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pubmed_686_12337 | There are no literature references describing the effect of consumption of Aloe vera liquid preparations on the absorption of water- or fat-soluble vitamins. There is a very large population worldwide which consume vitamins and many people also consume Aloe. Thus we report the effect of Aloe on the human absorption of vitamins C and E, the most popular vitamin supplements. The plasma bioavailability of vitamins C and E were determined in normal fasting subjects, with eight subjects for vitamin C and ten subjects for vitamin E. In a random crossover design, the subjects consumed either 500 mg of ascorbic acid or 420 mg of vitamin E acetate alone (control), or combined with 2 oz of two different Aloe preparations (a whole leaf extract, or an inner fillet gel). Blood was collected periodically up to 24 h after consumption. Plasma was analyzed for ascorbate and tocopherol by-HPLC with UV detection. There was no significant difference in the areas under the plasma ascorbate-time curves among the groups sincerely due to large differences within the groups. For comparative purposes the control area was 100%. The Aloe Gel area was 304%, and Aloe Whole Leaf 80%. Only Aloe Gel caused a significant increase in plasma ascorbate after 8 and 24 h. For vitamin E, the results for the relative areas were control 100%, Gel 369%, and Leaf (198%). Only the Aloes produced a significant increase in plasma tocopherol after 6 and 8 h. Both Aloes were significantly different from the control after 8 h. Aloe Gel was significantly different from the baseline after 24 h. The Aloes slowed down the absorption of both vitamins with maximum concentrations 2-4 h later than the control. There was no difference between the two types of Aloe. The results indicate that the Aloes improve the absorption of both vitamins C and E. The absorption is slower and the vitamins last longer in the plasma with the Aloes. Aloe is the only known supplement to increase the absorption of both of these vitamins and should be considered as a complement to them. | 10.1016/j.phymed.2003.12.013 |
pubmed_329_14015 | Immunity within the brain, specifically to virus-infected neurons, must be controlled to prevent neuron loss and impairment, though the process by which this occurs remains unclear. Here, we use a mouse model of neuron-restricted measles virus infection, in which immunocompetent adults survive challenge, whereas T and B cell-deficient mice succumb. This model allowed us to more precisely define the contributions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells in neuroprotection. Both B cell knockout mice and mice depleted of CD8+ T cells survive challenge and show no signs of illness, though are less able to control viral replication than immunocompetent mice. In contrast, depletion of CD4+ T cells results in disease and death in all infected mice, though the kinetics of illness are delayed compared to RAG knockout mice. Our data suggest a coordinated interplay of adaptive immune components, which collectively controls viral spread and limits neuropathogenesis. | 10.1016/j.virol.2016.09.013 |
pubmed_715_1812 | A reduction in the ability to generate new neurons in the brain has been suggested to contribute to cognitive decline with advanced age. In an outbred model strain of Long-Evans rats, cognitive performance as a function of age is variable in assessments of hippocampal-dependent spatial memory. Recent research indicates that greater hippocampal neurogenesis accompanies diminished cognitive abilities in older Long-Evans rats. These findings imply that the role of neurogenesis might change between youth and old age, and that further work is needed to understand the potential benefits and liabilities that new neurons may afford an aging brain. | 10.1126/sageke.2005.7.re2 |
pubmed_399_4913 | The National Survey of Family Growth (1982) is used to examine the extent to which racial differences in premarital birth rates can be explained by differences in parents' socioeconomic status, family structure, and residential characteristics. The findings document a large diversity in premarital births within both populations. Black women from high-risk backgrounds are three times more likely to have a premarital birth than black women from low-risk backgrounds. Racial differences in premarital births arise because (1) black women are more likely to come from high-risk backgrounds and (2) black women from low-risk backgrounds are more likely to have a premarital birth than white women with similar characteristics. There are similar rates of premarital births by race among persons from high-risk backgrounds. | pubmed_399_4913 |
pubmed_446_5984 | AIM
Dental interventions are potentially overwhelming for children with hemophilia; the study was designed to assess the levels of dental anxiety related to the first dental intervention for these children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty-six boys with severe haemophilia A and B and 56 healthy peers between the ages of 7-12 in need of primary dental extraction were chosen for this study. Facial Analog Scale and Visual Analog Scale were applied to all participants.
RESULTS
No significant differences among the groups were detected by means of the dental anxiety scores (FIS) and pain scores (VAS). The FIS scores of children who had experienced dental pain before the treatment were significantly higher regardless of the group they were part of (p=0.001).
CONCLUSION
Children with haemophilia are not at an increased risk of dental anxiety using special precautions and with the help of adequate treatment regimens. Pain is a predictor for dental fear and anxiety on dental chair both for children with haemophilia and healthy ones. | pubmed_446_5984 |
pubmed_608_19812 | BACKGROUND
High feed osmolality (or osmolarity) is often suggested to be linked with adverse gastrointestinal events in preterm infants.
AIM
To systematically review the literature on milk feed osmolality and adverse gastrointestinal events in newborn and low birthweight infants and animals.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Current Contents, BIOSIS Previews and SciSearch were searched from inception to May 2018 to identify potentially relevant studies.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
randomised controlled or observational studies of newborn and low birthweight infants or animals investigating the effects of milk-based feeds with different osmolalities. Only full-text, English-language papers were included.
RESULTS
Ten human and six animal studies met the inclusion criteria. Of human studies, seven reported no differences in adverse events with varying feed osmolalities; one reported delayed gastric emptying with feed osmolarity of 539 mOsm/L compared with lower levels; one reported higher necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) incidence with feed osmolarity of 650 mOsm/L compared with 359 mOsm/L; one found higher NEC incidence with the lowest feed osmolality (326 mOsm/kg compared with 385 mOsm/kg). Of animal studies, two reported delayed gastric emptying with feed osmolarity >624 mOsm/L, one reported decreased survival due to dehydration with dietary osmolarities ≥765 mOsmol/L and none reported increased NEC incidence with differing feed osmolalities. No clear mechanisms were found, and diet composition differences limited the interpretations regarding the independent impact of osmolality.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no consistent evidence that differences in feed osmolality in the range 300-500 mOsm/kg are associated with adverse gastrointestinal symptoms in neonates. | 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315946 |
pubmed_791_993 | We utilized electrophoresis to control the fluidity of sample biomolecules in sample aqueous solutions inside the nanochannel for single-molecule detection by using a nanochannel-integrated nanogap electrode, which is composed of a nano-gap sensing electrode, nanochannel, and tapered focusing channel. In order to suppress electro-osmotic flow and thermal convection inside this nanochannel, we optimized the reduction ratios of the tapered focusing channel, and the ratio of inlet 10 μm to outlet 0.5 μm was found to be high performance of electrophoresis with lower concentration of 0.05 × TBE (Tris/Borate/EDTA) buffer containing a surfactant of 0.1 w/v% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Under the optimized conditions, single-molecule electrical measurement of deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP) was performed and it was found that the throughput was significantly improved by nearly an order of magnitude compared to that without electrophoresis. In addition, it was also found that the long-duration signals that could interfere with discrimination were significantly reduced. This is because the strong electrophoresis flow inside the nanochannels prevents the molecules' adsorption near the electrodes. This single-molecule electrical measurement with nanochannel-integrated nano-gap electrodes by electrophoresis significantly improved the throughput of signal detection and identification accuracy. | 10.3390/mi11110982 |
pubmed_440_17316 | Objective
To identify the yellow family genes in Aedes aegypti and analyze the gene structure, phylogenetic evolution and their expression at various developmental stages and in different tissues.
Methods
The yellow gene family was identified in Ae. aegypti by blasting the Ae. aegypti genome database with the amino acid sequence of the MRJP domain of Dm-yellow gene of Drosophila melanogaster（GenBank No. AAF45497）. The physico-chemical property and domains were analyzed with the on-line ExPaSy software. The signal peptide was predicted using SignalP4.1 software. Sequence alignment and the phylogenetic tree were made through combined use of DNAstar, MEGA6.0 and GeneDoc. Total RNA was extracted from Ae. aegypti, cDNA was generated, and expression of the yellow family genes at various developmental stages （egg, first to fourth instar, pupa, non-blood-fed female and male mosquitoes） and in different tissues （salivary gland, midgut, fat body, and ovary） was quantified using qRT-PCR.
Results
Twelve yellow genes were identified from Ae. aegypti genome: Aa-yellow, Aa-yellow-b, Aa-yellow-c, Aa-yellow-d, Aa-yellow-e, Aa-yellow-f2, Aa-yellow-fb, Aa-yellow-fc, Aa-yellow-g, Aa-yellow-g2, Aa-yellow-h, and Aa-yellow-x. Bioinformatics demonstrated that all covered the MRJP domain and a signal peptide sequence. Sequence alignment revealed low （15%-49%） homology among the proteins, but high homology（60%） in the conserved domain. According to the phylogenetic tree analysis, the encoded 12 YELLOW proteins were classified into 5 subfamilies, and 11 had orthologues in D. melanogaster. qRT-PCR revealed high expression of Aa-yellow-d （0.018 9） and Aa-yellow-x （0.023 5） in male Ae. aegypti （P<0.01 or P<0.05）; high expression of Aa-yellow-fc （0.024 8, 0.034 9） in female Ae. aegypti and in the salivary gland （P<0.01）; high expression of Aa-yellow-f2 （0.093 4） in the second instar stage （P<0.01）; high expression of Aa-yellow （0.562 1）, Aa-yellow-e （0.004 4）, and Aa-yellow-fb （0.008 4） in the third instar stage （P<0.05）; and high expression of Aa-yellow （0.569 4）, Aa-yellow-e （0.027 0）, Aa-yellow-f2 （0.006 5）, Aa-yellow-fb （0.001 0）, Aa-yellow-h （0.084 8） and Aa-yellow-x （0.015 1） in the ovary. Genes other than Aa-yellow-c （0.004 0） and Aa-yellow-x （0.007 4） were hardly expressed in the midgut.
Conclusion
The 12 yellow genes identified in the Ae. aegypti genome have low homology, and are differentially expressed at different developmental stages and in tissues. | pubmed_440_17316 |
pubmed_123_6535 | Carcinoma of the pancreas has a poor prognosis with a short survival time. Despite diagnostic advances, diagnosis is often delayed because early symptoms are frequently vague and non-specific. Symptomatic treatment is the only possibility in the large majority of patients with pancreatic cancer since curative surgical excision of the tumor is only possible in few cases. Symptoms managed, in the aim to improve the quality of life, include weight loss and anorexia, abdominal pain, jaundice secondary to biliary compression and digestives consequences of pancreatic surgery. Anorexia is a frequent complaint in patients with pancreatic cancer, and contributes to decreased caloric intake, weight loss and malnutrition. Patients who are unable to eat, due to obstruction or dysfunctional gastrointestinal tract, may benefit from enteral or parenteral nutrition. Patients whose main reason to not obtain adequate food intake is anorexia may benefit from recently developed pharmacologic strategies. Megestrol acetate often produce an improvement in appetite and weight gain in patients with advanced cancer. Jaundice can be treated by surgical biliary drainage or better still by palliative biliary endoprosthesis. Percutaneous transhepatic or endocopic biliary drainage are now well established methods for decompressing malignant biliary obstruction. Pain occurs in 80-85% of patients with advanced disease. Abdominal pain should be treated by oral non-narcotic analgesics, or, if necessary, potent narcotic analgesics, and sometimes by percutaneous block of the celiac ganglion, splancnicectomy or abdominal radiotherapy. Celiac plexus block with alcohol is the most common and well described therapy for the specific pain from carcinoma of the pancreas. Digestive consequences of pancreatic surgery also require symptomatic treatment. | pubmed_123_6535 |
pubmed_1089_24357 | BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Freeze-dried powdered yacon (FDY) can be considered a prebiotic product due to its fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content. The effect of 9 weeks of daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS on glucose, lipid metabolism and intestinal transit in a group of elderly people was investigated.
METHODS
Seventy-two elderly (mean age 67.11 ± 6.11) men and women were studied for 9 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. They were randomly assigned to the supplement group (which received 7.4 g of FOS as FDY) or the control group. At the beginning and end of the study, anthropometric measurements, blood sampling, clinical analyses and dietary intake were assessed.
RESULTS
A daily intake of FDY containing 7.4 g of FOS for 9 weeks was associated with a mean decrease in serum glucose (p = 0.013), but supplementation did not reduce serum lipids in the study group. The administered dose did not adversely affect intestinal transit. It did not cause bloating, flatulence or intestinal discomfort.
CONCLUSION
Freeze-dried powdered yacon is a good source of FOS, and daily consumption can have a favourable effect on serum glucose in the elderly. It is also practical, easy and safe to use and store. | 10.1007/s00394-013-0648-x |
pubmed_646_6327 | Fast neutrons have been used in the clinical radiation therapy of tumors largely because of experimental evidence that their cytotoxic effects are much less dependent on oxygen levels than those of low-LET photons. The potential therapeutic advantage of fast neutrons based on hypoxia alone can be calculated as the "hypoxic gain factor", which is the ratio of the OERs for the fast-neutron compared to the photon beams. The hypoxic gain factor that is generally anticipated based on studies with established mammalian cell lines is about 1.6. However, surprisingly few studies have examined the influence of hypoxia on the fast-neutron radiosensitivity of human tumor cells of different histological types. For this reason, we have determined the OERs of five human tumor cell lines exposed to 62.5 MeV (p-->Be) cyclotron-generated fast neutrons or 4 MeV photons from a clinical linear accelerator. The OERs for four chemotherapy-naive cell lines, HT29/5, Hep2, HeLa and RT112, were invariably greater for photons than for neutrons, but all of these values were lower than expected on the basis of the previous literature. Despite their low OERs, these cell lines showed hypoxic gain factors that were within the range of 1.31-1.63, indicating that such effects cannot entirely explain the disappointing clinical results obtained with fast neutrons. In contrast, comparison of the surviving fractions at clinically relevant doses (1.6 Gy of neutrons and 2.0 Gy of photons) for these four tumor cell lines suggested that little benefit should result from neutron treatment. Only the cisplatin-resistant OAW42-CP line showed a significant hypoxic gain factor by this method of analysis. We conclude that, at the dose fractions used in clinical radiation therapy, there may not be a radiobiological precedent for higher local control rates after fast-neutron irradiation of hypoxic tumor cells. | 10.1667/0033-7587(2000)154[0054:tiohot]2.0.co;2 |
pubmed_83_11829 | The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether additive manufactory technology through the use of 3D mandible and skull cast models can provide additional support to the virtual surgical planning for patients affected by unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH). This study describes 2 patients affected by active UCH. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were converted in STL files and then sent to a 3D printer that provided 3D cast models of patient's mandible and skull. Surgical planning was conducted performing linear measurement both on 3D virtual images and on 3D cast models. Proportional condylectomy was then simulated with the virtual software and on the 3D cast models as well. After 18 months, new CBCT scans of the patients were acquired and new 3D cast models were printed. Measurements performed on the 3D cast models were close and reliable if compared to measurements obtained on 3D virtual images. None of the patients underwent further surgeries obtaining stable results in terms of symmetry. 3D printing technologies have a relevant support for a more accurate planning and surgical treatment in UCH. | 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006733 |
pubmed_434_20882 | This paper describes the work being carried out at Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) in Mexico City with regard to the continuous evaluation and updating of the Biomedical Engineering (BME) curriculum. In particular the courses regarded as part of the BME basic branch are reduced and new sets of elective subjects are proposed in order to bring closer the research work at UAM with the subjects in the BME curriculum. Special emphasis is placed on subjects dealing with Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Health economics, as this branch of the BME discipline is quite promising in Mexico, but there are very few professionals in the field with adequate qualifications. | 10.1109/IEMBS.2010.5626160 |
pubmed_318_3883 | A model is developed which requires the binding of 4 Na+ to a carrier before a Ca binding site is induced on the opposite side of the membrane. Upon binding Ca, this carrier translocates Na and Ca. The existence of partially Na-loaded but nonmobile forms for the carrier (NaX, Na2X, Na3X) suffices to explain both the activating and the inhibitory effects of Na on the Ca transport reaction. Analytical expressions for Ca efflux and influx in terms of [Na]o, [Na]i, [Ca]o, [Ca]i, and Em are developed for the Na/Ca exchange system at equilibrium; these provide for a quantitative description of Ca fluxes. Under nonequilibrium conditions, appropriate modifications of the flux equations can be developed. These show a dependence of Ca efflux on [Ca]o and of Ca influx on [Ca]i. The large effect of internal ATP on Ca efflux and influx in squid axons, with no change in net Ca flux, can be understood on the single assumption that ATP changes the affinity of the carrier for Na at both faces of the membrane without providing an energy input to the transport reaction. | 10.1085/jgp.70.6.681 |
pubmed_954_13107 | INTRODUCTION
Class III and IV are the most ominous among the classes of lupus nephritis (LN) and there are contradictory reports on whether LN class IV-G (global) differs from LN class IV-S (segmental) as envisaged by the International Society of Nephrology and the Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) 2003 classification. These subcategories are not validated for LN class III. This study was designed to assess the differences between global and segmental subclasses in classes III and IV of LN.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In a retrospective analysis, the kidney biopsies of 84 patients with new-onset LN were analyzed. The Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test were employed to compare differences between the means of continuous variables among the two groups. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the categorical variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered statitistically significant.
RESULTS
Of 84 patients, 69 (82.1%) were females and 15 (17.9%) males, with the female to male ratio of 4.6:1. The mean age of all patients was 32.7±12.6 years. The mean serum creatinine at the time of biopsy was 1.5±0.94 mg/dl and the mean urinary protein excretion was 1.6±1.9 g/day. Among 84 biopsies, 26(30.95%) belonged to class III and 37 (44.05%) to class IV LN. In class IV LN, serum creatinine was significantly higher in global vs. segmental subcategory (2.4±1 vs. 1.1±0.5 mg/dl; p=0.034), while. 24-h proteinuria was not significantly different between the subcategories (2.7±1.2 vs. 3.1±1.0 g/d, p=0.56). In LN class III, the mean age, serum creatinine and 24-hour proteinuria did not show significant difference between the global and segmental subcategories (37±17 vs. 30±15 years, p=0.58; 1.2±0.2 vs. 1.25±0.6 mg/dl, p=0.66; 2.03±0.5 vs. 3.1±3.5 g/day, p=0.45, respectively). The proportion of glomeruli showing endocapillary proliferation was significantly higher in global than in segmental subclasses (94.25% vs. 5.72; p=0.026) in class IV LN. The activity and chronicity percent also revealed higher values in global subclass vs. segmental subclass of class IV LN (p=0.038 and p=0.045, respectively). These parameters were not significantly different among the global and segmental subcategories of class III LN (p>0.5 for all parameters).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our study showed significant differences in renal function and some pathological features on renal biopsies among the global and segmental subclasses of class IV LN. There were no significant differences among these subclasses of class III LN. Further, and larger studies are needed on this subject to substantiate the above results. | pubmed_954_13107 |
pubmed_980_25432 | Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has undergone extensive biomechanical and clinical study. Systematic review of biomechanical studies has shown that SCR functions to depress the humeral head and improve the glenohumeral register, which provides proof of concept. Clinical studies have shown the short-term effectiveness of SCR, but this is influenced by graft type and thickness, as well as surgical technique. These studies are mostly flawed because follow-up is brief, postoperative imaging is often lacking, and the results may not be generalizable. Multiple systematic reviews pooling the results of these various clinical studies have mostly produced diluted conclusions that are not clinically helpful. To date, there is a dearth of comparative studies to help guide the selection of SCR over other treatment options such as subacromial balloon spacer, partial repair with or without augmentation, tendon transfer, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, or even continued nonoperative care. Additionally, SCR is a salvage operation rather than an expedient alternative to careful mobilization of a rotator cuff tear for primary repair. Ultimately, large-scale, long-term imaging-based comparative clinical studies, rather than additional systematic clinical or biomechanical reviews, must provide the evidence needed to determine the precise indications and optimal technique for SCR. | 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.11.015 |
pubmed_15_4363 | Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone. Except for the improvement in five-year survival achieved by the adoption of neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy, there are nearly no improvement for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the past 30 years, especially for the patients with metastatic disease. Immunotherapy has been successfully applied in some tumors. The survival of osteosarcoma patients enrolled in several clinical immunotherapy trials did be improved in the past. Immunotherapy might further improve the therapy result of osteosarcoma patients besides neoadjuvant chemotherapy. But there still are many problems needed to be solved before clinically successful application. Immune escape is one of the main obstacles hindering the immunotherapy for osteosarcoma. No effective tumor antigens, or in other words, attenuated immunogenicity is one of the main mechanisms of immune escape. So the key point of immunotherapy for osteosarcoma is to find out an effective target through which the immune system can recognize this tumor and attack it. Genetic modification of immune system may circumvent this problem by enhancing the capacity of immune system. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), an artificial receptor generated by genetic manipulation, is a promising technique. The CAR technique can circumvent the restriction of major histocompatibility in antigen recognition for T cells, and is more effective than the corresponding antibody to get rid of tumor cells. But short persistence of the CAR expressing T cells in vivo is the main problem of CAR technique in current research. This problem is believed to have some relation to the immunogenicity of the artificial receptor because the antigen recognizing portion of receptor is derived from monoclonal antibody. So we believe that the elimination of the immunogenicity of CAR might prolong the persistence of CAR expressing T cells in vivo and put forward a hypothesis that the antigen binding portion of CAR could be derived from the antibody against osteosarcoma antigen from the same patient with osteosarcoma by methods such as antibody phage display, BRASIL technique. We believe that CAR expressing T cells constructed by this strategy would persist longer and are more effective to eradicate osteosarcoma cells. In addition, this treatment strategy is an individualized treatment because an effective target specific to the CAR could be found. Therefore the immune escape of osteosarcoma would be surmounted and the survival of patients would be improved. | 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.01.038 |
pubmed_689_7822 | Type 2 diabetes rates continue to rise unabated, underscoring the need to better understand the etiology and potential therapeutic options available for this disease. The gut microbiome plays a role in glucose homeostasis, and diabetes is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. Given that consumption of a Western diet is associated with increased metabolic disease, and that a Western diet alters the gut microbiome, it is plausible that changes in the gut microbiota mediate the dysregulation in glucose homeostasis. In this review, we highlight a few of the most significant mechanisms by which the gut microbiome can influence glucose regulation, including changes in gut permeability, gut-brain signaling, and production of bacteria-derived metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids. A better understanding of these pathways could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to target the gut microbiome in order to restore glucose homeostasis in metabolic disease. | 10.1146/annurev-med-042220-012821 |
pubmed_239_10160 | OBJECTIVE
To study the association of meal patterns and timing with central obesity to identify the best dietary strategies to deal with the increasing obesity prevalence.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional study performed on data from a representative sample of the Spanish population. Height and waist circumference were measured using standardized procedures and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. The sample was divided into those without central obesity (WHtR<0·5) and those with central obesity (WHtR≥0·5).
SETTING
ANIBES ('Anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain') Study.
SUBJECTS
Adults aged 18-64 years (n 1655; 798 men and 857 women).
RESULTS
A higher percentage of people ate more than four meals daily in the group without central obesity and those with central obesity more frequently skipped the mid-afternoon snack than those without. Breakfasts containing >25 % of total energy intake and lunches containing >35 % of total energy intake were associated with increased likelihood of central obesity (OR=1·874, 95 % CI 1·019, 3·448; P15 % of total energy were associated with decreased likelihood of central obesity (OR=0·477, 95 % CI 0·313, 0·727; P<0·001 and OR=0·650, 95 % CI 0·453, 0·932; P<0·05, respectively). The variety of cereals, wholegrain cereals and dairy was higher in the population without central obesity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that 'what and when we eat' should be considered dietary strategies to reduce central obesity. | 10.1017/S1368980017000635 |
pubmed_915_14281 | Understanding new theories of the epidemiology of Charcot neuroarthropathy is practice changing. Treatment of Charcot neuroarthropathy is evolving from a passive approach to one that sees the urgency of proactive, early recognition, thereby avoiding the cascading events that lead to the complex, limb-threatening deformities. Preventive medicine is the most efficient at avoiding severe deformity, with prolonged offloading and immobilization as the current mainstay of treatment. However, with recent advancements in medical and surgical modalities, this may become the treatment of the past as clinicians begin to favor medical management and early surgical intervention. | 10.1016/j.cpm.2019.07.002 |
pubmed_396_17160 | Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is an important ligand for the high density lipoprotein (HDL) scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). SR-BI binds both free and lipoprotein-associated apoA-I, but the effects of particle size, composition, and apolipoprotein conformation on HDL binding to SR-BI are not understood. We have studied the effect of apoA-I conformation on particle binding using native HDL and reconstituted HDL particles of defined composition and size. SR-BI expressed in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells was shown to bind human HDL(2) with greater affinity than HDL(3), suggesting that HDL size, composition, and possibly apolipoprotein conformation influence HDL binding to SR-BI. To discriminate between these factors, SR-BI binding was studied further using reconstituted l-alpha-palmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylcholine-containing HDL particles having identical components and equal amounts of apoA-I, but differing in size (7.8 vs. 9.6 nm in diameter) and apoA-I conformation. The affinity of binding to SR-BI was significantly greater (50-fold) for the larger (9.6-nm) particle than for the 7.8-nm particle. We conclude that differences in apoA-I conformation in different-sized particles markedly influence apoA-I recognition by SR-BI. Preferential binding of larger HDL particles to SR-BI would promote productive selective cholesteryl ester uptake from larger cholesteryl ester-rich HDL over lipid-poor HDL. | pubmed_396_17160 |
pubmed_269_4169 | OBJECTIVE
To clarify variations in the relationship between high-frequency activities (HFAs) and low-frequency bands from the tonic to the clonic phase in focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS), using phase-amplitude coupling.
METHODS
This retrospective study enrolled six patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who underwent intracranial electrode placement at Osaka University Hospital (July 2018-July 2019). We recorded 11 FBTCS. The synchronization index (SI) and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to analyze the coupling between HFA amplitude (80-250 Hz) and lower frequencies phase.
RESULTS
In the tonic phase, the θ (4-8 Hz)-HFA coupling peaked, and the HFA power occurred at baseline (0 μV) of θ oscillations. In contrast, in the clonic phase, the δ (2-4 Hz)-HFA coupling peaked, and the HFA power occurred at the trough of δ oscillations. ROC analysis indicated that the δ-HFA SI discriminated well the clonic from the tonic phase.
CONCLUSIONS
The main low-frequency band modulating the HFA shifted from the θ band in the tonic phase to the δ band in the clonic phase.
SIGNIFICANCE
Neurophysiological key frequency bands were implied to be the θ band and δ band in tonic and clonic seizures, respectively, which improves our understanding of FBTCS. | 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.02.015 |
pubmed_64_7900 | Lipedema is an infrequently recognized disorder. It is characterized by bilateral painful enlargement of the legs due to abnormal depositions of subcutaneous fat, that can result in considerable disability. The diagnosis is established on the basis of medical history and clinical findings. Early diagnosis of this disorder is necessary to start adapted management and prevent progression and complications of the disease. Currently there is no curative treatment. The conservative treatment requires a multidimensional approach including manual lymph drainage, compression garments and management or prevention of obesity as well as other comorbidities. In some cases, surgery may be considered. | pubmed_64_7900 |
pubmed_872_10808 | BACKGROUND
Major surgery is frequently associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients. Type of surgery and hospitalization may be important prognostic factors. The aims of the study were to find the incidence and risk factors for POCD in elderly patients undergoing minor surgery.
METHODS
We enrolled 372 patients aged greater than 60 years scheduled for minor surgery under general anesthesia. According to local practice, patients were allocated to either in- (199) or out-patient (173) care. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively and 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined using Z-score analysis.
RESULTS
At 7 days, the incidence (confidence interval) of POCD in patients undergoing minor surgery was 6.8% (4.3-10.1). At 3 months the incidence of POCD was 6.6% (4.1-10.0). Logistic regression analysis identified the following significant risk factors: age greater than 70 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.8 [1.7-8.7], P = 0.01) and in- vs. out-patient surgery (OR: 2.8 [1.2-6.3], P = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
Our finding of less cognitive dysfunction in the first postoperative week in elderly patients undergoing minor surgery on an out-patient basis supports a strategy of avoiding hospitalization of older patients when possible. | 10.1046/j.1399-6576.2003.00238.x |
pubmed_134_20816 | To explore the potential role that load-induced fluid flow plays as a mechano-transduction mechanism in bone adaptation, a lacunar-canalicular scale bone poroelasticity model is developed and implemented. The model uses micromechanics to homogenize the pericanalicular bone matrix, a system of straight circular cylinders in the bone matrix through which bone fluids can flow, as a locally anisotropic poroelastic medium. In this work, a simplified two-dimensional model of a periodic array of lacunae and their surrounding systems of canaliculi is used to quantify local fluid flow characteristics in the vicinity of a single lacuna. When the cortical bone model is loaded, microscale stress, and strain concentrations occur in the vicinity of individual lacunae and give rise to microscale spatial variations in the pore fluid pressure field. Furthermore, loading of the bone matrix containing canaliculi generates fluid pressures in the contained fluids. Consequently, loading of cortical bone induces fluid flow in the canaliculi and exchange of fluid between canaliculi and lacunae. For realistic bone morphology parameters, and a range of loading frequencies, fluid pressures and fluid-solid drag forces in the canalicular bone are computed and the associated energy dissipation in the models compared to that measured in physical in vitro experiments on human cortical bone. The proposed model indicates that deformation-induced fluid pressures in the lacunar-canalicular system have relaxation times on the order of milliseconds as opposed to the much shorter times (hundredths of milliseconds) associated with deformation-induced pressures in the Haversian system. | 10.1007/s10439-005-8959-6 |
pubmed_634_17996 | Non-linear mechanical responses observed in networks of many biopolymers such as pectin are important for their functioning as biological systems. Additionally, pectins derived from plant sources are also used for several food and biomedical applications. In the present work, the possible contributions of egg-box bundles in the large deformation response of calcium crosslinked gels of low methoxy pectin are explored using large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS). The gels exhibit a significant overshoot in the loss modulus (G'') and intra-cycle strain-stiffening, more prominent at greater extents of egg-box bundling. This observation signifies the dissipation characteristics of the egg-box bundles in pectin gels, hitherto not reported. The observed non-linear signatures diminish when the extent of bundling as well as the bundle radius decreases below a critical value. We identify different pectin/Ca concentration regimes based on the semi-flexible/flexible nature of the gel network and the non-linear signatures. Monovalent salt addition prior to crosslinking is shown to modify the extent of bundling, thereby influencing the magnitude of G'' overshoot and strain-stiffening. The intensity of the G'' overshoot and the extent of strain-stiffening are correlated with the radius of the egg-box bundles obtained from small angle neutron scattering (SANS) data. However, analysis using strain-stiffening models indicates the possible contributions from the semi-flexible nature of egg-box bundles and single chains. | 10.1039/c9sm00709a |
pubmed_804_8430 | A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment methods. Here, we present such a model by tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, which can be produced by rapid cardiac pacing in swine. A single pacing lead is introduced transvenously into fully anaesthetized healthy swine, to the apex of the right ventricle, and fixated. Its other end is then tunneled dorsally to the paravertebral region. There, it is connected to an in-house modified heart pacemaker unit that is then implanted in a subcutaneous pocket. After 4 - 8 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing at rates of 200 - 240 beats/min, physical examination revealed signs of severe heart failure - tachypnea, spontaneous sinus tachycardia, and fatigue. Echocardiography and X-ray showed dilation of all heart chambers, effusions, and severe systolic dysfunction. These findings correspond well to decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy and are also preserved after the cessation of pacing. This model of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy can be used for studying the pathophysiology of progressive chronic heart failure, especially hemodynamic changes caused by new treatment modalities like mechanical circulatory supports. This methodology is easy to perform and the results are robust and reproducible. | 10.3791/57030 |
pubmed_91_13095 | Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and die more frequently from infection than any other cause. Their sera do not promote the phagocytosis of pneumococci normally, apparently because of an inability to utilize the alternate pathway for C3 fixation as a means of opsonization. The splenic dysfunction which exists in SCD may result in depressed synthesis of alternate pathway factor(s), as well as in decreased phagocytic clearance of bacteria. | pubmed_91_13095 |
pubmed_528_1386 | Mechanical forces generated by prosthetic heart devices (artificial valves, artificial hearts, ventricular assist devices) have been known to cause damage and destruction of erythrocytes. Turbulent flow within such devices generates shear stresses and can induce cell damage. Current models of cell damage rate utilize only the power input per unit mass as a modeling parameter. A stirred-tank reactor provides for a more extensive characterization of turbulence through eddy scale calculations. Through a simplified model, turbulence can be characterized by evaluating the Kolmogorov microscale. Our analysis of erythrocyte rupture in a stirred tank reactor suggests that parameters such as eddy wavelength and eddy velocity may better characterize and model the turbulent damage. Further, hemolysis of red blood cells by turbulent effects has been shown to have a fixed rate for constant levels of power input. Damage inflicted on the remaining, intact erythrocytes (sublethal damage) was evaluated by exposure to turbulence followed by osmotic fragility (OF) testing. Logistic models were fit to the OF data indicating a significant osmotic sensitivity in the sublethal damaged population between control and turbulence-exposed cells (chi(2) test; p < 0.001). This susceptibility indicates a significant cell population more susceptible to destruction as a result of turbulent exposure. This work has therefore helped identify optimization parameters for evaluating cell damage potential when engineering cardiovascular prosthetic devices. | 10.1007/s10439-007-9387-6 |
pubmed_614_16182 | OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to determine qualitative pancreatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that must be present to predict abnormal pancreatic secretory function in patients evaluated for chronic pancreatitis (CP).
METHODS
The MRIs of study subjects were reviewed by 2 abdominal radiologists; qualitative parenchyma and ductal features were recorded. Endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) results (reference standard) were classified as normal (peak pancreatic fluid bicarbonate [HCO3-] ≥75 meq/L) or abnormal (<75). Abnormal ePFT was further classified as mild/moderate (74-65) and marked deficiency (<65). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between MRI features and abnormal ePFT.
RESULTS
The study cohort was composed of 93 subjects, mean age 49 years (range, 18-78 years), 65% females. Univariate analysis identified 9 qualitative MRI features significantly (P < 0.05) associated with abnormal pancreatic secretory function. Number of MRI features increases as peak pancreatic fluid [HCO3-] decreases (Pearson r = -0.629; P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined that a threshold of 6 or more associated MRI features 64% sensitive and 94% specific for marked bicarbonate deficiency.
CONCLUSIONS
Qualitative MRI parenchymal and ductal features are associated with CP. Presence of 6 or more features results in a higher specificity for the diagnosis of CP in advanced disease. | 10.1097/MPA.0000000000000466 |
pubmed_292_9819 | The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) restores hearing in patients with damaged auditory nerves. One of the main ideas to improve the efficacy of ABIs is to increase spatial specificity of stimulation, in order to minimize extra-auditory side-effects and to maximize the tonotopy of stimulation. This study reports on the development of a microfabricated conformable electrode array with small (100 μm diameter) electrode sites. The latter are coated with a conducting polymer, PEDOT:PSS, to offer high charge injection properties and to safely stimulate the auditory system with small stimulation sites. We report on the design and fabrication of the polymer implant, and characterize the coatings in physiological conditions in vitro and under mechanical deformation. We characterize the coating electrochemically and during bending tests. We present a proof of principle experiment where the auditory system is efficiently activated by the flexible polymeric interface in a rat model. These results demonstrate the potential of using conducting polymer coatings on small electrode sites for electrochemically safe and efficient stimulation of the central auditory system. | 10.1039/c5tb00099h |
pubmed_414_3949 | Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), known as hypersensitive pneumonitis, causes interstitial lung involvement by inhaled antigen. The clinical presentation of the disease has been defined as acute, subacute and chronic. The most often symptoms of the acute form of the disease are flu-like symptoms, dyspnoe and cough. The progressive dyspnoe in particullary is characterized for the chronic form of EAA. Dyspnoe is worsed, if the disease is combinied with usual respiratory infection or reexposition of inhaled antigen. It seems the diagnostic definition of EAA should be easy and prevalence of EAA relative high. The disease belongs to the group of interstitial lung diseases and it is underestimated as a matter of fact. The clinic, radiographic, laboratory and histologic abnormalities are results of inhaled antigen contact and support the diagnosis of EAA. Specific IgG antibodies against the offending antigen along with them are consedered to be detected (established) of EAA. | pubmed_414_3949 |
pubmed_33_316 | In this study, the original Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method was used for the extraction of imidacloprid and pyrimethanil followed by a rapid clean-up through dispersive solid-phase extraction technique with primary secondary amine sorbent and magnesium sulfate in shallot. Residues were analyzed using LC-tandem mass spectrometry in positive-ion electrospray ionization mode. The limits of detection and quantification were estimated to be 0.006 and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. The samples were fortified at two different concentration levels (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg), and the recoveries ranged between 79.7 and 83.9% with relative standard deviation values < 6%. The method was successfully applied for the establishment of the pre-harvest residue limits (PHRL). The rate of disappearance of imidacloprid and pyrimethanil on shallot was described with first-order kinetics (imidacloprid, y(2) = 0.9670; pyrimethanil, y(2) = 0.9841), with half-lives of 2.87 and 2.08 days, respectively. Based on the dissipation patterns of the pesticide residues, the PHRL was recommended at 7.86 mg/kg for 14 days (PHRL14 ) and 1.98 mg/kg for 7 days (PHRL7 ) before harvest for imidacloprid, and 21.64 mg/kg for 7 days (PHRL7 ) and 9.28 mg/kg for 4 days (PHRL4 ) before harvest for pyrimethanil in shallot. | 10.1002/bmc.2812 |
pubmed_711_6739 | Although castration of male pigs grown for meat production has long been a commercial practice in order to eliminate an undesirable odor emanating from the meat upon heating, intact males (boars) grow faster, utilize feed more efficiently and produce leaner carcasses. This review outlines the biochemical pathways of steroid hormone formation in the pig, placing special emphasis on the C19-delta 16-steroids, which have been shown to produce the "urine- or perspiration-like" odor of boar meat. Analytical methods currently available for quantitation of the C19-delta 16-steroids are also reviewed, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked-immuno-absorbent-assays (ELISA). Finally, methods for preventing boar odor are discussed, such as environmental methods of rearing boars, genetic selection against boar odor and autoimmunization against C19-delta 16-steroids. Autoimmunization techniques appear to offer the most promise for inhibiting production of the compounds responsible for boar odor in male pigs raised for meat production, while still maintaining the advantages of improved efficiency and greater leanness. | 10.2527/jas1986.623632x |
pubmed_448_23971 | In many mammalian species, including pigs, heat stress (HS) detrimentally leads to epithelium damage and increases intestinal permeability. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not thoroughly investigated yet. This study aimed to examine the RIP1/RIP3-ERK1/2 signaling pathway that regulates the expression of tight junction proteins in HS-treated pigs. In in vitro cultured intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), HS induced the expression of tight junction proteins, ZO-1, claudin-1, and claudin-4, that are regulated by the ERK1/2-MAPK signaling pathway. Further, high expression of HSP70 in IPEC-J2 cells induced a significant decrease in receptor-interacting protein 1/3 (RIP1/3), phosphorylated ERK, and tight junction protein claudin-1 (P < 0.05). Necrostatin-1 (A selective inhibitor of RIPK1) suppressed the upregulation of phosphorylated ERK1/2 induced by HS, indicating that the RIP1/RIP3 regulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation in IPEC-J2 under heat stress. In addition, HS significantly damaged the intestinal morphology characterized by reduction of villus length and crypt depth in in vivo porcine model. Moreover, the expression of tight junction, ZO-1, and claudin-4 were downregulated, whereas phosphorylated p38 and ERK1/2 were upregulated in the duodenum of heat-stressed pigs. Interestingly, a decrease in ZO-1 and claudin-1 was observed in the colon, where phosphorylated ERK1/2 was similar to that in the duodenum. Our results demonstrate that RIP1/RIP3-ERK1/2 signaling pathway regulates the expression of tight junction proteins in HS-pigs. This finding further advances the intestinal barrier function's underlying mechanisms associated with signaling regulation. | 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103103 |
pubmed_255_5419 | St. John Hospital and Medical Center found itself with an increasing volume of indigent and low-income patients who had few or no resources with which to purchase prescription medications. With funding cutbacks in various federal, state, and local programs, the hospital's pharmaceutical resources had diminished to the point at which it could only occasionally meet a patient's needs. The Indigent Pharmaceutical Fund was established in 1992. Once a staff member from the hospital's Social Work and Discharge Planning Department has exhausted all patient or community resources, he or she requests assistance for a patient. In the first year of operation, the fund assisted 278 patients at a cost of just under $5,000. | pubmed_255_5419 |
pubmed_695_7350 | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease and a significant burden worldwide. The clinical symptoms of this disease include progressive dyspnea, cough, expectoration, and wheezing, among others. At present, the primary focus has been on reducing the frequency of acute exacerbations and improving lung function and dyspnea symptoms, and limited attention has been paid to cough and expectoration symptoms, which may be associated with a decrease in lung function, more acute exacerbations, and hospitalizations. Therefore, this outcomes in patients with COPD. | 10.1080/15412555.2020.1856803 |
pubmed_643_10856 | Extranodal involvement in Kikuchi's disease is uncommon. A 31-year-old previously healthy Indian woman was admitted with high grade fever, multiple joint pain and skin rash for 3 weeks. She had negative anti-nuclear antibodies and had features of Kikuchi's disease on lymph node biopsy. She also had multiple extranodal manifestations including erythematous maculopapular rash, symmetric polyarthritis and hepatosplenomegaly. Kikuchi's disease with extranodal involvement can clinically mimic diseases like hematological malignancies, connective tissue disorders and certain infections. A lymph node biopsy plays a crucial role in making an accurate diagnosis by excluding other diseases. A discussion on the importance of differentiating Kikuchi's disease from systemic lupus erythematosus is included. | 10.4081/reumatismo.2019.1130 |
pubmed_638_11610 | PURPOSE
Bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) is considered necessary to provide effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Occasionally, only unilateral embolization is performed, and this study evaluates these outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
As part of a prospective observational study of more than 1600 patients treated with UAE since 1996, there have been 48 patients in whom unilateral embolization has been performed. This study retrospectively reviews clinical response as assessed by our standard questionnaire and radiological response assessed by either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound.
RESULTS
Two principal groups emerged: the largest, where only the dominant unilateral arterial supply was electively embolized (30 patients); and the second, where there was technical failure to catheterize the second uterine artery as a result of anatomical constraints (12 patients). Favorable clinical response with a reduction in menorrhagia at 1 year was seen in 85.7% (18/21) of those patients with a dominant arterial supply to the fibroid(s). In contrast, in those patients where there was technical failure to embolize one uterine artery, there was a high rate of clinical failure requiring further intervention in 58.3% (7/12). Comparison of the technical failure group with the dominant uterine artery group demonstrated a statistically significant (Fisher's exact test) difference in the proportion of patients with evidence of persistent fibroid vascularity (p < 0.001) and requiring repeat intervention (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
We conclude that unilateral UAE can achieve a positive clinical result in the group of patients where there is a dominant unilateral artery supplying the fibroid(s), in contrast to the poor results seen following technical failure. | 10.1007/s00270-007-9092-8 |
pubmed_895_10591 | It is practical value for determination the teenagers whether the age is full of the legal responsibility age of 18 years old or not by estimating skeletal age of sternal end of clavicle. The traditional methods mainly based on X-ray radiography. However, sternal end of clavicle and adjacent lung, bronchus, sternum, rib, transverse process of thoracic vertebra are overlapped each other. As a result of overlapping, there will be obtained false negative or positive film reading results when according to X-ray observation of epiphyseal growth of sternal end of clavicle, which directly affect the scientificalness and accuracy of estimating of skeletal age. In recent years, the scholars at home and abroad have started to use thin layer CT scan technology to estimate skeletal age of the sternal end of clavicle. With the 2D and 3D CT recombination technology, the accuracy of the film reading distinctly improves by making the shape, size and position of epiphysis displayed clearly. This article reviews the application and research progress of thin layer CT scanning technology in estimating skeletal age of sternal end of clavicle at home and abroad, analyzes the superiority and value of thin layer CT scan technology, which applied to skeletal age of sternal end of clavicle. | pubmed_895_10591 |
pubmed_1045_13540 | We used sequence variation of the atpB- rbcL intergenic spacer of cpDNA and nested clade analysis to assess the phylogeographic pattern of Michelia formosana, a species restricted to Taiwan and the Ryukyus. In total, 31 haplotypes were identified and clustered into four major chlorotypes. Genetic composition of nearly all populations was heterogeneous and paraphyletic phylogenetically. Although the apportionment of cpDNA variation hardly revealed a geographic pattern due to the coancestry of dominant sequences, some chlorotypes were restrictedly distributed. According to the patterns of clade dispersion and displacement, a reconstructed minimum spanning network revealed that historical events of past fragmentation and range expansion, associated with glaciation, may have shaped the phylogeographic patterns of M. formosana. Four possible refugia were identified: the Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands (the southern Ryukyus), Wulai (northern Taiwan), and Nanjen (southern Taiwan), on the basis of the interior positions of their haplotypes in the network and the high level of nucleotide diversity. Given insufficient time for coalescence at the cpDNA locus since the late Pleistocene recolonization, lineage sorting led to low levels of genetic differentiation among populations. In contrast, hierarchical examination of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data scored from six populations across three geographical regions, using an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), indicated high genetic differentiation both among populations (Phi(ST) = 0.471) and among regions (Phi(CT) = 0.368). An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) tree of the RAPD fingerprints revealed that populations of two offshore islands of eastern Taiwan ( M. formosana var. kotoensis) were clustered with geographically remote populations of the Ryukyus instead of those in southern Taiwan, suggesting some historical division due to geographic barriers of the central mountain range. In contrast to the paraphyly of the nearly neutral cpDNA alleles, differentiated RAPDs may have experienced diversifying selection. | 10.1007/s102650200026 |
pubmed_622_2654 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of Shenfu Injection (SF) on cytokines during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants.
METHODS
Twenty-four infants with congenital heart disease, aged below three years, were randomly assigned to the control group and the SF group equally. In the SF group, 1 mL/kg of SF was given through center vein pump after center vein puncture being performed, while only normal saline was given instead in the control group. Blood sample was obtained for measurement of serum necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration by ELISA, at various time points in the process, i.e. right after anesthesia induction (T1), beginning of CPB (T2), aortic off-clamping (T3), 20 min after CPB (T4), the end of CPB (T5), and 6 h (T6) and 24 h (T7) after CPB.
RESULTS
The time for reverting to sinus heart rhythm and analepsia after CPB was shorter in the SF group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum concentration of TNF-a and IL-6 was equal in the two groups at T1; they increased significantly after CPB (P < 0.05), reached the peak value at T4 and reduced to the normal level at T7 in the control group. TNF-alpha concentration was significantly lower at T3, T4 and T5, and IL-6 concentration was lower at T4 in the SF group than that in the control group at corresponding time point (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
SF could shorten the time for reverting to sinus heart rhythm and analepsia after CPB in infants, and suppress the inflammatory response caused by CPB. | pubmed_622_2654 |
pubmed_1115_19841 | BACKGROUND
In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), low-calcium dialysate (LCD) has been proposed as the first choice for a better control of renal osteodystrophy. Our aim was to compare the effects on bone metabolism of LCD (calcium: 1.25 mmol/l) with that of a standard calcium dialysate (SCD; calcium: 1.75 mmol/l).
METHODS
Forty-four PD patients were randomized to receive LCD or continue on SCD for a period of 12 months. Bone biopsies were taken at baseline and at 12 months. Biochemical data and treatment were evaluated every 3 months.
RESULTS
Twenty-four patients completed the study. In the SCD group (n = 10), nine out of the 10 patients were initially diagnosed with adynamic bone lesion (ABL). After 1 year, six continued having ABL and three patients moved to high-turnover bone lesion (HTBL). The other patient, initially diagnosed with HTBL, changed to ABL. In the LCD group (n = 14), 10 patients were initially diagnosed with ABL. At 1 year, six of them continued having ABL and four patients changed to HTBL. Four patients were initially diagnosed with HTBL and did not change. Comparison between LCD and SCD groups showed an increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels starting at month 3 and a higher intake of calcium salts in the former group (P<0.01). Serum calcium, phosphate levels and bone histological outcome did not differ between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
LCD use for 1 year was associated with an increase in PTH levels, but did not lead to histological changes different from those observed in SCD group. The LCD solution allowed a higher oral intake of calcium salts with a satisfactory control of the serum Calcium-Phosphorus product. | 10.1093/ndt/gfh214 |
pubmed_698_12025 | Bacterial diarrhea can be classified into two clinical entities, noninflammatory diarrhea and inflammatory diarrhea syndromes. The latter type of diarrhea is characterized by bloody and puruloid mucus stool, and is often accompanied by fever, tenesmus, and severe abdominal pain. Pathogenic bacteria causing the inflammatory diarrhea syndrome include Salmonella, Vibrio, Shigella, enteroinvasive and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Chlamydia, and Clostridium difficile. The pathologic changes in the inflammatory diarrhea syndrome range from a superficial exudative enterocolitis to a transmural enterocolitis with overt ulceration. This syndrome is also designated as bacterial hemorrhagic enterocolitis because of its usual manifestation by bloody diarrhea. The diagnostic approach needs information on the patient's age, travel history, epidemiological associations, sexual practice, and medical history, including usage of antibiotics. Bacterial information can be obtained by microscopic study, culture, and the identification of specific bacterial toxins. Flexible colonoscopy with biopsy is useful for the differentiation of bacterial hemorrhagic enterocolitis from idiopathic ulcerative colitis and ischemic colitis. Physicians should be familiar with the diagnostic modalities used to detect the specific pathogens causing hemorrhagic bacterial enterocolitis; namely, bacterial culture, serology, histology, and nucleic acid technologies. | 10.1007/s005350300019 |
pubmed_28_5518 | Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in regulating global climate change, carbon and nutrient cycling in soils, and soil moisture. Organic matter (OM) additions to soils can affect the rate at which SOC is mineralized by microbes, with potentially important effects on SOC stocks. Understanding how pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) affects the cycling of native SOC (nSOC) and the soil microbes responsible for these effects is important for fire-affected ecosystems as well as for biochar-amended systems. We used an incubation trial with five different soils from National Ecological Observatory Network sites across the US and 13C-labelled 350°C corn stover PyOM and fresh corn stover OM to trace nSOC-derived CO2 emissions with and without PyOM and OM amendments. We used high-throughput sequencing of rRNA genes to characterize bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities and their response to PyOM and OM in soils that were previously stored at -80°C. We found that the effects of amendments on nSOC-derived CO2 reflected the unamended soil C status, where relative increases in C mineralization were greatest in low-C soils. OM additions produced much greater effects on nSOC-CO2 emissions than PyOM additions. Furthermore, the magnitude of microbial community composition change mirrored the magnitude of increases in nSOC-CO2, indicating a specific subset of microbes were likely responsible for the observed changes in nSOC mineralization. However, PyOM responders differed across soils and did not necessarily reflect a common "charosphere". Overall, this study suggests that soils that already have low SOC may be particularly vulnerable to short-term increases in SOC loss with OM or PyOM additions.Importance Soil organic matter (SOM) has an important role in global climate change, carbon and nutrient cycling in soils, and soil moisture dynamics. Understanding the processes that affect SOM stocks is important for managing these functions. Recently, understanding how fire-affected organic matter (or "pyrogenic" organic matter (PyOM)) affects existing SOM stocks has become increasingly important, both due to changing fire regimes, and to interest in "biochar" - pyrogenic organic matter that is produced intentionally for carbon management or as an agricultural soil amendment. We found that soils with less SOM were more prone to increased losses with PyOM (and fresh organic matter) additions, and that soil microbial communities changed more in soils that also had greater SOM losses with PyOM additions. This suggests that soils that already have low SOM content may be particularly vulnerable to short-term increases in SOM loss, and that a subset of the soil microbial community is likely responsible for these effects. | 10.1128/AEM.02555-20 |
pubmed_711_8031 | Normal levels and trends of cardiovascular disease risk factors in childhood have been well documented by numerous epidemiologic surveys. Expected levels of blood pressure, lipids and lipoproteins, and body size can be determined by the child's physician using race- and gender-specific grids. These grids allow for the identification and follow-up of children with high-risk profiles. Evidence of increased left ventricular mass and vascular changes in renal arteries in association with childhood blood pressure level along with atherosclerotic fatty streak and fibrous plaque development in the aorta and coronary arteries shows that children with elevated risk factors are at risk for early target organ damage. These data demonstrate the potential importance of early intervention on the natural history of cardiovascular disease. Based on our own data from the Bogalusa population, as well as evidence from other epidemiologic investigations in children, the following recommendations can be made, regardless of the risk factor variable under consideration: Cardiovascular disease risk factor variables should be measured carefully and in a serial manner to classify a child as abnormal. Serial measurements serve to reduce the effect of regression to the mean and increase the predictive value of the measurements. The misclassification of normal children into the high-risk category can be avoided by serial and replicate observations. Interventions that have attendant side effects (for example, pharmacologic therapy for high blood pressure) have to be measured against the effectiveness of diet, exercise, and other aspects of primary prevention. Risk factor levels consistently greater than the ninetieth percentile deserve medical attention. Care should be taken prior to using specific grids of normal levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors in children. The measurement techniques employed on individuals should be similar to those used by the epidemiologic study to generate the grids in a reference population. The grids should become part of the child's permanent medical record, as they provide a rapid visual assessment of the cardiovascular disease risk profile over time. High-risk trackers may require more intensive follow-up and will allow for early intervention and an assessment of the efficacy of the intervention program. In conclusion, cardiovascular disease risk factor screening in childhood is quick, effective, and inexpensive. The potential payoff in prevention of adult cardiovascular disease is enormous and allows the physician to provide more comprehensive care to a pediatric population. | pubmed_711_8031 |
pubmed_934_17890 | The use of colonoscopy for the screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer has increased. However, the miss rate of advanced colorectal neoplasm is known to be 2% to 6%, which could be affected by the image intensity of colorectal lesions. Image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) is capable of highlighting lesions, which can improve the colorectal adenoma detection rate and diagnostic accuracy. Equipment-based IEE methods, such as narrow band imaging (NBI), Fujinon intelligent color enhancement (FICE), and i-Scan, are used to observe the mucosal epithelium of the microstructure and capillaries of the lesion, and are helpful in the detection and differential diagnosis of colorectal tumors. Although NBI is similar to chromoendoscopy in terms of adenoma detection rates, NBI can be used to differentiate colorectal polyps and to predict the submucosal invasion of malignant tumors. It is also known that FICE and i-Scan are similar to NBI in their detection rates of colorectal lesions. Through more effective and advanced endoscopic equipment, diagnostic accuracy could be improved and new treatment paradigms developed. | 10.5946/ce.2014.47.4.330 |
pubmed_360_2863 | Published reports have suggested the possible association of mutagenic or teratogenic properties of some benzimidazole analogs with induced spindle disruption and consequent mitotic arrest. Studies were conducted to explore this correlation. Seven benzimidazole analogs were evaluated in a human lymphocyte system for ability to block mitosis at metaphase. Confirming the previously reported results, four compounds, mebendazole, parbendazole, cambendazole, and fenbendazole, caused metaphase accumulation, which we found to be dose- and time-related. Minimum effective dose for mebendazole and cambendazole was 10 microgram/ml; for parbendazole, 1 microgram/ml; and for fenbendazole, 100 microgram/ml. The drug-induced mitotic arrest is qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that produced by colcemid. No activity was observed with three other compounds, benzimidazole, thiabendazole, and oxfendazole when tested at 100 microgram/ml. Presence of absence of mitotic effects is correlated with reported teratogenicity with five out of the seven analogs. This suggests some utility of mitotic assessments for predicting teratogenicity. | 10.1002/em.2860020110 |
pubmed_396_8151 | We propose a coarse-grained lattice model for Monte Carlo simulations of folding of proteins consisting of several alpha-helices. A chain representing a protein is considered to contain A and B monomers forming relatively stiff A subchains, mimicking helices, and flexible B links between these subchains, respectively. Using this model, we simulate (1) folding of four-helix proteins in solution; (2) folding of membrane proteins containing one, two, or four helices; and (3) refolding of four-helix proteins adsorbed at the liquid-solid interface. For these cases, we show typical scenarios of protein folding and refolding and study the dependence of the folding time on the chain length. Combining the latter results with those already available in the literature, we discuss the relative rates of folding of proteins belonging to different classes. | 10.1002/1097-0134(20010301)42:4<481::aid-prot70>3.0.co;2-n |
pubmed_700_19289 | Most reports characterizing the initial presentation of depression are based on patients seen in psychiatric settings. It is not clear whether the difficulty in identifying depression in medical clinic outpatients is due to physician unfamiliarity with the diagnostic criteria or because the psychiatric syndrome is not the same in early, mild cases that present with somatic symptoms. In this study, depressed patients choosing the medical clinic for care presented the same somatic symptoms as nondepressed medical patients. In comparison to depressed patients who presented to the psychiatric clinic, depressed medical patients' chief complaints were more somatic, obscure, and less psychologically focused. Depressed psychiatric patients had more symptoms on a medical review of systems checklist than did medical patients with an equivalent level of depression. When DSM-III criteria were applied, depressed patients from each clinic tended to fulfill the major and minor criteria in a similar pattern. However, the prevalence of depression in the medical setting was much lower and milder than was that presenting to the psychiatry clinic. Once present at a diagnosable stage, however, the syndrome appeared to be the same in both patient groups. | 10.1016/0163-8343(89)90040-6 |
pubmed_928_19207 | The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of accuracy in establishing identity in edentulous individuals by using occlusal "ante- and postmortem" radiographs of the maxilla. Twelve examiners with the following background; six dental radiologists, four other specialists in dentistry and two dental students were asked to combine the radiographs. The results showed that six of the 12 observers were able to correctly establish identity for all 20 cases. Five of these observers were dental radiologists and one of them was a prosthodontist. The other specialists made 3-8 identifications. The senior and the junior dental students made two and four incorrect identifications. The findings from this study emphasise the importance of having more than one forensic specialist signing the identification form. The results also indicate that examiners well trained in oral radiology are able to determine a positive identity even in cases where the teeth are not present. | pubmed_928_19207 |
pubmed_310_7176 | Infrared and laser Raman spectra of [Ni(II)(diars)2X]X, (X=Cl, Br and I) have been used as probes to determine the structures of chelated diarsine molecules. It has been observed that the effects of metal chelation and coordination geometry give rise to frequency shifts in these complexes. The variation in vibrational spectroscopic features indicates reduction in the symmetry of the complexes in the crystalline environment. The effect of halogen on the Ni-halogen stretching frequency of these square pyramidal complexes is not as significant as observed in the case of octahedral complexes. | 10.1016/s1386-1425(00)00460-1 |
pubmed_286_9039 | Solid tumours display varied oxygen levels and this characteristic can be exploited to develop new diagnostic tools to determine and exploit these variations. Oxygen is an efficient quencher of emission of many phosphorescent compounds, thus oxygen concentration could in many cases be derived directly from relative emission intensity and lifetime. In this study, we extend our previous work on phosphorescent, low molecular weight platinum(II) complex as an oxygen sensing probe to study the variation in oxygen concentration in a viable multicellular 3D human tumour model. The data shows one of the first examples of non-invasive, real-time oxygen mapping across a melanoma tumour spheroid using one-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM) and a small molecule oxygen sensitive probe. These measurements were quantitative and enabled real time oxygen mapping with high spatial resolution. This combination presents as a valuable tool for optical detection of both physiological and pathological oxygen levels in a live tissue mass and we suggest has the potential for broader clinical application. | 10.1038/s41598-017-11153-9 |
pubmed_1043_8645 | Informed consent has special relevance for patients seeking fertility control services who are not ill in the usual sense. Genuine informed consent requirements should not be confused with spurious ones induced by political pressure. | pubmed_1043_8645 |
pubmed_528_24482 | BACKGROUND
PD-L1 and PD-L2 are ligands for the inhibitory receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1), which is an important regulator of immune responses. PD-L1 is induced on cardiac endothelial cells under inflammatory conditions, but little is known about its role in regulating immune injury in the heart.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated myocarditis was induced in mice, and the influence of PD-L1 signaling was studied with PD-L1/L2-deficient mice and blocking antibodies. During cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-induced myocarditis, the upregulation of PD-L1 on cardiac endothelia was dependent on T-cell-derived interferon-gamma, and blocking of interferon-gamma signaling worsened disease. Genetic deletion of both PD-1 ligands [PD-L1/2(-/-)], as well as treatment with PD-L1 blocking antibody, transformed transient myocarditis to lethal disease, in association with widespread polymorphonuclear leukocyte-rich microabscesses but without change in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte recruitment. PD-L1/2(-/-) mice reconstituted with bone marrow from wild-type mice remained susceptible to severe disease, which demonstrates that PD-L1 on non-bone marrow-derived cells confers the protective effect. Finally, depletion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes reversed the enhanced susceptibility to lethal myocarditis attributable to PD-L1 deficiency.
CONCLUSIONS
Myocardial PD-L1, mainly localized on endothelium, is critical for control of immune-mediated cardiac injury and polymorphonuclear leukocyte inflammation. | 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.709360 |
pubmed_605_2170 | Ovarian folliculogenesis corresponds to the development of follicles leading to either ovulation or degeneration, this latter process being called atresia. Even if atresia involves apoptosis, its mechanism is not well understood. The objective of this study was to analyze global gene expression in pig granulosa cells of ovarian follicles during atresia. The transcriptome analysis was performed on a 9,216 cDNA microarray to identify gene networks and candidate genes involved in pig ovarian follicular atresia. We found 1,684 significantly regulated genes to be differentially regulated between small healthy follicles and small atretic follicles. Among them, 287 genes had a fold-change higher than two between the two follicle groups. Eleven genes (DKK3, GADD45A, CAMTA2, CCDC80, DAPK2, ECSIT, MSMB, NUPR1, RUNX2, SAMD4A, and ZNF628) having a fold-change higher than five between groups could likely serve as markers of follicular atresia. Moreover, automatic confrontation of deregulated genes with literature data highlighted 93 genes as regulatory candidates of pig granulosa cell atresia. Among these genes known to be inhibitors of apoptosis, stimulators of apoptosis, or tumor suppressors INHBB, HNF4, CLU, different interleukins (IL5, IL24), TNF-associated receptor (TNFR1), and cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) were suggested as playing an important role in porcine atresia. The present study also enlists key upstream regulators in follicle atresia based on our results and on a literature review. The novel gene candidates and gene networks identified in the current study lead to a better understanding of the molecular regulation of ovarian follicular atresia. | 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00069.2016 |
pubmed_335_15017 | Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is one of the more promising methods for syngas (synthetic gas) production and co-utilization of methane and carbon dioxide, which are the main greenhouse gases. Magnesium is commonly applied in a Ni-based catalyst in DRM to improve catalyst performance and inhibit carbon deposition. The aim of this review is to gain better insight into recent developments on the use of Mg as a support or promoter for DRM catalysts. Its high basicity and high thermal stability make Mg suitable for introduction into the highly endothermic reaction of DRM. The introduction of Mg as a support or promoter for Ni-based catalysts allows for good metal dispersion on the catalyst surface, which consequently facilitates high catalytic activity and low catalyst deactivation. The mechanism of DRM and carbon formation and reduction are reviewed. This work further explores how different constraints, such as the synthesis method, metal loading, pretreatment, and operating conditions, influence the dry reforming reactions and product yields. In this review, different strategies for enhancing catalytic activity and the effect of metal dispersion on Mg-containing oxide catalysts are highlighted. | 10.3762/bjnano.9.108 |
pubmed_439_12822 | The systematics of Annelida has repeatedly been changed based on morphological data, but more recently established transcriptomic approaches yielded a stable and widely accepted phylogenetic tree, placing Magelonidae and Oweniidae as sister group to all remaining annelids. This led to an increased interest in these groups in terms of morphological traits and their phylogenetic significance. As one of the most characteristic morphological characters of annelids, the chaetae of Magelonidae are well investigated regarding their shape, but phylogenetically relevant aspects like their general arrangement are still poorly studied. Furthermore, some species possess abdominal internal support chaetae that no study has addressed in detail thus far. The chaetal arrangement and position of formative sites were studied in the differently expressed parapodia of the thorax, the ninth chaetiger and the abdomen of Magelona mirabilis and Magelona johnstoni. Our results show that all chaetigers primarily bore one row of chaetae per parapodial ramus, each with a single formative site. We also present the first histological as well as ultrastructural data on the magelonid support chaetae, showing that they represent internal hooded hooks, with which they share a common chaetal sac. Their distribution within Magelonidae, however, still requires a broader examination to evaluate their presence as a convergent or homologous trait. | 10.1002/jmor.21477 |
pubmed_983_14463 | Autophagy is a complex degradative process by which cytosolic material, including organelles, is randomly sequestered within double-membrane bound vesicles termed autophagosomes and targeted for degradation. Initially described as a nutrient stress adaptation response, the process of autophagy is now recognized as a central mechanism involved in many developmental processes. In this chapter, we provide guidelines to assess the initial steps of autophagy by monitoring autophagic body vacuolar accumulation. We employed a standard electron microscopy approach to observe the vacuoles of nutrient stressed fungal cells. | 10.1007/978-1-61779-501-5_29 |
pubmed_1022_15630 | Tissue viscosity is correlated with tissue pathological changes and provides information for tissue characterization. In this study, we report an optical method to track continuous shear-wave propagation at centimeter depths in an optically turbid medium. Shear-wave attenuation coefficients were measured at multiple frequencies using shear-wave laser speckle contrast analysis (SW-LASCA) to quantitatively estimate tissue viscosity using the Voigt model. Shear waves were generated within tissue-mimicking phantoms by an amplitude-modulated ultrasound (modulation frequency: 100 to 600 Hz) and tracked by time-resolved laser speckle contrast difference received on a charged-coupled device camera. Averaged contrast difference over a selected time window was related to shear-wave amplitude and used to calculate the shear-wave attenuation coefficient. Phantoms of varying viscosities (0.1 and 0.3 Pa s) were studied. Attenuation coefficients for different shear-wave frequencies (100 to 600 Hz) were calculated. Derived viscosity values had a maximum standard deviation of 9%, and these values were consistent with the independent measurements reported in a previous study using nonoptical methods. | 10.1117/1.JBO.18.12.121511 |
pubmed_168_7462 | Calculations show a significant depletion of ultraviolet and visible radiation due to absorption and scattering by particulates and cloud drops for a fixed amount of ozone. | 10.1126/science.186.4170.1204 |
pubmed_44_10706 | Polymeric nanospheres have been widely used in biomedical applications, such as drug, gene and vaccine delivery systems. Nanospheres with entrapped antigens have recently been shown to possess significant potential as vaccine delivery systems and adjuvants. We previously reported that concanavalin A-immobilized polystyrene nanospheres (Con A-NS) could efficiently capture HIV-1 particles and intranasal immunization with inactivated HIV-1-capturing nanospheres (HIV-NS) induced vaginal anti-HIV-1 IgA antibody responses in mice. In addition, vaginal washes from intranasally immunized mice were capable of neutralizing HIV-1. Moreover, simian/human immunodeficiency virus KU-2-capturing nanospheres (SHIV-NS) immunized macaques exhibited partial protection when vaginally and systemically challenged with pathogenic viruses. HIV-NS is suggested to be particularly suitable to enhance antigen delivery to dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we investigated the mucosal antibody response in mice after the intravaginal or intranasal immunization in detail with using different sized (360, 660, 940 and 1230 nm) HIV-NS. The amount of immobilized Con A to NS was dependent on the surface area of the particle. Moreover, Con A-NS with different sizes could equally capture inactivated HIV-1. Intravaginal or intranasal immunization by HIV-NS with diameters ranging 360 to 1230 nm significantly induced vaginal antibody responses. However, significant differences on vaginal anti-HIV-1 gp120 IgA and IgG antibodies were not found after intravaginal or intranasal immunization with different sized HIV-NS. These results suggest that HIV-NS provides an efficient vaccine delivery system for the induction of a mucosal immune response and the development of a mucosal vaccine. | 10.1016/j.jconrel.2005.09.014 |
pubmed_383_4761 | PURPOSE
There is a need for a simple and accurate way to assess visual acuity in telemedicine consultations in ophthalmology and other related specialties.
DESIGN
We surveyed visual acuity testing apps available that allow patients to measure their own acuity, focusing on freely accessible resources suitable for all resource settings.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed for visual acuity testing apps on 2 major platforms: Google Play Store (Google, CA, USA) and Apple App Store (Apple, CA, USA).
RESULTS
Sixteen apps (67%) tested near vision, 5 apps (21%) tested distance vision, and 3 apps (13%) offered options for both near and distance vision testing. Of the 24 apps, 5 (21%) offered a method of calibration of optotype size. Three apps (13%) demonstrated evidence of clinical validation. Only 3 apps fulfilled our criteria for suitability for clinical practice.
CONCLUSIONS
We have recommended 3 apps that may be quickly integrated into clinical practice in both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic all resource settings. | 10.1097/APO.0000000000000384 |
pubmed_796_12514 | Radiation leukemia virus (RadLV)-induced thymomas and malignant thymocytes from AKR mice have been shown to bind specifically retrovirus produced by these cell lines. Each lymphoma has been shown to have greatest specificity for cognate virus suggestive of an immune-specific receptor. The question of receptor identity has been addressed here using the RadLV-induced murine T cell lymphoma, C6VL/1, and antibodies specific for known cell surface determinants present on these cells. This lymphoma has been shown to bind both homologous and heterologous RadLV isolates, but to have greatest specificity for homologous retrovirus since homologous free virions can best block the interaction between cells and virus adhered to the wells of a microtitre plate. A clonotypic anti-TCR antibody has been shown to completely inhibit C6VL/1 binding to the homologous virus, RadLV/C6VL, but not to the heterologous virus, RadLV/VL3. Anti-CD4, anti-Thy1.2 as well as anti-H-2Kb and not anti-H-2Db antibodies were found to partially inhibit the interaction with both RadLV/C6VL and RadLV/VL3, yet neither of these virus preparations appears to be contaminated with Class I molecules as measured by radioimmunoassay. The binding interaction between C6VL/1 and RadLV/C6VL appears specifically to involve the TCR since antibody against the clonotypic site on the TCR heterodimer uniquely inhibits this interaction, while the binding of C6VL/1 to RadLV/VL3 appears to involve the H-2Kb molecule. When free virus particles were absorbed to receptors on C6VL/1, both RadLV/VL3 and RadLV/C6VL inhibited the binding of antibody to the TCR and CD4 molecules, while the binding of several anti-H-2Kb antibodies was specifically inhibited by RadLV/VL3. There are at least two known T cell surface structures involved in the interaction of the T cell lymphoma, C6VL/1, with RadLV. These are the TCR complex (comprising the TCR heterodimer and CD4), and the Class I H-2Kb molecule. Since the TCR molecule has been shown to comodulate with H-2Kb molecules when cells were cultured in the presence of anti-H-2Kb antibodies, and the CD4 and H-2Kb molecules have been shown to comodulate with the TCR on only a subpopulation of C6VL/1 cells treated with anti-TCR antibody, this suggests that the H-2Kb molecule may also be part of the larger molecular complex including CD4/8 which can form around the TCR heterodimer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | pubmed_796_12514 |
pubmed_723_7486 | BACKGROUND
Single-stage augmentation mastopexy is considered a challenging procedure, and its safety and efficacy remain controversial for breasts with grade-2 and grade-3 ptosis. In this paper, we report our experience in single-stage augmentation mastopexy with implants, using a short-scar technique, outlining the four-step principles of our technique which maximizes the cosmetic outcomes though being safe, reliable and reproducible.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Forty consecutive massive-weight loss (MWL) patients undergoing short-scar augmentation mastopexy with implants between September 2010 and August 2018 were retrospectively analysed. The preoperative evaluation and our four-step surgical principles are presented in detail. Breast shape analysis was performed separately by a blinded group of plastic surgeons and by the attending surgeon using a standardized evaluation method. Breast-Q was used to evaluate patients' satisfaction.
RESULTS
Patients' average age was 43 (range from 29 to 54). Among the 40 patients, 2 patients were rated as grade 1 (5%), 21 cases (52.5%) grade 2 and 17 (42.5%) grade 3 according to Pittsburgh Rating Scale. The average follow-up time was 40 months (ranging from 3 to 96 months). No major postoperative complications were experienced. Patients' satisfaction was high to very high.
CONCLUSIONS
Augmentation mastopexy with implant in the MWL population remains a challenging procedure, especially in Pittsburgh grade-3 breasts. A bilamellar approach using proper footprint reconstruction allows for very satisfying cosmetic results using the short-scar mastopexy pattern with a very low complication rate. Our four-step surgical principles are provided, which may aid in the surgical planning and execution of such demanding cases.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. | 10.1007/s00266-019-01540-0 |
pubmed_1073_19360 | Cancer can trigger thromboembolism. There is a 4-10% chance of finding an asymptomatic occult cancer in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (VTE). Current guidelines recommend limited cancer screening with history, physical examination, and screening examinations according to age after idiopathic VTE. Recent studies found that a more extensive screening program, including endoscopy and computed tomography, may increase the cancer detection rate. The Hemostasis Working Group of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology recommends a more extensive screening program after idiopathic VTE. | 10.1159/000437451 |
pubmed_820_1449 | In patients with bladder dysfunctions, intermittent catheterisation is a bladder evacuation technique with a low complication rate. Therefore, it is regarded as the method of choice in the treatment of chronic residual urine, mostly due to a hypo- or acontractile detrusor. Regarding the incidence of urinary tract infections and urethral strictures, aseptic catheterisation seems to be superior to the clean technique. There are, however, no independent, prospective, controlled, randomised, double-blinded studies comparing the different catheter types. Thus, the question of which catheter is the ideal one cannot be answered yet. Predominantly in patients who have to perform intermittent catheterisation for good, the prevention of long-term complications, especially of the upper urinary tract, is of the utmost importance. In the long run, using an inadequate technique and catheters not optimally designed will clearly lead to a higher complication rate. Despite the lower prices of certain catheters, treatment of these complications will lead to higher instead of lower costs. The data available today clearly demonstrate that aseptic intermittent catheterisation is the technique of choice today. Important details of this treatment modality, however, have to be elucidated by prospective studies in the future. | 10.1007/s00120-006-1007-9 |
pubmed_857_6486 | The reliability, validity, and heuristic value of Goldsmith and Green's (J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 176:614-620, 1988) Denial Rating Scale (DRS) are examined in an inpatient treatment setting. This replication study includes 647 cases. The same strong relationship between clinical change and program completion as found by Goldsmith and Green is identified. An ordinal predictive validity for the DRS regarding program completion that was not found by Goldsmith and Green is also identified. Utility for improving patient treatment plans through DRS results is identified. The heuristic value of the DRS in helping an alcoholism counseling staff maintain treatment focus is discussed. It is recommended that treatment centers incorporate systematic assessment of denial over the course of treatment as a means to facilitate staff focus on the primacy of addiction. | 10.1097/00005053-199311000-00007 |
pubmed_949_5621 | The effects of prenatal and/or early postnatal exposure to ethanol at high concentrations on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor number and functioning in the weanling rat were examined. The binge-like exposure protocol was used in an animal model of acute ethanol effects at two critical periods of development. [3H]MK-801 binding parameters for the internal channel phencyclidine site were assessed in the presence of 10 microM glutamate and 10 microM glycine activation. Four treatment groups were included: (1) animals exposed to ethanol both prenatal and postnatal; (2) animals exposed only prenatal; (3) animals exposed early postnatal only; and (4) control animals with no exposure to ethanol. The results of the [3H]MK-801 binding experiments showed that both prenatal and postnatal exposure to ethanol resulted in a significant decrease in the density of NMDA receptors. In addition, data indicated an apparent increase in the percentage of high-affinity state (open channel state) relative to low-affinity state (close channel state) receptors in the ethanol-treated groups. These results show that both prenatal and postnatal ethanol exposure decrease NMDA receptor density in the cortex and hippocampus. The findings are consistent with previous observations by our laboratory and others that NMDA-mediated calcium influx is reduced in these regions, as well as in whole brain by prenatal ethanol exposure. It is suggested that after ethanol exposure, the remaining functional NMDA receptors might have altered sensitivity to coagonist activation with an increased probability of channel opening. | pubmed_949_5621 |
pubmed_36_21341 | BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of conventional inotropic drugs compared to levosimendan using tissue tracking echocardiography in the early postoperative period for patients with low ejection fraction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
METHODS
We prospectively analyzed 115 patients (69 male, 46 female) who planned for elective coronary artery bypass surgery with low ejection fraction, ≤% 30, from September 2012 to December 2013. Patients were divided into two groups. Levosimendan was used at a loading dose of 15 μg/kg/min for the first twenty minutes, and continued at a maintenance dose of 0.2 μg/kg/min six hours before the anesthetic induction in group I (n = 47, 23 male, mean age 67.16 ± 4.72 years). Dopamine at 10 μg/kg/min and/or dobutamine at 10 μg/kg/min were used at the time of weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in group II (n = 68, 47 male, mean age 65.43 ± 6.12 years). The patients were evaluated preoperatively and on the fifth postoperative day by transthoracic echocardiography. Patients were also evaluated just before the cardiopulmonary bypass and at the 12th and 24th hours on the first postoperative day by transesophageal echocardiography. Student t test and χ2 test were used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in demographics and preoperative hemodynamic parameters between groups I and II. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were significantly better in group I receiving levosimendan, compared to group II.
CONCLUSION
Levosimendan enhances functional myocardial tissue mass and ensures positive hemodynamic effect in the early postoperative period in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing elective CABG. | 10.1532/HSF98.2014415 |
pubmed_773_9304 | The value of radical mastectomy in treating cancer of the breast has been questioned by some authors. With regard to the results published and on the basis of our own experiences limited operations without or with additional radiotherapy cannot be considered to be reliable procedures at present: it is only possible to approximately equal results by a strict case selection. With special cases such as in-situ carcinoma or small well defined cancers with beginning infiltration being expected there is no real basis for the indication to limited surgery in a single case. With the increase of small prognostically favourable cancers and border-line cases due to improvement of early detection more attention should be devoted to the problem of treating breast cancer by limited operations. | pubmed_773_9304 |
pubmed_889_4003 | Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death globally and the main reason for dementia in elderly people. AD is a long-term and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that steadily worsens memory and communicating skills eventually leads to a disabled person of performing simple daily tasks. Unfortunately, numerous clinical trials exploring new therapeutic drugs have encountered disappointing outcomes in terms of improved cognitive performance since they are not capable of halting or stimulating the regeneration of already-damaged neural cells, and merely provide symptomatic relief. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of stem cell may contribute to the development of novel and effective therapies. The revolutionary discovery of stem cells has cast a new hope for the development of disease-modifying treatments for AD, in terms of their potency in the replenishment of lost cells via differentiating towards specific lineages, stimulating in situ neurogenesis, and delivering the therapeutic agents to the brain. Herein, firstly, we explore the pathophysiology of AD. Next, we summarize the most recent preclinical stem cell reports designed for AD treatment, their benefits and outcomes according to cell type. We briefly review relevant clinical trials and their potential clinical applications in order to find a unique solution to effectively relieve the patients' pain. | 10.1007/s11033-018-4499-7 |
pubmed_738_4270 | Inguinal hernia is a common pathology seen in the general population. However, the presence of herniated urinary bladder in the inguinal canal is a rare condition. Most cases are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally either during surgery or on imaging. Here, we present a report, where a patient, diagnosed case of carcinoma esophagus, was referred for staging 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scan and revealed FDG uptake in the right inguinal canal, other than primary and metastatic lesions and corresponding CT and fused PET/CT images revealed herniated urinary bladder in the inguinal canal. | 10.4103/ijnm.IJNM_7_20 |
pubmed_63_2125 | Responsible for the majority of excitatory activity in the central nervous system (CNS), glutamate interacts with a range of specific receptor and transporter systems to establish a functional synapse. Excessive stimulation of glutamate receptors causes excitotoxicity, a phenomenon implicated in both acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases [e.g., ischemia, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)]. In physiology, excitotoxicity is prevented by rapid binding and clearance of synaptic released glutamate by high-affinity, Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporters and amplified by defects to the glutamate transporter and receptor systems. ALS pathogenetic mechanisms are not completely understood and characterized, but excitotoxicity has been regarded as one firm mechanism implicated in the disease because of data obtained from ALS patients and animal and cellular models as well as inferred by the documented efficacy of riluzole, a generic antiglutamatergic drug, has in patients. In this article, we critically review the several lines of evidence supporting a role for glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in the death of motor neurons occurring in ALS, putting a particular emphasis on the impairment of the glutamate-transport system. | 10.1089/ars.2009.2444 |
pubmed_135_8561 | Nearly 2000 SNPs associated with pig litter size traits have been reported based on genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The aims of this study were to gather and integrate previously reported associations between SNPs and five litter traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), number of stillborn (SB), litter birth weight (LWT), and corpus luteum number (CLN), in order to evaluate their common genetic background and to perform a meta-analysis (MA) of GWASs for total number born (TNB) recorded for animals from five pig populations. In this study, the genes with the largest number of associations with evaluated litter traits were <i>GABRG3, RBP7, PRKD1,</i> and <i>STXBP6</i>. Only 21 genes out of 233 associated with the evaluated litter traits were reported in more than one population or for more than one trait. Based on this evaluation, the most interesting candidate gene is <i>PRKD1</i>, which has an association with SB and TNB traits. Based on GO term analysis, <i>PRKD1</i> was shown to be involved in angiogenesis as well. As a result of the MA, two new genomic regions, which have not been previously reported, were found to be associated with the TNB trait. One SNP was located on <i>Sus scrofa</i> chromosome (SSC) 14 in the intron of the <i>FAM13C</i> gene. The second SNP was located on SSC9 within the intron of the <i>AGMO</i> gene. Functional analysis revealed a strong candidate causal gene underlying the QTL on SSC9. The third best hit and the most promising candidate gene for litter size was found within the <i>SOSTDC1</i> gene, associated with lower male fertility in rats. We showed that litter traits studied across pig populations have only a few genomic regions in common based on candidate gene comparison. <i>PRKD1</i> could be an interesting candidate gene with a wider association with fertility. The MA identified new genomic regions on SSC9 and SSC14 associated with TNB. Further functional analysis indicated the most promising gene was <i>SOSTDC1</i>, which was confirmed to affect male fertility in other mammals. This is an important finding, as litter traits are by default linked with females rather than males. | 10.3390/genes13101730 |
pubmed_975_12051 | Although universal newborn screening can reliably identify all infants with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies, the initial screening result must not be considered the definitive diagnosis. We describe 23 infants whose screening phenotype was FS or FC but whose true phenotype included hemoglobin A, establishing a definitive diagnosis of hemoglobin S or hemoglobin C in combination with beta(+)-thalassemia. Higher than expected hemoglobin concentrations or lower than expected mean erythrocyte volumes should suggest concurrent beta(+)-thalassemia. | 10.1016/s0022-3476(95)70316-0 |
pubmed_337_13224 | BACKGROUND
We assessed the expression of methylation-related proteins 5-meC, DNMT1, and ISL-1 in breast cancer and evaluated their relationship to clinicopathological factors.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical staining for ER, PR, HER-2, Ki-67, 5-meC, DNMT1, and ISL-1 were performed on 348 breast cancer samples in tissue microarray. Samples were subgrouped into luminal A, luminal B, HER-2, or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) according to immunohistochemical staining for ER, PR, HER-2, and Ki-67. The tumor stroma was histologically subtyped into desmoplastic, sclerotic, normal-like, or inflammatory type.
RESULTS
Tumor expression of DNMT1 differed by molecular subtype: it was higher in TNBC and lower in luminal A (p < 0.001) samples. DNMT1 expression was also related to higher histologic grade, ER negativity, PR negativity, and higher Ki-67 LI (p < 0.001). In western blot, protein expressions of DNMT1 and ISL-1 were higher in TNBC and relatively lower in the remaining subtypes. High tumor expression of DNMT1 was associated with shorter OS in univariate analysis (p = 0.041). DNMT1 and 5-meC were differentially expressed by stromal phenotype: 5-meC was higher in normal-like type and lower in sclerotic type (p = 0.049); DNMT1 was higher in inflammatory and lower in sclerotic type (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Tumor expression of DNMT1 in breast cancer differed by molecular subtype and stromal histological type. DNMT1 was highly expressed in TNBC and in breast cancer with inflammatory stromal type. | 10.1186/s12967-016-0840-x |
pubmed_1015_2113 | In a series of 500 adult human embalmed cadavers the accessory obturator nerve has been looked for, bilaterally, and its formation and distribution studied. This nerve was formed by roots from the anterior primary divisions of L3 and L4 (63.6%) or L2, L3 and L4 (10.6%), or L2 and L3 (7.6%), or L3 (6.1%) or from the trunk of the obturator nerve (12.1%). The frequency of this nerve was found to be 13.2 percent (13.3 % in males and 12.9% in females) of the 1,000 specimens examined, with a predominance on the left side of the body (15.2 : 11.2). Some questions with regard to the variability of the frequency of this nerve referred to in the literature are analyzed and discussed. | pubmed_1015_2113 |
pubmed_1097_25628 | A young adult patient with meningovascular neurosyphilis in the form of acute ischemic stroke with right hemiparesis and speech disturbance is reported. CT scan showed features of ischemic infarct and extensive laboratory studies were made before the diagnosis ultimately was revealed. Such cases could result in confusion for the clinician, and high index of clinical suspicion of this condition is required since syphilis is not routinely tested, as routine screening is seen to be of low diagnostic yield. As clinical practice indicates, it remains a difficult problem approaching diagnosis of neurosyphilis, and this is achieved through exclusion of neurosyphilis as a clinical possibility. | pubmed_1097_25628 |
pubmed_86_1316 | Children with congenital heart defects often demonstrate a reduced capacity for exercise, even after surgical intervention. Forty subjects, with various heart defects, completed a 5-year study to evaluate the impact of a postoperative training program on their physical exercise capacity. All of the patients were significantly less active than their peers prior to the surgical intervention. Subjects who completed a simple, home exercise program during the first 3 postoperative months achieved a normal level of physical fitness. These benefits were maintained up to 5-years postoperatively without further intervention. Children who did not receive a postoperative training program remained significantly below their healthy peers. Therefore, a simple exercise training program, conducted early in the postoperative period would appear essential to the achievement of appropriate levels of physical activity for children with congenital heart defects. | 10.1007/BF02238841 |
pubmed_919_6562 | Calcium alginate beads were investigated for their biosorption performance in the removal of gold and silver from aqueous solutions. It was found that uptake capacities were significantly affected by the solution pH, with optimum pH values of 2 and 4 for gold and silver, respectively. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimum pH. The maximum uptake capacities were 290 mg/g for Au and 52 mg/g for Ag. FTIR analysis indicated that both carboxylic and hydroxylic functional groups in alginate beads are involved in the metal binding and later reduction of gold (+3) and silver (+1) to gold (0) and silver (0). SEM and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of gold and silver nanoparticles. | 10.1021/la046852k |
pubmed_421_18313 | Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused numerous unexpected challenges for many families, and these long-lasting demands likely contribute to higher stress for parents. The aim of this study was to describe changes in parent stress longitudinally from before (retrospective) to two timepoints during COVID-19. Stressors that influenced parenting and strategies to manage parenting difficulties at each timepoint during COVID-19 are also described. Methods: Parents (N = 433; 95% female) in the US with >1 child aged 5-18 years completed an online survey in May 2020 (T1; at the peak of stay-at-home mandates) and in September 2020 (T2; children's return to school). Surveys included the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and questions on parenting-specific stress, stressors that influenced parenting, and strategies to manage parenting difficulties during COVID-19. Retrospective report of pre-COVID-19 stress was assessed at T1; current stress was assessed at T1 and T2. Repeated measures analysis of variance examined changes in stress over time. Results: Parent's stress increased from before COVID-19 to T1 (PSS score: 16.3 ± 5.7 to 22.0 ± 6.4, respectively; p < 0.01), and decreased by T2 (19.2 ± 6.0), but remained elevated above pre-COVID-19 values (p < 0.01). Most parents (71.1%) reported an increase parenting-specific stress from before COVID-19 to T1, which continued to increase for 55% of parents at T2. Common stressors that impacted parenting during COVID-19 were changes in children's routines, worry about COVID-19, and online schooling demands. Common strategies parents used to manage parenting difficulties included doing family activities together, keeping in touch with family/friends virtually, and keeping children on daily routines. Conclusions: Parent stress increased substantially during COVID-19 and has not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, suggesting the need for enhanced mental health resources and supports. Public health interventions should address parenting-specific stressors and effective strategies for managing parenting difficulties to mitigate their deleterious impact. | 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.626456 |
pubmed_909_19249 | Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often accompanied by problems in social behaviour, which are sometimes similar to some symptoms of autism-spectrum disorders (ASD). However, neuronal mechanisms of ASD-like deficits in ADHD have rarely been studied. The processing of biological motion-recently discussed as a marker of social cognition-was found to be disrupted in ASD in several studies. Thus in the present study we tested if biological motion processing is disrupted in ADHD. We used 64-channel EEG and spatio-temporal source analysis to assess event-related potentials associated with human motion processing in 21 children and adolescents with ADHD and 21 matched typically developing controls. On the behavioural level, all subjects were able to differentiate between human and scrambled motion. But in response to both scrambled and biological motion, the N200 amplitude was decreased in subjects with ADHD. After a spatio-temporal dipole analysis, a human motion specific activation was observable in occipital-temporal regions with a reduced and more diffuse activation in ADHD subjects. These results point towards neuronal determined alterations in the processing of biological motion in ADHD. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0088585 |
pubmed_580_17884 | With the high prevalence of bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men, clinical management has to be fairly simple and straightforward. In the absence of severe problems requiring immediate action, and after excluding possible other etiological factors by a simple diagnostic algorithm, the key parameter for therapeutic decisions is the severity of LUTS, in particular the degree of annoyance and irritation, and prostatic enlargement. Patients with bothersome LUTS request rapid improvement but also worry about possible deterioration, complications, and the need for surgery. With a prostate volume above 30-40 mL and/or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum >1.5 ng/mL, the combination of an alpha-1 blocker with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) should be first-line treatment. With prostates <30 mL at baseline the issue whether the prostate really is the culprit becomes central. Given the rapid onset of action of alpha-1 blockers, a 4-6-week trial appears to be a logical approach. If the International Prostate Symptom Score does not improve and storage symptoms prevail, an overactive bladder appears more likely as causative factor and antimuscarinics are the next step. Based on available data this is recommended as add-on medication to the alpha-1 blocker. With no improvement, or increasing postvoid residual the diagnostic algorithm needs to be revisited and more extensive urodynamic evaluation may be needed. | 10.1007/s12325-013-0022-7 |
pubmed_1104_3332 | BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation produces transmural atrial lesions in vitro, and may provide advantages over incisions currently used in maze surgery. This study examines the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of open-heart endocardial RF ablation.
METHODS
Eighteen sheep (42.8 +/- 4.4 kg, age < 2 years) underwent left thoracotomy with placement of pacing leads on a pulmonary vein and the left atrial dome. On cardiopulmonary bypass, lesions were made using incision and suture or a novel RF ablation device in three sites: PVC = circle excluding pulmonary veins, IAB = line across the interatrial bundle, SVC = line from the superior to the inferior vena cava. Pacing across the PVC lesion was attempted to assess the completeness of each lesion. Preselected animals (incision n = 4, RF n = 5) were recovered and pacing attempts were repeated at 1 month. After sacrifice, hearts were sectioned and measured for lesion size and completeness.
RESULTS
RF ablation lesions took less time to create (total bypass time: RF 51.8 min vs incision 106 min, P < 0.001). No evidence of thromboembolism, atrial rupture, or coronary sinus thrombosis was seen. All PVC lesions were complete as demonstrated by the inability to pace across them. Stained sections demonstrated that acutely studied incision lesions were thinner than RF lesions; however, all lesions were transmural and similar in width at 1 month.
CONCLUSIONS
RF ablation consistently created transmural lesions more quickly than the incision and suture method and without additional complications. Endocardial RF ablation appears to be a simple and effective alternative to surgical incisions during open-heart atrial Maze procedures. | 10.1006/jsre.2001.6094 |
pubmed_240_7860 | PURPOSE
This study is designed to validate a previously developed locoregional recurrence risk (LRR) scoring system and further define which groups of patients with breast cancer would benefit from postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT).
METHODS AND MATERIALS
An LRR risk scoring system was developed previously at our institution using breast cancer patients initially treated with modified radical mastectomy between 1990 and 2001. The LRR score comprised 4 factors: patient age, lymphovascular invasion, estrogen receptor negativity, and number of involved lymph nodes. We sought to validate the original study by examining a new dataset of 1545 patients treated between 2002 and 2007.
RESULTS
The 1545 patients were scored according to the previously developed criteria: 920 (59.6%) were low risk (score 0-1), 493 (31.9%) intermediate risk (score 2-3), and 132 (8.5%) were high risk (score ≥4). The 5-year locoregional control rates with and without PMRT in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 98% versus 97% (P=.41), 97% versus 91% (P=.0005), and 89% versus 50% (P=.0002) respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This analysis of an additional 1545 patients treated between 2002 and 2007 validates our previously reported LRR scoring system and suggests appropriate patients for whom PMRT will be beneficial. Independent validation of this scoring system by other institutions is recommended. | pubmed_240_7860 |
pubmed_39_11102 | Hydrogels composed of methylcellulose are candidate materials for soft tissue reconstruction. Although photocrosslinked methylcellulose hydrogels have shown promise for such applications, gels crosslinked using reduction-oxidation (redox) initiators may be more clinically viable. In this study, methylcellulose modified with functional methacrylate groups was polymerized using an ammonium persulfate (APS)-ascorbic acid (AA) redox initiation system to produce injectable hydrogels with tunable properties. By varying macromer concentration from 2% to 4% (w/v), the equilibrium moduli of the hydrogels ranged from 1.47 ± 0.33 to 5.31 ± 0.71 kPa, on par with human adipose tissue. Gelation time was found to conform to the ISO standard for injectable materials. Cellulase treatment resulted in complete degradation of the hydrogels within 24h, providing a reversible corrective feature. Co-culture with human dermal fibroblasts confirmed the cytocompatibility of the gels based on DNA measurements and Live/Dead imaging. Taken together, this evidence indicates that APS-AA redox-polymerized methylcellulose hydrogels possess properties beneficial for use as soft tissue fillers. | pubmed_39_11102 |
pubmed_313_17547 | BACKGROUND
ASGE and ESGE guidelines recommend endoscopic metal stent placement for pancreatic carcinoma patients with biliary obstruction, and whose estimated life expectancy is greater than 6 months. Because median overall survival (OS) of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma until recently has been less than 6 months, plastic biliary stents were preferentially placed rather than metal due to the greater upfront cost of the latter. Recent advances in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer have extended median OS beyond the 6-month range. Given this improvement in OS, we performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of initial metal biliary versus plastic stent placement in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with biliary obstruction.
METHODS
A Markov model was developed to predict lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and cost effectiveness of metal compared with plastic stents. Adult patients entered the model with locally advanced cancer and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with placement of metal or plastic stents. A targeted literature search was conducted to identify published sources, which were used to estimate clinical, cost, utility, and event rate inputs to the model. Results were estimated from the third-party payer perspective in 2012 US dollars per QALY. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact on model outcomes resulting from uncertainty among inputs.
RESULTS
Our analysis found that initial placement of metal stents was more cost effective than plastic biliary stents with lower overall costs due to lower restenting rates while at the same time associated with a better quality of life. Based on model projections, placement of metal stents could save approximately $1450 per patient over a lifetime, while simultaneously improving quality of life. These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Placement of metal biliary stents at initial onset of obstructive jaundice in adult patients with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma with an expected OS greater than 6 months was found to be a more cost-effective strategy than plastic stents. These results reinforce guidelines' suggestions for metal stent placement. | 10.1007/s12029-016-9907-4 |
pubmed_68_12975 | The ability of MRI to acquire not only anatomical but also functional information makes MRI guided vascular interventions an interesting goal. Recent developments in ultrafast MR imaging sequences such as fast gradient echo or echo planar (EPI) mean that not only real time MRI but also MRI guided vascular interventions are real possibilities for the not too distant future. However, currently available guide wires and catheters are potentially unusable in MRI because they are either ferromagnetic or MRI invisible. In order to find different materials suitable for real time MRI, various devices were examined with fast gradient echo and interleaved EPI pulse sequences. The measurements were performed using a continuously running, pseudo real time MRI system to investigate the dynamic imaging behavior under guide wire insertion. Suggestions are made as how to construct guide wires and catheters, which can be visualized with ultrafast imaging sequences, while not causing prohibitive artifacts or image distortions. | 10.1002/mrm.1910310310 |
pubmed_236_6646 | Hexokinase has been purified from adult Schistosoma mansoni worms and the activity shown to be associated with a single protein species having an M(r) about 50,000. This protein is recognized on Western blots probed with antisera against rat Type I hexokinase or against a recombinant S. mansoni hexokinase that had been expressed in Escherichia coli using a previously cloned cDNA. An 18-residue N-terminal sequence determined for the purified S. mansoni hexokinase is identical to that deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA, consistent with the view that the cloned cDNA encodes the hexokinase characterized in the present study. The S. mansoni enzyme has a relatively low Km (approximately 60 microM) for glucose and is sensitive to inhibition (competitive versus ATP, Ki approximately 50 microM) by its product, glucose 6-phosphate (Glc-6-P). With these kinetic properties and 50 kDa molecular mass, S. mansoni hexokinase resembles the ancestral hexokinase predicted to have given rise, by gene duplication and fusion, to the present day 100-kDa Glc-6-P-sensitive mammalian hexokinases. The schistosomal hexokinase represents the first 50-kDa Glc-6-P-sensitive hexokinase whose sequence has been obtained. The schistosomal hexokinase does not bind to mitochondria, consistent with its lack of a hydrophobic segment at the N terminus which is required for binding of the mammalian Type I and II isoenzymes to mitochondria. The marked Crabtree effect exhibited by S. mansoni cercariae may be at least partly attributed to the expression of rather high levels of a hexokinase having a high affinity for glucose but only a moderate sensitivity to product inhibition by Glc-6-P. | pubmed_236_6646 |
pubmed_183_2963 | OBJECTIVES
To describe hand function among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to examine the relationship between strength and self-reported abilities.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study using a convenience sample.
SETTING
Outpatient department at a rehabilitation center.
PARTICIPANTS
Forty-four community-dwelling adults with MS (mean age, 49+/-9 y; range, 34-68 y) who were monitored by rehabilitation practitioners.
INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Grip and pinch (tip, lateral, palmar) strengths and Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36).
RESULTS
When compared with the 50- to 54-year-old female norms, the pinch and grip strengths of the sample were lower. MAM-36 correlated moderately with right pinch (tip, lateral, palmar) strengths (r range, .51-.59; P<.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Manual ability seems to be more associated with pinch than grip strengths, probably because finger strength and dexterity are both needed to perform many hand tasks. | 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.03.010 |
pubmed_895_5260 | The principles of moist wound healing have become widely accepted since the seminal work of George Winter in the 1960s. In the subsequent 50 years, many publications have extolled the clinical value of modern or advanced wound dressings. This article reviews the findings of two studies arguing that the benefits of advanced wound care products, which are based largely on th principles of moist wound healing, cannot be justified in terms of healing outcomes or cost effectiveness. These studies have the potential to affect clinical practice and decision making, and the article highlights the importance of analysing and interpreting the findings of such studies cautiously. | 10.7748/ns2013.07.27.45.51.e7670 |
pubmed_165_8202 | A simple technique to facilitate easier harvesting of a septal chondromucosal graft is presented. Turning over the ala (like a swinging door) using a perialar incision greatly helps easy harvesting of the graft under extremely good direct vision. | 10.1097/00000637-199612000-00019 |
pubmed_54_3976 | Objectives. We have investigated the changes in the incidence of various diagnoses that have been made in the endoscopy unit throughout the last 40 years. Methods. In this study, changes in the incidence of endoscopic diagnosis in upper gastrointestinal system between 1970 and 2010 were evaluated. Their diagnosis, age, and gender data were entered into the Excel software. Results. Of the 52816 cases who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the 40-year time period, the mean age was 48.17 ± 16.27 (mean ± SD). Although overall more than half of the patients were male (54.3%), in 1995 and after a marked increase was seen in the proportion of female gender (51-55%). The presence of hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis, and the number of Barrett's esophaguses significantly increased. Erosive gastritis showed gradual increase, while the number of gastric ulcers decreased significantly. The presence of gastric and esophageal cancer significantly decreased. The number of duodenal ulcers significantly decreased. Conclusion. We detected that the incidences of esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and erosive gastritis significantly increased while the incidences of gastric/duodenal ulcer and gastric/esophageal cancer decreased throughout the last 40 years. | 10.1155/2014/262638 |
pubmed_617_24715 | Several studies using the mirror-reading paradigm have shown that procedural learning and repetition priming may be preserved in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (e.g., Deweer et al., 1994). According to the classical interpretation, improved reading time for repeated words is sustained by a repetition priming effect, while procedural learning is demonstrated when this improvement is also observed for new words. Following Masson (1986), the hypothesis tested in the present study was that improved reading of new words could also be due to a repetition priming effect rather than to the acquisition of a mirror-reading skill. Indeed, because the same letters are presented throughout the task, a repetition priming effect for the letters could suffice to explain the improvement in performance. To test this hypothesis, we administered to 30 healthy young and elderly subjects and to 30 AD patients a new mirror-reading task in two phases: an acquisition phase comprising pseudo-words constructed with one part of the alphabet, and a test phase in which both pseudo-words constructed with the same part of the alphabet and pseudo-words constructed with another part of the alphabet were presented. If the new pseudo-words composed with repeated letters were read faster, it would reflect a repetition priming effect; if pseudo-words composed of 'new' letters were read faster, it would reflect a procedural learning effect. The results show comparable repetition priming effects in AD patients and in healthy elderly subjects, whereas only healthy subjects showed a procedural learning effect. These results suggest, contrary to previous studies, that the learning of a new perceptual skill may not always be preserved in AD. | 10.1016/j.cortex.2009.11.006 |
pubmed_617_5039 | Ghrelin acts as an endocrine link connecting physiological processes regulating food intake, body composition, growth, and energy balance. Ghrelin is the only peptide known to undergo octanoylation. The enzyme mediating this process, ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), is expressed in the gastrointestinal tract (GI; primary source of circulating ghrelin) as well as other tissues. The present study demonstrates that stomach GOAT mRNA levels correlate with circulating acylated-ghrelin levels in fasted and diet-induced obese mice. In addition, GOAT was found to be expressed in both the pituitary and hypothalamus (two target tissues of ghrelin's actions), and regulated in response to metabolic status. Using primary pituitary cell cultures as a model system to study the regulation of GOAT expression, we found that acylated-ghrelin, but not desacyl-ghrelin, increased GOAT expression. In addition, growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and leptin increased, while somatostatin (SST) decreased GOAT expression. The physiologic relevance of these later results is supported by the observation that pituitary GOAT expression in mice lacking GHRH, SST and leptin showed opposite changes to those observed after in vitro treatment with the corresponding peptides. Therefore, it seems plausible that these hormones directly contribute to the regulation of pituitary GOAT. Interestingly, in all the models studied, pituitary GOAT expression paralleled changes in the expression of a dominant spliced-variant of ghrelin (In2-ghrelin) and therefore this transcript may be a primary substrate for pituitary GOAT. Collectively, these observations support the notion that the GI tract is not the only source of acylated-ghrelin, but in fact locally produced des-acylated-ghrelin could be converted to acylated-ghrelin within target tissues by locally active GOAT, to mediate its tissue-specific effects. | 10.1016/j.mce.2009.12.023 |
pubmed_181_22739 | OBJECTIVE
To examine rural men's use and perceptions of mobile and wireless devices to self-monitor eating and physical activity (mHealth).
DESIGN AND SAMPLE
Men in this 3-week pilot study used FitBit One® to log daily food intake and monitor activity. A companion application (app) allowed activity monitoring of fellow participants. Health-related text messages were received 1-3 times daily. A purposive sample of 12 rural men (ages 40-67) was recruited by community leaders.
MEASURES
(1) baseline heart rate, blood pressure, and BMI, (2) FitBit One® usage, (3) investigator-generated surveys on acceptability of mHealth, and (4) focus group on experience with mHealth.
RESULTS
Men were overweight (n = 3) or obese (n = 9) and 9 of 12 were hypertensive. Nine of twelve wore FitBit One® all 21 days. Eleven of 12 men logged food, with 9 of 12 doing this at least 15 of 21 days. Self-monitoring and daily text messaging increased awareness of energy intake and output. Companion app's food log needed targeting for rural foods. Rotating seasons (occupational, religious, recreational) and weak cellular signals created contextual barriers to self-monitoring eating and activity.
CONCLUSIONS
FitBit One® and text messaging were perceived as useful among the rural men, while the companion apps require adaptation to reflect dietary norms. | 10.1111/phn.12297 |
pubmed_673_10729 | Correlations between dental morphology, arch configuration, and jaw movement patterns were quantitatively investigated in 23 ceboid species to elucidate integrative aspects of occlusal functional anatomy in an adaptive and evolutionary context. Differential maxillary-mandibular arch widths are primary in guiding lateral jaw movements. These movements are characterized according to their associated condylar shifts as either predominantly translatory or rotational. Predominantly translatory movements result from peripheral contact relationships between maxillary arches which are considerably wider posteriorly than their opposing mandibular arches. The greatest degree of mandibular movement is in the molar region in functional association with wide "primitive" maxillary molars, narrow mandibular molars, constricted maxillary intercanine widths, and narrow maxillary incisors. In contrast, predominantly rotational masticatory jaw movements results from differential arch widths which are greatest in the maxillary canine and incisor regions. Here most jaw movement is in the anterior segment and this is reflected in small maxillary-mandibular molar widths differences, a high degree of premolarization, wide-set maxillary canine teeth, and wide maxillary incisors. Possible selectional factors in the putative evolution of rotational predominance in mastication from the more primitive translatory pattern are discussed. | 10.1002/ajpa.1330450217 |
pubmed_909_482 | BACKGROUND
Over the last decades survival after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has improved, leading to an increasing number of patients returning to work, but little is known about factors that may influence their labour market affiliation. This study examines the impact of gender, co-morbidity and socio-economic position on subsequent labour market affiliation and transition between various social services in patients admitted for the first time with ACS.
METHODS
From 2001 to 2009 all first-time hospitalisations for ACS were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry (n = 79,714). For this population, data on sick leave, unemployment and retirement were obtained from an administrative register covering all citizens. The 21,926 patients, aged 18-63 years, who had survived 30 days and were part of the workforce at the time of diagnosis were included in the analyses where subsequent transition between the above labour market states was examined using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models.
FINDINGS
A total of 37% of patients were in work 30 days after first ACS diagnosis, while 55% were on sick leave and 8% were unemployed. Seventy-nine per cent returned to work once during follow-up. This probability was highest among males, those below 50 years, living with a partner, the highest educated, with higher occupations, having specific events (NSTEMI, and percutaneous coronary intervention) and with no co-morbidity. During five years follow-up, 43% retired due to disability or voluntary early pension. Female gender, low education, basic occupation, co-morbidity and having a severer event (invasive procedures) and receiving sickness benefits or being unemployed 30 days after admission were associated with increased probability of early retirement.
CONCLUSION
About half of patients with first-time ACS stay in or return to work shortly after the event. Women, the socially disadvantaged, those with presumed severer events and co-morbidity have lower rates of return. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0086758 |
pubmed_588_13101 | Cancers are a complex set of proliferative diseases that arise in most cases through multi-step pathways involving an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. These steps include inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes. However, in addition to genetic mutations in the tumour cells themselves, the local host environment can act as a critical modulator of cancer progression, having either tumour-suppressive or tumour-promoting effects depending on the stage and site of cancer development. Because stromal cells can have these opposing functions during cancer development and progression, a recurring theme throughout this review will be that of balance: maintaining the normal functions of these co-opted cells, yet selectively inhibiting their pro-tumourigenic functions. To achieve this equilibrium, we need to understand the molecular mechanisms by which normal cells become modified by cancer cells before we can hope to target these functions selectively. Here, we will discuss recent efforts to address these key challenges and offer perspectives on the translation of discoveries made in model systems to the clinic. | 10.1017/S1462399406000172 |
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