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pubmed_489_12307 | This study was performed to estimate the direct medical costs and epidemiology of pneumonia in adults of Korea. We conducted a multi-center, retrospective, observational study and collected data targeting for community-acquired pneumonia patients ( ≥ 50 yr) from 11 hospitals. Costs attributable to the treatment of pneumonia were estimated by reviewing resource utilization and epidemiology data (distribution of pathogen, hospital length of stay, overall outcome) were also collected. A total 693 patients were included; average 70.1 ( ± 10.5) aged, 57.3% male and average 1.16 CURB-65 (confusion, blood urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age > 65 yr) scored. The pathogen was identified in the 32.9% (228 patients); Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for 22.4% (51 patients) of identified pathogens. The hospital mortality was 3.2% (especially, for S. pneumoniae was 5.9%) and average length of stay was 9 days. The mean total cost for the treatment of pneumonia was US dollar (USD) 1,782 (SD: USD 1,501). Compared to the cost of all caused pneumonia, that of pneumococcal pneumonia was higher, USD 2,049 ( ± USD 1,919), but not statistically significant. Charge of hospitalization accounted the greatest part of total medical costs. The economic burden of pneumonia was high in Korea, and the prevention of pneumonia should be considered as effective strategy. | 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.6.888 |
pubmed_236_8886 | OBJECTIVE
To review research evaluations of intensive biopsychosocial training programs for nonpsychiatry residents, and determine whether this research showed sufficient rigor and consistent beneficial impact to allow initial research-based teaching guidelines.
DATA SOURCES
An English-language literature search used MEDLINE (1966-93), Psychological Abstracts (1967-93), and Educational Resource Information Clearinghouse (1966-93) as well as bibliographic reviews from prominent peer-reviewed articles and consultation with an expert.
STUDY SELECTION
From among several hundred articles about biopsychosocial training, only 12 studies met the selection criteria: at least 100 contact hours of training for nonpsychiatry residents and an evaluation of efficacy.
DATA EXTRACTION
The three authors independently assessed these 12 studies and made a consensus decision based on explicit criteria. Successful and unsuccessful programs were distinguished from among those classified as quasi-experimental or experimental to identify programs of sufficient rigor to meet the study objective; success was defined as learning beyond knowledge and residents' acceptance of teaching.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Four successful quasi-experimental or experimental programs showed the following uniquely beneficial features: 1) protected time for residents; 2) teaching that was required, structured, multidimensional, and balanced between learner-centered and teacher-centered approaches; 3) teaching methods that used normal as well as psychosocially disturbed patients, nonpsychiatrist teachers, and special teaching techniques; and 4) inclusion in the curriculum of interviewing, interpersonal skills, doctor-patient relationship, and patient education. Two unsuccessful quasi-experimental or experimental programs were unidimensional and unstructured, and used predominant or isolated teacher-centered approaches. Features found in both successful and unsuccessful programs were experiential teaching, psychiatrist and other mental health professional teachers, use of disturbed patients, training to manage patients' psychosocial problems, teaching directed toward knowledge acquisition, teaching about treatment, and university affiliation.
CONCLUSIONS
Four rigorously studied, successful programs showed a common pattern of intensive biopsychosocial teaching that produced, in aggregate, improvement in residents' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and self-awareness. Although there is need for more definitive research, these data are sufficiently compelling and consistent to provide initial, research-based teaching guidelines. | 10.1007/BF02629520 |
pubmed_784_1592 | Lymphomas are relatively rare in the orbit: only about 8-11% of all orbital tumours. The most common histological type is diffuse well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma (DWDLL--Rappaport's classification)--70%. Orbital lesions are always curable by radiotherapy, but in some 40% of these patients local recurrence or dissemination occur. The authors present two patients with diffuse well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma, and one patient with FCC lymphoma of centrocytic type (Kiel classification) localized in the orbit. Two of them were irradiated after an unsuccessful treatment by chemotherapy. In the third patient local radiotherapy is still in the course. | pubmed_784_1592 |
pubmed_299_15342 | The success of drug delivery to target airway cell(s) remains a significant challenge due to the limited ability of nanoparticle (NP) systems to circumvent protective airway-defense mechanisms. The size, density, surface and physical-chemical properties of nanoparticles are the key features that determine their ability to navigate across the airway-barrier. We evaluated here the efficacy of a PEGylated immuno-conjugated PLGA-nanoparticle (PINP) to overcome this challenge and selectively deliver drug to specific inflammatory cells (neutrophils). We first characterized the size, shape, surface-properties and neutrophil targeting using dynamic laser scattering, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. Next, we assessed the efficacy of neutrophil-targeted PINPs in transporting through the airway followed by specific binding and release of drug to neutrophils. Finally, our results demonstrate the efficacy of PINP mediated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-(ibuprofen) delivery to neutrophils in murine models of obstructive lung diseases, based on its ability to control neutrophilic-inflammation and resulting lung disease. | 10.1016/j.nano.2016.06.008 |
pubmed_573_12070 | Prediction of the prognosis for metastatic breast cancer patients depends on molecular subtypes similar to those found in patients with primary breast cancer. Several studies have shown that estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status determine the course of the disease and the prognosis. As Ki-67 helps to differentiate molecular subtypes in patients with primary breast cancer, the aim of this study was to assess the prognostic relevance of Ki-67 in the primary tumor in relation to its prognostic relevance for patients with metastatic breast cancer. A total of 467 patients with invasive breast cancer were identified in the database of a single breast cancer center, in whom Ki-67 had been assessed in tumor material from the breast at the time of the primary diagnosis and who had developed a metastasis at any time during the subsequent course. For these patients, tumor and patient characteristics were used to determine prognostic factors relative to overall survival after the diagnosis of distant metastases. Ki-67 was added to this model to investigate whether this might improve the prediction of overall survival. In the multivariate Cox model, age at diagnosis, body mass index, nodal status, tumor size, ER and PR status, and time from diagnosis to metastasis were identified as relevant prognostic factors. Adding Ki-67 to the model improved the prediction of overall survival. There was also a significant and relevant interaction with the PR status. In patients with a low-proliferation primary tumor, a high level of PR expression would indicate an extraordinarily good prognosis (HR 0.39; 95 % CI, 0.23-0.66). In patients with higher-proliferation primary tumors, PR status was not capable of differentiating prognostic groups. Ki-67 is useful in addition to known prognostic factors for breast cancer. It is able to indicate a group of women with a poorer prognosis, specifically in the group of patients with PR-positive breast cancer. | 10.1007/s10549-013-2460-y |
pubmed_340_18811 | Salvianolic acid B is an herbal ingredient isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza. The aim of this study was to apply an automated blood sampling system coupled to a simple liquid chromatographic system to determine the bioavailability of salvianolic acid B in stress-free rats. The plasma sample (25 microl) was vortex-mixed with 50 microl of internal standard solution (chloramphenicol 10 microg/ml in acetonitrile) to achieve protein precipitation. Salvianolic acid B in the rat plasma was separated using a reversed-phase C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-methanol-20mM NaH(2)PO(4) (adjusted to pH 3.5 with H(3)PO(4)) (20:10:70 v/v/v) containing 0.1mM 1-octanesulfonic acid, and the flow-rate of 1 ml/min. The UV detection wavelength was 286 nm. The concentration-response relationship from the present method indicated linearity over a concentration range of 0.5-200 microg/ml. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy of salvianolic acid B fell well within the predefined limits of acceptability (<15%). The plasma sample of salvianolic acid B was further identified by LC-MS/MS in the negative ion mode using mass transition m/z 358.2 to the product ion m/z 196.9. After salvianolic acid B (100mg/kg, i.v.; 500 mg/kg, p.o.) was given in conscious and freely moving rats, the AUC were 5030+/-565 and 582+/-222 min microg/ml for intravenous (100 mg/kg) and oral (500 mg/kg) doses, respectively. The oral bioavailability of salvianolic acid B in freely moving rats was calculated to be 2.3%. | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2006.07.003 |
pubmed_137_4599 | Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which immune system cells and antibodies primarily attack the optic nerves and the spinal cord. OX40 (CD134) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor family member expressed primarily on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. In an autoimmune disease, OX40 is typically up-regulated at sites of inflammation, and increases in the number of peripheral CD4+ T-cells expressing OX40. OX40 and its ligand OX40L are key TNF members that augment T-cell expansion, cytokine production, and promote T-cell survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare of OX40 gene expression and its serum levels in patients with NMO and healthy controls. Twenty sex-/age-matched healthy controls (HC) (median age = 32 years, 15 females/5 males) were engaged for the present study. Expression of OX40 at the transcript level and serum protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The results indicated OX40 expression in patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls (p = 0.001). However, the serum level of OX40 was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.37). In addition, the results indicated that CD134 expression was not age-related (p = 0.041). Overall, this study suggests to us that OX40 levels are not a suitable marker for diagnosis or treatment of NMO. | pubmed_137_4599 |
pubmed_294_15203 | Microorganisms growing near and above 100 degrees C have recently been discovered near shallow and deep sea hydrothermal vents. Most are obligately dependent upon the reduction of elemental sulfur (S0) to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) for optimal growth, even though S0 reduction readily occurs abiotically at their growth temperatures. The sulfur reductase activity of the anaerobic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus, which grows optimally at 100 degrees C by a metabolism that produces H2S if S0 is present, was found in the cytoplasm. It was purified anaerobically and was shown to be identical to the hydrogenase that had been previously purified from this organism. Both S0 and polysulfide served as substrates for H2S production, and the S0 reduction activity but not the H2-oxidation activity was enhanced by the redox protein rubredoxin. The H2-oxidizing and S0-reduction activities of the enzyme also showed different responses to pH, temperature, and inhibitors. This bifunctional "sulfhydrogenase" enzyme can, therefore, dispose of the excess reductant generated during fermentation using either protons or polysulfides as the electron acceptor. In addition, purified hydrogenases from both hyperthermophilic and mesophilic representatives of the archaeal and bacterial domains were shown to reduce S0 to H2S. It is suggested that the function of some form of ancestral hydrogenase was S0 reduction rather than, or in addition to, the reduction of protons. | 10.1073/pnas.90.11.5341 |
pubmed_1104_629 | Recent studies have shown that intrauterine growth retardation or fetal distress in human infants is associated with a pronounced reduction in melatonin secretion during the first 3 months of life. It is not known whether these associations persist beyond infancy. We have therefore examined the relationship between birthsize and melatonin secretion in 159 men and women aged 20, born in Adelaide, South Australia. Melatonin secretion was estimated by analysing the overnight urinary excretion of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin. The overnight excretion ranged from 1.7 to 128.9 nmoles/subject, was higher in women than in men (46.5 vs 34.1 nmoles, P = 0.003) and was significantly negatively correlated with the body mass index (P = 0.006). Excretion correlated with both birthweight and ponderal index at birth (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01 respectively after adjustment for gestational age) and also fell with increased duration of gestation (P = 0.007). The effects of adult body mass index added to that of low birthweight in predicting 6-sulphatoxymelatonin excretion. These data suggest that urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin excretion was impaired in adults who were growth restricted prenatally or were delivered after 40 weeks gestation. | 10.1034/j.1600-079x.2001.300308.x |
pubmed_455_19813 | We studied the specificity of the PLATELIA CANDIDA Ag enzyme immunoassay by using 130 isolates of 63 clinically relevant fungal species. Antigen extracts of seven Candida spp. (Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. famata, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae, and C. tropicalis) repeatedly yielded positive reactions (>0.5 ng/ml). Geotrichum candidum and Fusarium verticillioides were found to yield borderline-positive reactions (0.25 to 0.50 ng/ml). Antigen preparations from the other 54 fungal species, including yeasts, molds, dermatophytes, and dimorphic fungi, did not cross-react in the assay. | 10.1128/JCM.41.7.3395-3398.2003 |
pubmed_836_16567 | Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive disturbances of movement that affects mainly the motor system. Prolonged pharmacological administration may result in insufficient control of symptoms and significant side effects. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), targeted at the STN, is a recent surgical procedure that, according to the symptoms response, allows modification of stimulation parameters; its effects are also reversible. In this paper management of surgical patients is reported. It includes patient selection, inclusion and exclusion criteria, postoperative clinical protocol. The evaluation rating scale such as UPDRS, Dyskinesias Rating Scale and Self-Reporting Questionnaire usually administrated on PD patients are analyzed. Surgical inclusion criteria are (1) idiopathic PD, (2) IV or V Hoehn-Yahr stage, (3) severe motor disability, and (4) no dementia or psychiatric abnormalities. Postoperative clinical protocol is analyzed and parameter of stimulation after surgery and at the follow up are reported. Generally DBS allows an improvement of rigidity and tremor; bradykinesia also improves with high frequency stimulation. Results obtained by continuous stimulation show a mean improvement of UPDRS of about 60% and a significant reduction in the drug intake. | 10.1007/s100720300037 |
pubmed_382_18994 | Quantitatively analyzed resting electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and P300 event-related potentials elicited with a passive tone sequence paradigm were examined in 30 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and 15 age matched controls. Background electrical rhythms of DAT patients evidenced slowing as shown by increased absolute and relative amplitudes in slow frequency bands and decreased amplitudes in fast frequency bands (relative to controls). Electrical slowing was more evident in patients with higher clinical ratings of global intellectual deterioration. Passive P300 amplitude and latency did not differentiate patients and controls and were not related to severity of dementia. | 10.1177/155005949903000207 |
pubmed_538_5567 | Beta-catenin has a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion as well as a signaling role as a member of the Wnt pathway. The aim of this study was to examine the clinicopathological and prognostic value of phosphorylated beta-catenin, as well as its relation to the tumors' phenotype, in breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was applied on 141 paraffin-embedded breast tissue specimens for the detection of phospho-beta-catenin, ER, PR, c-erbB-2, p53, Ki-67, bcl-2, uPAR and TIMP-1. For each case, a phospho-beta-catenin index was determined by image analysis. Phospho-beta-catenin staining was detected in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the malignant cells. Cytoplasmic phospho-beta-catenin was statistically higher in carcinomas of smaller tumor size (P = 0.030), lower stage (P = 0.026), decreased Ki-67 and high c-erbB-2 immunoreactivity (P = 0.052 and P = 0.037, respectively). Nuclear phospho-beta-catenin showed a parallel correlation with ER and ERbeta (P = 0.022 and P = 0.043, respectively), bcl-2 (P = 0.042), uPAR in cancer cells (P = 0.041) and TIMP-1, although the correlation was borderline (P = 0.066). Cytoplasmic phospho-beta-catenin was found to be independently correlated with prolonged disease-free and overall survival (P = 0.046 and P = 0.002, respectively), whereas nuclear localization was correlated with a shortened overall survival (P = 0.046). In conclusion, phospho-beta-catenin may have a different involvement in invasive breast carcinomas, according to its subcellular distribution. Nuclear localization seems to be related to an aggressive tumor phenotype, negatively affecting patients' overall survival, whereas cytoplasmic localization is associated with a favorable tumor phenotype and a longer disease-free and overall survival. | 10.1038/modpathol.3800562 |
pubmed_1115_17771 | This article reviews the process of reaching the goal of modernizing a new or existing endodontic office. Incorporating computer-based technologies in the office requires significant planning, best achieved by forming a technology goal that addresses budget, knowledge base, and infrastructure issues. Making the transition to the modern dental practice is expensive and time-consuming but also profitable and exciting. Soon, all dental offices will be using digital radiographic systems, video systems, and patient charting programs that use no paper documentation. As the computer familiarity and staff knowledge based increases with the growing use of computers in society overall, finding the office personnel able to harness the efficiency and power of the technology in the dental office will be easier. Through careful planning and formation of a reasonable technology goal, updating an old office or creating a new modern endodontic practice with the technologies and their patients can benefit. | 10.1016/j.cden.2003.10.004 |
pubmed_475_6779 | Today's patients are increasingly conscious of personal appearance, and much attention has been focused on denuded roots that are exposed during smiling. These concerns have given rise to numerous approaches for covering denuded root surfaces. Therefore, this study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rh-PDGF-BB) + β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for the treatment of multiple gingival recession defects in humans. Thirty-six systemically healthy patients were randomly assigned to the PDGF, SCTG, and coronally positioned flap (CPF) groups. The PDGF and SCTG groups were treated with rhPDGF-BB + β-TCP and SCTG, respectively, while the CPF group was treated with a CPF alone. Clinical measurements including probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL), and relative gingival margin level (RGML) were measured at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up. After 6 months, mean reduction in gingival recession in the PDGF and SCTG groups was 2.0 ± 0.6 mm and 2.6 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, whereas in the CPF group it was 1.7 ± 0.9 mm. The PDGF group showed mean root coverage of 87.7%, the SCTG group showed 91.3%, and the CPF group showed 68.6% at 6 months postsurgery. The combination of rhPDGF-BB and β-TCP represented a therapeutic combination that was effective in treating multiple gingival recession defects. | 10.11607/prd.1726 |
pubmed_893_25554 | The melastatin-like transient-receptor-potential-7 protein (TRPM7), harbouring a cation channel and a serine/threonine kinase, has been implicated in thymopoiesis and cytokine expression. Here we show, by analysing TRPM7 kinase-dead mutant (Trpm7 R/R ) mice, that the enzymatic activity of the receptor is not essential for thymopoiesis, but is required for CD103 transcription and gut-homing of intra-epithelial lymphocytes. Defective T cell gut colonization reduces MHCII expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Mechanistically, TRPM7 kinase activity controls TGF-β-induced CD103 expression and pro-inflammatory T helper 17, but not regulatory T, cell differentiation by modulating SMAD2. Notably, we find that the TRPM7 kinase activity promotes gut colonization by alloreactive T cells in acute graft-versus-host disease. Thus, our results unravel a function of TRPM7 kinase in T cell activity and suggest a therapeutic potential of kinase inhibitors in averting acute graft-versus-host disease. | 10.1038/s41467-017-01960-z |
pubmed_837_12426 | Serotyping of porcine rotaviruses isolated in MA104 cells from Australian piglets with diarrhea showed that two strains belonged to serotype 3 and one strain was antigenically similar to the OSU strain of porcine rotavirus (serotype 5). In addition, neutralizing antibodies to human rotavirus serotype 4 (ST-3 strain) were detected in serum samples from sows in one area, and so it seems probable that porcine rotaviruses of at least three serotypes occur in Australia. | 10.1128/jcm.26.2.171-174.1988 |
pubmed_157_25053 | Covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) have emerged as functional two-dimensional materials for versatile applications. Although π-π stacking between layers, hydrolytic instability, possible restacking prevents their exfoliation on to few thin layered CONs from crystalline porous polymers. We anticipated rational designing of a structure by intrinsic ionic linker could be the solution to produce self-exfoliated CONs without external stimuli. In an attempt to address this issue, we have synthesized three self-exfoliated guanidinium halide based ionic covalent organic nanosheets (iCONs) with antimicrobial property. Self-exfoliation phenomenon has been supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as well. Intrinsic ionic guanidinium unit plays the pivotal role for both self-exfoliation and antibacterial property against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using such iCONs, we have devised a mixed matrix membrane which could be useful for antimicrobial coatings with plausible medical benefits. | 10.1021/jacs.5b13533 |
pubmed_738_3792 | Copper (Cu) interferes with numerous biological functions in plants, including plant growth, which is partly governed by plant hormones. In the present study, Cu stress effect on the roots of pre-emerging maize seedlings in terms of growth, nutrient composition, protein modifications, and root hormone homeostasis was investigated, focusing on possible metabolic differences between the root apex and the rest of the root tissues. Significant decreases in root length and root biomass after 72 h of Cu exposure (50 and 100 μM CuCl2), accompanied by reductions in Ca, Mg, and P root contents, were found. Cu also generated cell redox imbalance in both root tissues and revealed by altered enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress was evidenced by an increased protein carbonylation level in both tissues. Copper also induced protein ubiquitylation and SUMOylation and affected 20S proteasome peptidase activities in both tissues. Drastic reductions in ABA, IAA, JA (both free and conjugated), GA3, and GA4 levels in the root apex were detected under Cu stress. Our results show that Cu exposure generated oxidative damage and altered root hormonal homeostasis, mainly at the root apex, leading to a strong root growth inhibition. Severe protein post-translational modifications upon Cu exposure occurred in both tissues, suggesting that even when hormonal adjustments to cope with Cu stress occurred mainly at the root apex, the entire root is compromised in the protein turnover that seems to be necessary to trigger and/or to sustain defense mechanisms against Cu toxicity. | 10.1007/s00709-020-01504-1 |
pubmed_808_20934 | PURPOSE
Most radiation protection programs, regulations and guidance apply specific restrictions to the occupational exposure of pregnant workers. The aim of this study was to compile data from the declared pregnant woman (DPW) radiation protection program over more than 5years at a large, high-volume, comprehensive oncology academic/medical institution and to evaluate for effectiveness against existing regulations and guidance.
METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of the data collected as part of the DPW radiation protection program from January 2010 through May 2016, including the number of declared pregnancies, worker category, personal and fetal dosimetry monitoring measurements, workplace modifications, as well as the monthly and total recorded badge results during the entire pregnancy.
RESULTS
245 pregnancies were declared. The mean monthly fetal radiation dosimetry result was 0.009mSv with a median of 0.005mSv and a maximum of 0.39mSv. The mean total dose over the entire pregnancy was estimated to be 0.08mSv with a median of 0.05mSv and a maximum of 0.89mSv. Only 8 (3.2%) of the 245 declared pregnancies required that workplace modifications be implemented for the worker.
CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of a declared pregnancy and fetal assessment program, careful planning, an understanding of the risks, and minimization of radiation dose by employing appropriate radiation safety measures as needed, can allow medical staff to perform procedures and normal activities without incurring significant risks to the conceptus, or significant interruptions of job activities for most medical workers. | 10.1016/j.ejmp.2017.04.012 |
pubmed_77_20175 | Recognition that the sis gene codes for a protein homologous with at least one of the two chains of platelet-derived growth factor has made it possible to directly assess transcriptional expression of platelet-derived growth factor both in cultured cells and in tissue obtained in vivo. We have found that a 3.7-kilobase RNA homologous to the sis gene is expressed at moderate levels in cultured human and bovine endothelial cells, at low levels in in vivo endothelium from human umbilical vein, and at very low levels in bovine aortic endothelium in vivo. This RNA migrates at the same rate as the previously reported sis band in the HUT 102 human T-cell lymphoma line. This band is not found in RNA extracted from freshly obtained bovine aortic media or from human foreskin fibroblasts or cultured fetal human aortic smooth muscle cells. Our in vitro results suggest that the sis gene is responsible for at least part of the platelet-derived growth factor-like mitogenic activity secreted by cultured endothelial cells and indicate that the sis gene is readily activated in endothelial cells during the transition from in vivo conditions to in vitro growth as a monolayer on plastic. Expression of the sis gene by endothelium in vivo raises the possibility that platelet-derived growth factor has a role in the development of the vascular system in the young animal and in the maintenance of the normal vascular system in the adult. | 10.1073/pnas.81.21.6772 |
pubmed_1049_4300 | Thirty-six isolates, from man or swine, of Pasteurella multocida subsp. multocida producing (n = 13) or not producing (n = 23) the dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) were studied by numerical analysis, capsular typing and ribotyping. Toxigenic strains were also characterised by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the toxA gene and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Numerical analysis differentiated the Pasteurella species and subspecies, but did not discriminate between toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains. RFLP demonstrated that toxA was located in a conserved part of the chromosome of all toxigenic strains. Ribotyping provided evidence of a close association between DNT production and one of the six EcoRI ribotypes designated as E2. In contrast, PFGE provided evidence for significant DNA polymorphism amongst the toxigenic strains. Results of phenotypic and genotypic studies suggested that toxigenic strains do not form a clone within the subspecies multocida. No difference was found between toxigenic strains of porcine or human origin by biochemical characterisation, capsular serotyping or genomic typing methods. | 10.1099/00222615-48-2-125 |
pubmed_330_16433 | Acne is the most prevalent skin condition. It has a substantial effect on the quality of life of teenagers worldwide. Among acne patients from different societies and cultures, diet is uniformly regarded as a major cause in the pathogenesis of acne. We reviewed the up-to-date literature regarding acne and culprit foods such as dairy products, chocolate, and fatty foods. Unfortunately, after reviewing the existing data, there are no answers but there are definitely more questions, because there is no clear proof about whether these issues are facts or misconceptions. | 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2009.03.010 |
pubmed_929_17248 | A crucial property of circadian clocks is the ability to regulate the shape of an oscillation over its cycle length (waveform) appropriately, thus enhancing Darwinian fitness. Many studies over the past decade have revealed interesting ways in which the waveform of rodent behavior could be manipulated, one of which is that the activity bout bifurcates under environments that have 2 light/dark cycles within one 24-h day (LDLD). It has been observed that such unique, although unnatural, environments reveal acute changes in the circadian clock network. However, although adaptation of waveforms to different photoperiods is well studied, modulation of waveforms under LDLD has received relatively less attention in research on insect rhythms. Therefore, we undertook this study to ask the following questions: what is the extent of waveform plasticity that Drosophila melanogaster exhibits, and what are the neuronal underpinnings of such plasticity under LDLD? We found that the activity/rest rhythms of wild-type flies do not bifurcate under LDLD. Instead, they show similar but significantly different behavior from that under a long-day LD cycle. This behavior is accompanied by differences in the organization of the circadian neuronal network, which include changes in waveforms of a core clock component and an output molecule. In addition, to understand the functional significance of such variations in the waveform, we examined laboratory selected populations that exhibit divergent eclosion chronotypes (and therefore, waveforms). We found that populations selected for predominant eclosion in an evening window (late chronotypes) showed reduced amplitude plasticity and increased phase plasticity of activity/rest rhythms. This, we argue, is reflective of divergent evolution of circadian neuronal network organization in our laboratory selected flies. | 10.1177/0748730419899549 |
pubmed_867_9006 | Administration of piracetam to infantile rats in a daily dose of 100 mg/kg for 10 days caused acceleration of sexual maturation of females and a slight delay of maturation of males. Antenatal administration of the same dose of piracetam exerted a depressive action on the development of the organs of the reproductive system in males from the offspring with a simultaneous increase in the pituitary gonadotropic activity. | pubmed_867_9006 |
pubmed_663_3801 | Hypercalcemia is an important etiology to consider in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis. Not only is it a treatable cause, but understanding the basis for this etiology may provide new insight into the common biochemical mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. We report a case of an 11-year-old girl with hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism who developed recurrent pancreatitis. We review clinical and experimental data that implicate hypercalcemia as the cause and discuss mechanisms for the association. | 10.1515/jpem.2008.21.12.1191 |
pubmed_1001_5072 | BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the attitude of medical practitioners towards the availability of emergency contraception (EC) without prescription. In Indonesia, EC (either Yuzpe regimen or Postinor-2) is available by prescription only. We aimed to examine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical practitioners in Indonesia about EC, in particular their attitudes to the availability of EC over-the-counter (OTC), using a questionnaire. METHODS: Data were collected by an anonymous structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to general practitioners in 36 Community Health Centres and 25 private clinics using stratified random sampling according to area in Jakarta, and to obstetricians practicising in 24 government and private hospitals and eight private clinics in Jakarta. Two hundred and five general practitioners and 142 obstetricians and gynaecologists participated; overall response rate was 75%. RESULTS: Although most participants were familiar with EC, only 22% received a very good knowledge score (4 or 5/5 answers correct), while 52% received a poor score (0-2/5 correct). Most participants did not support the OTC availability of EC (70%). Logistic regression identified that participants who prescribed EC had an Odds of 3.8 (95% CI 1.90, 7.73) of approving OTC EC, after adjustment for age and speciality. CONCLUSION: Although many organisations are working towards OTC availability of EC, it needs to be recognized and addressed that doctors who do not prescribe EC are unlikely to support the increased availability of EC. | 10.1186/1472-6874-5-3 |
pubmed_1004_7980 | The pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis is the most important freshwater fish of Argentina central region. The present study was conducted to describe the seasonal variation of parasitism in O. bonariensis from La Viña reservoir (31 degrees 17'S, 65 degrees 01'W), located in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. Between years 1999 and 2002, 573 fishes were caught, and their parasite infection and relative weight (Wr) were assesed. Three parasites were found, Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea), Contracaecum spp. larvae (Nematoda) and Cangatiella macdonaghi (Cestoda). Overall, Contracaecum spp. prevalence and intensity were very low. Lernaea cyprinacea and Cangatiella macdonaghi prevalences increased during summer and spring (P < 0.01), respectively. Lernaea cyprinacea infection showed also seasonal differences in intensity (P < 0.05), as well as C. macdonaghi regarding parasites density (P < 0.01). Cangatiella macdonaghi average parasites density was 32.0 (+/-22.5) cestodes per cm(3)of digestive content. No association between parasitism and fish relative weight was found. Besides the seasonality variations observed, the parasite burden found did not compromise fish body condition. | 10.1590/s1984-29612008000100006 |
pubmed_256_18267 | Pharmacoeconomic research will be an increasingly important aspect of drug development as providers, third-party payers, and worldwide government health agencies use cost-effectiveness and quality-of-life data to assist in making decisions on optimal pharmaceutical treatment protocols, formulary listings, and reimbursement. It is in the best interest of pharmaceutical companies to have an established, well-integrated pharmacoeconomic research program that can respond to the dynamic health-care environment and proactively plan a program to optimize patient care. The new paradigm for pharmacoeconomic research will require establishment and successful management of many internal and external customer relationships. This article discusses one company's organization of these relationships and how they are integrated into the drug development process during each stage of the product life cycle. | pubmed_256_18267 |
pubmed_762_7321 | PURPOSE
Matrilysin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, is upregulated in the corneal epithelium during wound healing after excimer keratectomy wounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of matrilysin in maintaining corneal avascularity during wound healing.
METHODS
Matrilysin-deficient mice (n = 17) and their age-matched wild-type littermates (n = 18) were treated with 193 nm argon-fluoride excimer keratectomy (experiment I). The percentage of corneal surface occupied by neovascularization was measured with a computer image-analysis program adjusted for parallax. In another experiment (experiment II), epithelial closure was monitored with slit lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining, and corneal neovascularization was confirmed by india ink perfusion, electron microscopy, and immunolocalization of CD31 and type IV collagen. Corneal micropocket assays were performed to compare the area of corneal neovascularization in matrilysin-deficient mice and wild-type littermates (experiment III). To determine whether the differences in corneal neovascularization were related to differences in angiogenic factors, the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were compared with those of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in matrilysin-deficient and wild-type mouse corneas (experiment IV).
RESULTS
The percentages of the corneal surface occupied by neovascularization after excimer laser keratectomy in the matrilysin-deficient mice measured 21.3% +/- 5.2% and 18.7% +/- 5.8% at days 3 and 7, respectively, compared with 5.3% +/- 2.4% and 5.5% +/- 3.4% in the wild-type littermates at days 3 (P < 0.01) and 7, respectively (P < 0.05; experiment I). No significant differences in the rates of epithelial closure of corneal wounds were observed between matrilysin-deficient and wild-type mice after wounding. Corneal neovascularization in the matrilysin-deficient mice was confirmed by india ink present in the corneal stromal blood vessels (extending from the limbus to the wound), immunohistochemical staining, and electron microscopy. Gram, Giemsa, calcofluor white, and acridine orange stains and electron microscopy showed no evidence of corneal infection (experiment II). The area of corneal neovascularization in matrilysin-deficient mice was not significantly different from that of wild-type littermates after implantation of bFGF pellets (0.91 +/- 0.55 mm(2) and 0.77 +/- 0.34 mm(2), respectively; experiment III). The levels of bFGF and VEGF (VEGF, VEGF-B, and VEGF-C) in corneal epithelial cells were not elevated in matrilysin-deficient mice compared with the wild-type mice (experiment IV).
CONCLUSIONS
Matrilysin may play an important role in maintaining corneal avascularity during wound healing. The differences in corneal neovascularization between matrilysin-deficient mice and wild-type littermates seem unrelated to the bFGF and VEGF levels in the corneal epithelium. | 10.1167/iovs.01-1058 |
pubmed_481_7211 | BACKGROUND
Malignant digestive-respiratory fistula (DRF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to the other recognized advantages of expandable stents, coated expandable stents can seal off DRF.
METHODS
Eight men and five women, mean age 52 yr, with endoscopically and radiographically proven DRF were treated with the coated Wallstent (Schneider). Eleven had dysphagia, 11 postprandial cough, and two required mechanical ventilation. The DRF was proximal in four, mid-esophageal in seven, and distal in two. Two had a normal esophagus and 11 had stricture.
RESULTS
Stent placement and DRF obliteration were successful in all. During a median follow-up of 157 days (range 30-423), no recurrent DRF were noted. The median dysphagia score improved from 3.4 to 1.3. Respiratory symptoms were corrected in all. A gastrostomy tube was required in three. The only complications were transient chest pain and foreign body sensation in three patients and constant sensation of belching in one. There was no procedure-related mortality.
CONCLUSION
In this small group of patients, the coated Wallstent demonstrated excellent palliation of DRF with minimal morbidity and no mortality. | pubmed_481_7211 |
pubmed_372_12280 | PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Tenecteplase has been studied and recommended as an alternative thrombolytic agent in patients with acute stroke. A brief review of clinical trials and guidelines pertinent to our clinical decision algorithm is described. This is followed by operational steps that were made to create and implement a clinical pathway based on available evidence in which tenecteplase is used in select patients with stroke at our comprehensive stroke center.
RECENT FINDINGS
A number of patients have been treated at our center with IV tenecteplase. A case is presented to illustrate the successful implementation of this new process.
SUMMARY
Development of our protocol is discussed in detail to enable other centers to create their own clinical pathways for thrombolytic treatment of acute ischemic stroke using tenecteplase. | 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001096 |
pubmed_972_6697 | Action potentials generated in the sinoatrial node (SAN) dominate the rhythm and rate of a healthy human heart. Subsequently, these action potentials propagate to the whole heart via its conduction system. Abnormalities of impulse generation and/or propagation in a heart can cause arrhythmias. For example, SAN dysfunction or conduction block of the atrioventricular node can lead to serious bradycardia which is currently treated with an implanted electronic pacemaker. On the other hand, conduction damage may cause reentrant tachyarrhythmias which are primarily treated pharmacologically or by medical device-based therapies, including defibrillation and tissue ablation. However, drug therapies sometimes may not be effective or are associated with serious side effects. Device-based therapies for cardiac arrhythmias, even with well developed technology, still face inadequacies, limitations, hardware complications, and other challenges. Therefore, scientists are actively seeking other alternatives for antiarrhythmic therapy. In particular, cells and genes used for repairing cardiac conduction damage/defect have been investigated in various studies both in vitro and in vivo. Despite the complexities of the excitation and conduction systems of the heart, cell and gene-based strategies provide novel alternatives for treatment or cure of cardiac arrhythmias. This review summarizes some highlights of recent research progress in this field. | 10.3724/SP.J.1263.2011.00147 |
pubmed_258_22487 | GJB2-associated hearing loss (GJB2-HL) is the most common genetic cause of hearing loss in children. However, little is known about the clinical characteristics and early language outcomes in population-oriented samples including children with different degrees of hearing loss. Insight into these characteristics are relevant for the counselling of parents. Our sample consisted of 66 children at approximately 2 years of age (17-32 months) with bilateral hearing loss due to GJB2 from three population-based cohorts in Austria, Australia and the Netherlands. Predictors of early vocabulary, including demographic, audiological, genetic and intervention variables and the role of medical comorbidities and nonverbal cognition were examined. The vocabulary scores of children with GJB2-HL were approximately 0.7 standard deviations (SDs) below the norms of children with typical hearing. Age at access to family-centered early intervention and first-born position among siblings predicted language outcomes, whereas the degree of hearing loss and genetic subtype were not significantly correlated with expressive vocabulary. In children with GJB2-HL, early access to family-centered early intervention significantly affected language outcomes at the age of two. | 10.3390/children9070990 |
pubmed_962_9869 | The atomic structure of a SrTiO3 dislocation is revealed directly by phase-retrieval electron microscopy. In particular, atomic columns of light oxygen are observed simultaneously with the columns of considerably heavier Sr and Ti. A distinct structural modification of the oxygen octahedra at the dislocation core as well as a significant nonstoichiometry, including a deficiency of oxygen, are observed. Deviations from the bulk chemical concentration are quantified column by column by means of structure modeling and quantum-mechanical simulations of the electron scattering process. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.225506 |
pubmed_572_6192 | PURPOSE
To determine sports activities achieved after meniscus transplantation and if associations exist between sports activity levels and transplant failure or progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA).
METHODS
A systematic search was performed using PubMed and Cochrane online databases. Inclusionary criteria were English language, clinical trials published from 1996 through May 2017, minimum 2 years of follow-up, and sports activity data reported.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies were included in which 1521 menisci were implanted into 1497 patients. The mean age was 34.3 ± 6.7 years, and the mean follow-up was 5.0 ± 3.7 years. Details on sports activities were provided in 7 studies (285 patients) that reported 70-92% of patients returned to a wide variety of sports activities. Mean Tegner activity scores were reported in 24 investigations. The mean score was <5 in 58% of these studies, indicating many patients were participating in light recreational activities. There was no association between mean Tegner scores and transplant failure rates. A moderate correlation was found between failure rates and mean follow-up time (R = 0.63). The effect of sports activity levels on progression of tibiofemoral OA could not be determined because of limited data. Only two studies determined whether symptoms occurred during sports activities; these reported 1/38 (3%) and 5/69 (7%) patients had knee-related problems.
CONCLUSIONS
It appeared that the majority of individuals returned to low-impact athletic activities after meniscus transplantation. The short-term follow-up did not allow for an analysis on the effect of return to high-impact activities on transplant failure rates or progression of OA.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV. | 10.1007/s00167-017-4658-8 |
pubmed_189_14939 | There are plentiful ways to synthesize sulfidized nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI), and this study investigated the influence of sulfur reagents (Na2S, Na2S2O3, Na2S2O4) and sulfidation sequence (co-sulfidation and post-sulfidation method) on the physicochemical properties, reactivity, and long-term performance of S-nZVI in simulated groundwater. The results suggested that the co-sulfidized nZVI (S-nZVIco) has higher reactivity (∼2-fold) than S-nZVIpost due to the stronger electron transfer capacity, deriving from the higher content of Fe0 and reductive sulfur species. However, during aging, the reactivity of S-nZVIco would be lost more rapidly than S-nZVIpost, due to the faster corrosion of Fe0 and more oxidation of reductive sulfur species. S-nZVIpost has the superior long-term performance with the degradation rate of trichloroethylene (TCE) remained at 30%∼60% even after 90 d of aging. Sulfur precursors can control the selectivity of S-nZVI by affecting the sulfur speciation on the particle surface. The proportion of reductive sulfur species on S-nZVIpost synthesized by Na2S was higher than S-nZVIpost synthesized by Na2S2O3 or Na2S2O4, resulting in a higher selectivity of the former S-nZVIpost than the latter S-nZVIpost. In addition, sulfidation procedures and sulfur precursors did not affect the degradation pathway of TCE. Nevertheless, the degradation product distribution can be affected by the different physicochemical transformation of various types of S-nZVI with the aging time. These results indicated that sulfur reagents and sulfidation procedures have crucial effects on the reactivity and long-term performance of S-nZVI, which can be designed for the specific application scenarios. | 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118097 |
pubmed_807_21934 | This article focuses on the different types of transporter proteins that have been implicated in the influx and efflux of nucleoside-derived drugs currently used in the treatment of cancer, viral infections (i.e., AIDS) and other conditions, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Genetic variations in nucleoside-derived drug transporter proteins encoded by the gene families SLC15, SLC22, SLC28, SLC29, ABCB, ABCC and ABCG will be specifically considered. Variants known to affect biological function are summarized, with a particular emphasis on those for which clinical correlations have already been established. Given that relatively little is known regarding the genetic variability of the players involved in determining nucleoside-derived drug bioavailability, it is anticipated that major challenges will be faced in this area of research. | 10.2217/pgs.10.70 |
pubmed_1071_3377 | Seven new species of the genus Lobrathium Mulsant & Rey from China are described and illustrated: Lobrathium anatinum Li & Li, sp. n. (Guangxi), Lobrathium diaoluoense Li & Li, sp. n. (Hainan), Lobrathium dufui Li & Li, sp. n. (Hubei), Lobrathium lirunyui Li & Li, sp. n. (Guizhou), Lobrathium pengi Li & Li, sp. n. (Guangxi), Lobrathium quyuani Li & Li, sp. n. (Hubei) and Lobrathium uncinatum Li & Li, sp. n. (Qinghai). A recent key to the species of mainland China is modified to accommodate the new species. New locality data are provided for eleven species. | 10.3897/zookeys.304.5406 |
pubmed_559_16044 | Bipolar disorder is a relatively common condition characterised by recurrent episodes of mania and depression, and associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Although there have been substantial advances in the pharmacotherapeutics of this condition over the last 10-15 years, the benefits have been predominantly in terms of tolerability and safety, with no new treatments being demonstrated to be more effective than lithium--the prototype mood stabiliser. This article reviews current and emerging medications for bipolar disorder. Most of the emerging treatments in pharmaceutical industry developmental programmes are new or modified anticonvulsants or atypical antipsychotics. A number of possible future directions and challenges for the field are discussed. The treatment of bipolar disorder is unlikely to advance substantially until the causative pathogenetic molecular processes are elucidated. | 10.1517/14728214.11.4.621 |
pubmed_734_11177 | Gallbladder neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors of the biliary system. These neoplasms express somatostatin receptors, and hence radiolabeled somatostatin analog 68Ga-DOTANOC is used as a PET radiotracer in detection and staging. Gallbladder NEN cannot be differentiated from an adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder based on clinical symptoms or routine radiological imaging such as ultrasound or CT. These are either diagnosed postcholecystectomy or after biopsy from primary or metastatic sites. We present a rare case of gallbladder NEN detected on 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT. | 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004142 |
pubmed_1141_18012 | A 17-year-old female presented with axillary lymphoadenopathy, which, on biopsy, demonstrated an anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the lymphohistiocytic type (ALCL-LH). The tumor cells expressed the CD30 antigen and reacted with the ALK1 antibody, suggesting the presence of the nucleophosmin-anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (NPM/ALK) fusion protein. No other adenopathy was found. Following a wide excision of the lymph node and without postoperative treatment, the patient remains free of disease 5 years later. This case demonstrates the potential curability of patients with early stages of ALCL by local treatment. | 10.1080/088800100276442 |
pubmed_972_19206 | Despite important progress made in understanding the mechanisms of axon regeneration, how a neuron responds to an injury and makes a regenerative decision remains unclear. In this issue of Genes & Development, Song and colleagues (pp. 1612-1625) investigate axonal and dendritic regeneration in the Drosophila peripheral nervous system (PNS). With some mechanisms shared with mammals, this study reveals surprisingly complicated regenerative responses in terms of cell type, developmental stage, and mechanism specificity. With forward genetic potential, such invertebrates should be powerful in dissecting the cellular and molecular control of neuronal repair. | 10.1101/gad.198150.112 |
pubmed_819_17850 | Production of unusual phosphorylated metabolites in the lens is one of several changes caused by hyperglycemia. Sorbitol 3-phosphate (Sor-3P) and fructose 3-phosphate (Fru-3P) are two such compounds identified in the diabetic lens, and galactitol 2-phosphate (Gal-2P) and galactitol 3-phosphate (Gal-3P) are identified here in the galactosemic lens. These new compounds are the first example of galactitol metabolism in mammalian tissue other than liver. Sor-3P and Fru-3P are also present in the galactosemic lens, apparently synthesized directly from their precursors, sorbitol and fructose, which are elevated in the lens due to increased flux of glucose through the aldose reductase (AR) pathway. The NADPH necessary to support this increased flux is derived from activation of the hexose monophosphate shunt (HMPS), which is clearly demonstrated by a large increase in the concentration of sedoheptulose 7-phosphate (Sed-7P), a HMPS-specific metabolite. Additionally, during 3 weeks of galactose feeding, there is a dramatic increase in lenticular concentrations of galactitol, sorbitol, galactose, and fructose and a sharp decrease in inositol. Glucose remains unchanged. A precipitous loss of both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated metabolites occurs after 3 weeks, possibly due to lens rupture. | 10.1016/0026-0495(95)90069-1 |
pubmed_938_18719 | Rh1 (Rho, D) antigen activity has been analyzed by the use of the indirect immunofluorescence flow cytometry (FCM), and the Rh blood group genotypes were able to be successfully determined from the intensity of fluorescence detected in flow cytometry using the anti-D IgG that was fractionated in a Protein A Sepharose CL-4B column as the primary antibody. The relative amount of the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) bound to the D (R1R1, CDe/CDe), the high grade Du (R2r',cDE/Cde), the low grade Du (K1r, CDue/cde), and the d (rr, cde/cde) red cells was estimated from the mean fluorescent intensity. The FITC-binding activity of the high grade Du and low grade Du was 83% and 21% that of D. The antigen-antibody complex density profile was analyzed by using the FITC-conjugated protein-A in place of the second antibody. Compared with the found results using anti-human globulin as the second antibody, this method was less sensitive but it still was able to demonstrate the different degrees of fluorescence according to the Rh genotypes. The present FCM method is both simple and useful for (1) measuring the relative amount of antigens, (2) for detecting the dosage effect and (3) for deferminins the blood group genotypes. | pubmed_938_18719 |
pubmed_660_3682 | DNA Ligase IV, along with its interacting partner XRCC4, are essential for repairing DNA double strand breaks by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Together, they complete the final ligation step resolving the DNA break. Ligase IV is regulated by XRCC4 and XLF. However, the mechanism(s) by which Ligase IV control the NHEJ reaction and other NHEJ factor(s) remains poorly characterized. Here, we show that a C-terminal region of Ligase IV (aa 620-800), which encompasses a NLS, the BRCT I, and the XRCC4 interacting region (XIR), is essential for nuclear localization of its co-factor XRCC4. In Ligase IV deficient cells, XRCC4 showed deregulated localization remaining in the cytosol even after induction of DNA double strand breaks. DNA Ligase IV was also required for efficient localization of XLF into the nucleus. Additionally, human fibroblasts that harbor hypomorphic mutations within the Ligase IV gene displayed decreased levels of XRCC4 protein, implicating that DNA Ligase IV is also regulating XRCC4 stability. Our results provide evidence for a role of DNA Ligase IV in controlling the cellular localization and protein levels of XRCC4. | pubmed_660_3682 |
pubmed_401_918 | BACKGROUND
In children in the ICU, catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) have also been linked to mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Although CRBSI poses many potential risks, including the need to avoid femoral access, there is debate regarding whether jugular access is preferable to femoral access in adults. Study reports support both perspectives. There is no consensus in meta-analyses. Children have yet to be examined in depth. Based on compliance with the central line bundle check lists, we aim to determine CRBSI risk in pediatric intensive care units for patients with non-tunneled femoral and internal jugular venous access.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with central venous catheters in the pediatric ICU of King Abdulaziz University Hospital between January 1st, 2017 and January 30th, 2018. For the post-match balance, we use a standardized mean difference of less than 0.1 after inverse probability treatment weighting for all baseline covariates, and then we draw causal conclusions. As a final step, the Rosenbaum sensitivity test was applied to see if any bias influenced the results.
RESULTS
We recorded 145 central lines and 1463 central line days with 49 femoral accesses (33.79%) and 96 internal jugular accesses (66.21%). CRBSI per 1000 central line days are 4.10, along with standardized infections of 3.16. CRBSI risk differed between non-tunneled femoral vein access and internal jugular vein access by 0.074 (- 0.021, 0.167), P-value 0.06, and relative risk was 4.67 (0.87-25.05). Using our model, the actual probability was 4.14% (0.01-0.074) and the counterfactual probability was 2.79% (- 0.006, 0.062). An unobserved confounding factor was not identified in the sensitivity analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
So long as the central line bundle is maintained, a femoral line does not increase the risk of CRBSI. Causation can be determined through propensity score weighting, as this is a trustworthy method of estimating causality. There is no better way to gain further insight in this regard than through the use of randomized, double-blinded, multicenter studies. | 10.1186/s12879-022-07571-4 |
pubmed_857_9745 | A 35-mm slide scanner digital imaging system was tested for its suitability in digitizing intraoral dental radiographic film for quantitative studies. The system (Nikon model LS-3510AF Nikon Electronic Imaging, Nikon, Inc., Melville, N.Y.) uses a charge-coupled device linear photodiode array. The data content in the original film images was evaluated, and the system performance assessed objectively with the use of specially designed test films. Radiometric and geometric performances for the digitizing system were extracted from measurements and observations, and these were compared with published data for two other film digitizing systems (video camera DAGE MTI, Michigan City, Ind. and Barneyscan 35-mm film digitizer Barneyscan, Berkeley, Calif.). The techniques used to evaluate this system are easy and suitable for evaluation of any digitizing system. This scanner system (Nikon) was superior to previously evaluated systems in transforming and recording radiographic film densities across the range (0.3 to 2.0 optical density units) of clinically relevant optical densities. The scanner offers substantial advantage over the other digitizing systems for gray scale information from clinically important optical densities. | 10.1016/0030-4220(93)90020-5 |
pubmed_882_9804 | Tubullo-villous adenoma of duodenum is a rare entity. These are potentially malignant tumours and therefore, complete excision is the treatment of choice. However, at times preoperative diagnosis could not be always achieved posing difficulty in choosing the optimal surgical method of excision. We report a 40-year-old male patient presented with vague upper abdominal pain and vomiting for last 6 months. His computed tomography and endoscopy demonstrated intraluminal polypoidal mass. Endoscopic biopsies were negative for malignancy. Local surgical excision with tumour free margin was performed and histology revealed tubullo-villous adenoma. | 10.7860/JCDR/2015/14759.6946 |
pubmed_1052_22931 | BACKGROUND
The present study was conducted to pharmacologically investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) pathway in neuroprotective mechanism of ischemic postconditioning (iPoCo) and determine the influence of nitric oxide (NO) signaling in PKC-mediated effects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bilateral carotid artery occlusion of 12 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h was used to produce ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced cerebral injury in male Swiss mice. Memory was assessed using Morris water maze test. Degree of motor incoordination was evaluated using inclined beam-walk test, rota-rod test, and lateral push test. Cerebral infarct size was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, nitrite/nitrate, and reduced glutathione levels were also estimated.
RESULTS
Bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion produced significant rise in cerebral infarct size, acetylcholinesterase activity, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species levels along with the fall in nitrite/nitrate and glutathione levels. A significant impairment of memory and motor coordination was also noted. iPoCo consisting of three episodes of 10 s carotid artery occlusion and reperfusion significantly attenuated infarct size, memory impairment, motor incoordination, and altered biochemicals. iPoCo-induced neuroprotective effects were significantly abolished by chelerythrine (a nonselective PKC inhibitor). L-Arginine, an NO precursor significantly attenuated I/R-induced injury and mimicked the neuroprotective effect of postconditioning. Furthermore, this protective effect of L-arginine on I/R injury and iPoCo was abolished when it was coadministered with chelerythrine.
CONCLUSIONS
It may be concluded that neuroprotective mechanism of iPoCo involves PKC mediated pathway with NO signaling as an essential step. | pubmed_1052_22931 |
pubmed_205_21340 | Optic neuritis is a common cause of acute visual loss. It is typified by sudden onset of visual impairment and pain with eye movements, followed by spontaneous recovery of vision over several months. Pathologically, optic neuritis is an acute demyelinating event affecting the optic nerve. Objective physical findings are typically few, including an afferent pupillary defect or Marcus-Gunn pupil, whereas subjective psychophysical findings abound (ie, diminished central visual acuity, color vision, decreased contrast sensitivity, and visual field abnormalities). These characteristics have made the diagnosis of optic neuritis based solely on clinical grounds disquieting to practitioner and patient alike. In addition, the fact that optic neuritis is often associated with multiple sclerosis as the first clinical manifestation of disease gives further reason for both patient and physician anxiety. The serious nature of visual loss and the consequences of making the diagnosis of optic neuritis has given rise to extensive testing and expensive treatments. This review is intended to explore our current state of knowledge with regard to (1) clinical presentation, (2) ancillary testing, (3) therapeutic intervention, and (4) associated disease, specifically the risk for multiple sclerosis in the patient who presents with an acute optic neuritis. Finally, a suggestion guide for informing the patient and addressing his or her concerns will be presented. | 10.1016/s0011-5029(00)90013-0 |
pubmed_620_4244 | The effect of intravenous and intrauterine administration of PGE1 or PGE2 and PGF2 alpha as well as oral administration of PGE2 on the sensitivity and reactivity of the nonpregnant human uterus was studied. With the use of the flaccid microballoon technique or a micro transducer catheter, uterine recordings were made at frequent intervals throughout the menstrual cycle. Independently of the route of administration and of the phase of the cycle, treatment with PGF2 alpha invariably resulted in stimulation of uterine motility. A high sensitivity to PGF2 alpha was noted during the late secretory phase both in normal and dysmenorrheic women. A marked decrease in sensitivity to both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha administered by the intrauterine route was observed in the periovulatory phase. Inhibition of uterine contractility by PGE2 following both intrauterine and oral administration was noted during active menstrual bleeding in normal as well as in dysmenorrheic women. These findings suggest that endogenous prostaglandins may play a role in the regulation of the normal uterine motility during the menstrual cycle and that the main reason for the abnormal contractility pattern seen in dysmenorrheic women during menstrual bleeding is an increased PGF2 alpha/PGE2 ratio. | 10.3109/00016347909157787 |
pubmed_620_8641 | The sarcotubular system of frog sartorius muscle fibers is found to generate a prolonged depolarizing regenerative response under appropriate experimental conditions. It is shown from a point-voltage clamp analysis that the inward current component responsible for the response lasts on depolarization for hundreds of milliseconds, and reverses its sign when an equilibrium potential is exceeded. The sarcotubular response occurs in F-Ringer solution and is enhanced with EDTA. It also occurs in normal or propionate-Ringer solution containing EDTA without great change in the equilibrium potential. The response is inhibited reversibly with picrotoxin. Partial replacement of Na by K in the propionate-Ringer solution reduces the inward current component which suggests that Na may be the responsible ions. | 10.2170/jjphysiol.27.379 |
pubmed_910_5082 | INTRODUCTION
Glandular odontogenic cyst is a rare and recently recognized type of developmental odontogenic cyst. Being odontogenic in origin, because of the pluripotentiality of the odontogenic epithelium it can show glandular or salivary features.
PRESENTATION OF A CASE
A 46 year old female patient was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department with chief complaint of painless swelling in the right anterior region of maxilla, radiographically associated with teeth 12, 13. Mucosa over the swelling was slightly bluish in colour and no associated palatal swelling was seen. No incidence of trauma was reported and involved teeth were not mobile.
DISCUSSION
Although we have many differential diagnoses, our working diagnosis was a periapical cyst, so conventional treatment of root canal treatment, cyst enucleation, and apicoectomy was planned.
CONCLUSION
Here we present a case which was initially misdiagnosed and mismanaged but on subsequent histopathologic examination revealed the final diagnosis. | pubmed_910_5082 |
pubmed_822_1618 | It has been known for almost one hundred years that a lower surface tension can be achieved at the air-water interface by spreading protein from a concentrated solution than by adsorption from an equivalent total bulk concentration. Nevertheless, the factors that control this nonequilibrium process have not been fully understood. In the present work, we apply ellipsometry, neutron reflectometry, X-ray reflectometry, and Brewster angle microscopy to elaborate the surface loading of human serum albumin in terms of both the macroscopic film morphology and the spreading dynamics. We show that the dominant contribution to the surface loading mechanism is the Marangoni spreading of protein from the bulk of the droplets rather than the direct transfer of their surface films. The films can be spread on a dilute subphase if the concentration of the spreading solution is sufficient; if not, dissolution of the protein occurs, and only a textured adsorbed layer slowly forms. The morphology of the spread protein films comprises an extended network with regions of less textured material or gaps. Further, mechanical cycling of the surface area of the spread films anneals the network into a membrane that approach constant compressibility and has increased durability. Our work provides a new perspective on an old problem in colloid and interface science. The scope for optimization of the surface loading mechanism in a range of systems leading to its exploitation in deposition-based technologies in the future is discussed. | 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b03349 |
pubmed_799_9584 | This paper highlights the key steps to follow when conducting a systematic review (see Box 2). Healthcare practitioners may be limited by time and resources when conducting literature reviews, however, a systematic and transparent approach should be adopted wherever possible. Further detailed guidance on conducting systematic reviews is available from the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (NHS CRD, 2001) and the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook (Alderson et al, 2003). | pubmed_799_9584 |
pubmed_44_19728 | While recent studies have reported an inverse relation between childhood intelligence test scores and all-cause mortality in later life, the link with disease-specific outcomes has been rarely examined. Furthermore, the potential confounding effect of birthweight and childhood social circumstances is unknown. We investigated the relation of childhood intelligence with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke risk in a cohort of 6910 men born in 1953 in the Copenhagen area of Denmark. Events were ascertained from 1978 to 2000 using a cause-of-death register and hospital discharge records. There were 150 CHD (19 fatal; 131 non-fatal) and 93 stroke (4 fatal; 89 non-fatal) events during follow-up into mid-life. Childhood intelligence was inversely related to CHD with the highest rate apparent in adults with low childhood test scores (HR(lowest vs. highest quartile), 2.70; 95% confidence interval: 1.60, 4.57; P(trend) = 0.0001). After adjustment for paternal social class and birthweight, this association was attenuated only marginally. There was little evidence of a IQ-stroke relationship. The cognitive characteristics captured by IQ testing in the present study, such as communication and problem solving ability, appear to be associated with risk of CHD. Health promotion specialists and clinical practitioners may wish to consider these skills in their interactions with the general public. Replication of these results using studies which hold data on intelligence and socio-economic position across the life course is required. | 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2005.00671.x |
pubmed_579_16429 | Myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSC) have been reported to promote metastasis, but the loss of cancer-induced B cells/B regulatory cells (tBreg) can block metastasis despite MDSC expansion in cancer. Here, using multiple murine tumor models and human MDSC, we show that MDSC populations that expand in cancer have only partially primed regulatory function and limited prometastatic activity unless they are fully educated by tBregs. Cancer-induced tBregs directly activate the regulatory function of both the monocyte and granulocyte subpopulations of MDSC, relying, in part, on TgfβR1/TgfβR2 signaling. MDSC fully educated in this manner exhibit an increased production of reactive oxygen species and NO and more efficiently suppress CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, loss of tBregs or TgfβR deficiency in MDSC is sufficient to disable their suppressive function and to block metastasis. Overall, our data indicate that cancer-induced B cells/B regulatory cells are important regulators of the immunosuppressive and prometastatic functions of MDSC. | 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-14-3077 |
pubmed_489_9407 | OBJECTIVE
To determine the patterns of distribution of HCV genotypes among high risk population in north of Iran.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 135 HCV RNA-positive high risk individuals including thalassemia, hemophilia, patients under hemodialysis and intravenous drug addicts. HCV genotypes were determined based on amplification with type-specific primers methods.
RESULTS
Among the 187 anti-HCV positive samples, only 135 (72.2%) gave HCV-RNA positvity. Over all, the most identified HCV type was genotype 3a (51.1%) followed by 1a (27.4%), 1b (8.2%). Sixteen (11.9%) out of 135 HCV RNA-positive participants have infected with more than one genotype or subtypes as follow; 1a/1b in 11 (8.2%), 2/3a in 3 (2.2%), and 1a/1b/3a in 2 (1.5%). Stratification of participants revealed that HCV subtype 3a was more prominent in thalassemia, hemophilia and HD patients but 1a and 1b were frequent in intravenous drug addicts.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first report on HCV genotypes among Iranian subjects with different exposure categories resided in Mazandaran, where genotype 3a was found to be the most frequent genotype in thalassemia, hemophilia, and hemodialysis patients but not in IDAs. Since the addiction age is decreasing in Iran and a lot of addicts are IDAs, it might change the subtype pattern of HCV in general population. | pubmed_489_9407 |
pubmed_641_8728 | The micromethod for yeast susceptibility testing, ATB Fungus, was evaluated with 30 reference strains in three laboratories. Ready-to-use strips with 5-fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, nystatin, miconazole, econazole and ketoconazole were used. The test allowed the categorization of each strain as susceptible, intermediate or resistance to all the antifungals tested, and 5-fluorocytosine and amphotericin B MIC determination. The results were compared with the MIC for each reference strain obtained by a microdilution method on RPMI 1640 buffered with MOPS. The repeatability and intralaboratory and interlaboratory reproducibility were evaluated. ATB Fungus was a reliable and reproducible method with a repeatability of 96.6%, a reproducibility of 95.4% and showed an excellent correlation 91.7%) with reference MICs. | 10.1159/000239200 |
pubmed_910_21803 | STUDY DESIGN
Prospective, randomised controlled, single centre study of 45 patients posted for two level lumbar fixation surgery in the prone position.
PURPOSE
To compare intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), mean airway pressure mean airway pressure and blood loss during the spine surgery in prone position using three different positioning systems.
OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE
Studies have correlated IAP with the amount of perioperative bleeding. However, IAP and airway pressures while assessing the bleeding comparing two or more prone positioning systems are unclear.
METHODS
This prospective study was conducted on a cohort of 45 patients scheduled for two-level lumbar fixation. Patients were randomly allocated to a spine table, Wilson's frame, and thermomodulated pads. Bladder pressure as an indicator of IAP, mean and peak airway pressures, and blood loss were monitored.
RESULTS
IAP increased whenever patient position was changed to prone .The increase in pressure was more in the Wilson's frame group but was statistically significant only on prolonged positioning. Adopting the prone position always increased the mean airway pressure, but the increased was significant only in the Wilson's frame group. Mean airway pressure decreased in the spine table group and was statistically significant. The blood loss in the spine table group was significantly less as compared to the other groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Positioning on a spine table results in less blood loss and low mean airway pressure. The Wilson's frame results in high IAP, increased mean airway pressure, and more blood loss. The thermomodulated frame increases mean airway pressure and produces a moderate increase in IAP and airway pressure. | 10.4184/asj.2016.10.2.199 |
pubmed_452_5161 | Research shows greater mindfulness is associated with less negative affect and more positive affect. Fewer studies have examined the mediating psychological processes linking mindfulness to these outcomes in adolescents. This three-wave, prospective longitudinal study examines rumination-the tendency to engage in repetitive and negative self-focused thinking-as one potential explanatory process. High school students (N = 599, Mage = 16.3 years; 49% girls) completed a short-form version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, in addition to self-report measures of rumination and negative and positive affect three times over the course of a school year. Autoregressive, cross-lagged panel models tested reciprocal, prospective associations between mindfulness, rumination, and negative and positive affect, while accounting for prior levels of each construct, within-wave covariances, and gender and grade level. The results showed that the nonjudgment mindfulness facet (and the total mindfulness score) predicted cross-wave reductions in rumination, that in turn predicted cross-wave reductions in negative affect. No evidence for mediation was found for positive affect, or for any of the other mindfulness facets (describe, acting with awareness, and nonreactivity). This study provides suggestive evidence that individual differences in mindfulness, and in particular nonjudgmental acceptance, prospectively predict less negative affect through lower rumination. | 10.1007/s10964-020-01238-6 |
pubmed_242_234 | BACKGROUND/AIMS
The T-helper 1 (TH1) immune reaction is essential for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pegylated interferon α (PEG-IFN-α)- and ribavirin (RBV)-based therapy in chronic HCV patients. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was shown to be a crucial cytokine for the initiation of a TH1 immune response. We aimed to investigate whether SPP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence sustained virological response (SVR) rates.
METHODS
Two SNPs in the promoter region of SPP1 at the -443 C>T and -1748 G>A loci were genotyped in 100 patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.
RESULTS
Sixty-seven patients achieved a SVR, and 33 patients showed no SVR. Patients carrying the T/T genotype at the -443 locus showed a significantly higher SVR rate than those carrying the C/T or C/C genotype (83.67% vs. 50.98%, p<0.001). At the -1748 locus, the SVR rate was significantly higher in patients with the G/G genotype than in those with the A/A genotype (88.89% vs. 52.63%, p=0.028) and in patients with the G/A genotype than in those with the A/A genotype (85.29% vs. 52.63%, p=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
SPP1 SNPs at -443 C>T and -1748 G>A loci may be useful markers for predicting the response to PEG-IFN-α-2b plus RBV therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. | 10.5009/gnl14162 |
pubmed_222_2697 | Octreotide, a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, may improve metabolic control and reduce GH and glucagon levels in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. We report hereto the case of an insulin-dependent diabetic patient in whom the subcutaneous continuous infusion of octreotide (150 micrograms/daily for six days) resulted ineffective on blood glucose levels, GH and glucagon. However, when octreotide was administered mixed together with aprotinin-an inhibitory of proteolytic enzymes (10,000 I.U. daily), it had lowering effect on blood glucose levels, GH and glucagon. We suggest the possibility that a local subcutaneous enzymatic degradation of octreotide may have occurred and that this degradation was blocked by aprotinin. | 10.1007/BF03350312 |
pubmed_468_21340 | BACKGROUND
In this study the applicability of a 16S rRNA real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and a Staphylococcus genus-specific PCR for screening of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) was determined.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 336 sample bags, from PCs that were routinely tested in the BacT/ALERT (bioMérieux), were collected and frozen until testing by the PCR assays. Based on the BacT/ALERT results, 107 PCs were positive and 229 were negative for bacterial growth.
RESULTS
The analytical sensitivity of the 16S rRNA real-time RT-PCR ranged from 5 to 40 colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL. The PCR detected five positive samples, four of which were also positive in the BacT/ALERT. The sensitivity of the test was 3.8%, and the specificity was 99.5%. The analytical sensitivity of the Staphylococcus genus-specific PCR ranged from 5 to 15 CFUs/mL. Thirty-nine units that were BacT/ALERT positive for staphylococci were tested with this PCR. Six samples were positive with the PCR, five of which were also BacT/ALERT positive. The sensitivity of the Staphylococcus genus-specific PCR was 12.8%, and the specificity was 98.8%.
CONCLUSION
Despite the rapid availability of results compared to the BacT/ALERT, the analytical sensitivity of a generic or specific PCR assay is not high enough to be an alternative for the BacT/ALERT when PCs are screened on the day of production. | 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03090.x |
pubmed_845_23215 | AIM
Inflammation plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Here, we examined whether antithrombin (AT) plays a role in attenuating HCC progression, via its anti-inflammatory effects.
METHODS
HCCs were developed in AT-insufficient (AT+/- ) mice and wild-type (AT+/+ ) mice treated with diethyl nitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride. AT was administered to AT+/- mice. The development of HCC was compared between the three groups. In vitro study, migration assay was performed. The association of the prognosis of patients with HCC and plasma AT values was clinically examined.
RESULTS
AT suppressed the release of interleukin (IL)-8 from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophils in vitro. Huh-7 cells that were co-cultured with neutrophils and stimulated with LPS showed significantly enhanced migration; however, Huh-7 cells co-cultured with LPS/AT-stimulated neutrophils showed significantly decreased migration. Moreover, the addition of anti-IL-8 antibodies to LPS-stimulated Huh-7 cells co-cultured with neutrophils also suppressed migration. AT+/- mice (AT plasma activity: 64%) promoted liver cancer, as compared with wild-type mice (AT plasma activity: 135%); AT administration attenuated liver cancer in AT+/- mice. Patients with HCC with a preoperative AT level of ≥70% showed better outcomes after liver resection, as compared with those with an AT level of <70%. IL-8 expression and neutrophil infiltration in HCC tissues were negatively correlated with the AT level.
CONCLUSIONS
AT attenuates HCC progression by regulating neutrophil/IL-8 signaling. | 10.1111/hepr.13558 |
pubmed_759_4465 | The bacteriological analysis of 37 pools of cultivated soils collected in a limited area in the Parisian district permits the isolation of 14 strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis: 9 strains are of serotype II, 3 of serotype I, 1 of serotype III, and of serotype IV. This diversity contrasts with the prevalence of serotype I in infections of man and animals and the scarcity of type III and IV in these species. The abundance of our isolates is in favour of a large distribution of the germ in this substratum, which can be considered as a potential contamination source. | pubmed_759_4465 |
pubmed_896_18748 | INTRODUCTION
The pandemic of COVID-19 affected every single person in the world. This pandemic also affected the academics of medical and dental colleges of Nepal. In these conditions, the virtual study was used as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 period, with an adaptation to the "new normal" to deliver preclinical medical education. This has brought both challenges and opportunities to medical education. The objective of the study is to find out whether the anatomy virtual classes were helpful among the first and second year medical and dental students of a medical college.
METHODS
The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 206 first and second-year medical and dental students of a medical college between 1st May 2021-31st May 2021 after getting the ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee (reference no. 0504202109). The convenient sampling was done. The data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20 version. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data.
RESULTS
Out of the total 206 students, 173 (84%) (78.99-89.01 at 95% Confidence Interval) found that virtual anatomy classes were not helpful for the study of the anatomy classes.
CONCLUSIONS
From the study, we conclude that more than half of the students found that virtual classes were not helpful for the study of anatomy classes. Students have difficulty in studying dissection, cadaveric, and embryological structures via virtual classes. Physical class is better for studying anatomy than virtual classes for medical and dental students. | 10.31729/jnma.6575 |
pubmed_489_25171 | Total hip arthroplasty (THA) may produce blood loss requiring allogenic blood transfusion. Recently several authors have reported success decreasing their transfusion rate with tranexamic acid (TXA). We retrospectively reviewed our last 1595 primary THA in 1494 patients looking at whether the patients received TXA via IV infusion, topical application, or neither, and the need for a blood transfusion. Infusion of TXA acid produced a statistically significant difference in transfusion rate (p<0.001) while topical TXA failed to reach statistical significance (P=0.15). The transfusion rate without TXA was 19.86%, 4.39% with TXA infusion (odds ratio=5.36), and 12.86% (odds ratio=1.67) with topical TXA. | pubmed_489_25171 |
pubmed_824_24260 | This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of youth justice practitioners supervising young people (below 18 years old) displaying sexually harmful behavior within the Youth Justice System (YJS) in the United Kingdom, as little is currently known about the challenges faced when working with this vulnerable group. Five practitioners from two Youth Offending Services (YOS) participated in individual semistructured interviews, which were subjected to thematic analysis while also analyzing the performative function of language used. The analysis identified an overarching theme of "systemic unease," which contained two subthemes surrounding "unease with the self, and wider YOS personnel" and "unease working with partner agencies." The findings illuminate critical issues regarding future practice with this underresearched group of young people within the broader context of youth justice, which require further exploration and investigation. The "dual relationship problem" involving tension between risk management and therapeutic alliance is explored in relation to this group. The moral acquaintance model and the model of dynamic adaptation are suggested as helpful approaches to support practitioners and multi-agency professionals going forward in this area. | 10.1177/0886260517701449 |
pubmed_1090_10870 | Since the first clinical application of transcatheter closure technique for patent ductus arteriosus in children and infants in 1977 by Rashkind and Coll., this technique is routinely performed only in a few major Pediatric Cardiology Centers. We report our successful series which is the first of its kind both in Italy and in Southern Europe. The series included 11 children aged 1.6 to 10 years (mean age 4.5 years) all affected with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Subaortic stenosis (1) and ventricular septal defect with pulmonary stenosis (1) were associated anomalies. In all of the cases, after the standard percutaneous cardiac catheterization, the Mullins method was attempted to advance and deliver the Rashkind PDA double-disk occluder. Successful closure was accomplished in 10 while almost complete closure was achieved in the 11th. Normal Doppler flow pattern after the procedure confirmed the successful results. No complications occurred. Although our experience is limited, non-surgical PDA closure provided an excellent alternative to surgical procedure. | pubmed_1090_10870 |
pubmed_1115_4950 | BACKGROUND
Regular use of inhaled anti-inflammatory (AI) medication improves outcomes for children with persistent asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To relate 3 measures of asthma medication dispensing to physical health and hospital-based events among children with asthma who were enrolled in 1 of 5 managed care health plans.
METHODS
Parents of Medicaid-insured children with asthma were interviewed at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Utilization data were collected from the health plans in which the children were enrolled. Subjects were stratified into 3 subgroups according to asthma severity: intermittent asthma; persistent asthma for which beta-agonist (BA) medication was dispensed infrequently (< or = 3 times per year); and persistent asthma for which BA medication was dispensed frequently (> or = 4 times per year).
RESULTS
Baseline interviews were completed by 1,663 parents (63% response rate), 1,504 of whom were enrolled in their health plan for at least 11 months during the baseline year. Follow-up interviews were completed by 1,287 (86%) of the 1,504 parents. Among the subgroup of children with persistent asthma for whom BA was dispensed frequently, those who had 1 to 3 AI dispensings had a greater risk for hospital-based events than those with 6 or more AI dispensings. Baseline-year AI medication utilization patterns were not associated with follow-up-year outcomes. No clinically meaningful association was found in subgroups with less severe asthma; however, few AI medications were dispensed to these children.
CONCLUSIONS
Policymakers and clinicians who wish to use medication-based measures to evaluate quality of asthma care should consider counting the number of times AI medication is dispensed among children with more severe asthma. | 10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61569-4 |
pubmed_736_1526 | 1. Intracellular records have been taken from cat motoneurones belonging to gastrocnemius and soleus or to popliteal synergists during contractions of gastrocnemius and soleus, acting separately or jointly. Such contractions were elicited by brief tetani or single shocks to the peripheral end of the cut ventral roots L7 or S1.2. Hyperpolarization of the motoneurone accompanies rise of tension in contraction. The amount of it increases when at constant extension the contraction of the muscle is increased by increasing stimulus strength, as well as when it is increased by augmenting extension at constant stimulus strength. It is therefore tension-sensitive.3. The duration of the hyperpolarization induced in this manner reflects the duration of the contraction itself, being considerably longer in the slow soleus than in the faster gastrocnemius. It is often preceded by a brief wavelet of depolarization ascribed to the so-called back-response.4. Early in relaxation there occurs a transient ;hump' of membrane depolarization. This corresponds to the moment characterized by phasic bursts from the spindle primaries. The ;hump' terminates hyperpolarization.5. When the cell is stimulated by injected current to maintained repetitive firing, the ;silent period' in contraction begins with the phase of hyperpolarization and ends with the hump of depolarization as described above.6. Later during relaxation, delayed inhibition, may or may not follow often accompanied by hyperpolarizing activation noise and sometimes also visible as an extension of the silent period of a firing cell. There is, however, no marked hyperpolarization of the motoneurone in delayed inhibition.7. In the Discussion the events described above are related to previous studies employing monosynaptic testing or electromyography for the analysis of the variations of excitability caused in extensor motoneurones by autogenetic contractions as well as to known properties of stretch receptors. | 10.1113/jphysiol.1966.sp007833 |
pubmed_474_2221 | The radiologic protocol as presented above has evolved over a period of several years. It is currently is use, and with only rare exceptions, has been found to be completely adequate for the massively traumatized patient. Its most important aspect is that practically no time is expended in the radiologic assessment of the patient. | pubmed_474_2221 |
pubmed_189_19764 | Oropharyngeal sensitivity plays a vital role in the initiation of the swallowing reflex and is thought to decline as part of the aging-process. Taste and smell functions appear to decline with age as well. The aim of our study was to generate data of oral sensitivity in healthy participants for future studies and to analyse age-related changes and their interdependence by measuring oral sensitivity, taste, and smell function. The experiment involved 30 participants younger than and 30 participants older than 60. Sensitivity threshold as a surrogate of oral sensitivity was measured at the anterior faucial pillar by electrical stimulation using commercially available pudendal electrode mounted on a gloved finger. Smell and taste were evaluated using commercially available test kits. Mean sensitivity was lower in young participants compared to older participants (1.9 ± 0.59 mA vs. 2.42 ± 1.03 mA; p = 0.021). Young participants also performed better in smell (Score 11.13 ± 0.86 vs 9.3 ± 1.93; p < 0.001) and taste examinations (Score 11.83 ± 1.86 vs 8.53 ± 3.18; p < 0.001). ANCOVA revealed a statistical association between sensitivity and smell (p = 0.08) that was moderated by age (p = 0.044). Electrical threshold testing at the anterior faucial pillar is a simple, safe, and accurate diagnostic measure of oral sensitivity. We detected a decline of oral sensitivity, taste, and smell in older adults.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03240965. Registered 7th August 2017- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03240965 . | 10.1038/s41598-022-05201-2 |
pubmed_1074_4247 | Iron oxide cores of 35 nm are coated with gold nanoparticles so that individual particle motion can be tracked in real time through the plasmonic response using dark field optical microscopy. Although Brownian and viscous drag forces are pronounced for nanoparticles, we show that magnetic manipulation is possible using large magnetic field gradients. The trajectories are analyzed to separate contributions from the different types of forces. With field gradients up to 3000 T/m, forces as small as 1.5 fN are detected. | 10.1021/nn102383s |
pubmed_963_2746 | Bifidobacterium adolescentis 94-BIM was found to produce cell-wall bound proteolytic enzymes active at acidic, neutral, and alkaline pH values. The solubilization of proteinases with 0.5% Triton X-100 substantially improved the yield of the enzymes. The most active accumulation of cell-bound proteinases was observed in the third hour of cultivation at rates of 156.7, 179.5, and 111.1 U/(mg h), measured at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively. It is suggested that the cell-wall bound proteinases of B. adolescentis 94-BIM are the precursors of the enzymes secreted into the medium. | pubmed_963_2746 |
pubmed_854_7739 | Dissociative electron transfers (ET) are reactions in which the ET is associated with the cleavage of a sigma bond. Although a rather satisfactory amount of information is currently available on the intermolecular and heterogeneous dissociative ET reactions, less is known for the corresponding intramolecular processes, despite the relevance of these reactions in both chemistry and biochemistry. This tutorial review focuses on the most recent developments in this area, with particular emphasis on the reactions occurring in well-defined Donor-Spacer-Acceptor molecular systems. The goal is to provide the reader with the essential background to understand and possibly predict the feasibility and rates of these reactions, as well as to stimulate the application of the intramolecular dissociative ET concepts and related issues to still unexplored molecular systems. | 10.1039/b300085k |
pubmed_486_4366 | Mechanical interlocking has been proven to be an effective bonding mechanism for dissimilar material groups like polymers and metals. Therefore, this contribution assesses several surface pretreatments for the metallic adherent. Blasting, etching, combined blasting and etching, thermal spraying, and laser structuring processes are investigated with regard to the achievable interlaminar strength and the corresponding surface roughness parameters. The experiments are carried out on EN AW-6082/polyamide 6 polymer-metal-hybrids, utilizing a novel butt-bonded hollow cylinder specimen geometry for determining the shear and tensile strength. The experimental results indicate that the surface roughness slope has a major impact on the interlaminar strength. A laser-generated pin structure is found to provide the best mechanical performance as well as the highest surface slope of all investigated structuring methods. | 10.3390/ma12182963 |
pubmed_530_598 | Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer death, yet it is mechanistically considered a very inefficient process suggesting the presence of some sort of (e.g. systemic) routes for fuelling the process. The pre-metastatic niche formation is described as one such metastasis promoting route. Now, the emerging potentials of tumor-derived microvesicles (TDMVs), not only in formulating the pre-metastatic niche, but also conferring neoplastic phenotypes onto normal cells, has integrated new concepts into the field. Here, we note as an ancillary proposition that, exerting functional disturbances in other sites, TDMVs (we have termed them metastasomes) may aid foundation of the secondary lesions via two seemingly interrelated models: (i) tumor-organ-training (TOTr), training a proper niche for the growth of the disseminated tumor cells; (ii) tumor-organ-targeting (TOTa), contribution to the propagation of the transformed phenotype via direct or indirect (TOTr-mediated disturbed stroma) transformation and/or heightened growth/survival states of the normal resident cells in the secondary organs. Respecting the high content of the RNA molecules (particularly microRNAs) identified in the secretory MVs, they may play crucial parts in such "malignant trait" spreading system. That is, the interactions between tumor tissue-specific RNA signatures, being transferred via metastasomes, and the cell-type/tissue-specific RNA stockrooms in other areas may settle a unique outcome in each organ. Thus, serving as tumor-organ matchmakers, the RNA molecules may also play substantial roles in the seeding and tropism of the process. | pubmed_530_598 |
pubmed_173_260 | In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acquired genomic gains and losses are common and lead to altered expression of genes located within or nearby the affected regions. Increased expression of the ETS-related transcription factor gene ERG has been described in myeloid malignancies with chromosomal rearrangements involving chromosome band 21q22, but also in cytogenetically normal AML, where it is associated with adverse prognosis. In this study, fluorescence in situ hybridization on interphase nuclei disclosed an amplification of the ERG gene (more than six copies) in 33 AML patients with structural rearrangements of 21q22. Array comparative genomic hybridization of these cases disclosed a minimal amplified region at the position 39.6-40.0 Mbp from pter that harbors ERG as the only gene. Analysis by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed significantly higher ERG mRNA expression in these patients and in a group of 95 AML patients with complete or partial gain of chromosome 21 (three to six copies) compared with 351 AML patients without gain of chromosome 21. Quantification of ERG DNA copy numbers revealed a strong correlation with ERG mRNA expression. Furthermore, in patients with gain of chromosome 21, higher ERG expression was found to be associated with RUNX1 mutations. Our results suggest that acquired gain of chromosome 21 or amplification of chromosome arm 21q is one mechanism contributing to increased ERG expression in AML. | 10.1002/gcc.22321 |
pubmed_111_17293 | Anterior segment fluorescein angiography in scleral disease reveals highly characteristic changes in the vasculature of the anterior segment associated with necrotising scleritis. The vaso-obliterative changes discovered in this investigation have been correlated with the histopathology in a patient who had to have tissue replaced. Light and electron microscopy of scleral tissue excised from sites of vascular closure detected by fluorescein angiography peripheral to the scleral defect revealed pathological changes in the absence of inflammatory cell infiltration. These changes included vascular stasis, partial vaso-obliteration, and fibroblastic transformation of scleral fibrocytes in association with intra- and extracellular degradation of the collagenous component of the matrix. | 10.1136/bjo.69.9.656 |
pubmed_666_11215 | OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic features of a series of gnathic epithelioid osteoblastomas. As high levels of Proto-oncogene c-Fos proteins resulting from FOS-FOSB translocation were recently demonstrated in osteoblastomas, we also evaluated the immunoexpression of these proteins.
STUDY DESIGN
Records of all cases of epithelioid osteoblastoma of the jaws were retrieved from oral pathology services, and their clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical data were collected. Immunohistochemistry was also performed by using anti-FOS and anti-FOSB antibodies.
RESULTS
Six cases of epithelioid osteoblastomas were obtained, 4 in men and 2 in women, and they were mainly located in the posterior body of the mandible (n = 4). Radiographically, the tumors showed mixed radiolucent and radiopaque images, most with poorly defined margins. Microscopically, large epithelioid cells with eccentrically located nuclei predominated among osteoid and immature bone trabeculae. Sharp delineation from adjacent normal bone was observed in all cases. FOS immunostaining was diffuse and strong in the cytoplasm and nucleus of neoplastic cells in all cases, whereas FOSB was only focally positive, with few epithelioid osteoblasts showing nuclear staining.
CONCLUSIONS
Although epithelioid osteoblastomas of the jaws are locally aggressive, widespread metastasis does not occur, and, as with conventional osteoblastomas, there is wide expression of the FOS protein. | 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.03.001 |
pubmed_1035_304 | Group intake procedures have been employed in various mental health facilities to establish diagnosis efficiently, reduce time on waiting lists, and introduce those seeking service to agency procedures. A number of different models reported in the literature are reviewed, including those for adolescents and parents of child referrals. The author points to the importance of intake groups with respect to their orientation function and the peer support they provide for adolescents and members of disadvantaged groups in recounting their problems to professionals. | 10.1002/1520-6629(197610)4:4<362::aid-jcop2290040407>3.0.co;2-l |
pubmed_639_22924 | INTRODUCTION
There is paucity of data of C3 glomerulopathy in Indian children.
METHODS
First Indian pediatric case series where consecutive renal biopsies done over a period of ten years were reviewed to identify those patients who had isolated or predominant C3 deposits on immunofluorescent microscopy, fulfilling the criteria for C-3 glomerulopathy. The clinical, biochemical, serological, histopathological profile, eGFR and the need for renal replacement therapy was analyzed.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients, comprising 5.3% (18/298) of all renal biopsies, had C3 glomerulopathy, four with Dense Deposit Disease (DDD) and fourteen with C3 Glomerulonephritis (C3GN) with a median follow-up of 38.2 months. Median age of presentation was 7.45±3.03 years (2.5yrs- 13.5yrs) with nine boys and nine girls. Presentation was nephrotic syndrome in seven (39%), acute nephritic syndrome in three (16.7%), hematuria in five (27.7%) and acute kidney injury in three (16.7%). Median eGFR was 69 ml/min/1.73m2 (8.2-107 ml/min/1.73m2). Hematuria was seen in 16 (88%), proteinuria in 18 (100%) and low C3 in 16 (88%) at the time of presentation. Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis was the predominant pattern in DDD while C3GN showed a mix of mesangioproliferative, membranoproliferative, endocapillary and crescentic GN (p = 0.43).Complete or partial remission was seen in seven patients who received long term alternate day steroids alone or with added mycophenolate mofetil. The cumulative patient survival was 70.8%. Kaplan Meir analyses for renal survival without progression to ESRD was 60.2% at one year and 48.1% at five and ten years.
CONCLUSION
Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy on renal biopsy was an independent predictor of adverse renal outcome in the cohort (p = 0.013, HR8.1;95% CI -1.6-42). | 10.4103/ijn.IJN_226_18 |
pubmed_351_7724 | Lidocaine directly affects conduction and refractoriness of ventricular myocardium, and may also indirectly affect these electrophysiologic properties by inhibition of cardiac sympathetic nerve traffic. Both effects may play important roles in preventing ventricular arrhythmias in humans. To determine if lidocaine has a direct effect on sympathetic nerve activity, the effects of a 100 mg lidocaine bolus followed by a 2 mg/min infusion of lidocaine on muscle sympathetic nerve activity was assessed in seven patients during programmed ventricular stimulation with single extrastimuli (premature ventricular contractions [PVCs]) in sinus rhythm, and in seven patients during induced hemodynamically stable monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. During single extrastimuli, the mean (+/- SEM) area of PVC-associated bursts of sympathetic nerve activity was unaffected by lidocaine (1101 +/- 16 units pre-lidocaine versus 1075 +/- 19 units following lidocaine; p = 0.30). Likewise, the transient decrease in blood pressure with induced PVCs was similar before and after lidocaine infusion (p = 0.46). In seven patients with induced monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, tachycardia cycle length did not change after the lidocaine bolus (393 +/- 18 versus 399 +/- 17 msec; p = 0.34) but increased during lidocaine maintenance infusion (428 +/- 17 msec; p = 0.01). After induction of ventricular tachycardia, systolic pressure decreased from 150 +/- 6 to 117 +/- 9 mm Hg at 1 minute of tachycardia, to 109 +/- 6 mm Hg during the lidocaine bolus, and rebounded to 126 +/- 8 mm Hg during the lidocaine maintenance infusion (p = 0.04, bolus versus infusion).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | 10.1016/0002-8703(92)90969-3 |
pubmed_1084_14209 | Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. It is characterized by diffuse, innumerable, and minute calculi, called microlithiasis in the alveoli. More than half of reported cases are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. We describe the first case of PAM in Korea. A 19-yr-old man without respiratory symptoms presented with interstitial thickening on the chest radiograph. His chest high resolution CT scan showed diffusely scattered, ill defined tiny micronodules and interstitial thickening. Open lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PAM. He was followed up for 6 months without treatment, and no progression was noticed. | 10.3346/jkms.2011.26.10.1391 |
pubmed_950_17190 | Public housing provides affordable housing and, potentially, housing stability for low-income families. Housing stability may be associated with lower incidence or prevalence and better management of a range of health conditions through many mechanisms. We aimed to test the hypotheses that public housing residency is associated with both housing stability and reduced risk of diabetes incidence, and the relationship between public housing and diabetes risk varies by levels of housing stability. Using 2004-16 World Trade Center Health Registry data, we compared outcomes (housing stability measured by sequence analysis of addresses, self-reported diabetes diagnoses) between 730 New York City public housing residents without prevalent diabetes at baseline and 730 propensity score-matched non-public housing residents. Sequence analysis found 3 mobility patterns among all 1460 enrollees, including stable housing (65%), limited mobility (27%), and unstable housing patterns (8%). Public housing residency was associated with stable housing over 12 years. Diabetes risk was not associated with public housing residency; however, among those experiencing housing instability, a higher risk of diabetes was found among public housing versus non-public housing residents. Of those stably housed, the association remained insignificant. These findings provide important evidence for a health benefit of public housing via housing stability among people living in public housing. | 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100605 |
pubmed_799_6245 | Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are common conditions that often present non-specifically. Clinicians in emergency departments and acute medical assessment units may face these patients. This article provides an overview for the non-specialist clinician on the acute manifestations that may occur in these patients. | 10.12968/hmed.2006.67.5.21063 |
pubmed_617_18333 | Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the world, which is a major public health challenge. To date, many publications have evaluated the correlation between cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) T3801C polymorphism and breast cancer risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the association, a meta-analysis was performed in this study. By searching Medline, PubMed, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases, 23 studies including 10,520 cases and 14,567 controls were collected for CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism. The strength of association between CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism and breast cancer risk was assessed by calculating crude ORs with 95% CIs. The pooled ORs were performed for codominant model, dominant model, and recessive model, respectively. Overall, no significant associations between CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility were found for TT versus CC (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.72-1.19), TC versus CC (OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.79-1.14), TT + TC versus CC (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.75-1.15), and TT versus TC + CC (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.87-1.13). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, menopausal status, and source of controls, no significant associations were detected in all genetic models. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides strong evidence that CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism is not associated with breast cancer risk. | 10.1007/s10549-009-0717-2 |
pubmed_389_7461 | The electronic structure and magnetic properties of a series of Kramers ions with f1 configuration in axial symmetry have been analyzed with a combination of theoretical methods: ab initio relativistic wavefunction methods as well as a crystal-field (CF) model with parameters extracted from the ab initio calculations. The molecules were treated in an idealized D8h and D7h symmetry and different combinations of active electrons and orbitals were used to describe correctly the nature of the ground and excited states. The spin Hamiltonian parameters for the Kramers doublet derived from the ground multiplet were determined and discussed on the basis of the crystal-field (CF) and spin-orbit interaction. The prime interests were the electron paramagnetic resonance g-factors and their relation to the complex geometry, crystal-field (CF) and spin-orbit coupling. The developed models agree well with the ab initio calculations and experimental reports. | 10.1039/c7dt00111h |
pubmed_879_1972 | Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that affects multiple organs and is caused by inactive mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. The main symptoms of TSC are neurocutaneous syndrome and benign hamartoma formation. Notably, malignancy is not an indication of TSC. In this article, we present the case of a 48-year-old female with cervical cancer (CC) combined with TSC, who was misdiagnosed with multiple metastases. Toe masses, pelvic nodules, and multiple osteogenic lesions were initially observed. Multi-site puncture biopsies and a toe amputation were performed; the pathology results did not indicate malignancy. Subsequently, hypomelanotic macules on the back, subependymal nodules (SENs), ungual fibromas, multiple renal cysts, and sclerotic-bone-lesions (SBLs) of the skull, and vertebrae were observed, leading to a diagnosis of TSC. Given that TSC is a benign disease and has not yet caused any organ disfunction, no special treatment was provided to this patient. After a follow-up period of almost 65 months, the patient's quality of life remained good without therapy. Oncologists should pay attention to benign diseases in the face of multiple lesions to reduce misdiagnosis and overtreatment. In addition, TSC may interact with CC through molecular mechanisms, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. | 10.21037/apm-21-2814 |
pubmed_592_12647 | The antinociceptive effect of dipyrone, a nonsteroidal and inflammatory drug, was studied in a series of experiment employing tail-flick and hot-place models and the abdominal constrictor test. The drug was given via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.), intrathecal (i.t.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) routes. Dipyrone exhibited no analgesic activity in the tail-flick and hotplate tests while it inhibited the number of stretches in a dose-dependent manner. The antinociceptive effect of dipyrone administered by the i.c.v. and i.t. routes was almost complete reversed by naloxone treatment. The same procedure attenuated but not completely inhibited the dipyrone action induced by s.c. administration. Histopathological examination revealed that i.t. dipyrone application produces no significant lesion in the spinal cord. The results suggest that dipyrone may exert a central antinociceptive action reversed by naloxone. | 10.1159/000139417 |
pubmed_238_10814 | The significance of extreme hyperferritinemia and its association with certain diagnoses and prognoses are not well characterized. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients with at least one total serum ferritin (TSF) measurement ≥ 5000 µg/L over 2 years, in three university hospitals. Conditions associated with hyperferritinemia were collected, and patients were classified into 10 etiological groups. Intensive care unit (ICU) transfer and mortality rates were recorded. A total of 495 patients were identified, of which 56% had a TSF level between 5000 and 10,000 µg/L. There were multiple underlying causes in 81% of the patients. The most common causes were infections (38%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH, 18%), and acute hepatitis (14%). For TSF levels > 10,000 µg/L, there were no solid cancer or hematological malignancy without another cause of hyperferritinemia. Isolated iron-overload syndromes never exceeded TSF levels > 15,000 µg/L. Extreme hyperferritinemia (TSF levels > 25,000 µg/L) was associated with only four causes: HLH, infections, acute hepatitis and cytokine release syndromes. A total of 32% of patients were transferred to an ICU, and 28% died. Both ICU transfer rate and mortality were statistically associated with ferritin levels. An optimized threshold of 13,405 μg/L was the best predictor for the diagnosis of HLH, with a sensitivity of 76.4% and a specificity of 79.3%. Hyperferritinemia reflects a variety of conditions, but only four causes are associated with extreme hyperferritinemia, in which HLH and acute hepatitis are the most common. Extreme hyperferritinemia has a poor prognosis with increased mortality. | 10.3390/jcm11185438 |
pubmed_681_16840 | In this study, the amount and direction of displacement of reference landmarks located on the cranial base and face were examined and compared according to the superimposition methods of Björk (method A), Steiner (method B), and Ricketts (method C). The material consisted of cephalometric and hand-wrist films of 40 nontreated growing individuals obtained at the beginning (T1) and at the end of the observation period (T2). Hand-wrist films were used to evaluate the skeletal maturation of the subjects. The displacement of each landmark was measured according to each superimposition method, and the amounts of displacement in each method were evaluated by paired t-test. The repeated measurement analysis of variance test was used to compare the variances of the changes among the methods. Significant changes were observed in landmarks (sella, nasion, basion, pterygomaxillare), which used as references for superimpositions. The direction of displacement of sella and pterygomaxillare points was different among the methods. In the horizontal plane, although most landmarks were displaced in a similar manner in the Björk and Ricketts methods, the vertical displacement of all the landmarks was different. The horizontal displacements of basion, condylion, and gonion were similar according to all three methods. These results indicate that differences regarding the superimposition methods should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of the changes due to growth or treatment. | 10.1043/0003-3219(2003)073<0374:TDOCRL>2.0.CO;2 |
pubmed_992_11715 | OBJECTIVES
Adolescents in Africa have low HIV testing rates. Better understanding of adolescent, provider, and caregiver experiences in high-burden countries such as Kenya could improve adolescent HIV testing programs.
DESIGN
We conducted 16 qualitative interviews with HIV-positive and HIV-negative adolescents (13-18 years) and six focus group discussions with Healthcare workers (HCWs) and caregivers of adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Analysis employed a modified constant comparative approach to triangulate findings and identify themes influencing testing experiences and practices.
RESULTS
All groups identified that supportive interactions during testing were essential to the adolescent's positive testing experience. HCWs were a primary source of support during testing. HCWs who acted respectful and informed helped adolescents accept results, link to care, or return for repeat testing, whereas HCWs who acted dismissive or judgmental discouraged adolescent testing. Caregivers universally supported adolescent testing, including testing with the adolescent to demonstrate support. Caregivers relied on HCWs to inform and encourage adolescents. Although peers played less significant roles during testing, all groups agreed that school-based outreach could increase peer demand and counteract stigma. All groups recognized tensions around adolescent autonomy in the absence of clear consent guidelines. Adolescents valued support people during testing but wanted autonomy over testing and disclosure decisions. HCWs felt pressured to defer consent to caregivers. Caregivers wanted to know results regardless of adolescents' wishes.
CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that strengthening HCW, caregiver, and peer capacities to support adolescents while respecting their autonomy may facilitate attaining '90-90-90' targets for adolescents. | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001513 |
pubmed_726_2936 | Using large-scale data from the national conventional statistics and nationally representative sample surveys, the current study aims to assess the level, mode, and determinants of modern contraceptive use from 1970 to 2004 among married couples aged 20 to 49 years in China. A relatively stable Chinese mode of contraception has been established and maintained since the 1980s, characterized by prominent, long-acting contraceptive use and the highest overall prevalence in the world during the past 3 decades. In recent years, the composition of contraceptive use has changed, characterized by the increasing use of the intrauterine device and short-acting methods and a drastic decrease in male and female sterilization. However, the dominance of the long-acting methods has not undergone substantial change. The results from a multinomial logit model employed in this study indicate that family planning policy and socioeconomic and demographic factors jointly influence contraceptive choice. In particular, contraceptive choice is closely associated with the strength of family planning policy in China. | 10.1177/1010539511423957 |
pubmed_397_6914 | We studied syntrophic butyrate degradation in thermophilic mixed cultures containing a butyrate-degrading bacterium isolated in coculture with Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum or in triculture with M. thermoautotrophicum and the TAM organism, a thermophilic acetate-utilizing methanogenic bacterium. Butyrate was beta-oxidized to acetate with protons as the electron acceptors. Acetate was used concurrently with its production in the triculture. We found a higher butyrate degradation rate in the triculture, in which both hydrogen and acetate were utilized, than in the coculture, in which acetate accumulated. Yeast extract, rumen fluid, and clarified digestor fluid stimulated butyrate degradation, while the effect of Trypticase was less pronounced. Penicillin G, d-cycloserine, and vancomycin caused complete inhibition of butyrate utilization by the cultures. No growth or degradation of butyrate occurred when 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid or chloroform, specific inhibitors of methanogenic bacteria, was added to the cultures and common electron acceptors such as sulfate, nitrate, and fumarate were not used with butyrate as the electron donor. Addition of hydrogen or oxygen to the gas phase immediately stopped growth and butyrate degradation by the cultures. Butyrate was, however, metabolized at approximately the same rate when hydrogen was removed from the cultures and was metabolized at a reduced rate in the cultures previously exposed to hydrogen. | 10.1128/aem.53.2.429-433.1987 |
pubmed_904_21708 | BACKGROUND
Neck and back pain are leading sources of disability placing substantial burden on health care systems. Surgical interventions in managing chronic neck pain secondary to various disorders continue to increase. Even though surgical interventions are effective, a significant proportion of patients continue to have symptomatology and develop cervical post-surgery syndrome. This study was performed to know the effectiveness of cervical interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids.
METHODS
The effectiveness of fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections in post-surgery syndrome was evaluated in a randomized, active controlled trial. The study population included 116 patients assigned to 2 groups. Group 1 received cervical interlaminar epidural injections with local anesthetic alone and Group 2 received injection with local anesthetic and steroids. The main outcomes were defined as significant improvement (greater than 50%) of pain relief using the numeric rating scale and/or functional status improvement using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
RESULTS
Both groups had similar results with significant improvement (≥ 50% pain relief and functional status improvement) in 69% of the patients in Group I, whereas, in Group II, 71% of the patients showed significant improvement at the end of 2 years. During a 2-year period, the average number of procedures was 5 to 6, with an average of approximately 12 weeks of significant improvement per procedure.
CONCLUSIONS
Fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections administered in cervical post-surgery syndrome using local anesthetic, regardless of the use of steroids, may be effective in approximately 70% of the patients at 2-year follow-up. | 10.3344/kjp.2018.31.4.277 |
pubmed_266_9928 | BACKGROUND
Animal phobia is one of the most common forms of specific phobias. This anxiety disorder challenges the medical student working with animal models. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of one- and multi-session cognitive exposure-based treatments in students with rat phobia.
METHODS
For the purpose of the study, a total of 40 female students with rat phobia were allocated into two groups of one- and multi-session cognitive exposure-based treatments. The data were collected using psychological measures, including state anxiety, rat phobia, and disgust questionnaires, which were completed in three stages, including the baseline, pre-treatment, and post-treatment. The gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (ie, interleukin-1 [IL-1], nuclear factor-kappaB [NF-κB], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNFα]) associated with acute stress, as well as the serum levels of IL-6 and cortisol, were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20171123037602N1).
RESULTS
According to the results, both treatments yielded a significant reduction in almost all psychological measures and biological variables, except for IL-6. Rat phobia was the only variable that showed a statistically greater reduction in the multi-session treatment group. Furthermore, rat phobia and disgust reduction were maintained in both groups to the same extent during follow-up.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the present study were indicative of the incidence of habituation in psychological and biological factors following exposure therapy. Both one- and multi-session treatments reduced the factors associated with rat phobia almost to the same degree. As a result of the high levels of disgust, anxiety-related biological factors remained high in four students despite observing a significant reduction in their fear. This led to passive avoidance in this group. The OST enabled the students to handle rats in less than half a day. Accordingly, it could be applied as a half-day workshop for students in medical universities to avoid the incidence of associated anxiety-related disorders in this group. | 10.2147/PRBM.S256781 |
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