index
stringlengths 10
17
| text
stringlengths 101
18k
| doi
stringlengths 2
72
|
|---|---|---|
pubmed_582_20579 | Deoxyribonuclease I gene exhibits polymorphisms, including a single nucleotide polymorphism (A2317G) and a 56 bp variable number of tandem repeat, designated as HumDN1. G2317 was regarded as an independent risk factor for Japanese myocardial infarction (MI) patients. We investigated the association between either A2317G or HumDN1 polymorphism of deoxyribonuclease I gene and MI in Han Chinese population. A2317G and HumDN1 polymorphisms in 278 MI patients and 297 unrelated controls were detected by PCR and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Plasma lipids were measured in fasting state by biochemical methods. A new HumDN1 genotype -HumDN1 4/6 was found in Han Chinese MI patients. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies of A2317G and HumDN1 did not differ between MI patients and control group (all P > 0.05). In addition, none of estimated haplotypes significantly increased or decreased the risk of MI. In analysis of covariance, plasma total cholesterol was observed to be associated with HumDN1 genotypes in MI patients (P = 0.02). Our data suggest HumDN1 genotypes are related to total cholesterol levels in Han Chinese MI patients, but deoxyribonuclease I gene polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to MI in Han Chinese. | 10.1007/s11033-008-9218-3 |
pubmed_43_17586 | Trust is the foundation of successful human collaboration. This has also been found to be true for human-robot collaboration, where trust has also influence on over- and under-reliance issues. Correspondingly, the study of trust in robots is usually concerned with the detection of the current level of the human collaborator trust, aiming at keeping it within certain limits to avoid undesired consequences, which is known as trust calibration. However, while there is intensive research on human-robot trust, there is a lack of knowledge about the factors that affect it in synchronous and co-located teamwork. Particularly, there is hardly any knowledge about how these factors impact the dynamics of trust during the collaboration. These factors along with trust evolvement characteristics are prerequisites for a computational model that allows robots to adapt their behavior dynamically based on the current human trust level, which in turn is needed to enable a dynamic and spontaneous cooperation. To address this, we conducted a two-phase lab experiment in a mixed-reality environment, in which thirty-two participants collaborated with a virtual CoBot on disassembling traction batteries in a recycling context. In the first phase, we explored the (dynamics of) relevant trust factors during physical human-robot collaboration. In the second phase, we investigated the impact of robot's reliability and feedback on human trust in robots. Results manifest stronger trust dynamics while dissipating than while accumulating and highlight different relevant factors as more interactions occur. Besides, the factors that show relevance as trust accumulates differ from those appear as trust dissipates. We detected four factors while trust accumulates (perceived reliability, perceived dependability, perceived predictability, and faith) which do not appear while it dissipates. This points to an interesting conclusion that depending on the stage of the collaboration and the direction of trust evolvement, different factors might shape trust. Further, the robot's feedback accuracy has a conditional effect on trust depending on the robot's reliability level. It preserves human trust when a failure is expected but does not affect it when the robot works reliably. This provides a hint to designers on when assurances are necessary and when they are redundant. | 10.3389/frai.2021.703504 |
pubmed_458_3891 | BACKGROUND
Traumatic and spontaneous dissections of internal carotid arteries (ICA) are rare conditions. So far, these pathologies are primarily treated conservatively, surgical revascularization being an option only after recurrent thromboembolic neurologic episodes or continuous aneurysm growth. Successful endovascular treatment strategies with covered stents have been reported in patients with ICA dissections. However, no long-term results are published so far. Herein, we report our experience of a combined conventional and endovascular repair of ICA dissections under reversed flow and their respective long-term results.
METHODS
In a prospective evaluation of clinical and morphologic outcome of 6 patients with carotid artery dissections, 2 patients were treated for continuous aneurysm growth and 4 patients for high-grade ICA stenoses with recurrent thromboembolic episodes during a 6-month follow-up period. A 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene Hemobahn endoprosthesis was inserted under reversed flow of the internal carotid artery.
RESULTS
No perioperative strokes were observed; one TIA occurred, lasting less than 3 hours; no peripheral cranial nerve injuries or deaths were observed. No occlusions, hemodynamically significant stenosis, or recurrent neurologic symptoms were seen during follow-up, which ranged from 6 to 54 months (mean, 38.3 months).
CONCLUSION
Open endovascular repair of the ICA of symptomatic patients with dissections with a 6-mm covered endoprosthesis is a safe alternative to conventional surgery, with excellent long-term patency. | 10.1016/j.jvs.2004.06.031 |
pubmed_549_6033 | PURPOSE
Small lymph nodes (LN) show evidence of extracapsular extension (ECE) in a significant number of patients. This study was performed to determine the impact of ECE in LN ≤7 mm as compared with ECE in larger LN.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
All tumor-positive LN of 74 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with at least one ECE positive LN were analyzed retrospectively for the LN diameter and the extent of ECE. Clinical endpoints were regional relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. The median follow-up for the surviving patients was 2.1 years (range, 0.3-9.2 years).
RESULTS
Forty-four of 74 patients (60%) had at least one ECE positive LN ≤10 mm. These small ECE positive LN had a median diameter of 7 mm, which was used as a cutoff. Thirty patients (41%) had at least one ECE positive LN ≤7 mm. In both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the incidence of at least one ECE positive LN ≤7 mm was a statistically significant prognostic factor for decreased regional relapse-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 2.7, p = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-6.4), distant metastasis-free survival (HR: 2.6, p = 0.04, 95% CI: 1.0-6.6), and overall survival (HR: 2.5, p = 0.03, 95% CI: 1.1-5.8).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of small ECE positive LN metastases is a significant prognostic factor in HNSCC patients. Small ECE positive LN may represent more invasive tumor biology and could be used as prognostic markers. | 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.09.043 |
pubmed_388_2058 | Small bipsies of the skin were taken from patients with papulo-cutaneous mastocytosis. The mast cell tumours were then degranulated with compound 48/80 (250 mug/ml in saline), and with a Sorption microcalorimeter, relatively strong exothermic reactions were measured, whereas normal skin showed only 1/10th the intensity. Disodium chromoglicate (1%) had no inhibitory effect on this thermal reaction. | 10.1007/BF01936775 |
pubmed_220_6897 | PPARgamma, a nuclear transcription factor, is expressed in various cells within the vasculature and in cardiomyocytes. It has been suggested that PPARgamma is involved in atherogenesis and in cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, we sought to quantify PPARgamma mRNA in coronary arteries, the aorta and left ventricular specimens from patients with ischaemic (CHD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (CMP). Using real-time PCR, we were able to demonstrate the expression of PPARgamma in all of the human specimens. The lowest expression of PPARgamma was detected in the aorta specimens of both groups (this was set to one). In comparison, the expression in coronary arteries was 2.32-fold in CHD- and 3.78-fold in CMP specimens and in the left ventricle specimens, 2.12-fold in CHD- and 3.51-fold in CMP. Samples from CHD patients showed a higher expression of PPARgamma in all of the samples compared to those from CMP patients (aorta: 1.99-fold; coronary arteries: 1.35; left ventricles: 1.23). PPARgamma levels were not significantly correlated to CD 36 expression values in any group, suggesting that higher levels of PPARgamma are not principally due to increased PPARgamma expression in macrophages. This was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis, which showed that PPARgamma is also located in the smooth muscle layer and in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, our observations of increased PPAR mRNA expression in the coronary arteries and left ventricles from CHD and CMP patients suggest an important function of this nuclear receptor in the pathogenesis of heart disease. | 10.1016/s1388-9842(03)00148-x |
pubmed_198_1662 | Colopexy of the left ventral colon to the abdominal wall was performed in 4 horses with recurrence of large-colon displacement or volvulus. Horses were discharged between 5 and 27 days after surgery. At follow-up evaluation (mean, 10.5 months; range, 7 to 13 months) of the horses, none had recurrence of signs of abdominal pain, and all had normal body weight. Three horses were exercised regularly; signs of abdominal pain were not observed. | pubmed_198_1662 |
pubmed_239_6627 | The topology of a single-particle band structure plays a fundamental role in understanding a multitude of physical phenomena. Motivated by the connection between quantum walks and such topological band structures, we demonstrate that a simple time-dependent, Bloch-oscillating quantum walk enables the direct measurement of topological invariants. We consider two classes of one-dimensional quantum walks and connect the global phase imprinted on the walker with its refocusing behavior. By disentangling the dynamical and geometric contributions to this phase, we describe a general strategy to measure the topological invariant in these quantum walks. As an example, we propose an experimental protocol in a circuit QED architecture where a superconducting transmon qubit plays the role of the coin, while the quantum walk takes place in the phase space of a cavity. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.130501 |
pubmed_11_14634 | To increase fertilization success, males transfer accessory gland products (Acps). Several species have evolved unconventional Acps transfer modes, meaning that Acps are transferred separately from the sperm. By surveying the sperm-free Acps transfer cases, we show that these animals have evolved a common strategy to deliver Acps: they all inject Acps directly through the partner's body wall into the hemolymph. Our review of this mode of Acps transfer reveals another striking similarity: they all transfer sperm in packages or via the skin, which may leave little room for Acps transfer via the conventional route in seminal fluid. We synthesise the knowledge about the function, and the effects in the recipients, of the Acps found in the widely diverse taxa (including earthworms, sea slugs, terrestrial snails, scorpions and salamanders) that inject these substances. Despite the clearly independent evolution of the injection devices, these animals have evolved a common alternative strategy to get their partners to accept and/or use their sperm. Most importantly, the evolution of the injection devices for the delivery of Acps highlights how the latter are pivotal for male reproductive success and, hence, strongly influence sexual selection. | 10.1186/1742-9994-11-32 |
pubmed_607_12098 | A-56268 is a 6-O-methyl derivative of erythromycin A which has a spectrum of activity similar to that of erythromycin and is 1 log2 dilution more potent than erythromycin against most organisms that have been tested. The correlation of zone size diameters and MICs of A-56268 for 461 strains of bacteria isolated from clinical specimens was investigated. Based on anticipated levels in human serum of 2 micrograms/ml, 15-microgram disks have been recommended with zone size standards of greater than or equal to 15 mm for susceptibility (MIC correlate, less than or equal to 2.0 micrograms/ml) and less than or equal to 11 mm for resistance (MIC correlate, greater than or equal to 8 micrograms/ml). Selection of these tentative breakpoints resulted in no very major errors (false susceptible), a major error (false resistant) rate of 0.22%, and an acceptable minor error (intermediate) rate of 2.82%. MIC ranges and zone diameter limits for quality control organisms used in the standardized agar dilution and disk diffusion susceptibility tests with A-56268 are given. | 10.1128/jcm.25.6.1079-1082.1987 |
pubmed_389_730 | OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of vitamin D (VD) supplementation and isokinetic training on muscle strength, explosive strength (counter movement jump) (ES), lean body mass (LBM) and gait parameters in severe pediatric burn.
METHODS
Forty-eight burned children with circumferential lower extremity burns covering 40-55% of the total body surface area (TBSA), aged 10-16 years (Mean±SD 13.01±1.75), were randomized into the standard of care (n=16), isokinetic (n=17) and VD (n=15) groups. Unburned children (n=20) served as matched controls. All burned children received 12 weeks of routine physical therapy program (RPTP). In addition, the isokinetic group received isokinetic training for the quadriceps dominant limb 3 times per week at angular velocity 150°/s, and the VD group received the isokinetic training plus an oral daily dose of vitamin D3 1000 IU (Cholecalciferol). The primary measures, assessed at baseline and 12 weeks, included quadriceps strength by isokinetic dynamometer, ES, LBM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and gait parameters by GAITRite system.
RESULTS
The VD and isokinetic groups showed significant improvement in quadriceps strength, ES, LBM and gait parameters compared with the standard of care, and VD group show significant improvement in the VD level as compared with the other groups. The outcome measures (and percent of improvement where applicable) for the VD, isokinetic and standard of care are as follows: quadriceps strength, 85.25±0.93Nm (85%), 64.25±0.93 (36%) and 51.88±1.31Nm (12%); stride length, 94.00±2.69 (7%), 110.60±2.87 (25%) and 139.56±2.57 (60%); step length, 67.26±2.45 (72%), 55.25±2.49 (43%) and 43.76±1.34 (18%); velocity, 133.94±1.65 (82%), 99.94±1.65 (35%) and 80.11±1.91 (9%); and cadence, 140.63±1.36 (68%), 132.63±1.36 (58%) and 90.35±1.32 (9%), VD level 43.33±7.48 (75%), 24.77±7.38 (5%) and 25.63±8.39 (4%) respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
VD supplementation combined with exercise training significantly increased muscle strength, ES, LBM, gait and VD level in severely burned children. | 10.1016/j.burns.2016.08.018 |
pubmed_584_5710 | With the sequence of the human genome now complete, studies must focus on how the genome is functionally organized within the confines of the cell nucleus and the dynamic interplay between the genome and its regulatory factors to effectively control gene expression and silencing. In this review I describe our current state of knowledge with regard to the organization of chromosomes within the nucleus and the positioning of active versus inactive genes. In addition, I discuss studies on the dynamics of chromosomes and specific genetic loci within living cells and its relationship to gene activity and the cell cycle. Furthermore, our current understanding of the distribution and dynamics of RNA polymerase II transcription factors is discussed in relation to chromosomal loci and other nuclear domains. | 10.1146/annurev.biochem.72.121801.161724 |
pubmed_851_12629 | OBJECTIVE
Naltrexone has been identified as a promising psychopharmacological treatment for alcohol dependence. Previous studies have suggested that its efficacy may vary based on ethnic background. The current study examined the efficacy of naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence in Latino adults, a previously unexplored population.
METHOD
This was a secondary analysis of the Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence (COMBINE) Study. The overall COMBINE sample consisted of 1,383 adult participants who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria for alcohol dependence, including 155 Latinos, who are the focus of this report. Consistent with the main trial, primary drinking outcomes, including percentage of days abstinent (PDA) and time to first heavy drinking day (TTHD), were examined. In addition, we examined the effects of naltrexone on a clinically relevant secondary outcome measure, global clinical outcome of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems.
RESULTS
As seen with the subsample of African Americans from the COMBINE Study, results of the present analysis indicated that there were no significant effects of naltrexone on PDA and TTHD despite these significant effects in the original study. However, contrary to findings in the African American subsample, for Latino participants naltrexone was a significant predictor of a good global clinical outcome (i.e., abstinence or moderate drinking without problems).
CONCLUSIONS
Naltrexone was not significantly associated with improvements in the primary drinking outcomes of PDA or TTHD at the end of treatment or at follow-up. However, Latinos appeared to benefit from naltrexone as demonstrated by improved ratings of global clinical outcome. These results indicate mixed findings for the efficacy of naltrexone among Latinos in the COMBINE Study. | 10.15288/jsad.2017.78.629 |
pubmed_16_10580 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of Jingui Shenqi Pill (JSP) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the skin lesion and its clinical effect in treating bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients.
METHODS
Thirty BP patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (n=15) treated with JSP plus prednisone and the prednisone group (n=15) with prednisone alone both for 4 weeks. And a normal control group was set up also. Expressions of GR-alpha and GR-beta in the skin lesion of BP patients and the normal skin of the normal control were detected by immunohistochemical assay. Results The total effective rate was 93.33% in the treatment group, significantly higher than that in the prednisone group which was 73.33% (P < 0.05); GR-alpha expression was higher in the treatment group than that in other two groups (P < 0.01), while GR-beta expression in the treatment group was lower than that in the prednisone group (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
JSP could increase GR-alpha expression and decrease GR-beta expression in the skin lesion of BP patients, so as to improve sensitivity of skin to glucocorticoid. | pubmed_16_10580 |
pubmed_361_10259 | This study examined the anterograde axonal transport of activities of the cytoplasmic enzymes choline acetyltransferase and 6-phosphofructokinase in genetically diabetic C57BL/Ks (db/db) mice and their nondiabetic (+/?) littermates. Diabetic mice exhibited marked reductions in the accumulation of both choline acetyltransferase and 6-phosphofructokinase activity against a constriction of the left sciatic nerve (38% and 51% of nondiabetic values, respectively). Enzyme activities per unit length of unconstricted nerve were not different from those of nondiabetic mice. The nerves of diabetic mice did not accumulate measurable amounts of sorbitol or fructose and showed no myo-inositol depletion. Thus this study concludes that, in diabetic mice, the deficits in anterograde axonal transport of these two enzymes do not arise from the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose nor from depletion of nerve free myo-inositol. | 10.1002/mus.880111204 |
pubmed_611_9546 | BACKGROUND AND AIM
Experimental carcinogenesis models provide a useful tool in the study of the aetiopathogenesis and treatment of gastric cancer. We developed a model based on the administration of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) in Wistar rats for the induction of maximal yield of gastric carcinomas with a short latency period, and being exclusively localized at the gastric level.
METHODS
A gastric antiperistaltic fistula was performed in 90 Wistar rats classified into eight different groups. Fifteen days after surgery 5, 10, 15 or 20 mg of NMU/100 g were administered through the fistula once a week for a 3- to 5-week period. Before the administration of NMU, a pyloric blockade was made in order to obtain a temporary isolation of the stomach. At 20 weeks, animals were sacrificed and organs were removed for histological study.
RESULTS
All rats treated with 15 mg NMU/100 g once a week for 5 weeks, after pyloric blockade maintained for 1 h, developed well-differentiated carcinomas in the forestomach. Carcinomas were multiple in 11% of cases and appeared with papillomatous lesions in 33% of rats. No tumours were observed in any other organs. In the other groups, no gastric carcinomas were diagnosed.
CONCLUSION
The high incidence of carcinomas in the forestomach, the absence of tumours in other organs and the short latency period represent valuable criteria for the use of our model in chemotherapeutic investigations, as well as in the study of cancer evolution without interferences caused by tumour development in other organs. | 10.1159/000008782 |
pubmed_191_22955 | Most hair bundles are essentially fixed with respect to frequency specificity. However, hair bundles in sea anemones are dynamically tuned by actin-dependent changes in length. Tuning to low frequencies is accomplished by activation of chemoreceptors to N-acetylated sugars resulting in hair bundle elongation. We report here that following sugar-induced tuning of hair bundles, membrane currents reverse polarity in hair cells during unidirectional mechanical stimulation. Reversal in polarity of currents with sugar stimulation is inhibited if hair bundle elongation is blocked by pretreatment with cytochalasin D. A re-examination of morphological changes to hair bundles reveals a sugar-induced reorientation of stereocilia in addition to elongation with chemosensitization. In controls, hair bundles are noticeably twisted. With sugar stimulation stereocilia become oriented more parallel to the long axis of the hair bundle. This sugar-induced change in orientation is similarly inhibited by cytochalasin D pretreatment. Based on these results, we present a model wherein anemone hair bundle twisting serves as a built-in safety mechanism to preserve linkages likely to be subjected to potentially damaging tension during tuning. The twisted hair bundles can untwist while elongating to relieve excessive tension on extracellular linkages between stereocilia critical to mechanosensitivity. | 10.1016/s0378-5955(01)00392-6 |
pubmed_1010_15488 | A novel carbon material made of porous graphene-like nanosheets was synthesized from biomass resources by a simple catalytic graphitization process using nickel as a catalyst for applications in electrodes for energy storage devices. A recycled fiberboard precursor was impregnated with saturated nickel nitrate followed by high-temperature pyrolysis. The highly exothermic combustion of in situ formed nitrocellulose produces the expansion of the cellulose fibers and the reorganization of the carbon structure into a three-dimensional (3D) porous assembly of thin carbon nanosheets. After acid washing, nickel particles are fully removed, leaving nanosized holes in the wrinkled graphene-like sheets. These nanoholes confer the resulting carbon material with ≈75% capacitance retention, when applied as a supercapacitor electrode in aqueous media at a specific current of 100 A·g-1 compared to the capacitance reached at 20 mA·g-1, and ≈35% capacity retention, when applied as a negative electrode for lithium-ion battery cells at a specific current of 3720 mA·g-1 compared to the specific capacity at 37.2 mA·g-1. These findings suggest a novel way for synthesizing 3D nanocarbon networks from a cellulosic precursor requiring low temperatures and being amenable to large-scale production while using a sustainable starting precursor such as recycled fiberwood. | 10.1021/acsomega.9b03142 |
pubmed_1141_20936 | AIM OF STUDY
The aim was to analyse the pregnancy outcome among girls, aged 17 and below, at KK Hospital.
METHODOLOGY
This is a retrospective study. A total of 108 adolescent pregnancies were analysed with regards to pregnancy order, antenatal complications, mode of delivery and pregnancy outcome.
RESULTS
The 2 most common antenatal complications were anaemia and preterm labour. The repeat pregnancy rate was 15.7%. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 7.2%; 21.2% of babies born weighed less than 2.5 kg.
CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent pregnancies accounted for only a small proportion of all deliveries in our hospital. Late or non-existent antenatal care was a feature in most pregnancies. The incidence of repeat pregnancies reflects the need for a more effective counselling on contraception. | pubmed_1141_20936 |
pubmed_887_1198 | The ingestion of a meal of carbohydrates by fasting rats rapidly increases brain tryptophan level and serotonin (5-HT) synthesis. The rise in brain tryptophan level follows from an increase in tryptophan transport into brain, the consequence of an insulin-induced reduction in the blood levels of several amino acids that compete with tryptophan for brain uptake. In contrast, ingesting protein with carbohydrate does not stimulate brain tryptophan uptake or 5-HT synthesis, because the blood levels of tryptophan's transport competitors are increased, not reduced. These observations form the biochemical basis of a current proposal for a regulatory loop governing meal-to-meal appetite for carbohydrates. This review briefly analyzes the experimental basis for the carbohydrate appetite regulatory loop, and finds it wanting. It also considers the proposal that the ingestion of the artificial sweetener aspartame might disrupt the putative regulatory loop for carbohydrate intake regulation, and thus promote rather than help to limit carbohydrate appetite, and finds this hypothesis unrealistic as well. In general, the conclusion is that while single meals do readily influence brain tryptophan uptake and 5-HT synthesis, it is presently unclear what role such neurochemical effects of food ingestion have in the control of specific appetites. | pubmed_887_1198 |
pubmed_454_11210 | BACKGROUND
Information on measles vaccine effectiveness (VE) is critical to help inform policies for future global measles control goals.
METHODS
We reviewed results of VE studies published during 1960-2010.
RESULTS
Seventy papers with 135 VE point estimates were identified. For a single dose of vaccine administered at 9-11 months of age and ≥12 months, the median VE was 77.0% (interquartile range [IQR], 62%-91%) and 92.0% (IQR, 86%-96%), respectively. When analysis was restricted to include only point estimates for which vaccination history was verified and cases were laboratory confirmed, the median VE was 84.0% (IQR, 72.0%-95.0%) and 92.5% (IQR, 84.8%-97.0%) when vaccine was received at 9-11 and ≥12 months, respectively. Published VE vary by World Health Organization region, with generally lower estimates in countries belonging to the African and SouthEast Asian Regions. For 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, compared with no vaccination, the median VE was 94.1% (IQR, 88.3%-98.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
The VE of the first dose of measles-containing vaccine administered at 9-11 months was lower than what would be expected from serologic evaluations but was higher than expected when administered at ≥12 months. The median VE increased in a subset of articles in which classification bias was reduced through verified vaccination history and laboratory confirmation. In general, 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine provided excellent protection against measles. | 10.1093/infdis/jir102 |
pubmed_154_13608 | This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and the existence of role models among a sample of 36 female college students. Participants completed a questionnaire which included demographic questions, the Self-esteem Inventory, and questions concerning use of childhood and contemporary role models. Independent t-test results indicated that participants who reported having current role models had higher self-esteem scores than participants who did not, suggesting that role models may contribute to higher self-esteem in college-age women. No significant differences in self-esteem were by sex of the role model. | 10.2466/pr0.2002.90.2.659 |
pubmed_44_3037 | The movement of drugs across biological membranes is mediated by two major classes of membrane transporters. Primary-active, ABC (ATP-binding cassette) multidrug transporters are dependent on ATP-binding/hydrolysis, whereas secondary-active multidrug transporters are coupled to the proton (or sodium)-motive force that exists across the plasma membrane. Recent work on LmrA, an ABC multidrug transporter in Lactococcus lactis, suggests that primary- and secondary-active multidrug transporters share functional and structural features. Some of these similarities and their implications for the mechanism of transport by ABC multidrug transporters will be discussed. | 10.1042/BST20051008 |
pubmed_886_22562 | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) gene have been implicated in susceptibility to asthma, but a large number of studies have reported inconclusive results. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the TGF-beta1 gene and asthma susceptibility.
METHODS
Searches were performed of Medline (Ovid), PubMed, the Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBM), the Chinese Journals Full-text Database (CNKI), the Cochrane Library Database and the Web of Science, covering all papers published up to 30 April 2009. Statistical analysis was performed using Revman4.2.8 and STATA10.0 software.
RESULTS
Two polymorphisms (-509C/T and 915G/C(G25C)) were investigated in 14 studies, involving 2979 asthma patients and 4941 control subjects. The results showed that individuals carrying the -509T allele (TT+TC) had a 36% increased risk of asthma, when compared with homozygotes (-509CC) (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12-1.65). However, there was no significant association with risk of asthma in carriers of the 915C allele (GC+CC) compared with 915GG homozygotes (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.65-1.70). In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the risk of asthma associated with the -509T allele was significantly elevated among Asians (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04-2.17) but not Caucasians (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.36). In a subgroup analysis by age, the -509T allele was associated with a significantly elevated risk of asthma among adults (OR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.09-1.92) but not children (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 0.96-1.46).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggested that the -509C/T polymorphism in the TGF-beta1 gene may be a risk factor for asthma. To further evaluate gene-gene and gene-environment interactions between polymorphisms in the TGF-beta1 gene and asthma susceptibility, more studies involving thousands of patients are required. | 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2010.01748.x |
pubmed_467_12283 | The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. Biodegradable plastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), could serve as green alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. In this study, a mixed microbial culture was enriched under feast/famine conditions using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with acetate as a carbon source. The enrichment could accumulate a maximum PHA concentration of 32.3% gPHA/g mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the 12th cycle of SBR operation. The microbial community in this sludge sample was analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (MiSeq). The results showed the dominance of Proteobacteria, represented by Alphaproteobacteria (13.26% of total sequences), Betaproteobacteria (51.37% of total sequences), and Gammaproteobacteria (23.44% of total sequences). Thauera (Betaproteobacteria) had the highest relative abundance, accounting for 48.88% of the total sequences. PHA-accumulating microorganisms in the enrichment were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and a fluorescent dye, Nile blue A. Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria were capable of accumulating PHA, while no Gammaproteobacteria were detected. Thauera spp. from Betaproteobacteria constituted 80.3% of the total PHA accumulating cells. | 10.1038/s41598-020-60727-7 |
pubmed_26_20824 | The mutation sites on omega3 desaturase genes in two omega3 desaturase-defective mutants derived from arachidonic acid-producing Mortierella alpina 1S-4 were identified. The mutations each resulted in an amino acid replacement (W232Stop or W386Stop) which caused a lack of omega3 desaturase activity in these mutants. | 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2008.08.001 |
pubmed_1067_24555 | A theory for (1+3) -dimensional relativistic Brownian motion under the influence of external force fields is put forward. Starting out from a set of relativistically covariant, but multiplicative Langevin equations we describe the relativistic stochastic dynamics of a forced Brownian particle. The corresponding Fokker-Planck equations are studied in the laboratory frame coordinates. In particular, the stochastic integration prescription--i.e., the discretization rule dilemma--is elucidated (prepoint discretization rule versus midpoint discretization rule versus postpoint discretization rule). Remarkably, within our relativistic scheme we find that the postpoint rule (or the transport form) yields the only Fokker-Planck dynamics from which the relativistic Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics is recovered as the stationary solution. The relativistic velocity effects become distinctly more pronounced by going from one to three spatial dimensions. Moreover, we present numerical results for the asymptotic mean-square displacement of a free relativistic Brownian particle moving in 1+3 dimensions. | 10.1103/PhysRevE.72.036106 |
pubmed_700_9096 | We have investigated methods for decreasing the number of allergic patients and have produced the following data. We compared mothers' total IgE levels and allergen-specific IgG and IgG4 levels in 72 paired cases. In mothers with high total IgE, the cord blood levels of IgG and IgG4 specific for egg, milk, and mite allergens were significantly higher than in mothers with low IgE levels. Mothers who took over 200 ml of milk per day showed a statistically higher level of milk-specific IgG antibody. From our studies of IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibody levels in atopic dermatitis patients, we conclude that specific IgG and IgG4 levels should be considered when eliminating offending foods. Infants with high egg-specific IgG antibody levels in cord blood were statistically more prone to develop allergic disease. | pubmed_700_9096 |
pubmed_98_14573 | OBJECTIVE
One of the indicators in measuring the nutritional status of a particular community is the nutritional status of pregnant women. A nutritional deficiency occurs if nutritional input for pregnant women from food is not balanced with their body's needs. Several determinants are related to nutritional status. This study aimed to determine the relationship between socioeconomic and nutritional status of pregnant women in temporary shelter, Talise, Palu.
METHODS
This research was a quantitative observational study with a cross-sectional study approach. Sampling was done by random sampling technique, which obtained 85 pregnant women. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire.
RESULTS
Based on the Chi-Square test, p-value=0.001, which means that difference between socioeconomic status and nutritional status in pregnant women was significant (p<0.05). Variable of parity factor that was at risk and no risk in pregnant women showed p-value=0.030 and p-value=0.048. Additionally, the variable of pregnancy gap factor that was at risk and no risk in pregnant women showed p=0.070 and p=0.159. In addition, infectious disease factor that was at risk and no risk in pregnant women showed p-value=0.017 and p-value=0.027. Last but not least, implementation of ANC variable that was in line with standards and not in line with standards in pregnant women showed p-value=0.019 and p=0.043.
CONCLUSION
Based on the Chi-Square test calculation, p-value=0.001, which indicates a significant value between socioeconomic status and nutritional status in pregnant women (p<0.05). | 10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.10.018 |
pubmed_656_25513 | Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants which have been reported to be hepatotoxic by laboratory cell and animal studies. However, the related epidemiological reports on their hepatotoxic effects to humans are sparse. In this study, we evaluated the associations between six liver enzymes and serum short-chain CP (SCCP) or medium-chain CP (MCCP) concentrations of 197 residents in Jinan, China. Serum S/MCCPs were detected by quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source (APCI-QTOF-HRMS), and quantified by pattern deconvolution method. The associations between total serum S/MCCP concentrations (ΣS/MCCPs) and continuous liver enzyme levels were assessed by linear regression. Odds ratios (ORs) for the effects of serum ΣS/MCCPs concentrations on liver function biomarkers dichotomized by clinical reference intervals were predicted by logistic regression, either treating ΣS/MCCPs as continuous or categorical dependents. After multivariable adjustment, linear regression results illustrated that 1-ln unit increase in serum ΣSCCPs was negatively associated with male PA levels [-6.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): -11.90, -3.25, p < 0.05], positively associated with male TB levels (1.80, 95% CI: 0.28, 3.31, p < 0.05), and positively associated with female AST levels (1.39, 95% CI: 0.07, 2.70, p < 0.05). One-ln unit increase in serum ΣMCCPs was negatively associated male PA levels (-7.56, 95% CI: -17.15, -4.03, p < 0.05). Logistic regression results suggested that male serum ΣSCCPs were associated with increased prevalence of abnormal PA (OR = 1.47 per 1 ln-unit increase, CI = 1.18, 1.82) and TB (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.12, 2.76) levels, and male serum ΣMCCPs were significantly associated with increased prevalence of abnormal PA (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.97) levels. In addition, male participants with concentrations above the median ΣS/MCCPs were associated with increased risk for abnormal PA levels [SCCPs, 2.11-fold (95% CI = 1.15, 3.87); MCCPs, 1.94-fold (95% CI = 1.24, 3.03)]. Male participants with concentrations above the median ΣSCCPs were also associated with increased risk for abnormal TB levels (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.12, 2.76). Conclusively, our results revealed that CP internal exposure was associated with disturbed liver biomarker levels, suggesting the hepatotoxicity of both SCCPs and MCCPs to humans. | 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115762 |
pubmed_779_361 | INTRODUCTION
There is a crucial need to perform clinical trials in pediatrics due to an increased prescription rate of unapproved drugs. Since pediatricians are the gatekeepers of clinical trials, the primary objective of the current study was to evaluate, for the first time in France, pediatricians' views on performing clinical trials. The second objective was to identify the factors that influence their perceptions.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In 2017, pediatricians who were members of the French Pediatric Society completed an online survey comprising 27 questions. Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate possible correlations between pediatrician characteristics (age, sex, parenthood, professional experience, status, type of practice, previous participation in clinical trials, ethics education) and personal views on clinical trials. A value of P≤0.001 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
Overall, 207 pediatricians completed the questionnaire. Almost all participants (96.6%) were in favor of performing clinical trials. Pediatricians with teaching experience at university hospitals were more reluctant to propose children's participation in clinical trials for fear of increasing parental stress (P<0.001), or the occurrence of serious adverse reactions (P<0.001). Pediatricians with coordinator or investigator experience considered that one of the ethical drifts in pediatric clinical trials is the risk of child exploitation (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest a favorable position of pediatricians concerning clinical trials, despite numerous concerns. Another outcome is the need to create an educational system of research in ethics in France dedicated to pediatricians in order to guarantee good clinical practice in research. | 10.1016/j.arcped.2021.05.003 |
pubmed_410_25032 | Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. Recycling is a potential means of reducing plastic pollution in the environment. However, plastic fragments are still likely released to the aquatic environment during mechanical recycling processes. Here, we examined the plastic inputs and effluent outputs of three mechanical recycling facilities in Vietnam dealing with electronic, bottle, and household plastic waste, and we found that large quantities of microplastics (plastics <5 mm in length) are generated and released to the aquatic environment during mechanical recycling without proper treatment. Comparisons with literature data for microplastics in wastewater treatment plant effluents and surface water indicated that mechanical recycling of plastic waste is likely a major point source of microplastics pollution. Although there is a mismatch between the size of the microplastics examined in the present study and the predicted no-effect concentration reported, it is still possible that microplastics generated at facilities pose risks to the aquatic environment because there might be many plastic particulates smaller than 315 μm, as suggested by our obtained size distributions. With mechanical recycling likely to increase as we move to a circular plastics economy, greater microplastics emissions can be expected. It is therefore an urgent need to fully understand not only the scale of microplastic generation and release from plastic mechanical recycling but also the environmental risk posed by microplastics in the aquatic environment. | 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119114 |
pubmed_90_7432 | In 240 girls aged between three and fifteen years with mictional problems or urological infectious complications, 58 had radiological appearances of urethral stenosis. A complete clinical, urographic, urodynamic, endoscopic and instrumental study was performed in these 58 children. The majority of these young girls suffered from frequency with urgency, enuresis, pyuria and radiological and endoscopic appearances of trabeculated bladder. Thirteen showed signs of vesico-ureteric reflux. A basic fact: only two of the children had meatal stenosis. All the others had a urethral calibre larger than normal. Almost all the children had an unstable bladder, but with the exception of the two girls with a tight meatal stenosis, none had urodynamic data compatible with poor stream or vesico-sphincter dysinergism. The author concluded in the existence and the exceptional nature of true stenosis of the terminal urethra in the young girl. Most often, in the absence of true stenosis, there is nevertheless a functional stenosis related to contraction of the striate sphincter intended to overcome contraction of the unstable bladder. Such non-inhibited bladders are the site of marked disinhibition contractions without any element of outlet obstruction no increase in urethral resistance and no increase in micturation pressures. Disturbances of day and night continence are essential. Vesical trabeculations are a logical consequence, easy to understand, but the episodes of recurrent infection and the development of vesico-ureteric reflux (present in 13 of the girls) are rather more complicated to explain. This pathological state is most often reversible as the bladder matures. Nevertheless, bladder education, pharmacological treatment, dilatations and urethrotomy may help such children. Such treatment has given favourable results in 50% of cases. | pubmed_90_7432 |
pubmed_995_18091 | Few studies on the pharmacological assessment or treatment of impotence have included controls. In a double-blind crossover study, 18 impotent men received either a 2 ml injection of a solution containing 30 mg papaverine and 1 mg phentolamine or a similar volume of normal saline into the corpus cavernosum. The immediate and delayed effects (4 weeks later) were assessed independently and the alternative injection then given. All injections with papaverine and phentolamine were followed by an immediate increase in penile length and rigidity, and 70% of these patients were able to have sexual intercourse for periods of 1 to 4 weeks. No change in penile length or rigidity occurred following the saline injection and only one patient showed some improvement in erection over the next 4 weeks. In the crossover study, no patient developed any increase in length or rigidity of the penis following injection of saline, and improvement in spontaneous erection occurred in only two cases. In contrast, all patients who received papaverine and phentolamine had an increase in penile length and rigidity, and 50% were able to have normal sexual intercourse over the next 4 weeks. This study confirms the value of a combination of vasoactive agents in the management of impotence, irrespective of its aetiology, and suggests that any placebo effect is minimal in this group of patients with considerable psychological overlay. | 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1987.tb04848.x |
pubmed_761_17625 | BACKGROUND
Parenchyma-sparing, local pancreatic head resection, but not pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) preserves tissue and maintains the pancreatic metabolic functions.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library collections were systematically searched. Twenty-six cohort studies with 523 cumulative patients, who underwent duodenum-sparing pancreatic head resection (DPPHR), were retrieved. The meta-analysis was based on 14 controlled studies.
RESULTS
In total, 338 patients suffered cystic neoplasms and 59 PNETs, IPMN-174, MCN-43 and SPN-23 patients. Eighty-one patients (15.5%) histo-pathologically displayed a low-malignant tumor, of which 27 were carcinoma in-situ. Tumor recurrence was observed after a mean follow-up of 47.1 months in 11 patients. In-hospital and late mortality after DPPHR was 0.6% and 1.7%, respectively. The meta-analysis was based on 318 DPPHR compared to 404 PD patients. DPPHR was performed for premalignant neoplasm and PNET in 164 and 46 patients, and PD in 181 and 46 patients, respectively. Events of recurrence displayed no statistically significant difference between the DPPHR and PD groups.
CONCLUSION
DPPHR is associated with oncologically complete tumor resection for patients suffering premalignant IPMN, MCN, or SPN and for low-risk cancer. | 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.10.003 |
pubmed_969_18170 | GDP-sensitive Cl- uniport is a widely studied property of the uncoupling protein of brown adipose tissue mitochondria; nevertheless, little is known about its mechanism and there is even controversy over whether this protein transports Cl-. Using a fluorescent probe assay, we have demonstrated non-ohmic, electrophoretic, GDP-sensitive Cl- uniport into proteoliposomes reconstituted with purified uncoupler protein. We have also identified a large number of new anionic substrates for this porter that also inhibit Cl- uniport competitively. Anion transport, its inhibition by GDP and anion inhibition of Cl- uniport are all strongly dependent on anion hydrophobicity. These surprising results are consequential for hypotheses of common transport mechanisms in the gene family of mitochondrial anion porters. | 10.1016/0005-2728(90)90237-x |
pubmed_454_17783 | The transcription factor Bcl6 regulates germinal center formation and differentiation of B cells into high-affinity antibody-producing plasma cells. The direct double-negative regulatory circuit between Bcl6 and Blimp-1 is well established. We now reveal alternative mechanisms for Bcl6-mediated regulation of B-cell differentiation to plasma cells and show with DT40 cells that Bcl6 directly promotes the expression of Bach2, a known suppressor of Blimp-1. Moreover, Bcl6 suppresses Blimp-1 expression through direct binding to the IRF4 gene, as well as by promoting the expression of MITF, a known suppressor of IRF4. We also provide evidence that Bcl6 is needed for the expression of AID and UNG, the indispensable proteins for somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination, and UNG appears to be a direct Bcl6 target. Our findings reveal a complex regulatory network in which Bcl6 acts as a key element dictating the transition of DT40 B cells to plasma cells. | 10.1002/eji.201141553 |
pubmed_787_10824 | Microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (MPECVD) was used for the production of carbon nanotubes. Vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were grown on silicon substrates coated with cobalt thin films of thickness ranging from 0.5 nm to 3 nm. Prior to the nanotube growth the catalyst were treated with N2 plasma for 5-10 minutes that break the films into small nanoparticles which favour the growth of nanotubes. The CNTs were grown at a substrate temperature of 700 degrees C for 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The height of the CNT films ranging from 10 microm-30 microm indicating that the initial growth rate of the CNTs are very high at a rate of approximately 100 nm/sec. Electrical resistivity of the above samples was evaluated from I-V measurements. The activation energy (E(a)) was also calculated from the temperature dependent studies and it was found that the E(a) lies in the range of 15-35 meV. Raman spectroscopy was used to identify the quality of the nanotubes. | 10.1166/jnn.2009.m66 |
pubmed_51_9510 | Inorganic ultraviolet filters such as titanium dioxide (TiO(2)), safe to use on healthy skin, are often applied on compromised and irradiated skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the cutaneous penetration of TiO(2) nanoparticles (≥20 nm primary size), included in a sunscreen, in intact, damaged, irradiated, and damaged/irradiated pigskin. Cutaneous penetration and localization of TiO(2) after a 24-h sunscreen application were investigated quantitatively using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and qualitatively using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Elemental identity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by TEM-coupled Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (TEM-EDX). In intact and damaged/irradiated skins, 102.35±4.20% and 102.84±5.67% of the titanium deposited, respectively, were found at the surface and stratum corneum (SC), whereas only 0.19±0.15% and 0.39±0.39% were found in the viable epidermis and dermis and no titanium was detected in the receptor fluid. TEM-EDX analysis confirmed the presence of titanium in the aggregates formed by TiO(2) at the SC surface, as already characterized in the sunscreen formulation. TiO(2) nanoparticles included in a sunscreen thus remain in the uppermost layers of the SC, whether in intact skin or in compromised and/or skin exposed to simulated solar radiation. | 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2012.01181.x |
pubmed_72_2545 | Human linguatulosis poses an important medical and veterinary concern in endemic countries. Animals, as reservoir host, play a major role in transmission of infestation and epidemiology of the disease. This study reports a case of human linguatulosis caused by Linguatula serrata in the city of Kerman, South-eastern Iran. A woman suffering from upper respiratory symptoms is presented. The patient consumed raw liver of sheep who was admitted to the Afzalipour University Hospital in Kerman for the symptoms of upper respiratory tract. In microscopic examination of the nasopharyngeal discharge, L. serrata was detected. This report has future medical implication in precise diagnosis of L. serrata in patients with complaints of nasopharyngeal symptoms. | pubmed_72_2545 |
pubmed_304_14778 | Photothermally driven volume transitions in polymer microgels have promising applications for site-specific drug delivery and photodynamic therapy. We studied the temperature-induced volume phase transitions for a series of thermoresponsive microgels of various compositions to find a system with a sharp transition in the physiologically relevant range spanning 38-41 degrees C in 0.01 M phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4). We found that the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-maleic acid) microgels showed an 8-fold decrease in size under the aforementioned conditions. These microgels were loaded with gold nanorods designed to absorb in the near-IR spectral range. Following irradiation at lambda = 809 nm, the microgels underwent a large, reversible, photothermally triggered change in volume. We believe that this microgel system is a promising candidate for photothermally controlled drug release. | 10.1021/la061596s |
pubmed_837_17361 | High-dose 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) infusion into the internal carotid artery following cranial irradiation in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme is accompanied by evidence of leukoencephalopathy in a significant number of patients. In an attempt to avoid this problem, a phase I trial was performed using intracarotid BCNU infusion before irradiation. Twenty-eight patients with grade III/III astrocytoma (World Health Organization Classification, equivalent to Kernohan grade IV) received a 400-mg infusion of BCNU into the infraophthalmic carotid artery. The treatment was repeated every 4 weeks for a total of four cycles prior to cranial irradiation (5500 to 6000 cGy). The major toxic sequelae included nausea and vomiting (24%), decreased visual acuity (14%), transient cerebral ischemia (3.5%), and thrombocytopenia (3.5%). Fatal leukoencephalopathy occurred in two patients. The median survival time was 37 weeks for all evaluable patients and 56+ weeks for those completing the protocol. The tumor response to drug infusion as judged by computerized tomography (CT) was complete in 22% of patients and partial in 22%; 56% showed no CT tumor response. Pre-irradiation intracarotid artery BCNU benefits a very small group of patients with grade III/III astrocytoma. The associated severe leukoencephalopathy makes this mode of therapy unacceptable for a phase III trial. | 10.3171/jns.1988.68.6.0917 |
pubmed_400_5593 | Current regulatory risk assessment procedures only assess the impact of antifouling paint biocides that are released through leaching from a painted surface. Hull cleaning activities can lead to particles of antifouling paint containing biocides to enter the environment. Comparative pseudo-first order anaerobic degradation rate constants and half-lives were determined for a selection of common antifouling paint booster biocides, their degradation products, and associated with paint particles. Anaerobic half-lives of <0.5 days were calculated for chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, and SeaNine 211, between 1 and 3 days for DCPMU and DCPU, between 14 and 35 days for diuron and CPDU, and over 226 days for GS26575 and Irgarol 1051. Increased persistence was observed when the compounds were introduced to sediments associated with antifouling paint particles. When present as antifouling paint particles, an increased half-life of 9.9 days for SeaNine 211 and 1.4 days was calculated for dichlofluanid, no significant degradation was observed for diuron. It is suspected that this is due to much of the biocide being initially bound within the matrix of the paint particle that is slowly released through dissolution processes into the sediment pore water prior to degradation. The release of booster biocides associated with paint particles into marinas has the potential to lead to their accumulation unless activities such as hull cleaning are strictly regulated. | 10.1016/s0269-7491(02)00343-3 |
pubmed_839_4834 | Conventional prosthetic feet cannot adapt to specific conditions such as walking on stairs or ramps. Amputees are therefore forced to compensate their prosthetic deficits by modifying the kinematics and kinetics of their lower limbs. The Proprio-Foot (Ossur) intends to reduce these compensation mechanisms by automatically increasing dorsiflexion during stair ambulation thanks to an adaptive microprocessor-controlled ankle. The present investigation proposes to analyze the biomechanical effects of the dorsiflexion adaptation in transtibial (TT) amputees during stair ambulation. Sixteen TT amputees and sixteen healthy controls underwent conventional 3D gait analysis. Kinematics and kinetics of the lower limbs were compared during stair ascent and descent performed by patients with the prosthetic foot set to a neutral ankle angle and with an adapted dorsiflexion ankle angle of 4 degrees . Norm distance as well as minimum and maximal values of sagittal kinematics and kinetics were calculated for comparisons between patients and control subjects. For both stair ascent and descent, an improvement of the knee kinematics and kinetics could particularly be noticed on the involved side with an increase of the knee flexion and an increase of the knee moment during stance. Therefore, despite its additional weight compared to a conventional prosthetic ankle, the Proprio-Foot should be beneficial to active TT amputees whose knee musculature strength does not constitute a handicap. | 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.06.009 |
pubmed_350_13736 | Changes in the levels of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) in the discrete regions of rat brain during the sleep-wakefulness cycle were studied using a microwave fixation method. Rats were restrained in a specially designed frame in which they could move their heads and extremities freely and take food and water ad libitum. The rats were acclimatized to the microwave applicator for 1 h a day for 5-7 days, and then they were sacrificed by microwave irradiation of the heads under polygraphic monitoring. This procedure made it possible to obtain tissue for the analysis of cyclic nucleotides at different times during the sleep-wakefulness cycle. The content of cAMP in the various regions of the brain except the cerebellum decreased during sleep. In the hippocampus, midbrain, pons-medulla and cerebellum, the level of cGMP was highest during wakefulness, whereas in the striatum it was highest during paradoxical sleep. In the midbrain and pons-medulla, the level of cGMP was higher during paradoxical sleep than during slow-wave sleep. These changes of cyclic nucleotide contents may reflect the changes in the release of putative neurotransmitters during the sleep-wakefulness cycle. Our findings suggest that cyclic nucleotides may play some roles in the regulation of the sleep-wakefulness cycle. | 10.1016/0006-8993(81)91256-7 |
pubmed_326_20130 | 16 pairs of oligonucleotide primers, complementary to unique DNA sequences of human chromosome 3, were synthesized. For 10 of these, fragments of expected length were generated in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These fragments may be used as markers for detailed physical mapping of this chromosome. The above primers were used in PCR in order to analyse a hybrid mice-human cell line which contained presumably a fragment of human chromosome 3. The presence of human DNA in the hybrid line has been shown, but no ultimate evidence was received to confirm its location in human chromosome 3. By means of primers, complementary to the butyrylcholinesterase gene (BCHE), pools of clones from the yeast total library of human DNA were analysed, and then the pool and later the individual [correction of undividual] clone, containing a fragment of BCHE gene, were identified. | pubmed_326_20130 |
pubmed_348_21733 | Solar exposure, vitamin D, and their possible beneficial effect on cancer risk and cancer prognosis are a topic for research. Despite the distinct nature of sunlight, it has proved difficult to assess the exposure quantitatively in epidemiological studies. Skin cancers, latitude, and sunny climate have been used as proxy indicators of solar exposure above a reference level. The interpretation of such data may still be hampered by incomplete cancer registration, difference in protection against sunbeams, selection mechanisms, and absence of information on potential confounders. A recently published paper -- on second primary cancer following the diagnosis of a skin cancer -- is discussed to illustrate the difficulties. Further epidemiological studies of potentially protective effects from carcinogenic ultraviolet rays should include individual information on solar exposure and vitamin D levels, as well as on other recognised and relevant risk factors. | 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.10.019 |
pubmed_34_11864 | The aims of the present study were to compare rankings of dental aesthetics and the threshold at which orthodontic treatment would be sought among patients, parents, and dentists. A prospective cross-sectional study was designed to address these aims. The study sample comprised 100 patients and parents and 23 dental specialists. The patients were equally divided between males and females and their mean age was 14.7 years (standard deviation 2.3 years). The aesthetic component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) represented impairment of dental aesthetics. The 10 numbered photographs of the AC were cut into equal-sized rectangles and subjects were asked to arrange them from 'the one that looks best' to 'the one that looks worst'. The subjects were then presented with the 10 photographs of AC in sequence and asked to identify the cut-off point between 'teeth that need orthodontic treatment' and 'no treatment'. Statistical analysis was undertaken with a Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that median rankings of dental aesthetics were similar among the three groups (P > 0.05). The median ranking of photographs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 were identical to the AC of IOTN. The photographs representing IOTN AC 7 and 8 were allocated the same median rank of 7 and AC 5 and 9 were allocated corresponding median ranks of 6 and 8, respectively. There were no significant differences in median cut-off points for treatment need among the three groups of subjects (P > 0.05), indicating that the mean threshold at which treatment would be sought was AC 4. | 10.1093/ejo/cjm035 |
pubmed_820_22482 | Using a combination of parallel and directed synthesis, the discovery of a highly potent and selective series of adenosine A3 agonists was achieved. High aqueous solubility, required for the intended parenteral route of administration, was achieved by the presence of one or two basic amine functional groups. | 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.01.088 |
pubmed_655_16949 | "Spot 14" (S14) was originally identified as a mRNA from rat liver that responded rapidly to thyroid hormone, and has now been shown to play a key role in the tissue-specific regulation of lipid metabolism. In addition to its responsiveness to thyroid hormone, S14 gene transcription is controlled by dietary substrates, such as glucose and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and by fuel-related hormones including insulin and glucagon. The S14 protein forms homodimers via a carboxyl-terminal "zipper" domain. The protein is located primarily in the cell nucleus, and its expression in liver is limited to the perivenous portion of the hepatic lobule, the site of fatty acid synthesis. S14 protein is critical for the induction of key enzymes involved in the switching of hepatic metabolism from the fasted to the fed state. S14 antisense oligonucleotides inhibit both the intracellular production of lipids and their export as very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles. S14 acts at the level of transcription to regulate expression of genes encoding key metabolic enzymes, including those required for long-chain fatty acid synthesis. The human S14 gene is located at 11q13.5, a region that is amplified in a subset of aggressive breast cancers. S14 mRNA is expressed in most breast cancer-derived cell lines, and the protein is found in the nuclei of two thirds of human breast cancer specimens, but not in normal nonlactating mammary glands. S14 expression in breast tumors is highly concordant with overabundance of a key lipogenic enzyme. This indicates the association of S14 with enhanced tumor lipogenesis, an established marker of poor prognosis. In addition to the utility of S14 as a model system for elucidation of the mechanism of thyroid hormone action, studies of its regulation and function have provided insights into tissue-specific metabolic control by hormones and dietary substrates in both normal and neoplastic tissues. | 10.1089/thy.1998.8.815 |
pubmed_1021_8703 | The oldest known private accident insurance is recorded in the maritime law of Wisby of 1541. Defoe is the first to propose a compensation scale for loss of limbs in the 17th century. It is taken over in a modified character by all insurance companies being founded in Europe and North America since 1850. The structure of the present insurance conditions originates in the conditions of 1920. Since then the loss of the right and left upper limb is rated equally. The compensation scale is changed again in 1961, the loss of extremities is valued higher and the loss of sense of smelling and tasting is considered. | pubmed_1021_8703 |
pubmed_322_7096 | With the rapid development of nanotechnology, organelle-targeted nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have emerged as a potential method which can transport drugs specifically to the subcellular compartments like nucleus, mitochondrion, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus (GA). GA not only plays a key role in receiving, modifying, packaging and transporting proteins and lipids, but also contributes to a set of cellular processes. Golgi-targeted NDDSs can alter the morphology of GA and will become a promising strategy with high specificity, low-dose administration and decreased occurrence of side effects. In this review, Golgi-targeted NDDSs and their applications in disease therapies and diagnosis such as cancer, metastasis, fibrosis and neurological diseases are introduced. Meanwhile, modifications of NDDSs to achieve targeting strategies, Golgi-disturbing agents to change the morphology of GA, special endocytosis to achieve endosomal/lysosomal escape strategies are also involved. | 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105861 |
pubmed_332_21310 | Generation of a haploid female germ cell, the egg, consists of two rounds of asymmetric cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II), yielding two diminutive and nonviable polar bodies and a large haploid egg. Animal eggs are also unique in the lack of centrioles and therefore form meiotic spindles without the pre-existence of the two dominant microtubule organizing centers (centrosomes) found in mitosis. Meiotic spindle assembly is further complicated by the unique requirement of sister chromatid mono-oriented in meiosis I. Nonetheless, the eggs appear to adopt many of the same proteins and mechanisms described in mitosis, with necessary modifications to accommodate their special needs. Unraveling these special modifications will not only help understanding animal reproduction, but should also enhance our understanding of cell division in general. | 10.1002/cm.21041 |
pubmed_792_852 | This essay presents an analysis of violence in intimate life that draws on multiple theoretical perspectives. These include but are not limited to feminist theory, object relations theory, systems theory, narrative and social constructionist theory, and neurobiology. It is argued that it is possible to be effective in ending violence and abuse through a modified couples treatment format that addresses relationship issues, individual trauma, and biological vulnerability while simultaneously taking a clear, moral position that violence, abuse, and inequality are intolerable in any form. | 10.1111/j.1545-5300.1998.00263.x |
pubmed_973_15270 | OBJECTIVES
We sought to understand tuberculosis (TB) and HIV coinfection trends in San Diego County, California, and to identify associations between sociodemographic risk factors and TB and HIV coinfection.
METHODS
We analyzed TB surveillance data from 1993 through 2007. TB cases were grouped by HIV status: positive, negative, or unknown. We used Poisson regression to estimate trends and tested associations between TB and HIV coinfection and sociodemographic risk factors with polychotomous logistic regression.
RESULTS
Of 5172 TB cases, 8.8% were also infected with HIV. Incidence of coinfected cases did not change significantly over the period studied, but the proportion of cases among Hispanics increased significantly, whereas cases among non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks decreased. TB cases with HIV coinfection were significantly more likely to be Hispanic, male, injection drugs users, and aged 30 to 49 years, relative to cases with TB disease only.
CONCLUSIONS
The burden of TB and HIV in San Diego has shifted to Hispanics in the last decade. To address this health disparity, binational TB and HIV prevention efforts are needed. | 10.2105/AJPH.2009.170142 |
pubmed_1128_487 | The incidence of non-fatal infections after staging laparotomy in 95 adult patients with Hodgkin's disease was compared with that of 94 non-splenectomized patients. In addition, mortality of infections in 248 splenectomized patients was compared with mortality in 275 non-splenectomized patients. The observation time was 10 years from start of therapy. No difference was found between splenectomized and non-splenectomized adult Hodgkin's patients as to frequency and death from infection. However, the incidence of more serious infections was significantly higher in advanced disease (stage III and IV) as compared with localized disease (stage I and II). Deaths from rapid fatal infection occurred only in patients with advanced disease, unrespective of splenectomy. | 10.3109/02841869009126539 |
pubmed_902_15186 | BACKGROUND
Previous meta-analyses of treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have not shown mortality benefit from any individual class of medication.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception through November 2009 for randomized trials that evaluated any pharmacotherapy in the treatment of PAH. Reference lists from included articles and recent review articles were also searched. Analysis included randomized placebo controlled trials of at least eight weeks duration and studies comparing intravenous medication to an unblinded control group.
RESULTS
1541 unique studies were identified and twenty-four articles with 3758 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were reviewed and data extracted regarding study characteristics and outcomes. Data was pooled for three classes of medication: prostanoids, endothelin-receptor antagonists (ERAs), and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for mortality, 6-minute walk distance, dyspnea scores, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects. Mortality in the control arms was a combined 4.2% over the mean study length of 14.9 weeks. There was significant mortality benefit with prostanoid treatment (RR 0.49, CI 0.29 to 0.82), particularly comparing intravenous agents to control (RR 0.30, CI 0.14 to 0.63). Mortality benefit was not observed for ERAs (RR 0.58, CI 0.21 to 1.60) or PDE5 inhibitors (RR 0.30, CI 0.08 to 1.08). All three classes of medication improved other clinical and hemodynamic endpoints. Adverse effects that were increased in treatment arms include jaw pain, diarrhea, peripheral edema, headache, and nausea in prostanoids; and visual disturbance, dyspepsia, flushing, headache, and limb pain in PDE5 inhibitors. No adverse events were significantly associated with ERA treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of PAH with prostanoids reduces mortality and improves multiple other clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. ERAs and PDE5 inhibitors improve clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, but have no proven effect on mortality. The long-term effects of all PAH treatment requires further study. | 10.1186/1465-9921-11-12 |
pubmed_259_4609 | The objective of this exercise was to incorporate as much data as possible from multiple studies, that may differ in exposure durations, to derive a chemical-specific dose-duration response curve from which to identify toxicity markers (e.g., ED01, benchmark dose, and LD50). This has the advantage of incorporating more information than single-study assessments to improve estimates and reduce confidence intervals, and determining toxicity markers as functions of exposure duration as well as dose. The example used mortality for rats and mice, analyzed separately, from acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide (dose refers to airborne concentration of H(2)S). Statistical methods were applied to determine when data from different studies could be pooled. EC01, EC10, and EC50 (doses with response rates of 1, 10, and 50%) were estimated, with 95% confidence intervals, at durations of 5, 10, and 30 min, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 h. A single dose-duration response curve for mortality was fit to the rat data for exposures of 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, and 1h, using a logistic curve additive in log(dose) and log(duration). Separate fits of that model were required, however, at 2, 4, and 6h, due to an increasing impact of duration relative to concentration as duration increased. The curves for rats fit the data exceedingly well and exhibited a threshold-like response followed by a steep incline as concentration increased. There were fewer data for mice but the response pattern for mortality clearly differed from rats. This example demonstrates the feasibility of extending the concept of single-study benchmark doses to multiple-study dose-duration benchmarks, using U.S. EPA's program CatReg. Similar applications to long-term animal studies could be considered. | 10.1016/s0273-2300(03)00007-2 |
pubmed_601_416 | To evaluate the scavenging effect of mannitol, vitamin E and betamethasone in cerebral ischemia, spin trapping technique was applied to the detection of the free radicals generated in ischemic brain homogenate. Thirty Wistar rats were used for this study. In the control group, the brain homogenate prepared immediately after decapitation was preserved at 37 degrees C under N2 gas. Before the preservation and at 30 min, 60 min and 120 min from the start of the preservation, two reaction mixtures containing of spin trapping reagent phenyl-t-butyl nitrone (PBN), NADPH, Fe-EDTA and brain homogenate was prepared from each brain sample--one to be incubated for 20 min at 37 degrees C in air and one to be incubated in nitrogen gas under similar condition. Then the free radical adducts of PBN were measured by electron spin resonance (ESR). In pre-treated group, mannitol, vitamin E and betamethasone were administered intravenously 30 min prior to the decapitation and spin adducts of PBN were detected by same procedures as in control group. The ESR spectra, which hyperfine coupling constants were AN = 16.0-16.6 G and AH beta = 3.0-3.8 G, were obtained from the reaction mixtures in each group. Analyses of their relative intensity in control group revealed that the formation of free radical adducts of PBN was increased dependent on the preservation period under aerobic incubation, and increased gradually for 60 min of preservation time followed by a decrease under anaerobic incubation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | pubmed_601_416 |
pubmed_1129_16038 | Immune cell functions are regulated by co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory receptors. The first two generations of cancer immunotherapy agents consist primarily of antagonist antibodies that block negative immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA4). Looking ahead, there is substantial promise in targeting co-stimulatory receptors with agonist antibodies, and a growing number of these agents are making their way through various stages of development. This Review discusses the key considerations and potential pitfalls of immune agonist antibody design and development, their differentiating features from antagonist antibodies and the landscape of agonist antibodies in clinical development for cancer treatment. | 10.1038/nrd.2018.75 |
pubmed_196_14271 | The recent discovery of interconnections between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and those of almost all the cell compartments is providing novel perspectives for the understanding of the molecular events underlying cellular mechanisms in both physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, growing evidence strongly supports the idea that the molecular interactions occurring between ER and mitochondrial membranes, referred as the mitochondria (MT)-ER contacts (MERCs), may play a crucial role in aging and in the development of age-associated diseases. As emerged in the last decade, MERCs behave as signaling hubs composed by structural components that act as critical players in different age-associated disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases and motor disorders, cancer, metabolic syndrome, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Age-associated disorders often derive from mitochondrial or ER dysfunction as consequences of oxidative stress, mitochondrial DNA mutations, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and defective organelle turnover. In this review, we discuss the recent advances associating MERCs to aging in the context of ER-MT crosstalk regulating redox signaling, ER-to MT lipid transfer, mitochondrial dynamics, and autophagy. | 10.3389/fcell.2019.00172 |
pubmed_663_20457 | 'Good genes' models of sexual selection show that females can gain indirect benefits for their offspring if male ornaments are condition-dependent signals of genetic quality. Recurrent deleterious mutation is viewed as a major contributor to variance in genetic quality, and previous theoretical treatments of 'good genes' processes have assumed that the influx of new mutations is constant. I propose that this assumption is too simplistic, and that mutation rates vary in ways that are important for sexual selection. Recent data have shown that individuals in poor condition can have higher mutation rates, and I argue that if both male sexual ornaments and mutation rates are condition-dependent, then females can use male ornamentation to evaluate their mate's mutation rate. As most mutations are deleterious, females benefit from choosing well-ornamented mates, as they are less likely to contribute germline-derived mutations to offspring. I discuss some of the evolutionary ramifications of condition-dependent mutation rates and sexual selection. | 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01683.x |
pubmed_686_15373 | Esophageal reconstruction in patients with abnormal pharyngeal muscles or epiglottis may result in episodes of choking. The jejunal flap has been used to prevent choking by insetting the proximal end into the gingivobuccal sulcus and separating the digestive tract from the airway. A technique has been developed to deal with patients with aspiration due to collection of food near the nonfunctioning epiglottis. Between 1997 and 2004, 25 patients underwent reconstruction with jejunal flaps inset into the gingivobuccal sulcus. Postoperatively, 5 patients presented with episodes of choking. All patients underwent creation of an esophagocutaneous fistula using a deltopectoral flap. All flaps survived. Choking resolved and vocal performance was preserved in all patients. The jejunum, inset proximally into the gingivobuccal sulcus, has been successful in reconstructing patients unable to separate the airway from the digestive tract. The deltopectoral flap provides tissue for creation of a tubed flap and allows for the creation of a long fistula that prevents aspiration and can divert oral fluids away from a tracheostomy or a fresh wound. | 10.1097/01.sap.0000187180.32925.19 |
pubmed_976_1239 | Animal models have become an essential tool in the investigations of gut motility under experimental conditions. To determine the influence of various anaesthetic drugs on the motility pattern of the gastroduodenal tract, a new long-term model has had to be developed for allowing measurements in conscious and unrestrained as well as in sedated and analgosedated pigs. Since mechanical ventilation influences gut motility, it was necessary that this animal model enabled the investigation of the effect of drugs causing sedation and analgosedation during spontaneous breathing. Seven male, castrated pigs, German landrace, 32-40 kg bodyweight (BW) were investigated in this study. After habituation of the pigs to local housing conditions over 5 days, the animals were trained over 4 days to prepare for experimental situations and investigators. Pigs were inserted with a central venous catheter and with percutaneous enterogastrostomy (PEG) under general anaesthesia. Intestinal motility was measured by intraluminal impedancometry. The catheter was introduced over the PEG into the stomach and positioned into the duodenum by duodenoscopy. Measurements were done in conscious, unrestrained pigs and with sedated, and analgosedated animals on subsequent days. The habituation and training of the pigs to the investigators and for the laboratory conditions took between 7 and 9 days. The initial anaesthesia protocol for the instrumentation using remifentanil/propofol led to pyloric spasm and was thus unsuitable for duodenal intubation with an endoscope. In contrast, a combination of ketamine/propofol enabled this procedure. It was practicable to measure gut motility in conscious, unrestrained pigs. Spontaneous breathing was sufficient under propofol sedation and analgosedation using fentanyl-propofol. Systematically local application of polividon iodine in the area of the subcutaneous catheters avoided the necessity of using systemic prophylactic antibiotics. In conclusion, the habituation and training for 9 days enabled the measurement of gut motility by intraluminal impedancometry in conscious pigs. The insertion of the catheter was done during general anaesthesia using a combination of propofol and ketamine. For the future determination of gut motility performed under general anaesthesia, each sedation and analgosedation concept has to be evaluated to see whether it allows spontaneous breathing or whether mechanical ventilation is necessary. | 10.1258/00236770360563796 |
pubmed_311_15865 | The Peritraumatic Emotions Questionnaire (Peri-TEQ) and Posttraumatic Emotions Questionnaire (Post-TEQ) are self-report measures of emotions experienced during and after a traumatic event, respectively. The factor structure and psychometric properties of the Peri- and Post-TEQ were investigated among 474 military personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following deployment. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to test the factor structure of the scales. Internal consistency, composite reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were also assessed. Four factors were identified for the Peri-TEQ (Fear, Humiliation, Anger, and Sadness), and three factors were identified for the Post-TEQ (Fear, Anger-Hurt, and Humiliation). The full scales and all subscales demonstrated adequate-to-good internal consistency, Cronbach's αs = .722-.893. The subscales demonstrated adequate-to-good composite reliability, Cronbach's αs = .763-.861. The Peri- and Post-TEQ demonstrated good convergent validity with measures of PTSD symptoms, rs = .229-.601, ps < .001, and depressive symptoms, rs = .284-.470, ps < .001, and good discriminate validity with measures of resilience, ps = .116-.940, and unit cohesion, Peri-TEQ, p = .304 and Post-TEQ, r = -.123, p = .008. The Humiliation subscales demonstrated good convergent validity with guilt cognitions, rs = .315-.341, ps < .001, and the Anger subscales demonstrated good convergent validity with state anger, rs = .260-.347, ps < .001. The Peri- and Post-TEQ are reliable, valid self-report measures of emotions during and in response to remembering a trauma. The results support the use of these measures in research investigating trauma-related emotions. | 10.1002/jts.22350 |
pubmed_746_7849 | Insect reproduction is influenced by various factors, including food quality and quantity, temperature, population density and female age. Contamination, including heavy metals, may disturb reproductive processes. The aim of this work was to assess interactions between effects of aging in female Chorthippus brunneus and environmental pollution on their reproduction measured in number of laid eggs. We also compared basic developmental parameters (number of hatchlings, body mass, embryonic developmental rate) in grasshopper nymphs additionally exposed to zinc during diapause. Aging grasshoppers from heavily polluted areas (Olkusz and Szopienice) lay significantly fewer eggs than insects from the reference site (Pilica). Zinc application caused the decrease in hatching success and duration of embryogenesis in insects from each site. This suggests a cumulative effect of female age, pollutants and additional stressing factors. The intensity of this process differed between populations. In insects from the reference site, it was shown in a moderate degree. In insects from Szopienice, an additional stressor exerted a weaker effect than in insects from Pilica. In grasshoppers from Olkusz, we found the strongest decrease of hatching percentage and increase in duration of embryogenesis after zinc intoxication. This may indicate that the population from Olkusz exists at the limit of its energetic abilities. | 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.08.002 |
pubmed_1045_13430 | K-ras point mutation, p53 over-expression, and telomerase activity have been proposed as molecular markers for clinical diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of these markers, we performed comparative analysis in 61 resected pancreatic samples including 15 intraductal papillary-mucinous tumours (IPMTs), 4 mucinous cystic tumours, 37 ductal adenocarcinomas, and five chronic pancreatitis samples. K-ras point mutation, telomerase activity, and p53 overexpression were analyzed using mutant allele specific amplification, the telomeric repeat amplification protocol, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. In malignant tumours, K-ras mutation, telomerase activity, and p53 overexpression were detectable in 76, 91, and 46%, respectively, while in benign tumours, these alterations were detectable in 38, 0, and 0%, respectively. Among 15 IPMTs, K-ras mutation was detectable in 4 (80%) of 5 IPMT-adenomas, 4 (80%) of 5 IPMT-carcinomas and 2 (66%) of 3 papillary-mucinous carcinomas, which are invasive carcinomas derived from IPMTs. Telomerase activity was not detectable in IPMT-adenomas, but was detected in all 5 IPMT-carcinomas and 3 papillary-mucinous carcinomas. p53 overexpression was not detected in IPMTs, but was detected in 2 (66%) of 3 papillary-mucinous carcinomas, indicating that telomerase is likely to be activated concomitant with carcinogenesis. These results suggest that telomerase activity is the most useful as a differential diagnostic marker between malignant and benign pancreatic tumours. | pubmed_1045_13430 |
pubmed_829_717 | BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of nebivolol (5 mg daily) on plasma levels of hemostatic and fibrinolytic endothelial function markers in mild or moderate hypertensive patients.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Thirty-five (22 female, 13 male; mean +/- SD 54.7 +/- 11.3 years of age) mild and moderate hypertensive patients were included the study. The mean systolic blood pressure [BP] was 160 mmHg (range 150 mmHg to 165 mmHg) and the mean diastolic BP was 100 mmHg (range 90 mmHg to 100 mmHg). Plasma tissue plasminogen activator antigen (tPA-Ag), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen (PAI-1-Ag), PAI-1 activity, tPA-Ag/PAI-1-Ag index, fibrinogen and euglobulin lysis time were determined before and after two months of therapy. tPA-Ag and PAI-Ag levels were measured by ELISA. After this period, treatment with nebivolol (5 mg/day) in all patients was associated with a significant decrease in systolic BP and diastolic BP (P<0.001 for each), heart rate (P<0.01), fibrinogen (P<0.005) and euglobulin lysis time (P<0.01). The tPA-Ag and tPA-Ag/PAI-1-Ag index levels were increased significantly (P<0.001 for each) in all patients, but the PAI-1-Ag (P>0.05) and PAI-1 activity (P>0.05) did not show significant change. In the present study, there was no correlation between decreases in arterial BP and decreases in fibrinolytic parameters (P>0.05), but there was a positive, statistically significant correlation between fibrinogen and body mass index (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated that, compared with no treatment, a two-month treatment trial with nebivolol was associated with a more favourable modification of hemostatic and fibrinolytic status in addition to antihypertensive effects. | 10.1016/s0828-282x(07)70227-1 |
pubmed_653_7921 | Modification of the present synthetic methods led to the syntheses of 3-hydroxyflavones in a shorter reaction time, with simple purification and higher yields. Application of the method provided the syntheses of 3HFs having a hydroxyl group on the phenyl ring (ring B) in one step, which is an improvement compared to the four steps, long reaction time, and low yield using the current method available in the literature. | 10.1021/ol300310e |
pubmed_1019_18904 | The potential of tautomycin to control oilseed rape stem rot was investigated in this paper. Tautomycin produced by Streptomyces spiroverticillatus strongly inhibited Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes oilseed rape stem rot. Tautomycin showed great inhibition of the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The values of EC(50) and MIC were 3.26 × 10(-4) mM and 6.52 × 10(-4) mM, respectively. Tautomycin treatment also resulted in morphological abnormalities of S. sclerotiorum such as hyphal swellings and abnormally branched shapes, which were observed microscopically. Sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum soaked in the tautomycin solution for 24 h remained viable, but their ability to undergo myceliogenic germination on PDA plates was completely inhibited when the concentration of tautomycin reached 6.52 × 10(-4) mM. Tautomycin-treated oilseed rape leaves were found to have a low incidence of leaf blight caused by S. sclerotiorum. The activity of the protein phosphatase (PP) in S. sclerotiorum decreased by 41.6% and 52.6% when treated with 3.30 × 10(-4) mM and 6.52 × 10(-4) mM tautomycin, respectively. Cellular constituents also leaked from S. sclerotiorum cells incubated with tautomycin. The results suggest that the antimicrobial activity of tautomycin is due to the inhibition of the PP and then a change of membrane permeability. This paper also investigated related compounds that possess either a maleic anhydride or maleic acid moiety. Results showed 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride, diphenylmaleic anhydride and dimethyl maleate demonstrated significant activity against S. sclerotiorum. The values of EC(50) for these three compounds were 0.31 mM, 0.15 mM and 3.99 mM, respectively. The MIC values obtained for these compounds were 1.11 mM, 0.56 mM and 9.58 mM, respectively. | 10.1038/ja.2011.55 |
pubmed_363_9328 | INTRODUCTION
Spasticity is an endpoint of a variety of neurologic disorders with upper motor neuron damage. There have been several studies demonstrating improvement in spasticity through administration of intrathecal baclofen. Withdrawal from oral baclofen has been well described. Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal has been less frequently reported. We present a case of withdrawal after intrathecal baclofen pump catheter failure.
PATIENT
A 14-year-old boy presented with fevers, which were thought to be related to recent spine surgery and possible pneumonia. Eventual workup revealed evidence of intrathecal baclofen withdrawal owing to pump catheter failure. His fevers, with temperatures of up to 40 degrees C, and painful muscle spasms resolved and his clinical condition improved after pump exploration and resumption of intrathecal delivery.
CONCLUSIONS
Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal can be life threatening. Prompt recognition and restoration of an adequate intrathecal baclofen dose is essential for recovery. | 10.1007/s00381-002-0634-8 |
pubmed_1069_21102 | Although standard anticonvulsants are effective in achieving complete seizure control in the majority of patients, an appreciable proportion (about 20 to 25%) is at least in part resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy. Efficacy of carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and valproate is very similar. Should one drug fail because of inadequate efficacy or unacceptable adverse effects, an alternative monotherapy should be used. Surgical treatment is a feasible therapeutic option for only some of these patients. The development of newer, more effective drugs such as vigabatrin, lamotrigine, gabapentin and oxcarbazepine would be highly desirable. The search for new antiepileptic agents is justified to reduce the proportion of drug-resistant patients. Choice of conventional or new drugs should include not only expected efficacy and risk of adverse effects, but pharmacokinetic properties and expense. Consequently, no general rule is appropriate, and each decision and recommendation for treatment should be individualized. | pubmed_1069_21102 |
pubmed_789_18005 | We present the experimental observation of 1D and 2D self-accelerating nonlinear beams in quadratic media, which are also the first nonlinear self-accelerating beams in any symmetric nonlinearity. Notably, we show that the intensity peaks of the first and second harmonics are asynchronous with respect to one another, but the coupled harmonics exhibit joint acceleration within the nonlinear medium. Finally, we demonstrate the impact of self-healing effects on the jointly accelerating first and second harmonics. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.113903 |
pubmed_507_9223 | BACKGROUND
Amiodarone has belonged to frequently used antiarrhythmic in the treatment of supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhytmias since the sixties of the twentieth century. Amiodarone is a chemically iodinated benzofuran derivative with mono-N-desethylamiodarone as its major metabolite.
OBJECTIVE
This review is focused on numerous adverse reactions. The incidence of amiodarone induced side-effects ranges from 16-98% of patients receiving amiodarone and it appears to be dose related.
CASE REPORTS
We describe three cases of hyperpigmentation after using amiodarone in elder men.
CONCLUSION
Skin side effects are common, they usually occur as photosensitivity, more rarely as a slate-grey discoloration of the skin. Amiodarone induced slate-grey pigmentation is commonly observed in unprotected light exposed skin. Its incidence ranges from 2-57%. Hyperpigmentation is due to accumulation of amiodarone and its metabolites in the skin. | pubmed_507_9223 |
pubmed_726_21534 | The avian magnetic compass works in a fairly narrow functional window around the intensity of the local geomagnetic field, but adjusts to intensities outside this range when birds experience these new intensities for a certain time. In the past, the geomagnetic field has often been much weaker than at present. To find out whether birds can obtain directional information from a weak magnetic field, we studied spontaneous orientation preferences of migratory robins in a 4 µT field (i.e. a field of less than 10 per cent of the local intensity of 47 µT). Birds can adjust to this low intensity: they turned out to be disoriented under 4 µT after a pre-exposure time of 8 h to 4 µT, but were able to orient in this field after a total exposure time of 17 h. This demonstrates a considerable plasticity of the avian magnetic compass. Orientation in the 4 µT field was not affected by local anaesthesia of the upper beak, but was disrupted by a radiofrequency magnetic field of 1.315 MHz, 480 nT, suggesting that a radical-pair mechanism still provides the directional information in the low magnetic field. This is in agreement with the idea that the avian magnetic compass may have developed already in the Mesozoic in the common ancestor of modern birds. | 10.1098/rspb.2013.0853 |
pubmed_715_9121 | OBJECTIVES
PPAR-gamma is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. PPAR-gamma activation is associated with glucose metabolism regulation, adipocyte differentiation, inhibition of macrophage and monocyte activation and anti-angiogenesis. PPAR-gamma ligands thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been shown to inhibit the growth and secretory activity of several rat and murine pituitary tumors in vivo as well as in vitro (ACTH-secreting AtT20, PRL- and GH-secreting GH3, LH-secreting LbetaT2 and alpha-T3 cells). TZDs have been demonstrated to induce G0-G1 cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in human, rat somatolactotroph, murine corticotroph and gonadotroph pituitary tumor cells. In the present study we have investigated for the first time the effects of PPAR-gamma receptor ligand rosiglitazone on the rat estrogens-induced, PRL-secreting pituitary tumor cells in vitro.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Four weeks old male Fischer 344 rats were used in the experiment. Pituitary tumors were induced by subcutaneous implantation of capsules containing diethylstilboestrol (DES). Eight weeks after the implantation of capsules the rats were sacrificed and pituitary tumors were collected. Tumorous cells were isolated and exposed in the primary culture to rosiglitazone at the concentrations 10(-10) - 10(-4)M for 24 hours. The cell growth was estimated by the measurement of the cells metabolic activity using the EZ4U system.
RESULTS
We have demonstrated that rosiglitazone at the concentrations 10(-10) - 10(-4)M significantly decreases the number of viable rat PRL-secreting pituitary tumor cells in vitro.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that PPAR-gamma receptor agonists thiazolidinediones may be useful in the medical treatment of pituitary tumors. | pubmed_715_9121 |
pubmed_705_20517 | To better understand the Ouchi illusion in which a stationary picture generates illusory relative motion, the spatial properties of the constituent elements of the rectangular checkerboard background were examined. Results of experiment 1 revealed that the largest illusion was obtained with elements of approximately 20-30 min in width and 4-6 min in height, an orientation of the constituents that was orthogonal to that of the test grating, and a phase shift of the alternate stripes that was close to 180 degrees. In experiment 2 it was found that the illusion increased in magnitude with increasing achromatic contrast but was minimal with a pattern of high chromatic contrast near isoluminance. In experiment 3, two test patches were presented simultaneously in the checkerboard background and were varied independently in their orientation to explore whether or not their motions were perceived as coherent (common fate). Patches having identical orientations, and nearly orthogonal to the surround, were synchronized more strongly than those having reflected orientations. Hysteresis related to the gain control of spatially overlapping visual units differing in their polarity (ON/OFF) was discussed as a possible cause of this phenomenon. | 10.1068/p260831 |
pubmed_1073_838 | In the last year transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) has seen a major jump in development. This technique offers the potential to treat a great number of elderly and/or high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Such patients are declined surgical intervention either because the institutional Heart Team considers the risk of intervention to exceed the potential benefit, or because the patients and their families believe the morbidity of mitral surgery to be excessive. The advent of a less invasive transcatheter treatment could, therefore, potentially appeal to both clinicians and patients alike. In this overview paper, we describe briefly these recent developments in TVMI technologies as an introduction to the dedicated TVMI technical device parade later in this supplement. | pubmed_1073_838 |
pubmed_391_2475 | An ELISA for the detection of antibodies against hog cholera virus (HCV) was developed. The HCV-specific glycoprotein gp53 served as diagnostic antigen after immobilization using a monoclonal capture antibody. Due to the higher affinity of HCV-specific antibodies to the viral gp53, sera cross reacting with bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus were discriminated by the slope of the titration curves. | pubmed_391_2475 |
pubmed_558_13019 | Generalized Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions in nonextensive quantum statistics have been discussed by the maximum-entropy method (MEM) with the optimum Lagrange multiplier based on the exact integral representation [A. K. Rajagopal, R. S. Mendes, and E. K. Lenzi, Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 3907 (1998)]. It has been shown that the (q-1) expansion in the exact approach agrees with the result obtained by the asymptotic approach valid for O(q-1). Model calculations have been made with a uniform density of states for electrons and with the Debye model for phonons. Based on the result of the exact approach, we have proposed the interpolation approximation to the generalized distributions, which yields results in agreement with the exact approach within O(q-1) and in high- and low-temperature limits. By using the four methods of the exact, interpolation, factorization, and superstatistical approaches, we have calculated coefficients in the generalized Sommerfeld expansion and electronic and phonon specific heats at low temperatures. A comparison among the four methods has shown that the interpolation approximation is potentially useful in the nonextensive quantum statistics. Supplementary discussions have been made on the (q-1) expansion of the generalized distributions based on the exact approach with the use of the un-normalized MEM, whose results also agree with those of the asymptotic approach. | 10.1103/PhysRevE.80.011126 |
pubmed_1090_17352 | Sequential TBCa measurements using the prompt gamma ray technique are firmly established and a number of patient groups are under investigation. A technique has been proposed for the absolute measurement of TBCa based upon the use of TBCl as an internal standard. Further work is needed to establish the validity of the method, but the initial results are encouraging. | 10.1007/978-1-4613-1473-8_48 |
pubmed_719_21398 | This report describes the enantioselective reduction of structurally diverse α,β-unsaturated ketones and aryl ketones by perakine reductase (PR) from Rauvolfia. This enzymatic reduction produces α-chiral allylic and aryl alcohols with excellent enantioselectivity and most of the products in satisfactory yields. Furthermore, the work demonstrates 1 mmol scale reactions for product delivery without any detrimental effect on yield and enantioselectivity. The catalytic mechanism, determined by 3D-structure-based modeling of PR and ligand complexes, is also described. | 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b00950 |
pubmed_989_14011 | Gene transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is the first step in the expression of the eukaryotic genome and a focal point for cellular regulation during development, differentiation, and responses to the environment. Two decades after the determination of the structure of Pol II, the mechanisms of transcription have been elucidated with studies of Pol II complexes with nucleic acids and associated proteins. Here we provide an overview of the nearly 200 available Pol II complex structures and summarize how these structures have elucidated promoter-dependent transcription initiation, promoter-proximal pausing and release of Pol II into active elongation, and the mechanisms that Pol II uses to navigate obstacles such as nucleosomes and DNA lesions. We predict that future studies will focus on how Pol II transcription is interconnected with chromatin transitions, RNA processing, and DNA repair. | 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-042020-021954 |
pubmed_635_23411 | The aim of this study was to explore reasons for the hospitalisation and place of death outcomes of terminal cancer patients. The methodology involved a qualitative content analysis of medical records pertaining to the last 3 months of life of 39 patients with one of four malignancies: prostate, breast, lung, or haematological. The results presentation is organised around three themes: decision hierarchy in health care, meanings of 'home', and late recognition of dying. Based on the detailed findings, this paper suggests that important insights into the broader goals of advanced cancer patients are offered by allied health staff, and that more effective use of the multidisciplinary team may support endeavours to achieve more home deaths for cancer patients who want this outcome. The analysis also provides new insights into the meaning of 'home' in interactions between advanced cancer patients and health professionals. The wish for 'home' appears bound up with other patient goals and the implications of this are discussed. | 10.1111/ecc.12295 |
pubmed_107_20865 | Fractionation of DNA from Trypanosoma brucei and T. equiperdum by centrifugation in a Cs2SO4/BAMD density gradient indicated that these genomes are compositionally compartmentalized, a conclusion confirmed by the analysis of the compositional distribution of third codon positions from T. brucei and T. cruzi. In order to investigate whether this compartmentalization is accompanied by the often different properties of coding sequences, we have analyzed and compared the compositional compartments with respect to dinucleotide frequency and amino-acid usage of the encoded proteins of all gene sequences available in the GenBank database from T. brucei and T. cruzi. In all cases, the compartments displayed remarkable differences. These results are similar to findings obtained in highly compartmentalized genomes, like those of warm-blooded vertebrates. | 10.1016/0378-1119(94)90660-2 |
pubmed_214_21761 | Highly stereospecific living polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole (NVC) successfully proceeded via a cationic mechanism as a result of the elaborate design of counteranions using an initiating system consisting of CF3SO3H, nBu4NX (X = Cl, Br, I), and a Lewis acid catalyst. The use of ZnCl2 and an appropriate amount of nBu4NCl quantitatively generated highly isotactic polymers (mm = 94%) with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ∼ 1.3) and molecular weights proportional to monomer conversion. In this system, a ZnCl42- species, which was formed as a counteranion of the propagating carbocation, most likely contributed to the stereoregulation of the polymers because the mm value drastically varied depending on the polymerization conditions, such as the Lewis acid catalyst and amount of added salt. Isotactic poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) showed different properties than atactic PVK based on fluorescence and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. | 10.1021/acsmacrolett.7b00175 |
pubmed_1058_2099 | The elimination of zidovudine (AZT) from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), its distribution from CSF to brain tissue, and its transport from brain extracellular fluid (ECF) to plasma were studied during intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion in unanesthetized rabbits. The effect of probenecid (PBD) on these transport processes was also studied. The concentration of AZT in brain ECF was measured by microdialysis with retrodialysis calibration for in vivo recovery. Plasma and CSF were sampled and analyzed for AZT and PBD using HPLC. The elimination of AZT from CSF showed nonlinear characteristics as the i.c.v. infusion rate was increased to 1 mg/h kg. The estimated maximum transport capacity and dissociation constant were 3.5 micrograms/min kg and 127 micrograms/mL, respectively. The total linear elimination clearance from CSF was 0.0073 mL/min kg. The spatial distribution of AZT in brain during i.c.v. infusion was simulated using a mathematical model which describes diffusive solute transport in brain ECF and efflux across the blood-brain barrier. This analysis yielded a brain to plasma efflux rate constant of 0.040/min. This parameter and the elimination clearance from CSF decreased significantly by the end of an 8-hour period during which PBD was infused intravenously at a rate of 15 mg/h kg. | 10.1021/js950330v |
pubmed_618_11710 | BACKGROUND
Intraoperative thermographic confirmation of the extent of carotid plaque distribution using an uncooled infrared camera was assessed during carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
METHODS
This camera was small, light, and provided high temperature resolution (<0.022 degrees), thus allowing detection of the changes in thermal radiation induced by surface temperature differences.
RESULTS
Vascular flow of the artery appeared as a light color, and absence of flow as a dark color. Vascular re-flow was recognized as a bright color. Therefore, vascular flow could be evaluated using the uncooled infrared camera during CEA. The uncooled infrared camera offers real-time information on vascular patency and extent of plaque. Spatial resolution and image quality are satisfactory, and the procedure can be repeated easily and safely.
CONCLUSION
We have shown that the uncooled infrared camera could be a new and feasible technology for intraoperative imaging of the vascular flow, and isconsidered to be clinically useful during CEA. | 10.4103/2152-7806.142034 |
pubmed_990_8597 | The aim of this study was the evaluation of LAL test with chromogenic substrate usefulness for the quantitative detection of B. fragilis endotoxin and the determination of the amount of endotoxin in culture filtrates of the strains of this species. Also, the trial was undertaken to determine the influence of clindamycin on endotoxin release from B. fragilis rods to the culture medium. Four B. fragilis strains were examined: one nonenterotoxigenic (NTBF) and three enterotoxigenic (ETBF). The growth of cultures was determined and endotoxin liberated to the culture medium during growth of strains was detected. BHI broth and BHI broth with addition of sub inhibitory doses (sub-MIC) of clindamycin were applied. Bacterial cultures were incubated for 48 hours at 37 degrees C. Samples of bacterial cultures were collected after 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours of cultivation, and the optical density was measured. Then the samples were centrifuged, supernatants were filtered through 0.45 micron filters and concentrated three times with 5000 D ultrafilters. Prepared samples were kept frozen at -70 degrees C until used. The amount of endotoxin in samples was determined using quantitative LAL test with chromogenic substrate S-2423. The results of the experiments indicate that LAL test is the useful method for determination of B. fragilis endotoxin concentration. This endotoxin activates the enzymatic system present in Limulus polyphemus amebocyte lysate. Endotoxin is shed spontaneously by B. fragilis rods to the culture medium during growth. Clindamycin at subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) inhibits the growth of cultures of examined strains. The antibiotic caused increase in endotoxin amount in culture medium. | pubmed_990_8597 |
pubmed_1088_23532 | The aim of this article has been designed to investigate the influence of particular diagnostic categories on recommendations for safety measures, and to investigate the impact of constellatory factors, as the states of acute alcoholism, acute intoxication by psychoactive drugs and intense affect, on the recommendations for safety measures. The sample consisted of 120 examinees forensically expertised at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry of the Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce in the period from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999, and evaluated as less responsible according to the new Penal Code. All the examinees had the same legal presumptions for safety measures (decreased responsibility). The sample was divided into two groups: a group of examinees for whom a safety measure had been recommended and a group without such recommendations. The basic methodological instrument was a specially designed questionnaire with 137 items. Regarding socio-demographic characteristics, no statistically significant differences existed between the two groups taking into account age, gender, level of education and marital status. The diagnosis of personality disorder as the first one, did not influence recommendations for safety measures. Alcohol and drug abuse were statistically significantly present in the group with recommended measures as second diagnoses, and besides influencing responsibility, had an impact on the recommendation of safety measures. An intense affect influenced the reduction of responsibility, but not the suggestion of safety measure, while alcohol and drug intoxications, besides affecting responsibility, had an impact on the suggestion of safety measure. The decisive impact of dependence influenced the recommendation for safety measures. | pubmed_1088_23532 |
pubmed_85_17369 | Single-shot dense 3D reconstruction using colored structured light is a difficult problem due to the undesired effects of ambient lighting, object albedo, non-equal channel gains, and channel cross-talk. We propose a novel single-shot dense 3D reconstruction using colored structured light. Our method combines the self-equalizing De Bruijn sequence, scale-space analysis, and bandpass complex Hilbert filters to achieve insensitivity to ambient lighting, object albedo, and non-equal channel gains. The proposed method reconstructs about 85% of points compared to time-multiplexing structured light strategies and the decoding error in the recovered projector coordinate is less than one projector pixel for about 90% of reconstructed points. | 10.1109/TIP.2016.2603231 |
pubmed_1093_15516 | Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has attracted increasing attention over the past years because outcomes have improved impressively lately. The changes for neurological intact outcomes has been poor but several areas have achieved improving survival rates after adjusting their cardiac arrest care. The pre-hospital management is certainly key and decides whether a cardiac arrest patient can be brought back into a spontaneous circulation. However, the whole chain of resuscitation including the in-hospital care have improved also. This review describes aetiologies of OHCA, risk and potential protective factors and recent advances in the pre-hospital and in-hospital management of these patients. | 10.2174/1573403x10666140214121152 |
pubmed_433_3616 | BACKGROUND
Oocyte aging has significant clinical consequences, and yet no treatment exists to address the age-related decline in oocyte quality. The lack of progress in the treatment of oocyte aging is due to the fact that the underlying molecular mechanisms are not sufficiently understood. BRCA1 and 2 are involved in homologous DNA recombination and play essential roles in ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-mediated DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. A growing body of laboratory, translational and clinical evidence has emerged within the past decade indicating a role for BRCA function and ATM-mediated DNA DSB repair in ovarian aging.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Although there are several competing or complementary theories, given the growing evidence tying BRCA function and ATM-mediated DNA DSB repair mechanisms in general to ovarian aging, we performed this review encompassing basic, translational and clinical work to assess the current state of knowledge on the topic. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying oocyte aging may result in targeted treatments to preserve ovarian reserve and improve oocyte quality.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched for published articles in the PubMed database containing key words, BRCA, BRCA1, BRCA2, Mutations, Fertility, Ovarian Reserve, Infertility, Mechanisms of Ovarian Aging, Oocyte or Oocyte DNA Repair, in the English-language literature until May 2019. We did not include abstracts or conference proceedings, with the exception of our own.
OUTCOMES
Laboratory studies provided robust and reproducible evidence that BRCA1 function and ATM-mediated DNA DSB repair, in general, weakens with age in oocytes of multiple species including human. In both women with BRCA mutations and BRCA-mutant mice, primordial follicle numbers are reduced and there is accelerated accumulation of DNA DSBs in oocytes. In general, women with BRCA1 mutations have lower ovarian reserves and experience earlier menopause. Laboratory evidence also supports critical role for BRCA1 and other ATM-mediated DNA DSB repair pathway members in meiotic function. When laboratory, translational and clinical evidence is considered together, BRCA-related ATM-mediated DNA DSB repair function emerges as a likely regulator of ovarian aging. Moreover, DNA damage and repair appear to be key features in chemotherapy-induced ovarian aging.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The existing data suggest that the BRCA-related ATM-mediated DNA repair pathway is a strong candidate to be a regulator of oocyte aging, and the age-related decline of this pathway likely impairs oocyte health. This knowledge may create an opportunity to develop targeted treatments to reverse or prevent physiological or chemotherapy-induced oocyte aging. On the immediate practical side, women with BRCA or similar mutations may need to be specially counselled for fertility preservation. | 10.1093/humupd/dmz043 |
pubmed_1074_18943 | AIM
To assess if performance of 12-lead exercise tolerance testing (ETT) can be improved by simultaneous acoustic cardiography and to compare the diagnostic performances of electrocardiography (ECG) during ETT and acoustic cardiography for detection or exclusion of angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD).
METHODS
We conducted an explorative study with retrospective data analysis using a convenience sample of consecutive patients (n = 59, mean age: 62 years) from an outpatient clinic in Switzerland, who were referred for ETT by their general practitioner on suspicion of CAD, and in whom, coronary angiography was carried out. Measurements included sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and receiver operating characteristic curves. A standard, symptom-limited, 12-lead ECG exercise tolerance test was performed by independent persons with simultaneous acoustic cardiography and subsequent cardiac angiography for determination of significant CAD.
RESULTS
Thirty-four of the 59 adult subjects (58%) had a final diagnosis of CAD by angiography, and in 25 subjects, CAD was excluded by angiography. Sensitivity/specificity of ST segment depression in the group was 29%/92%, whereas the most powerful acoustic cardiographic parameter was the strength of the fourth heart sound (S4), with corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 53%/92%. The disjunctive combination of the S4 and ST depression had sensitivity/specificity of 68%/84%.
CONCLUSION
In this preliminary pilot study, the use of acoustic cardiography alone during ETT or disjunctively with ST depression has been shown to be a simple and convenient method for the detection of CAD, which was superior to ST depression on the standardized ECG. | 10.4330/wjc.v2.i5.118 |
pubmed_123_8600 | Antibodies to the plant glycoprotein horseradish peroxidase (HRP) are used extensively to identify neurons in Drosophila and other insects. We are interested in characterizing the gene product(s) recognized by anti-HRP antibodies because it may be important for nervous system function and/or development. Here we identify and purify from adult Drosophila heads an anti-HRP-reactive Mr 42K glycoprotein that is likely to be the major contributor to neuronal specific anti-HRP staining. Several different monoclonal antibodies to the purified 42K glycoprotein recognize up to three proteins with distinct mobilities between Mr 38K and 42K that vary as a function of developmental age. We have collectively named these components Nervana (nerve antigen), because the monoclonal antibodies also specifically stain cultured neurons and embryonic nervous system with a pattern indistinguishable from anti-HRP staining. Western blots indicate the presence of immunologically similar proteins in a wide variety of insect species and in nac (neurally altered carbohydrate) mutant Drosophila flies that lack anti-HRP staining in adult nervous system. It should now be possible to undertake a full biochemical and functional characterization of Nervana in Drosophila. | 10.1046/j.1471-4159.1995.65010434.x |
pubmed_727_10600 | Thirty-five patients with advanced malignant tumors of the stomach, pancreas, biliary tract or colon were treated intraperitoneally with bacille Calmette Guérin and, subsequently, were given orally booster doses of bacille Calmette Guérin and one of two schedules of cytotoxic drugs. Patients with all types of tumors responded, but this was most marked in patients with metastases to the liver from primary carcinoma of the colon. | pubmed_727_10600 |
pubmed_1133_1654 | BACKGROUND
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) self-management interventions should be structured but personalised and often multi-component, with goals of motivating, engaging and supporting the patients to positively adapt their behaviour(s) and develop skills to better manage disease. Exacerbation action plans are considered to be a key component of COPD self-management interventions. Studies assessing these interventions show contradictory results. In this Cochrane Review, we compared the effectiveness of COPD self-management interventions that include action plans for acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) with usual care.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of COPD-specific self-management interventions that include an action plan for exacerbations of COPD compared with usual care in terms of health-related quality of life, respiratory-related hospital admissions and other health outcomes.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials, trials registries, and the reference lists of included studies to May 2016.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials evaluating a self-management intervention for people with COPD published since 1995. To be eligible for inclusion, the self-management intervention included a written action plan for AECOPD and an iterative process between participant and healthcare provider(s) in which feedback was provided. We excluded disease management programmes classified as pulmonary rehabilitation or exercise classes offered in a hospital, at a rehabilitation centre, or in a community-based setting to avoid overlap with pulmonary rehabilitation as much as possible.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We resolved disagreements by reaching consensus or by involving a third review author. Study authors were contacted to obtain additional information and missing outcome data where possible. When appropriate, study results were pooled using a random-effects modelling meta-analysis. The primary outcomes of the review were health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and number of respiratory-related hospital admissions.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 22 studies that involved 3,854 participants with COPD. The studies compared the effectiveness of COPD self-management interventions that included an action plan for AECOPD with usual care. The follow-up time ranged from two to 24 months and the content of the interventions was diverse.Over 12 months, there was a statistically significant beneficial effect of self-management interventions with action plans on HRQoL, as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score, where a lower score represents better HRQoL. We found a mean difference from usual care of -2.69 points (95% CI -4.49 to -0.90; 1,582 participants; 10 studies; high-quality evidence). Intervention participants were at a statistically significant lower risk for at least one respiratory-related hospital admission compared with participants who received usual care (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94; 3,157 participants; 14 studies; moderate-quality evidence). The number needed to treat to prevent one respiratory-related hospital admission over one year was 12 (95% CI 7 to 69) for participants with high baseline risk and 17 (95% CI 11 to 93) for participants with low baseline risk (based on the seven studies with the highest and lowest baseline risk respectively).There was no statistically significant difference in the probability of at least one all-cause hospital admission in the self-management intervention group compared to the usual care group (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.03; 2467 participants; 14 studies; moderate-quality evidence). Furthermore, we observed no statistically significant difference in the number of all-cause hospitalisation days, emergency department visits, General Practitioner visits, and dyspnoea scores as measured by the (modified) Medical Research Council questionnaire for self-management intervention participants compared to usual care participants. There was no statistically significant effect observed from self-management on the number of COPD exacerbations and no difference in all-cause mortality observed (RD 0.0019, 95% CI -0.0225 to 0.0263; 3296 participants; 16 studies; moderate-quality evidence). Exploratory analysis showed a very small, but significantly higher respiratory-related mortality rate in the self-management intervention group compared to the usual care group (RD 0.028, 95% CI 0.0049 to 0.0511; 1219 participants; 7 studies; very low-quality evidence).Subgroup analyses showed significant improvements in HRQoL in self-management interventions with a smoking cessation programme (MD -4.98, 95% CI -7.17 to -2.78) compared to studies without a smoking cessation programme (MD -1.33, 95% CI -2.94 to 0.27, test for subgroup differences: Chi² = 6.89, df = 1, P = 0.009, I² = 85.5%). The number of behavioural change techniques clusters integrated in the self-management intervention, the duration of the intervention and adaptation of maintenance medication as part of the action plan did not affect HRQoL. Subgroup analyses did not detect any potential variables to explain differences in respiratory-related hospital admissions among studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Self-management interventions that include a COPD exacerbation action plan are associated with improvements in HRQoL, as measured with the SGRQ, and lower probability of respiratory-related hospital admissions. No excess all-cause mortality risk was observed, but exploratory analysis showed a small, but significantly higher respiratory-related mortality rate for self-management compared to usual care.For future studies, we would like to urge only using action plans together with self-management interventions that meet the requirements of the most recent COPD self-management intervention definition. To increase transparency, future study authors should provide more detailed information regarding interventions provided. This would help inform further subgroup analyses and increase the ability to provide stronger recommendations regarding effective self-management interventions that include action plans for AECOPD. For safety reasons, COPD self-management action plans should take into account comorbidities when used in the wider population of people with COPD who have comorbidities. Although we were unable to evaluate this strategy in this review, it can be expected to further increase the safety of self-management interventions. We also advise to involve Data and Safety Monitoring Boards for future COPD self-management studies. | 10.1002/14651858.CD011682.pub2 |
pubmed_405_8156 | The objective of this prospective, controlled study was to evaluate oxidative DNA damage in children with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy. This study included 30 patients with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy (male/female ratio, 3:2; age range, 3-9 y) scheduled to undergo tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy and 25 control subjects of similar age and sex with no adenotonsillar disease or airway obstruction. Urine and blood samples were obtained from each child for 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. There were significant differences in leukocyte (3.28 [0.69/10] vs 0.70 [0.15/10] dG) and urine 8-OhdG (8.22 [2.27/10] vs 5.26 [1.3/10] dG) levels in patients with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy and healthy subjects (P < 0.001 for both). Plasma (2.98 [1.31] vs 1.14 [0.64] μM) and urine (1.77 [0.84] vs 0.56 [0.32] μM) MDA levels were also different (P < 0.001 for both). There were positive correlations between 8-OhdG in leukocyte DNA and plasma MDA (r = 0.648, P < 0.001) and between levels of urine 8-OhdG excretion and urine MDA (r = 0.588, P < 0.001). The DNA damage in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy should be kept in mind, but further studies must be done with larger patient groups. | 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001158 |
pubmed_608_23065 | In 4 hospitals, we demonstrated frequent dispersal of fluorescent tracer and fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli from sink drains to sink bowls and to surfaces outside the bowl. Fluorescent tracer dispersal correlated inversely with the depth of the sink bowl. Modifications in sink design could substantially reduce the risk for pathogen dissemination. | 10.1017/ice.2018.191 |
pubmed_1096_10754 | UNLABELLED
Sacrococcygeal teratoma tumors are more frequent in infants alive. It is characterized by its benign histology in the majority of the cases diagnosed prenatally; it is necessary to follow narrow to prevent neonatal complications that can lead to urinary tract complications and fecal, high-output heart failure, hydrops and, in extreme cases, the death of the fetus.
CASE REPORT
Primigravidae 30 years old, with gestation twins, bicorial, biamniotic in the first trimester of pregnancy to one of the twins is diagnosed sacrococcygeus teratoma giant, with favorable monitoring in the maternal-fetal Medicine Unit of the University Hospital of La Paz in Madrid, and with postnatal resection surgery successful. We review the diagnostic procedures and treatment of this tumor in unique and twin gestations. | pubmed_1096_10754 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.