarily related to the descent of the dome produced by the shortening of the muscle fibers. However, when the phrenic nerves in dogs are selectively stimulated at functional residual capacity, the muscle insertions into the lower ribs also move caudally. This rib motion should enhance the descent of the dome and increase the fall in pleural pressure (DeltaPpl). To quantify the role of this mechanism in determining DeltaPpl during isolated diaphragm contraction and to evaluate the volume dependence of this role, radiopaque markers were attached to muscle bundles in the midcostal region of the muscle in six animals, and the three-dimensional location of the markers during relaxation at different lung volumes and during phrenic nerve stimulation at the same lung volumes was measured using computed tomography. From these data, accurate measurements of muscle length, dome displacement, and lower rib displacement were obtained. The values of dome displacement were then corrected for lower rib displacement, and the values of DeltaPpl corresponding to the corrected dome displacements were obtained using the measured relationship between DeltaPpl and dome displacement. The measurements showed that phrenic stimulation at all lung volumes causes a caudal displacement of the lower ribs and that this displacement, taken alone, contributes approximately 25% of the DeltaPpl produced by the diaphragm. To the extent that this lower rib displacement is itself caused by DeltaPpl, the lung-expanding action of the diaphragm during isolated contraction may therefore be viewed as a self-facilitating phenomenon. | 10.1152/japplphysiol.00753.2009 |
pubmed_1070_17763 | The purpose of the present study was to investigate the intersession reliability of vertical jump height in women and men recorded from a contact mat. Thirty-five women and 35 men performed four testing sessions across a 4-week period, with each session separated by 1 week. Within each testing session, subjects completed three countermovement vertical jumps (CMJs) for maximum height. Reliability statistics were calculated using the highest jump (HIGH) and also from the mean of all three jumps (3 MEAN) during each session. Reliability was calculated as a change in the mean, coefficients of variation (CVs), and intraclass correlations coefficients (ICCs) between testing sessions. For women, jump heights were not substantially different between sessions for either the HIGH or 3 MEAN data. The CVs for women ranged from 4.4 to 6.6% for HIGH and 4.1 to 6.0% for 3 MEAN, with the corresponding ICCs ranging from 0.87 to 0.94 for HIGH and 0.90 to 0.95 for 3 MEAN. For men, jump heights were not substantially different between sessions for HIGH. However, jump heights during session 1 were substantially greater than those during session 2 when using the 3 MEAN data. CVs between sessions for HIGH ranged from 4.0 to 5.6%, and those for 3 MEAN ranged from 4.2 to 5.2%. The ICCs ranged from 0.87 to 0.93 for HIGH and from 0.89 to 0.93 for 3 MEAN. Given the maximal nature of vertical jump tests, it seems appropriate to use the highest jump from a number of trials for women and men when using a contact mat. Practitioners and researchers can use the data to identify the range in which the true value of an athlete's score lies and calculate sample sizes for studies assessing height during CMJs recorded from a contact mat. | 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318185f0df |
pubmed_760_3783 | In addition to the court, those with parental responsibility have the authority 'to override the refusal of a Gillick-competent child, if it was in his or her best interests to do so'. | 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.774 |
pubmed_778_5193 | Sleep disorders have a high prevalence in patients with Parkinson's disease--some authors report it to be in the range of 60% - 98%. Together with the underlying motor symptoms, sleep disorders are the main causes of disability and have a substantial impact on the quality of life of these patients. Of particular interest are the behavior disorders of REM sleep (RBD) which are reported in many cases to precede the development of Parkinson's disease. In cases of diagnosing a REM sleep behavior disorder, it is absolutely necessary to exclude any underlying neurodegenerative process. Unlike the diagnosis of idiopathic RBD which can easily be made by conducting only a structured clinical interview, more than half of the RBD cases in patients with Parkinson's disease would be omitted using this technique. Patients with Parkinson's disease should be examined by polysomnography as the clinical interview's sensitivity alone can hardly reach 33%. This is so because there are mild forms of RBD in Parkinson's disease while the idiopathic forms always present with markedly severe clinical manifestations. Pathogenetically, Parkinson's disease share many similar features with RBD. Both conditions are characterized by a reduced striatal dopaminergic mediation. And yet there is no definitive answer to the question why RBD does not develop in all patients with Parkinson's disease. Clonazepam is highly effective in the treatment of RBD. Early diagnosis is thus critical for the prevention of injuries to the patient or to the patient's bed partner. | pubmed_778_5193 |
pubmed_866_23007 | Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have important roles during osseointegration. This study determined (i) if MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes can be immobilized on titanium (Ti) surfaces and influence the behavior of MSCs, (ii) if the response is differentially affected by EVs from expanded vs differentiated MSCs and (iii) if the EV protein cargos predict the functional features of the exosomes. EVs secreted by human adipose-derived MSCs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and analyzed using nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blotting and relative quantitative mass spectrometry. Fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cell counting assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze MSC adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Exosome immobilization on Ti promoted MSC adhesion and spreading after 24 h and proliferation after 3 and 6 days, irrespective of whether the exosomes were obtained from expansion or differentiation conditions. Immobilized exosomes upregulated stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1α) gene expression. Cell adhesion molecules and signaling molecules were abundant in the exosomal proteome. The predicted functions of the equally-abundant proteins in both exosome types were in line with the observed biological effects mediated by the exosomes. Thus, exosomes derived from MSCs and immobilized on Ti surfaces interact with MSCs and rapidly promote MSC adhesion and proliferation. These findings provide a novel route for modification of titanium implant surfaces. | 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119571 |
pubmed_277_9701 | AIM
To study the mechanism of cisplatin interaction with DNA, and the attenuating effects of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (DMOC) on crosslink.
METHODS
Primary cultured rabbit kidney proximal tubular cells (PTC) were established. DNA interstrand crosslink was assayed with ethidium bromide binding and DNA-protein crosslink with 125I-postlabelling. PTC were incubated with cisplatin for 24 h. DMOC was preincubated with PTC for 24 h, and cisplatin (26 mumol.L-1) was added into culture and incubated for another 24 h.
RESULTS
Cisplatin induced formation of DNA interstrand crosslink (13, 26, 52, and 78 mumol.L-1) and DNA-protein crosslink (26, 52, and 78 mumol.L-1) (P < 0.01). DNA interstrand crosslink in DMOC (0.4, 4, and 8 mg.L-1) and DNA-protein crosslink in DMOC (4, 8 mg.L-1) were less than those in cisplatin group (26 mumol.L-1), respectively (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The mechanisms of cisplatin interaction with DNA in PTC were DNA interstrand crosslink and DNA-protein crosslink, and DMOC attenuated these effects in vitro. | pubmed_277_9701 |
pubmed_349_9802 | BACKGROUND
Iatrogenic traumatic extrahepatic biliary tract injuries though rarely occur; they can lead to exceedingly morbid complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management strategies and outcomes of patients presented with iatrogenic bile duct injuries.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study. Over 19 y, 124 patients were managed for iatrogenic biliary injuries at our institution. The data related to the etiology of biliary tract injury, symptoms of injury, laboratory and radiologic studies, injury-to-diagnosis time, type of biliary tract injury, injury management, hospitalization time, and postoperative complications were reviewed.
RESULTS
The main clinical presentations were jaundice or recurrent cholangitis in 64 (51.61%) patients, followed by bile peritonitis in 34 (56.67%) and biliary fistula in 26 (43.33%) patients. Only in 23 (18.54%) cases, the injury was recognized intraoperatively. The most frequent surgical procedure was open cholecystectomy in 81 (65.32%) of 124 patients. The remaining patients were operated on laparoscopically. Good results were achieved in 99 of 101 patients with direct suture repair including hepaticojejunostomy, choledocoduodenostomy, and choledochocholedochostomy (98.02% success rate) at the first attempt. Three cases (2.97%) of biliary strictures after direct suture technique and four (3.96%) cases of postoperative mortalities were detected. The mortality rate was mostly affected by male gender, advanced age, and existence of bile peritonitis. Totally, 111 (89.52%) patients are still alive with a mean follow-up time of 78 ± 38 (2-230) mo.
CONCLUSIONS
Biliary injuries can be sometimes life-threatening complications. A successful repair may provide patients with a lifelong relief from symptoms, whereas a failed repair may result in recurrent biliary obstruction, reoperation, and even death. | 10.1016/j.jss.2015.11.032 |
pubmed_525_10438 | A 15-year-old adolescent male, with Asperger's disorder, Tourette's disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, on a tetracycline-risperidone-sertraline treatment regimen, had an acute exacerbation of motor and vocal tics. The increase in tics may have resulted from either a tetracycline-risperidone interaction leading to decreased levels of risperidone, or a tetracycline-sertraline interaction leading to increased levels of sertraline or the natural course of the Tourette's disorder. The sertraline dose was increased with no concomitant increase in tics, and subsequent discontinuation of tetracycline resulted in an improvement in tics, which indicates an interaction between tetracycline and risperidone. The addition of antibiotics to psychotropic medications requires close monitoring due to the potential interactions. | pubmed_525_10438 |
pubmed_779_852 | Since 2009, the mechanical engineering (ME) scholarship-science technology engineering and mathematics (S-STEM) Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) has provided financial support and program activities to ME undergraduate students aiming at improving their retention and graduation rates. The objective of this study is to identify program activities that were most effective to help students for improvements. Current ME S-STEM scholars were asked to complete a survey that measures their scientific efficacy, engineering identity, expectations, integration, and sense of belonging, as well as how program activities impact their attitudes and perceptions. Analyses of 36 collected surveys showed that scholars reported high levels of engineering identity, expectations, and sense of belonging. However, further improvements were needed to help students in achieving scientific efficacy and academic integration into the program. Results demonstrated that pro-active mentoring was the most effective method contributing to positive attitudes and perceptions. The implemented S-STEM research-related activities and internship were viewed favorably by the scholars in helping them establish their scientific efficacy and engineering identity, and understand their expectations and goals. Community building activities were considered helpful for them to integrate into campus life and improve their sense of belonging to the campus and program. Scholars identified mentoring, research related activities, internships, and social interaction with faculty and their peers as important factors for their retention and graduation. Although the sample size was small in the study, we believe that the cost-effective activities identified could be adopted by other institutions to further improve students' retention and graduation rates in engineering programs. | 10.1115/1.4051715 |
pubmed_520_19781 | Sedoreoviridae is a large family of icosahedral viruses that are usually regarded as non-enveloped with segmented (10-12 linear segments) dsRNA genomes of 18-26 kbp. Sedoreovirids have a broad host range, infecting mammals, birds, crustaceans, arthropods, algae and plants. Some of them have important pathogenic potential for humans (e.g. rotavirus A), livestock (e.g. bluetongue virus) and plants (e.g. rice dwarf virus). This is a summary of the ICTV Report on the family Sedoreoviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/sedoreoviridae. | 10.1099/jgv.0.001782 |
pubmed_149_20228 | PURPOSE
To evaluate the serum variations of Interleukins (Il) and CPR of abdominoplasties in post-bariatric patients and, to equate the homeostasis (HOMA) from the variations of glycemia and insulin to evolute the metabolic modifications.
METHODS
Fourteen women were submitted to abdominoplasties with weight loss after a gastroplasty. Levels of IL4, IL6, IL10, CRP, glycemia and insulin were obtained during the pre-operative, trans-operative, 24 hours post, 7th and 14th postoperative days.
RESULTS
The IL4 was higher at 24 hours post-surgery, and after a moderate decrease, it remained high until the 14th day. The IL6 and CRP had an expressive increase during the trans-operative period. The CRP remained high, and the IL6 decreased on the 7th and 14th days. The IL10 increased during the transoperative period, and it posteriorly decreased to lower levels in comparison to the pre-operative period. The already increased glycemia during the pre-operative period was even higher during the trans-operative and then, returned to preliminary values on the 7th and 14th days after surgery. The HOMA accompanied the insulin.
CONCLUSION
The inflammatory and glycemic serum levels decrease after abdominiplasty in obese post-bariatric patients. | 10.1590/s0102-865020190050000006 |
pubmed_353_23817 | This analysis compares patient and provider characteristics of African-American clinicians and non-African-American clinicians who called the National HIV Telephone Consultation Service (Warmline). In 2004, a total of 2,077 consultations were provided for 1,020 clinicians, 70 (6.9%) of whom were African American. Compared to the non-African-American group, a higher percentage of African-American clinicians were nurses (20.0% vs. 8.8%, p=0.002). A significantly lower percentage of African-American physicians were infectious disease specialists (3.5% vs. 25.6%, p=0.007). African-American clinicians were more likely to work in a community clinic (48.5% vs. 34.1%, p=0.015). Both African-American and non-African American clinicians reported caring for a similar number of HIV-infected patients. Patient-provider racial concordance was common among African-American clinicians (76.4%), whereas non-African-American clinicians called about patients of more diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. African-American clinicians who called Warmline exhibited differences in patient and provider characteristics when compared to all other clinicians. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on HIV providers in the United States. | 10.1016/s0027-9684(15)31371-7 |
pubmed_173_18516 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion on the protein expression of chemerin in C57BL/6J mice.
METHODS
A total of 16 mice (C57BL/6J, specific pathogen free level) were randomly assigned into two groups (n=8 each): the intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group and the sham group. The intestinal ischemia-reperfusion state was achieved by blocking the super-mesenteric artery. After 60 minutes of ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion,we determined the protein level of chemerin in various organs and tissues by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The sham group underwent the same operation process except for the blocking of the super-mesenteric artery.
RESULT
The protein level of chemerin was significantly elevated in distinctive organs and tissues in the state of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The intestinal ischemia-reperfusion can remarkably increase the protein expression of chemerin in some organs and tissues. | 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503X.2015.04.013 |
pubmed_738_18962 | The broad host range bacteriophage Mu employs a novel 'methylcarbamoyl' modification to protect its DNA from diverse restriction systems of its hosts. The DNA modification is catalyzed by a phage-encoded protein Mom, whose mechanism of action is a mystery. Here, we characterized the co-factor and metal-binding properties of Mom and provide a molecular mechanism to explain 'methylcarbamoyl'ation of DNA by Mom. Computational analyses revealed a conserved GNAT (GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase) fold in Mom. We demonstrate that Mom binds to acetyl CoA and identify the active site. We discovered that Mom is an iron-binding protein, with loss of Fe2+/3+-binding associated with loss of DNA modification activity. The importance of Fe2+/3+ is highlighted by the colocalization of Fe2+/3+ with acetyl CoA within the Mom active site. Puzzlingly, acid-base mechanisms employed by >309,000 GNAT members identified so far, fail to support methylcarbamoylation of adenine using acetyl CoA. In contrast, free-radical chemistry catalyzed by transition metals like Fe2+/3+ can explain the seemingly challenging reaction, accomplished by collaboration between acetyl CoA and Fe2+/3+. Thus, binding to Fe2+/3+, a small but unprecedented step in the evolution of Mom, allows a giant chemical leap from ordinary acetylation to a novel methylcarbamoylation function, while conserving the overall protein architecture. | 10.1093/nar/gkaa319 |
pubmed_82_21701 | Little is known about the regulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling cascades by hormonal stimulation in vivo. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the c-jun kinase (JNK) are two MAP kinase signaling pathways that could play a role in the cellular response to hormones such as insulin and epinephrine. We studied the effects of insulin (20 U/rat) and epinephrine (25 microg/100 g body wt) injected in vivo on ERK and JNK signaling in skeletal muscle from Sprague-Dawley rats. Insulin significantly increased ERK phosphorylation and the activity of its downstream substrate, the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), by 1.4-fold, but it had no effect on JNK activity. In contrast, epinephrine had no effect on ERK phosphorylation or RSK2 activity, but it increased JNK activity by twofold, an effect that was inhibited by the presence of combined alpha and beta blockade. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of both p46 and p55 isoforms of JNK, measured by phosphospecific antibody, was increased severalfold. The activity and phosphorylation of MAP kinase kinase (MKK)-4, an upstream regulator of JNK, was unchanged by epinephrine. Incubation of isolated soleus muscles in vitro with epinephrine (10(-5) mol/l) also increased JNK activity by twofold. These data are the first to demonstrate that epinephrine can increase JNK activity. Insulin and epinephrine have different effects on MAP kinase signaling pathways in skeletal muscle, which may be one of the underlying molecular mechanisms through which these hormones regulate opposing metabolic functions. | 10.2337/diabetes.47.10.1549 |
pubmed_752_14699 | The results of surgical treatment of the thyroid gland diseases were analyzed, including the specific morbidity rate, cosmetic effect of the operation, stationary treatment of patients duration, the operation radicalism. Improvement of the operation methods and introduction of modern electric surgical instruments have permitted to reduce the operation duration, the surgical access length, the rate of postoperative hypocalcaemia occurrence, duration of the patients stationary treatment. | pubmed_752_14699 |
pubmed_192_24753 | PURPOSE
An underestimated biopsy Gleason score 3 + 3 can result in unfounded optimism amongst patients and cause physicians to miss the window for prostate cancer (PCa) cure. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 as well as periprostatic fat (PPF) measured on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) at predicting pathological upgrading amongst patients with biopsy Gleason score 3 + 3 disease.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 56 patients with biopsy Gleason score 6 PCa who underwent prebiopsy mp-MRI and radical prostatectomy (RP) between November 2013 and March 2018 was conducted. Two radiologists performed PI-RADS v2 score evaluation and different fat measurements on mp-MRI. The associations amongst clinical information, PI-RADS v2 score, different fat parameters and pathologic findings were analyzed. A nomogram predicting upgrading was established based on the results of logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 38 (67.9%) patients were upgraded to Gleason ≥7 disease on RP specimens. Prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) (p < .001), positive core (p < .001), single-core positivity (p = .039), PI-RADS score (p < .001), front PPF area (p = .007) and front-to-total ratio (the ratio of front PPF area to total contour area) (p < .001) were risk factors for upgrading. On multivariate analysis, Epstein criteria (p = .02), PI-RADS score >3 (p = .024), and front-to-total ratio (p = .006) were independent risk factors for pathologic upgrading. The AUC value of the nomogram was 0.893 (95% CI, 0.787-0.999).
CONCLUSION
The combination of PI-RADS v2 and periprostatic fat measured on mp-MRI can help predict pathologic upgrading amongst patients with biopsy Gleason score 3 + 3 PCa. | 10.1080/21681805.2018.1545799 |
pubmed_584_7149 | In modern computer tomography (CT) systems, the fast rotating gantry and the increased detector width enable 3D imaging of the heart. Cardiac volume CT has a high potential for non-invasive coronary angiography with high spatial resolution and short scan time. Due to the increased detector width, true cone beam reconstruction methods are needed instead of adapted 2D reconstruction schemes. In this paper, the extended cardiac reconstruction method is introduced. It integrates the idea of retrospectively gated cardiac reconstruction for helical data acquisition into a cone beam reconstruction framework. It leads to an efficient and flexible algorithmic scheme for the reconstruction of single- and multi-phase cardiac volume datasets. The method automatically adapts the number of cardiac cycles used for the reconstruction. The cone beam geometry is fully taken into account during the reconstruction process. Within this paper, results are presented on patient datasets which have been acquired using a 16-slice cone beam CT system. | 10.1088/0031-9155/48/18/308 |
pubmed_234_20173 | The absolute requirement of Ca(2+) for proteolytic activity is a feature unique to the calpains, a family of heterodimeric cysteine proteases. Conditions are described which give rise to diffraction-quality crystals of m-calpain in two crystal forms, P1 and P2(1). Data have been collected from native crystals of m-calpain in both P1 and P2(1) forms, to 2.6 and 2.15 A, respectively. Selenomethionine-containing crystals have been grown in both forms, and anomalous data from the P2(1) selenomethionine enzyme provided the location of 17 of the 19 Se atoms in the protein. | 10.1107/s0907444999007386 |
pubmed_486_22538 | Apart from their established role in embryonic development, neurotrophins (NTs) have diverse functions in the nervous system. Their role in the integration of physiological and biochemical aspects of the nervous system is currently attracting much attention. Based on a systematic analysis of the literature, we here propose a new paradigm that, by exploiting a novel role of NTs, may help explain the genesis of stress-related psychiatric disorders, opening new avenues for better management of the same. We hypothesize that NTs as an integrated network play a crucial role in maintaining an indivdual's psychological wellbeing. Given the evidence that stress can induce chronic disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which, in turn, is causally linked to several psychiatric disorders, this function may be mediated through the homeostatic mechanisms governing regulation of this axis. In fact, NTs, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to participate in neuroendocrine regulation. Recent studies suggest epigenetic modification of NT-HPA axis interplay in the precipitation of psychiatric disorders. Our article highlights why this new knowledge regarding NTs should be considered in the etiogenesis and treatment of stress-induced psychopathology. | 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101688 |
pubmed_916_21293 | PURPOSE
The effect of renewing removable dentures on masticatory function was evaluated according to the occlusion offered by different types of mandibular arches.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-eight patients with complete maxillary dentures were subdivided into three groups in terms of mandibular dentition type: dentate, partial denture, and complete denture. The participants were observed before and 8 weeks after maxillary denture renewal. The mandibular denture was also renewed in the partial and complete denture groups. The participants masticated carrots, peanuts, and three model foods of different hardnesses. The particle size distribution of the boluses obtained from natural foods was characterized by the median particle size (d50) in relation to the masticatory normative indicator (MNI). Chewing time (CT), number of chewing cycles (CC), and chewing frequency (CF) were video recorded. A self-assessment questionnaire for oral health-related quality of life (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index [GOHAI]) was used. Statistical analyses were carried out with a mixed model.
RESULTS
Renewal of the dentures decreased d50 (P < .001). The number of participants with d50 values above the MNI cutoff decreased from 12 to 2 after renewal. Renewal induced an increase in mean CF while chewing model foods (P < .001). With all foods, renewal tended to affect CT, CC, and CF differently among the three groups (statistically significant renewal Å~ group interactions). The GOHAI score increased significantly for all groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Denture renewal improves masticatory function. The complete denture group benefited least from renewal; the dentate group benefited most. This study confirmed the usefulness of denture renewal for improving functions and oral health- related quality of life. | 10.11607/ijp.3916 |
pubmed_968_1492 | The extracellular matrix (ECM) has historically been explored through proteomic methods. Whether or not global transcriptomics can yield meaningful information on the human matrisome is unknown. Gene expression data from 17,382 samples across 52 tissues, were obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. Additional datasets were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program and the Gene Expression Omnibus for comparisons. Gene expression levels generally matched proteome-derived matrisome expression patterns. Further, matrisome gene expression properly clustered tissue types, with some matrisome genes including SERPIN family members having tissue-restricted expression patterns. Deeper analyses revealed 382 gene transcripts varied by age and 315 varied by sex in at least one tissue, with expression correlating with digitally imaged histologic tissue features. A comparison of TCGA tumor, TCGA adjacent normal and GTEx normal tissues demonstrated robustness of the GTEx samples as a generalized matrix control, while also determining a common primary tumor matrisome. Additionally, GTEx tissues served as a useful non-diseased control in a separate study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) matrix changes, while identifying 22 matrix genes upregulated in IPF. Altogether, these findings indicate that the transcriptome, in general, and GTEx in particular, has value in understanding the state of organ ECM. | 10.1038/s41598-021-00943-x |
pubmed_448_580 | OBJECTIVE
To verify the efficacy of citral in inducing sedation and anesthesia in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and to assess the safety of essential oil (EO) of Aloysia citriodora and citral in inducing and maintaining anesthesia in silver catfish.
STUDY DESIGN
Clinical study, randomized, parallel, multi-arm with control group in target species.
ANIMALS
A total of 96 juvenile and 72 adult silver catfish and 80 juvenile grass carp were used.
METHODS
Silver catfish and grass carp were exposed to different concentrations of citral, 15-675 and 15-600 μL L-1, respectively, during the maximum period of 30 minutes to verify sedation and anesthesia induction and recovery times. In addition, for anesthetic induction, silver catfish were exposed to the EO of A. citriodora and citral at 225 μL L-1 for 3.5 minutes. Then, fish were transferred to an anesthesia maintenance solution at 50 μL L-1 for 10 minutes to assess hematologic and biochemical variables at 60 minutes, 2 and 6 days after treatment.
RESULTS
Citral only induced sedation from 15, 25 and 40 μLL-1 in both species. Anesthesia without mortality was induced in silver catfish at 50-600 μL L-1 and grass carp at 75-450 μL L-1. At 675 and 600 μL L-1, mortality was recorded in silver catfish and grass carp, respectively. The EO of A. citriodora and citral were safe in inducing and maintaining anesthesia in silver catfish, with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration being the only variable that varied in relation to time and treatments.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Citral was effective in inducing sedation and anesthesia in both species. In addition, A. citriodora EO and citral were safe in inducing and maintaining anesthesia in silver catfish. Both agents are promising substances for the development of new drugs for fish. | 10.1016/j.vaa.2021.10.004 |
pubmed_834_9092 | Localization of cells with proliferative capacity in human major salivary glands lacks extensive study. Minced fragments of human parotid (n = 3) and submandibular (n = 3) glands embedded in a floating collagen gel matrix and cultured for up to 28 days allowed maintenance of the three-dimensional relationship of the various cell types in these glands. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy of a time-dependent series of cultured gland fragments showed gradual cytologic modification of acinar cells so that acini became duct-like but also established that even after 28 days of culture certain cellular features allowed continued identification of acinar cells. Serial section immunostaining for amylase, cytokeratins, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (a specific marker for cycling cells) revealed that acinar, intercalated duct, and excretory duct (both basal and luminal) cells are all capable of entering the cell cycle. At day 5 of culture, the number of cycling cells increased 16-fold in the parotid gland and 9-fold in the submandibular gland over that in the respective in situ gland. In this in vitro system, which perhaps simulates regenerative processes in human salivary glands, none of the samples showed cycling cells localized only to segments of intercalated duct or the basal cells of excretory duct as suggested by current histogenetic concepts. | 10.1016/0030-4220(93)90259-7 |
pubmed_936_14273 | Background
Airway inflammation produced by neutrophils is a critical factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Poor or excessive neutrophil polarization and chemotaxis may lead to pathogen accumulation and tissue damage. However, it is unclear how cigarette smoke extract (CSE) attracts neutrophils and to what extent COPD is affected by the improper polarization of these abnormal neutrophils. This study sought to assess the polarization and migration dynamics of neutrophils isolated from patients with different severities of COPD compared to healthy smoking and non-smoking control subjects, and to detect how CSE triggers the polarization of neutrophils.
Methods
The neutrophils were freshly isolated using standard isolation protocol. The polarization of the neutrophils was observed using a Zigmond chamber when stimulated by a linear concentration gradient of CSE or N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLP). Confocal laser-scanning microscopy was used to observe the intracellular calcium of the neutrophils. The experimental data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. SPSS 20.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The neutrophils from the COPD patients showed a higher frequency of spontaneous polarization and a lower prevalence of directionality polarization than those from the healthy control (HC) and smoker subjects. The abnormal polarization of the neutrophils from the COPD patients was altered by the influence of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) component matrix interaction molecules 1 and 2 and calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 [stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), Stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2), and calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1)].
Conclusions
The COPD neutrophils exhibited unique polarization and migration patterns compared to those of the cells examined from other populations. The attraction of CSEs to neutrophils was mediated by the SOCE/Akt/Src pathway. | 10.21037/atm-22-1480 |
pubmed_110_2529 | Material specificity in implant-tissue interactions derives primarily from the surface properties (chemical composition, microstructure, etc.) of the implant. This article addresses several questions related to implant and biomaterial surfaces: What is the status of real implant surfaces (composition, cleanliness, contamination, microstructure, etc.), and how does it vary with preparation procedures? Can the surface status be varied and analyzed in a controlled manner? How significant are surface status variations for in vivo function? And so on. We discuss clean surfaces, how they are contaminated, and how the contamination may affect the properties. We also discuss different preparation procedures, such as conventional machining, plasma treatment, and sterilization. Three important conclusions are drawn: (i) The surface status of a particular implant material may vary widely depending on its preparation and handling history. (ii) The surface status of implants is expected to be important for in vivo function, and should thus be controlled and standardized. (iii) It is usually not possible to predict how a change in surface status will affect the long-term, in vivo function of an implant. | 10.1002/jbm.820221307 |
pubmed_889_9888 | Orthopedic implants benefit from a surface that encourages direct bony ongrowth (contact osteogenesis). This process is initiated as osteoprogenitor cells attach to the implant surface and deposit a calcium-enriched, collagen-deficient interfacial layer known as the cement line, which provides an anchoring foundation for the subsequent production of collagenous bone matrix from differentiated osteoblasts. Despite the importance of the cement line, the conditions affecting its deposition are incompletely understood. The current study aimed to examine cement line formation from human osteoprogenitor cells (hFOB 1.19) on a titanium plasma-sprayed PEEK (termed Ti-PEEK) surface exhibiting hierarchical roughness, compared to two relatively flat implant materials, PEEK and Ti-6Al-4 V (Ti). The hierarchical roughness of Ti-PEEK surfaces created more surface area (40% increase at the microscale) for greater cellular proliferation and stimulated significantly increased calcium deposition, which was produced by osteoprogenitor cells in their undifferentiated state. The absence of increases in alkaline phosphatase confirmed that cells remained undifferentiated, and the lack of variation in collagen measurements supported the non-collagenous composition of the cement line. Impressively, after just 24 h, the calcium deposition measured on Ti-PEEK surfaces was 305% and 470% higher than on Ti and PEEK, respectively, providing evidence that Ti-PEEK surfaces may enhance contact osteogenesis by stimulating accelerated cement line formation from undifferentiated osteoprogenitor cells. | 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.12.037 |
pubmed_111_19075 | To evaluate the physiologic changes in rowing performance during the training season, selected cardiorespiratory variables were measured three times at 3-month intervals in seven collegiate women rowers during incremental exercise on the rowing ergometer. Values for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and peak power production increased by 14% and 18%, respectively, over the 6-month period. Maximal heart rate was unchanged with training. Oxygen-pulse increased significantly (+ 14%) during the training season, while the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen did not change. Oxygen consumption as a percent of VO2 max and heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (AT) decreased during the first 3 months of predominantly aerobic training, but increased significantly in the last 3 months with greater anaerobic conditioning. The changes demonstrated by physiologic testing corresponded to the particular type of training emphasized during the 6-month period. Serial measurements of VO2 max and AT can be used to assess the benefits of specific training. Based on these results, individual guidelines for aerobic and anaerobic conditioning can be developed using the heart rate response at the AT. | 10.1055/s-2008-1025846 |
pubmed_1014_7049 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein in aortic tissue and the severity of atherosclerosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
METHODS
Samples of ascending aorta and renal artery were collected from patients undergoing CABG surgery or kidney donation, respectively. TLR4 levels were determined by immunohistochemistry. Coronary angiography was performed to determine atherosclerosis severity via Gensini score.
RESULTS
TLR4 was present at high levels in aortic tissues from patients (n = 46), and was absent from renal artery tissue (controls; n = 11). There was a significant positive correlation between Gensini score and TLR4 level in the patient group.
CONCLUSIONS
TLR4 may play an important role in atherosclerosis and could be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of coronary artery disease. Discarded aortic tissue obtained during CABG surgery provides a new approach to the study of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. | 10.1177/0300060514534645 |
pubmed_1000_16449 | OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between breakfast cereal consumption and iron status and identify dietary patterns that might improve iron status in this vulnerable group.
DESIGN
Analysis of data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of children aged 1.5-4.5 years, including dietary intakes calculated from 4-day weighed records.
SUBJECTS
Data were used from 904 children with haematological measurements, excluding those taking iron supplements; 20% had low iron stores (ferritin < 10 microgl-1) while 8% were anaemic (Hb < 11 g dl-1).
RESULTS
High cereal consumers had significantly higher iron intakes than low cereal consumers (classified by tertiles) but the 10% difference in mean ferritin levels was not significant (P= 0.067). Lower intakes of vitamin C and meat among high consumers of cereal may have diluted the impact of cereal iron on iron status. When children were reclassified according to their intakes of vitamin C and iron from meat and breakfast cereals, the group with high (above median) intakes of two or more factors had a higher mean haemoglobin (Hb) level and a lower prevalence of anaemia compared with the group with low (below median) intakes of all three dietary constituents.
CONCLUSIONS
Nutritional advice that aims to improve iron status should emphasize not only rich sources of iron but also factors that may enhance or inhibit absorption. Strategies to optimize iron status in this vulnerable age group include consuming an iron-fortified breakfast cereal, vitamin C-rich fruit or drink at breakfast, and avoiding tea with (or after) meals. | pubmed_1000_16449 |
pubmed_506_9034 | The highest resolution vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption spectrum of ethyl formate, C2H5OCHO, yet reported is presented over the wavelength range 115.0-275.5 nm (10.75-4.5 eV) revealing several new spectral features. Valence and Rydberg transitions and their associated vibronic series, observed in the photoabsorption spectrum, have been assigned in accordance with new ab initio calculations of the vertical excitation energies and oscillator strengths. Calculations have also been carried out to determine the ionization energies and fine structure of the lowest ionic state of ethyl formate and are compared with a newly recorded He(I) photoelectron spectrum (from 10.1 to 16.1 eV). New vibrational structure is observed in the first photoelectron band. The photoabsorption cross sections have been used to calculate the photolysis lifetime of ethyl formate in the upper stratosphere (20-50 km). | 10.1063/1.4894762 |
pubmed_325_7515 | BACKGROUND
Endoscopic ultrasound is considered the best imaging test for the diagnosis and evaluation of subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to describe the endosonographic characteristics of upper gastric subepithelial lesions and our experience using endoscopic ultrasound for evaluation of such lesions.
METHODS
Retrospective data study of 342 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of subepithelial lesions.
RESULTS
Lesions of the fourth layer were more common in the stomach (63.72%) than in the esophagus (44.68%) and duodenum (29.03%). In stomach, 81.1% of the lesions ≥2 cm, and 96.5% ≥3 cm, were from the fourth layer. Endosonographic signs that could be related to malignant behavior, such as irregular borders, echogenic foci, cystic spaces and/or size greater than 3 cm were identified in 34 (15.81%) lesions at the first endoscopic ultrasound evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration did the diagnosis in 21 (61.76%) patients who were submitted a puncture. Three (12.0%) lesions of 25 who were submitted to regular endoscopic ultrasound surveillance increased the size.
CONCLUSION
Stomach is the organ most affected with subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and the fourth layer was the most common layer of origin. More than 80% of gastric subepithelial lesions from the fourth layer are ≥2 cm. Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of subepithelial lesions has been very important for stratification into risk groups and to determine the best management. | pubmed_325_7515 |
pubmed_533_10744 | BACKGROUND
Angiogenesis is associated with tumor progression in a range of malignancies. Herein, we develop custom immunobead assays for several mechanistically important targets and evaluated these against sera from cohorts of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
METHODS
Antigen "capture" antibodies for midkine, syndecan-1, and ANGPTL4 were independently conjugated to MagPlex® Microspheres using standard carbodiimide/NHS-based chemistry. These reagents served as the basis for quantitative sandwich assay assembly using biotinylated detection antibodies and R-phycoerythrin-conjugated streptavidin reporter system. Standard curves were created using dilution series of recombinant target proteins with assay performance characteristics calculated, accordingly. Finally, we evaluated a range of serum samples from NSCLC patients (n = 32) to verify assay performance.
RESULTS
Multiplexed assays for midkine, syndecan-1, and ANGPTL4 were developed with three orders of magnitude in dynamic range, excellent intra- and inter-assay precision, and accuracy parameters (<10%, and <15% variability, respectively). Detection and quantifications limits were suitable for the three assays to efficiently evaluate sera across a range of disease stages with a four-fold dilution factor.
CONCLUSION
We successfully developed and analytically validated a 3-plex immunobead assay for quantifying midkine, syndecan-1, and ANGPTL4 in patient sera. This multiplexed assay will provide an important tool for future studies delineating the role of angiogenesis in lung cancer progression. | 10.1080/15321819.2017.1407338 |
pubmed_33_23699 | Postoperative exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia in patients with lung cancer and interstitial lung disease has emerged as a serious problem. Therefore, the risk factors for postoperative exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia in patients with interstitial lung disease must be identified. We analyzed 22 patients diagnosed as having lung cancer with interstitial lung disease who underwent surgical treatment at the Kitasato University Hospital. Among the patients with lung cancer and interstitial lung disease, 5 patients (22.7%) had postoperative exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. The prognosis of the patients with postoperative exacerbation was significantly poorer than that of patients without. Patients with postoperative exacerbation had a significantly higher age (≥75 years) and a significantly lower frequency of postoperative administration of steroid than patients without postoperative exacerbation. Almost all patients with postoperative exacerbation underwent lobectomy, had elevated KL-6 levels in the serum pre-operatively, and had significantly advanced stages of disease. Of the 5 patients with postoperative exacerbation, 2 had a history of inflammation prior to their exacerbation: 1 had a common cold and the other pyothorax. In patients with lung cancer and interstitial lung disease, advanced age, advanced stage disease, no postoperative administration of steroid and a pre-operative episode of inflammation are all risk factors for postoperative exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. | 10.3892/etm.2011.342 |
pubmed_302_20733 | We report the 2.1 A crystal structure of the core G protein domain of the unusual Rho family member RhoE/Rnd3 in complex with endogenous GTP and magnesium. Unlike other small G proteins, RhoE, along with two other proteins Rnd1/Rho6 and Rnd2/RhoN, does not hydrolyze GTP. The main reason for this is the presence of serines in the positions equivalent to Ala59 and Gln61 in Ras. The structure shows that there are still water molecules in similar positions to the waters thought to be involved in the hydrolysis reaction in other G proteins. The structure suggests three not necessarily exclusive explanations for the lack of hydrolysis. The lack of the conserved glutamine raises the energy of the transition state inhibiting hydrolysis. The serines may restrain the waters from moving closer to the GTP, a step that is required to attain the transition state. They also stabilize the GTP-bound conformation of switch II and could prevent conformational changes required during hydrolysis. By superposition of the RhoE structure on structures of Rho family proteins in complex with binding partners, we make predictions on RhoE interactions with these partners. | 10.1021/bi025651h |
pubmed_336_6024 | PURPOSE
To extend understanding of women's experience of miscarriage by exploring their approach to decisions about what to do after learning a miscarriage was likely.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
Using dimensional analysis, a technique generic to grounded theory, we analyzed interview transcripts of 23 women who experienced miscarriage (before 14 weeks gestation) at a midwestern medical center. We explored women's experiences by focusing on (1) how they came to know they were having a miscarriage and (2) how they decided what to do next. Both are key, yet relatively unexplored, constructs of early miscarriage.
RESULTS
Being Sure emerged as the central process for women as they made decisions about what was happening to them, and about their treatment options. Participants needed to be sure that they were having a miscarriage (that the pregnancy was truly over), and also be sure that they were choosing the right treatment option for them (surgical, medical, or expectant management).
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Nurses caring for women in the throes of an inevitable miscarriage can use the information in this article to support women in their quest toward Being Sure. Helping women thusly encompasses assisting women to understand their symptoms, come to terms with the inevitability of the pregnancy loss, and be comfortable with which treatment they choose for the miscarriage. | 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000027 |
pubmed_34_11630 | The focus of our CQI Investigation was to determine whether home telehealth is the "Silver Bullet" in reducing re-hospitalizations, managing visits per episode, implementing disease management strategies, and improving patient satisfaction. In this article, we will discuss the challenges of developing and implementing a telehealth program in a free standing non-profit agency, the program design and its components, and obstacles encountered including those presented by home care staff and area physicians. When we started this project, we had no idea what the results would be. There were some surprises along the way. | pubmed_34_11630 |
pubmed_164_1798 | OBJECTIVE
Informal caregivers (family and friends) of people with cancer are often unprepared for their caregiving role, leading to increased burden or distress. Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) is a Web-based lung cancer information, communication, and coaching system for caregivers. This randomized trial reports the impact on caregiver burden, disruptiveness, and mood of providing caregivers access to CHESS versus the Internet with a list of recommended lung cancer websites.
METHODS
A total of 285 informal caregivers of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer were randomly assigned to a comparison group that received Internet or a treatment group that received Internet and CHESS. Caregivers were provided a computer and Internet service if needed. Written surveys were completed at pretest and during the intervention period bimonthly for up to 24 months. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) compared the intervention's effect on caregivers' disruptiveness and burden (CQOLI-C), and negative mood (combined Anxiety, Depression, and Anger scales of the POMS) at 6 months, controlling for blocking variables (site, caregiver's race, and relationship to patient) and the given outcome at pretest.
RESULTS
Caregivers randomized to CHESS reported lower burden, t(84) = 2.36, p = .021, d = .39, and negative mood, t(86) = 2.82, p = .006, d = .44, than those in the Internet group. The effect on disruptiveness was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Although caring for someone with a terminal illness will always exact a toll on caregivers, eHealth interventions like CHESS may improve caregivers' understanding and coping skills and, as a result, ease their burden and mood. | 10.1037/a0034216 |
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