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pubmed_832_24577 | In this study, the genomes of three Plutella xylostella granulovirus (PlxyGV) isolates, PlxyGV-W and PlxyGV-Wn from near Wuhan and PlxyGV-B from near Beijing, China were completely sequenced and comparatively analyzed to investigate genetic stability and diversity of PlxyGV. PlxyGV-W, PlxyGV-B and PlxyGV-Wn consist of 100,941bp, 100,972bp and 100,999bp in length with G + C compositions of 40.71-40.73%, respectively, and share nucleotide sequence identities of 99.5-99.8%. The three individual isolates contain 118 putative protein-encoding ORFs in common. PlxyGV-W, PlxyGV-B and PlxyGV-Wn have ten, nineteen and six nonsynonymous intra isolate nucleotide polymorphisms (NPs) in six, fourteen and five ORFs, respectively, including homologs of five DNA replication/late expression factors and two per os infectivity factors. There are seventeen nonsynonymous inter isolate NPs in seven ORFs between PlxyGV-W and PlxyGV-B, seventy three nonsynonymous NPs in forty seven ORFs between PlxyGV-W and PlxyGV-Wn, seventy seven nonsynonymous NPs in forty six ORFs between PlxyGV-B and PlxyGV-Wn. Alignment of the genome sequences of nine PlxyGV isolates sequenced up to date shows that the sequence homogeneity between the genomes are over 99.4%, with the exception of the genome of PlxyGV-SA from South Africa, which shares a sequence identity of 98.6-98.7% with the other ones. No events of gene gain/loss or translocations were observed. These results suggest that PlxyGV genome is fairly stable in nature. In addition, the transcription start sites and polyadenylation sites of thirteen PlxyGV-specific ORFs, conserved in all PlxyGV isolates, were identified by RACE analysis using mRNAs purified from larvae infected by PlxyGV-Wn, proving the PlxyGV-specific ORFs are all genuine genes. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0243143 |
pubmed_812_13300 | We have fabricated extremely uniform arrays of polycrystalline Fe-Co-Ni ternary alloy nanowires having composition Fe 12.3 wt.%, Co 43.9 wt.% and Ni 43.8 wt.%. The wires are made by electrodeposition into nanoporous alumina templates, using an electrodeposition voltage of 15 V at 1000 Hz. Nanowires have been fabricated having diameters ranging from 43 nm to 120 nm, and lengths of 3 microm to 7 microm, as dependent upon template topology. The magnetization easy axis lies along the nanowire length, with an easy axis coercivity of 72 kA/m. | 10.1166/jnn.2004.121 |
pubmed_1059_2533 | Cellular patterns of the healing incisional wound were studied in 55 pediatric surgical patients by the CELLSTIC method. This wound drain, specially developed for this purpose, consists af a standard-sized, viscose cellulose sponge, inside a thin silicone rubber tube. When left between the wound edges, wound exudate flows outwards through the drain, allowing its cells to attach to the sponge surface. The sponge serves as a framework where the cells may migrate, divide and transform. During the first 12 hours the cellular pattern in the sponge resembles that of peripheral blood, whereafter the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, almost exclusively neutrophils, gradually increases. Later on lymphocytes and monocytes invade. The first fibroblasts were seen at the end of the third postoperative day. | pubmed_1059_2533 |
pubmed_210_8637 | Lysenin is a pore-forming protein extracted from the earthworm Eisenia fetida, which inserts large conductance pores in artificial and natural lipid membranes containing sphingomyelin. Its cytolytic and hemolytic activity is rather indicative of a pore-forming toxin; however, lysenin channels present intricate regulatory features manifested as a reduction in conductance upon exposure to multivalent ions. Lysenin pores also present a large unobstructed channel, which enables the translocation of analytes, such as short DNA and peptide molecules, driven by electrochemical gradients. These important features of lysenin channels provide opportunities for using them as sensors for a large variety of applications. In this respect, this literature review is focused on investigations aimed at the potential use of lysenin channels as analytical tools. The described explorations include interactions with multivalent inorganic and organic cations, analyses on the reversibility of such interactions, insights into the regulation mechanisms of lysenin channels, interactions with purines, stochastic sensing of peptides and DNA molecules, and evidence of molecular translocation. Lysenin channels present themselves as versatile sensing platforms that exploit either intrinsic regulatory features or the changes in ionic currents elicited when molecules thread the conducting pathway, which may be further developed into analytical tools of high specificity and sensitivity or exploited for other scientific biotechnological applications. | 10.3390/s20216099 |
pubmed_787_9623 | OBJECTIVES
To assess diagnostic agreement for occupational asthma, and to identify case and rater characteristics associated with this diagnosis.
METHODS
Summaries of possible occupational asthma cases were sent to 104 occupational and respiratory physicians. Raters assigned likelihood scores (0-100%) of occupational asthma based on case histories (phase 1), and on histories plus investigative procedures (phase 2). Interclass correlation coefficients were calculated as statistical measures of reliability for occupational asthma scores. Comparisons between mean scores were assessed for statistical significance using tests based on multilevel models. RRs were calculated to summarise effects of raters' demographics, and of supplying investigative procedures information.
RESULTS
Occupational asthma scores showed limited agreement within each group of (occupational or respiratory) physicians, but scores were not systematically different. The difference between mean overall scores was 2.1% (52.1% occupational physicians; 50.0% respiratory physicians) in phase 1 (95% CI -2.6 to 6.8, p=0.37). In phase 2, mean overall scores were 46.1% (occupational physicians) and 41.5% (respiratory physicians); the difference in mean overall scores was 4.6% (95% CI -3.5 to 12.5, p=0.27). Raters with General Medical Council registration > or =1986 were more likely to give a positive occupational asthma diagnosis. In phase 2, male raters were more likely to label cases as occupational asthma than female raters (RR 4.5, 95% CI 3.3 to 6.0).
CONCLUSIONS
The RR of a positive occupational asthma diagnosis was unaffected by clinical specialty. Further work on why physicians consider cases to be occupational asthma will assist better diagnosis and prevention of this disease. | 10.1136/oem.2008.044560 |
pubmed_72_8203 | The organization and fine structure of the complex copulatory apparatus of Tetrabothrius erostris (Tetrabothriidea) is investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. A diversity of microstructures was found on the surface of genital ducts. The apical surfaces of male gonadoducts possess tubular and blade-like microtriches that have specific structure in each section of the duct. The apical part of the tubular microtriches contains numerous constrictions in the proximal section of the sperm duct; blade-like microtriches of cirrus possess longitudinal striation in the apical part, and their basal part is reinforced with electron-dense strands. Two types of microtriches occur on the surface of cirrus, and their presence may be considered as systematic features. Prostate glands containing granules of medium electron density (up to 130 nm diameter) are localized in the cirrus sac. The genital atrium contains numerous non-ciliated receptors. Paramyosin-like fibers (up to 200 nm) were found in the muscle fibers surrounding the male atrium canal. Microtriches on the surface of the distal region of the male atrial canal are covered by a glycocalyx. Electron-dense, membrane-like structures (up to 40 nm) lie under the apical membrane of the genital atrium and vagina. These structures do not form a continuous layer; its edges turn down and sink into the apical invaginations of epithelium. Hypotheses on the possible ways of copulation in T. erostris based on the observed ultrastructure are discussed. | 10.1007/s00436-015-4369-3 |
pubmed_886_23329 | Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder involving different organs and organ systems with consequent characteristic clinical and serologic symptoms. Despite of the improvement in lupus survival, approximately 10-20% of patients do not respond to traditional immune suppressive therapies. Relapses are more frequent; e.g. after cyclophosphamide therapy diffuse proliferative nephritis flares in 1/3 of patients. Different immune competent cells and inflammatory mediators participate in the pathogenesis of SLE involving both the adaptive and innate immunity. Several pathogenic elements and mechanisms may serve as therapeutic targets, consequently. Authors summarize novel therapeutic possibilities and their mechanisms regarding the pathogenesis of SLE. Immune modulation of B and T cells, co-stimulatory pathways, cytokine network, soluble mediators and autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation are discussed. | 10.1556/OH.2010.28863 |
pubmed_353_4953 | Thickened liver serosal membranes in 24 8-week-old male young broiler chickens with the ascitic syndrome were pathologically examined. Gross changes included inflammation of liver capsules (15/24 cases), right ventricular dilation (24/24 cases), pericarditis (5/24 cases), peritonitis (9/24 cases) and air sacculitis (7/24 cases). Histopathology revealed liver capsule thickening and focal hepatitis in all 24 cases, peri- and epi-carditis in 19 and myocarditis 11 cases. The thickened liver capsules consisted of spindle shaped-cells which reacted with anti-keratin rabbit serum and anti-vimentin monoclonal antibody, and formed cysts of varying size containing clear yellow fluid as ascitic fluid. The volume of sub-capsular fluid may have been responsible for the development of the cysts. The spindle-shaped cells were located perpendicular to the surface with thin bridges from the serosa together with a little collagen and vascularization. These changes were not observed in other serosal membranes in abdominal air sac or pericardium. We have therefore shown that the liver capsule thickening in the broilers ascites syndrome is characterized by mesothelial cell proliferation with vascularization. | 10.1080/03079459608419128 |
pubmed_455_9467 | Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) plays a primary role in the process of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. This posttranslational modification of nuclear proteins is activated in response to DNA damage. Having been studied for more than 30 years, PARP-1 is now known to be implicated in several crucial cellular processes: DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair, apoptosis, and genome stability. In this review, we focus on recent findings suggesting that PARP-1 participates in DNA damage signaling in cell death. Of clinical relevance is its role in cancer therapy, irradiation, and chemotherapy, all of which may cause DNA damage and overactivate PARP-1, resulting in inflammation caused by necrosis. Therefore, we will discuss how inhibition of PARP-1 may enhance the efficiency of cancer therapy. | 10.1016/s0301-472x(03)00083-3 |
pubmed_913_1650 | The authors compare findings at arteriography and Doppler ultrasound examination in 127 cases of cerebrovascular accident. There was an excellent degree of agreement in cases of internal carotid occlusion. It was less good with carotid stenoses where the Doppler examination gave false positive results in one case out of four and false negatives in one out of three. Thus the correlation between Doppler and arteriography results are not sufficiently cloe to completely change the attitude of the neurologist in the selection of those patients in whom arteriographic studies are indicated in order to detect a surgically curable lesion. | pubmed_913_1650 |
pubmed_1021_15658 | A retrospective evaluation of 136 newborns treated with mechanical ventilation between 1983 and 1989 at the chilean's southernmost regional hospital of Punta Arenas is presented. Seventy five percent of neonates had birthweights under 2,500 g and 39% of them were under 1,500 g. Lethality was higher in infants less than 1,500 g birthweight (43.4%). The most frequent cause of death was periventricular and or intraventricular hemorrhage, occurring in 20 among 26 deaths. Lethality was lower among patients with birthweights 1,500 g throughout 2,499 g (16.7%). The most frequent disease requiring mechanical ventilation was hyaline membrane disease (62.5%): lethality for these patients was 25.9%. Complications developed in 43.4% of mechanically ventilated newborns, the most frequent being obstruction of the endotracheal tube and atelectasis. | pubmed_1021_15658 |
pubmed_910_6971 | Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by partial or complete recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep. OSA brings many adverse consequences, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiac and encephalic alterations, behavioral, among others, resulting in a significant source of public health care by generating a high financial and social impact. The importance of this assessment proves to be useful, because the incidence of patients with comorbidities associated with AOS has been increasing consistently and presents significant influence in natural disease history. Objective The objective of this study is to assess major comorbidities associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and prevalence in a group of patients diagnosed clinically and polysomnographically with OSA. Methods This is a retrospective study of 100 charts from patients previously diagnosed with OSA in our service between October 2010 and January 2013. Results We evaluated 100 patients with OSA (84 men and 16 women) with a mean age of 50.05 years (range 19-75 years). The prevalence of comorbidities were hypertension (39%), obesity (34%), depression (19%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (18%), diabetes mellitus (15%), hypercholesterolemia (10%), asthma (4%), and no comorbidities (33%). Comorbidities occurred in 56.2% patients diagnosed with mild OSA, 67.6% with moderate OSA, and 70% of patients with severe OSA. Conclusion According to the current literature data and the values obtained in our paper, we can correlate through expressive values obesity with OSA and their apnea hypopnea index (AHI) values. However, despite significant prevalence of OSA with other comorbidities, our study could not render expressive significance values able to justify their correlations. | 10.1055/s-0036-1579546 |
pubmed_761_3145 | INTRODUCTION
Emollient therapy is the mainstay for treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. New emollients have been introduced recently and are assumed to be therapeutically interchangeable with the innovator products because, superficially, they appear to have similar compositions. This study compares a) the ex vivo human skin occlusion performance and b) the visual and microscopic properties of Isomol gel (IMG) and Doublebase gel (DBG).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Occlusion was measured gravimetrically by reduction in cumulative 48-hour evaporative weight loss from ex vivo human skin samples following single applications of the two test emollients and Vaseline®. Skin samples from a single donor were mounted in Franz diffusion cells and then the emollients were spread over the skin surface with an applied dose of approximately 2 mg/cm2. The assemblies (four replicates per treatment) were then accurately weighed at baseline (T0) and again after 5-, 24-, and 48-hour postapplication. The quality of the two emollient gel formulations was compared by visual examination of their film-forming characteristics and by microstructural examination using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM).
RESULTS
Occlusivity of the DBG emollient gel formulation was comparable with Vaseline and substantially better than IMG, with the DBG-treated skin samples losing less than half as much weight as the IMG-treated skin samples over 48 hours and at a much slower rate during the first 5 hours. The film-forming characteristics and microstructure of the gels were also very different. Whereas DBG maintained a smooth, uniform film over 24 hours, the IMG formulation phase-separated. ESEM results showed that the DBG emulsion has a stable structural matrix with uniform oil droplets, whereas for IMG the emulsion system is inhomogeneous with the oil phase coalescing into larger irregular shaped rafts.
CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated substantial performance differences between two prescribed emollient gels. | 10.2147/CCID.S176943 |
pubmed_491_15001 | BACKGROUND
Transcriptional control of mitochondrial metabolism is essential for cellular function. A better understanding of this process will aid the elucidation of mitochondrial disorders, in particular of the many genetically unsolved cases of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) deficiency. Yet, to date only few studies have investigated nuclear gene regulation in the context of OXPHOS deficiency. In this study we performed RNA sequencing of two control and two complex I-deficient patient cell lines cultured in the presence of compounds that perturb mitochondrial metabolism: chloramphenicol, AICAR, or resveratrol. We combined this with a comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression patterns, co-expression calculations and transcription factor binding sites.
RESULTS
Our analyses show that subsets of mitochondrial OXPHOS genes respond opposingly to chloramphenicol and AICAR, whereas the response of nuclear OXPHOS genes is less consistent between cell lines and treatments. Across all samples nuclear OXPHOS genes have a significantly higher co-expression with each other than with other genes, including those encoding mitochondrial proteins. We found no evidence for complex-specific mRNA expression regulation: subunits of different OXPHOS complexes are similarly (co-)expressed and regulated by a common set of transcription factors. However, we did observe significant differences between the expression of nuclear genes for OXPHOS subunits versus assembly factors, suggesting divergent transcription programs. Furthermore, complex I co-expression calculations identified 684 genes with a likely role in OXPHOS biogenesis and function. Analysis of evolutionarily conserved transcription factor binding sites in the promoters of these genes revealed almost all known OXPHOS regulators (including GABP, NRF1/2, SP1, YY1, E-box factors) and a set of novel candidates (ELK1, KLF7, SP4, EHF, ZNF143, and TEL2).
CONCLUSIONS
OXPHOS genes share an expression program distinct from other genes encoding mitochondrial proteins, indicative of targeted nuclear regulation of a mitochondrial sub-process. Within the subset of OXPHOS genes we established a difference in expression between mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and between nuclear genes encoding subunits and assembly factors. Most transcription regulators of genes that co-express with complex I are well-established factors for OXPHOS biogenesis. For the remaining six factors we here suggest for the first time a link with transcription regulation in OXPHOS deficiency. | 10.1186/s12864-015-1883-8 |
pubmed_740_10348 | PURPOSE
Rural health care providers (HCPs) care for millions of Americans despite challenges. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provides rural HCPs training in assessment and interventions for critically ill/injured pediatric patients (American Heart Association, 2015). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of integration of high fidelity simulators into PALS courses in a rural setting.
DESIGN AND METHODS
Participants were randomized by course to control or experimental PALS conditions where the control group received PALS with low fidelity static manikins (LFM) and the experimental group received PALS with high-fidelity simulators (HFS). Multiple level modeling (MLM) was used to examine participants time-to-task on pre-identified skills on PALS core case scenarios during testing on the last day of the course. MLM also was used to examine the differences in PALS knowledge and skills self-efficacy (SEI) between control and experimental groups at course end and six months later.
RESULTS
The experimental and control groups had similar scores on the PALS post course knowledge exam, however the skill performance of the experimental group on time-to-task in core case scenarios was significantly better when compared to the control group (p=0.05). A decrease in knowledge exam scores and SEI scores occurred in both groups over time, however the control group had significantly greater declines in PALS written exam (p=0.042) and SEI (p=0.003).
CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Integration of HFS into PALS may increase HCPs' ability to recall valuable knowledge when seconds matter most. Further research in long-term recall of knowledge and retention of skills following PALS training is needed. | 10.1016/j.pedn.2017.12.006 |
pubmed_867_10144 | In isolated segments of guinea-pig ileum, amrinone (0.3 mM-0.3 M) caused a transient contraction followed by a concentration-dependent relaxation. Theophylline (0.1-0.5 mM) mimicked the effects of amrinone but apparently inhibited relaxation induced by the latter. However the total decrease of muscle tension measured in preparations exposed to amrinone before and after theophylline treatment was quantitatively comparable. Dipyridamole (0.1 microM) potentiated the relaxing effect of amrinone. The stimulatory response of the ileum to high concentrations of adenosine (10-50 mM) was abolished by amrinone. In preparations treated with adenosine deaminase (10 U/ml) the basal tone was decreased and both amrinone and theophylline were ineffective. In rat ileum, amrinone exerted a marked relaxing effect that was abolished by adenosine deaminase. Thus amrinone appears to cause relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle from different species by hindering the stimulatory effect of endogenous adenosine. The possible intracellular localization of the amrinone-adenosine interaction site is discussed. | 10.1111/j.1474-8673.1987.tb00133.x |
pubmed_734_3464 | Background
The purpose of this study is to define a safe zone for screw placement on a lateral radiograph of the calcaneus taking into account the lateral to medial convexity of the posterior facet. Such findings may serve to improve surgical quality during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the posterior facet of the calcaneus.
Methods
Eleven cadaveric calcanei were harvested and the articular margins of the posterior facet were outlined with a radiopaque wire. Lateral radiographs, similar to those used for intraoperative fluoroscopy, of each specimen were obtained and calibrated to a standardized marker. The proximal-to-distal length of the posterior facet was then divided into quadrants. The greatest height difference between the superolateral and inferomedial surfaces outlined by the radiopaque marker were measured in the 2 most posterior quadrants, as screw insertion in this area would be mostly likely to risk screw penetration during ORIF.
Results
The average distance from the osseous surface to the radiographic marker was 3.3 ± 1.2 mm in the most posterior quadrant (fourth quadrant) and 3.2 ± 1.6 mm in the quadrant just anterior to this (third quadrant). The range for unsafe screw placement was 1.7 to 5.6 mm below the osseous surface in the fourth quadrant and 1.1 to 6.6 mm in the third quadrant.
Conclusion
Intraoperative radiographic assessment of the safety of subchondral posterior facet screws does not correlate to its osteology. Because of the superolateral to inferomedial convexity of the posterior facet of the calcaneus, overly long screws may appear to be radiographically intraosseous, though in actuality the screw may be intra-articular. On average, screws placed in the fourth quadrant of the facet are at less risk if 3.3 mm inferior to the upper margin of the osseous shadow on fluoroscopic imaging and 3.2 mm inferior in the third quadrant. Though limited by a small sample size, this study sets a foundation for future research into this complex osteology.
Level of Evidence
Level V, mechanism-based reasoning. | 10.1177/24730114221088838 |
pubmed_277_11785 | The general polarization behavior of almost-plane waves, in which the electric field varies slowly over a circular pupil, is considered, on the basis of an axial Hertz potential treatment and expansion in Zernike polynomials. The resultant modes of a circular aperture are compared with the well-known waveguide (or optical fiber) modes and Gaussian beam modes. The wave can be decomposed into partial waves of electric and magnetic types. The modes for a square pupil are also considered. The particular application of the effect on polarization of focusing the waves is discussed. Another application discussed is the Fresnel reflection from a dielectric interface, it being shown that the Fresnel reflection alters the relative strength of the electric and magnetic components. | 10.1364/josaa.17.000335 |
pubmed_695_19547 | A 40-yr-old male with no significant past medical history presented with sudden onset right-sided retro-orbital headache associated with vision loss after a session of strenuous exercise. Initial assessment with noncontrast head computed tomography at the local emergency department revealed a right sided occipital intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). On arrival the patient ad a left quadrantopsia with Glasgow Coma Scale of 15 and an ICH score of 0. A computed tomographic angiography showed a high density 6 × 9 mm vascular lesion associated with 2 tortuous vessels. Cerebral angiography revealed a right sided dural arteriovenous fistula, Cognard Type IV, with arterial feeders arising from dural branches of the right vertebral artery, the posterior division of the right middle meningeal artery and meningeal branches distal to the neuromeningeal trunk of the left ascending pharyngeal artery.1 Four days after the ICH event the patient was treated with endovascular Onyx embolization of the fistula, through a transradial approach. Immediate angiographic assessment showed complete obliteration of the dAVF. The patient was discharged home and recovered his visual field deficit over 3 mo. The following operative video includes a discussion of the endovascular technique and treatment nuances associated with the transarterial management of a dural arteriovenous fistula. Patient consent was given prior to the procedure and consent and approval for this operative video was waived due to the retrospective nature of this manuscript and the anonymized video material. | 10.1093/ons/opaa370 |
pubmed_464_20456 | Metformin, the first-line drug for type II diabetes, has recently been considered an anticancer agent. However, the molecular target and underlying mechanism of metformin's anti-cancer effects remain largely unclear. Herein, we report that metformin treatment increases the sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells to methotrexate (MTX) by suppressing the expression of the one-carbon metabolism enzyme DHFR. We show that the combination of metformin and MTX blocks nucleotide metabolism and thus effectively inhibits cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, metformin not only transcriptionally represses DHFR via E2F4 but also promotes lysosomal degradation of the DHFR protein. Notably, metformin dramatically increases the response of patient-derived hepatocarcinoma organoids to MTX without obvious toxicity to organoids derived from normal liver tissue. Taken together, our findings identify an important role for DHFR in the suppressive effects of metformin on therapeutic resistance, thus revealing a therapeutically targetable potential vulnerability in hepatocarcinoma. | 10.1038/s41419-021-04199-1 |
pubmed_1142_3836 | INTRODUCTION
Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) during pregnancy predisposes mother and offspring to a range of adverse pregnancy complications and outcomes. Risk profiles vary between pregnancies and are affected by interpregnancy weight gain. We evaluated the risk of adverse outcomes in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 in first and second pregnancies, and the impact of interpregnancy weight change on this risk.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data were extracted for all women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 at first antenatal visit, who completed antenatal and delivery care for first and second pregnancies in NHS Lothian between 1/1/2009-31/12/2018. Multiple pregnancies and recipients of bariatric surgery were excluded.
RESULTS
442 pregnancies among 221 women were included. In first pregnancy, median (interquartile range) weight was 117 kg (108.5-126.7), age 28 years (24-31) and BMI 42 kg/m2 (41.0-44.5), 14.4% had gestational diabetes (GDM), 11.3% had pregnancy-induced hypertension and 44.6% had a post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). 20.8% of babies were large for gestational age (LGA, ≥97% centile at birth). In second pregnancy, women were heavier with a median weight of 119.9 kg (109.0-130.0, p = 0.00) with 19.9% gaining over 10 kg. Women were more likely to develop GDM (21.6%, p = 0.02). Babies were heavier with 40% of babies LGA (p < 0.0001). Interpregnancy weight change had no significant impact on GDM, pregnancy induced hypertension, PPH, perinatal mortality or LGA.
CONCLUSIONS
In a population of women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, pregnancy complications are common and risk is higher in second pregnancy. The interpregnancy period is a critical time to engage women in health improvement and weight loss strategies to maximise outcomes for mother and offspring. | 10.1016/j.orcp.2021.05.004 |
pubmed_583_23506 | We describe a new nonlinear-optical phenomenon called the intensity-activated birefringence zero-crossing shift. This phenomenon leads to the shift of the transmission curve of the gyrotropic isoindex spectral filter. The phenomenon was observed with 33-psec, 532-nm Nd(3+):YAG laser pulses in CuAlSe(2) semiconductor crystal. An anisotropic refractive-index nonlinearity with an approximately 200-psec switch-off time is responsible for the shift. Possible applications for light by light-control devices are discussed. | 10.1364/ol.15.000993 |
pubmed_603_9080 | The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the effect of cyclo-trans-4-l-hydroxyprolyl-l-serine (JBP485) on acute renal failure (ARF) induced by cisplatin is related to change in expression of renal Oat1, Oat3 and Mrp2 in rats. JBP485 reduced creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) in plasma and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney, and recovered the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cisplatin-treated rats. The plasma concentration of PAH (para-aminohippurate) determined by LC-MS/MS was increased markedly after intravenous administration of cisplatin, whereas cumulative urinary excretion of PAH and the uptake of PAH in kidney slices were significantly decreased. qRT-PCR and Western-blot showed a decrease in mRNA and protein of Oat1 and Oat3, an increase in mRNA and protein of Mrp2 in cisplatin-treated rats, and an increase in IS (a uremic toxin) after co-treatment with JBP485. It indicated that JBP485 promoted urinary excretion of toxins by upregulating renal Mrp2. This therefore gives in part the explanation about the mechanism by which JBP485 improves ARF induced by cisplatin in rats. | pubmed_603_9080 |
pubmed_532_21306 | A novel method for the synthesis of 2-trifluoromethylquinolines via Cu-catalyzed tandem reactions was reported. A strong electronic effect was observed, but the steric effect was negligible. | 10.1039/c3ob41658e |
pubmed_995_16532 | The purpose of our work was to analyze the morphology and the physiology of the tympano-ossicular allografts used for reconstruction of the middle ear. The first section of the article concerns the removal and preservation of the allografts. We then describe the results of the morphologic observations concerning the tympanic membrane, the fibrocartilaginous ring, meatal skin, and ossicular chain. The demonstration of some characteristics of the physiology of the allograft supports the results of this study. | pubmed_995_16532 |
pubmed_939_7092 | BACKGROUND
Proximal humeral fracture-dislocations (PHFD) are a special entity in proximal humeral fracture treatment. The aim of this study is to present our minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique through an anterolateral deltoid split approach. In addition, we performed a retrospective cohort study analyzing the patient reported functional outcome and complications.
METHODS
A single center cohort study was performed. All patients operated through a deltoid split approach for PHFD between 2009 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint was subjective shoulder function measured with QuickDASH and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Secondary endpoints were complications and implant-related irritation.
RESULTS
28 patients were included. The mean age was 49 (SD ± 10.3). The mean follow-up was 48 months (SD ± 23.7). The mean QuickDASH score was 6.8 (SD ±7.8) and the mean SSV was 86 (SD ±14.6). Four patients had a conversion into a reversed arthroplasty (14%), one patient (4%) a shortening of secondary perforated screws, four patients an early re-osteosynthesis (14%), four patients (14%) developed an AVN and in one patient damage of the axillary nerve was observed. 21 patients (75%) had their implant removed.
CONCLUSION
Patient reported functional results after humeral head preservation and internal fixation of PHFDs through an anterolateral deltoid spilt approach are promising. However, there is a high rate of re-operations either because of complications or for implant removal. Comparing our data to literature these rates are not depending on the approach chosen. | 10.22038/abjs.2020.42728.2162 |
pubmed_708_10036 | The Cdc28 protein kinase functions in the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is in contrast with observations of the homologous protein kinase from a variety of metazoans, where activity and function are associated with the G2 to M phase transition. We present evidence that the Cdc28 protein kinase is also required for mitosis and that this function is executed in the G2 interval of the cell cycle. We show, in addition, that the protein kinase is highly active during this phase of the cell cycle. The dual role of the Cdc28 protein kinase in the S. cerevisiae cell cycle thus parallels that demonstrated for the cdc2 protein kinase of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. | 10.1073/pnas.87.15.5697 |
pubmed_757_13631 | Formaldehyde is classified as a definitive human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The workers in several industries such as foundry, melamine, resin, and health care centers (pathology and anatomy laboratories and operating rooms) are exposed to airborne formaldehyde. In this systematic review, studies conducted from 2000 to 2020 on occupational exposure to airborne formaldehyde in Iran were collected and analyzed. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments of exposure to airborne formaldehyde were estimated using the recommended United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method by Monte-Carlo simulation. Results demonstrated that in both health care centers and industrial settings, mean concentrations of airborne formaldehyde were higher than that 8- hour time-weighted average threshold limit value (TWA-TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Also, results showed that cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to airborne formaldehyde (Neurological, dermal, respiratory effects and so on) were considerable in both industrial settings and health care settings. The results of this study could be used by health policy makers to eliminate or reduce exposure to airborne formaldehyde in workplaces. | 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112094 |
pubmed_731_977 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate morphological and biochemical changes in an experimental model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis, as well as examine contralateral joint involvement and morphometric aspects of masticatory muscles in affected animals.
DESIGN
Forty Wistar rats were allocated into three groups, as follows: a healthy control group (HG); and a group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ (IG); and a contralateral group with noninflamed right TMJ (CG). Arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of 50 μL of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Morphological analysis was performed using histological sections of TMJs stained with hematoxylin-eosin, picrosirius and toluidine blue. In addition, histomorphometric analyses of the articular cartilage, articular disc and masticatory muscles, were performed. Biochemical analysis of TMJ tissues included dosage of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), zymography of the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and ELISA for the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. The data were analyzed by paired and unpaired t-tests, with a p < 0.05.
RESULTS
IG animals presented morphological and biochemical changes in their TMJ, including synovial membrane hyperplasia; chronic inflammatory infiltrate; collagen fiber disorganization in the disc; reduced proteoglycans in the cartilage; greater disc thickness; lower cartilage thickness; lower feed intake; higher activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2, and higher concentration of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as compared to HG. CG animals showed posterior disc thickening; reduced proteoglycans in the cartilage; lower collagen fiber organization of the disc; active MMP-9, and higher concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α compared to HG animals. Articular inflammation reduced the area and diameter of fibers of the temporal (right), medial pterygoid (left), and lateral pterygoid (right and left) muscles as compared to HG animals.
CONCLUSION
TMJ arthritis reduced the area and diameter of masticatory muscle fibers and caused morphological and molecular changes in the contralateral joint. | 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.07.003 |
pubmed_476_11939 | BACKGROUND
Monitoring dietary habits is important in order to identify risk groups and as a basis for targeted public health initiatives.
OBJECTIVE
To study trends in consumption of selected foods and beverages from 2016 to 2019 amongst Norwegian adolescents according to gender and parental education.
DESIGN
Repeated cross-sectional study amongst 25,996 adolescents, aged 14-17 years old. Consumption of selected food and beverages was measured by an online food frequency questionnaire and general linear models were applied to estimate changes in dietary habits.
RESULTS
Between 2016 and 2019, we observed a reduced frequency of consumption of vegetables (from 4.7 to 4.4 times/week), fruit and berries (from 4.4 to 4.2 times/week), whole-grain bread (from 5.1 to 4.2 times/week), and fish (from 2.3 to 1.6 times/week). During this time period, we also observed a reduced frequency of consumption of salty snacks (from 2.1 to 1.9 times/week), sweets (from 2.3 to 2.0 times/week), sugar-sweetened beverages (from 2.8 to 2.6 times/week), and artificially sweetened beverages (from 2.2 to 1.5 times/week). In girls, there was a decrease in the reported frequency of consumption of fruit and berries (-4%, vs. no change in boys). The decrease in consumption frequency of whole-grain bread was larger in girls than in boys (-19% vs. -14%). Further, a 17% decrease in consumption of sweets was observed amongst adolescents with no or only one parent having college/university education compared to a 13% decrease in adolescents whose both parents had college/university education.
CONCLUSION
Our results showed a decrease in frequency of consumption of selected healthy and unhealthy food and beverages amongst adolescents between 2016 and 2019. The gender gap in consumption of fruit and berries and whole-grain bread seemed to decrease during this time period, and the socio-economic gap in consumption of sweets seemed to disappear. | 10.29219/fnr.v65.6262 |
pubmed_94_11745 | INTRODUCTION
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the classic progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD), but some patients with ILDs other than IPF also develop a progressive fibrosing phenotype (PF-ILD). Information on use and cost of healthcare resources in patients with PF-ILD is limited.
METHODS
We used USA-based medical insurance claims (2014-2016) to assess use and cost of healthcare resources in PF-ILD. Patients with at least two ILD claims and at least one pulmonologist visit were considered to have ILD. Pulmonologist visit frequency was used as a proxy to identify PF-ILD (at least four visits in 2016, or at least three more visits in 2016 vs. 2014).
RESULTS
Of 2517 patients with non-IPF ILD, 15% (n = 373) had PF-ILD. Mean annual medical costs associated with ILD claims were $35,364 in patients with non-IPF PF-ILD versus $20,211 in the non-IPF ILD population. In 2016, patients with non-IPF PF-ILD made more hospital ILD claims than patients with non-IPF ILD (10.5 vs. 4.7).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest higher disease severity and overall healthcare use for patients with a non-IPF ILD manifesting a progressive fibrosing phenotype (non-IPF PF-ILD). | 10.1007/s12325-020-01380-4 |
pubmed_676_9035 | The optically recorded action potentials of the frog atrial muscles which lack transverse tubules showed different features from those reported by Heiny and Vergara (Heiny JA, Vergara J. Optical signals from surface and T system membranes in skeletal muscle fibers. J Gen Physiol 1982;80:203-230) in skeletal muscles (Fujishiro N, Kawata H. The wavelength dependence of optically recorded action potentials in the atrial muscles of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Comp Biochem Physiol 1996;114A:153-157). We examined whether or not the differences were consistent in other atrial muscles which lack transverse tubules with guinea pig atrial muscles. Two dyes (merocyanine rhodanine and merocyanine oxazolone) were used, and the dependence of the maximum rising phase of the optical signals on the wavelength of the incident beam was analyzed. No dependence was observed between them, and this finding was consistent with the structure of the membrane system of the guinea pig atrial muscles. The optical signals recorded at 718 nm of the incident beam from the guinea pig atrial muscles which stained with merocyanine oxazolone showed a more prominent second rising phase after the initial rapid rising phase of the optical signal than that recorded in the frog atrial muscles. This phase was not observed in the optical signals recorded at other wavelengths. The features of the optically recorded action potentials in guinea pig atrial muscles were consistent with those recorded in frog atrial muscles. Nifedipine did not affect the second rising phase. | 10.1016/s1095-6433(99)00005-7 |
pubmed_702_23490 | Ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO) exposures were estimated for use in an occupational mortality study using detailed work histories of cohort members and an exposure reconstruction model developed from occupational information and serum PFO(-) data collected in 2004 as part of a cross-sectional health survey. Measured serum PFO(-) levels of the health survey participants were linked with the job title held by the individuals at the time of sampling. The median, range, and distribution of serum levels were calculated to determine the typical exposure intensity for each job title. High variability was observed in the serum levels of workers within the same job titles. In addition, working in many "APFO-use" jobs did not result in higher exposure than working in "no APFO-use" jobs. Each job title was then assigned to one of three relative APFO job exposure categories (low, medium, or high). Participants' length of time in their job was examined in relation to their serum PFO(-) level and found unlikely to contribute to misclassification of job titles within exposure categories. The mean of the serum PFO(-) measurements for each job exposure category served as the mean intensity factor. Subsequently, the job exposure categories were applied to all historical job titles of the mortality cohort based on their correspondence with job titles represented in the health survey. The resulting job exposure matrix was validated with additional historical blood data collected between 1979 through 2002 from voluntary participants in a separate biomonitoring program. The validation analyses showed general agreement between estimated and measured exposure, reflecting the within-job-title variability observed in measured serum levels used to classify job exposure. | 10.1080/15459620903025483 |
pubmed_692_25943 | The stress-related catecholamine hormones and the α- and β-adrenergic receptors (α- and β-AR) may affect carcinogenesis. The β-AR GRK/β-arrestin biased agonist carvedilol can induce β-AR-mediated transactivation of the EGFR. The initial purpose of this study was to determine whether carvedilol, through activation of EGFR, can promote cancer. Carvedilol failed to promote anchorage-independent growth of JB6 P(+) cells, a skin cell model used to study tumor promotion. However, at nontoxic concentrations, carvedilol dose dependently inhibited EGF-induced malignant transformation of JB6 P(+) cells, suggesting that carvedilol has chemopreventive activity against skin cancer. Such effect was not observed for the β-AR agonist isoproterenol and the β-AR antagonist atenolol. Gene expression, receptor binding, and functional studies indicate that JB6 P(+) cells only express β2-ARs. Carvedilol, but not atenolol, inhibited EGF-mediated activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation. A topical 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin hyperplasia model in SENCAR mice was utilized to determine the in vivo cancer preventative activity of carvedilol. Both topical and oral carvedilol treatment inhibited DMBA-induced epidermal hyperplasia (P < 0.05) and reduced H-ras mutations; topical treatment being the most potent. However, in models of established cancer, carvedilol had modest to no inhibitory effect on tumor growth of human lung cancer A549 cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, these results suggest that the cardiovascular drug carvedilol may be repurposed for skin cancer chemoprevention, but may not be an effective treatment of established tumors. More broadly, this study suggests that β-ARs may serve as a novel target for cancer prevention. | 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-14-0193 |
pubmed_1017_3016 | Oh, how bitter Joanne C of London is ('Enrolled nurse scapegoat shame', Letters, Nursing Standard January 30). | 10.7748/ns.5.22.41.s44 |
pubmed_1048_24175 | The aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) of therapeutic proteins is a promising separation alternative to cost-intensive chromatography, still being the workhorse of nowadays downstream processing. As shown in many publications, using NaCl as displacement agent in salt-polymer ATPE allows for a selective purification of the target protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human serum albumin (HSA, represents the impurity). However a high yield of the target protein is only achievable as long as the protein is stabilized in solution and not precipitated. In this work the combined influence of NaCl and polyethylene glycol (Mw=2000g/mol) on the IgG-IgG interactions was determined using composition gradient multi-angle light scattering (CG-MALS) demonstrating that NaCl induces a solubilization of IgG in polyethylene glycol 2000 solution. Moreover it is shown that the displacement agent NaCl has a significant and beneficial influence on the IgG solubility in polyethyleneglycol2000-citrate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) which can also be accessed by these advanced B22 measurements. By simultaneous consideration of IgG solubility data with results of the ATPS phase behavior (especially volume fraction of the respective phases) allows for the selection of process tailored ATPS including identification of the maximum protein feed concentration. Through this approach an ATPS optimization is accessible providing high yields and selectivity of the target protein (IgG). | 10.1016/j.ejpb.2016.11.016 |
pubmed_635_16268 | A highly sensitive test system, based on the method of immuno-PCR, was developed for the detection of two staphylococcal toxins: enterotoxin A (SEA) and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST). A key element of the developed systems was obtaining supramolecular complexes of bisbiotinylated oligodeoxynucleotides and streptavidin, which were used as DNA tags. Specificity studies showed no cross-reactivity when determining SEA and TSST. The sensitivity of detection of these toxins in the culture supernatants S. aureus was not less than 10 pg/mL. | 10.1134/s1068162014050112 |
pubmed_1033_15744 | The role of glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTpi) in tumor development has been previously suggested; however the exact function of this enzyme in carcinogenesis remains unclear. GSTpi has been identified as a modulator of cell signaling by interacting with and inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). This kinase has been in turn described as a regulator of p53 stability and transcriptional activity. To study the possible interaction between GSTpi and p53, we crossed GSTpi-deficient animals with p53(-/-) mice. Double knock out animals were viable but developed tumors within 6 months of age; the life span of these animals was however similar to that of GSTpi(+/-)/p53(-/-) and GSTpi(+/+)/p53(-/-). Mice heterozygous for p53 lived significantly longer than the p53(-/-) animals and developed tumors much later, and the expression of GSTpi did not significantly modify the life span of the animals. In contrast, in a wild-type p53 background, GSTpi(-/-) mice developed tumors with a significantly higher frequency than heterozygous and wild-type animals with a median tumor free life span 20 weeks shorter. In addition, in p53(+/+) background, one third of the GSTpi(-/-) animals developed lung adenomas, while less than 10% of GSTpi(+/-) and GSTpi(+/+) presented such tumors. GSTpi expression did not alter the expression of tumorigenesis markers such as COX-2 or ornithine decarboxylase in response to phorbol ester. Furthermore, GSTpi-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts were more sensitive to H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. P53(-/-) cells, independent of GSTpi status, were more sensitive to UV and other DNA damaging agents than their wild-type counterparts. These results suggest that GSTpi may play a protective role in the development of spontaneous tumors. | 10.1002/ijc.20540 |
pubmed_774_1944 | BACKGROUND
The popularity of nutrition-sensitive interventions calls for high-quality monitoring and evaluation tools. In this context, the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W), validated as a proxy of micronutrient adequacy, does fill a gap. However, because it is a newly endorsed indicator, information on its linkages with other dimensions of food and nutrition security is still scarce.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate whether the MDD-W is related to household food insecurity and farm production diversity.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey on a representative sample of 5046 women of reproductive age was conducted in the region of Kayes, Mali, in 2013. Dietary diversity was assessed through qualitative 24-h recall, and MDD-W was computed. MDD-W equaled 1 if the women consumed at least 5 different food groups and 0 otherwise. Food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Household Hunger Scale (HHS), and a farm production diversity score (FPDS) was calculated based on a count of food crops/livestock groups produced. Logistic regressions were used to assess the relation between MDD-W and the indicators of household food security.
RESULTS
Only 27% of women reached the MDD-W. These women consumed animal source foods and/or vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits more frequently than did other women. Women from extremely food insecure households (moderate to severe hunger according to the HHS) were less likely to reach the MDD-W (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.97). One more group in the FPDS increased the odds of attaining the MDD-W (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.18).
CONCLUSION
In the rural region of Kayes, Mali, women's dietary diversity, as measured by the MDD-W, was associated with household-level food security indicators. This study was registered at ISRCTN.org as ISRCTN08435964. | 10.1093/cdn/nzz002 |
pubmed_560_11987 | Clinical research is guided by ethical principles promulgated in several statements, principally the Nuremberg Code, the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association etc. In Japan, clinical research of medical products, principally trial of new pharmaceutical products is regulated by GCP (good clinical practice). Other types of clinical research are regulated by some ethical guidelines for clinical researches. The result is a regulatory position that is a complex combination of legislation and ethical guidelines. In the Ethical Guideline for Clinical Studies revised in 2008, clinical research is classified into intervention research and observational research. When researchers plan clinical research, they must determine the type of clinical research and appropriate ethical guideline for the type of clinical research. Advances in health informatics and genetic research have produced a new and very rich body of raw material for clinical research in the form of gene banks and genome-wide association study etc. The use of human tissue and medical information in the course of clinical research raises issues under the ethical regulations for research with human subjects. | 10.5692/clinicalneurol.51.830 |
pubmed_874_1753 | Bacterial gene islands add to the genetic repertoire of opportunistic pathogens. Here, we perform comparative analyses of three Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated sequentially over a 3-week period from a patient with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) who received clindamycin and piperacillin-tazobactam as part of their treatment regime. While all three strains appeared to be clonal by standard pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, whole-genome sequencing revealed subtle alterations in the chromosomal organization of the last two strains; specifically, an inversion event within a novel 124-kb gene island (PAGI 12) composed of 137 open reading frames [ORFs]. Predicted ORFs in the island included metabolism and virulence genes. Overexpression of a gene island-borne putative β-lactamase gene was observed following piperacillin-tazobactam exposure and only in those strains that had undergone the inversion event, indicating altered gene regulation following genomic remodeling. Examination of a separate cohort of 76 patients with VAP for integration at this tRNA(lys) recombination site demonstrated that patients exhibiting evidence of integration at this site had significantly higher 28-day mortality. These findings provide evidence that P. aeruginosa can integrate, rapidly remodel, and express exogenous genes, which likely contributes to its fitness in a clinical setting. | 10.1128/JCM.01626-13 |
pubmed_859_13583 | The complex mechanisms of diseases involve the disturbance of the molecular network, rather than disorder in a single gene, implying that single gene-based analysis is insufficient to understand these mechanisms. Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) have attracted a lot of interest and various approaches have been developed for their statistical inference and gene network-based analysis. Although various computational methods have been developed, relatively little attention has been paid to incorporation of biological knowledge into the computational approaches. Furthermore, existing studies on network-based analysis perform prediction/classification of status of cell lines based on preconstructed GRNs, implying that we cannot extract prediction/classification-specific gene networks, leading to difficulty in interpretation of biological mechanisms and marker identification related to the status of cancer cell lines. We developed a novel strategy to build a GRN-based classifier, called a GRN-classifier. The proposed GRN-classifier estimates GRNs and classifies cell lines simultaneously, where the gene network is estimated to minimize error in gene network estimation and the negative log-likelihood for classifying cell lines. Thus, we can identify biological status-specific gene regulatory systems, enabling us to achieve biologically reliable interpretation of the classification. We also propose an algorithm to implement the GRN-classifier based on coordinate descent update. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to examine performance of the GRN-classifier. Results: Our strategy provides effective results in feature selection in the classification model and edge selection in gene network estimation. The GRN-classifier also shows outstanding classification accuracy. We apply the GRN-classifier to classify cancer cell lines into anticancer drug-related status, that is, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-sensitive/resistant and 5-FU target/nontarget cancer cell lines. We then identified 5-FU markers based on 5-FU-related status classification-specific gene networks. The mechanisms of the identified markers were verified through literature survey. Our results suggest that the molecular interplay between MYOF and AHNAK2 may play a crucial role in drug resistance and can provide information on the chemotherapy efficiency of 5-FU. It is also suggested that suppression of the identified 5-FU markers, including MYOF/AHNAK2 and AKR1C1/AKR1C3 may improve 5-FU resistance of cancer cell lines. | 10.1089/cmb.2022.0181 |
pubmed_878_2555 | Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is diagnosed either by ventilation/perfusion (V/P) scintigraphy or pulmonary CT angiography (CTPA). In recent years both techniques have improved. Many nuclear medicine centres have adopted the single photon emission CT (SPECT) technique as opposed to the planar technique for diagnosing PE. SPECT has been shown to have fewer indeterminate results and a higher diagnostic value. The latest improvement is the combination of a low-dose CT scan with a V/P SPECT scan in a hybrid tomograph. In a study comparing CTPA, planar scintigraphy and SPECT alone, SPECT/CT had the best diagnostic accuracy for PE. In addition, recent developments in the CTPA technique have made it possible to image the pulmonary arteries of the lungs in one breath-hold. This development is based on the change from a single-detector to multidetector CT technology with an increase in volume coverage per rotation and faster rotation. Furthermore, the dual energy CT technique is a promising modality that can provide functional imaging in combination with anatomical information. Newer high-end CT scanners and SPECT systems are able to visualize smaller subsegmental emboli. However, consensus is lacking regarding the clinical impact and treatment. In the present review, SPECT and SPECT in combination with low-dose CT, CTPA and dual energy CT are discussed in the context of diagnosing PE. | 10.1007/s00259-013-2614-5 |
pubmed_154_15719 | It has been hypothesised that oestrogen exposure in utero influences the risk for breast cancer in adult life. Although several studies report associations between breast cancer and maternal factors associated with birthweight of the offspring - a marker for antenatal oestriol exposure - little is known about the relations between maternal oestrogen levels and these factors per se. We therefore analysed the association between oestriol levels in 188 women in the 17th, 25th, 33rd and 37th weeks of pregnancy, and maternal age, prepregnancy weight, height and pregnancy weight gain. Both maternal prepregnancy body mass index and maternal height were, after controlling for infant birthweight, independently and inversely associated with oestriol levels (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.0006 respectively). We found no association between maternal age or pregnancy weight gain and pregnancy oestriol levels. These findings suggest that the previously reported associations between maternal age and maternal pregnancy weight gain and the offsprings risk of breast cancer are due to factors other than antenatal exposure to oestriol. | 10.1046/j.1365-3016.2002.00397.x |
pubmed_358_15239 | For the purpose of reducing the risk of lung injury while separating adhesions in repeated pulmonary resections, the inhibitory effect of hyaluronate based bioresorbable membrane (HA membrane) on postoperative adhesions was investigated in a new pleural adhesion model in rats. First of all, a novel post-thoracotomy adhesion model in rats was successfully established by using a combination of mechanical, chemical and ischemic injuries of the pleura during operation. After undergoing the same adhesion-inducing procedures, one of two groups was treated with HA membrane inserted between the lung and the parietal pleura, and the other group underwent infusion of saline only. The severity of the adhesion formation was macroscopically lower in the HA membrane-treated rats, and they had favorable mesothelial regeneration microscopically. Additionally, the activity of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in the intrapleural lavage fluid (ILF) was measured at 24 hours postoperatively because this is the main influence on adhesion formation after surgery. PAI-1 activity was 23.37+/-2.57 U/ml in the saline-treated group and 17.85+/-3.06 U/ml in the HA membrane-treated group. The result suggests that the HA membrane inhibits postoperative adhesion formation through a significant repression of PAI-1 activity. | pubmed_358_15239 |
pubmed_1090_12464 | Shock wave lithotripsy is the cornerstone of the modern management of surgical stone disease and is the procedure of choice for small stones in uncomplicated situations. As complexity increases and as the stone size increases, percutaneous lithotripsy becomes more important. Ureteroscopy is preferable for lower ureteral stones and is useful for many mid and upper ureteral stones. Occasional large, complicated stones, or stones that can be reached no other way, require open surgery. Successful management of a wide variety of patients with urinary calculi requires the recognition that multiple forms of therapy are necessary. Identification of the situations best managed by these different treatments will ensure optimal management of patients with surgical stone disease. | pubmed_1090_12464 |
pubmed_607_5261 | Preventable causes of death and disability have been studied retrospectively in a series of 1161 cases of neurotrauma occurring in New South Wales in 1977-78, and prospectively in 153 cases of neurotrauma occurring in country districts in South Australia in 1981-82. In the first study, it was found that at least 80 deaths could be attributed to preventable causes; chiefly, transfer to an inappropriate hospital and/or delay in instituting treatment. Apparent failures in initial management of shock and airway obstruction were evident in this study and also in the South Australian study, which identified major deficiencies in cardiorespiratory management in 7% of cases transferred from country areas. These studies confirm that there is a need for better training, at all levels, in the management of neurotrauma. They also provide powerful arguments for the concept of an integrated regional trauma service. | 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1986.tb07095.x |
pubmed_370_8437 | Ile3-amaninamide (3-R) and its diastereomeric sulfoxide (3-S) are obtained by oxidation of the bicyclic thioether peptide 2 by hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid. 2 was prepared by an intramolecular Savige-Fontana reaction of the linear octapeptide tert.-butylester 4 whose N-terminal Boc-Hpi residue on treatment with TFA loses the Boc group and reacts under thioether formation with the released cysteine-SH. The concomitantly deprotected carboxyl terminus is coupled intramolecularly with the free amino group of the secocompound 5 using the MA or DCCI method, thus forming the homodetic peptide ring. Compounds 3-R and 3-S agree very well with analog samples in chiroptical behavior. Thioether 2 and sulfoxide 3-R exert 50% inhibition of RNA polymerase II (or B) from Drosophila melanogaster in 10(-6) M solution whereas Ki of 3-S is about five times higher. | pubmed_370_8437 |
pubmed_33_16582 | CONTEXT
Craniopharyngioma (CP), Rathke's cyst (RC), and xanthogranuloma (XG) are closely related rare sellar masses. Treatment strategies in children lack consensus.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to study clinical manifestations and treatment-related outcome in RC, XG, and CP patients.
DESIGN
We conducted a multicenter surveillance trial.
PATIENTS
Inclusion criteria were 1) histological diagnosis of CP, XG, or RC and 2) diagnosis at age of 18 yr or less. A total of 117 CP, 14 XG (2001-2006), and 14 RC (1996-2006) were recruited.
MAIN OUTCOME
Overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated.
RESULTS
The 5-yr OS rates were 1.00 ± 0.00 in RC and XG and 0.97 ± 0.02 in CP. The 5-yr EFS rates were 0.85 ± 0.10 in RC, 1.00 ± 0.00 in XG, and 0.50 ± 0.05 in CP. Surgical resection of XG results in complete remission without recurrence. Recurrences occur in RC (14%) and CR (59%) but can be efficiently treated by irradiation, reoperation, and/or intracystic treatment. Severe hypothalamic sequelae such as obesity and others affecting QoL are predominant in CP due to presurgical involvement (59%) and postsurgical lesions (44%) of posterior hypothalamic structures. Centers with lower neurosurgery patient load use more radical surgical approaches to treat CP, resulting in higher rates of obesity and reduced QoL. Despite 46% anterior hypothalamic involvement, severe obesity is not encountered in XG.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of choice in XG and RC is radical surgery. In CP involving hypothalamic structures, less radical surgical approaches preserving hypothalamic integrity are recommended. Due to frequent relapses, regular imaging during follow-up is recommended for CP and RC. Treatment of patients with sellar masses should be confined to experienced multidisciplinary teams. | 10.1210/jc.2012-2069 |
pubmed_24_534 | OBJECTIVES
To promote independent self-study involving problem solving and decision analysis in the undergraduate medical curriculum, we have developed a series of interactive web-based clinical case studies.
METHODS
An initial needs assessment was performed to determine students' attitudes to e-learning. From these results we designed a series of 30 interactive case studies for delivery from a web-server.
RESULTS
A survey of 59 undergraduate students believed that online teaching resources were a useful supplement to existing teaching and they could see a positive use for e-learning. The interactive case studies program was well received by a broad range of respondents (n = 84) of different abilities and backgrounds who felt that the program was realistic and clearly presented in an intuitive manner.
CONCLUSIONS
The recent increases in numbers of medical undergraduates, the trend towards student-centred learning and the emphasis on patient-related teaching means a great pressure on teachers and resources in medical schools. The case studies program we have developed was effective and well received by both biomedical and medical students. This approach may provide a way to increase the exposure of students to clinical cases involving interactive diagnostic and treatment procedures, that mimic real-world scenarios, but with fewer resource implications. | 10.1093/rheumatology/kel077 |
pubmed_906_23196 | Non-human primates are valuable models for biomedical research because of their similarities to human anatomy, immunology and physiology. Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan parasites, has a worldwide distribution and results in high morbidity and mortality. Availability of a non-human primate model of leishmaniasis would facilitate the study of different aspects of this disease and would accelerate the development of vaccines and new drugs. In this article, some interesting features of the vervet monkey (African Green monkey) model of human cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are discussed. | 10.1016/s1471-4922(01)02147-x |
pubmed_156_3944 | Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) has two major clinical manifestations: intracerebral hemorrhages and ischemic lesions. Among these, the lobar type of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a well-known clinical manifestation, while the CAA-related diffuse deep white matter degeneration known as leukoencephalopathy is thought to be rare. The characteristics of CAA-related leukoencephalopathy are still incompletely understood, and the relationship between lobar ICH and leukoencephalopathy in patients with CAA has not been properly clarified. The main purpose of this study is to elucidate the clinical and histopathological features of CAA-related lobar ICH and leukoencephalopathy in order to determine whether the degree of deep white matter degeneration parallels the severity of CAA-associated vasculopathies that lead to vascular wall rupture. We studied 64 Japanese patients with histopathologically proven amyloid beta protein (A beta) type CAA presenting with lobar ICH (52 biopsy and 12 autopsy). In this study, a total of 106 hematomas were observed. CAA-related cerebral hemorrhages tend to occur recurrently and multifocally. Multiple simultaneous labor hemorrhages occasionally developed (9.4%). CAA-related ICH in the sixth decade was not rare (14.1%). Although most patients suffered relapsing and/or multiple severe ICH, no patient in our series presented with diffuse leukoencephalopathy. In conclusion, A beta type cerebrovascular amyloid deposition causes recurrent, multifocal, and often multiple simultaneous ICH even in relatively younger elderly patients, but rarely produces diffuse leukoencephalopathy. This suggests that CAA-associated vasculopathies that cause vascular wall rupture do not always lead to ischemic deep white matter degeneration, and that there may be another unknown pathogenetic mechanism producing the latter CAA-related white matter lesion. | 10.3109/13506120308998994 |
pubmed_411_20072 | Extraarticular synovial osteochondromatosis is a very rare benign disease whose aetiology may be primary or secondary to pre-existing pathology or after trauma. The diagnosis can be made with plain radiography and CT, and MRI is necessary to evaluate the non-mineralized soft tissue component and assess extension. It must be confirmed with a pathological study by biopsy or resection. There is up to a 5% chance of malignant transformation. The treatment of choice for the extensive extra-articular form is surgery by open resection. The case presented illustrates an atypical form of secondary extraarticular OCS with multiple involvement of the leg, ankle and foot. | 10.1016/j.reuma.2020.07.003 |
pubmed_899_20938 | A recent advancement in the treatment of burn scars has been the use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to perform fractional photothermolysis. In this analysis, we describe our results and patient-reported outcomes with the use of fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of burn-related scarring. We performed a retrospective study of all patients who underwent CO2 laser procedures for treatment of symptomatic burn scars and skin grafts at one accredited regional burn center. Burn injury and laser treatment demographics, as well as complications, are reported. A questionnaire was administered to all patients and included patient-reported outcome measures aimed at understanding the patient experience and their subjective response to treatment. A total of 387 CO2 laser procedures were performed on 131 patients for the treatment of symptomatic burn scars and skin grafts between October 1, 2011, and May 1, 2014 (average, 2.95 procedures/patient; range, 1-11). Average time between injury and first laser was 597.35 days (range, 60-13,475). Average time between laser treatments (when multiple) was 117.73 days (range, 22-514). There were no infections requiring treatment with oral antibiotics. Overall patient satisfaction with laser therapy was 96.7%. Patients reported reductions in neuropathic pain, tightness (contracture), and pruritus (54.0, 50.6, and 49.0%, respectively). Fractional photothermolysis utilizing the CO2 laser is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of symptomatic burn scars, donor sites, and skin grafts. Patient satisfaction with this procedure is high, and complications are low. Significant improvements in scar appearance, pliability, tightness, neuropathic pain, and pruritus were commonly reported. | 10.1097/BCR.0000000000000285 |
pubmed_551_20924 | OBJECTIVE To assess whether patients with psoriasis treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have a decreased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) compared with those not treated with TNF inhibitors. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Kaiser Permanente Southern California health plan. PATIENTS Patients with at least 3 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes for psoriasis (696.1) or psoriatic arthritis (696.0) (without antecedent MI) between January 1, 2004, and November 30, 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Incident MI. RESULTS Of 8845 patients included, 1673 received a TNF inhibitor for at least 2 months (TNF inhibitor cohort), 2097 were TNF inhibitor naive and received other systemic agents or phototherapy (oral/phototherapy cohort), and 5075 were not treated with TNF inhibitors, other systemic therapies, or phototherapy (topical cohort). The median duration of follow-up was 4.3 years (interquartile range, 2.9, 5.5 years), and the median duration of TNF inhibitor therapy was 685 days (interquartile range, 215, 1312 days). After adjusting for MI risk factors, the TNF inhibitor cohort had a significantly lower hazard of MI compared with the topical cohort (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.79). The incidence of MI in the TNF inhibitor, oral/phototherapy, and topical cohorts were 3.05, 3.85, and 6.73 per 1000 patient-years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Use of TNF inhibitors for psoriasis was associated with a significant reduction in MI risk and incident rate compared with treatment with topical agents. Use of TNF inhibitors for psoriasis was associated with a non-statistically significant lower MI incident rate compared with treatment with oral agents/phototherapy. | 10.1001/archdermatol.2012.2502 |
pubmed_118_6287 | PURPOSE
Currently, there is a growing need for patient-centered radiology in which radiologists communicate with patients directly. The aim of this study is to investigate the preferences of referring physicians (RPs) regarding direct communication between radiologists and patients.
METHODS
This study was conducted in a single academic hospital using a survey form. The survey items investigated the preferences of RPs regarding: 1. who should be the communicator of test results when a patient with abnormal findings requests information (the options were the radiologist; another health professional with communication skills training (CST); and the RP with CST); and 2. how the communication activity should be conducted if the radiologist is obliged (or chooses) to communicate with the patient directly (the options were that the disclosure should be limited to the findings in the radiology report; the radiologist should emphasize that the RP is the primary physician; and the communication activity should be conducted in accordance with guidelines established by consensus). The respondents were 101 RPs from various fields of specialty; they were asked to rate the items using a 5-point Likert scale. The effects of age, sex, field of specialty (surgical vs. nonsurgical), and total years of experience as a medical specialist on the ratings were statistically compared.
RESULTS
Most RPs preferred that the radiologist transmit the information to the RP without communicating directly with the patient (89.1%). Although 69.3% of the RPs declared that health professionals with CST have priority in communication, 86.1% declared that the RP should be the person who received CST. If the radiologist communicates with patients directly, the RPs favored that 1. the disclosure should be limited to the findings in the radiology report (95%); 2. the communication activity should include an emphasis on the RP as the patient's primary agent (84.1%); and 3. communication should be conducted in accordance with guidelines established by consensus (73.2%). The percentage of strong opinions did not change significantly with regard to age, sex, field of specialty, or total years of experience, except that surgeons expressed strong disagreement with delegating the communication activity to another health professional who received CST (χ² = 9.9; P = 0.042).
CONCLUSION
These findings may serve as a basis to implement institutional and national policies for patient-centered radiology. | 10.5152/dir.2016.16325 |
pubmed_726_5972 | The collection of samples of saliva is noninvasive and straightforward, which turns saliva into an ideal fluid for monitoring the adaptive response to training. Here, we investigated the response of the salivary proteins alpha-amylase (sAA), chromogranin A (sCgA), and the concentration of total protein (sTP) as well as salivary nitrite (sNO2) in relation to plasma catecholamines and plasma nitrite (pNO2), respectively. The variation in these markers was compared to the intensity and load of training during a 21-week training season in 12 elite swimmers. Overall, the salivary proteins tracked the concentration of plasma adrenaline and were inversely correlated with the training outcomes. No correlations were observed between sNO2 and pNO2. However, sNO2 correlated positively with the intensity and load of training. We argue that the decrease in sympathetic activity is responsible for the decrease in the concentration of proteins throughout the training season. Furthermore, the increase in nitrite is likely to reflect changes in hemodynamics and regulation of vascular tone. The association of the salivary markers with the training outcomes underlines their potential as noninvasive markers of training status in professional athletes. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0064043 |
pubmed_234_2695 | Rotavirus environmental contamination in a pediatric unit was investigated. Surfaces were swabbed, then viruses eluted, ultracentrifuged, and detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Of 55 samples, 25 (46%) tested positive. Rotavirus RNA was more prevalent on surfaces in direct contact with children (thermometers and play mats) than on other environmental surfaces (washbasins, door handles, etc). PCR has proved useful for monitoring rotavirus environmental contamination. | 10.1086/501648 |
pubmed_146_15702 | We had reported that increased levels of endogenous ghrelin during the progression of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure might provide a compensatory self-protective effect. We investigated which pathway(s) produced these protective effects in vitro. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes were induced with doxorubicin in the presence or absence of ghrelin or a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonist (etanercept). Ghrelin up-regulated TNF-alpha in a time- and dose-dependent manner. It significantly reduced cell apoptosis and markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity; it also increased anti-oxidative enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT), retained mitochondrial membrane potential and energy metabolism compared with doxorubicin alone. Moreover, ghrelin increased mitochondrial anti-apoptosis related gene protein expression such as bcl-2 and MnSOD, reduced cytoplasmic cytochrome C (Cyt C) release and strengthened the activation of NF-kappaB. All these effects were abrogated by etanercept. This suggests ghrelin affects the TNF-alpha/NF-kappaB activation pathways, up-regulating TNF-alpha, to produce anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects that protected cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity. | 10.1016/j.tox.2008.02.018 |
pubmed_421_8501 | HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE
Investigate the rate of hearing loss progression and incidence of cochlear implant candidacy in children with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA).
BACKGROUND
EVA is the most common congenital malformation of the inner ear, is responsible for a large percentage of children with hearing loss, and is associated with hearing loss progression. Rates and degree of progression of hearing loss to cochlear implantation candidacy have not been well described.
METHODS
Review of children with EVA who presented to a single academic medical center. Audiometric data were reviewed to determine subjects who met criteria for cochlear implantation (≥75 dB pure-tone average) at presentation. For those not meeting criteria, serial audiometric data were reviewed for progression to candidacy.
RESULTS
A total of 257 ears met inclusion criteria. One hundred ninety-two (74.7%) met cochlear implant candidacy criteria by age 12, yet only 117 ears (60.9%) actually received implants before turning 13. One hundred fifty-three ears (59.5%) met implant candidacy criteria at presentation. Nearly 50% of those not initially meeting implantation criteria had a ≥15 dB shift in pure-tone average by age 12, with 37.5% of this subgroup meeting implant candidacy criteria before their teen years at an average age of 7.10 years.
CONCLUSION
The majority of children with EVA reach cochlear implant candidacy before reaching adulthood, yet implantation rates for candidate ears remain at 60% and delay in implantation persist. Parents of children with EVA should be counseled on the likelihood of progression and closely monitored for cochlear implant candidacy. | 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003034 |
pubmed_374_15195 | A new cave-dwelling species of Tegenaria, T. lazarovi sp. nov., is described from southern Turkey, based on both sexes. The new species belongs to the T. ariadnae species-complex which is distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean (Crete, northern Libya). The new species is compared to its morphologically closest congeners. New taxonomically relevant pictures are given for two of them. The distribution of the Tegenaria ariadnae species-complex is summarized and discussed. | 10.3897/zookeys.935.52089 |
pubmed_1114_15423 | BACKGROUND
Vorinostat (VRS), a histone deacetylases inhibitor, has significant cytotoxic potential in a large number of human cancer cell lines.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify its promising anticancer potential and to improve its drawback related to physical properties and in vivo performance of VRS.
METHODS
VRS was successfully incorporated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) by the hot microemulsion method using sonication following a homogenization technique.
RESULTS
After the optimization process, VRS-loaded NLCs (VRS-NLCs) were obtained as ideal quality nanoparticles with a spherical shape, small size (∼150 nm), negative charge (∼-22 mV), and narrow size distribution. In addition, the high entrapment efficiency (∼99%) and sustained drug release profile were recorded. Cytotoxicity study in three different cell lines (A549, MCF-7, and SCC-7) demonstrated higher cytotoxicity of VRS-NLCs than free drug. Finally, the AUC of VRS (118.16 ± 17.35 µgh/mL) was enhanced ∼4.4 times compared with that of free drug (27.03 ± 3.25 µgh/mL).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest the potential of NLCs as an oral delivery system for enhancement of cellular uptake, in vitro cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines and the oral bioavailability of VRS. | 10.3109/10717544.2014.991432 |
pubmed_445_11441 | In continuing the work on the total synthesis of the gene for an Escherichia coli tyrosine suppressor tRNA (accompanying papers) and as a part of a study of the mechanism of transcription of this gene, a 23-nucleotide unit-long DNA corresponding to the previously determined (Loewen, P., Sekiya, T., and Khorana, H. G. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 217) sequence has been synthesized. The synthesis was carried out by dividing the total duplex into the following five deoxyribooligonucleotide segments, all of which were chemically synthesized: (a) the undecanucleotide, d(A-G-T-G-A-T-G-G-T-G-G); (b)the undecanucleotide, d(T-C-A-C-T-T-T-C-A-A-A); (c) the undecanucleotide, d(G-G-A-C-T-T-T-T-G-A-A); (d) the dodecanucleotide, d(A-G-T-C-C-C-T-G-A-A-C-T); and (e) the heptanucleotide, d(A-G-T-T-C-A-G). All the five synthetic oligonucleotides were characterized by chromatographic and radioactive fingerprinting methods after labeling the 5'-ends with a 32P-phosphate group. Synthesis of the double-stranded DNA duplex was completed by joining 5'-phosphorylated segments 1, 3, and 4 in the presence of segments 2 and 5 using T4-polynucleotide ligase. The DNA duplex was characterized. | pubmed_445_11441 |
pubmed_568_1394 | BACKGROUND
Burn scar and alopecia on hair-bearing areas can severely affect the social life of patients. Unlike healthy skin, poor biological and mechanical properties of scar tissue in the recipient area can reduce the survival rate of hair graft following hair transplantation.
OBJECTIVES
The authors sought to determine if combined non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and microfat injection could improve the survival rate of hair grafts on post burn scar.
METHODS
Thirteen patients with alopecia resulting from burn scar in hair-bearing areas of the scalp and face were treated with combined NAFL and microfat graft and subsequent follicular unit extraction hair transplantation. Cicatricial alopecia occurred on the scalp, eyebrow, mustache, and beard areas. Patients were treated with 3 to 6 sessions of NAFL and 2 to 5 sessions of microfat graft injections, followed by 1 session of hair transplantation employing the follicular unit extraction technique.
RESULTS
Hair transplantation was successfully performed with good to excellent results. The survival rate of transplanted follicular units ranged from 76% to 95% (mean, 85.04%), and the density success rate per square centimeter ranged from 76.9% to 95.2% (mean, 84.54%). All patients expressed high satisfaction with the results and no complication was encountered.
CONCLUSIONS
Hair transplantation, after combined NAFL and microfat injection, is a promising treatment for post burn alopecia.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 | 10.1093/asj/sjab225 |
pubmed_446_2346 | The objectives of this study were to investigate the feasibility of encapsulating yeast cells using gellan gum by an emulsification method and to evaluate the fermentation efficiency and the reusability of the micro-bioreactors produced. It was found that yeast cells could be successfully encapsulated to form relatively spherical micro-bioreactors with high specific surface area for mass transfer. Cell viability was found to be reduced by one log reduction after the emulsification process. The ethanol yield of the micro-bioreactors was comparable to that of free yeast in the first fermentation cycle. The micro-bioreactors remained intact and could be re-used up to 10 cycles of fermentation. Despite cell breakthrough, relatively high ethanol yields were obtained, indicating that the micro-bioreactors also functioned as regenerative reservoirs of yeast. | 10.3390/pharmaceutics3040731 |
pubmed_785_15932 | Pregnancy places otherwise healthy women at an increased risk of complications arising from an influenza infection. It is suggested that physiological changes such as immunological changes, increased cardiac output and oxygen consumption, as well as lung tidal volume might increase the susceptibility to influenza complications if infection occurs during pregnancy. Immunization of pregnant women against influenza is currently recommended in many countries and has been proven to be safe and effective in reducing rates and severity of the disease in vaccinated mothers and their children. Influenza vaccination is also cost-effective. Nevertheless, influenza vaccine coverage remains low in pregnant women. This might stem from the lack of healthcare workers' education, a feeling among the general public that influenza is not a serious disease and a failure of prenatal care providers to offer the vaccine. In order to protect pregnant women and infants from influenza related morbidity and mortality an educational programme targeting healthcare workers in charge of pregnant women should be implemented. | pubmed_785_15932 |
pubmed_516_13572 | A 62-year-old female patient showed radiographic signs of severe linear wear of the acetabular component six years after cementless total hip arthroplasty. This suggested wear-through of the acetabular liner with secondary wear of the titanium shell. At revision surgery wear-through of both the inlay and the acetabular shell were confirmed. Despite meticulous debridement serum titanium levels remained elevated for more than 12 months. Wear-through of a polyethylene acetabular liner with secondary wear of the titanium shell can lead to increased titanium serum levels. Titanium serum levels can remain highly elevated despite revision surgery. | 10.1515/BMT.2006.006 |
pubmed_632_4898 | BACKGROUND
Angiogenesis, the physiological process involving growth of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, is essential for organ growth and repair. However, the imbalance in angiogenesis contributes to copious pathologies including cancer. Preceding the development of anti-angiogenic or proangiogenic agents, its evaluation is equally imperative; hence, precise and adequate models required. Valid mammalian models are expensive, time-consuming and not easy to set up, instigating legal and ethical aspects making it necessary to establish models with satisfactory activity and limited drawbacks.
METHODS
We investigated the activity of DEAE-Dextran on diversified models viz. in vitro cell migration assay, ex vivo aortic ring assay, in vitro chick yolk sac membrane assay and in vivo matrigel plug xenograft model corroborating its anti-angiogenic potential and establishing the best means of evaluation.
RESULTS
Assorted models were reproducible and correlative to one another. DEAE-Dextran exhibited excellent anti-angiogenic effect in cell migration assay over a duration of 24h compared to the vehicle control fibroblast cell line and aortic ring possessed an alleviated rate of sprouting when treated with DEAE-Dextran with contrast to vehicle control aorta. Similarly, decreased vascular density was observed in DEAE-Dextran treated chick embryos implicating potency of the β-interferon inducer. Augmenting to these results, the matrigel plugs also mitigated vascular net as well as reduced levels of angiogenic marker CD31.
CONCLUSION
Substantially, DEAE-Dextran leads to anti-tumor activity through anti-angiogenic action and a combination of in vitro and in vivo model is vital for the judgement of anti-angiogenic potential since an in vitro model exempts mammalian-culture considerations. | 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.01.007 |
pubmed_470_7597 | BACKGROUND
The emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to antituberculosis agents has recently received increased attention owing largely to the dramatic outbreaks of multi drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
METHODS
Patients residing in Zonguldak and Kayseri provinces of Turkey with, pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed between 1972 and 1999 were retrospectively identified. Drug susceptibility tests had been performed for isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB) and thiacetasone (TH) after isolation by using the resistance proportion method.
RESULTS
Total 3718 patients were retrospectively studied. In 1972-1981, resistance rates for to SM and INH were found to be 14.8% and 9.8% respectively (n: 2172). In 1982-1991 period, resistance rates for INH, SM, RIF, EMB and TH were 14.2%, 14.4%, 10.5%, 2.7% and 2.9% (n: 683), while in 1992-1999 period 14.4%, 21.1%, 10.6%, 2.4% and 3.7% respectively (n: 863). Resistance rates were highest for SM and INH in three periods. MDR-TB patients constituted 7.3% and 6.6% of 1982-1991 and 1992-1999 periods (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates the importance of resistance rates for TB. Continued surveillance and immediate therapeutic decisions should be undertaken in order to prevent the dissemination of such resistant strains. | 10.1186/1476-0711-1-6 |
pubmed_1074_7415 | BACKGROUND & AIMS
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut-derived peptide degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), stimulates insulin secretion in response to nutrients, yet its direct effect on the liver is controversial. We investigated the effects of GLP-1 on hepatic fat and glucose metabolism and elucidated its mechanism of action.
METHODS
Hepatic fat metabolism, including lipogenic enzymes and signal transduction regulators, was assessed in livers of DPP4-deficient rats (DPP4-) with chronically elevated GLP-1 and in GLP-1-treated primary hepatocytes. The effect of chronic elevated GLP-1 on insulin sensitivity was measured using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.
RESULTS
Normal and high fat diet fed DPP4-rats displayed reduced hepatic triglycerides, accompanied by down-regulation of lipogenesis enzymes and parallel up-regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, a key enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation. In vitro studies demonstrated that these effects were directly induced by GLP-1. Mechanistically, GLP-1 increased cAMP in hepatocytes, resulting in the phosphorylation of cAMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a suppressor of lipogenesis. Indeed, hepatocytes expressing a dominant negative Ad-DN-AMPK displayed attenuated GLP-1 effects on AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream lipogenic targets. Importantly, normoglycemic DPP4-rats did not display improved hepatic insulin sensitivity in vivo, suggesting a direct effect of GLP-1 on fat metabolism. Finally, DPP4-rats expressed lower levels of hepatic proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines in response to nutrient stimuli.
CONCLUSIONS
GLP-1 suppresses hepatic lipogenesis via activation of the AMPK pathway. GLP-1 inhibitory effects on hepatic fat accumulation and nutrient-induced hepatic proinflammatory response suggest GLP-1 analogs as novel therapies for non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. | 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.09.032 |
pubmed_433_8993 | This Review explores the class of plant-derived macrocyclic peptides called cyclotides. We include an account of their discovery, characterization, and distribution in the plant kingdom as well as a detailed analysis of their sequences and structures, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis, biological functions, and applications. These macrocyclic peptides are around 30 amino acids in size and are characterized by their head-to-tail cyclic backbone and cystine knot motif, which render them to be exceptionally stable, with resistance to thermal or enzymatic degradation. Routes to their chemical synthesis have been developed over the past two decades, and this capability has facilitated a wide range of mutagenesis and structure-activity relationship studies. In turn, these studies have both led to an increased understanding of their mechanisms of action as well as facilitated a range of applications in agriculture and medicine, as ecofriendly crop protection agents, and as drug leads or scaffolds for pharmaceutical design. Our overall objective in this Review is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of cyclotides that we hope will stimulate further work on this fascinating family of peptides. | 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00402 |
pubmed_837_18305 | Two trials using the splenomegaly assay were conducted to assess the effects of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and dietary ascorbic acid (AA) on the ability of chickens to mount a graft-vs.-host reaction (GVHR). Broiler chicks served as blood donors. Birds received AA at levels of 0, 150, or 300 mg/kg of feed (ppm). At 6 wk of age, donor birds from each AA group received either three intramuscular injections of ACTH in gelatin at 12-h intervals, comparable injections of the gelatin, or no injections. Thirteen-day-old Single Comb White Leghorn embryos served as recipients. Two recipient embryos per donor were injected in a chorioallantoic vein with either whole blood (Trial 1) or saline-washed and reconstituted blood cells (Trial 1). Eggs were further incubated for 6 days, at which time the embryos were killed and each spleen excised. Relative spleen weights were expressed as milligrams of spleen/100 g embryonic body weight. Significant differences in relative spleen weight or donor plasma corticosterone (CS) levels did not occur in Trial 1. In Trial 2, regardless of AA treatment, relative spleen weights of embryos that received blood cells from donors treated with ACTH were significantly lower than controls. Donor CS was significantly lower in birds that received ACTH. These results indicate that, when washed and reconstituted blood cells are injected into recipients and donor plasma CS is decreased, GVHR capacity is suppressed in ACTH-treated donors. | 10.3382/ps.0670313 |
pubmed_1098_23893 | Increasing antibiotic resistance to bacterial infections causes a serious threat to human health. Efficient detection and treatment strategies are the keys to preventing and reducing bacterial infections. Due to the high affinity and antigen specificity, antibodies have become an important tool for diagnosis and treatment of various human diseases. In addition to conventional antibodies, a unique class of "heavy-chain-only" antibodies (HCAbs) were found in the serum of camelids and sharks. HCAbs binds to the antigen through only one variable domain Referred to as VHH (variable domain of the heavy chain of HCAbs). The recombinant format of the VHH is also called single domain antibody (sdAb) or nanobody (Nb). Sharks might also have an ancestor HCAb from where SdAbs or V-NAR might be engineered. Compared with traditional Abs, Nbs have several outstanding properties such as small size, high stability, strong antigen-binding affinity, high solubility and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, they are expressed at low cost in microorganisms and amenable to engineering. These superior properties make Nbs a highly desired alternative to conventional antibodies, which are extensively employed in structural biology, unravelling biochemical mechanisms, molecular imaging, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this review, we summarized recent progress of nanobody-based approaches in diagnosis and neutralization of bacterial infection and further discussed the challenges of Nbs in these fields. | 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014377 |
pubmed_1082_13154 | METHOD
The authors compared recalled weight at age 18 and self-reported current height among 118 participants in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort, aged 25-42 years in 1989, with records from physical examinations conducted at college or nursing school entrance.
RESULTS
The correlation between recalled and measured past weight was 0.87 and between reported current height and measured past height was 0.94. Mean body mass index (BMI) values were 21.6 kg/m2 for BMI calculated using recalled weight and 22.1 kg/m2 using weight from medical records; the correlation was 0.84. Participants slightly under-reported weight at age 18 (mean difference = 1.4 kg).
CONCLUSION
The validity of recalled weight at 18 years of age and self-reported height as an estimate of height at age 18 appears to be high among women in this cohort. | pubmed_1082_13154 |
pubmed_6_21303 | A 24-year-old male reported to the outpatient department with a complaint of swelling of the anterior lower jaw region for 9 months with history of traumatic injury and extraction of teeth from the same region, a month before the onset of swelling. Swelling was obvious extra- and intraorally which on examination presented as a soft to firm non-tender and non-fluctuant mass with an approximate size of 4 cm × 3 cm, extending from 34 to 43 region with obliteration of labial vestibule. Panoramic radiograph and cone-beam computed tomography showed a well-defined radiolucency in the mandibular anterior region crossing the midline with erosion of labial bony plates and root of 42 along with a tooth-like radiopaque mass within the lesion. Provisional diagnoses of odontogenic keratocyst, ameloblastomas, central giant cell granuloma and calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor were listed. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of lesion followed by the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma. | 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_195_20 |
pubmed_1126_231 | This paper presents some results of field and laboratory studies on Bulinus truncatus, the snail intermediate host of urinary bilharziasis in Iraq, made in 1958 as part of the work of the WHO Bilharziasis Control Project in that country.Observations on the linear distribution and size composition of Bulinus populations in the canals of central Iraq indicate that molluscicides might most suitably be applied in May before the entire snail population reaches breeding size, or early in November when most snails are juveniles. However, laboratory experiments appear to show that isolation of individual bulinid snails does not diminish, but may actually increase, their egg-laying capacity in comparison with that of grouped snails; this suggests that, even if the snail population were drastically reduced by treatment of the canals and all further importation of snails rendered impossible, the snail population would nevertheless soon renew itself from the few individuals remaining.Results are also given of laboratory experiments on egg masses, hatching and growth of B. truncatus and on the egg-laying of random populations of that snail. | pubmed_1126_231 |
pubmed_407_18075 | PURPOSE
To characterize the complications that occur at the index metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint following pollicization and to identify the blood supply of the index MCP joint.
METHODS
Eighty-five pollicized digits in 74 patients (1974-2007) were followed after surgery and had documented clinical examinations and radiographs to evaluate physeal arrest, nonunion at the pollicized digit base, and instability of the new carpometacarpal joint at a minimum of 2 years following surgery.
RESULTS
Proximal phalanx physeal arrest was the most common complication. Radiographic nonunion at the juncture of the index metacarpal head and base occurred with and without instability. Twenty-one of 85 pollicized digits showed radiographic evidence of physeal arrest, 12 of which were complete and 9 partial. No clinical factor was found to significantly correlate with a physeal arrest, although the 9 patients with the diagnosis of Holt-Oram syndrome trended toward a higher percentage, with 6 digits in 5 patients with Holt-Oram syndrome showing this complication. Twenty pollicized MCP joints did not have bony union to the base of the index metacarpal, but only 3 were clinically unstable and required surgical stabilization. Ten pollicized digits developed some degree of instability and subluxation at the new carpometacarpal joint, but only one required surgical intervention. In recent cases, a search for the blood supply to the MCP joint has demonstrated a consistent vessel deep to the interosseous muscles that arborizes on the volar metacarpal neck. Our surgical technique has evolved to preserve this vessel whenever possible.
CONCLUSIONS
Our complications are most likely due to technical factors. Careful dissection of the index MCP joint during pollicization should help reduce physeal growth arrest. Patients with Holt-Oram syndrome might have an increased risk of growth arrest. However, the majority of patients did not require secondary surgery and have good function.
TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic IV. | 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.05.031 |
pubmed_982_12731 | This study aims at comparing two data bases related to occupational injuries in the French sea fishing industry: a data base created between 1977 and 1980, a data base created between 1996 and 2001. These bases were made from report forms filled out by fishermen after an accident. The study focuses on the accidents occurring when the vessel is in the process of fishing. In the 1980s, as well as today, the processing of fishing gear seems to be a very dangerous task, correlated with the risk of being "struck by, swept along, pinned" by the elements of the rigging and the risk of serious injuries. The processing and handling of the catch also cause a large amount of accidents; during these tasks, fishermen have to cope with two main risks: being "cut or pricked" and making an "excessive effort, awkward movement". Rate and features of occupational accidents do not show notable evolution. These findings lead us to question the different prevention measures implemented in France during the last few decades and to propose new prevention direction. | 10.1016/j.aap.2006.06.006 |
pubmed_15_12631 | Base flow and storm flow events from a small, urbanized Mediterranean river located in the South of France were studied to evaluate net fluxes from the continent to the coastal sea water. Considered variables were: pH, conductivity, redox potential, temperature, dissolved O(2), SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter), Cl(-), NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon), Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the dissolved fraction and POC (Particulate Organic Carbon), Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the particulate fraction. If rainfall intensity and antecedent rainfall history were sufficient to explain many observed variations, the patterns of particles and solutes transport greatly varied from one storm event to another. SPM, POC, particulate Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb had similar behavior characterized by an immediate increase at the beginning of the storm flow and the highest values at the first high discharge peak. Among dissolved species, Cl(-), SO(4)(2-), Na(+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) had a behavior very similar one to the other. They exhibited high concentrations and enrichment factors at the beginning of the storm flow, due to fast leaching of highly labile species. Their concentrations decreased during posterior discharge peaks but positive enrichment factors indicated permanent sources for these ions. DOC, K(+) and NO(3)(-) had different behaviors which indicated sources positively correlated with rainfall intensity. A 3D-fluorescence study showed that the humified organic matter contribution to DOC increased during storm flow. Relationships between DOC and dissolved Cu and Pb indicated differences in organic-matter binding properties between dry and humid periods. Storm flow were responsible for more than 90% of the annual output to the sea of SPM, POC and particulate Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb and more than 70% for dissolved Pb, Cd, NO(3)(-) and DOC. For the other dissolved species, outputs were balanced between base flow and storm flow. Contrary to what was observed in large rivers, organic carbon was mainly transported in the POC fraction. The average specific fluxes of Cu and Pb to the sea were 3.8 and 3.4 kg km(-2) y(-1), respectively, of the same order of magnitude than specific fluxes of other North-Mediterranean rivers, but outputs were more intense during shorter durations. The extrapolation of the Eygoutier River data to the Mediterranean non-desert coastline showed that the order of magnitude of Cu and Pb annually brought to the sea by the whole of small anthropized coastal rivers can be similar to the annual input by the Rhône or the Po River. | pubmed_15_12631 |
pubmed_900_22296 | PURPOSE
Adapted National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) Index criteria were used in a study undertaken to evaluate commercial computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system impact on community hospital medication errors. This article describes: (1) adaptation of the Index, (2) classification criteria and processes used to assess the adapted Index, and (3) inter-rater reliability results.
METHODS
A random sample of 130 (17%) of 2251 medication safety events (MSEs) were classified based on event type, that is, adverse drug event (ADE) or potential ADE (PADE); preventability, that is, 'yes' or 'no,' and outcome severity. Event outcome severity was categorized using adapted Index categories E-I (ADEs) and B-D (PADEs). Decision rules were used for rule-based classification, while an MSE Case Review Panel used judgment-based classification when decision rules did not apply. Inter-rater reliability for both classification approaches was assessed with kappa coefficients, percentage agreement, and confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Level of agreement was substantial for both rule-based and judgment-based MSE classification for event type (6 = 0.70-0.90), preventability (6 = 0.67-0.82), and decision rule application (6 = 0.79). Rule-based agreement for ADE and PADE severity was almost perfect for discrete (6 = 0.83-0.84) and combined (6 = 0.87-0.90) Index categories. Judgment-based agreement was substantial for discrete (6 = 0.63-0.67) and combined (6 = 0.66-0.84) Index categories.
CONCLUSIONS
The adapted Index yielded substantial agreement for event type, preventability, and severity. Adaptation of the Index to support classification of non-preventable ADEs was an important improvement. | 10.1002/pds.1423 |
pubmed_495_12297 | Using corrosion casts of 5 lungs which bronchial tree was filled with plastogen G, four forms of collateral respiratory pathways were seen: the interalveolar, the bronchioloalveolar in the same acinus, the bronchioloalveolar between adjoining acini, and the intersegmental communications. | pubmed_495_12297 |
pubmed_448_19290 | Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas represent extreme challenges for interdisciplinary treatment teams. The sarcoma-specific experience of surgeons has the greatest impact on the survival of patients; however, too many patients still die despite optimal local treatment. The role of chemotherapy is undisputed only for patients with highly malignant bone sarcomas or rhabdomyosarcomas. For soft tissue sarcomas in adult patients, especially liposarcomas and leiomyosarcomas, the evidence situation is very unsatisfactory. This overview article discusses the complex data situation and controversial aspects that are relevant for current treatment decisions in interdisciplinary treatment teams. | 10.1007/s00104-021-01539-x |
pubmed_299_12903 | Herein we describe the case of a 8-years-old boy with diagnosis of atypical autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), carrying heterozygous mutation of CASP10 gene (I406L). He presented with multiple non-invasive infections of the skin, that were associated to chronic non-malignant non-infectious lymphadenopathy, failure to thrive, weakness, arthralgia, relapsing oral aftosis, and expansion of TCRαβ(+) CD4(-)/CD8(-) T cells. This observation suggests that cutaneous infections can be observed in ALPS patients carrying CASP10 mutations. | pubmed_299_12903 |
pubmed_836_21311 | We studied the involvement of oxidative stress in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), assessing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione and the levels of malondialdeyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, in samples taken from lesional skin (n = 16) and nonlesional skin (n = 11) of CIU patients. The activity of SOD and glutathione and the levels of MDA were markedly increased in lesional skin as compared with skin of healthy subjects, whereas no differences were detected between nonlesional skin of CIU patients and control samples. Immuno-dot blot assay revealed an up-regulation of Mn-SOD expression in lesional skin. These findings show that oxidative stress is crucially involved in CIU. The evidence of lipid peroxidation and compensatory increase of Mn-SOD and glutathione activities in lesional skin, in the absence of any alteration in uninvolved skin, suggests that oxidative stress is secondary to the development of inflammation. | 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2003.01264.x |
pubmed_468_22815 | Alkali and alkaline-earth oxides are analysed by means of Bader's atom-in-molecule theory and density functional theory. Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of properties of the bond critical points. A linear relation is found between the kinetic-energy density at the bond critical point between cation and anion and the electronic band gap. This result might shed new light on the relationship between ground-state density, the nature of the bonds and insulating behaviour. Its generality is discussed. | 10.1088/0953-8984/22/25/255502 |
pubmed_465_9129 | The effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on exocytosis in Paramecium tetraurelia cells were examined with light microscopy, freeze fracture (FEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of thin-sectioned embedded cells. Picric acid-Ca2+-induced secretion in wild type (wt) cells was captured by "quick" fixation with OsO4, and TEM demonstrated membrane fusion occurring before trichocyst matrix (tmx) expansion. Cells stimulated with picric acid in the presence of high extracellular Mg2+ showed very few sites of membrane fusion and no tmx expansion, suggesting that Ca2+ is required for both membrane fusion and tmx expansion. Further information was obtained by comparing secretory responses of wt cells with a temperature-sensitive secretory mutant, nd 9. These cells when grown at the permissive temperature (18 degrees C) possess normal rosettes at the secretory site and secrete in response to picric acid-Ca2+, but when grown at 27 degrees C they lack rosettes and do not secrete (Beisson, J., M. Lefort-Tran, M. Pouphile, M. Rossignol, and B. Satir, 1976, J. Cell Biol., 69:126-143). Quantitation of picric acid-Ca2+-induced secretion revealed that: (a) the number of tmx secreted by wt and nd 9 cells was independent of their cultural growth phase, (b) wt cells secreted the same number of tmx when grown either at 18 or 27 degrees C, and (c) nd 9 18 degrees C cells secreted the same number of tmx as wt 18 or 27 degrees C cells. Wild type and nd 9 cells had the same frequencies of occupied and unoccupied secretory sites as determined by quantitative analysis of freeze-fracture replicas. After stimulation with divalent cation ionophore A23187 and Ca2+, wt cells showed a significant reduction in the frequency of occupied sites. FEM and TEM studies revealed that A23187-Ca2+ induced tmx expansion and normal fusion of the plasma and trichocyst membranes in wt and nd 9 18 degrees C cells, but induced tmx expansion without concomitant membrane fusion in nd 9 27 degrees C cells. The lack of membrane fusion in nd 9 27 degrees C cells suggests that the molecules represented by rosette particles are required specifically for membrane fusion. | 10.1083/jcb.97.1.224 |
pubmed_996_2545 | Adult mice have two easily recognizable subsets of B cells: the predominant resting population of the spleen, called B-2, and those called B-1, which predominate in coelomic cavities and can express CD5. Some antibody specificities appear to be unique to the B-1 population. Cells expressing antibody specific for phosphatidyl choline (PtC) are the most frequent, comprising 2-10% of peritoneal B cells in normal mice. To understand the basis for the segregation of the anti-PtC specificity to this population, we have produced transgenic (Tg) mice expressing the rearranged VH12 and V kappa 4 genes of a PtC-specific B-1 cell lymphoma. We find that VH12-Tg and VH12/V kappa 4 double-Tg mice develop very high numbers of PtC-specific peritoneal and splenic B cells. These cells have the characteristics of B-1 cells; most are CD5+, and are all IgMhi, B220lo, and CD23-. In the peritoneum these cells are also CD11b+. In addition, adult mice have many splenic B cells (up to one third of Tg+ cells) that express the VH12 Tg but do not bind PtC, presumably because they express a V kappa gene other than V kappa 4. These cells appear to be B-2 cells; they are CD23+, CD11b-, IgMlo, B220hi, and CD5-. Thus, mice given either the VH12 Tg alone or together with the V kappa 4 Tg develop a large population of PtC-specific B cells which belong exclusively to the B-1 population. Since B-2 cells can express the VH12 and V kappa 4 gene separately, we interpret these data to indicate that the events leading to the segregation of PtC-specific B cells to the B-1 population in normal mice are initiated after Ig gene rearrangement and expression. These data are discussed with regard to hypotheses of the origin of B-1 cells. We also find that VH12-Tg mice have a marked decrease in the generation of Tg-expressing B cells in adult bone marrow, but not newborn liver. We speculate that this may be related to positive selection of VH12-expressing B cells during differentiation. | 10.1084/jem.179.5.1585 |
pubmed_434_4434 | Although brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a central role in recovery after cerebral ischemia, little is known about cells involved in BDNF production after stroke. The present study testes the hypothesis that neurons are not the unique source of neosynthesized BDNF after stroke and that non neuronal-BDNF producing cells differ according to the delay after stroke induction. For this purpose, cellular localization of BDNF and BDNF content of each hemisphere were analysed in parallel before and after (4h, 24h and 8d) ischemic stroke in rats. Stroke of different severities was induced by embolization of the brain with variable number of calibrated microspheres allowing us to explore the association between BDNF production and neuronal death severity. The main results are that (a) unilateral stroke increased BDNF production in both hemispheres with a more intense and long-lasting effect in the lesioned hemisphere, (b) BDNF levels either of the lesioned or unlesioned hemispheres were not inversely correlated to neuronal death severity whatever the delay after stroke onset, (c) in the unlesioned hemisphere, stroke resulted in increased BDNF staining in neurons and ependymal cells (at 4h and 24h), (d) in the lesioned hemisphere, beside neurons and ependymal cells, microglial cells (at 24h), endothelial cells of cerebral arterioles (at 4h and 24h) and astrocytes (at 8d) exhibited a robust BDNF staining as well. Taken together, overall data suggest that non neuronal cells are able to produce substantial amount of BDNF after ischemic stroke and that more attention should be given to these cells in the design of strategies aimed at improving stroke recovery through BDNF-related mechanisms. | 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.10.019 |
pubmed_293_13848 | Beatrix, Carthage, Daegal, Dulcie, Fancypants, Fenn, Inca, Naira, and Robyn are newly isolated bacteriophages capable of infecting Mycolicibacterium smegmatis mc2 155. We discovered, sequenced, and annotated these New Zealand bacteriophages. These phages illustrate that New Zealand harbors a selection of the highly diverse and distributed mycobacteriophage clusters found globally. | 10.1128/MRA.00395-19 |
pubmed_3_15655 | Real-time correction of an optically aberrated wave front by use of a 10 x 10 ferroelectric liquid-crystal spatial light modulator as the correction device and a point-diffraction interferometer as the wave-front sensor is demonstrated. This type of interferometer requires no reference arm and so can be used, in theory, in an astronomical adaptive-optics system. We discuss some of the unusual features of the point-diffraction interferometer for wave-front sensing. | 10.1364/ao.37.002164 |
pubmed_750_3153 | BACKGROUND
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, which is a major reason of blindness. Baicalin (BAI) is a flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, whose pharmacological characterizes have been widely reported in various diseases. However, it remains unclear the effect of BAI on DR. The study aimed to confirm the protective effect of BAI on DR.
METHODS
ARPE-19 cells and HRMECs were exposed to the high glucose (HG) environment to construct a cell injury model. After treatment with HG and BAI, cell viability, apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines and ROS generations were determined in ARPE-19 cells and HRMECs. Subsequently, microRNA-145 (miR-145) inhibitor and its negative control were transfected into ARPE-19 cells, and the regulatory effects on HG-and BAI-co-treated cells were detected. NF-κB and p38MAPK signaling pathways were finally examined to state the underling mechanisms.
RESULTS
HG treatment significantly induced ARPE-19 cells and HRMECs injury in vitro. BAI significantly promoted cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, as well as inhibited the release of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and ROS level in HG-injured ARPE-19 cells and HRMECs. Additionally, the expression level of miR-145 was up-regulated in HG-and BAI-co-treated cells. More importantly, miR-145 inhibition reversed the protective effect of BAI on HG-injured ARPE-19 cells. Besides, we observed that BAI inhibited the activations of NF-κB and p38MAPK pathways by up-regulating miR-145.
CONCLUSIONS
Results demonstrated that BAI exhibited the protective effect against HG-induced cell injury by up-regulation of miR-145. | 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.01.002 |
pubmed_453_16939 | The current approach to screening for hepatitis C and non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in French blood transfusion centers involves a combination of a transaminase assay and tests for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). A decision-analysis model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness ratio of this approach compared to the former approach, which included only transaminase and anti-HBc screening. Cost data were collected by a questionnaire sent to 26 centers throughout France. The average costs of diagnostic kits, equipment, staff, and administration were calculated. Estimates of prevalence and sensitivity values came from the medical literature. The cost-effectiveness ratio was expressed in French francs per infected donor detected. A sensitivity analysis of the variables in the model was performed to estimate the validity of the cost-effectiveness ratio. For 100,000 donations the incremental cost of the current approach reached FrF 2,566,111 (about US $500,000), with a marginal effectiveness of 180 donations detected. The sensitivity analysis showed the effect of prevalence on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Transfusion centers may change their screening approach in areas of high or low prevalence of hepatitis C in France. | 10.1007/BF01709585 |
pubmed_188_7331 | INTRODUCTION
Thailand recommends influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months to <36 months, but investment in vaccine purchase is limited. To inform policy decision with respect to influenza disease burden and associated cost in young children and to support the continued inclusion of children as the recommended group for influenza vaccination, we conducted a prospective cohort study of children in Bangkok hospital to estimate and compare influenza incidence and cost between healthy and high-risk children.
METHODS
Caregivers of healthy children and children with medical conditions ('high-risk') aged <36 months were called weekly for two years to identify acute respiratory illness (ARI) episodes and collect illness-associated costs. Children with ARI were tested for influenza viruses by polymerase chain reaction. Illnesses were categorized as mild or severe depending on whether children were hospitalized. Population-averaged Poisson models were used to compare influenza incidence by risk group. Quantile regression was used to examine differences in the median illness expenses.
RESULTS
During August 2011-September 2015, 659 healthy and 490 high-risk children were enrolled; median age was 10 months. Incidence of mild influenza-associated ARI was higher among healthy than high-risk children (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.48). Incidence of severe influenza-associated ARI did not differ (IRR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.11-1.38). The median cost per mild influenza-associated ARI episode was $22 among healthy and $25 among high-risk children (3-4% of monthly household income; difference in medians: -$1; 95% CI for difference in medians: -$9 to $6). The median cost per severe influenza-associated ARI episode was $232 among healthy and $318 among high-risk children (26-40% and 36-54% of monthly household income, respectively; difference in medians: 110; 95% CI for difference in medians: -$352 to $571).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to high-risk children, healthy children had higher incidence of mild influenza-associated ARI but not severe influenza-associated ARI. Costs of severe influenza-associated ARI were substantial. These findings support the benefit of annual influenza vaccination in reducing the burden of influenza and associated cost in young children. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0197207 |
pubmed_682_832 | Bioelectronic medicine is a rapidly growing field that explores targeted neuromodulation in new treatment options addressing both disease and injury. New bioelectronic methods are being developed to monitor and modulate neural activity directly. The therapeutic benefit of these approaches has been validated in recent clinical studies in various conditions, including paralysis. By using decoding and modulation strategies together, it is possible to restore lost function to those living with paralysis and other debilitating conditions by interpreting and rerouting signals around the affected portion of the nervous system. This, in effect, creates a bioelectronic "neural bypass" to serve the function of the damaged/degenerated network. By learning the language of neurons and using neural interface technology to tap into critical networks, new approaches to repairing or restoring function in areas impacted by disease or injury may become a reality. | 10.1101/cshperspect.a034306 |
pubmed_930_5129 | The authors report on the results of an inquiry via questionnaires on the sexual activities of 164 hysterectomised women before and after surgery. 47.5 per cent of the women stated that their sexual activities had deteriorated after the operation, whereas 13% reported an improvement. There was a significant increase in the number of women with "deteriorated" sex life after simultaneous bilateral ovarectomy (p less than 0.01). The most frequent negative sequels were a decrease in sexual appetency (42.7%) and coital activity (30.5%). Sex life deterioration became evident in 43% of the women already during the first year following the operation, further deterioration being less marked (in one to three years in 52%, and after more than 3 years after the operation in 58% of the patients). The opinion has been voiced that the time a few months before and after hysterectomy is the most critical phase in respect of mental condition and sexual activities. This critical phase can be overcome only with the close co-operation between the doctor on the one hand and the married couple on the other; both partners to the marriage must be equally amenable to counselling and advice. | 10.1055/s-2008-1036205 |
pubmed_483_23991 | Water-induced crystallisation of amorphous core-cyclodextrin (CD) complex is an essential step in a solid encapsulation process and removal of added water is a challenging. Ethanol addition is expected to shorten the complex dehydration time. This study investigated crystallisation of amorphous spray-dried α-, β- and γ-CD powders by direct mixing 15% (w/w) of ethanol:water mixture (0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0) over 72 h period. The results showed α- and β-CD powders crystallised at all concentrations of ethanol solutions. Especially mixed with 0:100 and 20:80 ethanol:water solutions, the crystallisation behaviour of α- and β-CD powders was similar to that of commercial crystalline counterparts. γ-CD powders exhibited a crystallisation sign as mixed with 0:100 and 20:80 ethanol:water solutions only. In the study of fish oil encapsulation using the mixture of water and ethanol to induce the complex crystallisation, only γ-CD powder was able to form complex with fish oil. | 10.1007/s13197-019-03643-7 |
pubmed_42_21566 | The notion of a protective vaginal flora is relatively new. Resident flora manifest colonization resistance to prevent or reduce the likelihood of exogenous microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, yeast, or parasites becoming established in the lower genital tract of women following sexual (HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis) or nonsexual (uropathogenic E. coli) transmission. The concept of preserving or reestablishing protective flora has been hastened by several factors, including the potential widespread use of vaginal microbicides, the increased heterosexual spread of HIV, and the imminent availability of exogenous Lactobacillus species probiotic therapy. | 10.1007/s11908-999-0045-z |
pubmed_438_12873 | The objective of this prospective study was to analyse the epidemiology and prognosis of ectopic pregnancy in Senegal. From January 1 to December 31, 1996, 255 ectopic pregnancies were registered. The national rate of ectopic pregnancy was 0.6%. of expected pregnancies. However, rates differed greatly between areas in Senegal, with extremes ranging from 0.85%. in Dakar to 0.32%. in Thiès. The epidemiological profile was that of a young woman-mean age: 23 years old, mean parity=3, admitted with broken ectopic pregnancy (95%). A salpingectomy was performed in all cases. The maternal mortality rate was 1.20%, while morbidity, mainly due to post-operative infection, was found in 2.7% of the cases. | pubmed_438_12873 |
pubmed_652_8374 | Impairment of cognitive functions occurs frequently in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The conditions most associated with this decline are depression, delirium, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The mechanisms involved have not been established yet, but some factors, as neuronal damage by uremic toxins, cerebrovascular ischemic lesions, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, the endothelial dysfunction may play a critical role. The neuropsychological performance improves with the initiation of dialysis, although some cognitive dysfunctions remain even after treatment, especially in the areas of attention, cognitive flexibility, memory and learning. Kidney transplantation may improve and even reverse some cognitive deficits detected in the dialysis period, despite some compromise in verbal memory and executive functions remain after transplantation. The diagnosis of cognitive decline in patients with CKD may have an important impact on the management and prognosis. This paper presents an update on the decline of cognitive function in patients with CKD. | pubmed_652_8374 |
pubmed_187_3861 | INTRODUCTION
To date it is unclear whether therapeutic concentrations are attained in target tissues after topical administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore this study in healthy volunteers was undertaken to measure diclofenac concentrations attained in defined tissue layers directly underlying the site of topical diclofenac application by in vivo microdialysis.
METHODS
In each experiment two microdialysis probes were inserted, one into a superficial (3.9 +/- 0.3 mm) and one into a deep (9.3 +/- 0.5 mm) tissue layer, in 20 healthy volunteers and calibrated in vivo. The distance between the surface of the skin and the tips of the microdialysis probes was measured by 7.5 MHz ultrasound. Diclofenac was administered topically as a single dose of approximately 300 mg/100 cm2. Concentration versus time profiles in tissue layers were monitored for 5 hours.
RESULTS
Concentration versus time profiles were obtained in 11 of 20 experiments. However, there was no correlation between area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in a defined layer and the depth of probe insertion. In those experiments where concentration versus time profiles were obtained for both probes mean AUC was 532 +/- 197 microg x min x ml(-1) for superficial layers, and 438 +/- 249 microg x min x ml(-1) for deep layers.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that transdermal penetration of diclofenac, at least after single doses, is not predictable and may strongly be influenced by individual skin properties. | 10.1016/S0009-9236(97)90032-1 |
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