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pubmed_114_6160 | Activity of nine disinfectants was evaluated with interfering substances (albumin-yeast mixture and hard water), by two methods (NFT. 72 170, NFT. 72 171 and without interfering substance NFT. 72 150, NFT 72 151 respectively). Interference indexes were defined as the ratio of bactericidal concentration without interfering substances to bactericidal concentration with interfering substances. Five different ratings of interference effects were arbitrarily defined (no effect, moderate, average, strong, very strong). Proteins and hard water significantly inactivate aldehydes and quaternary ammonium salts : interference index is usually 25 but may reach 100-500. Inactivation of phenolic products by these two interfering substances is either lacking or inconsiderable. Conversely to Gram negative bacteria, activity of disinfectants on Gram positive bacteria is not significantly affected by proteins or hard water. P. aeruginosa can survive despite high concentrations of disinfectant in the presence of proteins and calcium ions. This finding may be a reason why this microorganism is difficult to eliminate from hospital wards. | pubmed_114_6160 |
pubmed_601_9566 | A cell-line, designated LSA-1, was derived from a thymic lymphosarcoma that occurred in a cat with experimentally induced feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection. LSA-1 cells possessed surface receptors and antigens of normal T-lymphocytes, but were unresponsive to interleukin-2 stimulation. The LSA cell-line was found to constitutively produce and release an interferon into the culture supernatants. Production of this interferon was enhanced in certain clones of the original LSA-1 cell lines. The interferon produced by LSA-1 cells and some of its clones was compared to the standard alpha, beta, and gamma interferons of cats. Unlike alpha and beta interferons, which were acid, SDS, and heat stable, LSA interferon was acid labile and SDS and heat stable. In comparison, standard feline gamma interferon was acid, SDS, and heat labile. LSA interferon had a molecular weight of 20,000 daltons, compared to 17-19,000 daltons for gamma, 19-25,000 for beta, and 25-45,000 daltons for alpha interferons. Standard feline interferons were active only on cat cell lines, with the exceptions of alpha interferon, which also reacted with MDCK canine cells. LSA interferon resembled the standard feline alpha interferon because it also reacted with feline and canine cells. It was concluded that LSA interferon was an atypical acid labile alpha interferon, resembling in this respect the abnormal alpha interferon seen in humans with AIDS and SLE, and mice with retrovirus infections. LSA-1 cells produced high levels of FeLV structural proteins but very little infectious virus. This effect was due to endogenously produced interferon; LSA cell clones that were selected for low interferon production produced much higher levels of infectious FeLV than parent cells or clones selected for high interferon production. Cat cells pretreated with LSA or with standard feline alpha and beta interferons, and then infected with FeLV, produced high levels of FeLV proteins but very little infectious virus. | 10.1016/0165-2427(86)90084-x |
pubmed_438_19033 | Reverse engineering algorithms (REAs) aim at using gene expression data to reconstruct interactions in regulatory genetic networks. This may help to understand the basis of gene regulation, the core task of functional genomics. Collecting data for a number of environmental conditions is necessary to reengineer even the smallest regulatory networks with reasonable confidence. We systematically tested the requirements for the experimental design necessary for ranking alternative hypotheses about the structure of a given regulatory network. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to explore the parameter space of a multistage discrete genetic network model with fixed connectivity and number of states per node. Our results show that it is not necessary to determine all parameters of the genetic network in order to rank hypotheses. The ranking process is easier the more experimental environmental conditions are used for the data set. During the ranking, the number of fixed parameters increases with the number of environmental conditions, while some errors in the hypothetical network structure may pass undetected, due to a maintained dynamical behaviour. | 10.1016/s0303-2647(02)00019-9 |
pubmed_866_9066 | Aging is a complex phenomenon. Endothelial cell senescence is regarded as a vital characteristic of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) of different age groups by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technique, and to explore which molecular pathways differentially expressed genes (DEGs) may enrich in. In this study, we used RNA-Seq to analyze DEGs in primary endothelial cells of young and old mice, and further analyzed them by gene ontology (GO) enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Our results showed that in total identified 229 of the DEGs, 104 were upregulated and 125 were downregulated in endothelial cells of aged mice compared with young mice. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the involvement of these DEGs in the regulation of morphogenesis of a branching structure, angiogenesis, upregulation of cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction. These results provided a novel insight to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying aortic endothelial cell senescence, and some of the novel candidate genes identified in this study may be valuable in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial cell senescence. | pubmed_866_9066 |
pubmed_57_8753 | Microbubbles triggered with localized ultrasound (US) can improve tumor drug delivery and retention. Termed US-stimulated drug delivery, this strategy was applied to head and neck cancer (HNC) in a post-surgical tumor resection model. Luciferase-positive HNC squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was implanted in the flanks of nude athymic mice (N = 24) that underwent various degrees of surgical tumor resection (0%, 50% or 100%). After surgery, animals received adjuvant therapy with cetuximab-IRDye alone, or cetuximab-IRDye in combination with US-stimulated drug delivery or saline injections (control) on days 4, 7 and 10. Tumor drug delivery was assessed on days 0, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 17 with an in vivo fluorescence imaging system, and tumor viability was evaluated at the same times with in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Tumor caliper measurements occurred two times per week for 24 d. Optical imaging revealed that in the 50% tumor resection group, US-stimulated drug delivery resulted in a significant increase in cetuximab delivery compared with administration of drug alone on day 10 (day of peak fluorescence) (p = 0.03). Tumor viability decreased in all groups that received cetuximab-IRDye in combination with US-stimulated drug delivery, compared with the group that received only the drug. After various degrees of surgical resection, this novel study reports positive improvements in drug uptake in the residual cancer cells when drug delivery is stimulated with US. | pubmed_57_8753 |
pubmed_1105_14736 | To substantiate a common genetic background of ciprofloxacin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, 32 ciprofloxacin-resistant (Cip(r)) and 31 ciprofloxacin-susceptible (Cip(s)) isolates from outbreaks, clinical infections, surveillances, and animals from 10 different countries were genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. Additionally, susceptibilities to ampicillin and vancomycin and the presence of esp were determined and the quinolone resistance-determining regions of parC, gyrA, parB, and gyrE were sequenced. High-level Cip(r) (MIC > or = 64 microg/ml) due to point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region was unique to a distinct hospital-adapted genetic complex in E. faecium, previously designated CC17. Low-level Cip(r) (MIC = 4 microg/ml) in non-CC17 strains is not attributable to point mutations in any subunit of the topoisomerase genes, and the mechanism of resistance remains unclear. Acquisition of mutations in parC and gyrA, leading to high-level Cip(r), is, in addition to ampicillin resistance and the presence of a putative pathogenicity island, another cumulative step in hospital adaptation of CC17. | 10.1128/JCM.44.3.1059-1064.2006 |
pubmed_804_23379 | A health centre and its staff have undertaken a sustainable health approach which aims to reduce the impact of the environment on health. One of the initiatives focused on the improvement of indoor air quality. A change to practices was possible thanks to a participative approach, the support of the staff and constant communication. | 10.1016/j.soin.2018.01.010 |
pubmed_506_18469 | OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) level and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Uygur children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.
METHODS
A total of 173 Uygur children or adolescents who were either overweight or obese and 200 controls with normal body weight were included in the study. Body weight, height, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and SUA were measured.
RESULTS
The overweight and obesity groups had significantly higher SUA levels (235 ± 42 and 285 ± 42 μmol/L respectively) than the control group (199 ± 32 μmol/L; P<0.01). The subjects with SUA levels of 300-349 μmol/L and ≥ 350 μmol/L had significantly higher incidence of MS, overweight/obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia than those with SUA levels of <250 μmol/L and 250-299 μmol/L (P<0.01). There were significant differences in SUA levels between groups with different MS components. SUA level was significantly increased in groups with more MS components (P<0.01). Every 1 kg/m2 increment in body mass index (BMI) was associated with 5.74 μmol/L increase in SUA level, according to a multivariate regression analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Uygur children and adolescents who are either overweight or obese have higher SUA levels than those with normal body weight. The incidence of MS and its components rises with increasing SUA level. BMI has a positive relationship with SUA. | pubmed_506_18469 |
pubmed_852_5147 | OBJECTIVES
This research was a case-control study to evaluate functional and effective connectivity patterns in ongoing electroencephalography (EEG) under repetitive photic stimulation in the interictal phase of migraine patients with and without aura compared to nonmigraine controls.
METHODS
EEG was recorded by six scalp electrodes from 19 migraine without aura patients (MO), 19 migraine with aura patients (MA) and 11 healthy subjects (control group (N)). Flash stimuli were presented at 9-27 Hz frequencies. Phase synchronization after Hilbert transform and Granger causality were evaluated filtering the EEG in alpha and beta bands.
RESULTS
Phase synchronization increased in alpha band in MO, and decreased in beta band in MA, with respect to controls. The intensity of directed interactions in beta band, revealed by Granger causality, increased in MA compared to both MO patients and controls.
DISCUSSION
There were clear differences in ongoing EEG under visual stimulation, which emerged between the two forms of migraine, probably subtended by increased cortical activation in migraine with aura, and compensatory phenomena of reduced connectivity and functional networks segregation, occurring in patients not experiencing aura symptoms. Further investigation may confirm whether the clinical manifestation of aura symptoms is subtended by a peculiar neuronal connectivity pattern. | 10.1177/0333102413477741 |
pubmed_87_20155 | G. Paul Moore influenced the study of spasmodic dysphonia (SD) with his 1960 publication that examined the neurological, medical, and vocal fold behavior in a group of patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). This review of advances in the diagnosis and treatment of SD follows a time line of research that can be traced in part to the early work of Moore et al. This article reviews the research in ADSD over the past 50 plus years. The capstone events that brought SD to its present day level of management by laryngologists and speech-language pathologists are highlighted. A look to the future to understand more of the disorder is offered for this debilitating disorder. | pubmed_87_20155 |
pubmed_1052_21045 | Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) represents a major cause of graft loss and mortality after liver transplantation. It occurs in up to 9% of adult recipients. The early diagnosis of HAT decreases septic complications, multiorgan failure, and graft loss, and there are better outcomes after treatment. In this study, we reviewed 102 episodes of HAT, which were classified as early hepatic artery thrombosis (E-HAT) when they were diagnosed within the first 21 days after transplantation. The overall incidence of HAT was 7%: 31 episodes (30.4%) were identified as E-HAT, and 71 episodes (69.6%) were identified as late hepatic artery thrombosis (L-HAT). Graft dysfunction was the commonest presentation (30 cases or 29%). Most E-HAT cases were managed with retransplantation (74%), whereas early revascularization was carried out for only 13% with a 75% success rate. The incidence of retransplantation for L-HAT was only 41%, whereas 32% were too ill for relisting and eventually died. Successful conservative management was noted for 13 of the 102 patients (13%) with collateralization and good hepatic perfusion, with biliary complications encountered in 7 cases (54%) subsequently. A multivariate analysis showed that previous episodes of HAT, the number of arterial anastomoses, and a low donor weight were independent risk factors for E-HAT, whereas a history of upper abdominal operations (non-HAT), a previous history of HAT, a low donor weight, and a recipient age < 50 years were independent risk factors for L-HAT. The graft survival rates for HAT patients were 52%, 36.6%, and 27.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years, whereas the corresponding rates were 81.4%, 81.2%, and 76.4% for non-HAT patients. In conclusion, prompt revascularization for E-HAT patients decreases the incidence of serious, irreversible septic complications and graft loss and improves overall outcomes. A significant number of L-HAT patients do not require further intervention despite the high incidence of ischemic cholangiopathy. | 10.1002/lt.23874 |
pubmed_955_4852 | Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is a lipid transfer protein that is required for the assembly and secretion of very low density lipoproteins by the liver and chylomicrons by the intestine. To further elucidate the nature of the lipid molecule binding and transport site on MTP, we have studied the relative rates at which MTP transports different lipid species. Assay conditions were chosen in which there were minimal changes in the physical properties of the substrate membranes so that transfer rates would reflect MTP-lipid interactions at a membrane surface. Lipid transport rates decreased in order of triglyceride > cholesteryl ester > diglyceride > cholesterol > phosphatidylcholine. Changes in the hydrophobic nature of a lipid molecule by the addition of a fatty acid, modulated the ability of MTP to transport it. Addition of one acyl chain from diglyceride to triglyceride, lysophosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylcholine, or cholesterol to cholesteryl ester increased the rate of MTP-mediated transport 10-fold. In contrast, the lipid transport rate was insensitive to the changes in the structure or charge of the polar head group on phospholipid substrates. Zwitterionic, net negative, or net positive charged phospholipid molecules were all transported at a comparable rate. The ability of MTP to transport lipids is strongly correlated to the binding of these lipids to MTP. Thus, MTP has a specific preference for binding and transporting nonpolar lipid compared with phospholipids, and within a class of lipid molecules, a decrease in polarity increases its tendency to be transported. | 10.1074/jbc.270.12.6549 |
pubmed_414_8871 | A 31-year-old woman, having a type-1 diabetes and an insulin allergy, was successfully treated with a subcutaneous antihistamine injection to the next continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion site. | 10.1016/j.diabres.2009.05.013 |
pubmed_150_15876 | Terminal complement membrane attack complex (MAC) formation is induced initially by C5b, followed by the sequential condensation of the C6, C7, C8. Polymerization of C9 to the C5b-8 complex forms the C5b-9 (or MAC). The C5b-9 forms lytic or non lytic pores in the cell membrane destroys membrane integrity. The biological functionalities of MAC has been previously investigated by using either the mice deficient in C5 and C6, or MAC's regulator CD59. However, there is no available C9 deficient mice (mC9(-/-)) for directly dissecting the role of C5b-9 in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Further, since C5b-7 and C5b-8 complexes form non lytic pore, it may also plays biological functionality. To better understand the role of terminal complement cascades, here we report a successful generation of mC9(-/-). We demonstrated that lack of C9 attenuates anti-erythrocyte antibody-mediated hemolysis or LPS-induced acute shock. Further, the rescuing effect on the acute shock correlates with the less release of IL-1β in mC9(-/-), which is associated with suppression of MAC-mediated inflammasome activation in mC9(-/-). Taken together, these results not only confirm the critical role of C5b-9 in complement-mediated hemolysis and but also highlight the critical role of C5b-9 in inflammasome activation. | 10.1038/srep30239 |
pubmed_908_1695 | Previous studies have suggested that peptic ulcer disease (PUD) including stomach and duodenal ulcers might be associated with periodontitis (PD); however, no clear conclusions have been reached thus far. In this retrospective case-control study, we aimed to investigate the association between PUD and PD by using a large population-based dataset in Taiwan. A population-based retrospective case control study was conducted using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2010 (LHID2010) derived from the National Health Insurance Research database (NHIRD) in Taiwan from 2000 to 2013. The case and control group were matched with gender, age, urbanization level, socioeconomic status, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) by using the propensity score method at a 1:1 ratio. A total of 177,240 cases and 177,240 control patients were included in this study, with an average age of 46.96 ± 11.76 years. The risk of PUD for patients diagnosed with PD was 1.15-fold when compared with those without PD (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.12⁻1.18). This population-based case control study demonstrated a significantly positive association between PUD and PD in Taiwan. | 10.3390/ijerph15050912 |
pubmed_794_23109 | Electroretinography (ERG) is used to evaluate the physiological status of the retina and optic nerve. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of ERGs recorded with the RETeval system in diagnosing optic nerve diseases. Forty-eight patients with optic nerve disorders, including optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, traumatic optic neuropathy, and dominant optic atrophy, and 36 normal control subjects were studied. The amplitudes of the photopic negative response (PhNR) were recorded with the RETeval system without mydriasis. The circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The significance of the correlations between the PhNR and cpRNFLT parameters were determined, and the receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were performed for the PhNR and cpRNFLT. Patients with optic nerve disorders had significantly smaller PhNRs compared to the control subjects (P = 0.001). The ROC analyses indicated that both PhNR and cpRNFLT had comparable diagnostic abilities of detecting optic nerve disorders with PhNR at 0.857 and cpRNFLT at 0.764. The PhNR components recorded with the RETeval system have comparable diagnostic abilities as the cpRNFLT in diagnosing optic nerve disorders. | 10.1038/s41598-022-12971-2 |
pubmed_931_13307 | This paper discusses the results of pentachlorophenol (PCP) anaerobic biodegradation in a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor operated under methanogenic and halophylic conditions. The system was inoculated with autochthonous microorganisms taken from a site in the Santos-São Vicente Estuary (state of São Paulo, Brazil) severely contaminated with PCP, phenolic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. The inoculum was previously enriched for methanogenesis activity by changing glucose concentrations and under halophylic condition. PCP was added to the HAIB reactor as sodium salt (NaPCP) at an initial concentration of 5 mg l(-1) and increased to 13, 15, and 21 mg l(-1). Organic matter removal efficiency ranged from 77 to 100%. PCP removal efficiency was 100%. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profile showed changes in the structure of Bacteria domain, which was associated with NaPCP and glucose amendments. The diversity of Archaea remained unaltered during the different phases. Scanning electron microscope examinations showed that cells morphologically resembling Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta predominated in the biofilm. These cells were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization with the Methanosarcinales (MSMX860) specific probe. The results are of great importance in planning the estuary's restoration by using anaerobic technology and autochthonous microorganisms for bioremediation. | 10.1007/s00253-007-0841-z |
pubmed_807_2365 | Brain plasticity can be considered the main result of brain communication with the 'external' and 'internal' environment. Learning new skills as well as endogenous brain function recovery following a lesion are based on neural plasticity, a dynamic phenomenon occurring in response to modification of conscious and pre- or sub-conscious experiences as they progressively stabilize at the synaptic and neural networks level. In spite of previously accepted theory, brain plasticity occurs throughout lifespan being an inner property of the system. Different models of brain plasticity are examined in relation with different modifications of the CNS: healthy brain ageing, neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic stroke and multiple sclerosis. A clarification of advantageous as well as of aberrant brain plasticity mechanisms in pathological conditions may help to improve the development of rehabilitation methods to better address and facilitate such processes. | 10.3233/RNN-2010-0538 |
pubmed_431_19735 | A fast, simple and selective HPLC method has been developed for the assay of aciclovir, ganciclovir, and penciclovir in human plasma by coupling HPLC with fluorescence detection. 200 microl plasma, with guanosine 5'-monophosphate as an internal standard, was subjected to protein precipitation with a 7% [v/v] aqueous perchloric acid solution. The 40 microl supernatant was injected into a Diamonsil-5 microm C18 column. Aciclovir, ganciclovir, and penciclovir, with solvents composed of methanol and 0.08% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid solution, were analysed by fluorescence detection at 260 nm (excitation) and 380 nm (emission) using a gradient elution program. The calibration curves of all three analytes were linear between 20 and 2000 ng/ml. The mean absolute recoveries of aciclovir, ganciclovir, and penciclovir were 93.91+/-1.20%, 97.42+/-0.75%, and 99.01+/-3.30%, respectively. The mean inter-day CVs for aciclovir, ganciclovir, and penciclovir, were within 1.29-7.30%, 1.00-5.53%, and 1.19-3.54%, respectively. The intra-day bias for aciclovir, ganciclovir, and penciclovir ranged from -2.01 to 6.33%, 1.81 to 7.37%, and 1.42 to 6.91%, respectively. The method has been validated and applied in pharmacokinetic studies in Chinese adult renal transplant patients. | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2008.04.022 |
pubmed_458_7443 | OBJECTIVE
The effectiveness of capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate, is well documented in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer patients (overall response rate: 25%). However, its efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) has not been determined. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and to identify the side-effects of capecitabine in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer showing progression despite 5-FU/LV-based combination chemotherapy.
METHODS
Fifty-one metastatic colorectal cancer patients who showed progressive disease in 5-FU/LV-containing regimens (median: two regimes) were treated with capecitabine 1,250 mg/m(2) twice daily (days 1-14 repeated every 3 weeks).
RESULTS
Only one partial response was observed (response rate: 2%). Twenty-seven patients (53%) showed stable disease after two cycles. The median time to disease progression of either a partial response or stable disease was 3.4 months. Hand-foot syndrome was the main toxicity of capecitabine and occurred in 35% of cases (grade 3 or 4 in 6%). The median number of cycles administered was two and the relative dose intensity of capecitabine was 80%.
CONCLUSION
The response rate to capecitabine was low in metastatic colorectal cancers that were refractory to 5-FU/LV-containing chemotherapy. However, disease stabilization was seen in a significant number of patients. | 10.1093/jjco/hyh068 |
pubmed_146_2572 | Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key mediator of angiogenesis, plays an important role in the development of different kind of tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that genetic variants of VEGF are associated with risk of GC. We genotyped four potentially functional polymorphisms (-2578C > A, -1498T > C, -634G > C, and +936C > T) of the VEGF gene in a population-based case-control study of 540 GC cases and 561 frequency-matched cancer-free controls in a high risk Chinese population. We found that none of the four polymorphisms or their haplotypes achieved significant difference in their distributions between GC cases and controls. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that GC risk was not significantly associated with the variant genotypes of the four VEGF polymorphisms as compared with their wild-type genotypes. In conclusion, our data did not support a significant association between VEGF SNPs and the risk of GC. | 10.1002/mc.20435 |
pubmed_743_11400 | The Mg2+/Ta5+ codoped rutile TiO2 ceramic with a nominal composition (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 was synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction method and sintered at 1400 °C for 2 h. The pure phase of the rutile TiO2 structure with a highly dense microstructure was obtained. A high dielectric permittivity (2.9 × 104 at 103 Hz) with a low loss tangent (<0.025) was achieved in the as-sintered ceramic. After removing the outer surface, the dielectric permittivity of the polished ceramic increased from 2.9 × 104 to 6.0 × 104, while the loss tangent also increased (~0.11). The dielectric permittivity and loss tangent could be recovered to the initial value of the as-sintered ceramic by annealing the polished ceramic in air. Notably, in the temperature range of -60-200 °C, the dielectric permittivity (103 Hz) of the annealed ceramic was slightly dependent (<±4.4%), while the loss tangent was very low (0.015-0.036). The giant dielectric properties were likely contributed by the insulating grain boundaries and insulative surface layer effects. | 10.3390/molecules26226952 |
pubmed_1077_8835 | BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between different treatments and survival time of breast cancer patients using either standard Cox model or stratified Cox model.
METHODS
The study was conducted on 15830 women diagnosed with breast cancer in British Columbia, Canada. They were divided into eight groups according to patients' ages and stage of disease Either Cox's PH model or stratified Cox model was fitted to each group according to the PH assumption and tested using Schoenfeld residuals.
RESULTS
The data show that in the group of patients under age 50 years old and over age 50 with stage I cancer, the highest hazard was related to radiotherapy (HR= 3.15, CI: 1.85-5.35) and chemotherapy (HR= 3, CI: 2.29- 3.93) respectively. For both groups of patients with stage II cancer, the highest risk was related to radiotherapy (HR=3.02, CI: 2.26-4.03) (HR=2.16, CI:1.85-2.52). For both groups of patients with stage III cancer, the highest risk was for surgery (HR=0.49, CI: 0.33-0.73), (HR=0.45, CI: 0.36-0.57). For patients of age 50 years or less with stage IV cancer, none of the treatments were statistically significant. In group of patients over age 50 years old with stage IV cancer, the highest hazard was related to surgery (HR=0.64, CI: 0.53-0.78).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study show that for patients with stage I and II breast cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy had the highest hazard; for patients with stage III and IV breast cancer, the highest hazard was associated with treatment surgery. | pubmed_1077_8835 |
pubmed_387_822 | We have established that 9G4, a cross reacting monoclonal anti-idiotype identifies an epitope close the binding site of anti-I cold agglutinins. 9G4 positive lymphocytes comprise around 5% of B cells and are widely represented in all lymphoid tissue. They may be detected in 15 week fetal spleen at the time of the earliest appearance of B cells and thus form part of the basic B cell repertoire. Such antibodies are derived largely from CD5 positive B cells. 9G4 is thus a useful tool to investigate the normal counterpart of the CLL cell. | pubmed_387_822 |
pubmed_221_442 | Human neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were studied to determine the influence of cellular locomotion upon the redistribution and capping of concanavalin A (Con A). Con A was detected by fluorescence (using Con A conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate [Con A-FITC]), or on shadow-cast replicas (using Busycon canaliculatum hemocyanin as a marker for Con A). After labeling with Con A 100 microg/ml at 4 degrees C and warming to 37 degrees C, locomotion occurred, and the Con A quickly aggregated into a cap at the trailing end of the cell. When locomotion was inhibited (with cytochalasin B, or by incubation in serum-free medium at 18 degrees C) Con A rapidly formed a cap over the central region of the cell. Iodoacetamide inhibited capping. PMN labeled with FITC, a monovalent ligand, developed caps at the tail only on motile cells; FITC remained dispersed on immobilized cells. PMN exposed to Con A 100 microg/ml at 37 degrees C bound more lectin than at 4 degrees C, became immobilized, and showed slow central capping. The Con A soon became internalized to form a perinuclear ring. Such treatment in the presence of cytochalasin B resulted in the quick formation of persistent central caps. Colchicine (or prior cooling) protected PMN from the immobilizing effect of Con A, and tail caps were found on 30-40% of cells. Immobilization of colchicine-treated cells caused Con A to remain in dispersed clusters. Thus, capping on PMN is a temperature- and energy-dependent process that proceeds independently of cellular locomotion, provided a colchicine-sensitive system is intact and the ligand is capable of cross linking receptors. On the other hand, if the cell does move, it appears that ligands may be swept into a cap at the tail whether cross-linking occurs or not. | 10.1083/jcb.62.2.351 |
pubmed_472_7695 | A primary cause of chronic low back pain and disability is lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). Surgical treatments are available for DDD including fusion or lumbar total disc replacement (TDR). Lumbar TDR is performed as a motion-preserving alternative to lumbar fusion. There are several marketed lumbar TDR devices including the Aesculap Implant Systems activL Artificial Disc, Charité Artificial Disc and the ProDisc-L Total Disc Replacement. Areas covered: Considering the various surgical options by which lumbar DDD can be managed, here we evaluate the biologic and biomechanical benefits and concerns of the Aesculap activL Artificial Disc. We review the use of the activL Artificial Disc compared to other lumbar TDRs and an alternative to fusion for skeletally mature patients diagnosed with isolated, symptomatic DDD. Expert commentary: Short-term follow-up studies suggest that under the right circumstances and precise patient selection, lumbar TDR with the Aesculap activL Artificial Disc is a safe and effective alternative to lumbar fusion. Long-term clinical data will provide information about the potential for adjacent level disease, effects of implant wear, and indications for revision surgery. Future clinical and biomechanical studies, as well as device-specific long-term outcome and comparison studies, will assist surgical decision making. | 10.1080/17434440.2016.1256771 |
pubmed_111_18458 | This study demonstrates in vivo and in vitro properties of the non-steroidal antiestrogens tamoxifen (TAM), 4-OH-tamoxifen (4-OH-TAM) and 3-OH-tamoxifen (K 060 E). In immature rabbit uteri 4-OH-TAM and K 060 E bound to the respective estrogen receptors with a ten-fold higher affinity than TAM. Furthermore, K 060 E exhibited less agonistic (estrogenic) but higher antagonistic (antiestrogenic) activity in the immature rat uterus than TAM and 4-OH-TAM (change of uterine weight). The ratio of agonistic vs antagonistic effect of K 060 E was distinctly lower than in TAM and 4-OH-TAM. In addition, K 060 E reduced by approximately 45% the growth of the transplantable Fisher rat mammary tumor (R 3230 AC) as compared with TAM (33%). We assume that, due to the higher antitumor activity, K 060 E (3-OH-TAM) is a better antiestrogen than TAM. | 10.1016/0277-5379(85)90119-1 |
pubmed_923_13688 | Although anticipatory guidance for parents of young children has been well subscribed to as a clinical strategy for over half a century, it has little theoretical substance to guide its practice and to direct research that would develop and test the practice. The assumptions and definitions of the traditional practice of anticipatory guidance focus on providing information about what to expect and how to deal with unwanted or challenging events or conditions related to developmental or life change. In this paper, the potential contributions of social cognition theory, including the construct of internal working models, to the theory of anticipatory guidance are explored and implications of the revised theory are illustrated. | 10.1111/j.1547-5069.1993.tb00753.x |
pubmed_28_8889 | Riboflavin (vitamin B2) plays an important role in cellular growth and function. Riboflavin transporter 2 (RFVT2) is widely expressed in several tissues, especially in the brain and salivary glands, and plays an important role in the tissue disruption of riboflavin. During the last 10 years, mutations in SLC52A2 have been documented in patients with a rare neurological disorder known as Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome. However, no suitable animal model of this disease has been reported. Here, we aimed to clarify the physiological role of RFVT2 using Slc52a2-mutant mice. The appearance, body weight, and plasma riboflavin concentration of Slc52a2 heterozygous mutant (Slc52a2+/-) mice were similar to those of wild-type (WT) mice. However, intercrossing between Slc52a2+/- mice failed to generate Slc52a2 homozygous mutant (Slc52a2-/-) mice. This suggested that Slc52a2 gene deficiency results in early embryonic lethality. Our findings suggested that RFVT2 is essential for growth and development, and its deletion may influence embryonic survival. | 10.1248/bpb.b20-00751 |
pubmed_26_5794 | We examined the peer interactions and academic engagement of 23 middle and high school students with developmental disabilities within inclusive academic and elective classrooms. The extent to which students with and without disabilities interacted socially was highly variable and influenced by instructional format, the proximity of general and special educators, and curricular area. Peer interactions occurred more often within small group instructional formats, when students were not receiving direct support from a paraprofessional or special educator, and in elective courses. Academic engagement also varied, with higher levels evidenced during one-to-one or small group instruction and when in proximity of general or special educators. Implications for designing effective support strategies for students with autism and/or intellectual disability within general education classrooms are discussed. | 10.1352/2008.113:479-494 |
pubmed_30_18569 | Bursa and thymus cells from chicken embryos at different ages were analyzed for Fc IgG receptors by EA-rosette technique and by binding of heat aggregated chicken IgG (agg IgG) in the indirect immunofluorescence test. Neuraminidase treatment resulted in a substantial increase of agg IgG binding cells both in the embryonic bursa and thymus. The binding of agg IgG was shown to be specific for Fc IgG receptors, since IgM and F(ab')2 fragments were not bound to neuraminidase-treated embryonic cells. A far lower percentage of EA-rosette-forming cells than agg IgG binding cells were found both in untreated and neuraminidase-treated bursa and thymus cells. It was concluded that neuraminidase can reveal additional Fc IgG receptor sites mainly for agg IgG on embryonic thymus and bursa cells. | 10.1016/0165-2478(85)90068-9 |
pubmed_924_13459 | BACKGROUND
Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is indicated to treat bleeding episodes or prevent bleeding related to surgery in patients with hemophilia A or B who have antibodies to coagulation factors VIII or IX. The first-generation rFVIIa formulation is stable when stored under refrigeration. A new formulation has been developed for storage at room temperature, which may improve patients' access to treatment during bleeding episodes.
OBJECTIVE
These in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the stability of the new formulation of rFVIIa, both lyophilized and reconstituted, under the expected storage conditions, as well as at higher temperatures.
METHODS
The stability of the new rFVIIa formulation when stored under various conditions before and after reconstitution was evaluated in terms of retained activity (clotting assay), rFVIIa content (high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]), and rFVIIa degradation products (HPLC), including aggregates (dimer/oligomer). Activity was analyzed within specific limits representing the allowable minimum/maximum for each test parameter at the end of the product's shelf-life, as adopted by the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Before reconstitution, vials from 9 lots of the new rFVIIa formulation, 3 of each size (1, 2, and 5 mg/vial), were stored at refrigerated temperature (5 degrees C) and at room temperature (25 degrees C) for 24 months, and at 30 degrees C for 12 months. To simulate short-term exposure to temperatures higher than recommended, samples were stored at 40 degrees C for 6 months, followed by storage at 25 degrees C for 12 months. To simulate the home setting, in which the product may be alternately stored in and out of the refrigerator, samples were stored at 30 degrees C for 8 hours and then at 5 degrees C for 16 hours, repeated daily for 5 days. To analyze the effect of storage at extremely elevated temperatures, samples were exposed to temperatures of 50 degrees C, 60 degrees C, and 70 degrees C for 12 hours. After reconstitution, samples were maintained at 25 degrees C for up to 6 hours or at 5 degrees C for up to 24 hours.
RESULTS
The specific activity and rFVIIa content of the new lyophilized formulation remained stable after storage for 24 months at 5 degrees C and 25 degrees C, and for 12 months at 30 degrees C; after 5 days of daily alternation between storage at 5 degrees C and 30 degrees C; and after storage for 6 months at 40 degrees C followed by 12 months at 25 degrees C. When stored at 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C for 12 hours, activity remained constant, whereas rFVIIa aggregates increased within the specified limits; after storage at 70 degrees C for 12 hours, rFVIIa activity decreased in parallel with the formation of aggregates, which exceeded the specified limit for the 5-mg product. After reconstitution, samples of all vial sizes of the new rFVIIa formulation retained their activity when stored at 25 degrees C for 6 hours and at 5 degrees C for 24 hours.
CONCLUSIONS
In these in vitro experiments, the new lyophilized formulation of rFVIIa was stable when stored for 24 months at 25 degrees C, 12 months at 30 degrees C, 6 months at 40 degrees C, and 12 hours at 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C without compromise to its activity or rFVIIa content. The reconstituted product retained activity when stored at 25 degrees C for 6 hours and at 5 degrees C for 24 hours. | 10.1016/s0149-2918(08)80055-0 |
pubmed_436_15556 | A number of epithelial lineages have been derived from mouse embryonic stem cells during the past decades, but the long lasting culture has never been reported. In this paper, we report when mouse embryonic stem cells were dispersed into small clumps containing approximately 50 to 100 cells and grown on mitotically inactivated mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder layers for up to 10 d to form epithelial-like colonies. Through subsequent cultivation without mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder layers, a serially subcultured keratinocyte-like cell lineage was established under these conditions. Pan cytokeratin, cytokeratin 14, and cytokeratin 18 were observed in these proliferating cells using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. E-cadherin, Involucrin, and keratin mRNAs were determined by a semi-quantitative and a quantitative real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These results confirmed the establishment of a keratinocyte-like cell lineage derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. In this paper also, we describe a method by which mouse embryonic stem cells can be differentiated into cells with some characteristics of epidermal keratinocytes and kept these cells in long-term culture. Potential applications of this method are the in vitro differentiation of cells of interest from embryonic stem (ES) cells of mice during embryonic development and the production of genetically modified epidermal keratinocytes that could be used as temporary wound dressing or as carriers of genes of interest in gene therapeutic treatments or better understanding the mechanisms for epithelial differentiation of embryonic stem cells. | 10.1007/s11626-008-9092-2 |
pubmed_917_5119 | A recent episode or a history of herpes zoster was found in 30 (11%) of 284 patients hospitalized with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at Mama Yemo Hospital, Kinshasa, Zaire. Of 146 African patients with a history of herpes zoster who were referred to us by physicians at the Mama Yemo Hospital, 133 (91%) were HIV seropositive. The clinical characteristics of the herpes zoster episodes did not differ between HIV-seropositive and -seronegative individuals, except that 23% of the HIV-seropositive patients experienced recurrences compared with none of the HIV-seronegative patients (P = .05). No patient developed a generalized herpes zoster eruption, and only patients with ophthalmic zoster developed related complications. Patients who experienced severe pain during their herpes zoster attack lost more weight than did those who had only minor pain (P = .0003). | 10.1093/infdis/157.2.314 |
pubmed_450_16199 | OBJECTIVE
To determine, using four-dimensional (4D) transperineal ultrasound, whether the appearance, position or dimensions of sacrocolpopexy mesh implants or the degree of tissue support change in the long term.
METHODS
Women who had undergone minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse were invited for follow-up assessment at two consecutive visits at least 1 year apart. All participants completed a Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory questionnaire (PFDI-20) and underwent a pelvic examination by one examiner and had 4D ultrasound volumes obtained by a different examiner. Volumes were analyzed offline for mesh position with the woman at rest and on maximal Valsalva maneuver, and for mesh dimensions and characteristics on three-dimensional orthogonal planes and rendered views, with the operator blinded to the clinical data. Findings were compared between the two examinations.
RESULTS
Thirty women attended follow-up assessment at two time points, a median of 22 (range, 12-37) months apart. The median age at the latter visit was 60 (range, 46-72) years, median body mass index was 25.9 (range, 20.8-31.9) kg/m2 , median parity was 3 (range, 1-7) and median time from surgery to first and second visit, respectively, was 11.2 (range, 6-26) months and 33.5 (range, 14-56) months. There were no significant differences between the two time points in symptom scores, reported satisfaction from surgery, pelvic examination findings or pelvic organ descent in any compartment according to ultrasound. While mesh dimensions of anterior and posterior arms did not change significantly over time, both arms descended less on Valsalva at the second follow-up compared with at the first (13.2 ± 6.7 mm vs 21.9 ± 10.0 mm and 9.1 ± 5.3 mm vs 16.1 ± 8.1 mm, respectively, both P < 0.001). There were no mesh erosions, but folding remained a consistent finding, occurring in 80% of women in each assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
Characteristics of tissue support and dimensions of sacrocolpopexy mesh implants remained constant over long-term follow-up, with no mesh shrinkage or erosion. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | 10.1002/uog.15891 |
pubmed_508_24496 | We previously demonstrated that artificial lymph nodes (aLNs) could be generated in mice by the implantation of stromal cell-embedded biocompatible scaffolds into their renal subcapsular spaces. T and B cell domains that form in aLNs have immune response functions similar to those of follicles of normal lymphoid tissue. In the present study, we show that the aLNs were transplantable to normal as well as SCID mice, where they efficiently induced secondary immune responses. Antigen-specific secondary responses were strongly induced in aLNs even 4 weeks after their transplantation. The antigen-specific antibody responses in lymphocyte-deficient SCID mice receiving transplanted aLNs were substantial. The cells from the aLNs migrated to the SCID mouse spleen and BM, where they expanded to generate large numbers of antigen-specific antibody-forming cells. Secondary responses were maintained over time after immunization (i.e., antigen challenge), indicating that aLNs can support the development of memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells. Memory CD4(+) T cells were enriched in the aLNs and spleens of aLN-transplanted SCID mice. Our results indicate that aLNs support strong antigen-specific secondary antibody responses in immunodeficient mice and suggest the possibility of future clinical applications. | 10.1172/JCI30379 |
pubmed_78_7933 | Caching food is an economic, decision-making process that requires animals to take many factors into account, including the risk of pilferage. However, little is known about how food-storing animals determine the risk of pilferage. In this study, the authors examined the effect of a dominant competitor species on the caching and behavior of Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami). The authors found that, as with conspecific competitors, kangaroo rats did not alter caching in response to the mere presence of a heterospecific competitor, but moved caches to an unpreferred area when the competitor's presence was paired with pilferage. These data suggest that Merriam's kangaroo rat assesses pilfer risk from actual pilferage by a competitor and adaptively alters cache strategy to minimize future risk. | 10.1037/0735-7036.119.2.187 |
pubmed_692_16031 | Rituximab has demonstrated a major effect in B-cell lymphoma and in a wide range of autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, the blood-brain-barrier excludes the disorders restricted to the central nervous system (CNS) from the action of rituximab. The progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prototypical CNS autoimmune disorder characterized by an intrathecal compartmentalization of inflammation resisting all the available immunosuppressive treatments. As a consequence, intrathecal therapeutics are promising new approach in progressive MS. We first review data gathered from animal models and human off-label intrathecal rituximab use in CNS lymphomas, then summarize the recent evidence supporting the need for trials based on the intrathecal use of rituximab in multiple sclerosis. The experience obtained in these settings offers valuable preliminary data for future studies in CNS autoimmunity. | 10.2174/1389450115666141029234644 |
pubmed_558_20054 | BACKGROUND
Clinical trials and meta-analyses have found that rosiglitazone maleate, a thiazolidinedione that is prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus, increases the risk of fractures in women. The association between the use of thiazolidinediones and fractures in men and women is not adequately understood.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective cohort study. The primary outcome was peripheral fractures in men and women who were exposed to thiazolidinediones compared with sulfonylureas. We studied 84 339 patients from British Columbia, Canada, who began treatment with a thiazolidinedione or a sulfonylurea. The association between the use of thiazolidinediones and fractures was examined using multivariate-adjusted Cox models.
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients in the study was 59 years, and 43% were women. In this cohort, treatment with a thiazolidinedione was associated with a 28% increased risk of peripheral fractures compared with treatment with a sulfonylurea (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.48). The use of pioglitazone hydrochloride was associated with an increased risk of peripheral fracture of 77% in women (HR, 1.76; 95% CI 1.32-2.38). Compared with exposure to sulfonylureas, exposure to pioglitazone was associated with more peripheral fractures in men (HR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.18-2.20), but we did not observe a similar association with exposure to rosiglitazone (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.75-1.34).
CONCLUSIONS
Both men and women who take thiazolidinediones could be at increased risk of fractures. Pioglitazone may be more strongly associated with fractures than rosiglitazone. Larger observational studies are needed, and fracture data from clinical trials need to be fully published so that fracture risks can be known with greater certainty. | 10.1001/archinternmed.2009.214 |
pubmed_44_4075 | Results of percutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanol (PSTE) in 89 patients with nodular colloid goiter were analyzed. Indications and method of PSTE in different types of nodular formations were determined. All the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1st group -- 8 (9%) patients with free-functioning nodes, 2nd -- 16 (18%) patients with symptoms of cervical organs compression, 3rd -- 65 (73%) patients with cosmetic defect on neck. It is concluded that PSTE may be regarded as alternative for surgical treatment in the patients with high surgical risk. It is not pathogenic method of treatment and it should be accompanied with medicament therapy of iodine-deficient goiter. Liquidation of clinical symptoms is the criterion of treatment efficiency. | pubmed_44_4075 |
pubmed_197_8262 | Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a key negative regulator of T cell activation and proliferation. Ipilimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks the binding of CTLA-4 to its ligand. To test the hypothesis that blockade of CTLA-4 by ipilimumab could augment graft-versus-malignancy (GVM) effects without a significant impact on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), we conducted a phase I clinical trial of ipilimumab infusion in patients with relapsed malignancy following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Here, we report the analysis of peripheral blood T lymphocyte reconstitution, T regulatory cell (Treg) expression, and T cell activation markers after a single dose of ipilimumab in 29 patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all patients before and after ipilimumab infusion. Lymphocyte immunophenotyes, including levels of CD4(+)CD25(high) cells and T cell activation markers, were analyzed in all cases. Levels of CD4(+)CD25(high)Foxp3(+) cells and intracellular CTLA-4 in CD4(+) T cells also were evaluated in the last 11 cases. We found lower baseline levels of CD4(+) and CD45RO(+) T cells in patients compared with normal controls. More than 50% of the patients had abnormally low lymphocyte counts (CD4 or/and CD8 T cells), and some had no circulating B lymphocytes. The percentages of both CD4(+)CD25(high) and CD4(+)CD25(high)Foxp3(+) T cells were significantly higher in patients before ipilimumab infusion than in healthy donors. Twenty of 29 patients exhibited an elevated level of CD4(+)CD25(low) activated T cells at baseline, compared with only 3 of 26 healthy donors. Both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocyte counts were significantly increased after ipilimumab infusion. There was no consistent change in absolute lymphocyte count or in the number of T cells expressing the activation marker CD69. However, increases in CD4(+)CD25(low) T cells were seen in 20 of 29 patients and increases in CD4(+)HLA-DR(+) T cells were seen in the last 10 patients in the first 60 days after ipilimumab infusion. Although the percentages of both CD4(+)CD25(high) and CD4(+)CD25(high)Foxp3(+) T cells decreased significantly during the observation period, the absolute cell counts did not change. Intracellular CTLA-4 expression in CD4(+)CD25(lo/-) T cells increased significantly after ipilimumab infusion. We conclude that CTLA-4 blockade by a single infusion of ipilimumab increased CD4(+) and CD4(+)HLA-DR(+) T lymphocyte counts and intracellular CTLA-4 expression at the highest dose level. There was no significant change in Treg cell numbers after ipilimumab infusion. These data demonstrate that significant changes in T cell populations occur on exposure to a single dose of ipilimumab. Further studies with multiple doses are needed to explore this phenomenon further and to correlate changes in lymphocyte subpopulations with clinical events. | 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.08.005 |
pubmed_278_324 | McCune Albright Syndrome (MAS) is caused by a mutation in the GNAS gene that results in multiple endocrinopathies such as Cushing syndrome, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism, and precocious puberty. Despite the presence of pleiotropy coupled with a GNAS gene mutation, malignancy is a rare occurrence in MAS. There is minimal literature showcasing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung in patients with MAS. Here, we report a case of altered mental status and hypercalcemia in a 72-year-old female with a past medical history of fibrous dysplasia. On examination there was an expansive lesion of the left hemipelvis that had been present since birth; it was determined to be a characteristic of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia seen in MAS. Lab results revealed an elevated parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and a chest X-ray (CXR) displayed masses in the right upper lobe. Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy confirmed the masses to be SCC of the lung. This case primarily highlights the importance of investigating other malignancies found in patients with MAS. Current literature shows that the GNAS mutation is an oncogenic driver in many tumor types such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and thyroid carcinoma; however, current data are limited on the role of GNAS mutations in SCC of the lung. In addition, it is important to investigate malignant causes of hypercalcemia in patients with MAS. The clinical features and treatments of MAS can lead to hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia and thus mask a malignancy. Clinicians must be wary of a masked malignancy, as it could delay treatment and negatively impact overall outcomes for patients with MAS. | 10.7759/cureus.14159 |
pubmed_943_22612 | This final rule implements section 4105 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) by expanding Medicare coverage for outpatient diabetes self-management training and establishes outcome measurements for evaluating the improvement of the health status of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. These services include education and training furnished to a beneficiary with diabetes by an approved entity deemed to meet certain quality standards established in this final rule. The physician (or qualified nonphysician practitioner) treating the beneficiary's diabetes must certify that these services are needed as part of the beneficiary's comprehensive plan of care. | pubmed_943_22612 |
pubmed_1121_9801 | Searching for natural and safe herbal tea with health benefits has attracted more and more attention, which is of great significance for reducing disease risk. A Chinese traditional herbal tea (HT) is rich in active ingredients extracted from natural plants. Numerous pharmacological studies showed that HT had the potential to improve health, including antidepression and antioxidant effects. In this study, we proposed a strategy to explore the role and underlying mechanism of HT in improving healthspan of a Caenorhabditis elegans model. First, we found that HT significantly prolonged the lifespan without reducing fertility in worms. Second, stress resistance (oxidative stress and heat stress) was enhanced and Aβ- and polyQ-induced toxicity was relieved significantly by HT treatment. Both fat deposition and age pigment accumulation were found to be significantly reduced in HT-treated worms. The locomotion in mid-late stages was improved, indicating that behavioral mobility was also significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the main components of HT were eighteen polyphenols and two terpenoids. Finally, it was found that this protective mechanism was positively correlated with the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling- (IIS-) dependent manner, which went through promoting the nuclear localization of DAF-16 and its downstream SOD-3 expression. These results suggested that HT had an important role in improving health, which might serve as a promising healthy tea. | 10.1155/2020/4057841 |
pubmed_408_2422 | The effect of auditory, visual and peripheral nerve stimulation on in vivo [3H]serotonin release in both caudate nuclei and substantiae nigrae was studied in either awake 'encéphale isolé' or halothane-anesthetized cats. Release of endogenously synthesized [3H]serotonin was estimated in each brain structure, using push--pull cannulae, continuously superfused with [3H]tryptophan. Bilateral and simultaneous application of click noises and light flashes to awake 'encéphale isolé' cats enhanced [3H]serotonin release in both substantiae nigrae but was without effect on striatal [3H]serotonin release. Unilateral, low intensity electrical stimulation of the forepaw of halothane-anesthetized cats diminished [3H]serotonin release in both caudate nuclei and the ipsilateral substantia nigra. No effect was observed in the contralateral substantia nigra. In contrast, high-intensity electrical stimulation of one forepaw increased [3H]serotonin release in the ipsilateral substantia nigra but was without significant effect on release in the other brain areas examined. The results are discussed in light of previously known anatomical data concerning serotoninergic pathways and electrophysiological evidence of the effect of sensory stimuli on serotoninergic neurons. Our findings suggest that serotonin neurons may serve an important function in the integration of sensory information. | 10.1016/0006-8993(82)90611-4 |
pubmed_95_21629 | To determine whether morphologic changes are accompanied by variations in the biochemical and antigenic properties of the cuticle of Onchocerca volvulus during development, we isolated and compared the 2-mercaptoethanol soluble cuticular proteins and the insoluble cuticlin from the predominant life-cycle stages occurring in man. SDS-PAGE analysis, before and after digestion with collagenase from Achromobacter iophagus, revealed that the polypeptide composition of the 2-mercaptoethanol-solubilised extracts from adult males and nodular microfilariae are quite distinct and that these extracts contained predominantly collagen-like proteins. Demonstrated by immunoblotting with a hyper immune patient serum pool (n = 107), five strongly reactive antigens with apparent molecular weights of 126, 68, 43, 37 and 33 kDa were detected in the extracts from adult males, while at least eight prominent and several weakly reactive components were detected in the extracts from nodular microfilariae. The overall amino acid composition of the cuticular extracts from the various stages demonstrates that: (a) the cuticle of the adult male stage is rich in glycine, pyrrolidone amino acids, and acidic amino acids or their amides, (b) eggshells are particularly poor in proline but rich in serine residues (14.5%), (c) nodular microfilariae cuticular extracts are poor in proline but rich in valine (9.0%) and lysine (7.3%) and (d) hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine are present in the cuticle of adults but absent in the juvenile life-cycle stages (nodular microfilariae and eggs). This study firstly, indicates that the composition of the cuticle of O. volvulus may thus, be quite distinct from one parasite stage to another and secondly, that the maturation of the parasite in the human host may be accompanied by the extensive hydroxylation of prolyl residues and to a lesser extent of lysyl residues in the predominantly collagen-like cuticular proteins. | 10.1016/s0925-4439(96)00078-6 |
pubmed_723_344 | In this article, we suggest that motivation serves to anticipate the energy of the body and meet those needs before they arise, called allostasis. We describe motivation as the output of energy computations that include estimates about future energy/metabolic needs and the value of effort required for potential behaviors (i.e., whether the cost of effort is worthwhile). We bring neuroscience evidence to bear to support this hypothesis. We outline a system of brain networks that have been shown to be important for motivation, and focus in on one hub in this network, the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC), and discuss its importance for establishing motivation in the service of allostasis. We present evidence that the aMCC, positioned at the intersection of multiple brain networks, is wired to integrate signals relating to allostasis with its sensory consequences, termed interoception, as well as with cognitive control processes, sensory and motor functions. This integration guides the nervous system towards the optimal effort required to achieve a desired goal. Across a variety of task domains, we discuss the role of aMCC in motivation, including a) processing of the value of prior and expected rewards, b) assessment of energetic costs in the brain and the body, c) selectively learning and encoding prediction errors (unexpected changes) that are relevant for allostasis, d) computations for monitoring of internal states of the body and e) modulating the internal state of the body to prepare for action. Finally, we discuss the link between individual differences in aMCC processing and variation in two extreme ends of the range of motivational states, tenacity and apathy. | 10.1016/bs.adms.2018.09.002 |
pubmed_744_19607 | Here we describe the comprehensive gene expression profiles of each cell type composing normal breast tissue and in situ and invasive breast carcinomas using serial analysis of gene expression. Based on these data, we determined that extensive gene expression changes occur in all cell types during cancer progression and that a significant fraction of altered genes encode secreted proteins and receptors. Despite the dramatic gene expression changes in all cell types, genetic alterations were detected only in cancer epithelial cells. The CXCL14 and CXCL12 chemokines overexpressed in tumor myoepithelial cells and myofibroblasts, respectively, bind to receptors on epithelial cells and enhance their proliferation, migration, and invasion. Thus, chemokines may play a role in breast tumorigenesis by acting as paracrine factors. | 10.1016/j.ccr.2004.06.010 |
pubmed_10_5388 | The effect of resistant starch (RS) and konjac mannan (KM) to maintain and improve the large intestinal environment was compared. Wistar SPF rats were fed the following diets for 4 weeks: negative control diet (C diet), tyrosine-supplemented positive control diet (T diet), and luminacoid supplemented diets containing either high-molecular konjac mannan A (KMAT diet), low-molecular konjac mannan B (KMBT diet), high-amylose cornstarch (HAST diet), or heat-moisture-treated starch (HMTST diet). The luminacoid-fed group had an increased content of short-chain fatty acids in the cecum. HAS caused a significant decrease in p-cresol content in the cecum, whereas KM did not. Urinary p-cresol was reduced in the HAST group compared with the T group, but not the KM fed groups. Deterioration in the large intestinal environment was only improved completely in the HAST and HMTST groups, suggesting that RS is considerably more effective than KM in maintaining the large intestinal environment. | 10.1080/09168451.2016.1194183 |
pubmed_612_21056 | Periodontal diseases are common inflammatory diseases that are induced by infection with periodontal bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). The association between periodontal diseases and many types of systemic diseases has been demonstrated; the term "periodontal medicine" is used to describe how periodontal infection/inflammation may impact extraoral health. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the factors produced in the oral cavity reach multiple distant organs and impact general health have not been elucidated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized spherical structures secreted by various types of cells into the tissue microenvironment, and influence pathophysiological conditions by delivering their cargo. However, a detailed understanding of the effect of EVs on periodontal medicine is lacking. In this study, we investigated whether EVs derived from Pg-infected macrophages reach distant organs in mice and influence the pathophysiological status. EVs were isolated from human macrophages, THP-1 cells, infected with Pg. We observed that EVs from Pg-infected THP-1 cells (Pg-inf EVs) contained abundant core histone proteins such as histone H3 and translocated to the lungs, liver, and kidneys of mice. Pg-inf EVs also induced pulmonary injury, including edema, vascular congestion, inflammation, and collagen deposition causing alveoli destruction. The Pg-inf EVs or the recombinant histone H3 activated the NF-κB pathway, leading to increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human lung epithelial A549 cells. Our results suggest a possible mechanism by which EVs produced in periodontal diseases contribute to the progression of periodontal medicine. | 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166236 |
pubmed_602_13465 | PURPOSE
In this study we defined the prevalence of Peyronie's disease in a cohort of men being screened for prostate cancer in the United States. The association between Peyronie's disease, and medical comorbidities and patient self-reported erectile dysfunction was also defined.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 534 men presenting to 1 of 3 prostate cancer screening centers provided a complete medical history, underwent physical examination performed in all by a urologist and completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. This population was chosen because of the access to a large number of subjects combined with the fact that subjects were not presenting with a specific urological complaint. The diagnosis of Peyronie's disease was based on a palpable penile plaque. Data were assessed using univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression and Pearson chi-square analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 48 patients were found to have a palpable penile plaque on physical examination for a prevalence rate of 8.9%. The mean age of men with Peyronie's disease was 68.2 years compared to a mean of 61.8 years in men without Peyronie's disease (p <0.0001). On univariate analysis hypertension (p = 0.02) and diabetes (p = 0.007) were present with significantly increased frequency in patients with Peyronie's disease. Patients diagnosed with Peyronie's disease had significantly lower values for responses to each of the 5 questions on the SHIM survey. An increase in age and decrease in total SHIM score remained significantly associated with a greater probability of Peyronie's disease on multivariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
We found the prevalence of Peyronie's disease to be greater than in most previously reported series. We also noted a significant association between Peyronie's disease aging, hypertension, diabetes and self-reported erectile dysfunction. | 10.1097/01.ju.0000127744.18878.f1 |
pubmed_304_4984 | CD81 is a member of the tetraspan superfamily and plays a role in immune responses and in hepatitis C virus (HCV) pathogenesis. We analysed CD81 cell surface and mRNA expression in different lymphocytic subpopulations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1, HCV and dually infected subjects. CD81 cell surface expression was evaluated with fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis; mRNA quantification was performed with semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD81 cell surface expression on CD4(+) T lymphocytes was significantly different by analysis of variance (anova) test (P < 0.001), with reduced expression in HIV-1(+) patients. In B lymphocytes, higher cell surface expression was present in HIV-1, in HCV and in dually infected subjects compared to healthy controls. CD81 expression on B lymphocytes showed a positive correlation with plasma HIV-RNA. CD81 mRNA levels in B lymphocytes were significantly higher in HIV-1(+) patients compared to healthy controls. The potential consequence of the down-regulation of CD81 in CD4(+) cells during HIV-1 infection in conjunction with diverted CD28, CD4 and CD3 expression is the disruption of T cell function. Increased CD81 expression on B lymphocytes might explain the higher prevalence of lymphoproliferative disorders in HIV-1 and HCV infection. Up-regulation of CD81 mRNA on CD4(+) T cells indicates that down-regulation of CD81 occurs at the post-transcriptional/translational level. | 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03250.x |
pubmed_918_17459 | In response to viral pathogens, a host releases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). While several approaches exist to measure cytokine responses, evaluating gene transcription through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) provides a fast, reproducible, and sensitive method for quantifying this response. The objective of this study was to develop an effective and sensitive RT-qPCR assay for the quantification of red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) and eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) cytokines: IL-1β, TNFα, IL-10 and the reference gene β-actin. RNA was isolated from the buffy coat layer of whole blood, comprised mainly of circulating leukocytes, and complimentary DNA (cDNA) was produced. Conventional PCR was performed to obtain cytokine mRNA sequences, products were sequenced, and a hydrolysis probe-based RT-qPCR assay was designed for each cytokine. Standard curves were generated using the target gene sequences cloned within a plasmid. Efficiencies for each assay were between of 85-110%, R2 > 0.98, and limits of detection of 10-100 copies per reaction. The initial samples used to identify the novel target sequences were then used to evaluate the performance of the qPCR assays. Consistent transcription of beta actin across individuals in both species and measurable transcription of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 transcript targets in individuals of both species were observed. The assays are a novel technique in chelonians to evaluate host innate immune response. | 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.02.011 |
pubmed_223_1711 | People of all ages leave their own country to migrate to France. Isolated foreign minors are received and assisted by France Terre d'Asile an association promoting human rights and providing support to people in need of protection. This article looks back on the experience of two young minors. | 10.1016/S0038-0814(20)30049-9 |
pubmed_934_4579 | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are found in a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke eligible for treatment with intravenous thrombolysis. Until now, there is limited data on the impact of multiple CMBs on occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous thrombolysis.
METHODS
Between 2008 and 2013, all patients receiving MRI-based intravenous thrombolysis were identified within our prospective thrombolysis register. Number of CMBs was rated on pretreatment T2*-weighted MRI by a rater blinded to clinical data and follow-up. Outcomes of interest were occurrence of symptomatic ICH (sICH) and parenchymal hemorrhage (PH).
RESULTS
Among 326 included patients, 52 patients had a single CMB (16.0%), 19 had 2 to 4 CMBs (5.8%), and 10 had ≥5 CMBs (3.1%). Frequency of sICH/PH was 1.2%/5.7% in patients without CMBs, 3.8%/3.8% in patients with a single CMB, 10.5%/21.1% in patients with 2 to 4 CMBs, and 30.0%/30.0% in patients with ≥5 CMBs, respectively (each P for trend<0.01). The unadjusted odds ratio per additional CMB for sICH was 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.33; P<0.01) and for PH was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.24; P=0.01). Compared with patients without CMBs, both patients with 2 to 4 CMBs (P=0.02/P=0.02) and patients with ≥5 CMBs (P<0.01/P<0.01) had significantly increased odds ratios for sICH and PH, whereas in patients with a single CMB, odds ratios were not significantly increased (P=0.21/P=0.59). The association of CMB burden with sICH/PH remained significant after adjustment for possible confounders (age, age-related white matter changes score, atrial fibrillation, onset-to-treatment time, prior statin use, and systolic blood pressure on admission).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate a higher risk of sICH and PH after intravenous thrombolysis when multiple CMBs are present, with a graded relationship to increasing baseline CMB number. | 10.1161/STROKEAHA.114.006448 |
pubmed_470_11599 | Depending on their stage of maturation and other factors, mast cell (MC) subsets differ from each other in terms of the expression of complement-associated antigens. This study analysed the expression of various complement-related cell surface antigens (CD11b/CR3, CD11c/CR4, CD35/CR1, CD55/DAF, CD59/MIRL, CD88/C5aR) on bone marrow mast cells (BMMC) in patients suffering from systemic mastocytosis (SM), other haematological diseases and non-haematological disorders (control groups). Expression of complement-associated cell surface antigens was analysed by flow cytometry. There were clear immunophenotypic differences between BMMC obtained from patients with SM and those from the control subjects: the percentage of patients expressing surface CD11c, CD35 and CD88 was significantly higher in patients with SM (76%, 100%, 54%) than in the control subjects (58%, 11%, 18%) (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of CD11c, CD35 and CD88 expressed per MC (sites per cell) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SM than in the control group. Expression of the complement regulatory molecules CD55 and CD59 was detected in BMMC in all patients analysed. However, the levels of CD59 per BMMC were higher in patients with SM as compared with the control subjects, which could help to explain the formation of BMMC aggregates in the former group of individuals. Together, our results showed that BMMC in systemic mastocytosis overexpressed the cell surface membrane receptors involved in binding of complement components and complement-mediated cell activation. Whether this pathological expression of complement receptors is of pathophysiological significance remains to be determined. | 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04055.x |
pubmed_87_11828 | INTRODUCTION
PHACE syndrome is defined by infantile hemangiomas associated with a spectrum of malformations. These abnormalities involve posterior fossa of the brain, cerebral vasculature, heart or aorta, eyes, and midline thorax or sternum.
CASE REPORTS
Six cases of PHACE syndrome were diagnosed between 2002 and 2011 in the Department of Dermatology at Besançon Hospital. All patients were female and had an infantile hemangioma of the face over 5 cm in size. Five of them had encephalic abnormalities, and arterial malformations were found in three patients. Only one patient showed an ocular abnormality. None of them presented any cardiac, aortic, or sternal malformations. Two patients benefited from treatment with propranolol with good effectiveness and safety.
DISCUSSION
The presence of an infantile hemangioma over 5 cm in size on the face should be a suspected sign for PHACE syndrome and requires the completion of a systematic evaluation. Diagnosis is based on recently revised criteria and demonstrates the large polymorphism of the malformations that may be encountered.
CONCLUSION
This descriptive series is in accordance with literature data including female preponderance and the frequent involvement of the posterior fossa. It also underlines the effectiveness of propranolol for this indication. | 10.1111/ijd.12489 |
pubmed_405_15169 | BACKGROUND
Blood donation, though safe, has a few potentially avoidable complications associated with it. They are important reasons for the failure of the donors to return for repeat donations. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and identify the possible factors associated with increased risk of blood donation related complications so that they can be minimized.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study was done over a period of four months in the blood bank of an Indian tertiary care hospital to record the donation related complications.
RESULTS
Out of 7450 blood donations, total donation associated complications were 74, of which majority were vasovagal reactions (VVRs) (n=48), followed by venous hematomas (n=24) and arterial punctures (n=2). The incidence of VVRs was more, though not statistically significant, in females, replacement/repeat donors, donors between 21-30 y of age and who had a body-mass-index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9. VVRs were more common in April (p=0.002) and in those who donated 450ml of blood (p<0.001). Though hematomas were more frequent in females, voluntary donors, donors in age-group of 41-50, those with BMI<18.5 and in those who donated 350ml of blood, statistically significant association was seen only in repeat donors (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our study emphasizes that blood donation in our country has a complication rate of nearly 1%. | 10.7860/JCDR/2014/8297.4812 |
pubmed_1038_19852 | The clinical courses and long-term prognoses in 16 young patients with infarctions of the basal ganglia were evaluated and the recent magnetic resonance imaging findings in 9 of them were examined. Only 5 of 14 patients (35%) had motor sequelae, 4 had hemiparesis, and 1 had gait disturbance. Secondary dystonia occurred in 1 patient. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a circumscribed lesion in the basal ganglia, as reflected by T2 high- and T1 low-intensity signals, in all patients. The abnormal region on T2-weighted images usually was more extensive than that observed on T1-weighted ones. The hemiplegic patients each had an area of abnormal intensity in the internal capsule or corona radiata with relatively high signals on the T2- and proton-density-weighted images. Mild to moderate asymmetric atrophy of the midbrain on the side ipsilateral to the stroke lesion was observed in 8 of 9 patients. The mechanism involved may be remote transsynaptic neuronal death of the substantia nigra, as well as Wallerian degeneration of the pyramidal tract. | 10.1016/0887-8994(92)90029-x |
pubmed_1095_932 | BACKGROUND
Pulmonary involvement in Kaposi sarcoma is rare in children and can be difficult to distinguish from other pathology.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the radiological findings in paediatric pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sequential chest radiographs of six children and CT scans of four of these children were evaluated retrospectively. Their ages ranged from 18 months to 10 years; four were male and two were female. All six children were HIV-positive. The observers were two radiologists.
RESULTS
Chest radiographs revealed air-space (100%) and reticular (83%) opacification in the mid- and lower lung zones; pleural effusions were present in 83% of the children. All the children showed progressive air-space opacification on follow-up radiography. CT demonstrated bilateral air-space opacification in a perihilar distribution in all the children; reticular opacification was seen in 75%. All the children had mediastinal and axillary lymphadenopathy; 75% had bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.
CONCLUSION
In both adults and children, chest radiography demonstrates perihilar and lower zone involvement. Pleural effusions are more common on radiographs in children. Air-space disease and lymphadenopathy are much more common on CT in children than adults. | 10.1007/s00247-007-0632-9 |
pubmed_282_17045 | An overview on different laser devices, available for the treatment of the different phases of wound healing: debridement, wound repair and scars correction. | pubmed_282_17045 |
pubmed_282_21485 | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a medical intervention whose practice is highly regulated. In Switzerland, when dealing with elderly patients, physicians decide whether resuscitation would be medically indicated in the case of a cardiorespiratory arrest and discuss it with the patient. The quality of the information provided by the physician during the first encounter with the patient may influence the latter's preferences. However, many studies emphasize the difficulties that hospital physicians face when engaging in this conversation. In order to promote a care provision that is both adequate and respectful of elderly patients, more attention should be devoted to the obstacles that hinder communication on this subject and to the resources available to physicians. | pubmed_282_21485 |
pubmed_832_6077 | Children who experience early adversity often show alterations across multiple stress response systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). Changes in the diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol (a marker of HPA axis functioning) and alpha-amylase (a marker of ANS functioning) may increase their probability of developing behavior problems. The goal of this study is to examine how these analytes may interact to predict externalizing behavior in infants exposed to early stress. Participants included 179 parents and their 6- to 20-month old infants recruited from a low-income neighborhood. Parents reported on their infants' externalizing behaviors and collected saliva samples from their children at wake-up and bedtime over three days. Diurnal cortisol and alpha-amylase were modeled using latent difference scores. Four models were tested examining the effects of cortisol and alpha-amylase morning values and slopes, as well as their interactions, on externalizing behavior. Results showed a significant interaction effect of cortisol and alpha-amylase morning values, such that low morning cortisol was associated with decreased externalizing behavior when morning alpha-amylase was high but not low. These findings highlight the importance of examining multiple systems when characterizing the physiological correlates of externalizing behavior among infants experiencing adversity. | 10.1002/dev.22091 |
pubmed_426_2482 | The clinician confronted with a patient that has an infectious disease, particularly one caused by a virus, faces a series of difficult problems: diagnostic confirmation of the infection, instituting appropriate therapy, duration of treatment, preventing secondary complications, and preventing transmission of the virus to susceptible animals. Yet, it is the complex relationship between the patient, as host to a pathogenic virus, the virus, and the environment that ultimately influences the clinical course of an infection. The ability to accurately prognose the outcome of any infection is, therefore, predicated on the clinician's awareness of biological and environmental variables that apply to the individual patient. | 10.1016/s0195-5616(86)50128-5 |
pubmed_835_14232 | Monodentate aminophosphanes HNP [NH(4-tolyl)PPh2] and SiMe3NP [SiMe3N(4-tolyl)PPh2] react with [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)]2 affording tetra- or pentacoordinate complexes of formula [IrCl(L)(cod)] (L = HNP, n = 1, 2; L = SiMe3NP, n = 1). The reaction of [IrCl(SiMe3NP)(cod)] with carbon monoxide smoothly renders [Ir(CO)3(SiMe3NP)2][IrCl2(CO)2]. The reaction of HNP or SiMe3NP with [Ir(CH3CN)2(cod)][PF6] yields the cyclometalated iridium(III)-hydride derivatives [IrH{κ2C,P-NR(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(cod)(CH3CN)][PF6] (R = H, SiMe3) as a result of the intramolecular oxidative addition of the tolyl C2-H bond to iridium. The straighforward formation of [IrH{κ2C,P-SiMe3N(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(cod)(CH3CN)]+ was observed when the reaction was monitored by NMR spectroscopy at 233 K, whereas a more complex reaction sequence was observed in the formation of [IrH{κ2C,P-NH(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(cod)(CH3CN)]+, including the formation of [IrH{κ2C,P-NH(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(HNP)(cod)]+ and [Ir(cod)(HNP)2]+. The "mixed" complex [IrH{κ2C,P-SiMe3N(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(HNP)(cod)]+ was obtained upon reaction of [IrH{κ2C,P-NH(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(cod)(CH3CN)][PF6] with SiMe3NP at 233 K. Finally, the reaction of [Ir(CH3CN)2(coe)2][PF6] with SiMe3NP or HNP resulted in the formation of [Ir(CH3CN)2(SiMe3NP)2][PF6] and [IrH{κ2C,P-NH(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(HNP)2(CH3CN)][PF6], respectively. Both the OC-6-35 and the OC-6-52 isomers of [IrH{κ2C,P-NH(4-C6H3CH3)PPh2}(HNP)2(CH3CN)]+ - featuring facial and meridional dispositions of the phosphorus atoms, respectively - were isolated depending on the reaction solvent. Several compounds described herein catalyse the dehydrogenation of formic acid in DMF, [IrCl(HNP)2(cod)] being the most active, with TOF1 min of about 2300 h-1 (5 mol% catalyst, 50 mol% sodium formate, DMF, 80 °C). | 10.1039/d2dt02081e |
pubmed_755_3916 | From a total of 18,416 bone-marrow biopsy reports entered into the Düsseldorf Bone Marrow Registry between 1975 and 1990 those of patients diagnosed as having preleukaemia, myeloid dysplasia, panmyelopathy with hypercellular bone marrow, refractory anaemia, sideroblastic anaemia or smoldering leukaemia were reanalyzed together with patient-data. If the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was confirmed, the original blood and bone-marrow smear was re-examined and classified, 584 cases in all (3.2%). During the same period acute myeloid leukaemia had been diagnosed in 506 patients (2.8%). The average annual incidence of MDS in the Düsseldorf area was 3.65 per 100,000 inhabitants. Over 80% of cases occurred from the age of 60 years, while 7% were younger than 50 years. The sex ratio was the same in all subgroups of MDS, except chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (male:female ratio 1:1.57). 31 patients (5.3%) had received ionizing radiation and/or cytostatic or immunosuppressive treatment for various underlying diseases before MDS had been diagnosed (secondary MDS). Preceding occupational contact with organic solvents could not be excluded with certainty in 12 patients. These data suggest that MDS is a relatively frequent disease of hematopoiesis among the older age groups. The proportion of secondary (treatment-induced) forms is small and does not explain the recently observed increased incidence. | 10.1055/s-2008-1062434 |
pubmed_1063_14101 | Myelination by oligodendrocytes (OLs) is a key developmental milestone in terms of the functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Demyelination caused by defects in OLs is a hallmark of several CNS disorders. Although a potential therapeutic strategy involves treatment with the myelin-forming cells, there is no readily available source of these cells. OLs can be differentiated from pluripotent stem cells; however, there is a lack of efficient culture systems that generate functional OLs. Here, we demonstrate biomimetic approaches to promote OL differentiation from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and to enhance the maturation and myelination capabilities of iPSC-derived OL (iPSC-OL). Functionalization of culture substrates using the brain extracellular matrix (BEM) derived from decellularized human brain tissue enhanced the differentiation of iPSCs into myelin-expressing OLs. Co-culture of iPSC-OL with induced neuronal (iN) cells on BEM substrates, which closely mimics the in vivo brain microenvironment for myelinated neurons, not only enhanced myelination of iPSC-OL but also improved electrophysiological function of iN cells. BEM-functionalized aligned electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds further promoted the maturation of iPSC-OLs, enhanced the production of myelin sheath-like structures by the iPSC-OL, and enhanced the neurogenesis of iN cells. Thus, the biomimetic strategy presented here can generate functional OLs from stem cells and facilitate myelination by providing brain-specific biochemical, biophysical, and structural signals. Our system comprising stem cells and brain tissue from human sources could help in the establishment of human demyelination disease models and the development of regenerative cell therapy for myelin disorders. | 10.1021/acsami.9b03242 |
pubmed_107_21712 | Anatomical and functional estimations of the upper airways in patients after partial laryngectomies (cordectomy, hemilaryngectomy, enlarged hemilaryngectomy) carried out due to cancer are discussed in this paper. The post-operative lumen of the larynx and the trachea were estimated by radiological examination. The coefficient larynx/trachea (L/T) was proposed to describe fixed obstruction. At the same time, all patients underwent spirometric examinations. Inspiratory and expiratory parameters of the flow-volume loop were evaluated. In 39 patients the L/T coefficient was lower than in a group of patients with chronic bronchitis (p < 0.05). Also inspiratory and some expiratory parameters of the flow-volume loop decreased in contrast to the group with chronic bronchitis. All results showed the usefulness of radiological and spirometric methods in detecting upper airway obstructions and confirmed their fixed character. The influence of the area of operation on the degree of upper airway obstruction was emphasized. | 10.1017/s0022215100128610 |
pubmed_188_12478 | BACKGROUND
The anterior transpetrosal (ATP) approach is the most appropriate approach for petroclival meningiomas (PCMs), which are typically located from the dorsum sellae to the upper border of the internal auditory meatus (IAM). Although neurosurgeons can resect over this area if the tumor is detached from the dura, tumors within the indication area for PCMs are not appropriate for the ATP approach, because it can be difficult to evaluate whether the tumor is attached to or only touching the dura. In this study, we investigated the tumor extension area based on an evaluation of the feeding artery to achieve a more accurate assessment of the dural attachment area.
METHODS
Using various angiography techniques, we studied 51 feeding arteries from 24 patients who had undergone surgical treatment of primary petroapex meningiomas and PCMs via the ATP approach. We measured the lower and posterior extension distances, the extension rate of the cavernous sinus and Meckel's cave, and the midline extension rate of the tumors.
RESULTS
The ascending pharyngeal artery (AphA) was the predominant feeding artery for tumors with lower extension. We determined that tumors extending over the lower border of IAM in cases in which the feeding artery was not the AphA can be resected using the ATP approach.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows an association between the predominant feeding artery and tumor extension area and demonstrates that an evaluation of the dural attachment area based on the feeding artery can aid selection of the appropriate surgical approach. | 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.05.052 |
pubmed_807_8746 | The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study of over 23000 diabetes-free pregnancies has shown that at a population level an unequivocal linear relationship exists between maternal glucose concentrations around the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy and the risk of their baby being born above the ninetieth centile for weight. With the rising incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) across the developed world, largely paralleling the increased prevalence of obesity, there has been a sharp increase in the risk of pregnancy complications developing related to the birth of macrosomic babies. The associated additional long-term complications of GDM pregnancies means that in the future there is likely to be a large increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes and associated conditions in both the mothers and their affected offspring. The present review seeks to highlight recent advances and remaining gaps in knowledge about GDM in terms of its genetics (where some of the recently discovered polymorphic risk factors for type 2 diabetes have also proved to be risk factors for GDM) and its treatment by diet, exercise and drugs. | 10.1017/S0007114510001741 |
pubmed_992_18184 | BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Laryngeal penetration-aspiration, the entry of material into the airways, is considered the most severe subtype of dysphagia and is common among patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for penetration-aspiration in patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI).
STUDY DESIGN
This is a prospective cohort study.
PATIENT SAMPLE
Thirty-seven patients with TCSCI were included in the study.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The highest Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale (PAS; range 1-8) score of each patient was the primary outcome measure. The risk factors consisted of patient characteristics, demographics, and clinical signs observed during a clinical swallowing trial.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A clinical swallowing trial and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed on all patients within 28 days post injury. For group comparisons, the patients were divided into two groups: (1) penetrator-aspirators (PAS score ≥3) and (2) non-penetrator-aspirators (PAS score ≤2).
RESULTS
Of the 37 patients, 83.8% were male. The mean age at the time of the injury was 61.2 years. Most patients had an incomplete TCSCI (78.4%) caused by a fall (75.7%). In the VFSS, 51.4% of the patients were penetrator-aspirators, and 71.4% had silent aspiration. The risk factors for predicting penetration-aspiration were (1) necessity of bronchoscopies, (2) lower level of anterior cervical operation, (3) coughing, throat clearing, choking related to swallowing, and (4) changes in voice quality related to swallowing. Binary logistic regression identified coughing, throat clearing, choking, and changes in voice quality related to swallowing as independent risk factors for penetration-aspiration.
CONCLUSIONS
The necessity of bronchoscopies, postinjury lower cervical spine anterior surgery, coughing, throat clearing, choking, and changes in voice quality related to swallowing was a markedrisk factor for aspiration and penetration following a cervical SCI. These factors and signs should be used to suspect injury-related pharyngeal dysfunction and to initiate preventive measures to avoid complications. The clinical swallowing evaluation is a relevant adjunct in the management of these patients and can improve the detection of penetration and aspiration. | 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.06.033 |
pubmed_227_932 | The carboxyl-terminal domain of connexin43 (Cx43CT) is involved in various intra- and intermolecular interactions that regulate gap junctions. Here, we used phage display to identify novel peptidic sequences that bind Cx43CT and modify Cx43 regulation. We found that Cx43CT binds preferentially to peptides containing a sequence RXP, where X represents any amino acid and R and P correspond to the amino acids arginine and proline, respectively. A biased "RXP library" led to the identification of a peptide (dubbed "RXP-E") that bound Cx43CT with high affinity. Nuclear magnetic resonance data showed RXP-E-induced shifts in the resonance peaks of residues 343 to 346 and 376 to 379 of Cx43CT. Patch-clamp studies revealed that RXP-E partially prevented octanol-induced and acidification-induced uncoupling in Cx43-expressing cells. Moreover, RXP-E increased mean open time of Cx43 channels. The full effect of RXP-E was dependent on the integrity of the CT domain. These data suggest that RXP-based peptides could serve as tools to help determine the role of Cx43 as a regulator of function in conditions such as ischemia-induced arrhythmias. | 10.1161/01.RES.0000225911.24228.9c |
pubmed_260_3724 | Maturation of sperm within the epididymis is a pre-requisite for fertilization in mammals. Epididymal function is controlled by a complex array of hormones and growth factors. While testosterone is the primary stimulus for epididymal development and sperm maturation, the importance of estrogen effects on efferent ductules has been increasingly recognized, and points to a need to clarify the role of estrogen receptor-mediated action in the epididymis. Estrogens modulate the expression of genes involved in fluid absorption in the efferent ductules and the epididymis. The present review highlights the role of estrogen in regulation of epididymal gene expression. | pubmed_260_3724 |
pubmed_43_10873 | In the era of personalized medicine, information on molecular change at the gene level is important for patient care. Such information has been used for disease classification, diagnosis, prognosis, risk stratification, and treatment, which is especially important in cancer patient care. Many molecular tests exist and can be used to detect the molecular changes at gene level. These tests include, but are not limited to, karyotyping, endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, next-generation sequencing, and so forth. How to use the right tests for the right patients at the right time is essential for optimal patient outcome. This review puts together some information on molecular testing for acute myeloid leukemia. | pubmed_43_10873 |
pubmed_510_3505 | A three-dimensional morphometric method was used to evaluate progressive changes in shape and size of recovering dental and periodontal tissues after orthodontic loading. In 35 female rats weighing 212 +/- 4 gm, loads of 19.7 +/- 1.6 gm generated by closed-coil springs were applied for 2 weeks to the shortened lower left incisor. The rats were killed in groups of five at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10 weeks (groups 0-w to 10-w) after the springs were removed. A group of rats with normal incisors (group C-1) and one with five incisors that had been continually shortened for 10 weeks (group C-2) served as controls for groups 0-w and 10-w, respectively. Width, area, and volume of the tooth and enamel-bordering periodontal ligament (e-PDL) and cementum-bordering PDL (c-PDL) were measured. After 2 weeks of loading (group 0-w), the volume of the compressed e-PDL had decreased by 22%, and the volume of the stretched c-PDL had increased by 72%, suggesting that bone apposition lags behind the rate of tooth movement. During the recovery period, the dental and periodontal parameters tended toward a gradual return to control (C-2) values, although at the end of 10 weeks many still lagged significantly behind the controls. Recovery was slowed by repeated reversals at different sites in the various groups. The ability of the preloaded incisor to adjust to changes in occlusal function was lastingly impaired. | 10.1016/S0889-5406(05)81630-0 |
pubmed_890_22533 | The cluster ion Me12 Fe8- is an unprecedented representative of organoiron species, which are of great interest because of their possible role as intermediates in iron-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. To learn more about its behavior in solution, the possible formation of related cluster ions, and their reactivity, electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry and gas-phase experiments were performed. Me12 Fe8- adopts a highly dynamic behavior in solution and disappears in the presence of the chelating ligand N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine. Besides homoleptic Me12 Fe8- , its heteroleptic analogues Me12-n Fe8 Phn- , n=1-5, are also accessible. Me12 Fe8- undergoes iron-halogen exchange reactions with aryl halides. These substrates, as well as their alkyl counterparts, mediate the formation of new homoleptic cluster ions up to Me18 Fe12- . In contrast, no evidence was found for oxidative additions or related reactions. Gas-phase fragmentation of the cluster ions results in numerous different reactions, ranging from the loss of single methyl radicals to the reductive elimination of MePh. | 10.1002/chem.201605602 |
pubmed_1032_13488 | Hybrid nanocomposites are multiphase systems with a wide range of applications. Some nanocomposites are water insoluble thereby preventing several applications. Thus, we prepared telechelic PEO with glucose molecules to form water-soluble lamellar nanostructures by co-assembly with metallacarborane. The lamellas formed by PEO/metallacarborane decorated by glucose molecules on the surface can serve as delivery agents for boron clusters and benzoxaboroles. | 10.1039/c8cc09399g |
pubmed_207_11663 | Mice given one of several widely consumed cola drinks in place of drinking water for up to 8 weeks developed significant levels of covalent liver DNA adducts in a time dependent manner, as measured by 32P-postlabeling. These adducts were not detected in mice given tap water or one of 3 non-cola beverages. Adducts chromatographically identical to those induced by cola drinks were detected in mice treated with extracts of nutmeg or mace, spices from the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans Houttuyn), or with myristicin (1-allyl-5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene), the major spice constituent of nutmeg. In addition, small amounts of adducts derived from the hepatocarcinogen safrole (1-allyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene), a minor constituent of nutmeg, were observed. Liver DNA adducts were also detected in fetal liver when pregnant mice were intubated with myristicin. Possible implications of these findings for human health are discussed. | 10.1006/bbrc.1993.1381 |
pubmed_703_3353 | To explore whether hospital discharge practices meets the needs of the family carer of a person with dementia. Qualitative methodology utilizing semistructured interviews with the primary family carer of a person with dementia after hospital discharge. Purposive sampling methods were used to recruit family carers within 2 months of discharge from hospitals in the state of Victoria, Australia. Twenty-five family carers were interviewed. Key issues that families found problematic include: coordination of discharge planning, the ability of the staff to address family members' needs, poor engagement with family, and perceived lapses in care delivery. Findings suggest that a number of changes to hospital processes and health professionals' practices are needed in order to better meet the transitional needs of family carers of people with dementia. Considerations for practice to improve the quality of hospital discharge preparation for family carers of people with dementia are provided. | 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2011.00122.x |
pubmed_967_2659 | The severity of isolated pulmonary valvular stenosis (PS) was evaluated noninvasively and quantitatively using two-dimensional pulsed Doppler echocardiography (2D-PDE). The subjects consisted of 17 patients with PS diagnosed by cardiac catheterization (3 to 15-year-old with a mean age of 7.9 years) and 28 healthy children (3 to 12-year-old with a mean age of 7.2 years). Flow signals by 2D-PDE were recorded in the right ventricular outflow tract just below the pulmonary valve and in the main pulmonary artery. The following three parameters were measured from the flow signals in the right ventricular outflow tract: the right ventricular pre-ejection period (RPEP) from the onset of the QRS in the electrocardiogram to the beginning of RV ejection in 2D-PDE, the acceleration time from the onset of RV ejection to peak velocity (AcT), and the right ventricular ejection time (RET) from the onset to the end of right ventricular (RV) ejection. Acceleration time index (AcT/RET), and systolic time intervals including RPEP/RET, RPEP/square root RR and RET/square root RR in PS were compared with those of the controls. The correlations between the above-mentioned parameters and pressure gradients and RV systolic pressures in PS were examined. Data were expressed as mean value +/- SD. AcT/RET ranged from 0.37 to 0.53 (0.45 +/- 0.04) in the controls and from 0.54 to 0.76 (0.62 +/- 0.07) in PS. The mean AcT/RET was significantly greater in PS than in the controls (p less than 0.001). There was a highly positive correlation of AcT/RET with pressure gradients (r = 0.94) and RV systolic pressures (r = 0.93). RPEP/RET ranged from 0.32 to 0.47 (0.37 +/- 0.04) in the controls and from 0.24 to 0.35 (0.29 +/- 0.03) in PS, and the mean was significantly lower in PS than in the controls (p less than 0.001), and this was caused by the short RPEP and prolonged RET. RPEP/square root RR ranged from 102 to 160 msec (122 +/- 16 msec) in the controls and from 86 to 136 msec (107 +/- 16 msec) in PS, and the mean was significantly shorter in PS (p less than 0.05). RET/square root RR ranged from 300 to 345 msec (323 +/- 13 msec) in the controls and from 308 to 417 msec (363 +/- 27 msec) in PS, and the mean was significantly longer in PS (p less than 0.001). The pressure gradient and RV systolic pressure in PS did not correlate with RPEP/RET, RPEP/square root RR and RET/ square root RR.4+ 102 to 160 msec (122 +/- 16 msec) in the controls and from 86 to 136 msec (107 +/- 16 msec) in PS, and the mean was significantly shorter in PS (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | pubmed_967_2659 |
pubmed_836_369 | Testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) of the testis is the noninvasive precursor of testicular germ cell tumours (GCT) and can be detected by a single random biopsy in 5% of patients with GCT in the contralateral testes. Although it is generally presumed that TIN is dispersed throughout the testis, we realize in about 60% of TIN bearing tissue close to testis tumours that its distribution is not homogenously diffuse, but may be focal. Thus we tested whether we can improve diagnostic safety in detecting TIN by increasing the number of biopsies. We could finally evaluate 295 men with proven testicular tumours. Three biopsies of contralateral testes were taken (each 5 mm length) from one surgical incision site and fixed in Bouin's solution or glutaraldehyde. TIN cells were histologically identified by their typical morphological characteristics and additionally by placental alkaline phophatase (PlAP) immunohistochemistry. Patients revealed testicular tumour without contralateral TIN in 271 cases and with contralateral TIN in 24 cases (8.1%). In 6 of these 24 men with contralateral TIN the cells could be detected in only one (n=5) or two (n=1) of the three specimen investigated. That means in these six patients TIN could have been missed if only one single random biopsy was taken. By increasing the number of biopsies (=increasing the number of investigated seminiferous tubules) the detection rate of contralateral TIN may be increased up to 8.1%. Thus we recommend multiple testicular biopsies to increase the diagnostic safety in detection of TIN. Biopsies may be taken from one randomly chosen surgical incision site. | 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2003.11101101.x |
pubmed_1112_19319 | BACKGROUND
In the past years, many studies have examined the prevalence of late-life depression. However, incidence studies, especially those including the oldest age groups, remained rare. The objective of this article is therefore to provide a systematic review on incidence of depressive disorders in latest life.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature published between 1985 and 2011 was conducted using MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycInfo and Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria were: incidence specified for persons aged≥70 years at baseline, population-based sample or primary care sample. Incidence rates or risks were extracted or calculated.
RESULTS
We found 20 studies reporting incidence according to categorical (n=14) or dimensional diagnoses (n=6). The incidence of depressive disorders varied considerably. Major Depression (MD) was found to occur less often than Minor Depression (MinD), whereas clinically relevant depressive symptoms are at least as frequent as MinD. The incidence rate of MD was 0.2-14.1/100 person-years, and incidence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms was 6.8/100 person-years. Female incidence was mostly higher than male. Associations between age and incidence revealed to be rather inconsistent between studies.
LIMITATIONS
Methodological diversity of the studies concerning diagnostics, data collection methods, incidence definitions and sampling make the results difficult to interprete.
CONCLUSIONS
This review is the first to have focused on incidence studies on depression in latest life. The frequent occurrence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms will have to be considered in future health care planning. Physical health and psychosocial influences appear to be key variables in depression prevention. | pubmed_1112_19319 |
pubmed_854_23883 | INTRODUCTION
Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a rare affliction frequently observed in association with polycystic kidney disease. Only symptomatic patients require treatment, which can be conservative or surgical, i.e. laparoscopic or conventional. We report the results of our experience in the surgical management of polycystic liver disease.
METHODS
Between 1994 and 2003, 19 patients (16 female, 3 male) were referred to our center for the management of PLD. Their median age was 50 years (range 33-72). All were symptomatic and their cysts had a median diameter of 11 cm (range 5-22).
RESULTS
Laparoscopic management was undertaken in eight patients, with one conversion to open technique because of bleeding from a superficial hepatic vein. An open procedure was performed in 11 patients: one left hemihepatectomy, deroofing in two patients, segment resection 2/3 plus deroofing in six patients, and segment resection 5/6 plus deroofing in two patients. Four patients had complications: one case of biliary leakage was managed conservatively; two patients had pneumothorax caused by the cava catheter inserted for anesthesia, and one patient's abdominal drain tore off and had to be removed by relaparotomy on the fourth postoperative day. Median follow-up of all patients was 49 months (range 7-98). In one patient there was symptomatic recurrence with hepatomegaly and compression of the inferior vena cava 84 months after the first operation.
CONCLUSIONS
Careful selection of patients and meticulous surgical technique are recommended in the management of PLD. The treatment of choice for symptomatic Gigot or Morino type 1 PLD is laparoscopic surgery, and for advanced stage PLD combined hepatic resection and cyst fenestration. | 10.1007/s00508-005-0309-z |
pubmed_976_4287 | A cohort of 191 children with recurrent otitis media and persistent middle ear effusion underwent myringotomy and tubes, at which time middle ear cultures were taken. The indications, fluid type, culture and sensitivity results, and pre- and post-procedure frequency of otitis media were evaluated. Sixty-seven percent of the effusions were mucoid in nature, and 24% of cultures grew pathogens, including Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus in that order of frequency. A relatively high rate of antibiotic resistance was noted, with 75% of Streptococcus pneumoniae being penicillin resistant. Prognosis with respect to recurrent otitis media was favorable after myringotomy and tubes, even in children with antibiotic-resistant organisms. | pubmed_976_4287 |
pubmed_918_14686 | Of 1770 children undergoing emergency department evaluation for Lyme disease, 362 (20.5%) children had Lyme disease. Of those with an available tick bite history, only a minority of those with Lyme disease had a recognized tick bite (60/325; 18.5%, 95% confidence interval 14.6-23.0%). Lack of a tick bite history does not reliably exclude Lyme disease. | 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.015 |
pubmed_1118_21504 | The Arctic Ocean's Beaufort Gyre is a dominant feature of the Arctic system, a prominent indicator of climate change, and possibly a control factor for high-latitude climate. The state of knowledge of the wind-driven Beaufort Gyre is reviewed here, including its forcing, relationship to sea-ice cover, source waters, circulation, and energetics. Recent decades have seen pronounced change in all elements of the Beaufort Gyre system. Sea-ice losses have accompanied an intensification of the gyre circulation and increasing heat and freshwater content. Present understanding of these changes is evaluated, and time series of heat and freshwater content are updated to include the most recent observations. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Marine Science, Volume 15 is January 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates. | 10.1146/annurev-marine-032122-012034 |
pubmed_596_19950 | To shed light on the genetic equipment of the beneficial plant-associated bacterium Pseudomonas brassicacearum, we sequenced the whole genome of the strain NFM421. Its genome consists of one chromosome equipped with a repertoire of factors beneficial for plant growth. In addition, a complete type III secretion system and two complete type VI secretion systems were identified. We report here the first genome sequence of this species. | 10.1128/JB.00411-11 |
pubmed_205_22210 | The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a key role in Ca(2+) signalling through Ca(2+) release via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)-Rs) and Ca(2+) uptake by sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases (SERCAs). Here, we investigated the organization of platelet ER and its biogenesis during megakaryocytopoiesis. First, erythro/megakaryoblastic MEG 01, UT7, M-O7e and CHRF 288-11 cell lines, platelets and thrombopoietin-induced UT7-Mpl cells were selected for the study of SERCA2b and SERCA3 proteins by Western blotting using the antibodies IID8 and PL/IM430, respectively. As judged by platelet glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa) expression, an increase in SERCA3 proteins was observed while that of SERCA2b remained unchanged throughout maturation. Second, these studies were extended to the newly described alternatively spliced SERCA3a-c RNAs and InsP(3)-Rs using the in vitro model of PMA-induced differentiation of MEG 01 cells. Time-course and dose-response studies showed a maximal approx. 4-fold up-regulation of SERCA3 proteins using 10(-8) M PMA for 3 days, which paralleled induction of GPIIIa expression. SERCA3 induction was found to occur at the level of mRNA. The modulation of the different SERCA3 species (i.e. 3a, 3b and 3c) was isoform-specific: while SERCA3a was slightly increased, an approx. 3-fold induction of SERCA3b, and a 4-fold induction of SERCA3c, was observed after 24 h of PMA treatment. Isoform-specific Western blotting and/or reverse transcriptase PCR studies showed that InsP(3)-R types I, II and III are expressed in MEG 01 cells, as well as in platelets. Study of the expression of these InsP(3)-R types in PMA-induced MEG 01 cells revealed that: (i) InsP(3)-RI protein and mRNA showed no changes; (ii) InsP(3)-RII mRNA was up-regulated and peaked at hour 48 and (iii) InsP(3)-RIII mRNA and protein showed a transitory maximal 3- and 2.3-fold increase at hours 6 and 30, respectively. Upon PMA treatment of CHRF 288-11 cells, in which GPIIIa is not induced upon treatment, a similar pattern of regulation of InsP(3)-R types II and III was seen, but a distinct pattern of SERCA3 regulation was observed. These results suggest a profound reorganization of ER-protein patterns during megakaryocytopoiesis and underline the role of SERCA3 gene regulation in the control of Ca(2+)-dependent platelet functions. | pubmed_205_22210 |
pubmed_518_9868 | The activities of amphotericin B and itraconazole were studied in a temporarily neutropenic murine model of disseminated Absidia corymbifera infection, caused by two different strains. Amphotericin B MICs were 0.25 mg/L for both strains and itraconazole MICs were 1 and 2 mg/L. Amphotericin B was effective in vivo with both isolates. Itraconazole was less effective. | 10.1093/jac/48.4.583 |
pubmed_1065_8971 | UNLABELLED
Catheter mapping and ablation of left accessory pathways may be difficult if the pathway fibre orientation is oblique across the mitral annulus. This is particularly true in case of concealed accessory pathway that conducts only in ventriculoatrial direction. The purpose of the study was to compare catheter ablation safety, efficacy, procedure and fluoroscopy times and number of radiofrequency energy deliveries for manifest and concealed left accessory pathways using retrograde transaortic approach. 56 patients (26 females) aged 41.6 +/- 15.1 years underwent 59 ablation procedures for 59 left accessory pathways. 25 (44.6%) patients with 27 concealed accessory pathways and additional 2 patients with a manifest pathway mappable only during retrograde conduction formed group I and were compared to 29 patients with a manifest accessory pathway mappable during ventricular preexcitation (group II). Ablation was acutely successful in all patients. Reablation was necessary for the pathway recurrence in 2 patients and for a different pathway in 1 patient. Deep femoral venous thrombosis complicated ablation in 1 patient. During the 14.9 +/- 8.2 (3-30) month follow-up period all the patients remain free of a pathway related tachyarrhythmia. Both the groups (I vs II) did not differ in procedure (180 +/- 76.7 vs. 187 +/- 75.8; p = 0.36) and fluoroscopy (25.3 +/- 18.6 vs. 33.5 +/- 24.7; p = 0.08) times (min) and number of radiofrequency energy deliveries (10.0 +/- 9.2 vs. 10.2 +/- 9.8; p = 0.46).
CONCLUSION
Transaortic approach to the left concealed accessory pathways is safe and effective in virtually 100% of patients and, compared to manifest pathways, does not prolong procedure and fluoroscopy times nor the number of radiofrequency energy deliveries. | pubmed_1065_8971 |
pubmed_554_16166 | INTRODUCTION
Burn injuries can be traumatic and distressing for the affected child and family, with a prolonged period of recovery. This research explores parents' experiences of support following their child's injury and their thoughts on peer support specifically.
METHODS
Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents/caregivers, a mean of three years after their child's injury, either face-to-face or remotely. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Analysis produced four themes and 11 sub-themes. These described parents' experiences of loss, change, isolation and access to psychosocial support. This paper focuses on themes of isolation and parents' access to psychosocial support.
DISCUSSION
Findings indicate that parents access psychosocial support following their child's injury and often find it helpful; however, there is a prevailing sense of isolation. Parents often seek information online and find that this is lacking. Many parents reported that peer support would be valuable to them, particularly the sharing of experiential knowledge.
CONCLUSION
An online resource may be beneficial for parents, but further research is needed to confirm the exploratory data gained to date, ensuring that any resource developed would meet the identified needs of parents. | 10.1177/2059513118763801 |
pubmed_251_14013 | Data describing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of low dose aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid; ASA) are limited. This single-center study was designed to determine the rate and extent of oral absorption of 80-mg ASA tablets in healthy, young male subjects and to assess the intra- and inter-subject variability of ASA pharmacokinetics and platelet aggregation effects. Ten subjects each received a single, open-label, oral 80-mg ASA dose on three separate days. Each dose was separated by a 2-week washout interval. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic determinations of ASA and its metabolite, salicylic acid (SA) and platelet aggregation studies were obtained at scheduled timepoints before and up to 24 hours after each dose. Peak plasma ASA levels of 1 microgram/mL were achieved within 30 minutes. Peak plasma SA levels of approximately 4 micrograms/mL were attained in 1 hour. The terminal half-lives (t1/2) of ASA and SA were 0.4 and 2.1 hours, respectively. Both ASA and SA pharmacokinetics and the platelet aggregation response to ASA exhibited considerable intra- and inter-subject variability. Inhibition of platelet aggregation was found to relate with ASA area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC). | 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1995.tb04044.x |
pubmed_241_16495 | Adolescents and young adults experience higher risks of occupational injuries and fatalities compared to adult workers. Consequently, understanding the risk and protective factors for young workers through a developmental lens is all the more compelling. This study describes the developmental processes of adolescence using a bioecological framework. It describes how factors such as neuromaturation, pubertal development, physical growth, and social contexts may place youth at greater risk of injury and other negative outcomes in the work environment. While the emphasis of the paper is on the developmental processes specific to adolescence, this is discussed in the larger contexts of macro forces such as policies, schools, and families. Implications of developmental factors on work-based practices and policies are also discussed. | pubmed_241_16495 |
pubmed_78_10033 | BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Because symptoms alone do not identify pathophysiology or differentiate subgroups of constipation, diagnostic tests are generally recommended. However, their utility is not known. We performed a systematic review of diagnostic tests commonly used in constipation.
METHODS
We searched the English literature using MEDLINE and PUBMED databases from 1966 to 2004 for studies in adults published as full manuscripts whose methodological quality was above a minimum score.
RESULTS
No studies assessed the routine use of blood tests or abdominal x-ray. One retrospective endoscopic study showed that cancer and polyp detection rate was comparable to historical controls. Two studies of barium enema were unhelpful in diagnosis of constipation. Physiological studies showed differences in study population, methodology, and interpretation, and there was no gold standard. Ten colonic transit studies showed prevalence of 38-80% in support of slow transit constipation. Nine anorectal manometry studies showed prevalence of 20-75% for detecting dyssynergia. Nine studies of balloon expulsion showed impaired expulsion of 23-67%. Among 10 defecography studies, abnormalities were reported in 25-90% and dyssynergia in 13-37%.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence to support the use of blood tests, radiography, or endoscopy in the routine work up of patients with constipation without alarm features is lacking. Colonic transit, anorectal manometry, and balloon expulsion tests reveal physiologic abnormalities in many selected patients with constipation, but no single test adequately defines pathophysiology. Large, well-designed, prospective studies are required to examine the utility of these tests. | 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41845.x |
pubmed_1134_328 | Symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixing trees are absent from old-growth temperate and boreal ecosystems, even though many of these are N-limited. To explore mechanisms that could select against N fixation in N-limited, old-growth ecosystems, we developed a simple resource-based evolutionary model of N fixation. When there are no costs of N fixation, increasing amounts of N fixation will be selected for until N no longer limits production. However, tradeoffs between N fixation and plant mortality or turnover, plant uptake of available soil N, or N use efficiency (NUE) can select against N fixation in N-limited ecosystems and can thereby maintain N limitation indefinitely (provided that there are losses of plant-unavailable N). Three key traits influence the threshold that determines how large these tradeoffs must be to select against N fixation. A low NUE, high mortality (or turnover) rate and low losses of plant-unavailable N all increase the likelihood that N fixation will be selected against, and a preliminary examination of published data on these parameters shows that these mechanisms, particularly the tradeoff with NUE, are quite feasible in some systems. Although these results are promising, a better characterization of these parameters in multiple ecosystems is necessary to determine whether these mechanisms explain the lack of symbiotic N fixers-and thus the maintenance of N limitation-in old-growth forests. | 10.1073/pnas.0711411105 |
pubmed_426_4071 | The binge-purge syndrome (bulimarexia) is one of the four major eating disorders. It is a very important entity with which all clinicians should have some familiarity. This is true not only because of its frequency and the potential severity of several of its numerous complications, but because it has become one of the common masqueraders of modern medicine. Indeed, nephrologists may become interested in and involved with patients having this disorder because of their frequent fluid-electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, particularly hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, which initially often cause considerable diagnostic confusion. This paper presents an overall view of the binge-purge syndrome, with focus on several of its nephrologic aspects. | 10.1097/00007611-198701000-00015 |
pubmed_899_14993 | Chitin is one of the most abundant renewable resources, and chitosans, the partially deacetylated derivatives of chitin, are among the most promising functional biopolymers, with superior material properties and versatile biological functionalities. Elucidating molecular structure-function relationships and cellular modes of action of chitosans, however, it is challenging due to the micro-heterogeneity and structural complexity of polysaccharides. Lately, it has become apparent that many of the biological activities of chitosan polymers, such as in agricultural plant disease protection or in mediating scar-free wound healing, may be attributed to oligomeric break-down products generated by the action of chitosanolytic hydrolases present in the target tissues, such as human chitotriosidase. Consequently, the focus of current research is shifting toward chitosan oligomers so that the availability of well-defined chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) becomes a bottleneck. Well-known ways of producing COS use physical and/or chemical means for the partial depolymerization of chitosan polymers, typically leading to broad mixtures of COS varying in their degrees of polymerization (DP) and acetylation (DA), and with more or less random patterns of acetylation (PAs). Even after chromatographic separation according to DP and DA, such mixtures are of limited value to elucidate structure-function relationships and modes of action. More recently, enzymatic means using chitinases and/or chitosanases, and sometimes chitin deacetylases, have been proposed as these can be more tightly controlled and yield slightly better defined mixtures of COS. An alternative would be chemical synthesis of COS which in principle would allow for full structural control, but protocols for it are lengthy, costly, and not yet well developed, and yields are low. Synthetic biology now allows to develop today's in vitro bio-refinery approaches into in vivo cell factory approaches for the biotechnological production of defined COS using recombinant microbial strains expressing chitin oligomer synthases and chitin oligomer deacetylases. In this review, we will describe the state-of-the-art of this cell factory approach, as a basis for upcoming developments. We will briefly describe traditional chemical protocols and enzymatic production of COS as a background to the more detailed presentation of what has been achieved through in vivo biosynthesis. We will only briefly describe those as a background to the more detailed presentation of what has been achieved through in vivo biosynthesis. We will also touch on the production of COS derivatives that has been achieved in this way, as these oligomers open up another plethora of potential applications when used as building blocks for defined biomaterials. | 10.3109/07388551.2015.1104289 |
pubmed_399_4128 | Peroxidative loading during the reoxygenation of the rat small intestine following a complete ischemia was demonstrated in in vivo-experiments by the increases of the glutathione disulphide (GSSG): total glutathione ratio and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS). The pretreatment of the rats with allopurinol diminished the accumulation of GSSG and of TBA-RS. From these effects was concluded that the purine nucleotide degradation is an important source of oxygen reduction products leading to peroxidations. The concentrations of nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleobases were measured by an ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC. The restoration of ATP and GTP concentrations during the reoxygenation period was accelerated by the application of allopurinol. | pubmed_399_4128 |
pubmed_652_201 | Hydrogels are the three-dimensional network structures obtained from a class of synthetic or natural polymers which can absorb and retain a significant amount of water. Hydrogels are one of the most studied classes of polymer-based controlled drug release. These have attracted considerable attention in biochemical and biomedical fields because of their characteristics, such as swelling in aqueous medium, biocompatibility, pH and temperature sensitivity or sensitivity towards other stimuli, which can be utilized for their controlled zero-order release. The hydrogels are expected to explore new generation of self-regulated delivery system having a wide array of desirable properties. This review highlights the exciting opportunities and challenges in the area of hydrogels. Here, we review different literatures on stimuli-sensitive hydrogels, such as role of temperature, electric potential, pH and ionic strength to control the release of drug from hydrogels. | 10.3109/10717544.2014.940091 |
pubmed_1123_24506 | Protein kinase C variants (PKCs) have been involved in the control of airway smooth muscle (ASM) tone, and abnormalities in PKC-dependent signaling have been associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma. In this study, the role of atypical PKCζ in airway hyperresponsiveness was investigated, using an in-vitro model of TNFα-treated human bronchi and an in vivo guinea pig model of chronic asthma. Our results demonstrated that PKCζ-specific inhibition produced a significant increase in isoproterenol sensitivity in TNFα-treated bronchi and ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized guinea pig bronchi. The role of epoxy-eicosanoids, known to exert anti-inflammatory effects in lung, on PKCζ expression and activity in these models was evaluated. An enhanced PKCζ protein expression was delineated in TNFα-treated bronchi when compared with control (untreated) and epoxy-eicosanoid-treated bronchi. Measurements of Ca(2+) sensitivity, performed in TNFα-treated bronchi, demonstrated that treatment with myristoylated (Myr) PKCζ peptide inhibitor resulted in significant reductions of pCa-induced tension. Epoxy-eicosanoid treatments had similar effects on Ca(2+) sensitivity in TNFα-treated bronchi. In control and epoxy-eicosanoid-treated bronchi, the phosphorylated forms of p38MAPK and CPI-17 were significantly decreased compared with the TNFα-treated bronchi. An enhanced expression of PKCζ was ascertained in our in-vivo model of allergic asthma. Hence an increased Ca(2+) sensitivity could be explained by the phosphorylation of p38-MAPK, which in turn leads to phosphorylation and activation of the CPI-17 regulatory protein. This process was reversed upon treatment with the Myr-PKCζ-peptide inhibitor. The present data provide relevant evidence regarding the role of PKCζ in human and rodent models of airways inflammation. | 10.1139/y11-117 |
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