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pubmed_1025_6811 | We report a detailed study of the electric transport and magnetic properties of the La(5/8-y)Nd(y)Ca(3/8)MnO(3) manganite system. Substitution of La(3+) by smaller Nd(3+) ions reduces the mean ionic radius of the A-site ion. We have studied samples in the entire range between La-rich and Nd-rich compounds (0.1<y<0.625). Results of dc magnetization and resistivity show that doping destabilizes the ferromagnetic (FM) character of the pure La compound and triggers the formation of a phase-separated state at intermediate doping. We have also found evidence of a dynamical behaviour within the phase-separated state. A phase diagram is constructed, summarizing the effect of chemical substitution on the system. | 10.1088/0953-8984/19/18/186226 |
pubmed_327_18642 | Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of soft tissue infection, e.g. impetigo, cellulitis, or wound infection, and causes osteomyelitis, arthritis, bacteremia with metastatic infection, and scalded skin and toxic shock syndromes. Coagulase-negative staphylococci have become increasingly important causes of nosocomial bacteremia associated with invasive monitoring, intravascular catheters and prosthetic heart valves or joints. Most staphylococci produce b-lactamase and are resistant to penicillin. An increasing proportion of S. aureus have intrinsic resistance to methicillin (MRSA) and present major problems in hospitals for the control of cross infection. The glycopeptides, teicoplanin and vancomycin, are the antibiotics of first choice for treatment of these infections. After the first report describing a Japanese clinical isolate of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), several papers have documented the emergence of these microorganisms. Since the development and spreading of this phenomenon which is perceived as a fearsome threat to the already difficult therapy of nosocomial infections due to the prevalence of heterogeneous vancomycin resistance, we found the incidence of MRSA exceeds 35% in our hospital. Out of 179 methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolated during 1997-1998, two strains (1.1%) gave subclones with vancomycin MICs of 8 mg/L. PFGE showed identical restriction patterns for both isolates, suggesting transfer of a single clone between two different patients. | 10.1179/joc.2000.12.6.459 |
pubmed_522_12982 | OBJECTIVE
A tracking study of the undergraduate medical students and postgraduate residents who participated in the Northwestern Ontario Medical Programme (NOMP) during its first 25 years (1972-1997) was conducted to search for factors related to physician recruitment to Northwestern Ontario.
METHODS
Annual editions of the Canadian Medical Directory were used to determine how many participants returned to practise in Northwestern Ontario.
RESULTS
A total of 1982 (84.9%) of the 2335 NOMP participants were located using the Canadian Medical Directory. Of those located, 217 (10.9%) had established practice in Northwestern Ontario. Significantly higher recruitment rates (p < 0.001) were found for postgraduate residents (88/410 [21.5%]) than for undergraduates (95/1445 [6.6%]). Undergraduates who returned for multiple placements were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to practise in Northwestern Ontario. Furthermore, significant differences in recruitment rates (p < 0.001) were found among the 5 Ontario medical schools. A "snapshot" of 1999 identified that undergraduate medical students and postgraduate residents who undertook a NOMP placement were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to practise in Northwestern Ontario (odds ratio 7.11, 95% confidence interval 5.11-9.90) than those graduating from Ontario universities who did not experience a NOMP placement.
CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of 25 years of student tracking data confirms that NOMP placements were significantly associated with physician recruitment to Northwestern Ontario. Recruitment rates from participation in NOMP were higher for postgraduate residents, undergraduate medical students who returned for multiple placements, and for undergraduate medical students from certain Ontario universities. | pubmed_522_12982 |
pubmed_441_13481 | To evaluate the patterns of normal lung tissue, alveolar and interstitial oedema, macrophage collections, haemorrhage and infarction in radiographs of excised air-inflated lungs at autopsy, the distribution of these findings in 89 lungs was determined histologically on 441 sections sampled from 59 lungs selected to represent unequivocally the features in question. Normal lung tissue appeared as branching blood vessels with a delicate net-like background. Alveolar oedema gave a fine punctate opacity distributed evenly, and interstitial oedema showed as either short lines perpendicular to the pleural surface, as a network of branching narrow lines, or as long non-branching lines. Macrophage collections associated with chronic congestion showed as a coarsely punctate opacity, but this was often inconspicuous or similar to the pattern of slight alveolar oedema or slight haemorrhage. Massive haemorrhage appeared as a finely macular opacity. Fresh infarction gave a dense wedge-shaped opacity with pleural retraction and a rounded top. An older infarction was less homogeneous with more indistinct borders. The demonstration of thromboemboli without infarction was not possible. | pubmed_441_13481 |
pubmed_650_16253 | Enzyme activity is often dramatically reduced in polar organic solvents, even under conditions where the folded structures are stable. We have utilized random mutagenesis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques combined with screening for enhanced activity in the presence of dimethylformamide (DMF) to probe mechanisms by which improved enzymes for chemical synthesis in polar organic media might be obtained. Two amino acid substitutions which enhance subtilisin E activity in the presence of DMF, Q103R and D60N, were identified by screening on agar plates containing DMF and casein. The two substitutions are located near the substrate binding pocket or in the active site, and their effects on the catalytic efficiency kcat/KM for the hydrolysis of a peptide substrate are additive. The effects of D60N are apparent only in the presence of DMF, highlighting the importance of screening in the organic solvent. Protein engineering is an effective approach to enhancing enzyme activity in organic media: the triple mutant D60N + Q103R + N218S is 38 times more active than wild-type subtilisin E in 85% DMF. An evolutionary approach consisting of multiple steps of random mutagenesis and screening in continually higher concentrations of organic solvent should result in enzymes that are substantially more active in organic media. | 10.1038/nbt1191-1073 |
pubmed_436_10661 | Colon tumors may be maintained by a rare fraction of cancer stem-like cells (CSC) that express the cell surface marker CD133. Self-renewing CSCs exhibit relatively greater resistance to clinical cytotoxic therapies and recent work suggests that this resistance may be mediated in part by an autocrine response to the immune cytokine interleukin 4 (IL-4). Blocking IL-4 signaling can sensitize CSCs to apoptotic stimuli and increase the in vivo efficacy of cytotoxic therapy. These findings suggest that inhibitors of IL-4 signaling may offer a new therapeutic tool in colon carcinoma. | 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-6874 |
pubmed_279_11936 | The purpose of this paper is to discuss health visitors' construction of difficult work as uncovered in their descriptions of actual cases. The grounded theory approach was used to uncover the processes by which health visitors work with clients in the community. Forty-five experienced health visitors participated in the research. Data were collected using semi-structured, conversational interviews, field notes, and a short data collection form. Findings identified three types of situations in their work which created difficulty for health visitors: concerns about client safety, inappropriate use of health visitor services, and client denial and blocking. Several approaches to dealing with difficult situations were identified. These were labelled as: "more of the same", "wait for a bit", "withdrawal", "fall back on routine visiting", "try something else", and "open up the problem situation/confrontation". The use of approaches was related to factors in the context in the situation in which the health visitor found herself, and factors related to the health visitor and her particular style of practice. This paper assists in understanding how health visitors work with clients in the community to influence health. | 10.1016/0020-7489(94)90043-4 |
pubmed_1033_16275 | OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to evaluate factors predisposing to occupational dysphonia in a group of professional voice users.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study involved 374 patients treated in the Clinic of Otolaryngology and the Phoniatric Outpatient Clinic, Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Białystok in 1999--2001. Group I consisted of 309 patients qualified as professional voice users. The obtained results were compared with those yielded in a group of 65 persons of other occupations (group II). All the diagnosed patients neither smoked nor abused alcohol. Tobacco smokers, patients with chronic diseases of the respiratory system or individuals exposed to irritating vapors were excluded from the study. The clinical evaluation included phoniatric examinations with use of videoendoscopy (VIS) and videolaryngostroboscopy (VLSS) of the larynx. Based on the larynx endoscopic image the voice organ pathology was diagnosed in the patients as functional and/or organic dysphonia. The former comprised hyperfunctional or hypofunctional dysphonia and insufficiency of the glottis and the latter other laryngeal disturbances. In the statistical analysis chi2 parametric test of independence for two averages was used.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Female teachers of primary and lower secondary schools, mean age 43 years, prevailed in the group of professional voice users, in which functional dysphonia was more common. In this group, the onset of organic changes was earlier than that of functional changes and was manifested by soft vocal nodules, edematous and inflammatory changes in the vocal fold mucosa. Functional dysphonia of 3 degrees, 4 degrees and even 5 degrees predominated in the group of professional voice users in the course of their employment. | pubmed_1033_16275 |
pubmed_920_7129 | High resistance to antimicrobials is associated with biofilm formation responsible for infectious microbes to withstand severe conditions. Therefore, new alternatives are necessary as biofilm inhibitors to control infections. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Fagonia indica extracts were evaluated against MDR clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica has antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica had antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against MDR isolates. The maximum inhibitory effects of Fagonia indica chloroform extract on biofilm formation was observed on Staphylococcus aureus (71.84%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (70.83%) after 48 hrs showing that inhibition is also time dependent. Our results about bacterial cell protein leakage indicated that MDR isolates treated with chloroform extract of Fagonia indica showed maximum protein leakage of K. pneumoniae (59.14 µg mL-1) followed by S. aureus (56.7 µg mL-1). Cell attachment assays indicated that chloroform extract resulted in a 43.5-53.5% inhibition of cell adherence to a polystyrene surface. Our results revealed that extracts of Fagonia indica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among MDR clinical isolates, therefore, could be applied as antimicrobial agents and cost effective biofilm inhibitor against these MDR isolates. | 10.1590/1519-6984.239991 |
pubmed_1113_5868 | OBJECTIVE
Most patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not candidates for surgery but can benefit from chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy. The objective of the present study was to analyze the results of sequential chemotherapy and radiation therapy and the prognostic value of initial clinical and laboratory variables.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We carried out a retrospective study of 92 patients with stage III NSCLC treated with a sequential regimen of chemotherapy (carboplatin-etoposide, carboplatin-gemcitabine, and carboplatin-paclitaxel), and radiation therapy (6000 cGy in daily doses of 200 cGy, 5 d/wk). Response to therapy, overall survival, and the prognostic value of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory variables were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
Median survival time was 14 months, with a 3-year survival rate of 16.1%. Poor performance status (score of 2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncologic Group [ECOG] scale), anemia, and elevated serum concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen were predictive of poorer survival in the multivariate analysis. In the univariate analysis, weight loss and diagnosis before the year 2000 were also associated with poorer prognosis (P<.01). TNM stage was not significantly correlated (P=.08). Toxicity was low, with 1 death and few cases of grade 3 or 4 toxicity according to World Health Organization criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy should be considered contraindicated in cases of poor performance status (ECOG scale score of 2). Weight loss, an elevated serum concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen, and a hemoglobin concentration of 12 g/dL or less carry a poor prognosis. | 10.1016/s1579-2129(07)60086-x |
pubmed_1111_10857 | Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder in which there has been recent progress in elucidating underlying mechanisms with potential therapeutic implications. Unicentric Castleman's disease is an indolent condition that is often treated with local approaches. In contrast, patients with multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) have a less favorable prognosis and require systemic treatment. Cytotoxic chemotherapy, with its attendant risk for toxicity, has been widely used to treat MCD, with variable efficacy. The discovery of putative etiologic factors and targets in MCD, particularly human herpes virus 8, CD20, and interleukin (IL)-6, has been translated into the use of rituximab and anti-IL-6-based therapy, as well as antiviral agents. In this article, we review the current state of the art of our understanding of Castleman's disease and its treatment and we provide insight into future treatment strategies based on disease biology. | 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0212 |
pubmed_512_20268 | Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) was extracted by water with a yield of 9.83% and purified by an anion-exchange DEAE cellulose column and Sephadex G-200 gel with a polysaccharide content of 98.6%. The scavenging activities for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals of IOP were 82.3% and 81.3% respectively at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. IOP was composed of Man, Rha, Glu, Gal, Xyl and Ara in a molar ratio of 9.81:3.6：29.1：20.5：21.6：5.4 respectively. The gel permeation chromatography indicated that IOP was a homogeneous polysaccharide with molecular weight of 32.5 kDa. IOP helped to alleviate pancreatic acinar atrophy and weight loss for chronic pancreatitis (CP) mice induced by Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC). The SOD level was increased most by IOP-H treatment (400 mg/kg body weight). MDA, IL-1β and LDH were significantly decreased by IOP treatment, especially hydroxyproline, IFN-γ and AMS levels were decreased 39.18%, 37.82% and 41.57% by IOP-H treatment respectively compared to MC group. In conclusion, IOP possessed strong antioxidant activity for scavenging free radicals in vitro and vivo which could be propitious to CP therapy in mice. | pubmed_512_20268 |
pubmed_909_21355 | Enzymes are protein catalysts that lower the energy barrier for a reaction and speed the rate of a chemical change. The kinetics of reactions catalyzed by enzymes, as well as several mechanisms underlying the kinetics, have been comprehensively studied and written in textbooks (1, 2). The importance of quantitative evaluation of enzymatic processes has been recognized in many fields of study, including biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical sciences to name a few. In pharmaceutical sciences, the applications of enzyme kinetics range from hit finding efforts for new chemical entities on a pharmacological target to concentration effect relationships to large-scale biosynthesis. The study of the science of drug metabolism has two principal concepts-rate and extent. While understanding disposition pathways and identification of metabolites provides an insight into the extent of metabolism, kinetics of depletion of substrates (endogenous or exogenous) and formation of metabolites deals with the rate of metabolism. The current textbook specifically focuses on kinetics of drug-metabolizing enzymes, detailing specific enzyme classes, and discusses kinetics as they apply to drug transporters. This textbook also outlines additional factors that contribute to the kinetics of reactions catalyzed by these proteins such as variability in isoforms (pharmacogenomics) and experimental factors including key concepts such as alterations of substrate concentrations due to binding. Applications of these approaches in predicting kinetic parameters and alternative approaches for enzymes (systems biology) and transporters are also discussed. The final section focuses on real-life examples (case studies) to try and exemplify the applications of enzyme kinetic principles. This chapter provides a brief overview outlining some key concepts within each of the sections and the chapters within this textbook. | 10.1007/978-1-62703-758-7_1 |
pubmed_285_14512 | Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a major component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria. Its effects on living organisms are different from those of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) found in Gram-negative bacteria. LTA contributes to immune regulatory effects including anti-aging. In this study, we showed that LTA isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum (pLTA) inhibited melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. pLTA reduced the cellular activity of tyrosinase and the expression of tyrosinase family members in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a key factor in the synthesis of melanin, was also decreased by pLTA. Further, we showed that pLTA activated melanogenesis signaling, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinse (PI3K)/AKT. In addition, the expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) and HuR, which are important RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), was reduced. pLTA likely degrades MITF via regulation of melanogenic signaling and RNA stability of melanogenic proteins, resulting in the reduction of melanin. Thus, our data suggest that pLTA has therapeutic potential for treating hyperpigmentation disorders and can also be used as a cosmetic whitening agent. | 10.14348/molcells.2015.2263 |
pubmed_527_9999 | The new ruthenium complex [Ru(N(3)P)(OAc)][BPh(4)] (4), in which N(3)P is the N,P mixed tetradentate ligand N,N-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]methanamine was synthesized. The complex was found to be catalytically active for the endo cycloisomerization of alkynols. The catalytic reactions can be used to synthesize five-, six-, and seven-membered endo-cyclic enol ethers in good to excellent yields. A catalytic cycle involving a vinylidene intermediate was proposed for the catalytic reactions. Treatment of complex 4 with PhC[triple bond]CH and H(2)O gave the alkyl complex [Ru(CH(2)Ph)(CO)(N(3)P)][BPh(4)] (30), which supports the assumption that the catalytic reactions involve addition of a hydroxyl group to the C=C bond of vinylidene ligands. | 10.1002/chem.200903441 |
pubmed_995_1580 | Diferric transferrin which is often necessary for growth of cells is reduced by the transplasma membrane electron transport system of HeLa cells with release of ferrous iron outside the cell. Reduction of external diferric transferrin is reflected in oxidation of internal NADH. Adriamycin, an antitumor drug, inhibits diferric transferrin reduction by the HeLa cells and inhibits concomittant oxidation of cytosolic NADH at concentrations, 10(-8)-10(-6)M, which inhibit cell growth. Isolated liver plasma membranes have an NADH diferric transferrin reductase activity which is inhibited by similar adriamycin concentrations. We propose that inhibition of cell growth by adriamycin can be based on inhibition of transplasmalemma diferric transferrin reductase. | pubmed_995_1580 |
pubmed_332_16400 | Endothelial lipase (EL) is a novel member of the triglyceride (TG) lipase family. A growing body of evidence has indicated that EL gene polymorphism might contribute to the process of cardiovascular diseases. This study was aimed to reveal the potential relationship between EL -384A/C gene polymorphism and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a Chinese Han population. The subjects were composed of 320 ACS patients and 315 age- and gender- matched controls. We detected the EL -384A/C genotypes and allele frequencies by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. There was significant difference in AA genotype and AC+CC genotype between ACS and control groups (P = 0.014). The A allele frequency was significantly higher in ACS group than in control group (87.8 vs 83.8 %, P = 0.041). The relationship between the variant and ACS remained significant after adjusting for current smoker, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol and TG (OR = 0.682, 95 % CI = 0.472-0.986). The levels of HDL and ApoA-I were significantly higher in AC+CC genotype than in AA genotype (HDL: 1.20 ± 0.35 vs 1.11 ± 0.29 mmol/L, P = 0.001; ApoA-I: 1.14 ± 0.25 vs 1.08 ± 0.21 g/L, P = 0.009). We found that the EL -384A/C gene polymorphism might be associated with ACS in Chinese Han population, suggesting that the variant might be involved in the pathogenesis of ACS. | 10.1007/s11033-012-1854-y |
pubmed_873_14549 | OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine the lowest optimal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) dose and delivery duration using ultrasound-facilitated catheter-directed thrombolysis (USCDT) for the treatment of acute intermediate-risk (submassive) pulmonary embolism.
BACKGROUND
Previous trials of USCDT used tPA over 12 to 24 h at doses of 20 to 24 mg for acute pulmonary embolism.
METHODS
Hemodynamically stable adults with acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism documented by computed tomographic angiography were randomized into this prospective multicenter, parallel-group trial. Patients received treatment with 1 of 4 USCDT regimens. The tPA dose ranged from 4 to 12 mg per lung and infusion duration from 2 to 6 h. The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction in right ventricular-to-left ventricular diameter ratio by computed tomographic angiography. A major secondary endpoint was embolic burden by refined modified Miller score, measured on computed tomographic angiography 48 h after initiation of USCDT.
RESULTS
One hundred one patients were randomized, and improvements in right ventricular-to-left ventricular diameter ratio were as follows: arm 1 (4 mg/lung/2 h), 0.40 (24%; p = 0.0001); arm 2 (4 mg/lung/4 h), 0.35 (22.6%; p = 0.0001); arm 3 (6 mg/lung/6 h), 0.42 (26.3%; p = 0.0001); and arm 4 (12 mg/lung/6 h), 0.48 (25.5%; p = 0.0001). Improvement in refined modified Miller score was also seen in all groups. Four patients experienced major bleeding (4%). Of 2 intracranial hemorrhage events, 1 was attributed to tPA delivered by USCDT.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with USCDT using a shorter delivery duration and lower-dose tPA was associated with improved right ventricular function and reduced clot burden compared with baseline. The major bleeding rate was low, but 1 intracranial hemorrhage event due to tPA delivered by USCDT did occur. | 10.1016/j.jcin.2018.04.008 |
pubmed_893_8539 | INTRODUCTION
Benefit-cost analyses of tobacco regulations include estimates of the informed choice of smokers to continue smoking. Few studies have focused on subjective feelings associated with continued smoking. This study estimates how smoker discontent and regret relate to risk perceptions and health concerns.
METHODS
We analysed data from a 2015 nationally representative, online survey of 1284 US adult current smokers. Information was collected on regret, intention to quit, perceived addiction, risk perceptions and health concerns. Multivariate logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographics and health status was used to examine factors associated with smoker discontent.
RESULTS
More than 80% of current smokers report high (22.5%) or very high (59.8%) discontent due to inability to quit, perceived addiction and regret about having started to smoke. Higher levels of discontent did not vary significantly by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education or income (adjusted odds ratios (AORs) 0.5-1.2). Compared with the smokers expressing low (5.9%) or very low (3.6%) discontent, those expressing higher levels of discontent perceived their health status as fair/poor (AOR=2.3), worried most of the time about lung cancer (AOR=4.6) and felt they were more likely to develop lung cancer in the future (AOR=5.1).
CONCLUSION
The proportion of smokers who might be characterised as having a preference to continue smoking are greatly outnumbered by addicted, discontent and concerned smokers who want to quit and regret ever having started to smoke. These discontent smokers could have a substantial net welfare gain if new regulations helped them escape their concerns about the health effects from continuing smoking. | 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-053734 |
pubmed_617_3904 | Cellular perturbations such as stress to the endoplasmic reticulum induce an integrated stress response, which activates phosphorylation of eIF2alpha and leads to alleviation of cellular injury or apoptosis. This study investigated the role of mechanical stimulation in the regulation of eIF2alpha and cell death. Mechanical stimulation was applied to mouse ulnae, MC3T3 cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. The results demonstrate that mechanical stimulation reduces phosphorylation of eIF2alpha through inactivation of Perk. Furthermore, flow pre-treatment reduces thapsigargin-induced cell mortality through suppression of phosphorylation of Perk. However, H(2)O(2)-driven cell mortality, which is not mediated by Perk, is not suppressed by mechanical stimulation. Taken together, our observations suggest a pro-survival role of mechanical stimulation in Perk-mediated stress responses. | 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.028 |
pubmed_419_24889 | BACKGROUND
Tomato spot wilt virus (TSWV) and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) are highly harmful viruses in agricultural production, which can cause serious economic losses to crops and even devastating consequences for vegetable yield in some countries and regions. Although the two viruses belong to different families and have different transmission vectors, they share most hosts.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to examine the transcriptomic expression of single and mixed inoculations of TSWV and TYLCV, leading to antagonism using high-throughput RNA sequencing.
METHODS
We confirmed the single and mixed infections of these viruses in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) by artificial inoculation. And the expression changes of related genes and their biological functions and pathways during the mixed infection of TSWV and TYLCV were analyzed by comparative transcriptome.
RESULTS
Basically, similar symptoms were observed in the plants singly infected with TSWV and co-infected with TYLCV; the symptoms of TYLCV in the co-infected plants were not obvious compared with single TYLCV infections. When inoculated with TYLCV, the accumulation of the virus significantly reduced in single and mixed infections with TSWV; the TSWV accumulated slightly less in co-infection with TYLCV, whereas this reduction was much smaller than that of TYLCV. The results suggested that TSWV had an antagonistic effect on the accumulation of TYLCV in N. benthamiana. It mainly focused on the changes in unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) caused by the co-infection of TSWV and TYLCV. The eight pathways enriched by upregulated DEGs mainly included amino acid biosynthesis, citrate cycle (or tricarboxylic acid cycle, TCA cycle), and so on. However, only pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and peptidoglycan biosynthesis could be downregulated in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway in which peptidoglycan biosynthesis was involved in upregulated and downregulated pathways.
CONCLUSIONS
The antagonistic effect of TSWV on TYLCV in N.benthamiana and the change trends and specific pathways of DEGs in this process were found. Our study provided new insights into the host regulation and competition between viruses in response to TSWV and TYLCV mixed infection. | 10.1007/s13258-022-01325-x |
pubmed_744_11351 | There is increasing attention to prevention as a means to reduce cancer incidence. Prevention interventions or therapies in turn rely on risk assessment programs to identify those women most likely to benefit from education and lifestyle changes. These programs are usually based either on interviews to identify ethnic, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to risk or on physical examination of the breast. For the latter it has been shown that the parenchymal density pattern observed in X-ray mammography can be used to assess an individual's risk. Extensive areas of dense, glandular tissue that are relatively radio-opaque are associated with higher breast cancer risk, with an odds ratio of 4 to 6 compared with women in whom the breast density is low owing to an abundance of adipose tissue. Near-infrared optical transillumination spectroscopy has been used previously to investigate the physiological properties of breast tissue. In this study, women were recruited who underwent recently X-ray mammography. The tissue density was assessed by a radiologist. The women then underwent optical transillumination spectroscopy, for which an instrument was developed that delivered visible and near-infrared light to the breast. After being transmitted through the breast craniocaudally in one of four quadrants, the spectrum from 625 to 1050 nm was measured. The spectra were used as input to a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) that used the corresponding mammographic density as the reference standard. The study group consisted of 92 women aged 39 to 72 years. Without further stratification for age, menopausal status, or measurement position, the PCA numerical model predicted the radiological assessment of tissue density in the mid 80% to low 90%. | 10.1117/1.1758269 |
pubmed_113_21216 | BACKGROUND
Few reports focus on adults with severe scoliosis.
OBJECTIVE
To report surgical outcomes and complications for adults with severe scoliosis.
METHODS
A multicenter, retrospective review was performed on operatively treated adults with severe scoliosis (minimum coronal Cobb: thoracic [TH] ≥ 75°, thoracolumbar [TL] ≥ 50°, lumbar [L] ≥ 50°).
RESULTS
Of 178 consecutive patients, 146 (82%; TH = 8, TL = 88, L = 50) achieved minimum 2-yr follow-up (mean age = 53.9 ± 13.2 yr, 92% women). Operative details included posterior-only (58%), 3-column osteotomy (14%), iliac fixation (72%), and mean posterior fusion = 13.2 ± 3.7 levels. Global coronal alignment (3.8 to 2.8 cm, P = .001) and maximum coronal Cobb improved significantly (P ≤.020): TH (84º to 57º; correction = 32%), TL (67º to 35º; correction = 48%), L (61º to 29º; correction = 53%). Sagittal alignment improved significantly (P < .001), most notably for L: C7-sagittal vertical axis 6.7 to 2.5 cm, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch 18º to 3º. Health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) improved significantly (P < .001), most notably for L: Oswestry Disability Index (44.4 ± 20.5 to 26.1 ± 18.3), Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary (30.2 ± 10.8 to 39.9 ± 9.8), and Scoliosis Research Society-22r Total (2.9 ± 0.7 to 3.8 ± 0.7). Minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit thresholds were achieved in 36% to 75% and 29% to 51%, respectively. Ninety-four (64%) patients had ≥1 complication (total = 191, 92 minor/99 major, most common = rod fracture [13.0%]). Fifty-seven reoperations were performed in 37 (25.3%) patients, with most common indications deep wound infection (11) and rod fracture (10).
CONCLUSION
Although results demonstrated high rates of complications, operative treatment of adults with severe scoliosis was associated with significant improvements in mean HRQL outcome measures for the study cohort at minimum 2-yr follow-up. | 10.1093/neuros/nyab352 |
pubmed_112_6226 | Every new empiric observation made over two millenia fueled the dispute as to whether hiccup (Hc) is a digestive or a respiratory reflex. A review of the literature, focusing attention on the probable mechanism of Hc, shows Hc as a neurogenic dysfunction of the 'valve function' between the inspiratory complex and the glottis closure complex. | 10.1159/000116815 |
pubmed_776_12588 | Free-living amoebae belonging to the species Naegleria fowleri are known to be the etiological agents for a form of fulminant meningoencephalitis that is generally fatal (primary amoebic meningoencephalitis). In a broad bacterial screening from soil and water we have isolated three strains (M-4, D-13 and A-12) belonging to the species Bacillus licheniformis that have remarkable amoebicidal activity against Naegleria sp. and also against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Physical-chemical characteristics, partial purification and biological activities of a substance produced by the M-4 strain have been investigated. This substance (m-4) is stable at high temperature (up to 100 degrees C) and extremes of pH (2.5-9.5) and also at -20 degrees C for months. Its production is greatly influenced by oxygenation of the cultures and is probably related to the sporulation process of the bacterium. Scanning electron microscope observations reveal that amoebae are lysed after a few minutes contact with m-4. | 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1993.tb04923.x |
pubmed_1127_17611 | Tissue engineered human oral mucosa has the potential to be applied to the closure of surgical wounds after tissue deficits due to facial trauma, malignant lesion surgery or preposthetic procedure. It can also be used to elucidate the biology and pathology of oral mucosa and as a model alternative to animals for safety testing of oral care products. Using the technology previously developed in our laboratory for the production of a skin equivalent, we were able to reconstruct a nonkeratinized full-thickness human oral mucosal equivalent closely mimicking human native oral mucosa. The successive coculture of human lamina propria fibroblasts and human oral epithelial cells isolated from the nonkeratinized region of oral cavity in a porous collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-chitosan scaffold gave rise to a lamina propria equivalent (LPE) and then to an oral mucosa equivalent (OME). The results of the histology, immunohistology and transmission electron microscopy of this OME demonstrated the presence of a nonkeratinized pluristratified and differentiated epithelium as in native nonkeratinized human oral mucosa expressing both K13 and K3/76. This epithelium was firmly anchored to the LPE by a continuous and ultrastructurally well-organized basement membrane. In the LPE, fibroblasts synthesized new extracellular matrix where the average collagen fibre diameter was 28.4 nm, close to that of native oral mucosa. The proliferative capacity of the basal cells was demonstrated by the expression of Ki67. | 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.08.010 |
pubmed_1134_22786 | A MacNeille type of linear polarizer is designed at a spectral band of +/-20 nm centered at 633 nm. The acceptance angle is +/-10 degrees in the BK-7 glass, or +/-15 degrees in air. | 10.1364/ao.36.003610 |
pubmed_794_25568 | OBJECTIVE
The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize and identify gaps in existing research on accessibility of telemedicine-delivered contraceptive health services to female adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and acceptability of these services to AYA patients and their medical providers.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL databases to extract relevant studies on telemedicine and provision of contraceptive services among non-institutionalized, non-chronically ill female AYAs, ages 10 through 24 years.
RESULTS
We screened 154 articles, and 6 articles representing 5 studies met the full inclusion criteria. Three studies assessed telemedicine acceptability and accessibility from the perspective of providers, and 3 described patients' perceived accessibility and acceptability of a theoretical telemedicine visit. No studies directly assessed AYA patients' satisfaction with actual telemedicine visits for contraceptive services. Providers viewed telemedicine-delivered sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services as acceptable to themselves and AYA patients. Most AYAs reported that they would use telemedicine for SRH services, although they would prefer in-person care. All articles identified concerns about privacy and confidentiality as a barrier to SRH telemedicine care.
CONCLUSIONS
Telemedicine-delivered contraceptive health services for AYAs were perceived as acceptable and accessible by providers and by most AYA patients, although patients reported a preference for in-person care. However, none of these findings are based on patients' actual experiences with SRH telemedicine. Further research is needed to directly assess the accessibility and acceptability of telemedicine-delivered contraceptive health services for female AYA patients. | 10.1016/j.jpag.2022.05.003 |
pubmed_922_25372 | BACKGROUND
Self-harm is the leading risk factor for suicide, with elevated rates reported amongst older populations. This study explores how older adults experience self-harm, identifying factors leading to self-harm.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews with older adults (≥ 60 years) engaging in self-harm and support workers from third sector services in England. Older adults were invited to participate in a follow-up interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically. Ethical approval obtained from Keele University's Ethics Review Panel. A Patient Involvement group contributed to study design, data analysis and interpretation.
OUTCOMES
Between September 2017 to September 2018, 24 interviews were conducted involving 16 participants: nine older adults and seven support workers. Eight older adults consented to follow-up interviews. All older adults reported diagnoses of mental illness in addition to physical illness. Participants identified diverse stressors accumulating over the life-course leaving older adults particularly vulnerable to self-harm. Such stressors included adverse events, loss, interpersonal and health problems. A sense of shame and stigma amongst older people using self-harm to manage distress was also reported.
INTERPRETATION
Self-harm is often concealed due to stigma and shame, being further accentuated amongst older adults, which may result in low levels of medical help-seeking behaviour for self-harm. Self-harm occurred along a spectrum of no-suicidal intent to high-levels of intent, suggesting self-harm holds different functions to older adults. Clinicians should be aware of the existence of self-harm in this age-group, and the heightened risk amongst those with comorbidities so adequate assessment, support and/or referral is provided. | 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.06.002 |
pubmed_549_7660 | The present review addresses some of the issues pertaining to the family whose member suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), the implications that arise, and the potential therapeutic interventions. The family role can be better conceptualized from a psychosocial view mainly in a systemic perspective. From this point of view, MS can be classified, in the context of chronic illnesses, according to several 'non-medical' characteristics of the disease, such as age at onset and course. Furthermore, MS challenges the individual roles, needs and coping styles of all members of the family, and establishes a frail balance in the relationships, which needs to be reset. Future research ought to focus on specific problems, such as the identification of members of MS families at risk of developing depression and anxiety, and application of the optimal psychotherapeutic interventions. Research on psychosocial and psycho-educational interventions that improve social support and decrease burden of illness would certainly ameliorate clinical practice. | 10.3109/09540261003589588 |
pubmed_659_25114 | Poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion during repeated charge and discharge is what has characterized many battery electrode materials in current use. This has led to 2D materials, specifically multi-layered 2D systems, being considered as alternatives. Among these 2D multi-layered systems are the graphene-based van der Waals heterostructures with transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) as one of the layers. Thus in this study, the graphene-hafnium disulphide (Gr-HfS2) system, has been investigated as a prototype Gr-TMDC system for application as a battery electrode. Density functional theory calculations indicate that Gr-HfS2 van der Waals heterostructure formation is energetically favoured. In order to probe its battery electrode application capability, Li, Na and K intercalants were introduced between the layers of the heterostructure. Li and K were found to be good intercalants as they had low diffusion barriers as well as a positive open circuit voltage. A comparison of bilayer graphene and bilayer HfS2 indicates that Gr-HfS2 is a favourable battery electrode system. | 10.1039/d0ra04725b |
pubmed_864_23275 | A clean, one-pot synthesis of the biologically important 3-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one compounds has been realized from the readily available N-phenylacetoacetamide derivatives through a PhI(OCOCF3)2-mediated α-hydroxylation and a H2SO4-promoted intramolecular condensation. The hydroxyl group in the generated α-hydroxylated intermediate can be well tolerated in the second H2SO4-promoted cyclization step. | 10.1021/jo400541s |
pubmed_808_9460 | OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa of two nanoparticle endotracheal tube coatings with visible light-induced photocatalysis.
METHODS:
Two types of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were tested: standard anatase (TiO2) and N-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2). Nanoparticles were placed on the internal surface of a segment of commercial endotracheal tubes, which were loaded on a cellulose acetate filter; control endotracheal tubes were left without a nanoparticle coating. A bacterial inoculum of 150 colony forming units was placed in the endotracheal tubes and then exposed to a fluorescent light source (3700 lux, 300-700 nm wavelength) for 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 minutes. Colony forming units were counted after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C. Bacterial inactivation was calculated as the percentage reduction of bacterial growth compared to endotracheal tubes not exposed to light.
RESULTS:
In the absence of light, no relevant antibacterial activity was shown against neither strain. For P. aeruginosa, both coatings had a higher bacterial inactivation than controls at any time point (p < 0.001), and no difference was observed between TiO2 and N-TiO2. For S. aureus, inactivation was higher than for controls starting at 5 minutes for N-TiO2 (p = 0.018) and 10 minutes for TiO2 (p = 0.014); inactivation with N-TiO2 was higher than that with TiO2 at 20 minutes (p < 0.001), 40 minutes (p < 0.001) and 60 minutes (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Nanosized commercial and N-doped TiO2 inhibit bacterial growth under visible fluorescent light. N-TiO2 has higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus compared to TiO2. | 10.5935/0103-507X.20170009 |
pubmed_785_2829 | The prevalence of skin pain and the molecular mechanisms responsible for pain in psoriasis remain unclear. This study assessed skin pain in 163 patients (98 males, 65 females, range 18-81 years) with plaque psoriasis, evaluating: the subjective/objective features of this symptom compared with clinical severity of the disease; and the role of interleukin (IL)-33, (involved in both psoriasis and pain pathogenesis), in psoriasis-related pain. Clinical measures used were a questionnaire, plaque Physician Global Assessment (PGA) index, pressure algometry to measure pain threshold and tactile/thermal sensitivity test. IL-33 gene expression was examined in vivo (n = 12) in patients skin and through an ex vivo model of nociception using sodium dodecyl sulphate. Of the psoriatic patients 43.6% reported skin pain during the previous week; itchy, unpleasant, aching, sensitive, hot/burning, tender and cramping were the most reported qualities. Patients' pain threshold decreased with increasing PGA index and pain intensity. Sensitivity to touch/heat was reduced in lesional skin, compared with unaffected psoriatic skin. IL-33 expression was increased in lesional skin of patients reporting pain and in the ex vivo system. In conclusion, symptoms of skin pain should be taken into account in the management of psoriasis. | 10.2340/00015555-1965 |
pubmed_20_14351 | BACKGROUND
Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a common problem but difficult to treat for pediatric nephrologists. Due to paucity of studies done in few centres in southern Pakistan regarding the histopathological aspects in paediatric patients with SRNS, this study was conducted to determine the histopathological spectrum in children with SRNS at our centre.
METHODS
This descriptive study has been conducted at the Nephrology department, The Children's Hospital Lahore from February 2014 to January 2015. Based upon history, physical examination and laboratory results, all patients diagnosed as idiopathic SRNS were included in the study and renal biopsy was done to determine the underlying pathology. Histopathology reports were retrieved and data analysis done using SPSS-20.0.
RESULTS
There were a total of 96 patients, 64 (66.7%) males and 32 (33.3%) females. The age range was from 0.80 to 15 years with mean age of presentation being 6.34+3.75 years. The most common histo-pathological pattern was mesangio-proliferative Glomerulonephritis found in 79 (82.3%) cases followed by Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 9 (9.4%) patients while Minimal change disease (MCD) was seen in 5 (5.2%) subjects.
CONCLUSION
Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis is the most common histological pattern seen in children presenting with idiopathic SRNS at our centre followed by FSGS and MCD. | pubmed_20_14351 |
pubmed_749_21592 | There exists a trend for a better functional recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) in younger patients compared to adults, which is also reported for animal studies; however, the reasons for this are yet to be elucidated. The post injury tissue microenvironment is a complex milieu of cells and signals that interact on multiple levels. Inflammation has been shown to play a significant role in this post injury microenvironment. Endogenous neural progenitor cells (NPC), in the ependymal layer of the central canal, have also been shown to respond and migrate to the lesion site. This study used a mild contusion injury model to compare adult (9 week), juvenile (5 week) and infant (P7) Sprague-Dawley rats at 24 h, 1, 2, and 6 weeks post-injury (n = 108). The innate cells of the inflammatory response were examined using counts of ED1/IBA1 labeled cells. This found a decreased inflammatory response in the infants, compared to the adult and juvenile animals, demonstrated by a decreased neutrophil infiltration and macrophage and microglial activation at all 4 time points. Two other prominent cellular contributors to the post-injury microenvironment, the reactive astrocytes, which eventually form the glial scar, and the NPC were quantitated using GFAP and Nestin immunohistochemistry. After SCI in all 3 ages there was an obvious increase in Nestin staining in the ependymal layer, with long basal processes extending into the parenchyma. This was consistent between age groups early post injury then deviated at 2 weeks. The GFAP results also showed stark differences between the mature and infant animals. These results point to significant differences in the inflammatory response between infants and adults that may contribute to the better recovery indicated by other researchers, as well as differences in the overall injury progression and cellular responses. This may have important consequences if we are able to mirror and manipulate this response in patients of all ages; however much greater exploration in this area is required. | 10.3389/fncel.2016.00310 |
pubmed_1067_15879 | Whole genome sequencing of the model white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium has revealed the largest P450 contingent known to date in fungi, along with related phase I and phase II metabolic genes and signaling cascade genes. As a part of their functional characterization, genome-wide expression profiling under physiologically distinct conditions, nutrient-limited (ligninolytic) and nutrient-rich (non-ligninolytic), was investigated using a custom-designed 70-mer oligonucleotide microarray developed based on 190 target genes and 23 control genes. All 150 P450 genes were found to be expressible under the test conditions, with 27 genes showing differential expression based on a >twofold arbitrary cut-off limit. Of these, 23 P450 genes were upregulated (twofold to ninefold) in defined high-nitrogen cultures whereas four genes were upregulated (twofold to twentyfold) in defined low-nitrogen cultures. Furthermore, tandem P450 member genes in ten of the 16 P450 genomic clusters showed nonassortative regulation of expression reflecting their functional diversity. Full-length cDNAs for two of the high-nitrogen upregulated genes pc-hn1 (CYP5035A1) and pc-hn2 (CYP5036A1) and partial cDNA for a low-nitrogen upregulated gene pc-ln1 (CYP5037A1) were cloned and characterized. The study provided first molecular evidence for the presence of active components of the cAMP- and MAP kinase-signaling pathways in a white rot fungus; four of these components (cpka and ste-12 of cAMP pathway and two MAP kinases, mps1 and sps1) were significantly upregulated (fourfold to eightfold) under nutrient-limited conditions, implying their likely role in the regulation of gene expression involved in secondary metabolism and biodegradation processes under these conditions. | 10.1007/s00438-005-0051-2 |
pubmed_598_19604 | OBJECTIVES
However, the information regarding the impact of sarcopenia on mortality in older individuals is rising, there is a lack of knowledge concerning this issue among geriatric hospitalized patients. Therefore, aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between sarcopenia and 1-year mortality in a prospectively recruited sample of geriatric inpatients with different mobility and dependency status.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Hand grip strength and skeletal muscle mass were measured using Jamar dynamometer and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Physical function was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery. Dependency status was defined by Barthel-Index (BI). Mobility limitation was defined according to walking ability as described in BI. The survival status was ascertained by telephone interview.
RESULTS
The recruited population comprised 198 patients from a geriatric acute ward with a mean age of 82.8 ± 5.9 (70.2% females). 50 (25.3%) patients had sarcopenia, while 148 (74.7%) had no sarcopenia. 14 (28%) patients died among sarcopenic subjects compared with 28 (19%) non-sarcopenic subjects (P=0.229). After adjustment for potential confounders, sarcopenia was associated with increased mortality among patients with limited mobility prior to admission (n=138, hazard ratio, HR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.17-5.44) and at time of discharge (n=162, HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 0.67-3.22). In a sub-group of patients with pre-admission BI<60 (n=45), <70 (n=73) and <80 (n=108), the risk of death was 3.63, 2.80 and 2.55 times higher in sarcopenic patients, respectively. In contrast, no significant relationships were observed between sarcopenia and mortality across the different scores of BI during admission and at time of discharge.
CONCLUSION
Sarcopenia is significantly associated with higher risk of mortality among sub-groups of older patients with limited mobility and impaired functional status, independently of age and other clinical variables. | 10.14283/jfa.2017.35 |
pubmed_716_401 | Background
Health professionals and health institutions document their professional activities with patients based on health policy and legal framework. This creates valuable medical records not only for health institutions at the three levels, but also for scientific research purposes and government agencies that design policies, laws and strategies and implement and monitor these policies based on the health statistics that form the basis of these policies, as well as for the health system not only at the national level, but also at the regional and local levels.
Objective
To analyze the impact of the legal framework for health statistics in Kosovo on the planning of health system needs, human and financial resources and other components related to the collection, analysis and processing of data and health statistics, and on the basis of these statistics, to develop sectoral strategies, but also other key strategic documents for decision-making in the health system of Kosovo.
Methods
Decision-makers and stakeholders, as well as other staff involved in the system of health statistics at the three organization levels of the health system in Kosovo, including inspectors from the Health Inspectorate, were interviewed through specific questionnaires.
Results
The analysis of the laws, bylaws and other provisions that regulate and directly influence the data system and health statistics in Kosovo revealed that the institutional role is unclear, the legislation is insufficient and in many cases regulations are missing, which are an essential prerequisite for the implementation of the legislation and consequently influence the insufficient decision-making process.
Conclusion
The research and findings provide sufficient evidence that the Kosovo's system for health data and statistics has serious shortcomings, starting with the legal framework, organizational structure, functional organization, segregation of duties and responsibilities, pronounced lack of staff, professional profiles and required technology, which in turn affects unreliable decision-making and health policy. | 10.5455/medarh.2022.76.283-287 |
pubmed_12_11021 | The efficiency of the directed-priming proposal of Studier [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86 (1989) 6917-1921] can be improved upon by employing a library of less than 4094 hexamers, allowing for the easy construction of all required primers using template-directed automated ligation. This 'top-down' sequencing procedure should be several times more efficient than the present 'bottom-up' procedures [see Watson, Science 248 (1990) 44-49]. | 10.1016/0378-1119(90)90458-4 |
pubmed_1114_3632 | The identification of pulmonary embolism (PE) on computed tomography scans performed for indications other than identification of thromboembolism is a growing clinical problem that has not been adequately addressed by prospective treatment trials. The prevalence of incidentally detected PE ranges from 1% to 4% in unselected populations, with higher rates among hospital inpatients and patients with cancer. Current guidelines recommend using the same approach to type and duration of anticoagulation as is used for patients with suspected PE. Available data regarding the significance of symptomatic subsegmental PE (SSPE) are conflicting, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the appropriate treatment of incidentally detected SSPE, for which the data are sparse. Among cancer patients, the bulk of available data suggest that incidental SSPE is associated with recurrent venous thromboembolism and, when symptomatic, may adversely impact survival. Here, the topic is reviewed utilizing 3 clinical cases, each of which is followed by a discussion of salient features and then by treatment recommendations. | 10.1182/blood-2014-08-551879 |
others_185_10560 | : The objective of the study was to determine whether race disparities in physical inactivity are present among urban lowincome Blacks and Whites living in similar social context. Design: This analysis included Black and White respondents (≥18 years) from the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities- Southwest Baltimore (EHDIC-SWB; N=1350) Study and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; N=67790). Respondents who reported no levels of moderate or vigorous physical activity, during leisure time, over a usual week were considered physically inactive. Results: After controlling for confounders, Blacks had higher adjusted odds of physical inactivity compared to Whites in the national sample (odds ratio [OR]5=.40; 95%confidence interval [CI] 5=.30-1.51). In EHDIC-SWB, Blacks and Whites had a similar odds of physical inactivity (OR=1.09; 95% CI .86-1.40). Conclusion: Social context contributes to our understanding of racial disparities in physical inactivity | others_185_10560 |
pubmed_987_17971 | BACKGROUND
During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and hospital policies were enacted to decrease virus transmission and increase hospital capacity. Our aim was to understand the association between COVID-19 positivity rates and patient presentation with EGS diagnoses during the COVID pandemic compared to historical controls.
METHODS
In this cohort study, we identified patients ≥ 18 years who presented to an urgent care, freestanding ED, or acute care hospital in a regional health system with selected EGS diagnoses during the pandemic (March 17, 2020 to February 17, 2021) and compared them to a pre-pandemic cohort (March 17, 2019 to February 17, 2020). Outcomes of interest were number of EGS-related visits per month, length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission.
RESULTS
There were 7908 patients in the pre-pandemic and 6771 in the pandemic cohort. The most common diagnoses in both were diverticulitis (29.6%), small bowel obstruction (28.8%), and appendicitis (20.8%). The lowest relative volume of EGS patients was seen in the first two months of the pandemic period (29% and 40% decrease). A higher percentage of patients were managed at a freestanding ED (9.6% vs. 8.1%) and patients who were admitted were more likely to be managed at a smaller hospital during the pandemic. Rates of surgical intervention were not different. There was no difference in use of ICU, ventilator requirement, or LOS. Higher 30-day readmission and lower 30-day mortality were seen in the pandemic cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
In the setting of the COVID pandemic, there was a decrease in visits with EGS diagnoses. The increase in visits managed at freestanding ED may reflect resources dedicated to supporting outpatient non-operative management and lack of bed availability during COVID surges. There was no evidence of a rebound in EGS case volume or substantial increase in severity of disease after a surge declined. | 10.1007/s00464-022-09154-5 |
pubmed_917_12206 | A clinical trial of Q fever vaccine in four South Australian abattoirs showed apparently complete protection against natural infection; however, only 50%-60% of vaccinees developed complement-fixing or immunofluorescent antibody after vaccination. Cell-mediated immunity to Coxiella burnetii antigens, as measured by an index of lymphoproliferative responses (LSI) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, was therefore assessed. Eighty-five percent of 13 subjects with "low risk" of exposure to Q fever and with an initially negative LSI converted to a positive LSI after vaccination; conversion was noted nine to 13 days after vaccination, and positive values were obtained for at least 96 d. Only 35% of this group seroconverted. In a "high-risk" group (abattoir workers), higher rates of positive LSI (greater than 95%) and of antibody (50%-70%) were observed after vaccination; greater than 95% of vaccinees in this group, who had been vaccinated five years previously, had positive LSI values. | 10.1093/infdis/157.4.781 |
pubmed_383_9028 | Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies of mesenchymal origin; their molecular and genomic mechanisms differ with regard to histology. These characteristics lead to the presentation of varied immunological profiles based on the tumor microenvironment. Various immunotherapies are considered for the treatment of sarcoma. These treatments are performed either in isolation or in combination with other methods such as cytotoxic chemotherapy or the use of molecular target agents. Among these, two recently emerging immunotherapies include T-cell receptor gene therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, which are expected to be effective for many types of sarcoma. A sarcoma with a disease-specific translocation and a limited number of mutations, such as synovial sarcoma, expresses high levels of self-antigens, like the New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1, which has been targeted in T-cell receptor gene therapy. On the other hand, sarcomas with a greater number of mutations, such as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, myxofibrosarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcomas, can be good candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitors. Among immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, programmed cell death-1 blockade (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 blockade (ipilimumab) have been investigated most often in sarcoma. Although the sole use of immune checkpoint inhibitors provides limited efficacy, combined immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors or molecular target agents, especially antiangiogenic agents, has shown moderate results against some types of sarcoma, such as the alveolar soft part sarcoma. Several clinical trials utilizing immunotherapy, including T-cell receptor gene therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, in sarcomas are under progress. By clarifying the tumor microenvironment and biomarker-predictive capacity of immunotherapy in sarcomas, better clinical trials can be designed; this could lead to improved outcomes for immunotherapy in sarcoma. | 10.1093/jjco/hyab005 |
pubmed_969_16553 | In 55 patients with benign or malignant neoplasias of the large bowel, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) levels, and the percentage of serum protein electrophoretic components were measured. Statistical analysis showed significant correlations between serum CEA, CRP, AAG, and AAT levels and the percentage of serum beta-globulins with the stage of the disease. Multivariate discriminant analysis gave a final prognostic model that included serum CEA, CRP, and AAT levels and the percentage of the serum beta-globulins with a significance of P less than 0.000001. The authors conclude that the serum acute-phase protein levels, in combination with serum CEA concentrations, have a definite role in the preoperative staging of large bowel cancer. | 10.1002/1097-0142(19900501)65:9<2055::aid-cncr2820650927>3.0.co;2-6 |
pubmed_1123_8868 | The Fourth Annual Report of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) summarizes and analyzes the first 5 years of patient and data collection. With more than 4,000 patients entered into the database, the evolution of pump technology, strategy at implant, and pre-implant patient profiles are chronicled. A risk factor analysis of the entire adult primary implant population is provided, and the recent composition of patient profiles is examined. Current actuarial survival with continuous-flow pumps exceeds 80% at 1 year and 70% at 2 years. | 10.1016/j.healun.2011.12.001 |
pubmed_232_20804 | PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This update addressing the endoscopic management of laryngeal cancer presents new data published after January 2003. This new information is interpreted in the context of contemporary management principles established before 2003.
RECENT FINDINGS
Endoscopic techniques in the management of laryngeal cancer continue to undergo modifications designed to improve oncologic efficacy in a manner that maximally preserves function. The modifications reported over the past two years have included the introduction of new diagnostic techniques, new surgical approaches, new endoscopic equipment, and new management philosophies.
SUMMARY
Endoscopic resection has become a widely accepted and commonly employed management option in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Advances in outcomes analysis have improved the capacity to objectively compare endoscopic treatment to other options. The prospects for applying these tools to a prospective randomized study are limited. Debate will continue as to the role for endoscopic management of laryngeal cancer. | pubmed_232_20804 |
pubmed_164_21288 | Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) causes high mortality and long-term morbidity rates. The magnitude of the neuronal damage depends on the duration and severity of the initial insult combined with the deleterious effects of reperfusion and apoptosis. Currently, a diagnosis of HIE is based largely on the neurological and histological findings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify apoptosis-related proteins that might serve as potential markers of HIE injury. As an initial step toward reaching this objective, we analyzed changes in protein levels in an in vitro model of hypoxia using antibody arrays, and we have identified changes in the expression level of two proteins involved in apoptosis, Smac-DIABLO and cathepsin D. We obtained brain sections from eight neonatal HIE patients and performed histological staining, TUNEL assays and Smac-DIABLO and cathepsin D immunolocalization. Our results revealed a high number of TUNEL-positive cells, including neurons, astrocytes and ependymal cells, in the various regions that were analyzed. Interestingly, many of the areas that were positive for TUNEL staining did not appear to be damaged in the histological evaluation. In addition, using immunostaining, we found that Smac-DIABLO and cathepsin D had the same regional distribution pattern. Taken together, these findings indicate that these two proteins could serve as markers to identify injured regions that might not to be detectable using histological observations alone. | pubmed_164_21288 |
pubmed_704_18310 | Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease in cereals around the world. Because it is quantitatively inherited and technically difficult to reproduce, breeding to increase resistance in wheat germplasm is difficult and slow. Genomic selection (GS) is a form of marker-assisted selection (MAS) that simultaneously estimates all locus, haplotype, or marker effects across the entire genome to calculate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). Since its inception, there have been many studies that demonstrate the utility of GS approaches to breeding for disease resistance in crops. In this study, the Uniform Northern (NUS) and Uniform Southern (SUS) soft red winter wheat scab nurseries (a total 452 lines) were evaluated as possible training populations (TP) to predict FHB traits in breeding lines of the UK (University of Kentucky) wheat breeding program. DON was best predicted by the SUS; Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), FHB rating, and two indices, DSK index and DK index were best predicted by NUS. The highest prediction accuracies were obtained when the NUS and SUS were combined, reaching up to 0.5 for almost all traits except FHB rating. Highest prediction accuracies were obtained with bigger TP sizes (300-400) and there were not significant effects of TP optimization method for all traits, although at small TP size, the PEVmean algorithm worked better than other methods. To select for lines with tolerance to DON accumulation, a primary breeding target for many breeders, we compared selection based on DON BLUES with selection based on DON GEBVs, DSK GEBVs, and DK GEBVs. At selection intensities (SI) of 30-40%, DSK index showed the best performance with a 4-6% increase over direct selection for DON. Our results confirm the usefulness of regional nurseries as a source of lines to predict GEBVs for local breeding programs, and shows that an index that includes DON, together with FDK and FHB rating could be an excellent choice to identify lines with low DON content and an overall improved FHB resistance. | 10.3389/fpls.2020.01083 |
pubmed_215_375 | In this study, mechanical properties of guinea pig outer hair cells (OHCs) were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). First, in order to confirm the availability of AFM for measurement of the mechanical properties of the OHC, Young's moduli of the OHCs measured in this study were converted into stiffnesses using a one-dimensional model of the cell and then compared with the values reported in the literature. Next, the difference in local mechanical properties of the OHC along the cell axis was measured. Finally, the relationship between Young's modulus in the middle region of the OHC and the cell length was evaluated. The results were as follows. (1) AFM is an adequate tool for the measurement of mechanical properties of the OHC. (2) Mechanical properties in the apical region of the OHC are a maximum of three times larger than those in the basal and middle regions of the cell. (3) Young's modulus in the middle region of a long OHC obtained from the apical turn of the cochlea and that of a short OHC obtained from the basal turn or the second turn are 2.0+/-0.81 kPa (n=10) and 3.7+/-0.96 kPa (n=10), respectively. In addition, it was found that Young's modulus decreases with an increase in the cell length. | 10.1016/s0378-5955(02)00696-2 |
pubmed_631_12455 | Whether they are African or Asian, the children of immigrant families live in situations in which they may be exposed to serious trauma. Immigrant families themselves often live in extreme conditions. Although research has described these conditions, intervention is still inadequate. These families need not only medical or psychological treatment but also basic needs for survival such as food, shelter, a place to sleep, a place to bury their dead. However, the psychological care of immigrant children and their families has much to teach us. We set out here to share what we have learned about immigrant families with infants. | 10.1007/s11013-014-9358-y |
pubmed_475_10638 | About 15% of people in the world suffer migraine attacks. Migraine can induce a great impact in the quality of life, and the costs of medical care and loss of productivity can be also high. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the best treatment in mild-to-moderate migraine attacks and triptans are the first line option in the acute treatment of moderate-to-severe migraine attacks. At present, there are seven marketed triptans: sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, almotriptan and frovatriptan. Obviously, every drug presents different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties and, moreover, some triptans have several formulations. The prescription of one of these seven triptans for a specified patient is based in the drug profile: efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Other data to take account in the final prescription are clinical characteristics of the migraine attack (speed of onset, intensity of pain, lasting of the attack) and patient characteristics as working habits, life style or medical history. It is therefore mandatory to perform an individualization of the treatment of migraine attack. In recent years, several new patents of drugs have been registered in the treatment of migraine attack, although most of these are already known drugs that only provide new routes of administration. We present an update on the treatment of the migraine attack. | 10.2174/1574889809666140307115100 |
pubmed_166_5217 | OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cooperative healthcare model for early detection and diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional observational study. We performed diagnosis of COPD at 4 public health centres in Ōmuta, Japan from March 2015 to March 2016, by adding screening for COPD at the time of routine medical evaluations. All patients aged over 40 years were eligible to participate. Among 397 eligible patients, 293 agreed to participate in the study.
RESULTS
The estimated prevalence of COPD in Ōmuta was 10% among patients aged over 40 years and was 17% among smokers. Among those who were screened, over half of them had questionnaire scores over the cut-off of 17 points and decreased FEV1/FVC%, indicating COPD (p>0.05). 30 patients with suspected COPD were referred for further investigation at a local central hospital, but only 6 underwent further medical examinations.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of a COPD questionnaire and medical examination is effective as a COPD screening tool. Future research should investigate behavioural interventions for smoking cessation that can be offered in a cooperative model, as well as for improving participation in COPD screening and for encouraging early presentation for treatment in those suspected of having COPD. | 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012923 |
pubmed_633_22648 | The accuracy of a simple field test, the 3-minute, 30-second endurance capacity test (3'30'' ECT), was evaluated in 12 moderately trained athletes. It consisted of 10 3-minute running bouts, separated by 30-second passive recoveries. The first 5 bouts were performed at 75% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS, which was previously determined), and the last 5 were at a self-selected speed. The result of this test is a speed called Vend, expressed in km.h and calculated as the mean speed for the last 5 bouts. The critical velocity (CV) and the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) were also determined. Another 17 moderately trained athletes then participated in a test-retest procedure to assess the reproducibility of the 3'30'' ECT. The results showed that Vend was correlated with all studied parameters (p < 0.05). Vend and CV did not differ relative to MAS (Vend: 82.8 +/- 3.3% of MAS; CV 82.5 +/- 3.3% of MAS; p > 0.05). The test-retest procedure indicated a coefficient of variation of 1.99 +/- 1.88%. Vend is thus an interesting indicator because (a) it is based on a noninvasive single-visit protocol, (b) its application is in the heavy exercise domain, and (c) it is highly reproducible. The 3'30'' ECT thus seems to be an adequate test to determine endurance capacity in moderately trained subjects. | 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d2c48d |
pubmed_914_16461 | INTRODUCTION
The detection of marginal gaps at the implant-abutment interface is a common clinical task in prosthodontic treatment. For the detection of the gap intraorally, especially under thick soft tissues the most common method is dental radiography.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the accuracy of conservative dental radiography to detect marginal gaps at the implant-abutment interface. For these reasons radiographs were taken on internal and external hex implants with different experimental gaps and inclinations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The abutment (with a space created by plastic sheets 0.5 and 0.2 mm in thickness) was screwed on the implant, and the implant was placed into a box filled with silicone impression material. The X-ray film was placed parallel to the implant at the back of the box, the borders of the box were marked to the base and the box. A ruler of 10 cm was fixed at a long X-ray tube to ensure parallelism to the implant, X-ray film. Sets of radiographs were made at 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees (to the abutment) and -5 degrees, -10 degrees, -15 degrees, -20 degrees, -25 degrees, -30 degrees (to the implant) degrees. The X-ray images were observed with visual examination, under magnification, and in higher magnification in a slide projector. The phenomenal and the true gap at the implant-abutment interface were calculated in order to determine the distortion.
RESULTS
There were significant differences between the internal and external hex implants because of the different morphology of the implants. The detecting ability to diagnose a gap at the implant-abutment interface varied significantly with the angulation degree of the X-ray tube. At inclinations to the implant (- inclination) the gap diminished earlier than those inclinations to the prosthetic abutment (+ inclinations). In all examinations the gap was not detectable at angulations higher than 20 degrees. In visual examination at 25 degrees and 30 degrees an average clinician could diagnose the distortion.
CONCLUSIONS
The X-ray diagnosis of gap at the interface can be significantly influenced by the inclination of the X-ray tube in relation to the long axis of the implant. To achieve accurate results, the use of a paralleling device is advocated in order to achieve greater detection ability.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Dental radiography is often used for detection of marginal gaps at the implant-abutment interface. The angulation of the X-ray beam may lead to inaccurate diagnosis in gap detection. The use of a paralleling device is indicated for evaluation of marginal accuracy. The geometry of the implant (internal or external hexagon) influences the gap evaluation. | 10.1111/j.1708-8240.2010.00345.x |
pubmed_202_15639 | Using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, isolated rat lungs perfused with physiological salt-Ficoll solution were studied to test whether phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced lung injury was mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). PMA (0.03 micrograms ml-1) caused small but significant increases in lung ROS levels and pulmonary arterial perfusion pressure (Ppa) but did not induce lung oedema. PMA (0.15 micrograms ml-1) induced lung oedema with large increases in ROS production and Ppa. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibited the increases in ROS, Ppa, and lung oedema. Catalase and dimethylthiourea inhibited lung oedema but did not attenuate the increases in ROS and Ppa entirely. Indomethacin attenuated lung oedema partially but did not inhibit the increases in ROS and Ppa. These data indicate that PMA-induced lung injury is dependent on PMA concentration and ROS are responsible for such lung injury. Thromboxane plays a minor role for PMA-induced lung injury. The different effects of oxygen radical scavengers suggest that different radical species contribute to the increased pulmonary vascular response and lung injury. | 10.3109/00365519209115522 |
pubmed_540_12824 | Quercetin is one of the most bioactive and common dietary flavonoids, with a significant repertoire of biological and pharmacological properties. The biological activity of quercetin, however, is influenced by its limited solubility and bioavailability. Driven by the need to enhance quercetin bioavailability and bioactivity through metal ion complexation, synthetic efforts led to a unique ternary Ce(III)-quercetin-(1,10-phenanthroline) (1) compound. Physicochemical characterization (elemental analysis, FT-IR, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-Visible, NMR, Electron Spray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Fluorescence, X-rays) revealed its solid-state and solution properties, with significant information emanating from the coordination sphere composition of Ce(III). The experimental data justified further entry of 1 in biological studies involving toxicity, (Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS)-suppressing potential, cell metabolism inhibition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) cultures, and plasmid DNA degradation. DFT calculations revealed its electronic structure profile, with in silico studies showing binding to DNA, DNA gyrase, and glutathione S-transferase, thus providing useful complementary insight into the elucidation of the mechanism of action of 1 at the molecular level and interpretation of its bio-activity. The collective work projects the importance of physicochemically supported bio-activity profile of well-defined Ce(III)-flavonoid compounds, thereby justifying focused pursuit of new hybrid metal-organic materials, effectively enhancing the role of naturally-occurring flavonoids in physiology and disease. | 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111947 |
others_352_10628 | We report here studies of the nature of neural codes (perceptual, abstract, or motor) used for the internal representation of elements of sequences of movements in the CNS. Results from two experiments are presented, in which two independent groups of subjects (16 right-handed adults in each) were tasked with using a graphics tablet to reproduce trajectories – unclosed broken trajectories consisting of straight-line segments and specified visually. Two types of visual trajectory presentation were used: static (drawings) and dynamic (a moving object). The results showed: 1) that over a range of delays from 0 to 1 sec, the latent period of delayed reproduction of the visually specified trajectory was greater when the sample was a moving object than when it was a static drawing, while with a delay of 3 sec, the latent periods were identical for the two trajectory presentation regimes; 2) that the latent period decreased exponentially with increases in the delay from 0 to 3 sec, the decay time constants differing for presentation of static (377 msec) and dynamic (656 msec) visual images. The data are consistent with the concepts that the internal representation of movement sequences is perceptual in nature and that transformation into motor codes occurs immediately before movement execution. The suggestion that the exponential contraction of the latent period of motor trajectory reproduction seen with increases in delay time may be linked with the process of transforming the initial sensory information on the whole visual scene into a perceptual representation of the trajectory is presented and evaluated. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New Y | 10.1007/s11055-014-9998-y |
pubmed_707_1231 | Escherichia albertii is an emerging foodborne enteropathogen with increasing outbreaks worldwide, particularly in Japan recently. However, major features of this zoonotic pathogen, such as prevalence, virulence, and antibiotic resistance (AR), still remain under characterized. In a recent pilot study, we reported isolation of E. albertii from a chicken farm in Tennessee, suggesting chicken is an important reservoir for E. albertii. In this large-scale study, we examined prevalence of E. albertii in 9 farms in Mississippi and Alabama. Of a total of 270 cloacal swabs (30 per farm), 43 were PCR positive and 12 E. albertii strains were isolated with different isolation rates in individual farms ranging from 0 to 23.3 %. Both PFGE and whole genome analysis showed the E. albertii from different farms were phylogenetically distant, but those from the same farm displayed clonal relationships. Consistently, the antibiogram, AR gene profiles, and plasmid replicon types were similar across the strains in the same farm. Notably, 9 of the 12 E. albertii strains displayed multidrug resistance; one strain was even resistant to imipenem, a clinically important carbapenem antibiotic. In addition, comparative genomics analysis showed that two chicken E. albertii clusters displayed very close evolutionary relationships and similar virulence gene profiles to human E. albertii strains. In vitro growth assay demonstrated that the anti-enterobactin antibodies could dramatically inhibit the growth of two representative chicken E. albertii, supporting the feasibility of the novel enterobactin-based immune intervention for controlling this emerging pathogen. Taken together, the findings from this study further indicated chickens as an important reservoir for E. albertii in the U.S., highlighting the need to prevent and control E. albertii in poultry production. | 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109379 |
pubmed_378_18269 | BACKGROUND
Psoriasis presents many management complexities. A cornerstone of therapy has been topical corticosteroids, although over the past 10 years there have been many additions to the medication armamentarium. Furthermore, various combination regimens and approaches have been advocated.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to characterize various patterns of psoriasis health care delivery and the changes associated with these patterns from 1990 to 2001.
METHODS
Visits for psoriasis were identified using National Ambulatory Medical Care survey data, a representative survey of visits to physician offices in the United States. We determined basic demographic characteristics, specialty of the physician provider and medications listed at these visits over the 1990-2001 interval.
RESULTS
There were more than 13.5 million visits for psoriasis during the 12-year study period. Dermatologists were responsible for the majority of the visits over the study interval (82%) although there was an overall decline in the proportion of psoriasis visits to dermatologists. As a category, the most common medications used for psoriasis were topical steroids. Topical calcipotriene was the single-most listed medication. There was no observed use of non-corticosteroid topical agents at visits to non-dermatologists. Non-dermatologists were as likely as dermatologists to list a systemic medication at a visit as well as use a systemic as monotherapy.
DISCUSSION
In conclusion, the primary topical therapies for psoriasis remain clobetasol and calcipotriene. The decreasing role of dermatologists in the treatment of psoriasis is probably a complex issue, but may relate in part to the difficulty of obtaining access to dermatology care. | 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.02532.x |
pubmed_733_4710 | OBJECTIVES
To present electronic videoendoscopy of the larynx with digital image processing and to discuss this endoscopic technique from the standpoint of diagnostic usefulness of laryngeal lesions.
STUDY DESIGN
Electronic videoendoscopic evaluation of laryngeal lesions with digital image processing.
METHODS
Seventy patients underwent electronic videoendoscopy without digital image processing and, subsequently, with the digital image processing function. Of these, 15 patients with white lesion of the vocal fold and laryngeal neoplasms were assessed in the study. Clinical assessments made before enhancement of digital image processing function were compared with those after enhancement in 15 patients.
RESULTS
Of the 15 patients observed, the clinical diagnoses of two patients were changed after enhancement. Both patients underwent endolaryngeal microsurgery with histopathological examination of the removed lesions, which confirmed the definitive diagnosis. The clinical diagnoses of both patients after enhancement were compatible with histopathological diagnoses.
CONCLUSIONS
The enhanced color images provided by this system are superior in both quality and resolution to those obtained by conventional flexible fiberoptic endoscopy with a video camera. This system should be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions. | 10.1097/00005537-200203000-00027 |
others_119_15503 | : This study describes the newest deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcoding Asian redtail catfish (Hemibagrus nemurus) in the Progo River, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Ten fish were caught in the Progo River, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The polymerase chain reaction was the molecular diagnosis to detect the sequences of DNA of Cytochrome Oxidase I compared to National Center for Biotechnology Information data (GenBank). Results: The results showed that the percent identity was not 100% with H. nemurus data from other locations (GenBank), including Indonesia. The closest percent identity was H. nemurus from Java Island (Accession ID: MK312566.1) with 97.6% similarity. The genetic mutation that happened might be due to environmental change (pollution) in the Progo River recently. Conclusions: This study showed a genetic mutation in H. nemurus from Progo River may be caused by environmental change. Low pollution exposure levels may not be detrimental (lethal) to fish. However, it can affect fish fertility, which leads to population degradation (gene variation). Attention must be increased for fish survival in the future © The authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) | 10.5455/JAVAR.2022.I628 |
pubmed_232_23653 | Acute pancreatitis is a disease with a wide variety of pathophysiologies, ranging from mild to severe condition. In about 80% to 90% of cases, acute pancreatitis presents as a mild inflammation with low morbidity and mortality, self-reversing to normal condition within 3-4 days. However, the natural course of severe pancreatitis progresses into SIRS and necrosis of the pancreas and its surrounding tissue. And infection of the necrotic tissue develops in sepsis and organ failures. Therefore, the initial management for acute pancreatitis would significantly contribute on the early prognosis. The first step includes not only diagnosis but also initial treatment according to etiological assessment and severity stratification. The summarization of initial management revealed as follows: monitorings of temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, urine output volume, abdominal pain etc, and treatments of cardio-pulmonary care with sufficient fluid resuscitation, pain control, resting of pancreas etc. As the treatment of the initial management after initial onset, the significances of nasogastric tube drainage, prophylactic use of broadspectrum antibiotics, continuous infusion of protease inhibitors, use of H2 receptor antagonists, control by enteral nutrition and so on have been discussed. And also the indications of total parenteral nutrition, selective digestive decontamination and the efficacies of peritoneal lavage, continuous hemodiafiltration and continuous arterial infusion of protease inhibitor and antibiotics have been reviewed. For those events, the evidences were collected by a systemic search of MEDLINE and Japan Centra Revues Medicina. And then practical recommendations were also graded and introduced to provide a framework for clinitians to manage acute pancreatitis as a guideline. This paper described a part of those recommendations. | pubmed_232_23653 |
others_71_12786 | Increasing evidence shows that progesterone, a neuroactive steroid, has protective actions in central nervous system, but there is little evidence to show the protective mechanism of progesterone on neurotoxicity induced by environmental chemicals. In this study, we examined the effects of progesterone on neuronal injury induced by tributyltin (TBT) in rat hippocampal slices. Treatment with progesterone dose-dependently suppressed hippocampal neuronal injury induced by TBT. The neuroprotective action of progesterone was completely canceled with pretreatment by finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, but it was not affected by mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist, or by SU-10603, a cytochrome P450 17α inhibitor. The content of allopregnanolone in the slices was significantly increased by treatment with progesterone, and this increment was greatly suppressed with a pretreatment of finasteride. Treatment with allopregnanolone attenuated neuronal injury induced by TBT in a dose-dependent manner. The neuroprotective effects not only of progesterone but also of allopregnanolone were canceled by bicuculline, a potent gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, attenuated hippocampal neuronal injury elicited by TBT. Taken together, allopregnanolone converted from progesterone in hippocampal slices could protect neurons from TBT-induced neurotoxicity due to a GABAA receptor-dependent mechanism. One of the physiological roles of neuroactive steroids might be neuroprotection from environmental chemicals. © 2012 Elsevier L | 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.12.013 |
pubmed_453_15680 | The surface glycoprotein S (spike) of coronaviruses is believed to be an important determinant of virulence and displays extensive genetic polymorphism in cell culture isolates. This led us to consider whether the observed heterogeneity is reflected by a quasispecies distribution of mutated RNA molecules within the infected organ. Coronavirus infection of rodents is a useful model system for investigating the pathogenesis of virus-induced central nervous system (CNS) disease. Here, we investigated whether genetic changes in the S gene occurred during virus persistence in vivo. We analysed the variability of S gene sequences directly from the brain tissue of Lewis rats infected with the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) variant JHM-Pi using RT-PCR amplification methods. The S gene sequence displayed a remarkable genetic stability in vivo. No evidence for a quasispecies distribution was found by sequence analysis of amplified S gene fragments derived from the CNS of Lewis rats. Furthermore, the S gene also remained conserved under the selection pressure of a neutralizing antibody. Only a few mutations predicted to result in amino acid changes were detected in single clones. The changes were not represented in the consensus sequence. These results indicate that to retain functional proteins under the constraints of a persistent infection in vivo, conservation of sequence can be more important than heterogeneity. | 10.1099/0022-1317-78-4-747 |
pubmed_601_3850 | When selected ratios of different glycosidases and phosphatases from primary monkey kidney cells or from monkey kidney cell lines are presented graphically, characteristic patterns do evolve. Three different subtypes of Vero cells show similar glycosidase patterns. The Vero subtypes tested show glycosidase patterns that are closely similar to those of primary cells of Cercopithecus aethiops. Glycosidase patterns of BS-C-1 and CV-1 cells are less similar to those of primary Cercopithecus cells than are those of Vero cells. Primary kidney cells from Macaca cynomolgus show significantly different glycosidase patterns compared with those of different Cercopithecus cells. The distinct glycosidase patterns can be used to classify the tested cell lines in relation to each other. | 10.1016/0020-711x(85)90037-0 |
pubmed_286_17002 | The situations in which coverage for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the empirical treatment of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) or severe healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is needed are poorly defined, particularly outside intensive care units (ICUs). Our aim was to characterize if the risk of MRSA NP/HCAP can be defined by clinical variables. We designed an observational, retrospective, multicenter, case-control study to analyze the association between defined clinical variables and risk of MRSA NP/HCAP in non-ICU patients using conditional multivariable logistic regression. Cases and controls (1:2) with microbiological diagnosis were included. Controls were matched for hospital, type of pneumonia (NP or HCAP), and date of isolation. A total of 140 cases (77 NP and 63 HCAP) and 280 controls were studied. The variables associated with the risk of MRSA pneumonia were: (i) respiratory infection/colonization caused by MRSA in the previous year [odds ratio (OR) 14.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.13-53.13, p < 0.001]; (ii) hospitalization in the previous 90 days (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.21-4.81, p = 0.012); and (iii) age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.001-1.05, p = 0.040). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the multivariable model was 0.72 (95% CI 0.66-0.78). The multivariate model had a sensitivity of 74.5% (95% CI 65.3-83.6), a specificity of 63.3% (95% CI 56.0-70.6), a positive predictive value of 52.5% (95% CI 43.9-61.2), and a negative predictive value of 82.0% (95% CI 75.3-88.8) for the observed data. Clinical predictors of MRSA NP/HCAP can be used to define a low-risk population in whom coverage against MRSA may not be needed. | 10.1007/s10096-017-3100-y |
pubmed_603_17992 | An arylesterase from the wine-making acetic acid bacterium, Gluconobacter oxidans, was cloned and expressed into Escherichia coli. The soluble 76.8 kDa dimeric enzyme obtained, Est0881, was purified in only two steps with a 3.1-fold purification, 43% recovery, and a specific activity of 214 U/mg for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate. The optimum pH and temperature were 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. The substrate specificity of this arylesterase was higher toward short chain p-nitrophenyl esters (C(2) to C(4)) and also toward aromatic esters, such as phenyl acetate. The deduced amino acid sequence shares high identity with esterases of the HSL family. The inhibition results obtained showed that the enzyme was a serine esterase, belonging to the A-esterases (arylesterases) and contains a catalytic triad composed of Ser163, Asp263, and His293 in the active site. Est0881 retained significant activity under conditions simulating those of wine-making (75% activity at 20% ethanol), making it a promising biocatalyst for modulating the final aroma of wine. | 10.1021/jf3024968 |
pubmed_993_3028 | The incorporation of radioactivity from orally administered gamma-linolenic acid-1--14C and linoleic acid--3H into the liver, plasma, and brain lipids of suckling rats was studied. Significantly more radioactivity from the former compound was incorporated into the liver and brain lipids 22 hr after dosing. The distribution of the radioactivity in the fatty acids of the liver and brain lipids was different for each isotope. Most of the -3H was still associated with linoeic acid, whereas most of the -14C was in the 20:3 and 20:4omega6 fractions. These results suggest that the desaturation of linoleic to gamma-linolenic acid in vivo is a rate-limiting step in the conversion of linoleic to arachidonic acid. | pubmed_993_3028 |
pubmed_954_3663 | Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels are strictly related to the risk of major cardiovascular events. Statins have been demonstrated to significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular risk reduction especially in high-risk patients. However, low adherence to statins, due to adverse effects, is often observed and many patients in secondary prevention exhibit LDL-cholesterol levels >70 mg/dl. As a consequence, there is the need for new therapeutic approaches with different mechanisms of action to reach recommended lipid targets in high-risk patients. One potential approach is to inhibit PCSK9, a serum protein with an active role in controlling the expression of LDL receptors, by reducing their recycling and targeting it for lysosomal destruction. Monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9, in particular alirocumab and evolocumab, have been shown to reduce LDL substantially, either with or without concomitant statin therapy with good tolerability. Ongoing trials will further define the efficacy of these drugs as an emerging approach to the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in primary and secondary prevention of high-risk patients. | 10.1714/1776.19250 |
pubmed_321_17654 | BACKGROUND
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of growth factor that promotes growth and survival of neurons. Fetal exposure to opiates can lead to postnatal withdrawal syndrome, which is referred as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Preclinical and clinical studies have shown an association between opiates exposure and alteration in BDNF expression in the brain and serum levels in adult. However, to date, there are no data available on the effects of opiate exposure on BDNF levels in infant who are exposed to opiates in utero and whether BDNF level may correlate with the severity of NAS.
OBJECTIVE
To compare plasma BDNF levels among NAS and non-NAS infants and to determine the correlation of BDNF levels and the severity of NAS.
METHODS
This is a prospective cohort study with no intervention involved. Infants ≥35 weeks of gestation were enrolled. BDNF level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique from blood samples drawn within 48 h of life. The severity of NAS was determined by the length of hospital stay, number of medications required to treat NAS.
RESULTS
67 infants were enrolled, 34 NAS and 33 non-NAS. Mean gestational age did not differ between the two groups. Mean birth weight of NAS infants was significantly lower than the non-NAS infants (3,070 ± 523 vs. 3,340 ± 459 g, p = 0.028). Mean BDNF level in NAS group was 252.2 ± 91.6 ng/ml, significantly higher than 211.3 ± 66.3 ng/ml in the non-NAS group (p = 0.04). There were no differences in BDNF levels between NAS infants that required one medication vs. more than one medication (254 ± 91 vs. 218 ± 106 ng/ml, p = 0.47). There was no correlation between the BDNF levels and length of hospital stay (p = 0.68) among NAS infants. Overall, there were no significant correlations between BDNF levels and NAS scores except at around 15 h after admission (correlation 0.35, p = 0.045).
CONCLUSION
Plasma BDNF level was significantly increased in NAS infants during the first 48 h when compared to non-NAS infants. The correlations between plasma BDNF levels and the severity of NAS warrant further study. These results suggest that BDNF may play a neuromodulatory role during withdrawal after in utero opiate exposure. | 10.3389/fped.2017.00238 |
pubmed_653_14694 | Well ordered mesoporous diopside (OMD) nanobiomaterial was synthesized by a sol-gel process. The in vitro bioactivity of the OMD was evaluated by investigating the apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid (SBF), and the hemostatic activity of the OMD was determined by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) in vitro. The results suggested that the OMD exhibited excellent in vitro bioactivity, with surface apatite formation for OMD exceeding that of non-mesoporous diopside (n-MD) at 7 days. Moreover, the OMD with high surface area possessed good hemostatic property because it could absorb a large number of water from the blood. In conclusion, the prepared OMD had excellent bioactivity and hemostatic activity, which can not only be applied as bone repair biomaterial for bone regeneration, but also as hemostatic agent for surgery hemostasis. | 10.1166/jnn.2011.3940 |
pubmed_290_26374 | The effect of barrel temperature (120 and 150 ℃, held constant in zones 4-6) and feed moisture (20 and 24%) on the protein quality of Kabuli chickpea, sorghum, and maize flours were examined, which included amino acid profile, in vitro protein digestibility and in vitro protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (IV-PDCAAS). It was found that the limiting amino acid of chickpea changed from threonine to valine after extrusion, whereas both sorghum and maize were limiting in lysine before and after extrusion. The in vitro protein digestibility increased from 77 to 81% for chickpea and 73 to 76% for maize; values for sorghum remained at 74% after extrusion. However, the IV-PDCAAS for the extruded flours generally remained at the same level, 69% for chickpea, 22% for sorghum, and ∼35% for maize. The effect of extrusion temperature, moisture and their interaction was significant on protein quality of sorghum and maize, but in the case of chickpea, only the extrusion temperature was significant. Only chickpea extruded at 150 ℃ (regardless of the moisture) met the protein quality (PDCAAS > 70%) requirement to be used in food assistance products. | 10.1177/1082013219887635 |
pubmed_776_5309 | 21 consecutive patients with 23 rotationally and vertically unstable sacroiliac joint disruptions were operated on through an anterior approach. Open reduction and internal fixation with a 2-hole square plate was performed. At follow-up after 5 (2-8) years, 18 patients were rated excellent or good and 3 patients poor. In all the cases the reduction of the SI-joints was maintained. | 10.3109/17453679308994554 |
pubmed_819_16016 | Changes of neuronal excitability and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA)-receptor expression were studied in the surround of photothrombotic infarcts, which were produced in the sensorimotor cortex of the rat by using the rose bengal technique. In a first series of experiments, multiunit recordings were performed on anesthetized animals 2-3 mm lateral from the lesion. Mean discharge frequency was considerably higher in recordings from lesioned animals (> 100 Hz in the first postlesional week) compared with control animals (mean, 15 Hz). These alterations were already present after 1 day but were most pronounced 3 to 7 days after lesion induction. Thereafter the hyperexcitability declined again, although it remained visible up to 4 months. In a second series of experiments, the GABAA-receptor expression was studied autoradiographically. This revealed a reduction of GABAA receptors in widespread brain areas ipsilateral to the lesion. The reduction was most pronounced in the first days after lesion induction and declined with longer intervals. It is concluded that cortical infarction due to photothrombosis leads to a long-lasting and widespread reduction of GABAA-receptor expression in the surround of the lesion, which is associated with an increased neuronal excitability. Such alterations may be responsible for epileptic seizures that can be observed in some patients after stroke and may contribute to neurologic deficits after stroke. | 10.1097/00004647-199609000-00014 |
pubmed_1042_23420 | The Kendrick analysis is used for the processing and visualization of mass spectra obtained from polymers containing C, H, O and/or Si with simple isotopic patterns (monoisotope=lightest isotope=most intense isotope for short chains). In the case of heteroatoms with complex isotopic patterns, the impact of the chosen isotope on point alignments in Kendrick plots has not been examined extensively. Rich isotopic patterns also make the evaluation of the mass and nature of the repeating unit and end-groups more difficult from the mass spectrum in the case of unknown samples due to the number of peaks and the absence of a monoisotopic peak. Using a polybrominated polycarbonate as running example, we report that horizontal point alignments can be obtained in a Kendrick plot using the mass of the most abundant isotope instead of the monoisotopic mass as is usually done. Rotating the plot ("reverse Kendrick analysis") helps to accurately evaluate the mass of the most abundant isotope of the repeating unit, as well as the nature of the brominated neutral expelled upon gentle heating (debromination or dehydrobromination). The whole procedure is then applied to the characterization of an unknown polybrominated flame retardant in an industrial formulation before and after heating. | 10.5702/massspectrometry.A0079 |
pubmed_976_16413 | The results of the present study show that human platelets take up l-arginine by two transport systems which are compatible with the systems y+ and y+L. These Na+independent transporters have been distinguished by treating platelets with N-ethylmaleimide that blocks selectively system y+. System y+, that accounts for 30-40% of the total transport, is characterized by low affinity for l-arginine, is unaffected by l-leucine, is sensitive to changes of membrane potential and to trans-stimulation. The other component of l-arginine transport identified with the system y+L (approximately 60-70% of the total flux) shows high affinity for l-arginine, is insensitive to N-ethylmaleimide treatment, unaffected by changes in membrane potential, sensitive to trans-stimulation and inhibited by l-leucine in the presence of Na+. Moreover a strict correlation between l-arginine transport and nitric oxide (NO) production in whole cells was found. N-ethylmaleimide and l-leucine decreased NO production as well as cGMP elevation, and the effect on NO and cGMP were closely related. It is likely that the l-arginine transport systems y+ and y+L are both involved in supplying substrate for NO production and regulation in human platelets. | 10.1046/j.1432-1033.2003.03572.x |
pubmed_316_17907 | Experience on the rehabilitation of 62 heart-transplanted patients with a mean follow-up period of 15 months and a total survival rate of 79% is reported. From the present study we may conclude that: (a) One month after surgery, oxygen consumption of transplanted patients compared to coronary artery bypass-grafted patients was statistically lower (p less than 0.025). An excess ventilation was observed in transplanted patients in relation mainly to an excessive increase in blood lactates. (b) Improvement of maximal working capacity observed immediately after grafting was still enhanced after 1 year of a comprehensive rehabilitation program (p less than 0.001). This improvement was more related with an improvement of the respiratory function and of the peripheral factors than with a circulatory effect. (c) Four months after transplantation 71% of the patients still at work 6 months before operation returned to work. (d) The quality of life, well-being and heart acceptation demonstrated an immediate increase in physical items after transplantation while psychosocial items decreased postoperatively and normalized after weeks or months. | 10.1159/000174391 |
pubmed_970_346 | The environmental risk from antibiotics is an issue of increasing concern. So, carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin-functionalized montmorillonite nanosheets were for the first time successfully synthesized through a cheap, environmentally friendly and scalable approach and confirmed by FTIR, XRD and TGA. FE-SEM investigation showed that the resulting functional material could be further self-assembled into dense supramolecular organoclay networks (D-networks). The antibacterial properties of the D-networks loaded with natural berberine hydrochloride (BBH) were investigated toward E. coli and S. aureus by using colony growth on agar plates, bacterial growth curves based on optical densities, and confocal and fluorescence microscopy. Our studies demonstrated that the BBH loaded D-network antibacterial activity was concentration dependent and significantly exceeded that of free BBH. FE-SEM observation confirmed that E. coli and S. aureus can directly contact the D-networks and confocal and fluorescence microscopy showed that free BBH was only very poorly internalized, while the BBH released from the BBH-loaded D-network could be internalized efficiently into bacterial cells, resulting in an increment of the intracellular BBH level compared with the free BBH group. Time-dependent antibacterial activity was observed and it was found that the BBH-loaded D-network dispersion at the BBH dosage of 600 μg mL-1 almost completely suppressed the growth of E. coli, leading to a viability loss of up to 98.45 ± 1.22%, while the BBH-loaded D-network dispersion at the BBH concentration of 250 μg mL-1 exhibited a growth inhibition of 97.81 ± 0.83% toward S. aureus over three days. Our results suggest that supramolecular organoclay networks, in the future, may function as promising antibacterial drug carrier systems to promote BBH delivery in E. coli and S. aureus, which can reduce the environmental risk of antibiotics. | 10.1039/c8tb01018h |
pubmed_55_1640 | As part of a patient safety curriculum, we developed a Web-based hazard and near-miss reporting system for postbaccalaureate nursing students to use during their clinical experiences in the first year of their combined BS-MS advanced practice nurse program. The 25-week clinical rotations included 2 days per week for 5 weeks each in community, medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric settings. During a 3-year period, 453 students made 21,276 reports. Of the 10,206 positive (yes) responses to a hazard or near miss, 6,005 hazards (59%) and 4,200 near misses (41%) were reported. The most common reports were related to infection, medication, environmental, fall, and equipment issues. Of the near misses, 1,996 (48%) had planned interceptions and 2,240 (52%) had unplanned interceptions. Types of hazards and near misses varied by rotation. Incorporating hazard and near-miss reporting into the patient safety curriculum was an innovative strategy to promote mindfulness among nursing students. | 10.3928/01484834-20091113-03 |
pubmed_832_4455 | A combined experimental and theoretical method to simultaneously determine diffusivity and free-energy profiles of particles that penetrate into inhomogeneous hydrogel systems is presented. As the only input, arbitrarily normalized concentration profiles from fluorescence intensity data of labeled tracer particles for different penetration times are needed. The method is applied to dextran molecules of varying size that penetrate into hydrogels of polyethylene-glycol chains with different lengths that are covalently cross-linked by hyperbranched polyglycerol hubs. Extracted dextran bulk diffusivities agree well with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy data obtained separately. Empirical scaling laws for dextran diffusivities and free energies inside the hydrogel are identified as a function of the dextran mass. An elastic free-volume model that includes dextran as well as polyethylene-glycol linker flexibility quantitively describes the repulsive dextran-hydrogel interaction free energy, which is of steric origin, and furthermore suggests that the hydrogel mesh-size distribution is rather broad and particle penetration is dominated by large hydrogel pores. Particle penetration into hydrogels for steric particle-hydrogel interactions is thus suggested to be governed by an elastic size-filtering mechanism that involves the tail of the hydrogel pore-size distribution. | 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.12.020 |
pubmed_868_3413 | Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prevalent chronic disorder, often diagnosed during childhood. Studies have suggested that the incidence of IBD in this group of patients is increasing. Children and adolescents with IBD frequently have more extensive and severe disease than adults. Transition is an important concept to ensure optimal health care management of adolescents and young adult patients with chronic physical and medical conditions. During this process there is a change in knowledge, attitudes and behavior towards the disease with a responsibility that gradually shifts from parents to the patient. The success of the transition process depends on the patient, pediatric and adult gastroenterologists. Thus, providers need to understand how to start, maintain and finish this process. When transition process is coordinated, staged and well planned, the adolescent and young adult will acquire the tools needed to successfully self-manage his or her own medical condition. Rather than a universal model of transition, each institution needs to adapt the most efficient model. The aim of this article is to review concepts pertinent to transition management for adolescents and young adults with IBD. | pubmed_868_3413 |
pubmed_536_11562 | PURPOSE
To assess the relationship of the inferior alveolar neurovascular canal (IANC) and the impacted mandibular third molar on spiral computed tomography (SCT), determine the validity of this assessment, and compare it with that for an orthopantomogram (OPG).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients visiting the Oral and Maxillofacial outpatient department at the Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, India, were chosen as the subjects for our study. Patients were operated on and the actual clinical findings were compared with the SCT findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were determined as a part of ROC analysis. The values for both the diagnostic modalities were then compared using a chi(2) test.
RESULTS
Objective evaluation of the SCT showed that the number of positive clinical findings (marking on tooth surface, visualization of the neurovascular bundle, intraoperative excessive hemorrhage, and IAN paresthesia) were significantly more in patients with no measurable distance between the tooth and the canal. Also, the positive clinical findings were observed significantly more in patients who had the following features observed on spiral CT: lack of cortication of the canal and lingual or intraradicular course of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle (IANB). ROC analyses of both these diagnostic modalities have shown that the SCT performed better than OPG, although the difference is not statistically significant (P = .9871; chi(2) test).
CONCLUSIONS
The spiral CT images definitely enhanced the visualization of the relation of the tooth to the IANB, which might provide a higher level of intrasurgical safety and safeguard the interests of both the surgeon and the patient. | 10.1016/j.joms.2008.06.014 |
pubmed_964_17776 | Sublethal exposure to hyperoxia in vivo induces oxidative damage that leads to destruction of the pulmonary endothelium, pleural effusion, and eventual pulmonary fibrosis. DNA is a potential target for reactive oxygen species in this system; the principle types of damage to DNA during hyperoxia are single-strand breaks and oxidant damage to bases. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, a posttranslational modification of nuclear proteins, is stimulated by strand breaks in DNA and is required for effective repair of many types of DNA lesions. In this study we have measured lung tissue NAD+ and poly(ADP-ribose) concentrations in response to hyperoxia and niacin deficiency in rats. Male weaning Fischer-344 rats consumed niacin-deficient (ND) or niacin-replete pair-fed (PF) diets for 7 d. Rats from each diet group (n = 6) were then housed in normobaric 85% oxygen for 5 d. Normoxic controls were maintained in air. Hyperoxia increased lung poly(ADP-ribose) concentration by 35% in PF rats, but did not significantly increase levels in ND rats. Niacin deficiency decreased lung NAD+ in normoxic rats, but surprisingly, this deficit was partially reversed by hyperoxia. Liver NAD+ levels increased by 21% during hyperoxia in both diet groups. Heart and kidney NAD+ were unaffected by hyperoxia. Blood was the only tissue measured in which NAD+ was decreased by hyperoxia. Dietary treatment did not affect the increase in the lung wt/b. wt. ratio resulting from hyperoxia. This is the first report in the literature of lung tissue poly(ADP-ribose) measurement. Results show that hyperoxia causes a marked increase in lung poly (ADP-ribose) concentration, but also suggest an adaptation of whole-animal NAD+ metabolism to hyperoxia during niacin deficiency. | 10.1016/0891-5849(95)02185-x |
others_28_6498 | Erythromycin estolate (EME), a potent macrolide antibiotic, generates free radicals, but their role in the development of liver toxicity is not yet well understood. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of the antioxidant drug tetrahydrocurcumin (a metabolite of curcumin, the main component of turmeric) against EME-induced lipid peroxidation in rats. The oral administration of combined THC (80 mg/kg body weight) and EME (800 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and enhanced cellular antioxidant defenses when compared with the group treated with EME alone. Supplemental histopathological examination of liver sections revealed that THC had a better antioxidant effect than Silymarin (200 mg/kg body weight), a reference drug. The results of this study indicate that THC affords significant protection against EME-induced lipid peroxidation. © 2011 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. All rights reser | 10.1515/JBCPP.2005.16.1.1 |
others_314_65026 | Neuronal progenitors in the developing forebrain undergo dynamic competence states to ensure timely generation of specific excitatory and inhibitory neuronal subtypes from distinct neurogenic niches of the dorsal and ventral forebrain, respectively. Here we show evidence of progenitor plasticity when Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is left unmodulated in the embryonic neocortex of the dorsal forebrain. At early stages of corticogenesis, loss of Suppressor of Fused (Sufu), a potent inhibitor of SHH signaling, in neocortical progenitors, altered their transcriptomic landscape. Ectopic activation of SHH signaling occurred, via degradation of Gli3R, resulting in significant upregulation of Fibroblast Growth Factor 15 (FGF15) gene expression. Consequently, activation of FGF signaling, and its downstream effector the MAPK signaling, facilitated expression of genes characteristic of ventral forebrain progenitors. Our studies identify the importance of modulating extrinsic niche signals such as SHH and FGF15 to maintain the competency and specification program of neocortical progenitors throughout corticogenesis.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLow levels of FGF15 control progenitor proliferation and differentiation during neocortical development but little is known on how FGF15 expression is maintained. Our studies identified SHH signaling as a critical activator of FGF15 expression during corticogenesis. We found that Sufu, via Gli3R, ensured low levels of FGF15 was expressed to prevent abnormal specification of neocortical progenitors. These studies advance our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms guiding the generation of specific neocortical neuronal lineages, their implications in neurodevelopmental diseases, and may guide future studies on how progenitor cells may be utilized for brain repa | 10.1101/841932 |
pubmed_579_25300 | INTRODUCTION
Diabetes-related healthcare costs are increasing in the United States, with inpatient hospitalization the largest component of medical expenditures. The aims of this study were to characterize hospitalized type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, understand the relationship between hospitalization and healthcare costs, and explore treatment modification after inpatient hospitalization.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort analysis of Humana Medicare Advantage and commercial members with T2DM was conducted. T2DM members were identified and assigned to three groups: (1) inpatient hospitalization (IPH) without a 30-day readmit (IPH group); (2) IPH with a 30-day readmission (IPH readmission group); and, (3) matched non-IPH group. Demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities and healthcare costs were measured based on enrollment data and claims. Descriptive statistics were used and the relationship between IPH and costs was assessed using generalized linear models.
RESULTS
A total of 15,555 IPH patients, 1757 IPH readmission patients, and 17,312 matched non-IPH patients were included in the study. The IPH readmission group had the highest adjusted mean all-cause total costs ($76,806), followed by the IPH group ($42,011), and the non-IPH group ($9624). A similar trend was observed for adjusted all-cause mean medical and pharmacy costs. DM-related total healthcare costs were highest for the IPH readmission group ($13,714), followed by the IPH group ($7477), and non-IPH group ($1620). While overall therapy modification (discontinuation, addition, switch) was low, T2DM patients with an IPH (with or without a readmission) had greater rates of therapy modification relative to the non-IPH patients.
CONCLUSION
Adjusted all-cause and DM-related total costs were greatest for IPH readmission patients. Rates of treatment modification within 10 days of discharge after IPH were generally low. Identifying T2DM patients at high risk of readmission and employing methods to decrease that risk during the index hospitalization could have a significant impact on health system costs.
FUNDING
Novo Nordisk. | 10.1007/s12325-015-0223-3 |
others_250_4223 | This study investigates the effect of different vegetation periods on the chemical composition of kermes oak. Five different vegetation periods from May through September 2008 were taken into consideration for this purpose. Throughout these periods, values for dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extracts, crude ash and metabolizable energy were measured. The chemical composition of kermes oak underwent statistically significant changes in connection with the vegetation period (p<O.05). During the May, June, July, August and September periods, the natural dry matter content of kermes oak was found to be 43.26, 53.83, 56.85, 57.35 and 57.95%, respectively. During the same periods, values for crude protein with respect to dry matter were 1.27, 1.20, 1.29, 1.47 and 1.59%, respectively, values for crude lipid were 4.37, 3.95, 3.47, 2.69 and 3.73%, respectively, values for crude fiber were 20.88, 30.91, 35.53, 37.21 and 37.08%, respectively, values for nitrogen free extracts were 69.48, 59.98, 55.45, 55.57 and 54.35%, respectively, values for crude ash were 3.99, 3.95, 4.22, 3.05 and 3.25%, respectively and values for metabolizable energy were 3191.65, 3149.65, 3129.35, 3119.92 and 3124.15 kcal kg-1, respectively. In conclusion, it was determined that the chemical composition of kermes oak underwent changes in connection with the vegetation period and that, in particular, as the vegetation period advanced, the crude fiber content increased and nitrogen-free extracts decreased. © 2009 Academic Journals I | 10.3923/ajava.2009.99.103 |
pubmed_789_1075 | Pyridyl-based triazole-linked calix[4]arene conjugates, viz. L(1) and L(2), were synthesized and characterized. These two conjugates were shown to be selective and sensitive for Zn(2+) among the 12 metal ions studied in HEPES buffer medium by fluorescence, absorption, and visual color change with the detection limit of ~31 and ~112 ppb, respectively, by L(1) and L(2). Moreover, the utility of the conjugates L(1) and L(2) in showing the zinc recognition in live cells has also been demonstrated using HeLa cells as monitored by fluorescence imaging. The zinc complexes of L(1) and L(2) were isolated, and the structure of [ZnL(1)] has been established by single-crystal XRD and that of [ZnL(2)] by DFT calculations. TDDFT calculations were performed in order to demonstrate the electronic properties of receptors and their zinc complexes. The isolated zinc complexes, viz. [ZnL(1)] and [ZnL(2)], have been used as molecular tools for the recognition of anions on the basis of their binding affinities toward Zn(2+). [ZnL(2)] was found to be sensitive and selective toward phosphate-bearing ions and molecules and in particular to pyrophosphate (PPi) and ATP among the other 18 anions studied; however, [ZnL(1)] was not sensitive toward any of the anions studied. The selectivity has been shown on the basis of the changes observed in the emission and absorption spectral studies through the removal of Zn(2+) from [ZnL(2)] by PPi. Thus, [ZnL(2)] has been shown to detect PPi up to 278 ± 10 ppb at pH 7.4 in aqueous methanolic (1/2 v/v) HEPES buffer. | 10.1021/ic202426v |
pubmed_690_513 | Recognizing congenital syphilis in pediatric patients is of utmost importance with regard to therapy. The case of a 5-year-old girl with salt and pepper fundus demonstrates the importance of a thorough family history which led towards the diagnosis of congenital syphilis. This paper stresses the importance of family history in pigmented lesions of the fundus. | 10.1055/s-2008-1045820 |
pubmed_786_16232 | The main function of the microvasculature is the controlled exchange of materials with surrounding tissues. This necessitates a large vessel surface established by a high number of vessels with small diameters and thus an inherently high individual resistance to flow. The hydrodynamic resistance of a microvascular network with given angioarchitecture depends on the apparent viscosity of blood flowing in the microvessels. Apparent viscosity declines with decreasing diameter (the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect) and is minimal at diameters of about 5-7 micrometers due to the optimal alignment of red cells with the flow. In vivo, a number of additional phenomena influence blood rheology and network hemodynamics. The distribution of blood flow and red cell flux within networks is influenced by the mechanics of red cell motion at individual diverging bifurcations (phase-separation effect). Furthermore, recent studies have revealed the presence of a thick endothelial surface layer ( approximately 0.5 micrometers) on the luminal surface of microvessels which is attached to the endothelial glycocalyx. This layer modulates flow resistance and may be relevant for a number of other processes such as inflammatory responses and blood coagulation. Information on microvascular rheology can be used to develop mathematical models of network hemodynamics and vascular adaptation to the local environment (angioadaptation), to investigate the complex interrelated mechanisms which establish and maintain functionally adequate microvascular networks. | pubmed_786_16232 |
pubmed_988_15721 | Neisseria meningitidis is an uncommon cause of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Twenty-one cases of primary meningococcal conjunctivitis (PMC) are reported herein and 63 cases published in the literature since 1899 are reviewed. In the 84 cases of PMC available for analysis, the male-to-female ratio was 1.76:1; nine of the patients were neonates, 55 were children, and 20 were adults. Conjunctivitis was unilateral in 66.3% of the patients. Gram stain of conjunctival exudate disclosed gram-negative diplococci in all cases in which it was done. Culture of the conjunctival exudate yielded N. meningitidis in all cases, and 44% of the isolated meningococci belonged to serogroup B. Ocular complications, which occurred in 15.5% of the patients, most frequently were corneal ulcers. Systemic meningococcal disease developed in 17.8% of the patients; the overall mortality was 13.3% for patients with PMC complicated by systemic disease. Development of systemic disease was significantly more frequent in patients receiving only topical therapy than in those treated with systemic therapy (31.71% vs. 2.38%; P = .001). Gram-negative diplococci observed in conjunctival exudate are an indication for systemic antibiotic therapy because of the risk of systemic complications associated with the use of topical therapy alone. When properly treated, patients with PMC have a favorable prognosis. | 10.1093/clinids/12.5.838 |
pubmed_417_9428 | In response to government plans to introduce a low-dose pill to the national family planning program of Bangladesh, a comparison of the performance of low-dose and standard-dose pills among a rural Bangladeshi population was conducted. Continuation rates were found to be better among users of the low-dose pill and there was no evidence that failure rates were higher. The relative risk (standard-dose vs. low-dose) over the first 30 months following adoption was 1.25 for first method continuation, and 1.29 for extended use failure. This paper, thus, provides evidence that low-dose pills may be a suitable method of contraception for rural Bangladeshi women. | 10.1016/0010-7824(94)90092-2 |
pubmed_1134_7580 | Androgen receptors and estrogen receptors importantly participate in the neuroendocrine control of masculine mating behavior. Sexual satiety is the long term inhibition of masculine mating behavior after repeated ejaculations and is associated to changes in both androgen receptor and estrogen receptor-alpha expression. Androgen receptor expression is up-regulated by systemic chronic administration of anabolic androgens, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone or estradiol benzoate. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of these treatments on sexual satiety development and recovery; additionally flutamide or tamoxifen treatments -- alone or together with anabolic androgens -- were also included. Chronic 15-day treatment with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 mg/kg) or tamoxifen (15 mg/kg) inhibited, whereas estradiol benzoate treatment (5 mg/kg) facilitated, mating behavior during sexual satiety development. The proportion of animals that ejaculated 48 h after sexual satiety was increased after 17-day treatment with a mixture of anabolic androgens containing 2 mg/kg testosterone propionate, 2 mg/kg nandrolone decanoate and 1 mg/kg boldenone undecylenate. This effect was only blocked by the combined administration of flutamide plus tamoxifen. The data suggest that anabolic androgens metabolites synergize to restore mating behavior after sexual satiety. | 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.12.016 |
pubmed_791_5876 | BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy (IDAP) affects 11-18% of Australian pregnancies and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. National prescribing data suggests the use of intravenous iron in pregnancy is increasingly common. This study aimed to: 1) Establish the current patterns of intravenous iron use by Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians (FRANZCOG) when treating iron deficiency and IDAP including immediately postpartum and; 2) Assess FRANZCOG opinions regarding potential trial of intravenous iron for first-line treatment of IDAP.
METHODS
An online survey of RANZCOG Fellows practicing obstetrics was distributed in September 2018. Results were analysed descriptively and responses compared by clinician demographics using Chi-squared testing.
RESULTS
Of 484 respondents (21% of FRANZCOG), 457 were currently practicing obstetrics. Most prescribed intravenous iron in pregnancy (96%) and/or postpartum (85%). Most intravenous iron was prescribed for IDAP (98%) rather than iron deficiency without anaemia (53%), and for IDAP most commonly second-line to failed oral iron supplementation and first-line in special circumstances (59%). Intravenous iron prescribing was associated with shorter time since FRANZCOG completion (p = 0.01), public hospital practice (p = 0.008) and higher hospital birth numbers (p = 0.01). Most respondents (90%) would consider a randomised controlled trial of first-line intravenous iron for IDAP, although views on appropriate thresholds differed.
CONCLUSIONS
Almost all respondents prescribed intravenous iron for IDAP, and while mostly used for second-line treatment over half sometimes used it first-line. With accelerating intravenous iron use, further research is required into its optimal use in pregnancy, recognizing important clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness. | 10.1186/s12884-020-03363-3 |
others_263_5024 | To determine which kind of knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is more efficient, we measured energy expenditure in standing, walking with a walker, and walking with crutches by eight subjects using the Scott-Craig KAFO and a single-stopped long-leg KAFO. All subjects had complete motor paralysis below the level of their lesion and had been fully trained to use KAFOs. Every subject used both types of KAFO, and energy expenditure - per minute and per meter traveled - was measured by oxygen consumption. No significant difference in energy expenditure appeared during standing. During ambulation, however, mean energy expenditure was less with the Scott-Craig KAFO than with the single-stopped type: 31% less kcal/m with a walker and 25% less kcal/min with crutches. These results suggest that the Scott-Craig KAFO is more energy-efficient than the single-stopped long-leg KAF | others_263_5024 |
pubmed_1020_15798 | INTRODUCTION
Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of a local hemostatic, consisting of human thrombin and fibrinogen, which was applied on the aortotomy suture line.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study involved 93 patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. Patients were randomized to two groups. Group 1 comprised 41 patients, in whom a hemostatic patch (Tachosil) was used additionally. Group 2 comprised 52 patients in whom Tachosil was not applied.
RESULTS
The postoperative drainage after 48 h was significantly lower in the group of patients where the local hemostatic patch (Tachosil) was additionally used, compared to the control group (p = 0.0335). The prevalence of rethoracotomies was twice as high in the control group compared to the Tachosil group (5% vs. 10%), but the statistical analysis did not show a significant difference. As a consequence, both measurements of hemoglobin concentration revealed significantly higher hemoglobin in Tachosil-treated patients than the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.0002). Red blood cell count (RBC) was also significantly higher in the Tachosil group. The difference in perioperative blood loss between the two groups resulted in a difference in postoperative acute renal injury or renal failure. The rate of infection within the early postoperative period was also comparable between the groups, although it was slightly higher in the Tachosil group (23% vs. 18%). The perioperative mortality was higher in group 2 but the difference was not statistically significant (3% in the Tachosil group vs. 5% in the control group).
CONCLUSIONS
Tachosil use reduced postoperative drainage considerably, which had an important influence on renal complications after aortic valve replacement. | 10.5114/aoms.2018.73124 |
pubmed_1105_12135 | The terpenoid and phenolic constituents of conifers have been implicated in protecting trees from infestation by bark beetles and phytopathogenic fungi, but it has been difficult to prove these defensive roles under natural conditions. We used methyl jasmonate, a well-known inducer of plant defense responses, to manipulate the biochemistry and anatomy of mature Picea abies (Norway spruce) trees and to test their resistance to attack by Ips typographus (the spruce bark beetle). Bark sections of P. abies treated with methyl jasmonate had significantly less I. typographus colonization than bark sections in the controls and exhibited shorter parental galleries and fewer eggs had been deposited. The numbers of beetles that emerged and mean dry weight per beetle were also significantly lower in methyl jasmonate-treated bark. In addition, fewer beetles were attracted to conspecifics tunneling in methyl jasmonate-treated bark. Stem sections of P. abies treated with methyl jasmonate had an increased number of traumatic resin ducts and a higher concentration of terpenes than untreated sections, whereas the concentration of soluble phenolics did not differ between treatments. The increased amount of terpenoid resin present in methyl jasmonate-treated bark could be directly responsible for the observed decrease in I. typographus colonization and reproduction. | 10.1007/s00442-006-0394-3 |
pubmed_188_11148 | A large percentage of medicines do not work for the patient populations they are intended to treat. Increased knowledge regarding genomics and the underlying biological mechanism of diseases should help us be able to stratify patients into groups of likely responders and nonresponders, and to identify those patients for whom a treatment might do more harm than good. This article sets out different policy perspectives for the healthcare systems, and draws in on 25 years of particular experience from the rare disease and orphan drug field, to illuminate the pathway forward in relation to key implementation aspects of personalized healthcare. In principle, we submit that targeting medicines to preidentified groups for whom we can predict a beneficial outcome is a good thing for everyone - first of all for the patients, but also for all the other stakeholders, including payers, treating physicians and industry - because it has the potential to create sustainable and functioning healthcare systems directed to better health and prevention of disease. Personalized healthcare over time could also lead to shorter drug-development times because of lower rates of failure in late-stage drug development. Using orphan medicines to treat well-diagnosed patients suffering from a life-threatening or seriously debilitating rare disease, is an attempt to work according to these principles. As there is much that needs to be done to turn the promise into reality, we need to identify the barriers and challenges to transform the potential opportunities into real-life benefits, and what needs to be done in order to overcome them. Learning from the field of rare diseases and orphan drugs may provide, perhaps unexpectedly, some of the answers to public policy questions related to future (personalized) healthcare, but of course not all aspects, are common between the two fields. | 10.2217/pme.10.52 |
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