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pubmed_244_24297 | A detailed examination of aqueous Si complexation by alditols and aldonic acids was conducted using high-sensitivity 29Si NMR spectroscopy of isotopically enriched solutions combined with theoretical modeling. Contrary to previous thinking, we have established that aliphatic polyols do not require a threo pair of hydroxy groups to form hypercoordinated Si complexes, although formation constants may be orders of magnitude higher if they are present. Thirteen distinctly different molecular assemblages containing 4-, 5-, or 6-coordinate Si centers have been identified, with significant concentrations of 5-coordinate Si bis-ligand complex being detected even under biologically relevant solution conditions. | 10.1021/jacs.9b10701 |
pubmed_17_7741 | A process taking advantages of combined solid-state and submerged cultivation of Monascus for red pigment production and integration of a product removal unit was developed. The solid-state cultivation was carried out in a 5 l fermentor, with rice being used not only as the substrate but also the support for Monascus. The inclusion of rice submergence and integration of product separation were achieved by intermittently rinsing the rice with monosodium glutamate (MSG) solutions every 12 h followed by an adsorptive extraction of the red pigment dissolved in the rinsing solution. With this new process, the Monascus red pigment production was increased by 24% as compared with that by the plain fixed-bed cultivation. | 10.1007/s00449-002-0291-z |
pubmed_910_12993 | Watermelon mosaic virus was first reported in 1965 from the Rio Grande Valley, TX. We report here the first complete genome sequence of a watermelon mosaic virus isolate from watermelon collected from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. | pubmed_910_12993 |
pubmed_160_6070 | Regioselective, catalyst-controlled monoalkylations of cis-vicinal diol motifs in carbohydrate derivatives, using a diphenylborinic ester precatalyst, are described. Selective installation of benzyl, naphthylmethyl, 4-bromobenzyl and benzyloxymethyl protective groups at a single secondary hydroxy group of ten representative carbohydrate derivatives illustrates the scope of this method. This new mode of catalytic reactivity represents an operationally simple method to access useful monoalkylated building blocks while avoiding the use of stoichiometric quantities of organotin reagents. | 10.1021/ol200990e |
pubmed_80_22747 | INTRODUCTION
Globally, nurses are known to care for hospitalized patients and the presence or absence of pressure ulcers is being regarded as a performance measure of quality nursing care. The study aims to determine the knowledge and practice of caregivers towards pressure ulcer prevention for hospitalized patients in National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.
METHOD
A cross sectional descriptive survey design was adopted among eighty-five (85) caregivers who met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Ethical approval and informed consent of participants was obtained before data collection using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and checklist. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square statistical test was used to test for association between variables.
RESULT
Results revealed poor knowledge 67.3% of pressure ulcer prevention among caregivers. Inadequate staffing 93.5%, heavy workload 92.9%, were highest perceived barriers to pressure ulcer prevention. The test of hypothesis showed that there is a significant relationship between years of service of caregivers and knowledge of pressure ulcer P = 0.000.
CONCLUSION
It was concluded that in-service training, recruitment of more staff and ensuring availability of the necessary equipment are some of the important steps to improve nurses' knowledge and practice regarding prevention of pressure ulcer. | 10.4103/njcp.njcp_413_17 |
pubmed_538_142 | Huntington's disease (HD) pathology is well understood at a histological level but a comprehensive molecular analysis of the effect of the disease in the human brain has not previously been available. To elucidate the molecular phenotype of HD on a genome-wide scale, we compared mRNA profiles from 44 human HD brains with those from 36 unaffected controls using microarray analysis. Four brain regions were analyzed: caudate nucleus, cerebellum, prefrontal association cortex [Brodmann's area 9 (BA9)] and motor cortex [Brodmann's area 4 (BA4)]. The greatest number and magnitude of differentially expressed mRNAs were detected in the caudate nucleus, followed by motor cortex, then cerebellum. Thus, the molecular phenotype of HD generally parallels established neuropathology. Surprisingly, no mRNA changes were detected in prefrontal association cortex, thereby revealing subtleties of pathology not previously disclosed by histological methods. To establish that the observed changes were not simply the result of cell loss, we examined mRNA levels in laser-capture microdissected neurons from Grade 1 HD caudate compared to control. These analyses confirmed changes in expression seen in tissue homogenates; we thus conclude that mRNA changes are not attributable to cell loss alone. These data from bona fide HD brains comprise an important reference for hypotheses related to HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. | 10.1093/hmg/ddl013 |
pubmed_472_4693 | Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the Taichong acupoint in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Methods. Eighty patients with hypertension attending a cardiology outpatient department in central Taiwan were included in this randomized clinical trial. Acupressure was applied to the Taichong acupoint in the experimental group (n = 40) and to the first metatarsal (sham acupoint) in the control group (n = 40). Blood pressure was measured by electronic monitoring before and immediately 15 min and 30 min after acupressure. Results. The average age of the experimental and control participants was 59.3 ± 9.2 years and 62.7 ± 8.4 years, respectively. The two groups were similar for demographics and antihypertensive drug use. Mean systolic and diastolic BP in the experimental group decreased at 0, 15, and 30 min after acupressure (165.0/96.3, 150.4/92.7, 145.7/90.8, and 142.9/88.6 mmHg); no significant changes occurred in the control group. There was a significant difference in systolic and diastolic BP between the experimental and control groups immediately and 15 and 30 min after acupressure (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Acupressure on the Taichong acupoint can lower BP in hypertensive patients and may be included in the nursing care plan for hypertension. However, additional studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, frequency, and long-term effects of this therapy. | 10.1155/2016/1549658 |
pubmed_324_1235 | AIM
Pituitary incidentalomas (PIs) are diagnosed in about 10% of the patients undergoing radiological investigation for non-pituitary disorders. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological and hormonal characteristics of PIs in a cohort of patients, followed up in a single centre from 1982-2009.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of patients with PIs was carried out. All patients underwent basal and dynamic evaluation of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Mass size was assessed at yearly intervals.
RESULTS
Sixty-one patients (38 men/23 women, aged 53±2 years) were studied. The mean follow-up time was 48±8 months, and mean size of PIs was 20±2 mm. Twelve PIs (20%) were microadenomas, 48 (78%) were macroadenomas and one (2%) was a Rathke's cyst. The most common reasons that led to their discovery were headaches, dizziness, syncope, stroke and head injury. Forty-seven of the 61 PIs (77%) were non-functioning, 11 (18%) prolactinomas, and two (3%) GH-secreting adenomas. Hypopituitarism was present in 12% at diagnosis. Forty-eight per cent of the patients were submitted to surgery with conventional radiotherapy in 8%. Relapse in size was observed in 48% of the surgically treated patients. Of the PIs followed conservatively, 78% remained stable, 11% showed decrease and 11% increase in size during follow up. Hypopituitarism rose to 57% postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
Majority of PIs are non-functioning adenomas that remain stable in size. Relapse in size and hypopituitarism postoperatively are common. PIs, for which conservative management was initially considered appropriate, did not progress in size. | 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2010.02537.x |
pubmed_42_23330 | Amidst the substantial change currently gripping primary health care are two developments central to contemporary debate regarding the very nature, territory and identity of general practice - the integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the rise of evidence-based medicine (EBM). This paper reports findings from a study based upon 25 in-depth interviews with general practitioners (GPs) personally practising complementary therapies alongside more conventional medicine to treat their NHS patients. The paper outlines the GPs' perceptions of EBM, its relationship to their personal development of CAM, and their notions of good clinical practice more generally. Analysis of the GPs' accounts demonstrates how CAM can be seen as a useful resource with which some GPs defend their clinical autonomy from what they perceive to be the threat of EBM. | 10.1054/ctim.2000.0396 |
pubmed_882_12985 | Many types of disposable bioreactors for protein expression in insect and mammalian cells are now available. They differ in design, capacity, and sensor options, with many selections available for either rocking platform, orbitally shaken, pneumatically mixed, or stirred-tank bioreactors lined with an integral disposable bag (Shukla and Gottschalk, Trends Biotechnol 31(3):147-154, 2013). WAVE Bioreactors™ were among the first disposable systems to be developed (Singh, Cytotechnology 30:149-158, 1999). Since their commercialization in 1999, Wave Bioreactors have become routinely used in many laboratories due to their ease of operation, limited utility requirements, and protein expression levels comparability to traditional stirred-tank bioreactors. Wave Bioreactors are designed to use a presterilized Cellbag™, which is attached to a rocking platform and inflated with filtered air provided by the bioreactor unit. The Cellbag can be filled with medium and cells and maintained at a set temperature. The rocking motion, which is adjusted through angle and rock speed settings, provides mixing of oxygen (and CO2, which is used to control pH in mammalian cell cultures) from the headspace created in the inflated Cellbag with the cell culture medium and cells. This rocking motion can be adjusted to prevent cell shear damage. Dissolved oxygen and pH can be monitored during scale-up, and samples can be easily removed to monitor other parameters. Insect and mammalian cells grow very well in Wave Bioreactors (Shukla and Gottschalk, Trends Biotechnol 31(3):147-154, 2013). Combining Wave Bioreactor cell growth capabilities with recombinant baculoviruses engineered for insect or mammalian cell expression has proven to be a powerful tool for rapid production of a wide range of proteins. | 10.1007/978-1-4939-3043-2_12 |
pubmed_512_18676 | The copy number variation (CNV) is the number of copies of a particular gene in the genotype of an individual. Recent evidences show that the CNVs can vary in frequency and occurrence between breeds. These variations reportedly allowed different breeds to adapt to different environments. As copy number variations follow Mendelian pattern of inheritance, identification and distribution of these variants between populations can be used to infer the evolutionary history of the species. In this study, we have examined the absolute copy number of four Heat shock factor genes viz. HSF-1, 2, 4, and 5 in two different breeds of buffalo species using real-time PCR. Here, we report that the absolute copy number of HSF2 varies between the two breeds. In contrast no significant difference was observed in the copy number for HSF-1, 4, and 5 between the two breeds. Our results provide evidence for the presence of breed specific differences in HSF2 genomic copy number. This seems to be the first step in delineating the genetic factors underlying environmental adaptation between the two breeds. Nevertheless, a more detailed study is needed to characterize the functional consequence of this variation. | 10.1080/10495398.2015.1135807 |
pubmed_682_6332 | The considerable spatial and temporal variabilities of nitrogen (N) processing introduce large uncertainties for quantifying N cycles on a large scale, particularly in plain river network regions with complicated hydrographic connections and mixed multiple N sources. In this paper, the dual isotopes δ15N and δ18O and dissolved anions in regularly collected samples (n = 10) from the studied river, which is one of the most seriously polluted rivers in the plain river network regions of the Taihu Lake catchment, were analyzed to ascertain the main nitrate (NO3-) sources and watershed N processing in the context of monsoon climate. The seasonal variations in precipitation, temperature, and hydrology play key roles in the regulation of the river NO3- concentration, NO3- sources, and watershed N processing. Nitrification of N-containing materials in the soil was possibly the major source of NO3- all year round, especially in the rainy season, whereas manure and sewage significantly contributed to the NO3- load in the Taige River in the dry season. Nitrification and denitrification processes within the area were closely related. The significant negative relationship between the water temperature and δ18O-NO3- values indicated the occurrence of nitrification in the soil throughout the year. By contrast, seasonal variations of denitrification were apparent from May to July with the high soil temperature and moisture, thereby indicating the occurrence of denitrification (22.9%) within the watershed. After the assessment of temporal variations of NO3- sources and watershed N processing, improved environmental management practices can be implemented to protect water resources and prevent further water quality deterioration in human-impacted watersheds. | 10.1039/c8em00424b |
pubmed_695_13577 | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Gemcitabine is an antitumour agent currently used in the treatment of several types of cancer with known properties as a radiosensitizer. p38MAPK signalling pathway has been shown to be a major determinant in the cellular response to gemcitabine in different experimental models. However, the molecular mechanism implicated in gemcitabine-associated radiosensitivity remains unknown.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The human sarcoma cell lines A673 and HT1080, and a mouse cell line derived from a 3-methylcholanthrene induced sarcoma were used as experimental models. Modulation of p38MAPKs was performed by pharmacological approaches (SB203580) and genetic interference using lentiviral vectors coding for specific shRNAs. Viability was assessed by MTT. Gene expression was evaluated by western blot and RT-qPCR. Induction of apoptosis was monitored by caspase 3/7 activity. Response to ionizing radiation was evaluated by clonogenic assays.
RESULTS
Our data demonstrate that chemical inhibition of p38MAPK signalling pathway blocks gemcitabine radiosensitizing potential. Genetic interference of MAPK14 (p38α), the most abundantly expressed and best characterized p38MAPK, despite promoting resistance to gemcitabine, it does not affect its radiosensitizing potential. Interestingly, specific knockdown of MAPK11 (p38β) induces a total loss of the radiosensitivity associated to gemcitabine, as well as a marked increase in the resistance to the drug.
CONCLUSION
The present work identifies p38β as a major determinant of the radiosensitizing potential of gemcitabine without implication of p38α, suggesting that p38β status should be analysed in those cases in which gemcitabine is combined with ionizing radiation. | 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.12.008 |
pubmed_291_15773 | Each cell in HIV-associated primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) harbors latent EBV. Notably, the triggering of TLR9, a key event in HIV pathogenesis, also promotes EBV latency and transformation. We hypothesized that because only a minority of HIV-infected patients develops PCNSL, their B cells exhibit aberrant signaling responses to TLR9 triggering. We found higher levels of IL-6, CD80, and CD86 expression at baseline in B cells of those patients than in B cells of matched controls, whereas TNF-a expression was lower. Notably, on TLR9 triggering with CpG 2006, CD80 and TNF-α were up-regulated to a lesser extent in B cells of the former than in those of matched controls. The reduced up-regulation of CD80 might be explained by its higher baseline expression resulting in a more blunted response rather than a specific deficit of the signaling response to TLR9 triggering. However, this cannot explain the blunted TNF-α response, which warrants further investigation. Finally, since increased IL-6 expression is linked to EBV-associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the enhanced baseline expression of IL-6 might be important in the pathogenesis of PCNSL in HIV-infected patients. | 10.1089/aid.2009.0288 |
pubmed_739_57 | AIM
In a prospective trial early effectiveness and acute toxicity of conformal 3D-planned radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer was quantified using dose-volume-histogramms and evaluated with respect of treatment technique.
PATIENTS AND METHOD
Thirty-two men (44 to 80 years old) with locally advanced carcinoma of the prostate (stage B2 or C) have been treated by 3D-planned conformal radiotherapy using high energy photons. In 28/32 men treatment technique was a monoaxial bisegmental rotation with irregular fields. With single doses of 2.0 Gy a mean total dose of 63.9 +/- 4.9 Gy according to ICRU was applied within 46 +/- 4 days. Maximum dose was in the mean 105.1% +/- 3.8%. 3D treatment volume was 274.1 +/- 113.4 cm3. Median follow-up is 1.8 years (15 to 34 months). Toxicity was evaluated according to RTOG-EORTC by patient interview and physical examination on a weekly basis during radiotherapy and by regular follow-up.
RESULTS
Eleven patients had none, 15 mild (RTOG grade 1) and 6 moderate symptoms (RTOG grade 2, mainly diarrhoea, dysuria and polyuria). Acute complications leading to treatment interruption did not occur. In 16 patients symptoms disappeared within 6 weeks after radiotherapy. Only 2 men had symptoms which lasted longer than 3 months and were endoscopically examined. Up to now no late complications were detected. Incidence and severity of toxicity was significantly (p < 0.05) related to the size of treatment volume. Acute toxicity was found to depend statistically significant (p < 0.05) on the proportional volume of bladder and rectum, irradiated with more than 35 Gy. In 81% of the patients with pretherapeutic elevated PSA levels normalisation of PSA was observed. Overall mean PSA levels of 15.7 +/- 22.6 micrograms/l at the beginning of radiotherapy fell to 2.1 +/- 3.7 micrograms/l 6 weeks after irradiation. Only 1 Patient relapsed locally 22 months after radiation therapy.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that due to modern 3D-planned conformal techniques with optimization of treatment dose and improved protection of critical organs such as urinary bladder and rectum, radiotherapy allows an effective and well tolerated therapy of localized prostatic carcinoma. | 10.1007/BF03038929 |
others_392_2363 | The effects on the reproductive responses and the offspring fitness in monogamous and promiscuous females of the seven-spotted ladybird Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus were studied. Reproductive responses were higher in monogamous and promiscuous females with unlimited mating than those subjected to limited mating. Monogamous females with unlimited mating recorded longer oviposition period and higher fecundity than those subjected to limited mating. Promiscuous females with multiple mating recorded the longest oviposition period, the highest fecundity and percentage egg viability (short-term benefits), and the shortest developmental period, maximum larval survival and adult emergence (long-term benefits). © ICIPE 2005 | 10.1079/IJT200570 |
others_38_13918 | Inga edulis Mart and Inga samanensis Uribe are promising yet little studied legume trees for use in agroforestry on acidic soils. The objective of this study was to analyze the decomposition and N release processes of green mulch from these species. Litterbags filled with leaves from each species were placed on the ground in an organic maize (Zea mays L.) alley-cropping experiment at the time of maize sowing and collected every 2 weeks over a 20 week period, and measured for dry matter, N, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin content. Three types of models were applied to the data, according to the characteristics of each component, to analyze the decomposition dynamics of whole leaves and leaf components: a negative exponential decay function, an inverted Michaelis-Menten function, and a linear regression. Initial decay of I. samanensis mulch was faster than I. edulis mulch. However, the recalcitrant fraction was about half of the initial litter mass in both Inga spp. Hemicellulose disappeared almost completely from the litter during the 20-week incubation period, while no significant lignin decay occurred. After a slow start, cellulose partially decayed following linear kinetics. The half-life of labile N, estimated as a Michaelis-Menten parameter, was 10 weeks in I. samanensis and ca. 24 weeks in I. edulis litter. Polyphenol content was significantly higher in I. edulis. Litter of I. edulis and I. samanensis may be classified as 'low-quality' and 'medium-quality' mulch, respectively. Due to the relatively large recalcitrant mulch fraction, both Inga spp. may promote C sequestration and long-term N accumulation in soil. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reser | 10.1016/j.soilbio.2005.05.012 |
pubmed_994_23084 | X-raying is arguably the most well-known, non-invasive technique for visualising the internal structures of ancient mummies and bog bodies. There are several factors such as the easy availability, the relative cheapness as well as the high spatial resolution, which speaks for this diagnostic modality in ancient mummy research. The aim of this short review is to address the advantages and pitfalls of this particular technique for such unique samples. We recommend that when results of X-ray examination of mummies are presented, the specific recording data should be listed, and any given finds, for example, of Paleopathology, should be cross-checked against other sources, for example, CT-scanning, direct inspection (also by endoscopy), and so forth. | 10.1002/ar.23147 |
pubmed_362_9409 | Hybrid two-dimensional (2D) materials composed of carbon, boron, and nitrogen constitute a hot topic of research, as their flexible composition allows for tunable properties. However, while graphene-like hybrid lattices have been well characterized, systematic investigations are lacking for various 2D materials. Hence, in the present contribution, we employ first-principles calculations to investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of what we call B C N hybrid α-graphynes. We considered eleven structures with stoichiometry BC2N and varied atomic arrangements. We calculated the formation energy for each arrangement, and determined that it is low (high) when the number of boron-carbon and nitrogen-carbon bonds is low (high). We found that the formation energy of many our structures compared favorably with a previous literature proposal. Regarding the electronic properties, we found that the investigated structures are semiconducting, with band gaps ranging from 0.02 to 2.00 eV. Moreover, we determined that most of the B C N hybrid α-graphynes proposed here strongly absorb infrared light, and so could potentially find applications in optoelectronic devices such as heat sensors and infrared filters. | 10.1039/c9ra02347j |
others_314_157053 | Genetically modifying T cells can enable applications ranging from cancer immunotherapy to HIV treatment, yet delivery of T cell-targeted therapeutics remains challenging. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale particles secreted by all cells that naturally encapsulate and transfer proteins and nucleic acids, making them an attractive and clinically-relevant platform for engineering biocompatible delivery vehicles. We report a suite of technologies for genetically engineering cells to produce multifunctional EV vehicles--without employing chemical modifications that complicate biomanufacturing. We display high affinity targeting domains on the EV surface to achieve specific, efficient binding to T cells, identify a protein tag to confer active cargo loading into EVs, and display fusogenic glycoproteins to increase EV uptake and fusion with recipient cells. We demonstrate integration of these technologies by delivering Cas9-sgRNA complexes to edit primary human T cells. These approaches could enable targeting vesicles to a range of cells for the efficient delivery of | 10.1101/2022.05.14.491879 |
pubmed_760_3302 | BACKGROUND
After its domestication, rice cultivation expanded from tropical regions towards northern latitudes with temperate climate in a progressive process to overcome limiting photoperiod and temperature conditions. This process has originated a wide range of diversity that can be regarded as a valuable resource for crop improvement. In general, current rice breeding programs have to deal with a lack of both germplasm accessions specifically adapted to local agro-environmental conditions and adapted donors carrying desired agronomical traits. Comprehensive maps of genome variability and population structure would facilitate genome-wide association studies of complex traits, functional gene investigations and the selection of appropriate donors for breeding purposes.
RESULTS
A collection of 217 rice varieties mainly cultivated in temperate regions was generated. The collection encompasses modern elite and old cultivars, as well as traditional landraces covering a wide genetic diversity available for rice breeders. Whole Genome Sequencing was performed on 14 cultivars representative of the collection and the genomic profiles of all cultivars were constructed using a panel of 2697 SNPs with wide coverage throughout the rice genome, obtained from the sequencing data. The population structure and genetic relationship analyses showed a strong substructure in the temperate rice population, predominantly based on grain type and the origin of the cultivars. Dendrogram also agrees population structure results.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on SNP markers, we have elucidated the genetic relationship and the degree of genetic diversity among a collection of 217 temperate rice varieties possessing an enormous variety of agromorphological and physiological characters. Taken together, the data indicated the occurrence of relatively high gene flow and elevated rates of admixture between cultivars grown in remote regions, probably favoured by local breeding activities. The results of this study significantly expand the current genetic resources available for temperate varieties of rice, providing a valuable tool for future association mapping studies. | 10.1186/s12284-016-0130-5 |
pubmed_1042_19465 | Sepsis and septic shock in newborns causes mortality and morbidity depending on the organism and primary site. ECMO provides cardiorespiratory support to allow adequate organ perfusion during the time for antibiotics and source control surgery (if needed) to occur. ECMO mode and cannulation site vary depending on support required and local preference. Earlier and more aggressive use of ECMO can improve survival. | 10.3389/fped.2020.00050 |
pubmed_74_15090 | Based on 247 growth data, the growth of S. aureus 2064 in dependence on temperatures (8-50°C) and a values (0.999-0.83) was described. Optimal values of a at all studied temperatures were determined by using Gibson model. Its compatibility was confirmed by several statistical indices, e.g. root mean square errors (RMSE 0.003-0.138), standard errors of prediction (%SEP 0.6-17.5). Cardinal values for S. aureus growth (T =7.7°C, T =40.6°C, T =46.7°C, a =0.808, a =0.994, μ =1.97 1/h) were determined by using CM model with indices RMSE=0.071, SEP=17.5%. Our findings can provide relevant growth information that can be used in S. aureus exposure assessment or in validation of other data regarding the growth of this opportunistic pathogen in foods. | 10.4081/ijfs.2019.8287 |
pubmed_715_8739 | OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the paper is to review aspects of the systems available to model the caries process in enamel.
METHODS
The in situ model developed in Liverpool, and the new method of quantifying mineral loss, Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF), are described. QLF is a powerful new diagnostic tool which can be used to measure demineralisation and remineralisation in tooth surfaces in vivo; studies to optimise, validate and use QLF in different clinical situations are described.
RESULTS
Examples of the use of in situ models show that they are particularly valuable for monitoring de and remineralisation of artificial lesions in relation to product testing as alternatives to clinical trials, and present significant advances over in vitro methods. Quantification of mineral loss by Transverse Microradiography (TMR) as in the traditional Liverpool model has produced much valuable information, but the destructive nature of the method limits experimental design, and removes the system from the clinical situation. As a possible alternative, QLF has been validated and optimised. Longitudinal measures can be made on the same surface, and examples of its use are for monitoring recurrent caries and demineralisation around orthodontic brackets.
CONCLUSIONS
While current in situ models provide a major advance over earlier caries models, measurement of de and remineralisation by destructive methods such as transverse microradiography limits the design of experimental investigations. QLF offers significant time saving, reduces the cost of clinical studies, and because the measurements can be carried out longitudinally in vivo, can remove the need for intra-oral appliances carrying experimental tissues. | 10.1016/j.jdent.2004.10.016 |
pubmed_407_13497 | Curtisia dentata (CD) is a vulnerable medicinal plant used for the treatment of stomach ailments in South Africa. However, there is a lack of sufficient data on its phytochemical components and medicinal properties. The phytochemical analysis of the extract was estimated using standard assay methods while its antibacterial activity was determined by the agar dilution method against selected bacteria. The antioxidant activity of the extract was done using ferric reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The cytotoxicity assay of the extract was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test with LC(50) value of 0.302 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity of the extract demonstrated an appreciable broad spectrum activity against the tested bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges between 5000 and 0.5 mg/L. Both phenol and flavonoid concentrations were 14.86 mg tannic acid equivalent/g and 13.64 mg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The percentage composition of saponins (13.26) was highest, followed by steroids (1.42), while alkaloids and tannins had the same value of 0.51. Similarly, IC(50) values of the extract against DPPH, ABTS, H(2)O(2), LPO and NO were 0.017, 0.018, 0.159, 0.06 and 0.052 mg/mL, respectively. The reducing power of the extract was found to be concentration dependent. Our data suggest that the 70% ethanol extract from the CD extract has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to the presence of bio-active compounds and thus support its folkloric use in the treatment of diseases. | 10.3390/ijms13056189 |
pubmed_554_7644 | Increasing evidence suggests that asymptomatic carriers are an important source of healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection. However, it is not known which test for the detection of C. difficile colonization is most sensitive in patients with haematological malignancies. We performed a prospective cohort study of 101 patients with haematological malignancies who had been admitted to the hospital for scheduled chemotherapy or haematopoietic cell transplantation. Each patient provided a formed stool sample. We compared the performance of five different commercially available assays, using toxigenic culture as the reference method. The prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile colonization as determined by toxigenic culture was 14/101 (14 %). The Cepheid Xpert PCR C. difficile/Epi was the most sensitive test for the detection of toxigenic C. difficile colonization, with 93 % sensitivity and 99 % negative predictive value. Our findings suggest that the Xpert PCR C. difficile/Epi could be used to rule out toxigenic C. difficile colonization in this population. | 10.1099/jmm.0.000774 |
pubmed_294_13265 | The vitamin D3 receptor is a ligand-inducible transcriptional regulatory protein. The receptor modulates the transcription of target genes by binding directly to specific DNA sites, termed vitamin D response elements; these sites vary considerably in their homologies to each other. In order to approach the question of what sequences can constitute high affinity recognition elements for the vitamin D3 receptor, we have selected for such sites in vitro by mixing overexpressed and purified vitamin D3 receptor DNA binding domain with an oligonucleotide duplex pool containing a completely randomized central region flanked by primer-annealing sites. Following multiple rounds of immunoprecipitation and amplification by PCR to enrich for high affinity sites, individual clones were sequenced and found to contain nearly identical hexameric sequences, yielding a consensus 5'-AGGGGG-3'. This sequence is similar to some known vitamin D3 receptor binding sites, such as osteocalcin, but quite divergent from others. This suggests that the vitamin D3 receptor may be able to selectively recognize at least two classes of sequence elements. | 10.1006/bbrc.1993.1475 |
pubmed_637_20751 | Aims and method To examine gender differences in self-reported depression and prescribed antidepressants (ADs). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess depression, and information on prescribed ADs was obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Results Depression was reported by 11.7% of the participants (12.3% men and 11.2% women). ADs were prescribed for 7.6% of the participants (5.3% men, 9.8% women). Among men, 1.8% reported depression and used ADs, 10.5% reported depression but did not use ADs, and 3.6% used ADs but did not report depression. The corresponding figures for women were 2.6%, 8.6% and 7.2%. Clinical implications Men report depression to a greater extent than women but are prescribed ADs to a lesser extent, possibly a sign of under-treatment. Women are prescribed ADs without reporting depression more often than men, possibly a sign of over-treatment. Although the causes remain unclear, diagnostic and treatment guidelines should benefit from considering gender differences in these respects. | 10.1192/pb.bp.116.054270 |
pubmed_72_13312 | Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of most malignant neoplasms, exhibiting poor responsiveness to the conventional chemo-regime. Abnormal expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been implicated in the emergence of multiple-drug resistance (MDR) by reducing the accumulation of intracellular chemotherapy drugs. Wnt signaling plays critical roles in renal cancer and is triggered by binding of Wnt ligands to Frizzled (FZD) receptor proteins. miR-124 is a tumor suppressor associated with cancer relapse and MDR, whereas its role in P-gp-mediated MDR in refractory RCC is as yet unrevealed. Our study aimed to investigate the roles of miR-124 in chemo-resistant RCC cells and the potential targeted signaling paths in inducing P-gp expression. Doxorubicin (DOX)- and vinblastine (VBL)-resistant Caki-2 cells were developed by exposure of parental Caki-2 cells to the agents over a long period of time. In comparison with their parental cells, miR-124 was downregulated in Caki-2/DOX and Caki-2/VBL cells, accompanied by increased FZD5 and P-gp. IC50 values were reduced significantly after miR-124 mimics were introduced into Caki-2/DOX cells. In addition, miR-124 mimics significantly promoted apoptosis of Caki-2/DOX cells. miR-124 targeted to FZD5 and miR-124 mimics as well as FZD5 siRNA showed significant inhibitory effects on P-gp expression in Caki-2/DOX cells. Furthermore, Wnt-5a dose-dependently stimulated the presentation of p-PKCα/βII and p-CamKII via activating FZD5, which was reversed by FZD5 silencing. Moreover, FZD5/protein kinase C (PKC) signaling is responsible for the elevation of P-gp and cancer cell survival. In conclusion, restoring miR-124 may function as a promising strategy to overcome P-gp-mediated MDR by inhibiting FZD5/PKC signaling. | 10.1007/s13277-015-3369-3 |
pubmed_415_21052 | Two complementary artificial diether phospholipids were synthesized that can undergo a Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen-Sharpless click reaction. The resulting lipid can bridge the membranes of large unilamellar vesicles and cause their aggregation and ultimately their fusion. | 10.1039/c2cc16827h |
pubmed_551_20674 | OBJECTIVE
Epidemiological data indicate that endometriosis increases the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but the mechanism of cancer transition is unknown. Results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome sequencing have demonstrated that genes located in the 1p36 region are important in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated cancer development. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that SNPs in two tumor-suppressor genes (CHD5 and ARID1A) in the 1p36 region are associated with endometriosis.
METHODS
Allele frequencies of SNPs were investigated in 1685 Caucasian women consisting of 947 women with endometriosis and 738 controls. Peripheral blood samples were retrieved, DNA extracted and allelic frequencies of SNPs in two tumor-suppressor genes (CHD5 and ARID1A) were analyzed using TaqMan Open Array technique.
RESULTS
Associations were observed for 3 SNPs in the CHD5 gene: rs1883603 (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.00-1.71), rs9434741 (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16-1.71) and rs17436816 (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.50). After correction for multiple comparisons, rs9434741 (CHD5) remained significantly associated with endometriosis (p<0.01). No associations were detected for ARID1A.
CONCLUSIONS
In this Caucasian population, endometriosis seems to be associated with the tumor-suppressor gene CHD5. Our findings support recent data, suggesting that the 1p36 region plays an important role in endometrios. To validate these data, replication in an independent population is warranted. | pubmed_551_20674 |
pubmed_762_84 | Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) play a key role in the delivery of photosensitizers to tumor cells in photodynamic therapy. The interaction of deuteroporphyrin, an amphiphilic porphyrin, with LDL is examined at equilibrium and the kinetics of association/dissociation are determined by stopped-flow. Changes in apoprotein and porphyrin fluorescence suggest two classes of bound porphyrins. The first class, characterized by tryptophan fluorescence quenching, involves four well-defined sites. The affinity constant per site is 8.75 x 10(7) M(-1) (cumulative affinity 3.5 x 10(8) M(-1)). The second class corresponds to the incorporation of up to 50 molecules into the outer lipidic layer of LDL with an affinity constant of 2 x 10(8) M(-1). Stopped-flow experiments involving direct LDL porphyrin mixing or porphyrin transfer from preloaded LDL to albumin provide kinetic characterization of the two classes. The rate constants for dissociation of the first and second classes are 5.8 and 15 s(-1); the association rate constants are 5 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) per site and 3 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. Both fluorescence and kinetic analysis indicate that the first class involves regions at the boundary between lipids and the apoprotein. The kinetics of porphyrin-LDL interactions indicates that changes in the distribution of photosensitizers among various carriers could be very sensitive to the specific tumor microenvironment. | 10.1016/S0006-3495(02)75346-0 |
pubmed_605_582 | Newly emerging research suggests that the actual physical location of a study and the geographic context in which a study is implemented influences the types of research methods most appropriate to use in a study as well as the study's research outcomes. This article presents a reflection on the extent to which place influenced the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) as a research methodology in the implementation of an intervention to address sexually transmitted infections in Greenland. An evaluation of the interaction between place and CBPR suggests that the physicality of place influenced the intervention's successes and challenges. Future research that uses CBPR as a research methodology in sexual and reproductive health research in the Arctic warrants situating the research design, implementation and outcomes within the context of place. | 10.3402/ijch.v75.32239 |
pubmed_664_14245 | A detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of the coronary artery tree with cardiac motion has great potential for applications in a wide variety of medical imaging research areas. In this work, we first developed a computer-generated 3D model of the coronary arterial tree for the heart in the extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) phantom, thereby creating a realistic computer model of the human anatomy. The coronary arterial tree model was based on two datasets: (1) a gated cardiac dual-source computed tomography (CT) angiographic dataset obtained from a normal human subject and (2) statistical morphometric data of porcine hearts. The initial proximal segments of the vasculature and the anatomical details of the boundaries of the ventricles were defined by segmenting the CT data. An iterative rule-based generation method was developed and applied to extend the coronary arterial tree beyond the initial proximal segments. The algorithm was governed by three factors: (1) statistical morphometric measurements of the connectivity, lengths and diameters of the arterial segments; (2) avoidance forces from other vessel segments and the boundaries of the myocardium, and (3) optimality principles which minimize the drag force at the bifurcations of the generated tree. Using this algorithm, the 3D computational model of the largest six orders of the coronary arterial tree was generated, which spread across the myocardium of the left and right ventricles. The 3D coronary arterial tree model was then extended to 4D to simulate different cardiac phases by deforming the original 3D model according to the motion vector map of the 4D cardiac model of the XCAT phantom at the corresponding phases. As a result, a detailed and realistic 4D model of the coronary arterial tree was developed for the XCAT phantom by imposing constraints of anatomical and physiological characteristics of the coronary vasculature. This new 4D coronary artery tree model provides a unique simulation tool that can be used in the development and evaluation of instrumentation and methods for imaging normal and pathological hearts with myocardial perfusion defects. | 10.1088/0031-9155/56/17/012 |
pubmed_439_11625 | The chemical characterization analysis of a medical device often results in chemical substances with unknown toxicities. While identification of each individual toxicity could result in a time-consuming hurdle with tremendous labor and financial burden, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is of great significance for toxicity risk assessment of such chemical substances. By establishing quantitative relationship between the molecular structures or active groups of similar chemical compounds with their biological activities, QSAR can be utilized to predict the toxicity of such target compounds with significantly reduced cost and time. In this article, the authors generally summarized the mechanisms of QSAR approaches, current applications of QSAR modeling in the field of medical device, an introduction of the characteristics of publicly and commercially-available QSAR software, and briefly explored future trends of QSAR modeling in medical device toxicological risk assessment. The utilization of QSAR would undoubtedly further advance the toxicological risk assessment of medical devices. | 10.3969/j.issn.1671-7104.2022.02.018 |
pubmed_776_4430 | Bicyclic pyrazolidinones are a class of synthetic antibacterial agents in which the beta-lactam ring is replaced by a five-membered ring. These compounds possess electronic and shape properties required for inhibiting penicillin-binding proteins essential for bacterial cell growth. A novel approach called the hypersurface iterative projection (HIP) method, which is based on three-dimensional computer graphics, allows available structure-activity information to be extrapolated to new synthetic targets. By updating the data set as the SAR evolves, the computer graphics reveal regions of parameter space to explore for optimum activity and regions yet unexplored. A large substituent parameter database is used to propose appropriate substituents. For the bicyclic pyrazolidinones, lipophilicity and particularly electron-withdrawing properties of the 3-substituent are shown to correlate strongly with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Antibacterial potency is intimately related to the activating effect of 3-substituents on chemical reactivity. The HIP method succeeded in proposing the most potent member of the series prior to synthesis and also showed when all of parameter space was reasonably well explored to the extent the chemistry allowed. | 10.1021/jm00062a017 |
pubmed_159_15315 | The mechanism of recognition of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) by host innate immune cells is not well-understood. In this study, we first found that binary ethylenimine inactivated-FMDV (BEI-FMDV) with structurally intact capsid activated TLR2, but not other TLRs, and this specific activation was blocked by anti-TLR2 Abs or knockout of TLR2. BEI-FMDV activated NF-κB to induce cytokines, notably interferon-β and IL-6, in a TLR2 and MyD88-dependent manner. Coexpression of TLR6 and CD14 showed additive effects on BEI-FMDV/TLR2-mediated activation of NF-κB. Further studies demonstrated that recombinant capsid proteins rVP1 and rVP3 of FMDV but not rVP0 bound directly with CD14 and TLR2. The rVP1- and rVP3-mediated activation of TLR2 and NF-κB were enhanced by the coexpression of TLR1 or TLR6. Immunoprecipitation of either rVP1 or rVP3 with mouse macrophage cell extracts revealed that rVP1 or rVP3 associated with TLR2, CD14 and TLR6 suggesting that rVP1 and rVP3 interact with CD14, TLR2/TLR1, and TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer. Additional study confirmed that rVP1 and rVP3 interacted with the swine TLR2 signaling pathway to induce IL-6 in swine macrophages. Our results identify VP1 and VP3 of FMDV as novel TLR agonists whose recognition by CD14, TLR2/TLR1, and TLR2/TLR6 of host innate immune cells is critical for the induction of cytokine production. | 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.04.008 |
pubmed_873_13533 | Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as a set of intrinsically "designer solvents" for many bio-applications such as DNA nanotechnology and biocatalysis. However, the high viscosity of DESs tends to prevent bioactive components from being incorporated into the solvent. Although dilution with water may effectively reduce the viscosity of DES, the effect of water on its cooperative hydrogen-bonding network has not been evaluated systematically. This study conducted a series of molecular dynamics simulations on the DES made of choline chloride and glycerol at different hydration levels. We discovered a Janus-faced role of water in defining the interactive network between choline chloride and glycerol. Chloride played a critical role in bridging choline and glycerol in the anhydrous mixture. But the addition of water results in the decrease in the number of choline-chloride-glycerol supramolecular complexes and the number of hydrogen bonds between choline and glycerol, demonstrating the de-structuring effect of water. Interestingly, we also found that water could link choline to glycerol in place of chloride. The structuring role of water in bridging choline and glycerol reached its maximum in the presence of 35.8 wt% water. The findings in this study will provide valuable guidance to determine the optimal water content that can sufficiently "liquidize" DESs and meanwhile maintain the majority of the eutectic stoichiometry in the DESs, paving the way for tapping the full potential of DESs as the intrinsically "designer solvents". | 10.1039/c8cp03882a |
pubmed_111_5100 | During a 12 year period 42 patients underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy, on 35 occasions because of malignancy. Four patients (11%), all with pancreatic cancer, died in the postoperative period. Two of the seven patients with pancreatitis died (28%). No patient with pancreatic cancer survived one year. Seven of the 11 patients with distal common bile duct cancer survived one year and five out of seven patients with carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater survived one year. Local tumor recurrence occurred in at least 18 of 27 patients (67%), upper abdominal pain being the most important symptom. At long follow-up three patients had tumor recurrence in the laparotomy scar. In our experience resection offers the only chance of cure for patients with a tumor of the ampulla of Vater or the distal common bile duct. At present, however, resection is not the treatment of choice in patients with pancreatic cancer. | pubmed_111_5100 |
pubmed_266_20952 | MOTIVATION
Machine learning (ML)-based stroke risk stratification systems have typically focused on conventional risk factors (CRF) (AtheroRisk-conventional). Besides CRF, carotid ultrasound image phenotypes (CUSIP) have shown to be powerful phenotypes risk stratification. This is the first ML study of its kind that integrates CUSIP and CRF for risk stratification (AtheroRisk-integrated) and compares against AtheroRisk-conventional.
METHODS
Two types of ML-based setups called (i) AtheroRisk-integrated and (ii) AtheroRisk-conventional were developed using random forest (RF) classifiers. AtheroRisk-conventional uses a feature set of 13 CRF such as age, gender, hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), a ratio of TC and HDL, hypertension, smoking, family history, triglyceride, and ultrasound-based carotid plaque score. AtheroRisk-integrated system uses the feature set of 38 features with a combination of 13 CRF and 25 CUSIP features (6 types of current CUSIP, 6 types of 10-year CUSIP, 12 types of quadratic CUSIP (harmonics), and age-adjusted grayscale median). Logistic regression approach was used to select the significant features on which the RF classifier was trained. The performance of both ML systems was evaluated by area-under-the-curve (AUC) statistics computed using a leave-one-out cross-validation protocol.
RESULTS
Left and right common carotid arteries of 202 Japanese patients were retrospectively examined to obtain 404 ultrasound scans. RF classifier showed higher improvement in AUC (~57%) for leave-one-out cross-validation protocol. Using RF classifier, AUC statistics for AtheroRisk-integrated system was higher (AUC = 0.99,p-value<0.001) compared to AtheroRisk-conventional (AUC = 0.63,p-value<0.001).
CONCLUSION
The AtheroRisk-integrated ML system outperforms the AtheroRisk-conventional ML system using RF classifier. | 10.1016/j.ihj.2020.06.004 |
pubmed_130_14501 | Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection among immunocompromised patients. Its treatment includes the use of antifungals, which poses limitations such as toxicity and fungal resistance. Plant-derived extracts, such as Punica granatum, have been reported to have antimicrobial activity, but their antifungal effects are still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antiviral potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of P. granatum (PgEA) and its isolated compound galloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose (G-HHDP-G) against Candida spp. In silico analyses predicted the biological activity of G-HHDP-G. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, and their effects on biofilm formation, preformed biofilms, and phospholipase production were determined. In silico analysis showed that G-HHDP-G has antifungal and hepatoprotective effects. An in vitro assay confirmed the antifungal effects of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, with MIC in the ranges of 31.25-250 μg/mL and 31.25 ≥ 500 μg/mL, respectively. G-HHDP-G and PgEA synergistically worked with fluconazole against planktonic cells. The substances showed antibiofilm action, alone or in combination with fluconazole, and interfered with phospholipase production. The antifungal and antibiofilm actions of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, alone or in combination with fluconazole, in addition to their effects on reducing Candida phospholipase production, identify them as promising candidates for therapeutics. | 10.3390/antibiotics11020265 |
pubmed_1089_19029 | Two strains (B7 and Z8) of the Leuconostoc mesenteroides subspecies mesenteroides that were isolated from Algerian camel milk from an initial pool of 13 strains and demonstrated a high ability to inhibit the growth of Listeria spp. were selected and characterised at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Probiotic profiling and inhibition spectra against food borne pathogens in mixed cultures were also investigated. The bacteriocin produced by L. mesenteroides strain B7 was identified as leucocin B by specific PCR. In vitro studies demonstrated that both Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains exhibited a marked probiotic profile, showing high survival at low pH (2-3 and 4) in the presence of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of bile salts and at pH 3 in the presence of 3 mg/mL pepsin. Susceptibility testing against antimicrobial agents was also performed for both strains. When tested in a mixed culture with Listeria innocua, Listeria ivanovii, or Staphylococcus aureus, strain B7 reduced the numbers of these species by 1.87, 1.78, and 1.38 log units, respectively. Consequently, these two strains were found to possess good probiotic properties in vitro and a high capacity for Listeria spp. inhibition in mixed cultures. Therefore, these strains have a favourable technological aptitude and a potential application as novel probiotic starters. | 10.1155/2013/418132 |
pubmed_932_1337 | An unusual zero-dimensional quaternary sulfide, Ba(23)Ga(8)Sb(2)S(38), that crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric polar space group Cmc2(1) was discovered by solid-state reaction of an elemental mixture. The involvement of a second building unit consisting of SbS(3) pyramid and constituting 20% of the structure helped to realize the disconnection of the asymmetric GaS(4) tetrahedra. Such a disconnection leads to the strongest powder second harmonic generation intensity in the IR region among sulfides to date, ~22 times that of commercial AgGaS(2) at an incident laser wavelength of 2.05 μm with the same particle size of 46-74 μm. | 10.1021/ja300249n |
pubmed_653_12781 | Maxillary premolars have a highly variable root canal morphology. However, the presence of three roots is a rare occurrence. This clinical article describes the unusual anatomy detected in maxillary premolars during routine endodontic treatment using microscope. The diagnosis and clinical management of maxillary first premolars with three roots and canals using radiographic interpretation, access cavity modification and visual enhancement with operative microscopes is discussed in the article. | 10.4103/0970-9290.93460 |
others_184_5607 | Tourism activity affects the cave's physical environment in several ways, such as damaging speleothems, altering the cave structure for ease of access, and the shifting of cave microclimate. Nevertheless, it is less clear how the pressure of touristic activities affects the cave fauna. This study aimed to investigate the effects from tourism activities on the cave invertebrate fauna from Gruta de Lanquín Cave (Alta Verapaz, Guatemala). For this, quadrats were placed throughout the cave, where invertebrates were sampled and substrate features were measured. Results showed that the community structure differed among touristic and non-touristic areas of the cave and the troglobitic species are structured differently than the rest of the invertebrate community in the cave. It was detected that the pathways designated for touristic use have different substrate features than their adjacent areas. In order to maintain the conservation of the invertebrate species, several management recommendations are provided, such as determining a well-established walking path that avoids cave microhabitats and the maintenance of a supervised guided tour. © 2020 Royal Entomological Society | 10.1111/icad.12451 |
pubmed_1108_9302 | OBJECTIVE
We summarized our experience of living-related small bowel transplantation and postoperative management of 3 patients with short gut syndrome.
METHODS
Patient #1, an 18-year-old boy, received a 150-cm segment of distal ileum with a vascular pedicle of distal superior mesenteric artery and vein, which was donated by his father. Patient #2, a 15-year-old boy, received a 160-cm graft of distal ileum from his mother. Patient #3, a 17-year-old boy, received a 170-cm graft of distal ileum from his father. The graft artery and vein were anastomosed to the recipient infrarenal aorta and vena cava, respectively, in end-to-side fashion using 7/0 Prolene suture. Intestinal continuity was restored by anastomosis of proximal end of the graft to the recipients' own proximal jejunum, the distal end was left open as a stoma. The recipient distal gut was anastomosed to the distal end of the graft. All 3 recipients were given FK506 (tacrolimus) regularly combined with periodic mycophenolate mofetil. In cases of acute rejection, large doses of steroids were administered to the recipients.
RESULTS
The recipients and donors had fairly unremarkable postoperative courses. So far, patient #1 has survived for 7 years and 6 months with a well-functioning graft and without requirement for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) support. His body weight increased 20 kg and of his life quality has dramatically improved. Patient #2, however, died of acute rejection with fatal sepsis at 5 months after transplantation. Patient #3 has survived for 3 years and 8 months enjoying a normal life. Postoperative recovery of all 3 donors was unremarkable. They were discharged 12 days after surgery without complications.
CONCLUSION
Outcomes of the implantation using the distal ileum as a graft in living-related small bowel transplantation have been satisfactory for both recipients and donors. It is feasible to anastomose the graft artery and vein to the recipient infrarenal aorta and vena cava. The intestinal continuity can be restored by a 1-stage strategy with minimal risk to the recipient. Appropriate application and adjustment of immune suppressors are crucial for the recipients to experience high-quality lives. | 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.06.064 |
pubmed_130_7801 | International migration has increased since 1990, with increasing numbers of migrants originating from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Efforts to explain this compositional shift have focused on wage gaps and other push and pull factors but have not adequately considered the role of demographic factors. In many LMICs, child mortality has fallen without commensurate economic growth and amid high fertility. This combination increases young adult populations and is associated with greater outmigration: in the poorest countries, we estimate that a one-percentage-point increase in the five-year lagged growth rate of the population of 15-24-year-olds was associated with a 15 per cent increase in all-age outmigrants, controlling for other factors. Increases in growth of young adult populations led to 20.4 million additional outmigrants across 80 countries between 1990 and 2015. Understanding the determinants of these migration shifts should help policymakers in origin and destination countries to maximize their potential positive effects. | 10.1080/00324728.2022.2034919 |
pubmed_161_16391 | In order to verify the influence of the adrenergic system on the gallbladder contraction the Authors studied the effect of isometeptene, a sympathomimetic drug active on beta receptors, on gallbladder emptying. The gallbladder was studied on 6 subjects using a real-time (linear array) equipment with a 3,5 MHz transducer. In fasting subjects the gallbladder emptying was obtained by a fatty meal. In the next day the fatty meal stimulation was associated with the administration of isometeptene. The mean values +/- S.D. of the follow parameters were evaluated: -gallbladder basal volume -gallbladder residual volume both after fatty meal and after the association with isometeptene -gallbladder maximum emptying percentage in two experiences. The results show that the isometeptene doesn't inhibit significantly the gallbladder emptying induced by a fatty meal. | pubmed_161_16391 |
pubmed_1100_8800 | Hybrid genes were constructed to express bifunctional hybrid proteins in which staphyloccal nuclease A with or without an amino-terminal OmpA signal sequence was fused with TEM beta-lactamase (at the carboxyl terminal side) using the signal peptide of the major outer membrane lipoprotein of Escherichia coli as an internal linker. The hybrid proteins were found to be inserted in the membrane. Orientation of the hybrid protein with the OmpA signal peptide showed that the nuclease was translocated into the periplasm and the beta-lactamase remained in the cytoplasm. This indicates that the cleavable OmpA signal peptide served as a secretory signal for nuclease and the internal lipoprotein signal served as the transmembrane anchor. In the absence of the OmpA signal sequence the topology of the hybrid protein was reversed indicating that the internal lipoprotein signal peptide initially served as the signal peptide for the secretion of the carboxy terminal beta-lactamase domain across the membrane and subsequently as a membrane anchoring signal. The role of charged amino acids in the translocation and transmembrane orientation of membrane proteins was also analysed by introducing charged amino acids to either or both sides of the internal lipoprotein signal sequence in the bifunctional hybrid proteins in the absence of the amino-terminal signal sequence. Introduction of two lysine residues at the carboxy-terminal side of the internal signal sequence reversed the topology of the transmembrane protein by translocating the amino-terminal nuclease domain across the membrane, leaving the carboxyl terminal beta-lactamase domain in the cytoplasm. When three more lysine residues were added to the amino-terminal side of the internal signal sequence of the same construct the membrane topology flipped back to the original orientation. A similar reversion of the topology could be obtained by introducing negatively charged residues at the amino-terminal side of the internal signal sequence. Present results demonstrate for the first time that a bifunctional transmembrane protein can be engineered to assume either of the two opposite orientations and that charge balance around the transmembrane domain is a major factor in controlling the topology of a transmembrane protein. | 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1994.tb00360.x |
pubmed_933_19546 | OBJECTIVES
To determine whether or not an improved hygiene can lessen the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients treated by cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We attempted to contact during their follow-up all men and women aged 30-80 years who had undergone cystectomy and urinary diversion at seven Swedish hospitals. During a qualitative phase we identified hygienic measures and included them in a study-specific questionnaire. The patients completed the questionnaire at home. Outcome variables were dichotomized and the results presented as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
We received the questionnaire from 452 (92%) of 491 identified patients. The proportion of patients who had a symptomatic UTI in the previous year was 22% for orthotopic neobladder and cutaneous continent reservoir, and 23% for non-continent urostomy diversion. The RR for a UTI was 1.1 (0.5-2.5) for 'never washing hands' before handling with catheters or ostomy material. Patients with diabetes mellitus had a RR of 2.1 (1.4-3.2) for having a symptomatic UTI.
CONCLUSIONS
We could not confirm lack of hygiene measures as a cause of UTI for men and women who had a cystectomy with urinary diversion. Patients with diabetes mellitus have a greater risk of contracting a UTI. | 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2009.08909.x |
pubmed_1025_12109 | Adults with congenital heart disease represent a growing patient population. Notwithstanding dramatic improvements in survival and life expectancy over recent decades, many of these patients remain at risk of premature death from progressive heart disease and would benefit from the principles of palliative and end-of-life care. Data on end-of-life care in this patient group are, however, lacking. We report a retrospective study of 48 patients with congenital heart disease who died while admitted to our hospital (mean age at death 37 ± 14 years). We describe circumstances of death, end-of-life discussions, and the provision of end-of-life care. The majority of patients had complex congenital heart disease and were considered to be in the end stage of their disease. Despite this, only a minority of patients had documented end-of-life discussions prior to their terminal admission and most received continuing aggressive medical treatment up to their demise. Advanced palliative and end-of-life care strategies should be developed for and provided to this group of patients, with the dual aims of reduction of unwarranted therapies and enhancement of the quality of death and dying. | 10.1177/0269216311407694 |
pubmed_444_25889 | BACKGROUND
Benefit-harm tradeoffs of melanoma screening depend on disease risk and treatment efficacy. We developed a model to project outcomes of screening for melanoma in populations with different risks under historic and novel systemic treatments.
METHODS
Computer simulation model of a screening program with specified impact on overall and advanced-stage incidence. Inputs included meta-analyses of treatment trials, cancer registry data, and a melanoma risk prediction study RESULTS: Assuming 50% reduction in advanced stage under screening, the model projected 59 and 38 lives saved per 100,000 men under historic and novel treatments, respectively. With 10% increase in stage I, the model projects 2.9 and 4.7 overdiagnosed cases per life saved and number needed to be screened (NNS) equal to 1695 and 2632 under historical and novel treatments. When screening was performed only for the 20% of individuals with highest predicted risk, 34 and 22 lives per 100,000 were saved under historic and novel treatments. Similar results were obtained for women, but lives saved were lower.
CONCLUSIONS
Melanoma early detection programs must shift a substantial fraction of cases from advanced to localized stage to be sustainable. Advances in systemic therapies for melanoma might noticeably reduce benefits of screening, but restricting screening to individuals at highest risk will likely reduce intervention efforts and harms while preserving >50% of the benefit of nontargeted screening.
IMPACT
Our accessible modeling framework will help to guide population melanoma screening programs in an era of novel treatments for advanced disease. | 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-20-0881 |
pubmed_824_4715 | Core needle biopsy (CNB) was introduced as an alternative diagnostic tool to fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and is increasingly being used in the preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules. CNB provides a definitive diagnosis in most cases, but it sometimes may be inconclusive. CNB has the advantage of enabling a histologic examination in relation to the surrounding thyroid tissue, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing that can provide a more accurate assessment than FNA in selected cases. Nevertheless, CNB should be performed only by experienced experts in thyroid interventions to prevent complications because CNB needles are larger in caliber than FNA needles. As recent evidence has accumulated, and with improvements in the technique and devices for thyroid CNB, the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology released its 2016 thyroid CNB guidelines and the Korean Endocrine Pathology Thyroid Core Needle Biopsy Study Group published a consensus statement on the pathology reporting system for thyroid CNB in 2015. This review presents the current consensus and recommendations regarding thyroid CNB, focusing on indications, complications, and pathologic classification and reporting. | 10.3803/EnM.2017.32.4.407 |
pubmed_354_10728 | The p63 gene is a member of the p53/p63/p73 family of transcription factors and plays a critical role in development and homeostasis of squamous epithelium. p63 is transcribed as multiple isoforms; ΔNp63α, the predominant p63 isoform in stratified squamous epithelium, is localized to the basal cells and is overexpressed in squamous cell cancers of multiple organ sites, including skin, head and neck, and lung. Further, p63 is considered a stem cell marker, and within the epidermis, ΔNp63α directs lineage commitment. ΔNp63α has been implicated in numerous processes of skin biology that impact normal epidermal homeostasis and can contribute to squamous cancer pathogenesis by supporting proliferation and survival with roles in blocking terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence, and influencing adhesion and migration. ΔNp63α overexpression may also influence the tissue microenvironment through remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vasculature, as well as by enhancing cytokine and chemokine secretion to recruit pro-inflammatory infiltrate. This review focuses on the role of ΔNp63α in normal epidermal biology and how dysregulation can contribute to cutaneous squamous cancer development, drawing from knowledge also gained by squamous cancers from other organ sites that share p63 overexpression as a defining feature. | 10.3390/ijms20143590 |
pubmed_1050_7764 | We report the grain growth from the nanoscale to microscale and a transformation sequence from Bi →β-Bi2O3→γ-Bi2O3→α-Bi2O3 with the increase of annealing temperature. The room temperature (RT) stabilization of β-Bi2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) was attributed to the effect of reduced surface energy due to adsorbed carbon species, and oxygen vacancy defects may have played a significant role in the RT stabilization of γ-Bi2O3 NPs. An enhanced red emission band was evident from all the samples attributed to oxygen-vacancy defects formed during the growth process in contrast with the observed white emission band from the air annealed Bi ingots. Based on our experimental findings, the air annealing induced oxidation of Bi NPs and transformation mechanism within various Bi2O3 nano-polymorphs are presented. The outcome of this study suggests that oxygen vacancy defects at the nanoscale play a significant role in both structural stabilization and phase transformation within various Bi2O3 nano-polymorphs, which is significant from theoretical consideration. | 10.1039/d0nr06552h |
pubmed_416_17536 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate barriers to and strategies for medication adherence and predictors of adherence and the primary outcome in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Within a randomized, controlled primary prevention study for type 2 diabetes, we collected data on study medication adherence, its predictors, and health outcomes in 27 clinical centers across mainland U.S. and Hawaii. Medication arm participants included 2,155 adults with impaired glucose tolerance randomly assigned to either metformin or matched placebo treatment arms. Structured interviews were used to promote medication adherence and to collect data regarding adherence. Adherence was measured by pill count. The primary DPP outcome of type 2 diabetes was assessed by fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance test.
RESULTS
Older age-groups were more adherent than the youngest group (P = 0.01) in the metformin group. The most frequently reported barrier to adherence was "forgetting" (22%). Women reported more adverse effects of metformin (15 vs. 10%, P = 0.002) in the metformin group. Odds of nonadherence increased as participants reported more than one barrier (odds ratio 19.1, P < 0.001). Odds of adherence increased as participants reported multiple strategies to take medication (2.69, P < 0.0001). There was a 38.2% risk reduction for developing diabetes for those adherent to metformin compared with those adherent to placebo (P < 0.0003).
CONCLUSIONS
DPP medication adherence results are unique in primary prevention for a chronic disease in a large multiethnic sample. Our finding that adherence was associated with risk reduction for diabetes supports the development of brief interventions in clinical settings where medication adherence is a challenge. | 10.2337/dc06-0454 |
pubmed_845_18325 | OBJECTIVES
To compare the value of amide proton transfer-weighted imaging (APTWI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions and analyze the correlations between the derived parameters and prognostic factors of breast cancer.
METHODS
One hundred thirty-five women underwent breast APTWI and DKI. The magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym (3.5 ppm)), apparent kurtosis coefficient (Kapp), and non-Gaussian diffusion coefficient (Dapp) were calculated according to the histological subtype, grade, and prognostic factors (Ki-67, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), lymph node metastasis, and maximum lesion diameter). The differences, efficacy, and correlation between the parameters were determined.
RESULTS
The Kapp value was higher and the Dapp and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) values were lower in the malignant group than in the benign group (all p < 0.001; AUC (Kapp) = 0.913, AUC (Dapp) = 0.910, and AUC (MTRasym (3.5 ppm)) = 0.796). The differences in the AUC between Kapp and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) and between Dapp and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were significant (p = 0.023, 0.046). Kapp was moderately correlated with the pathological grade (|r| = 0.724) and mildly correlated with Ki-67 and HER-2 expression (|r| = 0.454, 0.333). Dapp was moderately correlated with the pathological grade (|r| = 0.648) and mildly correlated with Ki-67 expression (|r| = 0.400). MTRasym (3.5 ppm) was only mildly correlated with the pathological grade (|r| = 0.468).
CONCLUSION
DKI is superior to APTWI in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions. Each parameter is correlated with some prognostic factors to a certain extent.
KEY POINTS
• DKI and APTWI provide valuable information regarding lesion characterization. • Kapp, Dapp, and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) are valid parameters for the characterization of tissue microstructure. • DKI is superior to APTWI in the study of breast cancer. | 10.1007/s00330-020-07169-x |
pubmed_88_6078 | "This paper discusses the impact of changes in the [size] of population on [the] natural environment. The discussion includes a quantitative model on the mechanism of the demographic impact on population pressure. The paper concludes that population growth is not the main 'villain' of the deterioration of natural environment. Rather, high population growth will worsen the already bad condition of [the] natural environment. Therefore, efforts in reducing population rate will...[curb environmental] problems...." The geographical scope is worldwide. (SUMMARY IN ENG) | pubmed_88_6078 |
pubmed_434_25238 | Cloacogenic carcinoma (CC, basaloid carcinoma) generally occurs around the dentate line, rarely it can arise from the other sides of the colon. There are only 5 cases of CC located outside the anal canal in the literature. The first occurrence of a CC presents as intraabdominal abscess. We describe a 23-year-old male patient who was admitted with fever and severe abdominal pain. Computed tomography imaging showed diffuse wall thickening about 10-11 cm above the rectosigmoid junction, intraabdominal abscess and a soft tissue lession covering the pelvis with a size of 8 × 8.5 cm including cystic necrotic areas. We performed Hartman procedure since the mass was nonresectable. Histopathological examination showed CC. In total, three times radiotherapy and a concurrent three-drug regimen of irinotecan, fluorouracil and folinic acid chemotherapy were administered for 6 weeks. As a result, the patient was lost because of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome that developed 3 months after radio-chemotherapy. | 10.1159/000229755 |
pubmed_761_5348 | Microbial extracellular electron transport occurs via the physical and electrical association of outer-membrane c-type cytochromes (OM c-Cyts) with extracellular solid surfaces. However, studies investigating the characteristics of cytochrome binding with solid materials have been limited to the use of purified units of OM c-Cyts dissolved in solution, rather than OM c-Cyts in intact cells, because of the lack of a methodology that specifically allows for the monitoring of OM c-Cyts in whole-cells. Here, we utilized circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to examine the molecular mechanisms and binding characteristics of the interaction between MtrC, a unit of OM c-Cyts, in whole Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells and hematite nanoparticles. The addition of hematite nanoparticles significantly decreased the intensity of the Soret CD peaks, indicating geometrical changes in the hemes in MtrC associated with their physical contact with hematite. The binding affinity of MtrC estimated using CD spectra changed predominantly depending upon the redox state of MtrC and the concentration of the hematite nanoparticles. In contrast, purified MtrC demonstrated a constant binding affinity following a Langmuir isotherm, with a standard Gibbs free energy of -43 kJ mol-1, suggesting that the flexibility in the binding affinity of MtrC with hematite was specific in membrane-bound protein complex conditions. Overall, these findings suggest that the binding affinity as well as the heme geometry of OM c-Cyts are flexibly modulated in the membrane complex associated with microbe-mineral interactions. | 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02977 |
pubmed_60_8462 | A novel silver-promoted three-component reaction toward the synthesis of multifunctionalized pyrroles has been developed. This reaction involves an unusual imidazole ring decomposition, presumably via 1,5-isomerization and subsequent hydrolysis. | 10.1039/c1cc14716a |
pubmed_1013_24738 | Endothelial permeability is a major complication that must be addressed during stroke treatment. Study of the mechanisms underlying blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and management of the hypoxic stress-induced permeability of the endothelium following reperfusion are both urgently needed for stroke management. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid essential for basic cellular functions, causes unfavorable outcomes during stroke progression. LPA-producing enzyme autotaxin (ATX) is regulated in ischemic stroke. We used an electrical cell-substrate impedance sensor (ECIS) to measure endothelial permeability. Mitochondrial bioenergetics were obtained using a Seahorse analyzer. AR-2 probe fluorescence assay was used to measure ATX activity. LPA increased endothelial permeability and reduced junctional protein expression in mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMEC). LPA receptor inhibitors Ki16425 and AM095 attenuated the LPA-induced changes in the endothelial permeability and junctional proteins. LPA significantly diminished mitochondrial function in MBMEC. ATX was upregulated (p < 0.05) in brain microvascular endothelial cells under hypoxic reperfusion. ATX activity and permeability were attenuated with the use of an ATX inhibitor in a mouse stroke model. The upregulation of ATX with hypoxic reperfusion leads to LPA production in brain endothelial cells favoring permeability. Inhibition of the ATX-LPA-LPAR axis could be therapeutically targeted in stroke to achieve better outcomes. | 10.3390/ijms23084138 |
pubmed_107_5193 | The correlation between the Type A behavior pattern (TABP) and cardiovascular reactivities was studied in 16 Japanese male students (24.6 +/- 1.7 years). TABP was rated in 139 male students in their twenties with a Japanese version of JAS Short Form N (J-Q) and a Japanese version of Koskenvuo's questionnaire (K-Q), which is modified from Bortner's scale. A preliminary study was requested of those whose Type A scores were in the highest third or the lowest third both with J-Q and K-Q. After 29 males were recruited, 28 normotensives were invited to participate in this study, and 16 of them responded. Physiologic and biochemical reactivities to stress tasks (mental arithmetic and cold pressor) were measured as predictors of cardiovascular diseases, and the correlation between reactivities and TABP scores was examined. Blood pressures and pulse rates were monitored by arterial tonometry over the left radial artery with a CBM3000 (Nippon Colin, Aichi). Blood samples were taken through an 18-gauge butterfly needle placed in a left superficial forearm vein. These stress tasks were conducted double blindly. There was no relation between TABP scores and biochemical reactivities. Both J-Q and K-Q scores, however, correlated moderately with reactivities of systolic (r = 0.49 and 0.43, respectively; not significant) and diastolic (r = 0.61 and 0.51, respectively; both p < 0.05) blood pressures in a cold pressor test. These data support the construct validity of Japanese TABP questionnaires, and the author believes in the utility of these questionnaires. | 10.1265/jjh.49.773 |
pubmed_1104_17133 | In a retrospective study authors refer to the treatment results in four patients with mucocele of the paranasal sinuses, who were hospitalized during a 30-months period at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Charles University Hospital, in Prague, Czech Republic. In all patients the frontal sinus was involved, in three cases the involvement was unilateral, in one case bilateral. In the medical history of all patients, an injury, inflammation, or surgery of the paranasal sinus in the past (5-30 years ago) were present. In three patients, proptosis of the eye, swollen upper eyelid, and diplopia were discovered firstly by ocular examination. All patients underwent external approach surgical treatment, in four cases it was the frontoethmoidectomy sec. Jansen-Ritter, in one case the osteoplastic frontal craniotomy was performed. The postoperative follow-up period is 2-30 months. | pubmed_1104_17133 |
pubmed_893_17265 | Despite utilization of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in the United States health care system, there is little information about the introduction, utilization, and challenges of the APRN role globally, especially in the Middle East. This article will look at how one hospital in the United Arab Emirates introduced the APRN role to a health care environment of a country where it has not been recognized historically. Cultural challenges and barriers for the implementation of the role include regulatory, societal, and institutional. Innovation and collaboration are necessary to address these challenges and barriers and to pave the way for a successful advanced practice model pilot, as well as for the future use of the role. Innovation is also one of the key performance indicators for the country's health care. However, the idea of advanced practice is a new concept that has been outside the mainstream health care practice for the United Arab Emirates. To help with the implementation, a road map was developed to outline the steps necessary to provide a safe practice environment. The plan included aligning with the ministry of health nursing and midwifery council, as well as the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, to help them learn more about the US model of advanced practice, along with benefits, and outcomes of the role. Developing the role of the APRN will benefit the future state of the health care infrastructure for not only the United Arab Emirates but throughout the Middle East. | 10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000273 |
pubmed_46_1259 | Measures of the temperature of the fingertips of eighty-three 4-year-old children revealed an unexpected asymmetry in which the index finger of the left hand but the ring finger of the right hand were the coolest digits. In addition, a subset of 20 children who had the coolest right compared with the left ring finger were more fearful to unfamiliar events and also had a cooler right than left forehead at 21 months of age. | 10.1002/dev.420280806 |
pubmed_524_5142 | Phymatotrichopsis omnivora is a destructive plant pathogen causing root rot disease of alfalfa, cotton, pecan, grape, and many other important dicotyledonous species. A member of the family Rhizinaceae, in the class Pezizomycetes, P. omnivora is a soilborne ascomycete fungus that is difficult to maintain in culture, currently genetically intractable, and for which there are no publicly available genomic resources. We have generated draft genome sequences of four P. omnivora isolates obtained from cotton and alfalfa, growing in Texas and Oklahoma. These genome sequences will provide new insights into the biology of the fungus, including the factors responsible for its broad host range and pathogenicity. | 10.1094/PHYTO-01-21-0014-A |
others_314_115525 | Spermatogenesis depends on an orchestrated series of developing events in germ cells and full maturation of the somatic microenvironment. To date, the majority of efforts to study cellular heterogeneity in testis has been focused on single-cell gene expression rather than the chromatin landscape shaping gene expression. To advance our understanding of the regulatory programs underlying testicular cell types, we analyzed single-cell chromatin accessibility profiles in more than 25,000 cells from mouse developing testis. We showed that scATAC-Seq allowed us to deconvolve distinct cell populations and identify cis-regulatory elements (CREs) underlying cell type specification. We identified sets of transcription factors associated with cell type-specific accessibility, revealing novel regulators of cell fate specification and maintenance. Pseudotime reconstruction revealed detailed regulatory dynamics coordinating the sequential developmental progressions of germ cells and somatic cells. This high-resolution data also revealed putative stem cells within the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations. Further, we defined candidate target cell types and genes of several GWAS signals, including those associated with testosterone levels and coronary artery disease. Collectively, our data provide a blueprint of the regulon of the mouse male germline and supporting somatic cells | 10.1101/2021.03.17.435776 |
pubmed_713_14845 | Protection of the healthcare workforce is of paramount importance for the care of patients in the setting of a pandemic such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Healthcare workers are at increased risk of becoming infected. The ideal organisational strategy to protect the workforce in a situation in which social distancing cannot be maintained remains to be determined. In this study, we have mathematically modelled strategies for the employment of the hospital workforce with the goal of simulating the health and productivity of the workers. The models were designed to determine if desynchronization of medical teams by dichotomizing the workers may protect the workforce. Our studies model workforce productivity and the efficiency of home office applied to the case of COVID-19. The results reveal that a desynchronization strategy in which two medical teams work alternating for 7 days increases the available workforce. | 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110718 |
pubmed_1041_7978 | The melting transition of DNA, whereby the strands of the double-helix structure completely separate at a certain temperature, has been characterized using neutron scattering. A Bragg peak from B-form fiber DNA has been measured as a function of temperature, and its widths and integrated intensities have been interpreted using the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois model with only one free parameter. The experiment is unique, as it gives spatial correlation along the molecule through the melting transition where other techniques cannot. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.048101 |
others_87_3147 | The prolonged effect of larval treatment with chlorfluazuron on pupation and adult emergence in the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) was investigated. Two chlorfluazuron resistant and two susceptible strains of DBM were tested. The leaf-dipping technique was adopted and the insecticide was applied to third instar larvae. Larval mortalities were counted one week after application then pupated larvae were observed until adult emergence. Results indicated that chlorfluazuron applied to larvae exhibited a prolonged effect on pupae observed as pupal death or failure of emergence and on adults observed as deformed or dead adults. The failure of emergence was more obvious in the chlorfluazuron resistant strains, which were exposed to higher doses, than in the susceptible strains. © 1992, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reser | 10.1303/aez.27.349 |
pubmed_1084_21825 | Recently, single-molecule imaging and photocontrol have enabled superresolution optical microscopy of cellular structures beyond Abbe's diffraction limit, extending the frontier of noninvasive imaging of structures within living cells. However, live-cell superresolution imaging has been challenged by the need to image three-dimensional (3D) structures relative to their biological context, such as the cellular membrane. We have developed a technique, termed superresolution by power-dependent active intermittency and points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (SPRAIPAINT) that combines imaging of intracellular enhanced YFP (eYFP) fusions (SPRAI) with stochastic localization of the cell surface (PAINT) to image two different fluorophores sequentially with only one laser. Simple light-induced blinking of eYFP and collisional flux onto the cell surface by Nile red are used to achieve single-molecule localizations, without any antibody labeling, cell membrane permeabilization, or thiol-oxygen scavenger systems required. Here we demonstrate live-cell 3D superresolution imaging of Crescentin-eYFP, a cytoskeletal fluorescent protein fusion, colocalized with the surface of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus using a double-helix point spread function microscope. Three-dimensional colocalization of intracellular protein structures and the cell surface with superresolution optical microscopy opens the door for the analysis of protein interactions in living cells with excellent precision (20-40 nm in 3D) over a large field of view (12 12 μm). | 10.1073/pnas.1114444108 |
pubmed_20_22608 | Journal Impact Factor (JIF) has been used in assessing scientific journals. Other indices, h- and g-indices and Article Influence Score (AIS), have been developed to overcome some limitations of JIF. The aims of this study were, first, to critically assess the use of JIF and other parameters related to medical education research, and second, to discuss the capacity of these indices in assessing research productivity as well as their utility in academic promotion. The JIF of 16 medical education journals from 2000 to 2011 was examined together with the research evidence about JIF in assessing research outcomes of medical educators. The findings were discussed in light of the nonnumerical criteria often used in academic promotion. In conclusion, JIF was not designed for assessing individual or group research performance, and it seems unsuitable for such purposes. Although the g- and h-indices have demonstrated promising outcomes, further developments are needed for their use as academic promotion criteria. For top academic positions, additional criteria could include leadership, evidence of international impact, and contributions to the advancement of knowledge with regard to medical education. | 10.4103/0022-3859.173202 |
pubmed_763_12646 | Muscle activation during landing is paramount to stabilise lower limb joints and avoid abnormal movement patterns. Delayed muscle activity onset measured by electromyography (EMG) has been suggested to be associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to test the hypothesis if ACL-injured patients display different results for muscle onset timing during standard deceleration tasks compared to healthy control participants. PubMed, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were systematically searched over the period from January 1980 to February 2015, yielding a total of 1461 citations. Six studies meeting inclusion criteria underwent quality assessment, data extraction and re-computing procedures for the meta-analysis. The quality was rated "moderate" for 2 studies and "poor" for 4. Patients included and procedures used were highly heterogeneous. The tasks investigated were single leg hopping, decelerating from running or walking, tested on a total of 102 ACL-injured participants and 86 controls. EMG analyses of the muscles vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, lateral and medial hamstrings revealed trivial and non-significant standardised mean differences (SMD<0.20; p>0.05) between patients and control participants. Furthermore, no differences were found between the contralateral leg of patients and controls for muscle activity onset of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius (SMD<0.20; p>0.05). Based on 3 studies, the involved legs of ACL-injured patients showed overall earlier muscle activity onset compared to control participants for the medial gastrocnemius (SMD = 0.5; p = 0.05). Similar results were found for the lateral gastrocnemius (SMD = 2.1; p<0.001), with a greater effect size but based only on a single study. We conclude that there are no differences between leg muscles of ACL-injured patients and healthy controls regarding the muscle activity onset during landing. However, current evidence is scarce and weak, which highlights the need for further research in this area. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0155277 |
pubmed_977_14959 | Anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease may have underlying causes that require a broad approach. Here, we present a clinical case of anemia in a patient with chronic kidney disease and gastrointestinal angioectasias undergoing hemodialysis. | 10.1002/ccr3.6027 |
pubmed_1129_88 | BACKGROUND
Pulmonary nodules are a common but difficult issue for physicians as most identified on imaging are benign but those identified early that are cancerous are potentially curable. Multiple diagnostic options are available, ranging from radiographic surveillance, minimally invasive biopsy (bronchoscopy or transthoracic biopsy) to more invasive surgical biopsy/resection. Each technique has differences in diagnostic yield and complication rates with no established gold standard. Currently, the safest approach is bronchoscopic but it is limited by variable diagnostic yields. Percutaneous approaches are limited by nodule location and complications. With the recent advent of electromagnetic navigation (EMN), a combined bronchoscopic and transthoracic approach is now feasible in a single, staged procedure. Here, we present the study design and rationale for a single-arm trial evaluating a staged approach for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.
METHODS
Participants with 1-3 cm, intermediate to high-risk pulmonary nodules will undergo a staged approach with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) followed by EMN-bronchoscopy (ENB), then EMN-transthoracic biopsy (EMN-TTNA) with the procedure terminated at any stage after a diagnosis is made via rapid onsite cytopathology. We aim to recruit 150 EMN participants from eight academic and community settings to show significant improvements over other historic bronchoscopic guided techniques. The primary outcome is overall diagnostic yield of the staged approach.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study designed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a staged procedure using EBUS, ENB and EMN-TTNA for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. If effective, the staged procedure will increase minimally invasive procedural diagnostic yield for pulmonary nodules. | 10.1016/j.cct.2018.06.007 |
pubmed_139_9899 | The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked genes C2,BF,C4A,C4B occur in populations and segregate in families as single genetic units or complotypes. Analysis for significant three-point linkage disequilibrium between HLA-B, DR and complotype on normal caucasian chromosomes 6p yields about a dozen haplotypes that account for most of the known HLA-B/HLA-DR linkage disequilibrium pairs previously noted in normal caucasian populations. We refer to the HLA-B/DR/complotype sets with significant linkage disequilibrium as extended haplotypes since they often show limited variation at other MHC-linked loci. From the study of MHC haplotypes in 21-hydroxylase deficiency, C2 deficiency and type 1 diabetes, it is becoming apparent that it is extended haplotypes rather than their individual alleles that are markers for these MHC-associated diseases. | pubmed_139_9899 |
pubmed_724_8449 | Whether or not bone marrow biopsies should be performed routinely in patients with skin lesions that show histological features consistent with an indolent B-cell lymphoma [marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) or follicle centre lymphoma (FCL)] has been debated. As no studies have addressed this question for this group of lymphomas, we evaluated the results of bone marrow biopsy examination in 275 patients with histological features consistent with MZL (n = 82) or FCL (n = 193) first presenting in the skin. In the MZL group, two of 82 patients (2%) showed bone marrow involvement, which was the only extracutaneous localization in one of these patients. In the FCL group, 22 of 193 patients (11%) had bone marrow involvement and was the only extracutaneous localization in nine of them. FCL patients with skin lesions and a positive bone marrow had a significantly worse prognosis when compared with patients with only skin lesions (5-year disease-specific survival 63% vs. 95%; P = 0.001). These results indicate that bone marrow investigation is essential for staging patients with a FCL first presenting in the skin. Bone marrow examination appears to have limited value in patients with MZL presenting in the skin. | 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07159.x |
others_413_6160 | There is a prevailing popular belief that expenditure on management by healthcare providers is wasteful, diverts resources from patient care, and distracts medical and nursing staff from getting on with their jobs. There is little existing evidence to support this narrative or counter-claims. We explore the relationship between management and public sector hospital performance using a fixed effects empirical econometric specification on a panel data set consisting of all 129 non-specialist acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England for the financial years 2012/13 to 2018/19. Measures of managerial input and quality of management practice are constructed from NHS Electronic Staff Records and NHS Staff Survey data. Hospital accounts and Hospital Episode Statistics data are used to construct five measures of financial performance and of timely and high quality care. We find no evidence of association either between quantity of management and management quality nor directly between quantity of management and any of our measures of hospital performance. However, there is some evidence that higher quality management is associated with better performance. NHS managers have limited discretion in performing their managerial functions, being tightly circumscribed by official guidance, targets, and other factors outside their control. Given these constraints, our findings are unsurpris | 10.1101/2020.06.02.20119545 |
pubmed_298_19137 | BACKGROUND
Worldwide studies, even in our country, have thrown discrepant results about the relation between osteoporosis, parity and age of menarche.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relation of osteoporosis in postmenopausal mexican women with multiparity and age of menarche.
PATIENTS AND METHOD
Transversal, retrospective and analytical study. Non-probabilistic sampling technique was performing with users women of the IMSS in San Luis Potosí. Reproductive history and age of menarche were obtained by the addition of these items to the previously validated Albrand questionnaire. Women were divided into groups according to the number of pregnancies in: normal parity (0 to 3 childbirths) conformed by 112 patients (46%) and multiparity (> or = 4 pregnancies), 131 women (54%). In relation to menarche with an average of 12.98 years, from this number we divided them in: early menarche (before the age of 13) and late menarche (at 13 years of age or after). It was measured bone mineral density with dual distal forearm x-ray absorptiometry to all patients.
RESULTS
243 women were studied, with an average of age of 55.92, rank 31 to 80 years. Using the criteria, of the World Health Organization, 18% of posmenopausal women had osteoporosis, 39% had osteopenia and 41% had bone normality. No association was found between the number of deeds and osteoporosis. Additionally we observed that the women who had 4 or more children were older than the other women. average 57.42 against 54.16. Also there was significant negative correlation (r = -0.43) between age and densitometry. In addition we found that an age greater to 13 years in the appearance of the menarche was related to osteoporosis (OR 4.46; p = 0.035).
CONCLUSIONS
In posmenopausal women a menarche at the age of 13 years or after is a risk factor for osteoporosis. | pubmed_298_19137 |
others_16_2299 | In the last few years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has become widely used everywhere in the world. Apart from favourable effects of HRT, such as a significant decrease in the psycho-physical menopause-related difficulties, lower mortality due to cardiovascular diseases and lower incidence of osteoporosis, some questions related to possible association between the use of this therapy and the rise, recurrence and progression of cancer have not been resolved yet. According to the majority of studies published so far, HRT is not associated with an increased risk of the onset, recurrence and progression of cancer. Moreover, some findings even indicate the possibility that HRT might exert a protective effect against the rise, recurrence and progression of can | others_16_2299 |
pubmed_532_1524 | We developed a postgrowth doping method of TiO2 nanowire arrays by a simultaneous hydrothermal etching and doping in a weakly alkaline condition. The obtained tungsten-doped TiO2 core-shell nanowires have an amorphous shell with a rough surface, in which W species are incorporated into the amorphous TiO2 shell during this simultaneous etching/regrowth step for the optimization of photoelectrochemical performance. Photoanodes made of these W-doped TiO2 core-shell nanowires show a much enhanced photocurrent density of ~1.53 mA/cm(2) at 0.23 V vs Ag/AgCl (1.23 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode), almost 225% of that of the pristine TiO2 nanowire photoanodes. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement and the density functional theory calculation demonstrate that the substantially improved performance of the dual W-doped and etched TiO2 nanowires is attributed to the enhancement of charge transfer and the increase of charge carrier density, resulting from the combination effect of etching and W-doping. This unconventional, simultaneous etching and doping of pregrown nanowires is facile and takes place under moderate conditions, and it may be extended for other dopants and host materials with increased photoelectrochemical performances. | 10.1021/nn4040876 |
pubmed_1067_23269 | A set of ten azetidinic amino acids, that can be envisioned as C-4 alkyl substituted analogues of trans-2-carboxyazetidine-3-acetic acid (t-CAA) and/or conformationally constrained analogues of (R)- or (S)-glutamic acid (Glu) have been synthesized in a diastereo- and enantiomerically pure form from beta-amino alcohols through a straightforward five step sequence. The key step of this synthesis is an original anionic 4-exo-tet ring closure that forms the azetidine ring upon an intramolecular Michael addition. This reaction was proven to be reversible and to lead to a thermodynamic distribution of two diastereoisomers that were easily separated and converted in two steps into azetidinic amino acids. Azetidines 35-44 were characterized in binding studies on native ionotropic Glu receptors and in functional assays at cloned metabotropic receptors mGluR1, 2 and 4, representing group I, II and III mGlu receptors, respectively. Furthermore, azetidine analogues 35, 36, and 40 were also characterized as potential ligands at the glutamate transporter subtypes EAAT1-3 in the FLIPR Membrane Potential (FMP) assay. The (2R)-azetidines 35, 37, 39, 41 and 43 were inactive in iGlu, mGlu and EAAT assays, whereas a marked change in the pharmacological profile at the iGlu receptors was observed when a methyl group was introduced in the C-4 position, compound 36 versus t-CAA. At EAAT1-3, compound 35 was inactive, whereas azetidines 36 and 40 were both identified as inhibitors and showed selectivity for the EAAT2 subtype. | 10.1039/b509514j |
pubmed_868_18855 | Algorithmic models have been proposed to explain adaptive behavior of bone to loading; however, these models have not been applied to explain the biomechanics of short dental implants. Purpose of present study was to simulate bone remodeling around single implants of different lengths using mechanoregulatory tissue differentiation model derived from the Stanford theory, using finite elements analysis (FEA) and to validate the theoretical prediction with the clinical findings of crestal bone loss. Loading cycles were applied on 7-, 10-, or 13-mm-long dental implants to simulate daily mastication and bone remodeling was assessed by changes in the strain energy density of bone after a 3, 6, and 12 months of function. Moreover, clinical findings of marginal bone loss in 45 patients rehabilitated with same implant designs used in the simulation (n = 15) were computed to validate the theoretical results. FEA analysis showed that although the bone density values reduced over time in the cortical bone for all groups, bone remodeling was independent of implant length. Clinical data showed a similar pattern of bone resorption compared with the data generated from mathematical analyses, independent of implant length. The results of this study showed that the mechanoregulatory tissue model could be employed in monitoring the morphological changes in bone that is subjected to biomechanical loads. In addition, the implant length did not influence the bone remodeling around single dental implants during the first year of loading. | 10.1080/10255842.2015.1052418 |
pubmed_268_16410 | The Cre protein of bacteriophage P1 is a 38.5 kDa site-specific recombinase that belongs to the Int family of recombination proteins. Cre acts by binding specifically to a 34 base-pair sequence, lox, where it carries out recombination. A limited chymotryptic digest of Cre resulted in two fragments of sizes 25 and 13.5 kDa, respectively. The sequence of the amino terminus of the purified 25 kDa peptide demonstrates that this peptide represents the carboxyl-terminal portion of the Cre protein. A truncated version of the cre gene was constructed which produces only the 25 kDa peptide. The 25 kDa peptide is capable of specific binding to the lox site, but binds at lower affinity than does wild-type Cre. Footprinting with Fe-EDTA indicates that the 25 kDa peptide protects the inverted repeats of the lox site but shows only partial protection of the spacer region. This is in contrast to the footprint obtained with wild-type Cre which protects the entire spacer region. | 10.1016/S0022-2836(99)80007-2 |
pubmed_1021_16094 | The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp160 was produced in large-scale microcarrier cultures of Vero cells, using a system involving coinfection with two recombinant vaccinia viruses. The immunogenicity of this material was studied in conjunction with a number of different adjuvant formulations, and chimpanzees were then immunized with gp160 in conjunction with Al(OH)3, Al(OH)3 and sodium deoxycholate, and a lipid-based adjuvant. The Al(OH)3-gp160 vaccine formulation elicited very poor immune responses in two chimpanzees, and these animals were further immunized with gp160 in conjunction with a lipid-based adjuvant. Immunization with the latter formulation lead to induction of high-titer neutralizing antibodies, and, following challenge with HIV-1, one chimpanzee demonstrated no evidence of virus infection over a period of 3 years. The second chimpanzee, which had previously been infected with non-A, non-B hepatitis, and two animals immunized with gp160 with Al(OH)3 and deoxycholate were not protected against challenge. | pubmed_1021_16094 |
pubmed_97_157 | This study assessed the effects of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on systemic vascular resistances during the hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass phase of cardiac surgery. Twenty patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomly divided into an ATP group (n = 10), and a placebo group (n = 10). Anaesthesia was similar for all the patients (diazepam, fentanyl and pancuronium). During the heart arrest phase, and as soon as the arterial pressure, the level in the venous return reservoir, and the pump flow rate had all been in steady state for 5 min, ATP or placebo was injected into the venous line of the oxygenator. Injection speed was doubled every three minutes, twice. The following ATP doses were administered: 0.012, 0.025 and 0.05 mg.kg-1.min-1. The level in the venous return reservoir was kept constant. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pump flow rate (DP) were assessed every half minute. Systemic vascular resistances were calculated with the relationship MAP/DP. Changes in vascular capacitance were directly proportional to changes in DP as the heart had been excluded, and all the blood returned to the pump, the blood volume being kept constant. MAP and DP remained unchanged in the placebo group. In the opposite ATP induced a dose-related systemic vasodilation: MAP decreased from 82.8 +/- 12.5 mmHg (control) to 66.0 +/- 14.8 mmHg, 59.8 +/- 10.6 mmHg, and 49.0 +/- 4.7 mmHg with 0.012, 0.025 and 0.05 mg.kg-1.min-1 ATP respectively. The MAP returned to preinfusion control levels when the ATP infusion was discontinued (90.0 +/- 17.8 mmHg). The DP, and therefore venous return, did not change, neither during ATP infusion, nor after its discontinuation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | 10.1016/S0750-7658(05)80830-5 |
pubmed_51_1426 | As trusted health professionals in the school setting, school nurses are well positioned to identify students who may be victims of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). However, until recently this issue has been clouded by lack of awareness, stigma, and/or denial. Since nationally the average age of entry for girls into the commercial sex industry (specifically prostitution) is 12-15 years old, many of these young people continue to attend school although attendance may be sporadic. Additional continuing education is needed to increase school nurses' awareness that these young victims might be in their practices, whether they are located in urban, rural, or suburban communities. As primary sources of health care for children throughout the United States, school nurses have a pivotal role in helping an exploited girl move beyond invisibility to a path of safety and support-and a new life. | 10.1177/1059840512448402 |
pubmed_943_9108 | AIMS
Although back diagnoses are recurrent and the main diagnoses behind sickness absence and disability pension surprisingly few longitudinal studies have been performed. This study identifies predictive factors for disability pension among young persons initially sick-listed with back diagnoses.
METHODS
An 11-year prospective cohort study was conducted, including all individuals in a Swedish city who, in 1985, were aged 25-34 and sick-listed > or =28 days owing to neck, shoulder, or back diagnoses (n = 213). The following data was obtained: disability pension, emigration, and death for 1985-96, sickness absence for 1982-84, and demographics in 1985 regarding sex, income, occupation, marital status, diagnosis, socioeconomic group, and citizenship. Cox regression and life tables were used in the analyses.
RESULTS
In 1996, i.e. within 11 years, 22% of the individuals (27% of the women and 14% of the men) had been granted disability pension. The relative risk for disability pension was higher for women (2.4; p = 0.010), persons with foreign citizenship (3.6; p=0.009), and those who had had >14 sick-leave days per spell during the three years before inclusion, compared to those with <7 days/spell (3.1; p=0.003).
CONCLUSIONS
This cohort of young persons proved to be a high-risk group for disability pension. Some of the factors known to predict long-time sickness absence also predict disability pension in a cohort of already sick-listed persons. | pubmed_943_9108 |
pubmed_929_17120 | The objective was to evaluate current evidence on the prevalence and risk of oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders among patients with diabetes mellitus. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies published before November 2019. We evaluated the study quality using GRADE, QUIPS, and a specific method for systematic reviews addressing prevalence questions. Meta-analyses were conducted, and heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. A total of 1,489 studies were found, 116 analyzed in full text, 52 included in qualitative synthesis and 49 meta-analyzed. Pooled prevalence (PP) of oral cancer in patients with diabetic was 0.25% (95% CI = 0.15-0.39)-250 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus -with a greater chance of oral cancer among patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.41 [95% CI = 1.10-1.81], p = .007). Patients with oral cancer and diabetes mellitus had a higher mortality than controls (HR = 2.09 [95%CI = 1.36-3.22], p = .001). Leukoplakia had a PP = 2.49% (95% CI = 1.14-4.29)-2,490 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus -(OR = 4.34 [95% CI = 1.14-16.55], p = .03). A PP of 2.72 (95% CI = 1.64-4.02) was obtained for oral lichen planus among patients with diabetic -2,720 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.87 [95% CI = 1.37-2.57], p < .001). A low PP was estimated for erythroplakia (0.02%[95%CI = 0.00-0.12]-20 per 100,000 patients with diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher prevalence and greater chance of oral cancer and OPMD development in comparison with non-diabetic patients. In addition, patients with oral cancer suffering from diabetes mellitus have a higher mortality compared to non-diabetic patients with oral cancer. | 10.1111/odi.13289 |
pubmed_1027_19783 | BACKGROUND
Excessive sun exposure during childhood has been associated with subsequent development of skin cancers. Children have been advised to avoid sun exposure, use protective clothing, and apply sunscreen lotions, but how completely these recommendations are followed has not been studied.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent of sun protection among children visiting lake beaches, the methods used, and the characteristics associated with more protection.
DESIGN
Direct observations of children were linked with concurrent care giver/parent interviews.
SUBJECTS/SETTING
A total of 871 children 2 to 9 years of age and their parents/care givers at freshwater beaches in 10 small New Hampshire towns during July and August 1995.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Protection of the head, torso, and legs according to method used (hats, shirts, pants, sunscreen, or shade).
RESULTS
Fifty-four percent of children were protected by at least one method for all three body surface regions, although 17% had no protection for any region. Sunscreen was used either alone or in combination with clothing for at least one region in 79%. Hats were used by 3%, shirts by 22%, and pants to the knee by 49%. Only 12% of observed children were in the shade. The region that was protected most often was the legs for boys (due to swim suit styles) followed by the torso for both sexes. The region most often unprotected was the legs for girls followed closely by the face for both boys and girls. Girls were significantly more likely to have no protection (31.2% female vs 7% male, chi2 83.3) due to better leg protection from swim trunks to the knees popular with boys. Full protection of all three regions was more common for children younger than 5 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8, 95% confidence interval, [CI] 1.3-2.5), for children perceived to usually or always burn (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.7), for children whose parents had more than a high school education (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5), and if the parents indicated receiving sun protection information from a school or clinician during the previous year (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.3). Approximately 51.6% of parents recalled receiving childhood solar protection advice in the past year from either their physician, a nurse, or a school/day care setting.
CONCLUSIONS
Sunscreen provided the most common form of solar protection. Hats and shade were used rarely, and shirts were also underused. Although the sun protection of these children visiting the beach was substantial, nearly half were still not fully protected. Clinician advice within the past year was associated with better protection. Clinicians could increase their influence by providing more specific counseling about how to achieve full protection. Use of multiple methods of protection rather than just sunscreen and full protection rather than protection for just one or two body regions should be emphasized. It is helpful to remind families to protect the regions most frequently omitted from protection: girls' legs and boys' and girls' faces. Advice can be enhanced with patient education materials such as included in the "Slip" (on a shirt), "Slop" (on sunscreen), and "Slap" (on a hat) program developed in Australia and available through the American Cancer Society. | 10.1542/peds.99.6.e1 |
others_124_2529 | The disease cycle of the chili (Capsicum annuum) anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum truncatum (formerly C. capsici) was elucidated from a study of infection and colonization of seed, leaves and fruit. Microscopic observations of detached leaves and fruit inoculated with a virulent pathotype (F83B), revealed direct cuticle penetration and, intramural, endophytic and necrotrophic phases of colonization. Seedling and fruit ripening stages were very susceptible to infection with the pathogen causing pre- and post-emergence damage and postharvest fruit rot. Furthermore, a quiescent stage, following leaf infection during the vegetative phase of plant growth served as a potential primary inoculum source for fruit infection. Leaf epidermal cells of the resistant C. chinense PBC932 expressed a strong hypersensitive response 48 h after infection (HAI) to both highly virulent (F83B) and less virulent (BRIP 26,974) pathotypes. Infected cells had thickened cell walls, cytoplasm aggregation, and high levels of reactive oxygen species produced 12 HAI. In contrast, the infected epidermal cells of the susceptible C. annuum cultivar Bangchang showed necrosis and rapid cell death after infection by either pathotype. Knowledge of the disease cycle of C. truncatum will be helpful in understanding the behaviour of the pathogen in chili fields which will lead to more efficient application of control measures. © Australasian Plant Pathology Society Inc. 2012 | 10.1007/s13313-012-0156-0 |
others_128_12829 | It was recently coincidentally discovered, using 1H NMR spectroscopy, that the erythrocytes of two species of Australian marsupials, Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and Bettong (Bettongia penicillata), contain relatively high concentrations of the essential amino acid lysine (Agar NS, Rae CD, Chapman BE, Kuchel PW. Comp Biochem Physiol 1991;99B:575-97). Hence, in the present work the rates of transport of lysine into the erythrocytes from the Common Brushtail Possum (Dactylopsila trivirgata) and Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) (which both have low lysine concentrations), and Tammar Wallaby were studied, to explore the mechanistic basis of this finding. The concentration-dependence of the uptake was studied with lysine alone and in the presence of arginine, which may be a competitor of the transport in some species. In relation to GSH metabolism, glutamate uptake was determined in the presence and absence of Na+. The data was analysed to yield estimates of the maximal velocity (V(max)) and the K(m) in each of the species. Erythrocytes from Tammar Wallaby lacked saturable lysine transport in contrast to the other two species. The glutamate uptake was normal in all three animals for adequate GSH biosynthesis | 10.1016/S1095-6433(98)00009-9 |
pubmed_267_6248 | Twenty-five consecutive patients who had an abnormal prostate examination were subjected to transrectal biopsy of the prostate gland. The day prior to biopsy the patients were started on a modification of the Nichols-Condon bowel preparation utilizing only neomycin and erythromycin base. Although none of the patients became febrile, 3 patients had a positive post-biopsy blood culture (2 anaerobic and 1 aerobic). None of the 24 patients with a negative pre-biopsy urine culture had a positive post-biopsy culture. This regimen effectively reduces the reported incidence of both fever (95% confidence limit of 0 to 13.7% for the true proportion) and bacteremia (95% confidence limit of 2.6 to 31.2% for the true proportion). | 10.1016/0090-4295(82)90632-x |
others_356_9452 | A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of phosphorus and zinc application, in three lowland alluvial rice soils (Haplustalf) on the growth of rice and the concentration of phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron and manganese in shoots and roots. The results showed that application of phosphorus and zinc significantly increased the dry matter yield of shoots, grains and roots. Application of phosphorus caused a decrease in the concentration of zinc, copper, iron and manganese both in shoots and roots. Application of zinc also similarly lowered the concentration of phosphorus, copper and iron, but increased that of manganese in shoots and roots. The decrease in the concentration of the elements in the shoots was not due to dilution effect or to the reduced rate of translocation of the elements from the roots to tops. This has been attributed more to the changes in the availability of the elements in soil resulting from the application of phosphorus and zinc. © 1981 Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W. Junk Publishers | 10.1007/BF02184546 |
pubmed_1091_17178 | In human, the cytoplasmic (cLysRS) and mitochondrial (mLysRS) species of lysyl-tRNA synthetase are encoded by a single gene. Following HIV-1 infection, mLysRS is selectively taken up into viral particles along with the three tRNALys isoacceptors. The GagPol polyprotein precursor is involved in this process. With the aim to reconstitute in vitro the HIV-1 tRNA3Lys packaging complex, we first searched for the putative involvement of another viral protein in the selective viral hijacking of mLysRS only. After screening all the viral proteins, we observed that Vpr and Rev have the potential to interact with mLysRS, but that this association does not take place at the level of the assembly of mLysRS into the packaging complex. We also show that tRNA3Lys can form a ternary complex with the two purified proteins mLysRS and the Pol domain of GagPol, which mimicks its packaging complex. | 10.1016/j.biopen.2016.02.004 |
pubmed_636_17666 | There is considerable interest in the development of stem cell-based strategies for the treatment of a broad range of human diseases, including neurodegenerative, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases. To date, such regenerative approaches have focused largely on the development of cell transplantation therapies using cells derived from pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Although there have been exciting preliminary reports describing the efficacy of ESC-derived replacement therapies, approaches involving ex vivo manipulated ESCs are hindered by issues of mutation, immune rejection, and ethical controversy. An alternative approach involves direct in vivo modulation or ex vivo expansion of endogenous adult stem cell populations using drug-like small molecules. Here we describe chemical approaches to the regulation of somatic stem cell biology that are yielding new biological insights and that may ultimately lead to innovative new medicines. | 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-011112-140300 |
others_321_12947 | : The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effects of 3 levels of a rumen-protected Lys (RP-Lys) prototype on milk production in dairy cows fed a diet deficient in MP-Lys and (2) to assess the effects of treatments using AMTS.Cattle.Professional (AMTS = Agricultural Modeling and Training System; Groton, NY). Materials and Methods: Ten multiparous, Holstein cows were used in a 5 × 10 Latin rectangle (rows = five 18-d periods, columns = 10 cows). Treatments were (1) control (0 g of RP-Lys), (2) 30 g of Lys supplemented from RP-Lys using Aji-Pro L (APL; Ajinomoto, Chicago, IL), (3) 17.5 g of Lys supplemented from RP-Lys prototype (RPLL), (4) 21.8 g of Lys supplemented from RP-Lys prototype (RPLM), and (5) 31.5 g of Lys supplemented from RP-Lys prototype (RPLH). The basal diet was formulated with a MP-Lys balance of −16.5 g/d. Milk and blood samples were analyzed for milk components and plasma AA concentrations. Treatments were assessed for MP-Lys balance using actual chemical composition of feed ingredients, DMI, and milk production using the AMTS. Results and Discussion: Regression analysis revealed that RP-Lys prototype supplementation increased milk and lactose yields linearly (P = 0.03 and 0.04). There was a trend for RP-Lys prototype to increase protein percent quadratically (P = 0.07). Treatments did not affect plasma Lys concentrations. The retrospective evaluation of treatments showed an MP-Lys balance of −17 g/d for control and −2, −7, and 8 g/d for RPLL, RPLM, and RPLH treatments, respectively. Collectively, these results indicated that the RP-Lys prototype delivered Lys to support milk production. Implications and Applications: Results indicate that supplementation with an RP-Lys prototype increased milk production in cows fed a diet deficient in RP-Lys. These results may benefit dairy cows fed corn-based diets. © 2019 American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists | 10.15232/aas.2019-01885 |
pubmed_143_9392 | OBJECTIVES
This work aimed to assess treatment adherence in rheumatoid arthritis patients with several tools and to identify factors associated with poor adherence.
METHOD
Between February and December 2015, 183 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. A homemade 23-item self-questionnaire was filled by patients during an outpatient consultation or a day hospitalization stay. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS)-4, MMAS-8 and Girerd scores were extracted from this homemade questionnaire. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was then calculated. For identification of factors associated with nonadherence, patients were divided in two groups according to MMAS-8 results differentiating patients with good or bad adherence to treatments.
RESULTS
Of the 183 patients, 59% received a combination of biologic and conventional synthetic disease-modifying drugs, 22% a biological treatment alone, and 19% a conventional DMARD alone. Respectively, 3%, 10%, and 7% were considered as low adherent according to MMAS-4, MMAS-8, and Girerd scores. MPR was calculated for 84/183 patients; 23% were low adherent. The need for a help in preparing the drugs (p = 0.05; OR = 6.12; 95% CI: 0.86 to 268.90) and concomitant diabetes (p < 0.001; OR = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.299) was higher in patients with good adherence. Presence of a patient's relative reminding to take medications was associated with low adherence (p = 0.002; OR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.41 to 13.11).
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlighted the difficulty of assessing treatment adherence in rheumatoid arthritis patients despite four different tools. Objective measures by MPR indicated a higher proportion of poor adherent patients than self-questionnaires.Key Points• Proportion of patients considered as low adherent ranged from 3 to 27% according to the method of evaluation.• The use of a pillbox and/or the preparation of drugs by a patient's relative was associated with good adherence.• The presence of a patient's relative reminding to take medication was associated with low adherence. | 10.1007/s10067-019-04837-2 |
others_170_665 | I describe life history details for a California population of Tamalia coweni on the host plants Arctostaphylos patula and Arctostaphylos viscida. In particular, studies on the sequence of gall initiation and the identity of gall-making morphs reveal that later generations of wingless females, as well as the stem mother, are capable of inducing galls. Winged females disperse to other sites suitable for gall induction and deposit wingless gall-forming females. The life cycles of T. coweni on the two species of Arctostaphylos studied differ considerably and affect the ecology and population biology of the aphid. I discuss the possible role of a newly observed wingless morph in the life history of T. coweni. I document communal gall occupation by multiple aphid foundresses and place it into a sociobiological contex | 10.1080/00222939800770181 |
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