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pubmed_83_22259 | Introduction
Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) prescriptions have increased steadily since the first, dabigatran, was Food and Drug Administration-approved in 2010. They have multiple advantages over vitamin K antagonists including fixed dosing without coagulation lab monitoring, rapid onset and offset of action, and fewer drug and food interactions. Patient-specific dosing, administration education, adherence, and monitoring are critically important. Many providers are unfamiliar with these concepts and too often use DOACs for off-label indications or at off-label dosing. A DOAC workshop was created to address knowledge gaps and improve internal medicine resident prescribing confidence.
Methods
One author (Irsk Anderson) conducted four 1-hour DOAC workshops with 49 total internal medicine residents rotating on their outpatient clinical rotation between October 2018 and November 2019. Residents performed small-group learning around four DOAC-specific cases, followed by a large-group report-out session. The residents completed pre- and postworkshop multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to assess knowledge as well as a postworkshop DOAC confidence self-assessment.
Results
Resident knowledge, assessed by percentage of residents answering correctly, improved significantly for all four MCQs after completing the workshop (all p <.003). Resident confidence, assessed on a 5-point Likert scale, improved significantly for all five themes (p <.001). Overall resident satisfaction was high (M = 4.2 on a 5-point Likert scale) and 85% desired further DOAC training.
Discussion
A 1-hour DOAC workshop was feasible and improved internal medicine resident knowledge and self-confidence. Future work should assess behavior change and patient clinical outcomes. | 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10981 |
pubmed_1064_22174 | Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an etiologic agent for malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, but the spectral range responsible for tumor induction is still to be elucidated. In this study, we compared effects of UVA and UVB irradiation on normal human melanocytes (MCs) and keratinocytes (KCs) in vitro. We demonstrate that UVA irradiation induces immediate loss of reduced glutathione (GSH) in both MCs and KCs. Exposure to UVA also causes reduced plasma membrane stability, in both cell types, as estimated by fluorescein diacetate retention and flow cytometry. Furthermore, we noted reduction in proliferation and higher apoptosis frequency 24 h after UVA irradiation. UVB irradiation of KCs caused instant reduction of reduced GSH and impaired plasma membrane stability. We also found decline in proliferation and increased apoptosis after 24 h. In MCs, on the other hand, UVB had no effect on GSH level or plasma membrane stability, although increased apoptotic cell death and reduced proliferation was detected. In summary, MCs and KCs showed similar response towards UVA, while UVB had more pronounced effects on KCs as compared to MCs. These results might have implications for the induction of malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. | 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2005.00238.x |
pubmed_1065_17111 | The authors report a case in which a germinoma in the pineal body displayed spontaneous regression after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Spontaneous regression of malignant tumors is extremely rare, occurring in only one of 60,000 to 100,000 patients. Although in rare cases spontaneous regression is known to occur in patients with testicular seminomas, only one case of spontaneous regression of a primary pineal germinoma has so far been reported. In the present case a 17-year-old man presented with headache. A tumor in the pineal body and acute hydrocephalus were revealed by head computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and VP shunt placement was performed. Computerized tomography scanning of the head was performed four times during a 2-week period following the operation, and the patient was temporarily discharged to return to school. At the time of discharge, CT scanning demonstrated no change in the size of the tumor. Two months later, the patient was readmitted to the hospital to undergo surgery. At that time, head MR imaging revealed regression of the tumor. The pathological diagnosis of the lesion was germinoma. The patient underwent three courses of chemotherapy, during which carboplatin and etoposide were administered, in addition to a 24-Gy dose of radiotherapy. No manifestations of nerve impairment were noticed, and the patient was observed on an outpatient basis. The authors think that the factors involved in tumor regression included the effects of the VP shunt, the effects of radiation absorbed during head CT scanning, and the role of the patient's own immune response. However, no conclusion has been reached concerning the actual cause. | 10.3171/jns.2000.93.5.0884 |
pubmed_709_10714 | Fifteen years ago we began a prospective study using alternate case treatment with prednisone in patients with pulmonary function abnormalities due to sarcoidosis. Twenty-five patients were divided into treatment and control groups that were similar in sex, age, race, degree of pulmonary dysfunction, and duration of disease. Evaluation included complete spirometric studies, single-breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and arterial blood gases. Follow-up studies at six months, one to two years, and ten to 15 years show no difference between the treated and untreated groups. Improvement or deterioration in pulmonary function of individual patients in the treated group was reflected in the control group, even in those patients with a diffusing capacity and forced vital capacity less than 65 percent of predicted. Data from this long-term study fail to show any benefit of short-term use of steroids in therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis. | 10.1378/chest.82.1.84 |
pubmed_817_1241 | Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in Iraq that is caused by protozoan infection. Dermoscopy has been applied to help in the diagnosis of multiple skin disease, including infestations. To evaluate the dermoscopic characteristics of CL lesions and their relationship with the disease duration, site, and pattern. Dermoscopic examination using (3 Gen Dermlite DL 100) at tenfold magnification of 91 lesions in 67 patients was elicited. This study was done from December 2019 to December 2020. The main dermoscopic features were generalized erythema (100%), hyperkeratosis with central erosion or ulceration (53.8%), white scar-like patch (41.8%), yellow tears (35.2%), white starburst sign (34.1%), and milia-like cyst (2.2%). We also observed vascular structures, including linear irregular (63.1%), dotted (57.1%), glomerular (38.1%), hairpin (22.6%), and comma-shaped vessels (16.7%). Linear irregular vessels were more commonly demonstrated on the face and upper limbs; while on the lower limbs, hyperkeratosis with erosion and ulceration were the most common finding. Hyperkeratosis with erosions/ulcerations (43.8%) was the most common finding in the papular pattern, linear irregular vessels (56.7%) in the nodular pattern, glomerular vessels (64.3%) was the most common finding in noduloulcerative pattern and linear irregular vessels (71%) was the most common finding in plaque pattern. The dermoscopic features would help in the diagnosis of CL lesions by dermoscopy, especially in endemic areas. There is a good relationship between the dermoscopic features and type of CL lesions. | 10.1007/s00403-022-02387-3 |
pubmed_432_14566 | Acute nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia was produced in dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital by reversible pericardial tamponade, which reduced cardiac output and mesenteric blood flow by approximately 42% and 53%, respectively. Papaverine, infused into the cephalic (superior) mesenteric artery at an average dose of 100 micrograms/kg X min, was completely effective in restoring mesenteric blood flow and correcting altered intestinal oxygen kinetics. However, the same dose of papaverine given intravenously to other dogs was ineffective in correcting the deranged hemodynamics and oxygen kinetics. Larger doses of intravenous papaverine returned mesenteric blood flow toward control values but caused systemic arterial hypotension. In comparison, synthetic urotensin I, a highly selective mesenteric vasodilator peptide, produced results identical to those produced by intraarterial papaverine, even though it was given intravenously in small doses (average dose: 13 ng/kg . min). Moreover, it produced no systemic effects. These results suggest that intravenous urotensin I is as effective as intraarterial papaverine in a model of severe mesenteric ischemia, and that it should be examined for a possible clinical role in the treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia in humans. | 10.1016/0016-5085(86)90442-7 |
pubmed_687_24795 | Clinicians prescribe hundreds of millions of β-lactam antibiotics to treat the majority of patients presenting with bacterial infections. Patient outcomes are positive unless resistant bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), are present. P. aeruginosa has both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, making clinical management of infection a real challenge, particularly when these bacteria are sequestered in biofilms. These problems would be alleviated if, upon the initial presentation of bacterial infection symptoms, clinicians were able to administer an antibiotic that kills both susceptible and otherwise resistant bacteria and eradicates biofilms. As the most common class of antibiotics, β-lactams could be used in a new drug if the leading causes of β-lactam antibiotic resistance, permeation barriers from lipopolysaccharide, efflux pumps, and β-lactamase enzymes, were also defeated. Against P. aeruginosa and their biofilms, the potency of β-lactam antibiotics is restored with 600 Da branched polyethylenimine (600 Da BPEI). Checkerboard assays using microtiter plates demonstrate the potentiation of piperacillin, cefepime, Meropenem, and erythromycin antibiotics. Growth curves demonstrate that only a combination of 600 Da BPEI and piperacillin produces growth inhibition against antibiotic resistant P. aeruginosa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm that the combination treatment leads to abnormal P. aeruginosa morphology. Data collected with isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrate a mechanism of action in which potentiation at low concentrations of 600 Da BPEI reduces diffusion barriers from lipopolysaccharides without disrupting the outer membrane itself. Coupled with the ability to overcome a reduction in antibiotic activity created by biofilm exopolymers, targeting anionic sites on lipopolysaccharides and biofilm exopolysaccharides with the same compound provides new opportunities to counter the rise of multidrug-resistant infections. | 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00486 |
pubmed_1096_8605 | The plant hormone auxin regulates a whole repertoire of plant growth and development. Many plant-associated microorganisms, by virtue of their auxin production capability, mediate phytostimulation effects on plants. Recent studies, however, demonstrate diverse mechanisms whereby plant pathogens manipulate auxin biosynthesis, signaling and transport pathways to promote host susceptibility. Auxin responses have been coupled to their antagonistic and synergistic interactions with salicylic acid and jasmonate mediated defenses, respectively. Here, we discuss that a better understanding of auxin crosstalk to plant immune networks would enable us to engineer crop plants with higher protection and low unintended yield losses. | 10.2174/1389203716666150330124911 |
others_237_12813 | Improved survival rates and more centers performing liver transplantation have resulted in increasing numbers of live transplant recipients presenting to emergency departments. This article familiarizes emergency physicians with orthotopic liver transplantation and complications that cause liver transplant recipients to visit EDs | 10.1016/S0196-0644(98)70262-8 |
others_333_18535 | The immunogenicity and antigenic characteristics of the unique surface layer (S layer) of Methanococcus vannielii was studied with a panel of six monoclonal antibodies. Six surface determinants were identified for the first time, each recognized by one antibody exclusively. The determinants are proteins, located in the S layer, and accessible to antibody in whole, unfixed, as well as formalinized bacteria. Hence the six antigens and antibodies reported here should be useful for rapid identification of new isolates and for taxonomy of methanogens, notably Methanococcaceae. In this connection two novel applications of the slide immunoenzymatic assay were developed for analyses of monoclonal antibodies and their complementary sites in the bacterial envelop | others_333_18535 |
pubmed_81_4041 | PURPOSE
To determine the inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived measurements of right ventricular (RV) mass, volume, and function in patients with normal and dilated ventricles.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
CMR studies of 60 patients in three groups were studied: a normal RV group (N = 20) and two groups with RV dilation-atrial septal defect (ASD) (N = 20) and repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) (N = 20). Two independent observers analyzed each study on two separate occasions. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of biventricular mass, volume, ejection fraction (EF), and stroke volume (SV) measurements were calculated.
RESULTS
High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were found for interobserver (ICC = 0.94-0.99) and intraobserver (ICC = 0.96-0.99) comparisons of RV and left ventricular (LV) mass, volume, and SV measurements. RV and LV EF measurements were less reproducible (ICC = 0.79-0.87). RV mass measurements were significantly less correlated than the respective LV measurements. Small but statistically significant differences in correlation were noted in RV measurements across groups.
CONCLUSION
Except for RV mass, inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of RV size and function measurements is high and generally comparable to that in the LV in patients with both normal and dilated RV. | 10.1002/jmri.21407 |
pubmed_254_16155 | Background: House-dust mites (HDM) allergen is one of the most important allergens in southern China; however, studies on the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus components are relatively lacking. Objective: This study analyzed the molecular components of D. pteronyssinus in patients with allergic asthma (AS) and/or allergic rhinitis (AR) sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, and aimed to improve HDM immunotherapy in southern China. Methods: Allergen component-resolved diagnosis detection technology was used to detect the serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to D. pteronyssinus allergen components (Der p 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 23) in patients who were sensitized to D. pteronyssinus and with AR (n = 106), AS (n = 144), or AR combined with AS (n = 134). Results: The highest positive rates of D. pteronyssinus components were Der p 1 (94.8%), followed by Der p 2 (77.6%), Der p 23 (62.5%), Der p 7 (34.6%), Der p 5 (17.7%), Der p 10 (12.2%), and Der p 3 (2.6%). Patients with AR+AS had the highest positive rates to Der p 2 (85.8%), Der p 23 (62.7%), Der p 7 (40.3%), Der p 5 (25.0%), and Der p 10 (16.4%). Der p 1 had the highest positive rate in patients with AR (95.3%). The Der p 3 positive rate in patients with AS (6.0%) was higher than that in patients with AR (0.0%, χ² = 6.872, p < 0.05) and patients with AR+AS (0.7%, χ² = 6.063, p < 0.05) Among the patients with AR+AS, 19.1% were co-sensitized to Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23, and Der p 7. Interestingly, only one patient with AR was exclusively sensitized to Der p 23. An optimal scale analysis showed that Der p 5, Der p 23, and Der p 7 had strong connection (Cronbach α = 93.7%). Conclusion: Der p 1 and Der p 2 were the main sensitization components of D. pteronyssinus, and patients with AS+AR had the highest positive rate for five of seven D. pteronyssinus allergen components. This research can provide suggestions for personalized HDM-specific immunotherapy in southern China. | 10.2500/aap.2021.42.200105 |
pubmed_1094_6408 | Death is inevitable, but that does not mean it can be planned or imposed. It is an ethical imperative that we attend to the unbearable pain and suffering of patients with incurable and terminal illnesses. This is where palliative care plays a vital role. Palliative care has been growing faster in the world of medicine since its emergence as a specialty in the last decade. Palliative care helps to reduce physical pain while affirming the aspect of human suffering and dying as a normal process. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life both of the patient and the family. Palliative care resonates with the healing ministry of Christianity that affirms the sanctity and dignity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Christianity is convinced that patients at the very end of their lives, with all their ailments and agonies, are still people who have been created in the image and likeness of God. The human person is always precious, even when marked by age and sickness. This is one of the basic convictions that motivate Christians to take care of the sick and the dying. Palliative care is a great opportunity for Christians to manifest God's unfailing love for the terminally ill and the dying. | 10.20529/IJME.2017.054 |
pubmed_909_5307 | BACKGROUND/AIMS
Albuminuria is known to be associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality even in the general population. We aimed at investigating the prevalence and related risk factors of albuminuria among Korean adults.
METHODS
This study was based on data collected during the 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 5,365 Korean adults were included in the general population group, and 3,282 of these participants were included in the nondiabetic, nonhypertensive population group. Albuminuria was defined by a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio value within the range of 3.4-34 mg/mmol (30-300 µg/mg).
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of albuminuria was 5.2% of the general population and 2.1% of the nondiabetic, nonhypertensive population. Factors associated with the risk of albuminuria in the general population were age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in men, and SBP and HbA1c level in women. In the nondiabetic, nonhypertensive population, age and fasting plasma glucose levels were significantly associated with an increased risk for albuminuria in men, and with central obesity, triglyceride level and smoking status in women.
CONCLUSION
Albuminuria is prevalent in the nondiabetic, nonhypertensive population as well as general population of Korea. The increased risk of albuminuria was independently associated with several cardiovascular risk factors in the general population, and also in the nondiabetic, nonhypertensive population. | 10.1159/000357950 |
pubmed_340_23780 | BACKGROUND
Thyroid carcinoma in children is rare and raises unique management issues. Although metastatic disease is more common in this age group, prognosis remains good with appropriate treatment. The aim of the study was to report recent experience in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children, especially in the use of radioiodine after recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) stimulation.
METHODS
Eight patients, aged 5-17 years (five were boys) presented following total thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma between May 2003 and June 2005. Seven had papillary carcinoma and one had follicular carcinoma. Five had known lymph node metastases and one had pulmonary metastases at presentation. Four patients had previously received therapeutic irradiation for malignancy. All eight underwent diagnostic iodine scans, seven with rhTSH stimulation. Seven went on to receive radioiodine treatment as hospital inpatients, comanaged by the paediatric and nuclear medicine units. The dosage of 131I ranged from 1.5 to 3.7 x 10(9) Bq. All except one were prepared by rhTSH stimulation.
RESULTS
Seven of eight patients had significant uptake in the neck on diagnostic scan and two had pulmonary abnormalities. Six of seven evaluable patients achieved complete thyroid ablation. Both patients with pulmonary abnormalities had scan resolution, although one of them only after a second radioiodine treatment. All patients had thyroxine replacement in doses to suppress TSH and all remain alive and well at time of carrying out this study.
CONCLUSION
Optimal management of paediatric thyroid carcinoma necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Radioiodine therapy under rhTSH is an effective and safe adjuvant treatment in this special subgroup. | 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2006.01149.x |
others_339_18205 | The dose-dependent influence of hydrocortisone on the energetics of rat thymocytes has been studied. Prolonged action of hydrocortisone in vivo (20 μg per kg body weight for 6 days daily) and preincubation of thymocytes with hydrocortisone (10 μM) in vitro resulted in cytotoxicity, the complete uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, and a decrease in electron transfer in the mitochondrial respiration chain. A single injection of hydrocortisone (20 μg/kg 72 h before sacrifice) resulted in the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Short-term exposure to hydrocortisone (20 μg/kg 3 h before sacrifice) and also preincubation of thymocytes with hydrocortisone (1 μM) stimulated electron transport, including substrate oxidation, without uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Short-term exposure to hydrocortisone in vivo inhibited respiration when glucose was used as the oxidation substrate and stimulated respiration in medium containing sodium pyruva | others_339_18205 |
pubmed_674_11957 | The β-3 adrenergic agonist CL 316, 243 acutely lowers blood glucose through a mechanism thought to involve fatty-acid induced insulin release. The purpose of this study was to determine if ablation of the nuclear receptor, receptor-inactivating protein 140 (RIP140), altered this response. Here, we used a single injection of CL 316, 243 (1 mg/kg) and found that whole body RIP140-/- mice had a greater decline in blood glucose over 2 h. This occurred alongside increased hexokinase II (HKII) protein content in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, but independent of changes in circulating insulin or indices of lipolysis. These data indicate that RIP140 has a unique role in the acute effect of β-3 adrenergic receptor activation using CL 316, 243. | 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.067 |
pubmed_323_9826 | Compressibility profiles, or functions of solid fraction versus applied pressure, are used to provide insight into the fundamental mechanical behavior of powders during compaction. These functions, collected during compression (in-die) or post ejection (out-of-die), indicate the amount of pressure that a given powder formulation requires to be compressed to a given density or thickness. To take advantage of the benefits offered by both methods, the data collected in-die during a single compression-decompression cycle will be used to generate the equivalent of a complete out-of-die compressibility profile that has been corrected for both elastic and viscoelastic recovery of the powder. This method has been found to be both a precise and accurate means of evaluating out-of-die compressibility for four common tableting excipients. Using this method, a comprehensive characterization of powder compaction behavior, specifically in relation to plastic/brittle, elastic and viscoelastic deformation, can be obtained. Not only is the method computationally simple, but it is also material-sparing. The ability to characterize powder compressibility using this approach can improve productivity and streamline tablet development studies. | 10.1002/jps.23676 |
pubmed_940_21512 | Microtiter plate-format optodes could be assembled by casting bulk-response membranes into the standard 96-well polypropylene-based plate or by screen printing them on an optically transparent substrate with 96-well pattern. The compositions of thick optode membranes, especially the ratios of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) to plasticizer [bis-(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS)], were carefully optimized to provide reproducible and rapid response. Adjusting the ratio of PVC to DOS by 1:6, bulk-response membranes containing neutral carrier (4-tert-butyl calix[4]arene tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester for sodium-selective membrane or valinomycin for potassium-selective membrane) and lipophilic pH indicator (ETH 5294) could exhibit equilibrium response in 5 min. The practical utility of microtiter plate-format optodes has been examined by determining clinically relevant electrolytes in serum samples. It was demonstrated that microtiter plate-format optodes can provide high sample throughput (approximately 100 samples in less than 5 min), analytical performance comparable to that of a potentiometric clinical analyzer, and additional information on electrolytes using the same samples prepared for other colorimetric measurements. | 10.1021/ac980322+ |
pubmed_847_13712 | OBJECTIVES
To summarise multivariable predictive models for 30-day unplanned hospital readmissions (UHRs) in paediatrics, describe their performance and completeness in reporting, and determine their potential for application in practice.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCE
CINAHL, Embase and PubMed up to 7 October 2021.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
English or German language studies aiming to develop or validate a multivariable predictive model for 30-day paediatric UHRs related to all-cause, surgical conditions or general medical conditions were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Study characteristics, risk factors significant for predicting readmissions and information about performance measures (eg, c-statistic) were extracted. Reporting quality was addressed by the 'Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis' (TRIPOD) adherence form. The study quality was assessed by applying six domains of potential biases. Due to expected heterogeneity among the studies, the data were qualitatively synthesised.
RESULTS
Based on 28 studies, 37 predictive models were identified, which could potentially be used for determining individual 30-day UHR risk in paediatrics. The number of study participants ranged from 190 children to 1.4 million encounters. The two most common significant risk factors were comorbidity and (postoperative) length of stay. 23 models showed a c-statistic above 0.7 and are primarily applicable at discharge. The median TRIPOD adherence of the models was 59% (P25-P75, 55%-69%), ranging from a minimum of 33% to a maximum of 81%. Overall, the quality of many studies was moderate to low in all six domains.
CONCLUSION
Predictive models may be useful in identifying paediatric patients at increased risk of readmission. To support the application of predictive models, more attention should be placed on completeness in reporting, particularly for those items that may be relevant for implementation in practice. | 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055956 |
pubmed_64_16652 | Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is present in epithelial and vascular endothelial cell junctions. We have previously shown a hemorrhagic phenotype in germ-line CAR knock-out mouse embryos; we have also found that CAR interacts with ZO-1 and β-catenin. However, the role of CAR in vascular endothelial junction permeability has not been proven. To understand the roles of CAR in the vascular endothelial junctions, we generated endothelium-specific CAR knockout (CAR-eKO) mice. In the absence of CAR, the endothelial cell layer showed an increase in transmembrane electrical resistance (TER, Ω) and coxsackievirus permeability. Evans blue dye and 70 kDa dextran-FITC were delivered by tail vein injection. We observed increased vascular permeability in the hearts of adult CAR-eKO mice compare with wild-type (WT) mice. There was a marked increase in monocyte and macrophage penetration into the peritoneal cavity caused by thioglycolate-induced peritonitis. We found that CAR ablation in endothelial cells was not significantly increased coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induced myocarditis in murine model. However, tissue virus titers were significantly higher in CAR-eKO mice compared with WT. Moreover, CVB3 was detected in the brain of CAR-eKO mice. Endothelial CAR deletion affects the expression of major endothelial junction proteins, such as cadherin and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in the cultured endothelial cells as well as liver vessel. We suggest that CAR expression is required for normal vascular permeability and endothelial tight junction homeostasis. Furthermore, CVB3 organ penetration and myocarditis severities were dependent on the endothelial CAR level. | 10.3390/ijms22063053 |
pubmed_512_6923 | It has been reported that Paulistine in the venom of the wasp Polybia paulista co-exists as two different forms: an oxidized form presenting a compact structure due to the presence of a disulfide bridge, which causes inflammation through an apparent interaction with receptors in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, and a naturally reduced form (without the disulfide bridge) that exists in a linear conformation and which also causes hyperalgesia and acts in the cyclooxygenase type II pathway. The reduced peptide was acetamidomethylated (Acm-Paulistine) to stabilize this form, and it still maintained its typical inflammatory activity. Oxidized Paulistine docks onto PGHS2 (COX-2) molecules, blocking the access of oxygen to the heme group and inhibiting the inflammatory activity of Acm-Paulistine in the cyclooxygenase type II pathway. Docking simulations revealed that the site of the docking of Paulistine within the PGHS2 molecule is unusual among commercial inhibitors of the enzyme, with an affinity potentially much higher than those observed for traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, Paulistine causes inflammatory activity at the level of the 5-lipooxygenase pathway and, in parallel, it competes with its reduced form in relation to the activation of the cyclooxygenase pathway. Thus, while the reduced Paulistine causes inflammation, its oxidized form is a potent inhibitor of this activity. | pubmed_512_6923 |
pubmed_522_17231 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the actual coverage of HIV infection detection during pregnancy at national level.
METHODS
The actual coverage of HIV testing during pregnancy was defined as the proportion of women who attended prenatal care visits (at least one visit), ordering HIV testing and knowledge of test result before delivery. The coverage was estimated by sampling procedures based on the 2002 Sentinel Surveillance Study data. Actual coverage Inequalities were assessed by: country regions; population size of the municipality where delivery took place; and mother's schooling.
RESULTS
The actual coverage of HIV testing during pregnancy was 52%. Huge sociogeographic inequalities are seen between the Northeastern (24%) and Southern regions (72%); illiterate mothers (19%) and those with complete basic education (64%); mothers who delivered in small municipalities (36%) and those who delivered in municipalities with more than 500,000 inhabitants (66%). Ministry of Health recommendations were fully followed by only 27% pregnant women.
CONCLUSIONS
The study results show a need for actions aiming at increasing HIV detection coverage during pregnancy, and indicate that HIV/STD programs should be intensified with joint strategies between the National AIDS Program and infant-maternal programs. | 10.1590/s0034-89102004000600003 |
pubmed_482_7890 | Autophagy is an important mechanism for cellular homeostasis and survival during pathologic stress conditions in the kidney, such as ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. In this study, renal IR was induced in female C57BL/6 mice after melatonin administration. Renal function, histological damage, inflammatory infiltration, cytokine production, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, autophagy changing, apoptosis levels, and autophagy-associated intracellular signaling pathway were assessed to evaluate the impact of antecedent melatonin treatment on IR-induced renal injury. The administration of melatonin resulted in significantly preserved renal function, and the protective effect was associated with ameliorated oxidative stress, limited pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. Moreover, autophagic flux was increased after melatonin administration while the apoptosis levels were decreased in the melatonin-pretreated mice. Using TAK-242 and CRX-527, we confirmed that MyD88-dependent TLR4 and MEK/ERK/mTORC1 signaling participated in melatonin-induced autophagy in IR mice. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that antecedent melatonin treatment provides protection for the kidney against IR injury by enhancing autophagy, as regulated by the TLR4/MyD88/MEK/ERK/mTORC1 signaling pathway. Therefore, melatonin preconditioning offers a potential therapeutic approach to prevent renal IR injury related to various clinical conditions. | 10.1096/fj.202001252R |
pubmed_600_8436 | Agriculture in the midwestern United States is a major anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (NO) and is both a source and sink for methane (CH), but the degree to which cropping systems differ in emissions of these gases is not well understood. Our objectives were to determine if fluxes of NO and CH varied among cropping systems and among crop phases within a cropping system. We compare NO and CH fluxes over the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons from the six cropping systems at the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial (WICST), a 20-yr-old cropping systems experiment. The study is composed of three grain and three forage cropping systems spanning a spectrum of crop diversity and perenniality that model a wide range of realistic cropping systems that differ in management, crop rotation, and fertilizer regimes. Among the grain systems, cumulative growing season NO emissions were greater for continuous corn ( L.) (3.7 kg NO-N ha) than corn-soybean [ (L.) Merr.] (2.0 kg NO-N ha) or organic corn-soybean-wheat ( L.) (1.7 kg NO-N ha). Among the forage systems, cumulative growing-season NO emissions were greater for organic corn-alfalfa ( L.)-alfalfa (2.9 kg NO-N ha) and conventional corn-alfalfa-alfalfa-alfalfa (2.5 kg NO-N ha), and lower for rotational pasture (1.9 kg NO-N ha). Application of mineral or organic N fertilizer was associated with elevated NO emissions. Yield-scaled emissions (kg NO-N Mg) did not differ by cropping system. Methane fluxes were highly variable and no effect of cropping system was observed. These results suggest that extended and diversified cropping systems could reduce area-scaled NO emissions from agriculture, but none of the systems studied significantly reduced yield-scaled NO emissions. | 10.2134/jeq2014.02.0077 |
pubmed_425_9614 | INTRODUCTION
The prevalence and clinical significance of weight regain after bariatric surgery remains largely unclear due to the lack of a standardized definition of significant weight regain. The development of a clinically relevant definition of weight regain requires a better understanding of its clinical significance.
OBJECTIVES
To assess rates of weight regain 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), applying six definitions and investigating their association with clinical outcomes.
METHODS
Patients were followed up until 5 years after surgery and weight regain was calculated. Regression techniques were used to assess the association of weight regain with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the presence of comorbidities.
RESULTS
A total of 868 patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 46.6 (± 10.4) years, of which 79% were female. The average preoperative BMI was 44.8 (± 5.9) kg/m2 and the total maximum weight loss was 32% (± 8%). Eighty-seven percent experienced any regain. Significant weight regain rates ranged from 16 to 37% depending on the definition. Three weight regain definitions were associated with deterioration in physical HRQoL (p < 0.05), while associations between definitions of weight regain and the presence of comorbidities 5 years after surgery were not significant.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that identifying one single categorical definition of clinically significant weight regain is difficult. Additional research into the clinical significance of weight regain is needed to inform the development of a standardized definition that includes all dimensions of surgery success: weight, HRQoL, and comorbidity remission. | 10.1007/s11695-019-04210-x |
pubmed_1025_10823 | BACKGROUND
Actinomycosis is an uncommon chronic suppurative bacterial infection caused by anaerobic bacteria. Pulmonary actinomycosis is even more infrequent and generally simulates a wide variety of pulmonary disorders including tuberculosis and lung cancer. Therefore delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis is common. Here, actinomycosis was initially confused with pulmonary carcinoma.
METHODS
We report on three cases of inflammatory tumors caused by pulmonary actinomycosis. All three patients were male and had a history of alcoholism and poor oral hygiene associated with dental disease. Clinical symptoms were nonspecific and radiographic imaging showed tumor-like mass lesions not distinguishable from neoplasms. Preoperative bronchoscopy, sputum culture, laboratory tests and bronchoalveolar lavage neither confirmed an infectious disease nor ruled out lung cancer. Hence all patients underwent thoracotomy for both diagnosis and definitive treatment. Intraoperatively we encountered a necrotizing infection forming cavitary as well as tumorous lesions and a lobectomy was performed due to destroyed lung tissue. In one case the tumorous lesion involved the chest wall so that partial resection of the 3rd rib with the adjacent soft tissue was mandatory.
RESULTS
Histological examination of the pulmonary specimen established the diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis. All patients recovered well and received antibiotic therapy with oral penicillin.
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis remains challenging. In cases of an inflammatory tumor imitating lung cancer, surgical resection is mandatory, both to confirm the diagnosis and for the definitive treatment in cases with irreversible parenchymal destruction. Here, surgery in combination with medical treatment offered reliably excellent results. | 10.1055/s-0030-1271180 |
pubmed_13_409 | INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study is to identify the number of anaesthesiologists working in Portugal and to monitor the national activity of this medical specialty by comparing it with a similar Census performed in 2014.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Observational cross-sectional study. Data related to the month of May 2017 was collected from Anaesthesiology departments of 53 Portuguese public institutions from a total of 86 hospitals.
RESULTS
The Census registered 615 127 surgical procedures (3.4% more than in 2013), 84.1% of which on a non-emergent basis, and 49.6% day case surgery (6.1% more than in 2013). Moreover, 89 608 procedures were performed outside the operating rooms (19.0% less than in 2013), 282 944 were anaesthetic clinics (1.3% more than in 2013) and 112 183 were chronic pain evaluations (13.1% more than in 2013). In addition, 51 380 labour analgesia were performed for delivery (14.3% more than in 2013) corresponding to 70.5% of all deliveries occurring in the Obstetric department of Portuguese public hospitals in 2016 (5% more than in 2013). A total of 1280 Anaesthesiologists were identified (2.1% more than in May 2014), corresponding to a ratio of 12.4 per 100 000 inhabitants (it was 12.0 in May 2014). Together with the 262 anaesthesiologists that work exclusively in the private system, we found a total sum of 1542 anaesthesiologists indicating a ratio of 15.1 per 100 000 inhabitants (it was 13.9 in 2014).
DISCUSSION
We predict that the identified deficit of 541 anaesthesiologists in the Portuguese National Health Service should be reduced by two thirds until 2023. The reduction of the shortage of anaesthesiologists will allow an increase in human resource capacity in Anaesthesiology.
CONCLUSION
Even though there was a slight increase in the ratio of Anaesthesiologists per inhabitant in 2017 compared to 2014, Portugal maintains a shortage of Anaesthesiologists. | 10.20344/amp.10094 |
pubmed_471_8036 | BACKGROUND
Occupational stress is both psychologically and physically challenging and may lead to high rates of absenteeism, burnout, and turnover. Nursing is considered as one of the most stressful and demanding professions. This study aims to measure perceived stress levels among nurses in a Greek public general hospital.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 157 nurses and nursing assistants took part. A self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographics and Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) for stress assessment was used. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0.
RESULTS
Total stress mean(SD) score ranged in medium levels [136.27 (47.80)]. The most stressful situations were dealing with death and dying [18.29 (5.59)]; patients' and their families' demands [20.90 (7.12)], and uncertainty concerning treatment [22.19 (9.07)]. Discrimination [4.40 (4.25)] and conflicts with peers [12.07 (5.10)] provoked less stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between age and total stress (F = 4.23, p < 0.001) and all distinct stressors. Nurses between 30 and 34 years expressed higher stress in all cases except patients' and their families' demands stressor. Those nurses who were divorced expressed higher stress in death and dying subscale (F = 2.93, p = 0.035). Nursing assistants expressing higher stress as far as workload (t = -2.40, p = 0.017), conflicts with physicians (t = -2.19, p = 0.033), and problems with peers (t = -2.63, p = 0.009) were concerned, compared to nurses.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the study are in line with other researchers' findings concerning stressors among nursing personnel in Greece. Appropriate measures for the prevention and management of specific stressors must therefore be taken. | 10.4103/ijnmr.IJNMR_120_17 |
pubmed_1092_3555 | Heavy metals such as cadmium, arsenic and nickel are classified as carcinogens. Although the precise mechanism of carcinogenesis is undefined, heavy metal exposure can contribute to genetic damage by inducing double strand breaks (DSBs) as well as inhibiting critical proteins from different DNA repair pathways. Here we take advantage of two previously published culture assay systems developed to address mechanistic aspects of DNA repair to evaluate the effects of heavy metal exposures on competing DNA repair outcomes. Our results demonstrate that exposure to heavy metals significantly alters how cells repair double strand breaks. The effects observed are both specific to the particular metal and dose dependent. Low doses of NiCl2 favored resolution of DSBs through homologous recombination (HR) and single strand annealing (SSA), which were inhibited by higher NiCl2 doses. In contrast, cells exposed to arsenic trioxide preferentially repaired using the "error prone" non-homologous end joining (alt-NHEJ) while inhibiting repair by HR. In addition, we determined that low doses of nickel and cadmium contributed to an increase in mutagenic recombination-mediated by Alu elements, the most numerous family of repetitive elements in humans. Sequence verification confirmed that the majority of the genetic deletions were the result of Alu-mediated non-allelic recombination events that predominantly arose from repair by SSA. All heavy metals showed a shift in the outcomes of alt-NHEJ repair with a significant increase of non-templated sequence insertions at the DSB repair site. Our data suggest that exposure to heavy metals will alter the choice of DNA repair pathway changing the genetic outcome of DSBs repair. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0151367 |
pubmed_15_22655 | The purpose of this study was to show the long-term outcome of induction chemoradiotherapy, using docetaxel and cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy followed by surgery for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mediastinal nodal metastasis. Between January 2000 and July 2006, 22 consecutive NSCLC patients with pathologically proven mediastinal nodal metastasis were treated with tri-modality therapy. The regimen consisted of docetaxel and cisplatin plus concurrent radiation at a dose of 40-46 Gy. The induction therapy was followed by surgery 4-6 weeks later. The pulmonary resections were composed of a lobectomy in 19 patients, including 3 with a sleeve lobectomy, a bilobectomy in 2 patients and a left pneumonectomy in 1 patient. With a median follow-up duration of 8.7 years, the 3-year and 7-year overall survival (OS) rates for the entire population were 72.7 and 63.6%, respectively. Our results suggest that tri-modality therapy is promising for NSCLC patients with mediastinal nodal metastasis. | 10.1093/icvts/ivs028 |
pubmed_443_12305 | By reactive blending of polyamide 6 (PA) with polysulfone (PSU) using a gram-scale mixer (Mini-Max Molder), we prepared a series of PA/PSU (80/20 wt.ratio) with various diameters of PSU particles: 90 nm by using phthalic anhydride-terminated PSU (PSU-PhAH), 0.2 µm by carboxylic acid-grafted PSU (PSU-COOH), and 1.0 µm by nonreactive PSU (nf-PSU). Isothermal crystallization was carried out at 200 degreesC. Light scattering studies showed that spherulites in the blends can grow to more than 10 µm in diameter, as in the case of neat PA. It suggests that crystal growth in the radial direction can be achieved by circumventing the PSU obstacles; i.e., it does not matter how big or small they are in the range of 90 nm to 1 µm. The smaller the PSU particles, the slower was the overall rate of crystallization. The slower rate may be caused by the higher population of brush PA chains attached to PSU particles as block or graft chains, since the brushes may be hard to organize into crystal lamellae, compared with free chains. The blends showed rather broad wide-angle X-ray diffraction profiles. The smaller the PSU particles, the broader was the profile. The scattering from the particles themselves should appear only at extremely low angles (<0.1 degrees) and hardly affects the wide-angle X-ray profiles so that the results may imply that the presence of smaller PSU particles renders the less perfection of the PA crystal. This may be caused also by the higher population of brush chains. Note that the brush chains are formed only in the reactive systems and the population may be higher in the smaller particle systems. Even for the blend with smallest particle size, a small-angle X-ray scattering peak appeared at a magnitude of scattering vector of approximately 0.8 nm-1, suggesting the evolution of interlamellar spacing of 8.7 nm. However, the scattering profile was much broader than that of neat PA. It implies a less ordered lamellar stacking in the blend. | 10.1021/ma980048l |
pubmed_224_2769 | For the first time since the introduction of female sex hormone treatment of carcinoma of the prostate, an entirely new therapeutic approach was tried, i.e., specific immune therapy in the form of chessboard vaccination. With this method, and continuation of hormone therapy, inactivated cancerous cells were injected with neuraminidase intracutaneously into the thigh. Should hormone therapy prove ineffective, a long-term therapeutic effect can be achieved in approximately half of the patients by giving three vaccinations containing 44,400,000 cells. The effectiveness of specific immunotherapy in the form of chessboard vaccinations could be established on the basis of a significant drop in serum phosphatases and carcinoembryonic antigen under therapy, the scintigraphic evidence of remission of osteometastases and not least of all a statistically significant increase in the survival rate during treatment of unconfined metastasizing prostate carcinomas. Even in early stages specific immunotherapy constitutes a new alternative therapeutic method, particularly in the treatment of hormone-independent prostate carcinomas and in cases of estrogen intolerance. | 10.1159/000280869 |
pubmed_872_13680 | Infections involving helminths or parasitic worms affect more than 25% of the population worldwide. Because lactating women and their infants are often affected by the complications of these infections such as iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition, they benefit the most from drug therapy. However, scientific literature offers little information regarding transfer of anthelmintics in breast milk and its effects in lactating infants. Scabies and pediculosis, or lice, are common skin infections affecting school-aged children. Close contacts of infected children, which often include lactating mothers, need treatment with one of the several topical products available in the market. This article will review the physicochemical properties and use of anthelmintics, pediculicides, and scabicides while breastfeeding. | 10.1177/0890334403258133 |
pubmed_472_19718 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether there was a change in prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the United States correlated with the introduction of HPV vaccines in both vaccinated and unvaccinated women.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of prevalence data for women aged 18-29 years living in the United States using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which is an ongoing series of cross-sectional surveys. Participants provided responses to standardized questions and self-collected cervicovaginal swabs in which a Linear Array HPV Assay was used to determine HPV prevalence. A total of 783 women from the prevaccine era (2003-2004) and 1,526 from the postvaccine era (2007-2012) were analyzed.
RESULTS
Among women aged 18-29 years, the prevalence of vaccine-type HPV declined among women receiving one or more doses of vaccine (P=.003): 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.1-13.8%) in the prevaccine era to 4.2% (95% CI 3.3-10.9%) in the postvaccine era. There was no change in prevalence of nonvaccine-type HPV among women receiving one or more doses of vaccine (P>.05). There was also no change in prevalence of vaccine-type HPV among unvaccinated women from the prevaccine era 10.1% (95% CI 7.1-13.8%) to 8.8% (95% CI 5.6-12.9%) in the postvaccine era (P=.4). Vaccine coverage increased to 31.5% of eligible women aged 18-29 years as of 2011-2012.
CONCLUSION
Six years after introduction of HPV vaccination in the United States, there has been a decrease in the prevalence of vaccine-type HPV among women correlated with receiving one or more vaccine doses with no change in nonvaccine-type HPV. Furthermore, there has been no change in prevalence of vaccine-type HPV among unvaccinated women. | 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001760 |
pubmed_882_23665 | Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) can present in a multitude of ways including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis. While the prognosis and therapy for these conditions may vary, it is crucial that the culprit drug is identified and withheld early as this can influence patient outcome. Mainstay of management is by supportive therapy. In all SCARs, long-term sequelae which may not be apparent initially can be debilitating and cause lasting impact on the quality of life of survivors. | 10.7861/clinmedicine.16-1-79 |
pubmed_486_10524 | OBJECTIVE
To assess and compare fetal cardiac parameters of fetuses listening to music before and during nonstress test, only during the test or never.
STUDY DESIGN
Thirty healthy mother-fetus dyads were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: group A in which fetuses were submitted to prelistening phase (33rd + 0 to 36th + 3 week) and listening sessions during 4 nonstress tests, group B in which fetuses were submitted to listening sessions during 4 nonstress tests, and group C receiving 4 nonstress tests without any listening. We assessed mean fetal heart rate, fetal heart rate accelerations, fetal heart rate decelerations, fetal movements and uterine contractility.
RESULTS
Fetuses of the group A, who had already listened to a particular piece of music during previous sessions, had significantly increased their heart rate accelerations and movements during the music listening session of the last nonstress test. No significant changes were observed in the number of uterine contractions.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that fetuses slightly respond to that music they know, but they do not significantly respond to unknown music. | 10.1080/14767058.2019.1663817 |
pubmed_154_22532 | In spite of achievements of modern cardiology cardiovascular mortality is still heavy. The first 24-hour mortality in myocardial infarction (MI) is dependent on a timely care delivery at the hospital stage. Causes are studied of pre-24 h lethality in 141 MI persons. Recommendations are given on reduction of the level of mortality. | pubmed_154_22532 |
pubmed_469_23335 | This guideline is intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients undergoing extracorporeal life support (ECLS)/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and describe what are believed to be useful and safe practice for extracorporeal life support (ECLS, ECMO) but these are not necessarily consensus recommendations. The aim of clinical guidelines are to help clinicians to make informed decisions about their patients. However, adherence to a guideline does not guarantee a successful outcome. Ultimately, healthcare professionals must make their own treatment decisions about care on a case-by-case basis, after consultation with their patients, using their clinical judgment, knowledge, and expertise. These guidelines do not take the place of physicians' and other health professionals' judgment in diagnosing and treatment of particular patients. These guidelines are not intended to and should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care nor exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment must be made by the physician and other health professionals and the patient in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient, and the known variability and biologic behavior of the clinical condition. These guidelines reflect the data at the time the guidelines were prepared; the results of subsequent studies or other information may cause revisions to the recommendations in these guidelines to be prudent to reflect new data, but Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) is under no obligation to provide updates. In no event will ELSO be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information provided through these guidelines. | 10.1097/MAT.0000000000001767 |
pubmed_506_7403 | New endoscopic and endovascular therapies have revolutionised the management of complex traumatic visceral aneurysms. A pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery following penetrating abdominal trauma was successfully managed by selective angiographic embolisation. | 10.7196/sajs.2083 |
pubmed_381_8137 | CO/CO2 hydrogenation has attracted much attention as a pathway to achieve carbon neutrality and production of synthetic natural gas (SNG). In this work, two-dimensional NiAl layered double oxide (2D NiAl-LDO) has been successfully decorated by SiO2 nanoparticles derived from SiCl4 and used as CO/CO2 methanation catalysts. The as-obtained H-SiO2-NiAl-LDO exhibited a large specific surface area of 201 m2/g as well as high ratio of metallic Ni0 species and surface adsorption oxygen that were beneficial for low-temperature methanation of CO/CO2. The conversion of CO methanation was 99% at 400 °C, and that of CO2 was 90% at 350 °C. At 250 °C, the CO methanation reached 85% whereas that of CO2 reached 23% at 200 °C. We believe that this provides a simple method to improve the methanation performance of CO and CO2 and a strategy for the modification of other similar catalysts. | 10.3390/nano12173041 |
pubmed_1110_1347 | Various methods are currently used by the food industry to investigate and prepare emulsions, encapsulates, and other structures. However, these techniques do not allow accurate control over processing variables, which can negatively impact the resultant product properties. In this context, microfluidic technology has been proposed as a powerful tool for the development of innovative food structures, given its use of small amounts of fluids and high reproducibility, resulting in monodisperse droplets and particles. These benefits prove useful when a researcher is interested in investigating the fundamental effects of specific variables while keeping the others under precise control. This review presents an overview of the use of microfluidic devices as technological tools for the preparation of innovative food products and discusses their potential for the development of tailored delivery systems. | 10.1146/annurev-food-030117-012545 |
pubmed_660_3829 | The present study was conducted to reveal the effect of bags with different colors on the fruit coloration of 'Yunhongli No. 2'. The differences in fruit skin color, chlorophyll, flavonoids, total phenol, anthocyanin contents and the activities of related enzymes involved in anthocyanin synthesis among different bagging treatments were evaluated. The results showed that dark treatment at the fruit development stage was beneficial to skin coloration after bag removing. After removing bags, the anthocyanin content in the treatment of natural light was highest and the red coloration of the fruit skin were best, followed by the treatment of white bags. The different bagging treatments significantly affected the contents of chlorophyll, flavonoids, total phenol, anthocyanin in the fruit skin, thereby affected the skin coloration. The activities of related enzymes for anthocyanin synthesis showed significant differences among the different bagging treatments. The correlation analysis suggested that the anthocyanin content was significantly positively related with the activities of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and UDP-glucose flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransf-erase (UFGT), however, it had no significant correlation with the activity of phenylalanin ammo-nialyase (PAL). | pubmed_660_3829 |
pubmed_169_828 | The proteins which become associated with the paternally derived chromatin during fertilization may be instrumental in its activation and in the dramatic structural metamorphosis of the sperm nucleus during pronuclear development. Proteins associated with sperm and zygote nuclei and male and female pronuclei of fertilized sea urchin eggs were analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in order to examine nuclear protein changes in the paternally and maternally derived chromatin following insemination. Results demonstrate major changes in both the solubility characteristics and polypeptide profiles of sperm nuclei upon insemination. Evidence is presented which indicates that at fertilization the paternally derived chromatin acquires proteins of molecular weights greater than 80,000 and a nuclear protein composition similar to that of the female pronucleus. The nuclear proteins associated with zygote nuclei were compared to those of combined male and female pronuclei and showed many similarities and some differences. Several polypeptides were present in zygote nuclei which were not observed in pronuclear extracts. | 10.1002/jez.1402030305 |
pubmed_492_5761 | This work reports the preparation of new Cu(2+) ion-imprinted polymeric nanoparticles using 1-hydroxy-4-(prop-2'-enyloxy)-9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) as a vinylated chelating agent. The Cu(2+) ion found to form a stable 1:1 complex with AQ in methanol solution. The resulting Cu(2+)-AQ complex was copolymerized with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, as a cross-linking monomer, via precipitation polymerization method. The imprint copper ion was removed from the polymeric matrix using a 0.1 mol L(-1) HNO(3) solution. The Cu(2+)-imprinted polymeric nanoparticles were characterized by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms. The SEM micrographs showed colloidal nanoparticles of 60-100 nm in diameter and slightly irregular in shape. Optimum pH for maximum sorption was 7.0. Sorption and desorption of Cu(2+) ion on the IIP nanoparticles were quite fast and achieved completely over entire investigated time periods of 2-30 min. Maximum sorbent capacity and enrichment factor of the prepared IIP for Cu(2+) were 73.8 μmol g(-1) and 56.5, respectively. The relative standard deviation and limit of detection (C(LOD)=3S(b)/m) of the method were evaluated as 2.6% and 0.1 ng mL(-1), using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, respectively. It was found that the imprinting technology results in increased affinity of the prepared material toward Cu(2+) ion over other metal ions with the same charge and close ionic radius. The relative standard deviations for six and twenty replicates with the same nanoparticles were found to be 1.7% and 2.1%, respectively. | 10.1016/j.talanta.2010.10.021 |
pubmed_377_10880 | Prior to Patrick Manson's discovery in 1877 that the mosquito Culex fatigans was the intermediate host of filariasis, the association of insects with disease and the nature of disease transmission was almost entirely speculation. Manson's work was incomplete, however, because it showed the manner in which the mosquito acquired the infection from humans, but failed to show the way in which the mosquito passed the infection to humans. That pathogens were transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito was later proven experimentally with bird malaria by Manson's protégé, Ronald Ross. In 1898 Ross demonstrated that the infective stage of the malarial parasite was injected into the host when the mosquito released saliva into the wound prior to injesting blood. Insects were suspected as carriers of disease for centuries, yet it was not until the late 1870s that the uncritical acceptance of folk beliefs was supplanted by research-based scientific medicine. Why did it take so long? The answer lies in the fact that early medicine itself was imprecise and could not have pursued the subject with any hope of useful results until the last quarter of the 19th century. A better understanding of the nature of the disease process (germ theory of disease) and improved technology (microscopes and oil-immersion lenses with greater resolving power, and synthetic tissue stains) were indispensable for revealing the nexus between those partners in crime: insects and parasites. | 10.1353/pbm.2011.0030 |
others_314_205049 | The Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) is currently considered one of the most endangered primates in the world and is classified as critically endangered (IUCN). It faces multiple threats, the most significant one being habitat loss due to deforestation in western Ecuador. Genomic tools are key for the management of endangered species, but this requires a reference genome which until now was unavailable for A. f. fusciceps. The present study reports the first whole genome sequence and assembly of A. f. fusciceps generated using Oxford Nanopore long reads. DNA was extracted from a subadult male and libraries were prepared for sequencing following the Ligation Sequencing Kit SQK-LSK112 workflow. Sequencing was performed using a MinION Mk1C sequencer. The sequencing reads were processed to generate a genome assembly. Two different assemblers were used to obtain draft genomes using raw reads, of which the Flye assembly was found to be superior. The final assembly has a total length of 2.63 Gb and contains 3,861 contigs, with an N50 of 7,560,531 bp. The assembly was analyzed for annotation completeness based on primate ortholog prediction using a high-resolution database, and was found to be 84.3% complete, with a low number of duplicated genes indicating a precise assembly. The annotation of the assembly predicted 31,417 protein-coding genes, comparable to other mammal assemblies. A reference genome for this critically endangered species will allow researchers to gain insight into the genetics of its populations and thus aid conservation and management efforts of this vulnerable species | 10.1101/2023.08.29.555347 |
pubmed_741_7318 | A percutaneous, multiple-puncture method for the testing of tuberculin reactivity called Monotest (Mérieux) was compared with the conventional, intracutaneous, Mantoux test in 182 schoolchildren (14 years of age) and 338 adults. Correspondence of reactivity was observed in 84 and 85% respectively. These results indicate that the Monotest could be used to select schoolchildren for BCG-vaccination in Sweden. | 10.1016/s0092-1157(83)80024-9 |
pubmed_1040_10440 | Obstruction to airflow in the lung was studied in 150 patients who presented with coin lesions necessitating surgical resection of the lung. Pulmonary function tests were performed before surgery, and the structure of the lung or lobe was analysed by means of morphometric techniques. The evolution of obstructive airways disease appeared to be based on a progressive chronic inflammatory reaction in the respiratory and membranous bronchioles. This led to progressive airway obstruction and was associated with destruction of the lung surface. The early pulmonary vascular problems appeared to be related to progressive airways obstruction that may have increased pulmonary artery pressure by causing alveolar pressure to increase more than pleural pressure during the hyperventilation of exercise. | 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1985.tb113531.x |
pubmed_876_21648 | We describe here fluorescence polarization-based methods to investigate class I MHC-peptide interactions in solution. Fluorescein-labelled peptides were used to determine MHC/peptide complex association and dissociation constants as well as the equilibrium binding constant (KD). Furthermore, we developed a competition assay for the determination of IC50 values of nonlabelled compounds. Both kinetic and equilibrium parameters are of prime importance for the development of immunomodulating compounds. The assays described here show a good reproducibility and require only picomolar amounts of labelled tracers. A high ratio between the experimental values obtained for bound and free labelled ligand as well as a low standard deviation, permits the detection of class I MHC ligands with low affinity. Fluorescence polarization allows the direct measurement of the ratio between free and bound labelled ligand in solution without any separation step. Thus, in combination with microtiter-plates, the time for analysis is significantly decreased to 10 s per sample. Our assays represent versatile tools for characterizing the binding of single ligands as well as for rapid screening of large numbers of compounds. | 10.1016/s0022-1759(01)00423-9 |
pubmed_697_11366 | We investigated the first laboratory-confirmed human case of cowpox virus infection in Russia since 1991. Phylogenetic studies of haemagglutinin, TNF-α receptor-like protein and thymidine kinase regions showed significant differences with known orthopoxviruses, including unique amino-acid substitutions and deletions. The described cowpox virus strain, taking into account differences, is genetically closely related to strains isolated years ago in the same geographical region (European part of Russia and Finland), which suggests circulation of viral strains with common origin in wild rodents without spread over long distances and appearance in other parts of the world. | 10.1017/S0950268816002922 |
pubmed_847_13315 | Objective. Acute blockade of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by ketamine induces symptoms and electrophysiological changes similar to schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown that ketamine elicits aberrant gamma oscillations in several cortical areas and impairs coupling strength between the low-frequency phase and fast frequency amplitude, which plays an important role in integrating functional information.Approach. This study utilized a customized wireless electrocorticography (ECoG) recording device to collect subdural signals from the somatosensory and primary auditory cortices in two monkeys. Ketamine was administered at a dose of 3 mg kg-1(intramuscular) or 0.56 mg kg-1(intravenous) to elicit brain oscillation reactions. We analyzed the raw data using methods such as power spectral density, time-frequency spectra, and phase-amplitude coupling (PAC).Main results. Acute ketamine triggered broadband gamma and high gamma oscillation power and decreased lower frequencies. The effect was stronger in the primary auditory cortex than in the somatosensory area. The coupling strength between the low phase of theta and the faster amplitude of gamma/high gamma bands was increased by a lower dose (0.56 mg kg-1iv) and decreased with a higher dose (3 mg kg-1im) ketamine.Significance. Our results showed that lower and higher doses of ketamine elicited differential effects on theta-gamma PAC. These findings support the utility of ECoG models as a translational platform for pharmacodynamic research in future research. | 10.1088/1741-2552/ac6293 |
pubmed_741_5341 | A single case where persistent and pervasive ruminations were treated by intensive audiotaped exposure to the ruminations themselves is reported. Exposure at two levels produced significant effects in an interrupted time series analysis of daily frequency, and the patient was rumination free at the end of treatment and at 6 months follow-up. | 10.1111/j.2044-8260.1983.tb00618.x |
pubmed_450_8021 | BACKGROUND
Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) require access to comprehensive physician and pharmacy benefits to prevent recurrence and hemorrhage. Before 2006, Massachusetts provided these benefits through a program restricted to safety net hospitals called Free Care. Providing portable health insurance through Massachusetts health reform could improve outcomes for uninsured with VTE but its cost-effectiveness is unknown.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We constructed a Markov decision analysis model comparing our conceptualization of the Massachusetts health reform (health reform strategy) to no health reform strategy for a patient beginning warfarin for new episode of VTE. In the model, a patient may develop recurrent VTE or develop hemorrhage or stop warfarin after 6 months if no event occurs. To measure effectiveness, we analyzed laboratory data from Boston Medical Center, the largest safety net hospital in Massachusetts. Specifically, we measured the probability of having a subtherapeutic warfarin level for patients newly insured compared with those on Free Care prereform adjusting for secular trends. To calculate inpatient costs, we used the Health Care Utilization Project. We then calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the health reform strategy adjusted to 2014 USD per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and performed sensitivity analyses. The health reform strategy cost less and gained more QALYs than the no health reform strategy. Our result was most sensitive to the odds that Health Reform protected against a subtherapeutic warfarin level, the cost of Health Reform, and the percentage of total health care costs attributable to VTE in Massachusetts.
CONCLUSION
The health reform strategy cost less and was more effective than the no health reform strategy for patients with VTE. | 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000506 |
pubmed_568_265 | Iridium(iii) complexes are potent candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT), but some key drawbacks still hamper clinical translation, such as poor operability in the phototherapeutic window, high dark toxicity, and low reactive oxygen species (ROS) production efficiency. In this work, a near-infrared phosphorescent Ir(iii) complex conjugated to a xanthene dye, NIR-Ir-XE, is reported with highly favourable properties for mitochondria-targeted imaging and cancer phototherapy. The generation of the triplet excited state of a xanthene moiety endows the NIR-Ir-XE to form singlet oxygen (1O2) for use as a photodynamic therapy agent after irradiation with visible light. Compared with the xanthene-free Ir(iii) counterpart (NIR-Ir-bpy), the xanthene-modified cyclometalated Ir(iii) photosensitizer NIR-Ir-XE exhibits higher 1O2 generation efficiency, negligible dark toxicity and a better therapeutic effect. Importantly, a clear correlation between cell death and intracellular generation of 1O2 derived from NIR-Ir-XE after light irradiation was demonstrated. The corresponding in vivo photo-antitumor performance was further demonstrated to be effective in tumor-bearing mice. The observed properties of NIR-Ir-XE qualify it as a promising PDT agent. | 10.1039/d1bm00128k |
pubmed_102_65 | Thousands of information system products are available to the hospital manager. Therefore, it can be useful to have an overview of the major HIS vendors. In this discussion, the vendors' products are grouped by hospital size--large, medium, and small. With such a list, those interested in acquiring or upgrading a system will have the information necessary to begin the process. | pubmed_102_65 |
pubmed_475_901 | Extracted ion beams from the test laser ion source (LIS) were transported through a test beam transport line which is almost identical to the actual primary beam transport in the current electron beam ion source apparatus. The tested species were C, Al, Si, Cr, Fe, Cu, Ag, Ta, and Au. The all measured beam currents fulfilled the requirements. However, in the case of light mass ions, the recorded emittance shapes have larger aberrations and the RMS values are higher than 0.06 π mm mrad, which is the design goal. Since we have margin to enhance the beam current, if we then allow some beam losses at the injection point, the number of the single charged ions within the acceptance can be supplied. For heaver ions like Ag, Ta, and Au, the LIS showed very good performance. | 10.1063/1.4854876 |
others_413_31032 | In the absence of epidemiological, microbiological or outbreak data, systematic identification of the hazards and food products posing the higher risk to the consumers is challenging. It is usually in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), where the burden of foodborne disease is highest that data tend to be particularly scarce. In this study, we propose qualitative risk-ranking methods for pathogens and food products that can be used in settings where scarcity of data on the frequency/concentration of pathogens in foodstuff is a barrier towards the use of classical risk assessment frameworks. The approach integrates the existing knowledge on foodborne pathogens, manufacturing processes and intrinsic/extrinsic properties of food products with key context-specific information regarding the supply chain(s), characteristics of the Food Business Operators (FBOs) and cultural habits to identify: (i) the pathogens that should be considered as a "High" food safety priority and (ii) the food products posing the higher risk of consumer exposure to microbiological hazards via oral (ingestion) route. When applied to the dairy sector of Andhra Pradesh (India) as a case study, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were identified as a "High" food safety priority across all FBOs, C. sakazakii a "High" priority for the FBOs producing infant formula/milk powder whilst Shigella spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. a "High" priority when considering the FBOs operating towards the informal end of the formal-informal spectrum. The risk ranking of dairy products was informed by a preliminary cluster analysis for early identification of products that are similar with regards to intrinsic/extrinsic features known to drive the microbiological risk. Products manufactured/retailed by FBOs in the informal market were considered as posing a "High" risk for the consumers due to a widespread lack of compliance to sanitary regulations. For dairy products produced by FBOs operating in the middle and formal end of the formal-informal spectrum, the risk of consumers exposure to microbiological hazards ranged from "Medium" to "Extremely low" depending on the FBO and the intrinsic/extrinsic properties of the products. While providing risk estimates of lower resolution if compared to data-driven risk assessments, the proposed method maximises the value of the information that can be easily gathered in LMICs and provide informative outputs to support food safety decision-making in contexts where resources to be allocated for prevention of foodborne diseases are limited and the food system is complex | 10.1101/2022.04.07.22273592 |
pubmed_386_11757 | A major deleterious side effect of glucocorticoids is skin atrophy. Glucocorticoids activate the glucocorticoid and the mineralocorticoid (MR) receptor, both present in the epidermis. We hypothesized that glucocorticoid-induced epidermal atrophy may be related to inappropriate occupancy of MR by glucocorticoids. We evaluated whether epidermal atrophy induced by the topical glucocorticoid clobetasol could be limited by coadministration of MR antagonist. In cultured human skin explants, the epidermal atrophy induced by clobetasol was significantly limited by MR antagonism (canrenoate and eplerenone). Blockade of the epithelial sodium channel ENaC by phenamil was also efficient, identifying a role of MR-ENaC cascade in keratinocytes, acting through restoration of clobetasol-induced impairment of keratinocyte proliferation. In the SPIREPI randomized double-blind controlled trial, gels containing clobetasol, the MR antagonist spironolactone, both agents, or placebo were applied on four zones of the forearms of 23 healthy volunteers for 28 days. Primary outcome was histological thickness of the epidermis with clobetasol alone or clobetasol+spironolactone. Spironolactone alone did not affect the epidermal thickness but coapplication of clobetasol and spironolactone significantly limited clobetasol-induced atrophy and was well tolerated. Altogether, these findings identify MR as a factor regulating epidermal homeostasis and suggest that topical MR blockade could limit glucocorticoid-induced epidermal atrophy. | 10.1038/jid.2015.44 |
pubmed_247_1857 | Nine oligopeptides corresponding to segments of different open reading frame (ORF) proteins of human papillomavirus (HPV) 6b and HPV-16 were prepared and tested for reactivity with human sera in enzyme-immunoassay (ELISA). Of these only heptadecapeptide derived from L2 ORF of HPV-6b, and encoded also by L2 ORF of HPV 11, was reactive with some human sera. Over 400 human sera of different origin were tested for the presence of antibody to this antigen. While less than 15% of sera from healthy subjects or cervical carcinoma patients were found antibody positive, sera from the majority of condylomata accuminata (CA) patients were reactive. The antibody titres varied from 1:10 (initial serum dilution) to 1:80; in this respect there was no marked difference between sera from CA patients and the other subjects. The prevalence of antibody was higher among promiscuous than nonpromiscuous women. This is in line with the assumption that sexual intercourse is the most important route of HPV 6 and 11 transmission. | pubmed_247_1857 |
others_80_5420 | Glucose tolerance tests were conducted on seven donkeys, seven horses and seven ponies. The average initial plasma glucose value for all equines was 86.8 mg/dl. The values increased approximately two-fold by 2 hours after oral glucose administration. Plasma glucose values for horses and ponies returned to near initial values within 6 hours (87 and 82 mg/dl, respectively), but the donkeys remained higher (114 mg/dl) (P <.05). Insulin curves were similar for horses and ponies except for one pony that had an insulin response several-fold that of the other ponies. Metabolic differences among types of equids were demonstrated, but further studies are needed to determine the possible consequences of the differences. © 1992, William E. Jones. All Rights Reserved.. All rights reser | 10.1016/S0737-0806(06)81289-X |
pubmed_537_14728 | We propose a 3-D edge detector for gray voxel-based data, generalizing the well-known Sobel operator for 2-D images. Three differentiation operators are defined corresponding to the three principal directions (coordinate axes). Each operator computes the sum of the intensity differences between certain pairs of neighbors of a voxel corresponding to a principal direction. The proposed edge detector corresponds to the square root of the average of the squares of the three differentiation operators. Implementation of the proposed operator is given for biological images such as CAT and MRI scan data and an electron density map of a macromolecule. | 10.1016/0010-4825(96)00003-0 |
pubmed_649_13422 | Anatomical structures that are displaced periodically during respiration are repeated as ghosts in magnetic resonance (MR) images. These ghosts can be suppressed in many ways: the averaging of multiple sets of data, respiratory gating, deliberate positioning of ghosts, and respiratory ordering of phase encoding. Each method has a unique mechanism, which is described in detail. A theoretical investigation has been conducted into the effects that the methods have on the point spread function of a moving point. Data acquired in Fourier imaging are actually in the spatial frequency domain, so that respiratory motion can be regarded as a function of spatial frequency. The four methods above modify this functional dependence in different ways, allowing a unified comparison. Motion artifact suppression imposes additional constraints on image acquisition, which can prolong the imaging time. A technique has been developed that keeps the imaging time short by using the configuration of the subject to regulate the timing of image acquisition. | 10.1118/1.595851 |
pubmed_591_14009 | Objective
To determine whether the body size-adapted volume computed tomography (CT) dose index (CTDvol) in pediatric cardiothoracic CT with tube current modulation is better to be entered before or after scan range adjustment for radiation dose optimization.
Materials and Methods
In 83 patients, cardiothoracic CT with tube current modulation was performed with the body size-adapted CTDIvol entered after (group 1, n = 42) or before (group 2, n = 41) scan range adjustment. Patient-related, radiation dose, and image quality parameters were compared and correlated between the two groups.
Results
The CTDIvol after the CT scan in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (1.7 ± 0.1 mGy vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 mGy; p < 0.0001). Image noise (4.6 ± 0.5 Hounsfield units [HU] vs. 4.5 ± 0.7 HU) and image quality (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6) showed no significant differences between the two (p > 0.05). In both groups, all patient-related parameters, except body density, showed positive correlations (r = 0.49-0.94; p < 0.01) with the CTDIvol before and after the CT scan. The CTDIvol after CT scan showed modest positive correlation (r = 0.49; p ≤ 0.001) with image noise in group 1 but no significant correlation (p > 0.05) in group 2.
Conclusion
In pediatric cardiothoracic CT with tube current modulation, the CTDIvol entered before scan range adjustment provides a significant dose reduction (18%) with comparable image quality compared with that entered after scan range adjustment. | 10.3348/kjr.2018.19.4.692 |
pubmed_453_2617 | Hispanic women constitute one of the fastest growing and most diverse groups in the United States, representing many countries of origin and cultural practices. The purpose of this evaluation study, using an ex post facto design, was to examine well-being during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes for a cohort of 113 Hispanic women receiving perinatal care at the clinic of a community hospital in an old industrial city in the Northeast. The received adequacy of prenatal care for the study sample women was very high. The low-birthweight rate was lower than for the study hospital, the study city, the state, and the entire United States. The results of this study demonstrate the favorable effects of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and culturally sensitive model of prenatal care on these women's well-being and birth outcomes. Findings also support the need for an outreach program targeted at hard-to-reach women in the inadequate, received-care group and women with later initiation of care. | 10.1111/j.1525-1446.1996.tb00269.x |
pubmed_328_22180 | Careful technique is required in pacemaker implantation to avoid serious iatrogenic complications. A 70-year-old woman on an anticoagulant agent underwent pacemaker implantation. Nine months after implantation, a 35-mm pulsatile mass appeared just near the cranial edge of the generator. An iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm was suspected because ultrasonography showed communication with the blood stream through tiny artery. The resected mass proved to be a pseudoaneurysm. This was a rare case of iatrogenic delayed pseudoaneurysm appearing nine months later. It is essential to keep in mind the risk of pseudoaneurysm after pacemaker implantation, especially when the patient takes anticoagulant agents. <Learning objective: Iatrogenic delayed pseudoaneurysm might develop after pacemaker implantation. It is essential to avoid risk factors for a pseudoaneurysm after pacemaker implantation when the patient is taking anticoagulant agents and to keep in mind careful follow-up even after discharge. Prospective measures such as suspension of antithrombotic agents, minimizing puncture attempts, and wound compression are also important.>. | 10.1016/j.jccase.2017.05.007 |
pubmed_651_434 | Eleven patients suffering from primary depressive illness were treated with 300 mg/d of viloxazine for 29 days. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals and severity of depression assessed using the Hamilton depression rating scale. Mean plasma viloxazine level for all patients during the trial was 1.20 micrograms/ml and ranged from 0.40 to 2.70 micrograms/ml. No simple relationship between plasma concentration and amelioration score was observed at day (rs = -0.02), day 22 (rs = -0.29) or day 29 (rs = 0.09). No significant difference in plasma concentrations between responders and non-responders was observed at day 29. Side effects were not correlated with plasma concentrations. | 10.1016/0165-0327(80)90002-6 |
pubmed_398_10863 | Using equimolar quantities of 2 chemical allergens, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), noted for its ability to cause respiratory hypersensitivity, and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), noted for its dermal sensitizing activity, the mouse was evaluated as a possible model to indicate respiratory hypersensitivity. A previously published procedure (Garssen et al. (1989) Immunology 68, 51-58) was followed whereby chemicals were applied epicutaneously to the shaved flank of BALB/c mice. Eight days later, animals were challenged by intranasal application of the chemical. The lungs were evaluated at 48 h. Both TDI and DNCB elicited mild mononuclear inflammatory cuffing around pulmonary vasculature. No reaction was noted around pulmonary airways. Sera, drawn 48 h following the intranasal challenge with chemical allergen, were evaluated for total IgE, hapten-specific IgE and IgG, and for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and interferon gamma. Animals exposed to TDI demonstrated decreased total IgE and the presence of TDI-specific IgG. Cytokine levels were unchanged in both groups. These results indicate that in this mouse model, total serum IgE and the production of hapten-specific IgG antibodies distinguished a respiratory from a contact sensitizing chemical. Further comparison of the serologic response of mice to these two classes of chemicals is required to determine if the murine model can be used to predict dermal versus respiratory sensitizing activity of chemical allergens. | 10.1016/0378-4274(94)03234-x |
others_189_229 | Effects of cool temperature due to late planting and low light due to shading on sucrose metabolism in cotton fiber were investigated with two cotton cultivars (Kemian 1, cool temperature-tolerant and Sumian 15, cool temperature-sensitive) at two planting dates (the optimized planting date 25 April and the late planting date 10 June) along with two shading levels of crop relative light rate (CRLR) 100% and 60% in 2010 and 2011. Compared with the optimized planting date with CRLR 100% (OPD), the acid invertase (AI) activity was little affected in the optimized planting date with CRLR 60% (OPD-CRLR 60%). The sucrose synthase (SuSy) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activities were decreased, which would reduce sucrose degradation and recycle, hindering the synthesis of cellulose. However, the sucrose concentration was decreased, which might be because of lower sucrose import from the leaf. The transcript levels of sucrose synthase gene (Susy) and sucrose phosphate synthase gene (SPS) isoforms were decreased. Comparison between the two cultivars, SPS1 was the largest down-regulated isoform in Kemian 1, but SPS2 was the largest down-regulated isoform in Sumian 15. Also, the SPS activity was more sensitive to low light for Kemian 1 than Sumian 15. Although SuSy and AI activities were much higher in the late planting date with CRLR 100% (LPD) than OPD, sucrose concentration was still high. Therefore, a lot of sucrose could not be fluently used in cellulose synthesis, leading to the decrease of cellulose concentration. The transcript levels of the three SPS isoforms increased for both cultivars. The expressions of SusyA, SusyB, and SusyC were increased for Kemian 1, but the expressions of SusyD, SusyA, SusyB, and SusyC were significantly decreased for Sumian 15. In the late planting date with CRLR 60%, no interaction effect between cool temperature and low light was observed in the concentrations of cellulose and sucrose, the activities of SPS and AI and the expression of SPS3, but was found in the transcript levels of SusyB and SPS2 for both cultivars. Also, the interaction effect was observed in the transcript levels of SusyA, SusyC, SusyD and SPS1 in Sumian 15, but was not found in Kemian 1. © 2016 Elsevier B.V | 10.1016/j.envexpbot.2016.08.001 |
pubmed_379_14301 | Severe neonatal hypoglycaemia in five Saudi Arab infants of both sexes belonging to two families of consanguineous parents is reported. All of these infants needed sub-total pancreatectomy to maintain normoglycaemia. Histopathological studies with immunohistochemistry proved diffuse nesidioblastosis of the pancreas in all five infants. Data obtained from these families and other families reported in the literature strongly suggest that familial nesidioblastosis is an autosomal recessive disorder. Knowledge of the inheritance pattern is important both for genetic counselling and for making a prompt diagnosis in subsequently affected siblings, as delay in appropriate treatment may have serious consequences. | 10.1080/02724936.1994.11747731 |
pubmed_864_8238 | Dialysis procedure rates in Germany were changed in 2002 from per-session to weekly flat rate payments, and quality assurance was introduced in 2009 with defined treatment targets for spKt/V, dialysis frequency, treatment time, and hemoglobin. In order to understand trends in treatment parameters before and after the introduction of these changes, we analyzed data from 407 to 618 prevalent patients each year (hemodialysis over 90 days) in 14-21 centers in cross-sections of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (phases 1-4, 1998-2011). Descriptive statistics were used to report differences over time in the four quality assurance parameters along with erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) and intravenous iron doses. Time trends were analyzed using linear mixed models adjusted for patient demographics and comorbidities. The proportion of patients with short treatment times (less than 4 h) and low spKt/V (below 1.2) improved throughout the study and was lowest after implementation of quality assurance. Hemoglobin levels have increased since 1998 and remained consistent since 2005, with only 8-10% of patients below 10 g/dl. About 90% of patients were prescribed ESAs, with the dose declining since peaking in 2006. Intravenous iron use was highest in 2011. Hence, trends to improve quality metrics for hemodialysis have been established in Germany even after introduction of flat rate reimbursement. Thus, analysis of facility practice patterns is needed to maintain quality of care in a cost-containment environment. | 10.1038/ki.2013.143 |
pubmed_421_15248 | The groundwater quality of the Upper Pearl River Watershed (UPRW) and surface water quality of the basin's outlet, Ross Barnett Reservoir (RBR), are critically important because of growing demands for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use in the region. To identify factors affecting water quality and characterize the surface water outlet and the watershed's groundwater, geochemical and statistical analyses were performed using results from various hydrogeochemical parameters. Based on surface geology, groundwater samples analyzed (n = 51) within the watershed were partitioned into three recharge zones: North, Mid, and South. Precipitation and rock-water interactions were identified to dominantly influence the groundwater chemistry in the region. The chemistry of the surface water samples (n = 9), on the other hand, was influenced more by precipitation with minor contribution from the proximal aquifer system. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that two groundwater recharge zones and RBR samples exhibited significant clustering. The groundwater had a complex array of parameters influencing its chemistry owing to diverse properties, including Na, Ca, Mg, alkalinity, and conductivity. Comparing land use at the sub-watershed level with the water quality parameters showed that agriculture and development could have contributed nitrate, especially to the groundwater in the south zone. However, a general lack of distinct relationship between land use and water quality, along with detection of excess nitrate in select wells suggested that the water in the region was likely affected by point sources, such as poultry farms. The research recommends evaluating point sources of pollution to cater to future water management in the region. | 10.1007/s10661-021-09045-7 |
pubmed_930_2490 | We use computer software graphics (MacPaint) to create individualized drawings that can be reproduced as high-resolution printouts, kept in disk storage, or transmitted via telephone lines. | 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)76042-8 |
pubmed_28_17254 | Many evolutionary relationships remain controversial despite whole-genome sequencing data. These controversies arise, in part, due to challenges associated with accurately modeling the complex phylogenetic signal coming from genomic regions experiencing distinct evolutionary forces. Here, we examine how different regions of the genome support or contradict well-established relationships among three mammal groups using millions of orthologous parsimony-informative biallelic sites (PIBS) distributed across primate, rodent, and Pecora genomes. We compared PIBS concordance percentages among locus types (e.g. coding sequences (CDS), introns, intergenic regions), and contrasted PIBS utility over evolutionary timescales. Sites derived from noncoding sequences provided more data and proportionally more concordant sites compared with those from CDS in all clades. CDS PIBS were also predominant drivers of tree incongruence in two cases of topological conflict. PIBS derived from most locus types provided surprisingly consistent support for splitting events spread across the timescales we examined, although we find evidence that CDS and intronic PIBS may, respectively and to a limited degree, inform disproportionately about older and younger splits. In this era of accessible wholegenome sequence data, these results:1) suggest benefits to more intentionally focusing on noncoding loci as robust data for tree inference and 2) reinforce the importance of accurate modeling, especially when using CDS data. | 10.1093/molbev/msab026 |
pubmed_368_21833 | The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of seven VEGF promoter polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in Punjabi population from North West India. We screened DNA samples of 102 sporadic breast cancer patients and 102 unrelated healthy, gender, and age-matched individuals for seven VEGF promoter polymorphisms [-417 C/T (rs833062), -172 C/A (rs59260042), -165 C/T (rs79469752), -160 C/T, -152 G/A (rs13207351), -141 A/C (rs28357093) and -116 G/A (rs1570360)] by direct sequencing. The frequency of GG, GA, and AA genotype of -152 G/A polymorphism was 26.47 vs 38.34%, 46.08 vs 51.96%, and 27.45 vs 9.80%, in patients and controls, respectively. VEGF -152 AA genotype was significantly associated with increased risk for breast cancer (OR = 4.04, 95%CI, 1.69-9.68, p = 0.001; recessive model OR = 3.48, 95%CI, 1.59-7.63, p = 0.001). For VEGF -116 G/A polymorphism, G and A allele frequencies were 65.2 vs 76.47% and 34.8 vs 23.53% in patients and controls, respectively. Individuals having -116 AA genotype (OR = 3.40; 95%CI, 1.24-9.37; p = 0.014) and A allele (OR = 1.73; 95%CI, 1.12-2.67; p = 0.012) were associated with increased risk for breast cancer. VEGF -165 C/T and -141 A/C polymorphisms were associated with reduced risk for breast cancer. There was significantly decreased frequency of CT genotype (4.90 vs 18.63%; p = 0.002) and T allele (2.45 vs 9.31%; p = 0.003) of -165 C/T polymorphism among breast cancer patients as compared to controls. VEGF -141 A and C allele frequency were 96.57 vs 91.18% and 3.43 vs 8.82% in patients and controls, respectively. Significant reduced risk for breast cancer was observed with AC genotype (OR = 0.34, 95%CI, 0.14-0.86; p = 0.019) and C allele (OR = 0.37; 95%CI, 0.15-0.89; p = 0.023) of -141 A/C polymorphism. We did not observe association of VEGF -417 T/C, -172 C/A, -160 C/T polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in the studied subjects (p > 0.05). The VEGF -152 G/A and -116 G/A polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with increased risk for breast cancer while -165 C/T and -141 A/C polymorphisms were found to be associated with decreased risk for breast cancer in Punjabi population from North West India. | 10.1007/s13277-014-2404-0 |
pubmed_637_15443 | Anthropogenic activities have transformed the global geochemical cycling of heavy metals (HMs). Many physical, chemical and biological methods are used to reduce the toxicity of HMs to humans, plants and environment. This study aimed to investigate the immobilization and phytotoxicity reduction of HMs after application of bamboo biochar (BB) in mine-polluted soil in Feng county (FC) and Tongguan (TG). The results showed that BB application to contaminated soil immobilized HMs (Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu). The soil pH and EC increased and the bioavailability of HMs decreased in FC and TG, whereas Pb and Cu increased in TG soil. The addition of BB reduced HMs uptake in the shoot/root of Brassica juncea. Physiological responses showed that BB application improved the shoot/root growth, dry biomass, and enhanced the chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoid concentrations in Brassica. The incorporation of BB improved the soil health and accelerated enzymatic activities (β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase and urease) in HMs polluted soils. Antioxidant activities (POD, PPO, CAT and SOD) were also used as biomarkers to determine the negative effects of HMs on the growth of Brassica. Overall, the immobilization potential and phytotoxicity reduction of HMs were confirmed by BCF, TF and MEA for both soils. | 10.1038/s41598-017-03045-9 |
pubmed_1119_9119 | Semotiadil fumarate (SD-3211), a Ca2+ channel blocker of benzothiazine derivative and its (S)-(-)-enantiomer (SD-3212), inhibited K(+)- and norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions in isolated rat aortas. Inhibition of NE contraction induced by both drugs was greater than that induced by diltiazem or bepridil, whereas inhibition of K(+)-contraction was similar to that induced by diltiazem or bepridil. Semotiadil and SD-3212 (10 microM) inhibited the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) induced by 65.4 mM K+ in fura-2-loaded preparations as well as diltiazem and bepridil (10 microM). On the other hand, semotiadil and SD-3212 (10 microM) inhibited only the early phase of increase in [Ca2+]i induced by 1 microM NE. After 5 min, no significant effect on [Ca2+]i was observed with these compounds despite the significant decrease in the contraction. In contrast to these compounds, diltiazem and bepridil 10 microM affected neither the increase in [Ca2+]i nor the contraction induced by NE. Semotiadil and SD-3212 inhibited the transient contraction induced by 1 microM NE in the absence of external Ca2+. Both compounds partially but significantly inhibited the NE-induced contraction in nifedipine-treated muscles. These results suggest that semotiadil and SD-3212 inhibit contractions of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) not only through blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels but also through other mechanisms, such as inhibition of Ca2+ release from Ca2+ stores or decrease in sensitivity of the contractile elements to Ca2+. | 10.1097/00005344-199502000-00011 |
pubmed_927_18173 | We investigated the effect of the Chinese herb Injectio Salvia Miltiorrhizae (ISM) on human platelet function in vitro. ISM inhibited platelet aggregation and serotonin release induced by either ADP or epinephrine in a dose dependent manner. This effect of ISM was observed with both gel-filtered platelets (ID50 = 8-30 micrograms ISM/ml gel-filtered platelets) and platelets in plasma (ID50 = 400-900 micrograms ISM/ml of platelet-rich plasma). The active molecule(s) in ISM was heat stable, resistant to acid, base and proteolysis and fractionated on Sephadex 6-25 at MW approximately 280. ISM did not interact with the platelet alpha-adrenergic receptor, but increased cAMP in intact platelets. The results are consistent with the concept that ISM inhibition of platelet aggregation and release is mediated by an increase in platelet cAMP. The exact mechanism whereby ISM increases platelet cAMP appears to be that of inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The effect of ISM on platelet function is one mechanism which might explain the therapeutic effect of ISM in experimental and clinical coronary artery disease. | pubmed_927_18173 |
pubmed_372_15099 | BACKGROUND
Lack of insight is a barrier to treating psychosis. Preliminary studies have suggested that showing people videos of their psychotic behaviour may improve personal insight. This clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of video self-confrontation.
METHODS
Inpatients between 18 and 65 years old with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were filmed upon admission to two psychiatric hospitals while experiencing acute psychosis. After stabilization, individuals were randomized 1:1 to the "self-video" group where they watched their own video or to the "no video" control group. The primary outcome was the Scale to assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD) at 48 h by a blinded assessor. Secondary objectives included psychotic and depressive symptoms, medication adherence and functioning using the Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia. Patients were followed up for four months.
RESULTS
60 participants were randomized and the level of insight did not differ between groups at 48 h (p = 0.98). There was no impact on SUMD subscores or the other insight questionnaires at any timepoint, nor on psychopathology or medication adherence. At one month, the level of functioning of those in the "self-video" group (n = 23) was higher (61.8 vs 53.5, p = 0.02), especially concerning "Treatment" and "Daily life". No adverse effects were reported. After video self-confrontation, people expressed more positive than negative emotions and were less lost to follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Video self-confrontation did not change levels of insight, but may have a therapeutic impact nonetheless, by improving levels of self-care and adherence to care, indicating that this innovative therapeutic tool requires further study.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT02664129. | 10.1016/j.schres.2021.12.016 |
pubmed_689_1489 | The aim of the present study is to evaluate the correlation between the total protein measured by an optical refractometer and the concentration of IgG by radial immunodiffusion (RID) to determine the performance of the optical refractometer to diagnose the failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPTI) in 12-hour-old foals. Blood was collected from foals (n = 30) 12 hours after birth. A study was carried out to measure the serum IgG concentration by RID test and measure total protein (TP) by optical refractometer. The correlation coefficient was measured between the TP concentration and the IgG-RID. Correlation was made between the IgG-IDR levels of colostrum in mares and the IgG-IDR concentration of the plasma of the foals. A ROC curve was made to identify the ideal cutoff point, in addition to the tests for sensitivity and specificity. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The IgG concentration by RID was positively correlated with a refractometer. Colostrum IgG concentration by RID was moderately correlated with foal plasma IgG-RID concentration. In the ROC curve, AUC was 0.931, and the cutoff point found was ≤5,7 g/dL as the most optimal combination, with 100% sensitivity and 73.3% specificity. Thus, it can be concluded that the total protein concentration by refractometer shows effective utility in the evaluation of FPTI in foals since they are highly sensitive, associated with a low cost, easy to handle, and easily carried out in the field. | 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103758 |
pubmed_564_19567 | The method of analyzing social mobility described by Fox (1990) is flawed in its adjustment for between-group differences in destination status when estimating the extent of the mentally ill's mobility as compared with the general population. Use of the recommended model with hypothetical data sets resulted in a significant finding when no overall upward or downward mobility occurred, and a non-significant result when the downward mobility of a psychotic group was contrived to be massive. An alternative model for the test of group differences in mobility is suggested within the framework of log-linear analysis commended by Fox (1990). This method indicated significantly more downward and less upward mobility in mentally ill groups when data from four studies were re-analyzed. We conclude that the weight of evidence from published studies supports the notion of social selection-drift, although this does not imply the inconsequence of social factors in the aetiology of schizophrenia (and other psychoses) or in its prognosis and occupational consequences. | pubmed_564_19567 |
pubmed_259_18275 | OBJECTIVE
To examine the mortality of diabetic vs nondiabetic patients with anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) among the subsets of this population who did and did not develop cardiogenic shock.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study population consisted of a consecutive series of 1263 Olmsted County, Minnesota, patients admitted to the coronary care unit at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1988, and July 31, 2000. Of these patients, 73 met the criteria for cardiogenic shock during their hospitalization. In-hospital and postadmission mortality were compared between diabetic and nondiabetic patients within the cardiogenic shock and nonshock patient groups, respectively.
RESULTS
In patients with AMI and cardiogenic shock, diabetes was associated with a trend for increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-9.92; P = .08). In 73 patients with cardiogenic shock, estimated survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 25%, 17%, and 17%, respectively, for diabetic patients, and 50%, 44%, and 36%, respectively, for nondiabetic patients (P = .046). The association between diabetic patients and increased long-term mortality was stronger in patients with cardiogenic shock than in patients without cardiogenic shock (adjusted relative risk, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.11-3.90; P = .02). In diabetic patients without cardiogenic shock, estimated survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was low, at 75%, 61%, and 45%, respectively, compared with 83%, 76%, and 69%, respectively, for nondiabetic patients (adjusted relative risk, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.62; P = .03).
CONCLUSION
The presence of diabetes as a comorbidity in patients with AMI appears to be associated with increased mortality compared with nondiabetic patients, and this relationship may be potentially magnified in patients who develop cardiogenic shock. | 10.4065/78.5.561 |
pubmed_715_12888 | Gene is a DNA sequence which can be expressed and produces gene products (protein or RNA). By 2003, there are 51 Nobel Prize owners related to gene studies. Among them, 44 persons are in physiology or medicine (account for 24.72% of total 178), 7 persons are in chemistry (account for 5.69% of total 123). The paper reviews them in following 6 aspects: Drosophlie melanogaster is a good material for gene study; the double helix model of DNA structure provides a hard foundation in gene study; the studies on gene regulation illuminate many functions of gene; genetic central dogma researches created 11 Noble Prize laureates; gene engineering technologies make possible to modify and use genes; and the thorough studies of gene characteristic made us easier to understand many life phenomena. | pubmed_715_12888 |
pubmed_216_11278 | Textural features have been shown to be valuable in tumor diagnosis. This study combines three practical textural features in ultrasound (US) images, i.e. spatial gray-level dependence matrices (SGLDMs), gray-level difference matrix (GLDM) and auto-covariance matrix, to identify breast tumor as benign or malignant. The textural features were extracted from 147 3-D ultrasound cases and each case composes a volume of interest (VOI). Usually, the larger region of interest (ROI) sub-image contains considerable textural information. Thus the feature vector extraction utilizes only the adjacent frames with the largest ROI sub-image. The textural features always perform as a high dimensional vector that is unfavorable to differentiate breast tumors in practice. The principal component analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the dimension of textural feature vector and then the image retrieval technique was utilized to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. The proposed computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system differentiates solid breast nodules with a relatively high accuracy in the US imaging and helps inexperienced operators avoid misdiagnosis. | 10.1109/IEMBS.2005.1616798 |
pubmed_572_25272 | Due to the toxicity of conventional medication in toxoplasmosis, some drugs are being studied for treating this infection, such as statins, especially rosuvastatin compound, which is efficient in inhibiting the initial isoprenoid biosynthesis processes in humans and the parasite. The goal of this study was to assess the activity of rosuvastatin in HeLa cells infected with the RH strain of T. gondii. In the experiment, HeLa cells (1 × 105) were infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii (5 × 105). After the experimental infection, we assessed the number of infected cells and the amount of intracellular tachyzoites. In addition, culture supernatants were collected to determine the amount of cytokines by cytometric bead array. We observed that there was no cytotoxicity in the concentrations tested in this cell line. The effect of rosuvastatin showed a significant reduction in both the number of infected cells and the proliferation index of the intracellular parasite, when compared with the conventional treatment combining sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine for toxoplasmosis. There were also reduced levels of cytokines IL-6 and IL-17. Therefore, it was concluded that rosuvastatin exhibited antiproliferative activity. The data presented are significant to promote further studies and the search for alternative treatment for toxoplasmosis. | 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.009 |
pubmed_330_1026 | Detachable balloon-based endovascular fistula occlusion is a widely accepted treatment for traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas (CCF). However, more recently coils have been used to obliterate the lesion, especially in case detachable balloon is not available. We failed balloon-assisted coil embolization for CCF because of large fistulas and herniation of coil loops into the parent artery. The authors describe our experiences of balloonexpandable graft-stents to treat CCF, and place emphasis on arterial wall reconstruction. Three traumatic CCF patients were treated using a graft-stent with/without coils, and underwent angiographic follow-up to evaluate the patency of the internal carotid artery (ICA). In all cases, symptoms related to CCF regressed after stent deployment and did not recur during follow-up. Follow-up angiography revealed good patency of the ICA in all patients. Graft-stents should be considered as an alternative means of treating CCF and preserving the parent artery by arterial wall reconstruction especially in patients with a fistula that cannot be successfully occluded with detachable balloons or coils. | 10.3340/jkns.2009.46.6.572 |
pubmed_21_6308 | OBJECTIVES
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral inflammatory disease induced by genetic and environmental factors. Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their natural inhibitor TIMP-1 are active players in the inflammatory process. We aimed to determine whether inheritance of specific MMP-2, MMP-9, or TIMP-1 gene polymorphisms is associated with RAS susceptibility.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Ninety-six RAS patients and 153 healthy controls were studied. Five polymorphisms were genotyped: rs17576, rs3918242, and rs11697325 in MMP-9, MMP-2 rs2285053, and TIMP-1 rs6609533. Association was assessed by logistic regression analysis after adjustment for confounding factors. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was assessed using the Haploview program.
RESULTS
MMP-9 rs11697325 was significantly associated with RAS, with an increase in the AA genotype in patients, determined using χ(2) analysis (OR = 2.3, P = 0.006) and adjusted regression analysis (OR = 3.1, P = 0.009). MMP-9 rs11697325 and rs17576 showed strong LD (D' = 0.95), with an increase in the AA haplotype (P = 0.023) and a decrease in the GA haplotype (P = 0.015) in patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to investigate the association of MMPs or TIMP-1 with RAS. We found a significant association between MMP-9 rs11697325 polymorphisms and RAS. Confirmatory studies in other populations and functional investigations are needed to determine the role of these genes in RAS. | 10.1111/odi.12190 |
pubmed_241_5969 | OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in saliva and its possible association with xerostomia and hyposalivation in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
STUDY DESIGN
One hundred and thirty-six patients with confirmed diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C were prospectively analyzed before HCV treatment. The prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation was clinically evaluated. HCV RNA was investigated in saliva samples by qualitative PCR test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to verify associations.
RESULTS
Xerostomia was reported by 48 (35.3%) patients, whereas hyposalivation was observed in 26 (19.1%). HCV RNA was positive in the saliva of 53 (39.0%) patients. An association among HCV RNA-positive saliva with xerostomia or hyposalivation was not observed.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate that the detection of HCV in saliva does not correlate with salivary flow or xerostomia in patients with chronic hepatitis C. | 10.1016/j.tripleo.2010.02.012 |
pubmed_924_17396 | When space limitations are primary constraints, laminated barriers with metals can be an option to provide sufficient shielding for a radiotherapy treatment room. However, if a photon clinical beam with end point energy of 10 MeV or higher interacts with the metal inside the barriers neutrons are ejected and can result in an exposure problem inside and outside the vault. The empirical formulae existing in the literature to estimate neutron dose equivalents beyond laminated barriers do not take into account neutron production for spectra below 15 MV. In this work, the Monte Carlo code MCNP was used to simulate the production and transport of photoneutrons across primary barriers of 10 MV accelerator treatment rooms containing lead or steel, in order to obtain the ambient dose equivalents produced by these particles outside the room and in the patient plane. It was found that the neutron doses produced are insignificant when steel is present in the primary barriers of 10 MV medical accelerators. On the other hand, the results show that, in all cases where lead sheets are positioned in the primary barriers, the neutron ambient dose equivalents outside the room generally exceed the shielding design goal of 20 microSv/week for uncontrolled areas, even when the lead sheets are positioned inside the treatment room. Moreover, for laminated barriers, the photoneutrons produced in the metals are summed with the particles generated in the accelerator head shielding and can represent a significant component of additional dose to the patients. In this work, it was found that once lead sheets are positioned inside the room, the neutron ambient dose equivalents can reach the value of 75 microSv per Gray of photon absorbed dose at the isocenter. However, for all simulated cases, a tendency in the reduction of neutron doses with increasing lead thickness can be observed. This trend can imply in higher neutron ambient dose equivalents outside the room for thinner lead sheets. Therefore, when a medical accelerator treatment room is designed with laminated barriers to receive equipment with an end point energy equal to or higher than 10 MeV, not only the required shielding thickness for photon radiation attenuation should be considered, but also the dose due to photoneutrons produced in the metal, which may involve an increase of the lead thickness or even the use of neutron shielding. | 10.1118/1.2940192 |
pubmed_192_16386 | Electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen fuel is an attractive renewable energy storage technology. However, grid-scale freshwater electrolysis would put a heavy strain on vital water resources. Developing cheap electrocatalysts and electrodes that can sustain seawater splitting without chloride corrosion could address the water scarcity issue. Here we present a multilayer anode consisting of a nickel-iron hydroxide (NiFe) electrocatalyst layer uniformly coated on a nickel sulfide (NiSx) layer formed on porous Ni foam (NiFe/NiSx-Ni), affording superior catalytic activity and corrosion resistance in solar-driven alkaline seawater electrolysis operating at industrially required current densities (0.4 to 1 A/cm2) over 1,000 h. A continuous, highly oxygen evolution reaction-active NiFe electrocatalyst layer drawing anodic currents toward water oxidation and an in situ-generated polyatomic sulfate and carbonate-rich passivating layers formed in the anode are responsible for chloride repelling and superior corrosion resistance of the salty-water-splitting anode. | 10.1073/pnas.1900556116 |
pubmed_140_2305 | Because cloth udder towels (CUT) may function as a fomite for mastitis-causing pathogens, most udder health laboratories offer towel culture services as a tool to monitor towel hygiene. However, no studies have investigated if an association exists between bacteria levels in CUT and udder health outcomes. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to (1) describe associations between herd-level measures of towel bacteria count (ToBC) and quarter-level intramammary infection (IMI) status in late-lactation cows, (2) establish pathogen-specific target levels of bacteria in CUT to aid the interpretation of towel culture reports, and (3) identify laundering-related risk factors for high ToBC. The study was conducted in 67 herds from 10 dairy states in the United States that used CUT. These 67 herds were originally recruited as part of a larger (80 herd) cross-sectional study of bedding management. Each herd was visited once during December 2017 to April 2018 and quarter-milk samples (n = 4,656) were collected from late-gestation (>180 d pregnant) cows (n = 1,313). Two recently laundered CUT were collected and a questionnaire was used to collect information about pre-milking teat preparation and CUT management practices. Quarter-level IMI status was determined using standard bacteriologic methods. In addition, colony-forming units of all bacteria (total bacteria), Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. or Streptococcus-like organisms (SSLO), coliforms, noncoliform gram-negatives, and Bacillus spp. were determined for each pair of CUT (log10 cfu/cm2). The association between ToBC and IMI was determined using multivariable logistic regression with mixed effects. After dichotomizing ToBC into high and low categories, associations between towel management practices and ToBC category were determined using unconditional logistic regression. The quarter-level prevalence of IMI was 19.6%, which was predominantly caused by non-aureus Staphylococcus spp. (NAS; 10.2%) and SSLO (5.1%). The predominant bacteria in CUT were Bacillus spp. (median = 3.13 log10 cfu/cm2). Total bacteria count was not associated with odds of IMI (odds ratio = 1.06), likely due to the predominance of Bacillus spp. in CUT and low number of IMI caused by Bacillus spp. In contrast, counts of Staphylococcus spp. and SSLO were positively associated with odds of IMI caused by NAS (odds ratio = 1.33) and SSLO (odds ratio = 1.45), respectively. Of 12 CUT management practices evaluated, only the failure to use a dryer was identified as a clear predictor of risk for a high ToBC (risk ratio of high coliform count = 8.17). Our study findings suggest that CUT may act as a fomite for NAS and SSLO. We recommend that herds aim to keep counts of Staphylococcus spp. and SSLO in CUT below 32 cfu/cm2 (or 5 cfu/in2), and that laundered towels be completely dried in a hot air dryer. | 10.3168/jds.2019-17075 |
pubmed_405_22767 | The complete and annotated nucleotide sequence of a 54,036-bp plasmid harboring a blaKPC-2 gene that is clonally present in Citrobacter isolates from different species is presented. The plasmid belongs to incompatibility group N (IncN) and harbors the class A carbapenemase KPC-2 in a unique genetic environment. | pubmed_405_22767 |
pubmed_686_12061 | Arthroscopy of the hip joint can be performed in the supine or lateral position. The decision whether to use the supine or lateral position appears to be more a matter of individual training or habit. Both positions have specific pros and cons. The operative experience with arthroscopy of the central and peripheral compartment shows that a combined procedure with and without traction is beneficial. Whereas arthroscopy of the central compartment in normal joints of adults is feasible only with traction, the peripheral compartment can be better scoped without traction. The combination of both techniques however is technically demanding. Particularly for arthroscopy of the central compartment with traction, the success of the operative procedure is strongly correlated with a correct technique of positioning and distraction. Precise positioning and thick padding of the counterpost, secure fixation and thick padding of the foot, and the limitation of magnitude and duration of traction are important features in order to avoid soft tissue and nerve damage. Good relaxation, joint position, and distension of the joint to break the joint vacuum significantly improve distraction of the femoral head from the socket. In combination with fluoroscopy, scope trauma to the acetabular labrum and hyaline cartilage can be minimized. For arthroscopy of the peripheral compartment without traction, the counterpost is removed and the foot taken out of the traction module for free range of motion of the leg and hip joint. This allows dynamic testing of the hip and access to different parts of the peripheral labrum, proximal femur, and soft tissues. | 10.1007/s00132-005-0891-9 |
pubmed_492_1933 | The conventional explanation for nearsightedness is that it is due to the myopic or elongated shape of the eyeball. But it can be demonstrated that in cases of mild myopia, it is mainly due to the myopic or "bulged" shape of the crystalline lens. This type of refractive error can be corrected by wearing a slightly "flat" pair of contact lenses for about one and a half to two minutes. During this period when the meniscus is still intact, the "draw" from the contact lens is at its maximum. The "draw" produces a stimulation which reestablishes distant focusing without altering the curvature of the cornea. The stimulation activates a neuromuscular response to alter the curvature of the crystalline lens. After removing the contact lens, the crystalline lens would permanently "flatten" out accordingly to bring about distant focusing. The crystalline lens will still retain its ability to flex to a "bulged" shape for near focusing. The method of treatment is called orthoculogy (or ortho C). It is Latin for correcting the whole eye as oppose to just a part of it--such as the cornea by means of orthokeratology or the lens by means of intraocular lens implant. Orthoculogy can attend to either the myopic shape of the crystalline lens or the sclera. It would attend to both the deviation of the crystalline lens and sclera in severe myopic cases. With mild myopic cases, it is only necessary to attend to the crystalline lens. | 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.10.031 |
pubmed_752_2381 | Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a model autoimmune disease with chronic cholestasis characterized by the hallmark of anti-mitochondrial antibodies and treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). However, approximately 20-40% of patients incompletely respond to UDCA and have an increased risk of disease progression. Although there have been significant advances in the immunobiology of PBC, these have yet to be translated into newer therapeutic modalities. Current approaches to controlling the immune response include broad immunosuppression with corticosteroids as well as targeted therapies directed against T and B cells. In contrast, ameliorating cholestasis is the focus of other therapies in development, including obeticholic acid. In this article the authors will discuss ongoing clinical trials and, in particular, the rationale for choosing agents that may effectively target the aberrant immune response. | 10.1586/17474124.2016.1121810 |
pubmed_605_876 | PURPOSE
To investigate whether pelvic incidence (PI) in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement was different from that in a normal population.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive female and 30 consecutive male patients with computed tomography scans who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI. PI was measured using scout lateral radiographs. The center-edge angle (CEA), acetabular version, and α angle were also measured. Each patient was subcategorized as having a cam-type deformity (α angle >55°), a deep socket deformity (CEA >39°), and/or a retroverted acetabulum (acetabular anteversion <15°). Our group and subgroups were compared with a historical control group from a previously published study of 300 volunteers. Each group was compared using a Student t test.
RESULTS
Our mean PI was 49.31° ± 12.34° (range, 28.4°-79.5°), less than the asymptomatic historical control (n = 300) with a mean PI of 55.0° ± 10.6° (range, 33°-82°) (P < .001). The subgroups for cam deformity, deep socket deformity, and acetabular retroversion have a mean PI of 48.89° ± 11.81°, 38.30° ± 7.56°, and 44.93° ± 11.32°, respectively. All had a significantly lower PI than the historical control (P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that patients presenting with FAI may have a lower PI than the general population. The clinical significance of a 5.7° difference in PI remains unknown.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, retrospective comparative study. | 10.1016/j.arthro.2016.08.033 |
pubmed_626_320 | During left ventricular (LV) torsion, the base rotates in an overall clockwise direction and the apex rotates in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from apex to base. LV torsion is followed by rapid untwisting, which contributes to ventricular filling. Because LV torsion is directly related to fiber orientation, it might depict subclinical abnormalities in heart function. Recently, ultrasound speckle tracking was introduced for quantification of LV torsion. This fast, widely available technique may contribute to a more rapid introduction of LV torsion as a clinical tool for detection of myocardial dysfunction. However, knowledge of the exact function and structure of the heart is fundamental for understanding the value of LV torsion. LV torsion has been investigated with different measurement methods during the past 2 decades, using cardiac magnetic resonance as the gold standard. The results obtained over the years are helpful for developing a standardized method to quantify LV torsion and have facilitated the interpretation and value of LV torsion before it can be used as a clinical tool. | 10.1016/j.jcmg.2009.03.001 |
pubmed_697_9334 | Recent findings have extended the documentation of complex sociality to the Platyhelminthes, describing the existence of a reproductive division of labour involving a soldier caste among the parthenitae of trematode parasites. However, all species examined to date occupy high positions in trematode interspecific dominance hierarchies and belong to two closely related families, the Echinostomatidae and the Philophthalmidae (Superfamily Echinostomatoidea). Further, the two species documented as lacking soldiers also belong to the Echinostomatidae. Here, we examine four species of intermediate dominance, all belonging to the family Heterophyidae (Superfamily Opisthorchioidea): Euhaplorchis californiensis, Phocitremoides ovale, Pygidiopsoides spindalis and Stictodora hancocki, all of which infect the California horn snail, Cerithideopsis californica (=Cerithidea californica). We quantify morphology, distribution and behaviour of rediae from fully developed colonies. We also provide information on colony structure for three developing heterophyid colonies to better understand colony development. We discuss the implications of our findings, particularly with respect to how they suggest alternatives to the conclusions of other researchers concerning the nature of trematode sociality. Our analyses of morphological, distributional and behavioural patterns of developed colonies indicate that these heterophyid trematodes have a non-reproductive caste whose function is defence of the colony from invading trematodes. Hence, a soldier caste occurs for species lower in dominance hierarchies than previously known, and is present in at least two superfamilies of digenean trematodes, suggesting that selection for a soldier caste may be much more common among the Trematoda than previously recognised. | 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.10.003 |
pubmed_597_5140 | OBJECTIVE
To explore the application of color Doppler ultrasound in examining hypothyroidism among radiation-exposed workers.
METHODS
A total of 181 radiation-exposed workers who had clinical and laboratorial diagnoses of hypothyroidism were divided into X-ray diagnosis group, interventional radiology group, and radiotherapy group. Another 62 healthy people who underwent physical examinations were used as control group. All cases underwent color Doppler ultrasound; thyroid function, sonograms, and blood flow characteristics were analyzed.
RESULTS
In the X-ray diagnosis group, interventional radiology group, and radiotherapy group, significant differences in the levels of free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone were found across workers with different lengths of service (P < 0.05). In the X-ray diagnosis group, interventional radiology group, and radiotherapy group, the percentages of individuals having uneven internal echo intensity among clinical hypothyroidism cases were higher than the percentages among subclinical hypothyroidism cases (P < 0.05). The X-ray diagnosis group, interventional radiology group, and radiotherapy group had significantly higher constituent ratios of grade II and III blood flow signals than the control group (P < 0.05). The peak systolic velocity of the superior thyroid artery (V(max)) was significantly higher in the X-ray diagnosis group, interventional radiology group, and radiotherapy group than in the control group (P < 0.05); in each group, Vmax was significantly higher in clinical hypothyroidism cases than in subclinical hypothyroidism cases (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
As a simple, non-invasive, and economic examination, color Doppler ultrasound has been demonstrated as a valuable method for evaluating occupational hypothyroidism and holds promise for clinical application. | pubmed_597_5140 |
pubmed_40_3375 | BACKGROUND
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is critical for embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Recent studies have identified regulatory roles for this pathway in certain cancers with mutations in the HH pathway genes. The extent to which mutations of the HH pathway genes are involved in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is unknown.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Real-time PCR analysis of HH pathway genes PTCH1, GLI1 and GLI2 were performed on 7 human MMe cell lines. Exon sequencing of 13 HH pathway genes was also performed in cell lines and human MMe tumors. In silico programs were used to predict the likelihood that an amino-acid substitution would have a functional effect. GLI1, GLI2 and PTCH1 were highly expressed in MMe cells, indicative of active HH signaling. PTCH1, SMO and SUFU mutations were found in 2 of 11 MMe cell lines examined. A non-synonymous missense SUFU mutation (p.T411M) was identified in LO68 cells. In silico characterization of the SUFU mutant suggested that the p.T411M mutation might alter protein function. However, we were unable to demonstrate any functional effect of this mutation on Gli activity. Deletion of exons of the PTCH1 gene was found in JU77 cells, resulting in loss of one of two extracellular loops implicated in HH ligand binding and the intracellular C-terminal domain. A 3-bp insertion (69_70insCTG) in SMO, predicting an additional leucine residue in the signal peptide segment of SMO protein was also identified in LO68 cells and a MMe tumour.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
We identified the first novel mutations in PTCH1, SUFU and SMO associated with MMe. Although HH pathway mutations are relatively rare in MMe, these data suggest a possible role for dysfunctional HH pathway in the pathogenesis of a subgroup of MMe and help rationalize the exploration of HH pathway inhibitors for MMe therapy. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0066685 |
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