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pubmed_476_5791 | Herein, we reported a systematic scientific study of Arenga westerhoutii Griff. by evaluating its bioactive components, nutraceuticals, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Three major bioactive compounds were identified using HPLC and HRMS. Quantification of the components through HPLC yielded the presence of 75.67 ± 0.05, 38.19 ± 0.10 and 13.11 ± 0.02 µg/mL of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and epicatechin respectively in 1 mg/ml of the extract. 50% MeOH hydro-alcoholic extract was found to show lowest IC50 value in both in-vitro antioxidant (IC50 = 2.925 ± 0.12 µg/mL, DPPH assay) and anti-diabetic assays (IC50 = 18.03 ± 0.18 µg/mL, α-glucosidase assay). Further analysis by molecular docking study suggested the interaction of components towards α-glucosidase enzyme. | 10.1080/14786419.2022.2037085 |
pubmed_866_6882 | The present work is aimed at developing an n-butanol sensor based on the chemi-resistive principle using MoO3 nanostructures as a sensing element. Highly ordered free-standing α-MoO3 nanobelts were synthesized using hydrothermal technique. The synthesis parameters adapted in the present work have paved a way in obtaining distinct MoO3 nanostructure with minimal process time as compared with the earlier reports. Initially, the formation of monoclinic crystals with an end centered lattice of β-Mo9O26 was observed, which then is transformed into orthorhombic α-MoO3 on calcination at 450 °C for 5 h. XPS profiles of the nanobelts revealed the presence of molybdenum and oxygen in a stoichiometric ratio of 2.6. Penta- and hexa-coordinated defect centers of Mo5+ and oxygen vacancies were observed from the photoluminescence spectra. The nanobelts respond to n-butanol vapors at room temperature with a 75-fold signal increase and response-recovery times of 17 & 10 s, respectively. The lowest detection limit is 1 ppm. The influence of relative humidity on the sensing response was also studied. Graphical abstract. | 10.1007/s00604-019-3905-8 |
pubmed_658_59 | The author reports on a survey of 375 undocumented migrants from Guatemala and Mexico working along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast. The focus was on "documenting sojourning versus settling behaviors and intentions of migrants from Latin American homelands and assessing risk for acquiring and transmitting AIDS, sexual, and communicable diseases by internationally commuting migrants.... The researchers also sought to learn why migrants come to the east coast and how living here is different from [other] parts of the country...." | pubmed_658_59 |
pubmed_575_25265 | OBJECTIVE
Secondary tricuspid regurgitation will be aggravated if left uncorrected during the initial surgery. Recently, an aggressive strategy of routine concomitant tricuspid valve repair has been warranted. Follow this strategy, routine concomitant thoracoscopic tricuspid valve repair was performed and the surgical effect and postoperative residual TR were reviewed.
METHODS
A two-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted. Patients who underwent concomitant thoracoscopic tricuspid valve repair performed by the same surgeon between May 2012 to April 2020 were recruited into the study. The data were collected from the hospital database and outpatient records from the most recent follow-up to analysis.
RESULTS
There were 504 patients recruited in this study. No death occurred and all patients were discharged. The average follow-up time was 7.4 ± 7.5 months. After the surgery, the dimension of right ventricle and pulmonary artery systolic pressure were reduced significantly. There were 11 cases (2.2%) of postoperative residual tricuspid regurgitation. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed left atrial dimension (p = .002) and tricuspid regurgitation (p = .002) positively associated with the residual tricuspid regurgitation occurrence rate significantly. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated the more severe the tricuspid regurgitation, the higher the residual tricuspid regurgitation occurrence rate (p < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
The tricuspid valve repair surgery may improve the patients' prognosis effectively if it was performed at the appropriate timing. The larger the left atrial dimension is, or the more severe the tricuspid regurgitation is, the higher the residual tricuspid regurgitation occurrence rate after concomitant thoracoscopic tricuspid valve repair. Our experience has shown that concomitant thoracoscopic tricuspid valve repair is reliable, effective, and safe, which may be beneficial to right heart remodeling in the short to midterm. | 10.1111/jocs.15672 |
pubmed_627_322 | Four compilations of medical library statistics have been published to date, namely those by Louise Darling in 1956, by the Medical Library Association in its 1959 Directory, by Harold Bloomquist in 1962, and by the author in 1964. In addition to these sources and to the annual statistics compiled by the Library Services Branch of the U. S. Office of Education, surveys of pharmacy, hospital, and medical society libraries have been completed recently. Standards for medical and special libraries are being considered by the Medical Library Association through its Guidelines Survey and by the Special Libraries Association through its Statistics Coordinating Project and its Standards Survey. To coordinate the collection of medical library statistics and to make the information readily available to the profession, it is suggested that the Medical Library Association support the collection and publication of statistics of representative medical libraries until such time as the Library Services Branch is able to implement fully its program of library statistics. | pubmed_627_322 |
pubmed_840_20065 | Psychometric characteristics of the abridged Teachers' Conceptions of Assessment-III are reported. Data are from a study of 525 New Zealand primary school teachers and from a second study of 692 Queensland primary school teachers. The abridged version of 27 statements using a positively packed response scale had good fit characteristics for primary teachers in both New Zealand (chi(311)2 = 841.02; RMSEA = .057; TLI = .87) and Queensland (chi(311)2 = 1492.61; RMSEA = .074; TLI = .80). While providing information of similar quality to that of the original the abridged version is more efficient than the full scale. | 10.2466/pr0.99.1.166-170 |
pubmed_906_17229 | A Cobalt-60 treatment unit was equipped with a new collimator with asymmetrical capability of both the X-and Y-jaws. This new collimator design opens possibilities for treatment techniques with this apparatus, which, until now, were only achievable with linear accelerators. Before accepting the device and taking it into clinical routine, a dosimetric verification was performed, which compared results of dose measurements with the results of dose calculations of the treatment planning system. For this purpose, the approach of Report 55 of the AAPM Task Group 23 for testing a treatment planning system was followed, with modifications to comply with the asymmetrical settings of the fields. The study shows that criteria for acceptance of the treatment planning algorithm were met for the asymmetrical open fields and for asymmetrical fields with a 22 degrees and a 45 degrees wedge. However, deviations tended to be too high under the thick part of the thickest wedge. | 10.1016/s0958-3947(01)00081-4 |
pubmed_615_21434 | Growth charts are essential for evaluating children's health including their nutrition; however, the evaluation of child growth trajectories and consequently the decision to intervene are highly dependent on the growth charts used. The aim of this discussion paper of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition is to provide information on the background and rationale of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 child growth standards and WHO 2007 growth reference charts, describe their development, outline their main innovative aspects, discuss potential limitations, and make recommendations. WHO 2006 child growth standards (0-5 years) are based on prospectively collected data describing the growth of healthy infants who were breast-fed according to WHO recommendations, showing a pattern of linear growth, which is remarkably consistent between different countries and ethnic groups. WHO 2007 growth reference charts (5-19 years) are based mainly on a re-analysis of National Centre for Health Statistics data from 1977, without information on feeding. European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition recommends that WHO child growth standards should be used to monitor growth in all children in the age range 0 to 2 years in Europe, whether breast- or formula-fed, and that they should be considered to be used in the age range 2 to 5 years. Implementation of the WHO child growth standards should be preceded by evaluation of the implication of their use on national healthcare policies. Health professionals should be guided on their use and interpretation and an adequate communication strategy should be available locally to ensure that parents receive clear and consistent advice. The decision on whether to implement the WHO growth references (5-19 years) should be made by national bodies because the growth pattern during the 5- to 19-year period differs between populations. | 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318298003f |
pubmed_46_9468 | Nineteen haemodialysis (HD) patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with interferon-alpha 2b (IFN-alpha) at a dose of 3 or 1 MU thrice weekly for 6 months and were followed-up for another 14 months without treatment. Six patients discontinued treatment because they either presented severe side-effects to IFN-alpha or had complications of their primary disease. Levels of AST and ALT were within normal limits on the 2nd month of treatment and remained so throughout the treatment and the follow-up period in all patients except one who showed an elevation of transaminase levels 2 months after the end of treatment. Serum HCVRNA became negative in 10/13 patients at the end of treatment and was negative in all patients on the 6th month and in 12/13 patients on the 14th month during the follow-up period. Levels of 2'5' oligosynthetase were increased significantly on the 2nd and 4th month of treatment and returned to pretreatment values the 2nd month after treatment. These findings demonstrate that haemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C respond well to interferon treatment and that a long-term response is achieved in a high proportion of patients. | pubmed_46_9468 |
pubmed_496_6699 | The development of suitable ligands that upon coordination to a metal facilitate enantioselective reactions or are able to selectively recognize a molecule are fundamental endeavours in organic chemistry. Chiral ligands that contain one or two oxazoline groups have been extensively studied and applied successfully to many metal catalyzed reactions. Accordingly, the development and application of chiral trisoxazolines has received increasing attention in the last decade. This tutorial review covers the synthetic methods for the preparation of chiral trisoxazolines, the application of chiral trisoxazolines in asymmetric catalysis and molecular recognition. | 10.1039/b408712g |
pubmed_806_9204 | Zanthoxylum schinifolium is widely used as a food flavoring in east Asia. Although this plant has also been used in traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of the common cold, toothache, stomach ache, diarrhea and jaundice, its anti-obesity activity remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of ethanol extract from the leaves of Z. schinifolium (EEZS) on adipocyte differentiation, and its underlying mechanism, in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. The results demonstrated that EEZS effectively suppressed intracellular lipid accumulation at non-toxic concentrations, and was associated with the downregulation of several adipocyte-specific transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferation-activity receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α and C/EBPβ, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was observed that EEZS markedly inactivated the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways, which act upstream of PPARγ and C/EBPs in adipogenesis. These results suggested that EEZS inhibited lipid accumulation by downregulating the major transcription factors involved in the pathway of adipogenesis, including PPARγ, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ, via regulation of the ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. This indicated the potential use of EEZS as an anti-obesity agent. | 10.3892/mmr.2015.3463 |
pubmed_895_14738 | Nowadays, the increasing use of group elevator control systems owing to increasing building heights makes the development of high-performance algorithms necessary in terms of time and energy saving. Although there are many studies in the literature about this topic, they are still not effective enough because they are not able to evaluate all features of system. In this paper, a new approach of immune system-based optimal estimate is studied for dynamic control of group elevator systems. The method is mainly based on estimation of optimal way by optimizing all calls with genetic, immune system and DNA computing algorithms, and it is evaluated with a fuzzy system. The system has a dynamic feature in terms of the situation of calls and the option of the most appropriate algorithm, and it also adaptively works in terms of parameters such as the number of floors and cabins. This new approach which provides both time and energy saving was carried out in real time. The experimental results comparatively demonstrate the effects of method. With dynamic and adaptive control approach in this study carried out, a significant progress on group elevator control systems has been achieved in terms of time and energy efficiency according to traditional methods. | 10.1155/2013/805343 |
pubmed_582_24796 | More than 20 years ago, an oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptide, CLITNCPRGamide, was isolated from the locust, Locusta migratoria [Proux JP, et al. (1987) Identification of an arginine vasopressin-like diuretic hormone from Locusta migratoria. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 149:180-186]. However, no similar peptide could be identified in other insects, nor could its prohormone be cloned, or its physiological actions be established. Here, we report that the recently sequenced genome from the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum contains a gene coding for an oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptide, identical to the locust peptide, which we named inotocin (for insect oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptide) and a gene coding for an inotocin G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). We cloned the Tribolium inotocin preprohormone and the inotocin GPCR and expressed the GPCR in CHO cells. This GPCR is strongly activated by low concentrations of inotocin (EC(50), 5 x 10(-9) M), demonstrating that it is the inotocin receptor. Quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) showed that in adult Tribolium, the receptor is mainly expressed in the head and much less in the hindgut and Malpighian tubules, suggesting that the inotocin/receptor couple does not play a role in water homeostasis. Surprisingly, qPCR also showed that the receptor is 30x more expressed in the first larval stages than in adult animals. The inotocin/receptor couple can also be found in the recently sequenced genome from the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis but not in any other holometabolous insect with a completely sequenced genome (12 Drosophila species, the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, the silk worm Bombyx mori, and the honey bee Apis mellifera), suggesting that this neuropeptide system is confined to basal holometabolous insects. Furthermore, we identified an oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptide and receptor in the recently sequenced genome from the water flea Daphnia pulex (Crustacea). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular cloning of an oxytocin/vasopressin-like receptor and its ligand from arthropods. | 10.1073/pnas.0710897105 |
pubmed_975_14120 | Reference curves for stature and weight in British children have been available for the past 30 years, and have recently been updated. However weight by itself is a poor indicator of fatness or obesity, and there has never been a corresponding set of reference curves to assess weight for height. Body mass index (BMI) or weight/height has been popular for assessing obesity in adults for many years, but its use in children has developed only recently. Here centile curves for BMI in British children are presented, from birth to 23 years, based on the same large representative sample as used to update the stature and weight references. The charts were derived using Cole's LMS method, which adjusts the BMI distribution for skewness and allows BMI in individual subjects to be expressed as an exact centile or SD score. Use of the charts in clinical practice is aided by the provision of nine centiles, where the two extremes identify the fattest and thinnest four per 1000 of the population. | 10.1136/adc.73.1.25 |
pubmed_647_12456 | Sphingomyelin (SM) cycle has been involved in the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Increases in ceramide have been found after a larger number of apoptotic stimuli including cytokines, cytotoxic drugs, and environmental stresses. Accumulating evidence suggest that the subcellular localization of ceramide generation is a critical factor in determining the cellular behavior. Since recently enzymes involved in ceramide metabolism such as sphingomyelinase, SM synthase, sphingosine kinase and ceramidase have been found in the nucleus of hepatocyte cells, we have studied first the presence and the physicochemical characteristics of SM metabolism enzymes in nuclei isolated from embryonic hippocampal cells (cell line HN9.10e). The activities of sphingomyelinase and SM-synthase have been assayed and the ceramide production evaluated at different times after serum deprivation in these neurones cultivated in serum-deficient medium. We report that both enzymes are present in the nucleus of embryonic hippocampal cells and differ from those present in the homogenate in optimum pH. After serum deprivation, that induces a time-dependent decrease in cell viability and increase of the cell percentage in G1 phase of the cell cycle, a nuclear sphingomyelinase activation together with SM-synthase inhibition and a consequent increase of nuclear ceramide pool have been demonstrated. No similar enzyme activity modifications in homogenate have been identified. The possible role of nuclear sphingomyelinase/sphingomyelin-synthase balance in serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in the embryonic hippocampal cell is discussed. | 10.1002/jcp.20448 |
pubmed_934_11571 | Bicyclists and transportation professionals would do better to decline advice drawn from characteristically epidemiological studies. The faults of epidemiology are both accidental (unpreparedness for the task) and essential (unsuitability of the methods). Characteristically epidemiological methods are known to be error-prone, and when applied to bicycle transportation suffer from diversion bias, inappropriately broad-brush categorisations, a focus on undifferentiated risk rather than on danger, a bias towards unsafe behaviour, and an overly narrow perspective. To the extent that there is a role for characteristically epidemiological methods, it should be the same as anywhere else: as a preliminary or adjunct to the scientific method, for which there is no substitute. | 10.1136/injuryprev-2013-041130 |
pubmed_1100_20866 | Research in the field of attention and automaticity examines the nature of processing information with and without attention. Behavioral results show automatic processing is a continuous effect that is task specific and is affected by top-down influences. Neurobiological data show that differential attentional processing occurs in a distributed network, where initial performance is more strongly influenced by more anterior cortical structures. Recent models of attentional and autonomic processing directly incorporate physiological constraints and predict practice effects as a result of a variety of competing mechanisms. | 10.1016/0959-4388(94)90069-8 |
pubmed_34_1349 | We report the case of a woman with scleroderma who had severe, early-onset preeclampsia on 2 consecutive pregnancies. With a treatment that included aspirin, heparin, and a nitric oxide donor, her third pregnancy ended with a healthy neonate at term. Nitric oxide donors and heparin may play a preventive role on placental dysfunction in scleroderma. | 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.04.025 |
pubmed_689_16395 | Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of cardiac troponin I (cTn) levels in predicting adverse clinical outcomes of patients with anerusmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, it remains unclear whether cTn levels can be a useful factor in predicting adverse neurologic and cardiovascular outcomes regarding follow-up duration. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of cTn elevation among patients with aSAH. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Cochrane to collect original studies that compared the adverse outcomes in patients with aSAH who had elevated cTn levels and those who did not have elevated cTn levels. Data on patient demographics and outcome measurements (mortality, major disability, delayed cerebral ischemia, cardiac dysfunction, and pulmonary edema) were extracted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by fitting a random effects model. A total of 4,117 patients with aSAH were included in the meta-analysis. Elevated cTn levels was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (OR 3.64; 95% CI 2.68-4.94; I2 = 22.05%), poor major disability (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.5-3.37; I2 = 52.07%), delayed cerebral ischemia (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.46-3.03; I2 = 13.80%), cardiac dysfunction (OR 9.20; 95% CI 4.31-19.60; I2 = 39.89), and pulmonary edema (OR 10.32; 95% CI 5.64-18.90; I2 = 0.00%). Additionally, elevated cTn levels was associated with higher mortality in prospective studies (OR 3.66; 95% CI 2.61-5.14) as well as when compared with studies with short-term and long-term follow-up periods. Patients with aSAH who had elevated cTn levels also tended to experience poor short-term major disability (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.48-3.76). Among patients with aSAH, elevated cTn levels was associated with higher mortality and adverse neurologic and cardiovascular outcomes. Given its clinical value, cardiac troponin levels may be included in the assessment of patients withs aSAH. | 10.1007/s12028-021-01368-0 |
pubmed_270_4995 | We study stochastic game dynamics in finite populations. To this end we extend the classical Moran process to incorporate frequency-dependent selection and mutation. For 2 x 2 games, we give a complete analysis of the long-run behavior when mutation rates are small. For 3 x 3 coordination games, we provide a simple rule to determine which strategy will be selected in large populations. The expected motion in our model resembles the standard replicator dynamics when the population is large, but is qualitatively different when the population is small. Our analysis shows that even in large finite populations the behavior of a replicator-like system can be different from that of the standard replicator dynamics. As an application, we consider selective language dynamics. We determine which language will be spoken in finite large populations. The results have an intuitive interpretation but would not be expected from an analysis of the replicator dynamics. | 10.1016/j.tpb.2006.07.006 |
pubmed_405_4289 | BACKGROUND
Composite measures are useful for distilling quality data into summary scores; yet, there has been limited use of composite measures for cancer care.
OBJECTIVE
Compare multiple approaches for generating cancer care composite measures and evaluate how well composite measures summarize dimensions of cancer care and predict survival.
STUDY DESIGN
We computed hospital-level rates for 13 colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer process measures in 59 Veterans Affairs hospitals. We computed 4 empirical-factor (based on an exploratory factor analysis), 3 cancer-specific (colorectal, lung, prostate care), and 3 care modality-specific (diagnosis/evaluation, surgical, nonsurgical treatments) composite measures. We assessed correlations among all composite measures and estimated all-cause survival for colon, rectal, non-small cell lung, and small cell lung cancers as a function of composite scores, adjusting for patient characteristics.
RESULTS
Four factors emerged from the factor analysis: nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment, colorectal early diagnosis, and prostate treatment. We observed strong correlations (r) among composite measures comprised of similar process measures (r=0.58-1.00, P<0.0001), but not among composite measures reflecting different care dimensions. Composite measures were rarely associated with survival.
CONCLUSIONS
The empirical-factor domains grouped measures variously by cancer type and care modality. The evidence did not support any single approach for generating cancer care composite measures. Weak associations across different care domains suggest that low-quality and high-quality cancer care delivery may coexist within Veterans Affairs hospitals. | 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000257 |
pubmed_71_2728 | This study investigated the cellular uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FITC-MSNs), amine-functionalised FITC-MSNs (AP-FITC-MSNs) and their gallic acid (GA)-loaded counterparts. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate, functionalised by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) (AP-FITC-MSNs) and then loaded by GA. All nanoparticles were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of dyed nanoparticles was investigated using (3-(4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and flow cytometry. TEM images showed that the average particle sizes of FITC-MSNs and AP-FITC-MSNs were about 100 and 110 nm, respectively. These nanoparticles were internalised by Caco-2 cells, accumulated and dispersed into the cytoplasm, nucleus, and subcellular organelles. Nanoparticles containing GA clearly decreased the viability of cells. FITC-MSNs showed no toxicity on Caco-2 cells at concentrations of ≤50 µg/ml. Functionalisation of FITC-MSNs using APTES decreased toxicity effects on the cells. It was found that FITC-MSNs can be applied at low concentrations as a marker in the cells. In addition, AP-FITC-MSNs showed better biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells than FITC-MSNs, because of their positive surface charges. | 10.1049/iet-nbt.2016.0120 |
pubmed_279_2403 | A stereocontrolled synthesis of the model compound for the phytoalexin elicitor-active glycoprotein is described. Glycosylation of the disaccharide, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl- alpha- D-mannopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate, with N-(carbobenzoxy)-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-L- serine methyl ester or N-(carbobenzoxy)-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-L- seryl-L- proline methyl ester by use of AgOTf gave the desired trisaccharide-serine or trisaccharide-seryl-proline derivatives, which were transformed into beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D- mannopyranosyl-(1-->3)-L-serine and triglycosyl-(1-->3)-L-seryl-L-proline via removal of the N-carbobenzoxy group, followed by deacylation. | 10.1016/0008-6215(94)84227-2 |
pubmed_539_14709 | BACKGROUND
A need to increase the serotype coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines exists. The use of a single carrier protein may cause overload of the carrier and decrease the immune response by not providing sufficient carrier-specific T helper cell support. A vaccine composed of a mixture of tetanus- and diphtheria-conjugated polysaccharides (PS) is a potential solution to this issue.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to assess the tolerability and immunogenicity in healthy toddlers of an 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that uses both tetanus and diphtheria toxoids as carriers. We explored the effect of an aluminum adjuvant on safety and immunogenicity by comparing the vaccine with and without adjuvant.
METHODS
Twenty Finnish and 23 Israeli toddlers received the conjugate vaccine with or without aluminum adjuvant. Safety data were recorded for 5 days after vaccination. Sera were obtained before and 28 days after the immunization. IgG antibodies to the 11 vaccine-type PSs were determined by enzyme immunoassay.
RESULTS
No serious adverse events occurred. The formulation with the adjuvant tended to induce fewer local but more systemic reactions than the non-adjuvant-containing formulation. Both vaccine formulations induced significant IgG increases for the vaccine-specific PSs. Types 3 and 7F were the most immunogenic; antibodies reached a concentration of 1 microg/ml in all individuals. Conjugates of types 6B, 14 and 23F were the weakest immunogens; antibodies reached the concentration of 1 microg/ml in 36, 27 and 32% of the individuals in the nonadjuvant group and in 53, 38 and 53% in the adjuvant group, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
An 11-valent mixed carrier pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is safe and immunogenic in toddlers. The use of an adjuvant do not seem to offer any significant benefit. | 10.1097/00006454-200103000-00011 |
pubmed_359_13794 | Surgical practice must be driven by wise professional judgements, involving complex deliberation, in the interests of ensuring the safe care of patients. Large amounts of energy are now being concentrated in training doctors in skills (competencies) in the belief that this will reduce risk to patients. Little thought is being given to developing in the young, wise professional judgement which is at the heart of being a good doctor and a good surgeon. | 10.1308/003588405X51164 |
pubmed_1015_6651 | 324 epileptics were questioned about their approach to private insurance. Only 9,26% of them were covered by a life or accident insurance policy: 3,70% had life insurance, 3,70% accident insurance and 1,86% both. None of the patients had declared his disability to the insurance company. In 6,17% of the 324 epileptic cases an insurance policy had been taken out by their parents. In comparison about 35% of the Italian population in general are insured. A questionnaire was sent to 20 insurance companies; only 5 of them replied, saying that as far as accidents were concerned, they considered epileptics uninsurable. As for life insurance, policies can be contracted at increased premiums, according to the individual case (including the severity of the illness). Physicians must give epileptics fuller information about their insurance plans because, if their illness is detected after an accident, they will find themselves not covered by insurance. Government intervention is called for with the setting-up of special funds for this purpose. | pubmed_1015_6651 |
pubmed_91_15044 | 715 patients with hepatobiliary diseases came for examination, who because of the morphological findings are classified in diagnostic groups. The immunoglobulin measurements of IGG, IGA, IGM were determined and assessed in combination with enzymatic investigations of GOT, GPT, AP and GGTP. Typical group-specific changes were only found in primary biliary liver diseases and toxic cirrhoses of the liver, all acute or chronic inflammatory liver diseases could not be separated and by inference from the final diagnosis showed great errors in classification. Data on the raised mean levels of immunoglobulins in the individual diagnostic groups were demonstrable, but the range limits were so widely scattered that their differential diagnostic valence is of no consequence. Immunoglobulins may appear to be of interest for the observation of the course of liver diseases, but they are unsuitable for diagnostic purposes. | pubmed_91_15044 |
pubmed_4_2584 | Electroporation enables delivering bionanomolecules, such as DNAs, RNAs, siRNAs, and morpholinos, into chick embryos in a spatially and temporally restricted fashion. Recent advances in electroporation techniques allowed us to deliver transgenes into the restricted area of the limb bud and to analyze the function of the enhancers in the limb field. Here, we describe the introduction of transgenes by electroporation in the limb field and its application on enhancer analysis. | 10.1007/978-1-4939-7216-6_13 |
pubmed_126_20771 | Hydrogenases are proteins which metabolize the most simple of chemical compounds, molecular hydrogen, according to the reaction H2<-->2H+ + 2e-. These enzymes are found in many microorganisms of great biotechnological interest such as methanogenic, acetogenic, nitrogen fixing, photosynthetic or sulfate-reducing bacteria. The X-ray structure of a dimeric [NiFe] hydrogenase together with a wealth of biophysical, biochemical and genetic studies have revealed that the large subunit contains the bimetallic [Ni-Fe] active site, with biologically uncommon CO and CN ligands to the iron, whereas the small subunit contains three iron-sulfur cluster. During catalysis, the nickel atom is most likely responsible for a base-assisted heterolytic cleavage of the hydrogen molecule whereas the iron atom could be redox active. Specific channels are probably required for the transfer of the chemical reaction partners (H2, H+ and e-) between the active site, deeply buried inside the protein, and the molecular surface. The generation of a functional enzyme, including the assembly of the complex catalytic center, requires maturation and involves a large number of auxiliary proteins which have been partly characterized by molecular biology. | 10.1016/s0300-9084(97)83499-2 |
pubmed_220_17550 | The combined influence of a strongly interacting cosolvent (NaCl) and a weakly interacting cosolvent (sucrose) on the heat-induced gelation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied. The dynamic shear rheology of 4 wt % BSA solutions containing 0 or 20 wt % sucrose and 0-200 mM NaCl was monitored as they were heated from 30 to 90 degrees C at 1.5 degrees C min(-)(1), held at 90 degrees C for 120 min, and then cooled back to 30 degrees C at -1.5 degrees C min(-)(1). The turbidity of the same solutions was monitored as they were heated from 30 to 95 degrees C at 1.5 degrees C min(-)(1) or held isothermally at 90 degrees C for 10 min. NaCl had a similar effect on BSA solutions that contained 0 or 20 wt % sucrose, with the gelation temperature decreasing and the final gel strength increasing with increasing salt concentration and the greatest changes occurring between 25 and 100 mM NaCl. Nevertheless, the presence of sucrose did lead to an increase in the gelation temperature and final gel strength and a decrease in the final gel turbidity. The impact of NaCl on gel characteristics was attributed primarily to its ability to screen electrostatic interactions between charged protein surfaces, whereas the impact of sucrose was attributed mainly to its ability to increase protein thermal stability and strengthen the attractive forces between proteins through a preferential interaction mechanism. | 10.1021/jf034249m |
pubmed_715_11783 | The aim of the study was to determine the clinical frequency and features of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) in a large population of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients using defined diagnostic criteria both for RBD and PD. Six trained neurologists used a semistructured questionnaire based on ICSD-R diagnostic criteria for RBD to evaluate 200 PD patients and their caregivers. Interobserver reliability for the diagnosis of RBD was "substantial" (Kappa 0.65). Five patients were excluded from the study because of an MMSE lower than 25. The demographic and PD clinical features were compared in the clinically defined RBD group and in those without RBD (NRBD). Then the RBD features during the last year were analysed in the affected group. Out of 195 patients, 66 fulfilled the ICSD-R criteria for RBD; 62 patients reported RBD during the last year (frequency 31.8%). RBD features: two or more episodes per week in 35.5%; upper limb movements in 87%; lower limb movements in 79%; vocalisations during events in 85%. RBD onset was before PD in 27% of patients; 69% of the RBD group had injured themselves or their caregivers during sleep. According to multivariate analysis, RBD was associated with male gender, age and PD duration. Brief training and the use of a semistructured questionnaire may help the neurologist in dealing with sleep disturbances in PD patients. The search for RBD symptoms in PD is highly recommended, especially in patients with a long disease duration, the risk of sleep-related injuries being high. | 10.1007/s10072-004-0364-7 |
pubmed_203_7018 | Superheated water chromatography (SWC) with ultraviolet detection was applied to the separation of low molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEGs). PEG oligomers could be detected sensitively when the detection wavelength was set at 190 nm. The effect of column temperature on the separation of PEG oligomers was investigated. The elution time of all PEG oligomers decreased with increase in the column temperature; linear relationships were obtained between ln k and 1/T. A temperature-programmed SWC separation enabled the baseline separation of a PEG 200 sample within 50 min. | 10.2116/analsci.21.1001 |
pubmed_469_7764 | Due to the relatively high permeability to water of the plasma membrane, water tends to equilibrate its chemical potential gradient between the intra and extracellular compartments. Because of this, changes in osmolality of the extracellular fluid are accompanied by changes in the cell volume. Therefore, osmoregulatory mechanisms have evolved to keep the tonicity of the extracellular compartment within strict limits. This review focuses on the following aspects of osmoregulation: 1) the general problems in adjusting the "milieu interieur" to challenges imposed by water imbalance, with emphasis on conceptual aspects of osmosis and cell volume regulation; 2) osmosensation and the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON), starting with analysis of the electrophysiological responses of the magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) involved in the osmoreception phenomenon; 3) transcriptomic plasticity of SON during sustained hyperosmolality, to pinpoint the genes coding membrane channels and transporters already shown to participate in the osmosensation and new candidates that may have their role further investigated in this process, with emphasis on those expressed in the MNCs, discussing the relationships of hydration state, gene expression, and MNCs electrical activity; and 4) somatodendritic release of neuropeptides in relation to osmoregulation. Finally, we expect that by stressing the relationship between gene expression and the electrical activity of MNCs, studies about the newly discovered plastic-regulated genes that code channels and transporters in the SON may emerge. | 10.3389/fphys.2022.887779 |
pubmed_27_1045 | The ability to diagnose and detect the presence of debilitating and life-threatening diseases would be an invaluable asset to those involved in in vitro fertilization programs. To investigate the possibility of diagnosing severe alpha-thalassemia before implantation, DNA sequences targeting the abnormal deletion breakpoint and the normal region of the alpha-globin gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction from blastomeres aspirated from human preimplantation embryos. Before performing this experiment, a mouse model blastomere aspiration technique was examined to confirm embryo survival and normal development capability. The mouse embryos showed undisturbed development in the five- to seven-, as well as the eight-cell stages when one, or two (eight-cell stage only) blastomeres were aspirated. The four-cell embryos had a lower survival rate but had a blastocyst formation rate comparable to the more advanced stages and the control embryos. In the human embryo experiment, no homozygous Southeast Asian alpha-thalassemia was detected in the aspirated blastomeres, although two heterozygotic alpha-thalassemia embryos were discovered. The sensitivities of targeting sequence detection in the mouse and human blastomeres were between 50% and 76% in the respective groups. This study supports the feasibility of preimplantation diagnosis of severe alpha-thalassemia when both father and mother are carriers of this inheritable disease. | pubmed_27_1045 |
pubmed_883_5061 | Somitogenesis describes the segmentation of vertebrate embryonic bodies, which is thought to be induced by ultradian clocks (i.e., clocks with relatively short cycles compared to circadian clocks). One candidate for such a clock is the bHLH factor Hes1, forming dimers which repress the transcription of its own encoding gene. Most models for such small autoregulative networks are based on delay equations where a Hill function represents the regulation of transcription. The aim of the present paper is to estimate the Hill coefficient in the switch of an Hes1 oscillator and to suggest a more detailed model of the autoregulative network. The promoter of Hes1 consists of three to four binding sites for Hes1 dimers. Using the sparse data from literature, we find, in contrast to other statements in literature, that there is not much evidence for synergistic binding in the regulatory region of Hes1, and that the Hill coefficient is about three. As a model for the negative feedback loop, we use a Goodwin system and find sustained oscillations for systems with a large enough number of linear differential equations. By a suitable variation of the number of equations, we provide a rational lower bound for the Hill coefficient for such a system. Our results suggest that there exist additional nonlinear processes outside of the regulatory region of Hes1. | 10.1089/cmb.2007.0029 |
pubmed_73_2709 | Nonuniform disruption of lung architecture is usually assessed by CT, which carries potential radiation risk. Here we report our use of a three-dimensional ultrashort echo time MR method to image the lungs of normal mice at different positive end-expiratory pressures in a 3-T clinical MR system. The ultrashort echo time sequence in conjunction with a projection acquisition of the free induction decay could reduce the echo time to 100 μsec and provide a more inherent MR signal intensity from the lung parenchyma, which is usually invisible due to its short T*(2) in conventional MRI methods. The signal intensity and T*(2) was reduced as the positive end-expiratory pressure became higher. Further, these parameters were highly correlated to the changes in lung volume (% lung expansion). The results indicated that the MR signal acquired at ultrashort echo time in the lung parenchyma represents interstitial tissue density including blood. The capability of acquiring sufficient MR signal would have implications for the direct assessment of parenchymal architecture in the lung. Therefore, ultrashort echo time imaging may have the potential to assist detection of early and localized pathological destruction of lung tissue architecture observed in various pulmonary disorders such as emphysema without incurring the risks of radiation exposure. | 10.1002/mrm.22521 |
pubmed_611_10682 | Two patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and enterovirus infections were successfully treated with pleconaril. There were no adverse affects. | 10.1086/317523 |
pubmed_1001_1390 | Preclinical data suggest that one method of inducing autoimmunity to tumor is the administration and subsequent withdrawal of cyclosporine A following chemotherapy and that this effect may be enhanced with interferon and interleukin-2. Consequently, we performed a phase II trial in patients with advanced melanoma to explore this approach. Thirty-three patients were treated with BCNU (150 mg/m2 iv every 8 weeks), cisplatin (25 mg/m2 iv days 1-3) every 4 weeks, DTIC (220 mg/m2 iv days 1-3 every 4 weeks) along with tamoxifen (10 mg po BID days 1-4). Cyclosporine A at 3 mg/kg/day in two divided doses was given on days 4-21, alpha-interferon 1 million units/m2 subcutaneously every other day on days 4-21 and interleukin-2 1 million units/m2 BID subcutaneously days 21-28 were also given. Of the 33 patients, 3 patients (9%) had complete response and 8 patients (24%) had a partial response for a total response rate of 33% (95% confidence interval 18-52%). Median duration of response was 17 months (range 3+ to 24+ months). Six patients continue to show no signs of tumor progression for 3+, 5+, 10+, 24+, 60+, and 72+ months. Toxicity was generally well tolerated and included myelosuppression and fatigue. This regimen is feasible and generally tolerable and has produced an antitumor response rate comparable with inpatient biochemotherapy regimens. | pubmed_1001_1390 |
pubmed_469_2807 | Although anhydramnios due to in utero renal failure has traditionally been considered lethal, in utero interventions offer the potential for pulmonary survival. As fetal interventions become more common, questions arise about how to identify and counsel eligible candidates. In this report we describe the presentation and management of a 17-year-old pregnant female who presented from out-of-state with severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) with associated anhydramnios, focusing on the ethical questions that this case raised. | 10.1016/j.urology.2022.05.025 |
pubmed_995_18177 | The purpose of this study was to determine which myelinated cutaneous receptor populations in cat are responsive to a stimulus (cowhage) that produces unambiguous pruritus in human subjects. Initial experiments using electrocutaneous stimuli demonstrated that fibers conducting as slowly as 1.5 m/s could be recorded from small fascicles of cutaneous nerves. Multiunit recordings from fascicles and nerve filaments revealed small, but significant changes in nerve firing following application of cowhage. A sample of all known myelinated receptor populations showed that each gave a response that was less than its response to adequate intensities of mechanical stimulation (n = 118). It was concluded that the slight changes in multunit discharge induced by cowhage could be accounted for by changes in mechanoreceptor behavior and hence there was no evidence to support the possibility that an unknown population of myelinated sensory fibers exists that signals pruritus. The possibility that itch is signaled by coactivation of myelinated mechanoreceptive and C-polymodal nociceptive neurons was discussed. | 10.1016/0006-8993(87)90156-9 |
pubmed_35_9034 | Computed tomography (CT) is the method of choice to detect acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The sensitivity of CT has been reported to range from 85 to 100 %. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using FLAIR sequences shows a comparable sensitivity in acute SAH and in some cases can even be superior to CT. However, additional proton density weighted (PDW) TSE sequences or 3D-FLAIR sequences should be used to avoid false-positive results caused by flow artifacts. Conventional T (1)- or T (2)-weighted SE sequences or susceptibility weighted T (2)* or EPI sequences used for the diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage do not detect SAH reliably enough. In subacute SAH, starting from day 5 after the suspected hemorrhage, the sensitivity of MRI is clearly superior to CT. Patients with suspected ischemic stroke scheduled for the initial evaluation by MRI no longer need additional CT studies to rule out subarachnoid hemorrhage as long as the MRI protocols are adequate and the radiologist has the necessary experience. | 10.1055/s-2004-813130 |
pubmed_380_9888 | There are approximately 100,000 US organ transplant recipients, many with nonmelanoma skin cancers. To better understand how clinicians treat them, we e-mailed a survey to the International Transplant-Skin Cancer Collaborative and the Association of Academic Dermatologic Surgeons. Twenty-five physicians responded. The majority use topical 5-fluorouracil, cryosurgery, electrodesiccation and curettage, and surgery. We review when these modalities are used. | 10.1067/s0190-9622(03)01835-8 |
pubmed_434_10655 | There has been an emergence of reduced port techniques for laparoscopic surgery over the past three years. Although growing in presentations and papers, few scientific studies have yet to be published demonstrating benefits and risks of these techniques. In particular, very little is mentioned regarding the increased costs. This brings to the forefront the concept that the development of new surgical techniques should adhere to safe standards of surgery and undergo continued evaluation during development to ensure they maintain safety, and are able to be reproduced by our colleagues. Evaluation also needs to focus on costs, both economical and ecological. A review of our first three years experience of single port access surgery has been done. Costs in terms of both the potential economic and environmental impact have also been evaluated as compared with multiport procedures. In the first 36 months of this evolving technique, we were able to mimic multiport procedures with similar results. The costs of single port access are less than comparable multiport procedures, both in terms of dollars as well as medical waste. We are able to now offer "proof of concept" of a novel reduced port procedure from four important aspects in the development of new surgical techniques. We demonstrate comparable results in terms of outcomes and safety, improvement in financial and environmental costs, as well as showing initial success with training and application of the procedure by our colleagues. | pubmed_434_10655 |
pubmed_712_7666 | The correcting action of tropatepine hydrochloride upon the extrapyramidal effects induced by neuroleptics has been studied in 32 acute psychotic states. A satisfying result has been obtained with daily doses of 10 to 20 mg in 30 cases (excellent results: 20, good results: 10 patients). The action upon dyskinetic crises is particularly good and quickly obtained, avoiding a recourse to an i.m. corrector in 7 cases out of 8. The akineto-hypertonic syndrome has been efficiently corrected in 18 cases out of 23. The hyperkinetic manifestations (akathisia, tasikinesia) reacted favourably in 8 cases out of 11, dysarthria in 7 cases out of 11. The lessening of tremor was less satisfying (8 cases out of 15); same thing for the dryness of the mouth (7 cases out of 16) and disorder of visual accomodation (6 cases out of 12). The clinical tolerance was excellent. With the used doses, we found neither inconvenient atropinic effect, nor disorder of the vigilance, nor pharmacodependence. The one daily administration of a 10 mg tablet turned out to be sufficient in 19 cases. This possibility of only one administration a day appeared to us as a great advantage. | pubmed_712_7666 |
pubmed_622_21341 | Cells from Ewing sarcoma exhibit cellular features and express markers, suggesting that the tumor is of neuroectodermal origin. Because Notch signaling regulates the differentiation of neuroectodermal cells during development, we examined the role of Notch signaling in Ewing sarcomas. We found that Ewing sarcomas express Notch receptors, ligands, and the Notch target gene HES1. To determine the functional implications of Notch signaling, we expressed tetracycline-regulated constitutively active, dominant-negative (DN), or wild-type Notch-1 receptors in two Ewing sarcoma cell lines, or we treated the cell lines with a gamma-secretase inhibitor. Expression of the constitutively active Notch-1 reduced proliferation and expression of the DN Notch-1 reduced apoptosis in vitro. However, there was only a small difference in the volume of tumors that formed when the cell lines expressing these constructs were implanted in nude mice. Xenograft tumors derived from the cell lines expressing DN Notch-1 exhibited a neural phenotype. Treatment with a gamma-secretase inhibitor caused similar changes as expression of the DN construct. Notch signaling plays a role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma, but its inhibition is only associated with a small change in tumor growth potential. | 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060971 |
pubmed_603_17527 | The Adam-Gibbs relation between relaxation times and the configurational entropy has been tested extensively for glass formers using experimental data and computer simulation results. Although the form of the relation contains no dependence on the spatial dimensionality in the original formulation, subsequent derivations of the Adam-Gibbs relation allow for such a possibility. We test the Adam-Gibbs relation in two, three, and four spatial dimensions using computer simulations of model glass formers. We find that the relation is valid in three and four dimensions. But in two dimensions, the relation does not hold, and interestingly, no single alternate relation describes the results for the different model systems we study. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.095705 |
pubmed_326_14057 | Two forms of Mg(2+)-activated histone phosphatase activities were partially purified from rat parotid acinar cells using Mono Q and gel filtration chromatography. Both enzymes activities were dependent on the presence of Mg2+, showing little activity in the presence of EDTA. The activities fractionated on the Mono Q column into two peaks: the first was a minor peak of histone phosphatase activity; the second was a major peak. These two peaks eluted at distinct positions on the gel filtration column. The molecular masses of the two peak fractions corresponded to 46 and 55 kDa, respectively on SDS-gels. The first 46-kDa peak immunoreacted with anti-PP2Calpha phosphatase antibody and like PP2Calpha phosphatase could be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The second 55-kDa peak showed neither reactivity with anti-PP2Calpha phosphatase antibody nor phosphorylability by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, but retained a Mg2+ or Mn2+ dependence for its histone phosphatase activity. Ca2+ showed a strong inhibition on this activity. On the basis of these observations, we have identified the first peak enzyme as PP2Calpha phosphatase and the second peak as a novel PP2C-like phosphatase. | 10.1006/abbi.1996.0275 |
pubmed_458_1254 | In clinical trials beta-blockers (BB) are well tolerated in patients with systolic congestive heart failure (CHF). In contrast, in daily practice treatment initiation and titration appear to be more difficult and may differ in various BB -- but systematic data are lacking. We randomized 87 patients with systolic CHF (mean age 70.1 +/- 10.6 years, 24% females, LVEF 0.28 +/- 0.10, NYHA III-IV 29%) to treatment with either bisoprolol or carvedilol, in order to assess and compare the maximally achievable number of patients on treatment with these BB and the maximally achieved dosage during a minimum of 2 months attendance at our out patient heart failure clinic. In those randomized to bisoprolol, mean dose at 2 months was 33% of target dose (3.1 +/- 2.6 mg) and 41% at discharge. In those on carvedilol, the mean dose at 2 months was 27% of target dose (13.4 +/- 14.0 mg) and 32% at discharge. Thirty-nine and 40% of the bisoprolol and carvedilol treated patients, respectively, had stopped treatment at discharge. None of the figures differed significantly between the two treatment groups and no baseline parameter predicted BB tolerability. Thus, almost twice the number of unselected patients with systolic CHF attending a heart failure clinic focusing on systematic medical titration were intolerant to BB treatment and only a minority reached target dose treatment. The present data reveal no clear difference with respect to tolerability of carvedilol and bisoprolol, and no parameter predicts tolerability. | 10.1159/000080485 |
pubmed_949_12260 | Clinicians routinely have used functional performance tests as an evaluation tool in deciding when an athlete can safely return to unrestricted sporting activities. These practitioners assumed that these tests provide a reliable measure of lower extremity performance; however, little research has been reported on the reliability of these measures. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the reliability of lower extremity functional performance tests. Five male and 15 female volunteers were evaluated using the single hop for distance, triple hop for distance, 6-m timed hop, and cross-over hop for distance as described by Noyes (10). One clinician measured each subject's performance using a standardized protocol and retested subjects in the same manner approximately 48 hours later. The order of testing was randomly determined. Subjects' average and individual scores on each functional performance test were used for statistical analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of measurement (SEM) values based on average day 1 and day 2 scores were used to estimate the reliability of each functional performance test. Intraclass correlation coefficients were .96, .95, and .96, and SEMs were 4.56 cm, 15.44 cm, and 15.95 cm, respectively, for the single hop, triple hop, and cross-over hop for distance tests. An ICC of .66 and SEM of .13 seconds for the 6-m timed hop resulted from limited variability between measurements; however, its small SEM value inferred that the inconsistency of measurement would occur in an acceptably small range. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no significant difference ( p > .05) between individual trial scores except for the single hop for distance. We concluded that this difference represented a learning effect not found with the other tests. The results of this investigation demonstrate that clinicians can use functional performance testing to obtain reliable measures of lower extremity performance when using a standardized protocol. | 10.2519/jospt.1997.26.3.138 |
pubmed_1007_15197 | Several methods have been found to be successful in reducing the need for allogeneic transfusion among the patients undergoing total hip replacement. The purpose of this prospective study was to analyse the quality and evaluate the effect of postoperative autotransfusion on the need for allogeneic transfusion following total hip replacement. The prospective study was performed in two groups of patients undergoing total hip replacement. Before the operative procedure all patients in both groups predonated two doses of autologous blood. In GROUP 1. the system for postoperative collection and transfusion of shed blood was used. In GROUP 2. the patients underwent total hip replacement without blood salvage system. Standard suction collection sets were used postoperatively. In this group shed blood was not transfused to the patients. The samples of preoperative donated autologus blood, allogeneic blood and postoperative collected autologous blood were analysed for number of red cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, white blood cells, values of potassium, sodium, free hemoglobin and acid base status. The postoperatively blood salvage significantly reduced the use of allogeneic transfusion among patients managed with total hip replacement (allogeneic transfusion received 12% patients in Group 1 and 80% patients in Group 2; p<0.001). The values of red blood cells are significantly lower in postoperative collected autotransfusion blood compared with preoperative collected autologous blood and allogeneic blood (p<0.001). The values of potassium and acid base status were in normal range in postoperatively collected autotransfusion blood. These values in preoperatively collected autologous blood and allogeneic blood were out of normal range; (p<0.001). In addition to reducing the risk of complications that are associated with allogeneic transfusion, postoperative blood salvage may offer benefits including reducing the need for allogeneic blood. Our study confirmed that postoperative collection and transfusion of drainaged blood is simple and safe method that significantly reduce the need for allogeneic transfusion in patients underwent total hip replacement. The blood collected and transfused postoperatively has lower values of red blood cells and normal values of potassium and acid base balance. The transfusion of this blood caused no complications in our patients. | pubmed_1007_15197 |
pubmed_289_23746 | The purpose of this study was to compare postprostatectomy planning for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with both single arc (SA) and double arcs (DA) against dynamic sliding window intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Ten cases were planned with IMRT, SA VMAT, and DA VMAT. All cases were planned to achieve a minimum dose of 68Gy to 95% of the planning target volume (PTV) and goals to limit rectal volume >40Gy to 35% and >65Gy to 17%, and bladder volumes >40Gy to 50% and >65Gy to 25%. Plans were averaged across the 10 patients and compared for mean dose, conformity, homogeneity, rectal and bladder doses, and monitor units. The mean dose to the clinical target volume and PTV was significantly higher (p<0.05) for SA compared with DA or IMRT. The homogeneity index was not significantly different: SA = 0.09; DA = 0.08; and IMRT = 0.07. The rectal V40 was lowest for the DA plan. The rectal V20 was significantly lower (p<0.05) for both the VMAT plans compared with IMRT. There were no significant differences for bladder V40 or rectal and bladder V65. The IMRT plans required 1400MU compared with 745 for DA and 708 for SA. This study shows that for equivalent dose coverage, SA and DA VMAT plans result in higher mean doses to the clinical target volume and PTV. This greater dose heterogeneity is balanced by improved low-range rectal doses and halving of the monitor units. | pubmed_289_23746 |
pubmed_924_20047 | The crucial role played by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigens and natural killer (NK)-cell-activating ligands in the interactions of malignant cells with components of the host's immune system has stimulated interest in the characterization of their expression by malignant cells. Convincing evidence generated by the immunohistochemical staining of surgically removed malignant lesions with monoclonal antibodies recognizing HLA antigens and NK-cell-activating ligands indicates that the surface expression of these molecules is frequently altered on malignant cells. These changes appear to have clinical significance because in some types of malignant disease they are associated with the histopathological characteristics of the lesions as well as with disease-free interval and survival. These associations have been suggested to reflect the effect of HLA antigen and NK-cell-activating ligand abnormalities on the interactions of tumor cells with antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and with NK cells. Nevertheless, there are examples in which disease progresses in the face of appropriate HLA antigen and/or NK-cell-activating ligand as well as tumor antigen expression by malignant cells and of functional antigen-specific CTL in the investigated patient. In such scenarios, it is likely that the tumor microenvironment is unfavorable for CTL and NK cell activity and contributes to tumor immune escape. Many distinct escape mechanisms have been shown to protect malignant cells from immune recognition and destruction in the tumor microenvironment. In this article, following the description of the structural and functional characteristics of soluble HLA antigens and NK-cell-activating ligands, we will review changes in their serum level in malignant disease and discuss their potential role in the escape mechanisms used by tumor cells to avoid recognition and destruction. | 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2008.01106.x |
pubmed_129_16240 | Protein S is the co-factor of the enzymic action of protein C on FV and FVIII. A functional assay for protein S is not readily available for clinical use; however, we have developed a functional protein S assay based on the prolongation of Russell viper venom (RVV) plasma clotting time by protein C activated by PROTAC. Based on this assay, median functional protein S (5-95th percentile) of 46 healthy individuals was 82% (60-120%). Median functional protein S of 15 cord blood samples was 58% (35-71%). Unexpectedly, we found relatively high levels of functional protein S in a group of patients on long-term warfarin therapy whose INR ranged from 1.1 to 3.9. The median functional protein S of these patients was 71% (40-101%). We demonstrated that the protein S was not decarboxylated, as was the case with protein C, in these warfarin plasmas. | pubmed_129_16240 |
pubmed_515_10880 | Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be effective for levodopa-responsive symptoms and tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD). The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the preferred target for most patients suffering from late stage motor complications of the disorder. STN DBS is superior to best medical treatment concerning the control of motor fluctuations and the increase of on-time without dyskinesias. In contrast to DBS of the internal pallidum (GPi), STN stimulation also permits a reduction of the dopaminergic medication. Long-term data demonstrated sustained effectiveness of STN DBS despite progressive disease. DBS of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is an alternative target in older PD patients with severe PD tremor refractory to medication. In order to minimize potential risks and side effects, the use of DBS needs careful adherence to inclusion and exclusion criteria for eligible PD patients. This paper summarizes the current consensus recommendations of the German Deep Brain Stimulation Association for DBS in PD. | 10.1007/s00115-009-2695-3 |
pubmed_708_21589 | Quantitative and qualitative changes in adrenoceptors under various conditions were studied by binding experiments. Chronic treatment with reserpine increased the level of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat vas deferens and hypoxia increased the level of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in rat cardiomyocytes. Adenosine receptor agonists increased the affinity of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor in rat vas deferens for the agonist with an increase in receptor-mediated responses. Thus two types of changes in receptor binding sites were observed. Next, changes in the GTP-binding (G) protein were studied. Activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) decreased the ADP-ribosylation of Gi (41 K) protein by islet-activating protein (pertussis toxin, IAP). Purified Gi protein was phosphorylated by the enzyme. IAP-sensitive G protein-mediated coupling responses such as phosphatidylinositol turnover in differentiated HL-60 cells were also modified under this condition. These results indicated that phosphorylation of Gi by PKA caused a qualitative change of Gi. Lithium ions also decreased the ADP-ribosylation of Gi by IAP. Then it determined if the decrease was accompanied with a dissociation of the subunits of Gi. Phosphorylation of Gi by PKA impaired the dissociation of the subunits of Gi caused by Mg2+ and GTP gamma S, whereas lithium ions did not have any effect on their dissociation. Thus some conditions caused a functional change in the so-called "qualitative change" of Gi. | 10.1254/jjp.52.179 |
pubmed_669_18962 | A method for the self-consistent description of the large variations of unit-cell parameters of crystals with pressure and temperature is presented. It employs linearized versions of equations of state (EoSs) together with constraints to ensure internal consistency. The use of polynomial functions to describe the variation of the unit-cell angles in monoclinic and triclinic crystals is compared with the method of deriving them from linearized EoSs for d spacings. The methods have been implemented in the CrysFML Fortran subroutine library. The unit-cell parameters and the compressibility and thermal expansion tensors of crystals can be calculated from the linearized EoSs in an internally consistent manner in a new utility in the EosFit7c program, which is available as freeware at http://www.rossangel.net. | 10.1107/S1600576721009092 |
pubmed_638_4736 | Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of discussing rural sewage or a rural problem and remembering that it is not to be dealt with successfully unless it is distinguished from the city problem. | 10.2105/ajph.6.11.1184 |
pubmed_703_8084 | This paper reviews how aerosol exposure assessment, for people in both working and living environments, has evolved over the years. It charts the main scientific developments that led to progressively improved ways of thinking and methods to assess exposure to airborne particulate matter in a manner more relevant to human health. It has been a long scientific journey as one generation of pioneering contributors has handed off to the next. In the process a consistent rationale has emerged, producing aerosol sampling criteria--and in turn exposure standards--which have been increasingly relevant to actual human exposures. The journey continues as a new generation of scientists steps up to deal with the new challenges that are emerging. An appreciation of the history of what went before is essential to charting the most effective path looking forward. | 10.1039/c1em10586h |
pubmed_48_3726 | Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can be a painful, debilitating and costly consequence of participating in sporting activities. Prophylactic knee bracing aims to reduce the number and severity of ACL injury, which commonly occurs during landing maneuvers and is more prevalent in female athletes, but a consensus on the effectiveness of prophylactic knee braces has not been established. The lower-limb muscles are believed to play an important role in stabilizing the knee joint. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in lower-limb muscle function with prophylactic knee bracing in male and female athletes during landing. Fifteen recreational athletes performed double-leg drop landing tasks from 0.30m and 0.60m with and without a prophylactic knee brace. Motion analysis data were used to create subject-specific musculoskeletal models in OpenSim. Static optimization was performed to calculate the lower-limb muscle forces. A linear mixed model determined that the hamstrings and vasti muscles produced significantly greater flexion and extension torques, respectively, and greater peak muscle forces with bracing. No differences in the timings of peak muscle forces were observed. These findings suggest that prophylactic knee bracing may help to provide stability to the knee joint by increasing the active stiffness of the hamstrings and vasti muscles later in the landing phase rather than by altering the timing of muscle forces. Further studies are necessary to quantify whether prophylactic knee bracing can reduce the load placed on the ACL during intense dynamic movements. | 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.08.029 |
pubmed_828_18637 | Genes, like organisms, struggle for existence, and the most successful genes persist and widely disseminate in nature. The unbiased determination of the most successful genes requires access to sequence data from a wide range of phylogenetic taxa and ecosystems, which has finally become achievable thanks to the deluge of genomic and metagenomic sequences. Here, we analyzed 10 million protein-encoding genes and gene tags in sequenced bacterial, archaeal, eukaryotic and viral genomes and metagenomes, and our analysis demonstrates that genes encoding transposases are the most prevalent genes in nature. The finding that these genes, classically considered as selfish genes, outnumber essential or housekeeping genes suggests that they offer selective advantage to the genomes and ecosystems they inhabit, a hypothesis in agreement with an emerging body of literature. Their mobile nature not only promotes dissemination of transposable elements within and between genomes but also leads to mutations and rearrangements that can accelerate biological diversification and--consequently--evolution. By securing their own replication and dissemination, transposases guarantee to thrive so long as nucleic acid-based life forms exist. | 10.1093/nar/gkq140 |
pubmed_372_1011 | BACKGROUND
Non-moderated alcohol use is more prevalent among hospitalized patients compared to the general population. However, many hospitals fail to find and intervene with people with alcohol problems. We aimed to conduct an exploration of impeding and facilitating factors experienced by healthcare professionals in implementation of alcohol interventions in Dutch general hospitals. In addition, we explored the alcohol interventions used in the selected hospitals and involved stakeholders.
METHODS
Through a qualitative study, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with twenty healthcare professionals working in or in collaboration with six different general hospitals.
RESULTS
Healthcare professionals indicated impeding and facilitating factors in the areas of motivation, knowledge and skills, patient characteristics, protocol, internal and external collaboration/support, resources, role suitability and societal support. Five different categories of approaches to identify and intervene with non-moderated alcohol use and 18 involved stakeholders from both inside and outside the hospital were found.
CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of alcohol interventions for patients in Dutch general hospitals still seems to be in its infancy. Respondents emphasized the importance of one clear protocol on how to tackle alcohol problems within their hospital, repeated training on alcohol-related knowledge and skills, (clinical) "champions" that support healthcare professionals and developing and maintaining collaborations with stakeholders within and outside the hospital. | 10.1186/s12913-021-07412-1 |
pubmed_1063_7702 | In this study, an innovative and high-throughput parallel-single-drop microextraction (Pa-SDME) using the [P6,6,6,14+]2[MnCl42-] magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) as extraction phase is demonstrated, for the first time, in the determination of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, bisphenol A, butylparaben, benzophenone and triclocarban from environmental aqueous samples. This experimental setup comprised of a 96-well plate system containing a set of magnetic pins which aided in stabilizing the MIL drops and enabled the simultaneous extraction of up to 96 samples. Using this low-cost experimental apparatus, the sample throughput was lower than 1 min per sample. This novel approach exhibits a number of advantages over classical SDME approaches, particularly in maintaining a stable solvent microdrop and facilitating high-throughput analysis. Experimental conditions were carefully optimized using one-factor-at-a-time and multivariate designs. The optimal conditions employed 5.38 ± 0.55 mg (n = 10) of MIL, a sample volume of 1.5 mL at pH 6, and dilution in 20 μL of acetonitrile. The analytical parameters of merit were determined under the optimized conditions and highly satisfactory results were achieved, with LODs ranging from 1.5 to 3 μg L-1 and coefficients of determination higher than 0.994. Intraday and interday precision ranged from 0.6 to 21.3% (n = 3) and 10.4-20.2% (n = 9), respectively, with analyte relative recovery in three aqueous samples ranging between 63% and 126%. | 10.1016/j.aca.2019.02.013 |
pubmed_158_14159 | Several in vivo and in vitro methods for monitoring immunological properties of two allergoids obtained by formaldehyde treatment of ovalbumin (OA) were developed. The calculated molecular weight of allergoids was 80 kD (OA-F1) and 165 kD (OA-F2), respectively. The allergenic activity in vitro of allergoids in mast-cell histamine release assay was 1000 times lower than of OA. Both allergoids showed reduced ability to induce passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in the Sprague-Dawley rats or systemic anaphylaxis in Dunkin-Harley guinea-pigs. The ability of OA and allergoids to bind to the OA-specific IgE antibodies was measured in vivo by the inhibition of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA-inhibition). Allergoid binding to IgE was 51-66% lower than the native allergen. Moreover, the avidity of OA-specific IgG antibodies, measured by ELISA-inhibition, for allergoids and allergen was of the same order. Allergoids induced a different pattern of humoral immune response from that, induced by the native allergen. Thus, after immunization of BALB/c mouse, both allergoids induced a higher production of IgG and a lower production of IgE than OA, only OA-F2 induced a lower production of IgG1. The differences in the IgA response to the immunogens was not significant. Delayed hypersensitivity studies in the BALB/c mouse showed that allergoids were 5- to 12-times less effective in inducing a cell-mediated immune response than OA. The present study provides a battery of immunological methods for preclinical testing of modified allergens. | 10.1016/S0171-2985(96)80060-X |
pubmed_675_12120 | BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
The nature of susceptibility to condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery can be different between skeletal Class II and Class III populations, which was addressed by few in the past. The aim of the present study was to use cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images to investigate the displacement and morphological changes of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in patients received orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery.
METHODS
Both Class III (n = 34) and Class II (n = 17) patients were compared through overall and regional superimpositions of the initial and posttreatment CBCTs. Two-sample t-test was used to identify significance between group differences. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to address changes of TMJ and the amount of setback or advancement.
RESULTS
The axial ramal angle increased significantly in Class III group and decreased in Class II groups after orthognathic surgery (p < FDR_p). For condylar dimensions, significant widths and lengths reductions were noted only in Class II group. However, no significant difference was found after comparing subgroup differences according to one-jaw and two-jaw options, nor any significant correlation found between the condylar changes and the amount of surgical movements.
CONCLUSION
The nature of condylar susceptibility could result more from different skeletal patterns than the amount of surgical movements. However, the direction of mandibular surgery may contribute to different changes of condylar angle in axial section. | 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.01.018 |
pubmed_296_618 | 1. Extracts prepared from a variety of higher-plant tissues by ammonium sulphate fractionation were shown to catalyse the interconversion of glycine and serine. This interconversion had an absolute requirement for tetrahydrofolate and appeared to favour serine formation. 2. The biosynthesis of serine from glycine was studied in more detail with protein fractionated from 15-day-old wheat leaves. Synthesis of [(14)C]serine from [(14)C]glycine was not accompanied by labelling of glyoxylate, glycollate or formate. 3. The synthesis of serine from glycine was stimulated by additions of formaldehyde, and [(14)C]formaldehyde was readily incorporated into C-3 of serine in the presence of tetrahydrofolate. 4. The results are interpreted as indicating that serine biosynthesis involves a direct cleavage of glycine whereby the alpha-carbon is transferred via N(5)N(10)-methylenetetrahydrofolate to become the beta-carbon of serine. | 10.1042/bj1010542 |
pubmed_793_7130 | A woman's perception of her birth experience is likely to affect her psychological integration of it. This process may be prolonged and particularly difficult for cesarean mothers, whose number has been growing. Five phases of assimilation are outlined, and implications for health care professionals are presented. | 10.1111/j.1939-0025.1980.tb03322.x |
pubmed_817_23843 | OBJECTIVE
To compare quantitative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores for ACG and Latera implants for nasal valve repair.
METHODS
Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ACG or Latera placement between January 2016 through May 2019 by a single surgeon. Patients who had completed NOSE surveys pre- and post-operatively were identified and eligible for inclusion. Data regarding baseline demographic characteristics, adjunctive surgical procedures, NOSE scores at 1, 3, and 6-month post-operative visits, complications, and total operative time were collected. Unpaired t-tests and linear mixed models were performed to analyze differences between study groups.
RESULTS
There were 24 and 39 patients who underwent ACG and Latera, respectively, who met eligibility criteria. There were no differences in demographic characteristics or pre-operative baseline NOSE scores (ACG: 65.1 and Latera: 64.4; P = .92) between groups. Mean operative times were not significantly different between groups (ACG: 113 minutes and Latera: 102 minutes; P = .76). Within each group, NOSE scores were significantly improved at each post-operative visit compared to pre-operative baselines. Between groups, mean NOSE scores were lower at each post-operative visit for ACG compared to Latera (1-month ACG: 21.7 and Latera: 45.9, P = .002 ; 3-month ACG: 14.5 and Latera: 39.9, P = .034; 6-month ACG: 8.4 and Latera: 44.2, P = .003).
CONCLUSIONS
Both ACG and Latera offer significant improvements in patient-reported nasal obstruction severity; however, ACG may yield more favorable subjective symptom scores. | 10.1177/00034894221121405 |
pubmed_564_15638 | Strains containing the 90 kilobase pair (kb) virulence plasmid of Salmonella ser Typhimurium or a cointegrate of which a part was the 90 kb plasmid were mated with strains harboring the plasmid of the 23 known incompatibility groups. Transconjugants, selected for the incoming plasmids, were isolated and purified, and their plasmid content was examined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The 90 kb plasmid can coexist for at least 54 generations with all the 23 plasmids of the known incompatibility groups tested. | 10.1006/mpat.1993.1074 |
pubmed_984_22373 | Leprosy and visceral leishmanias are endemic in Nepal and are both major public health problems. Two patients of visceral leishmaniasis developed leprosy during the course of the disease. Leprosy and visceral leishmaniasis share a similar immunological spectrum and can occur concomitantly in endemic regions. | 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04018.x |
pubmed_436_7514 | Fracture risk reduction in patients with osteoporosis by nitrogen containing bisphosphonate (N-BP) has been well confirmed in the daily practices. N-BPs suppress bone resorption by inhibiting farnesyl diphosphate synthase in mevalonate pathway, reducing protein-prenylation, consequently disrupting the membrance structure in osteoclasts. A once-yearly infusion of zoledronic acid during 3-year period significantly reduced the risk of vertebral fracture by 70% and that of hip fracture by 41% in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis at the mean age of 73. The annual infusion within 90 days after surgery was associated with a reduction the rate of new fractures and with improved survival. We may count N-BP as one of essential drugs in the health care for elderlies. | CliCa0806821827 |
pubmed_244_20961 | The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has infected nearly 3,582,233 individuals with 248,558 deaths since it was first identified in human populations in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. No antiviral therapies or vaccines are available for their treatment or prevention. Passive immunization PI through broadly neutralizing antibodies that bind to the specific antigens of SARS-CoV 2 might be a potential solution to address the immediate health threat of COVID-19 pandemic while vaccines are being developed. The PI approach in treating COVID-19 is discussed herein, including a summary of its historical applications to confront epidemics. | 10.3233/JRS-201017 |
pubmed_537_22589 | The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, hydroxyurea (HU), augments the cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) in vitro; both drugs are synergistic with interferon-alpha (IFN) in vitro. The aim of this phase I study was to determine the maximal duration of HU, 4.3 g/m2, administered as a parenteral infusion in combination with 5FU, 2.6 g/m2 administered over 24 hrs each week, + IFN, 9 MU, subcutaneously three times per week. There were 26 patients enrolled and evaluable. This included 14 patients with colorectal cancer of whom 13 had been previously treated, and 12 patients with other refractory malignancies (pancreas, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and others), of whom 10 were previously untreated. The dose-limiting toxicity of this regimen was myelosuppression. This prohibited dose escalation of HU above the starting dose (24 hrs) on a 6-weeks-on, 2-weeks-off therapy schedule. When filgrastim, 480 microg, was administered subcutaneously on days 3-6, the duration of HU could be extended to 48 hrs on a 2-weeks-on, 1-week-off therapy schedule. There were two instances of fatal infection, one in a patient with a rectovaginal fistula with neutropenic sepsis and the second in a patient with non-neutropenic Clostridium septicum sepsis. All therapy was administered in the ambulatory setting. There were three responders, all among previously untreated patients. High-dose parenteral hydroxyurea, 4.3 g/m2 administered over 24 hrs, can be safely combined with high-dose weekly 5FU, 2.6 g/m2 over 24 hrs + IFN, 9 MU subcutaneously three times per week, without filgrastim in the ambulatory setting. Parenteral hydroxyurea, 4.3 g/m2 over 24 hrs daily x 2 can also be combined with high-dose 5FU + IFN, but requires the addition of filgrastim to avoid severe myelosuppression. | 10.1007/BF00873137 |
pubmed_415_20071 | AIM
To explore the mechanisms underlying the propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS), a potentially fatal complication during prolonged propofol infusion.
METHODS
Male rabbits under mechanical ventilation through endotracheal intubation were divided into 3 groups (n=6 for each) that were sedated with 1% propofol (Group P), isoflurane (Group I) or isoflurane while receiving 10% intralipid (Group II), respectively. Blood biochemical parameters were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30-36 h after the initiation of treatments. The hearts were removed out immediately after the experiments, and the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the hearts were studied using immunohistochemistry. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phospho-AMPK in the hearts were assessed using Western blotting.
RESULTS
The mortality rate was 50% in Group P, and 0% in Groups I and II. The serum lipids and liver function indices in Group P were significantly increased, but moderately increased in Group II. Significant decreases in these indices were found in Groups I. All the groups showed dramatically increased release of creatine kinase (CK). Intense positive staining of TNF-α was found in all the heart samples in Group P, but only weak and neglectful staining was found in the hearts from Group II and Group I, respectively. AMPK phosphorylation was significantly increased in the hearts of Group P.
CONCLUSION
Continuous infusion of large dose of propofol in rabbits undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation causes hyperlipidemia, liver dysfunction, increased CK levels, AMPK activation and myocardial injury. The imbalance between energy demand and utilization may contribute to PRIS. | 10.1038/aps.2011.155 |
pubmed_918_19539 | BACKGROUND
Neonatal sepsis remains an important and potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome and a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study to investigate whether values of base excess before the onset of clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis indicate infection in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
METHODS
In this study, a total of 118 infants were enrolled. The infants were classified into two groups: group 1 (sepsis, n=49) and group 2 (control, n=69). Blood gas analysis investigated for the screening of neonatal sepsis.
RESULTS
A total of 49 newborns with neonatal sepsis and 69 healthy controls were enrolled. Comparison of markers of sepsis revealed C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 level to be significantly higher and pH, pCO2, HCO3, and base excess values to be significantly lower in newborns with sepsis compared healthy controls (p<0.01). The optimum cut-off value in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was found to be -5 mmol/L for base excess. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of this base excess cut-off for neonatal sepsis were 75, 91, 86 and 84% respectively.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study to determine the relationship between the decreased value of the base excess and early stage of neonatal sepsis. If the value of base excess <-5 mmol/L without an underlying another reason, may need close follow up of infants for neonatal sepsis and it may help early diagnosis. | 10.4084/MJHID.2019.014 |
pubmed_394_6537 | Cathepsin E is an intracellular aspartic protease of the endolysosomal pathway. It has been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes however, its exact functional role is yet to be elucidated. The present review gives an account of the major physiological functions that are associated to cathepsin E by various research groups and highlights the conditions developed in cathepsin E deficiency or the conditions where overexpression of cathepsin E is observed. | 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.10.034 |
pubmed_554_16524 | Objective
We previously described the multiplex autoantibody SLE-key Rule-Out test, which detects a signature of autoantibody reactivity that distinguishes healthy subjects from SLE patients with 94% sensitivity, 75% specificity and 93% negative predictive value; thus, an individual manifesting a positive Rule-Out test score is unlikely to have SLE (e.g. lupus is excluded). The objective of this current study was to evaluate the stability of the lupus-associated signature over time.
Methods
We used banked serum samples from healthy subjects (n = 51) and lupus patients (n = 50 individual samples and n = 181 paired samples, for a total of n = 412 serum samples). The samples were drawn at different times after diagnosis to analyse the impact on the SLE-key Rule-Out test of time elapsed since diagnosis and any changes in disease activity (as reflected by the SLEDAI score).
Results
The SLE signature remains stable for the first 10 years after diagnosis; in this time frame, <10% of patients manifested a positive Rule-Out score and the SLE-key Rule-Out score was independent of the underlying disease activity as reflected by the SLEDAI score. After ⩾10 years, ∼30% of lupus subjects scored as SLE Ruled-Out; the proportion of patients manifesting this status was even greater in the subset of individuals with a SLEDAI score of 0.
Conclusion
These findings raise the possibility that a significant number of SLE patients manifest a change in their serological signature over time, and that such a signature change may signify an evolution in the immunological features of their disease relevant to patient management. | 10.1093/rheumatology/key149 |
pubmed_687_25588 | Many studies have investigated the perception of tactile pleasantness over a range of stroking velocities. On average, pleasantness is low at slow (e.g. 0.3 cm/s) and fast (e.g. 30 cm/s) stroking velocities, but is rated highest at velocities between 1 and 10 cm/s. On a group level, this results in an inverted-U shape pleasantness ratings curve, which is described statistically by a negative quadratic equation. We reanalyzed the data from five earlier studies to investigate whether the inverted-U shape pleasantness curve at the group level is also present at the level of the individual, - a precondition for using tactile pleasantness perception as a diagnostic marker. We pooled the data from five studies with a total of 127 participants. Each study included a 'standard condition' of stroking on the dorsal forearm over different velocities (0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 cm/s) and participants rated the pleasantness. Factors other than stroking velocity were also varied in these studies. On the whole-group level and in each study, pleasantness ratings produced a significant negative quadratic pleasantness curve over the stroking velocities. In individual participants, ratings varied greatly and only 42% of the participants showed a significant negative quadratic curve. The steepness of the inverted-U correlated only moderately across other experimental conditions, showing that the experimental circumstances can influence pleasantness ratings. Our findings have important implications for future work, where differences in the tactile pleasantness curve should not be used to predict or diagnose issues at an individual level. | 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.03.030 |
pubmed_403_3146 | We experienced two cases of post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis (PILS) occurring in patients after acute coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in a relatively narrow time period. The patients required mechanical ventilation for 9 days in one and 28 days in the other. In both cases, the patients were discharged but later developed symptoms of cough and dyspnea, which were later diagnosed as PILS. Persistent cough and dyspnea are common symptoms in both PILS and the recovery phase of severe COVID-19. For this reason, PILS should be considered in the differential diagnosis post-COVID-19 patients. In addition, the prevalence of PILS may be greater than that of other critical diseases in severe COVID-19 patients. | 10.2169/internalmedicine.6105-20 |
pubmed_1102_3773 | BACKGROUND
The current COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way surgery is delivered. In particular, current guidelines and policies have highlighted the need to use high level Personal Protective Equipment to reduce the risk of viral infection during open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. In particular, it was felt that the laparoscopic approach was at higher risk of viral transmission due to the chimney effect of the smoke escape from the trocars during and after the procedure. However, with this being a new and largely unknown viral agent, guidelines have been based on speculation and extrapolation from previous studies conducted in completely different situations, and led to anxiety amongst surgeons and theatre staff. We decided to conduct a systematic review of the Literature to try to clarify whether inhalation of surgical smoke can increase the risk of COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
A thorough search of the relevant Literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines and the most relevant papers on this topic were selected for qualitative analysis. Duplicates, review, personal opinions and guidelines have been excluded. Quantitative analysis has not been performed due to the lack of homogeneous high-quality studies.
RESULTS
Literature search identified 740 papers but only 34 of them were suitable for qualitative analysis. The quality of those studies is generally quite low. We were not able to find any evidence directly linking surgical smoke with viral transmission, other than in patients with active HPV infection.
DISCUSSION
Inhalation of surgical smoke can be generally hazardous, and therefore the use of PPE during surgical operations must be recommended in any case. However, the present systematic review of the existent Literature did not identify any significant evidence of the risk of viral transmission with the surgical smoke, therefore the current guidelines restricting the use of laparoscopy and/or diathermy during the current Covid-19 pandemic may be considered excessive and non-evidence based. | 10.1016/j.surge.2021.02.003 |
pubmed_722_20524 | Brain death implies the permanent absence of all cerebral and brainstem functions. The diagnosis of brain death is usually made clinically. The criteria require the occurrence of acute and irreversible CNS insult. Drug intoxication, poisoning, metabolic derangements, and hypothermia should be corrected for accurate brain death evaluation. At least 2 expert examiners are required to make the brain death determination. It is advisable to involve an independent examiner not involved in the patients care or the recovery of donated organs. The objective of this article is to present updated guidelines for the process of brain death determination. All brain and brainstem functions should be absent on neurological examination including cerebral response to external stimuli and brain stem reflexes. An apnea test should be performed in all patients. However, if the clinical criteria cannot be applied, other confirmatory ancillary tests are required, particularly EEG, and radionuclide scan. They are also needed to supplement the clinical assessment in young children. An EEG is more reliable in the setting of hypotension or with disorders that lower intracranial pressure. While tests of brain blood flow are preferred in the setting of hypothermia, metabolic, or drug confounders. | pubmed_722_20524 |
pubmed_708_14449 | Cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of arachidonic acid metabolism both in vivo and in vitro. Eicosanoid metabolites of arachidonate and related octadecanoate are believed to be involved in cell adhesion processes as agonists in some instances and as antagonists in other cases. This report shows data in which cannabinoids exhibit marked inhibitory effects on the adhesion of mouse peritoneal cells to polystyrene culture dishes. The effects could be seen by in vivo administration of the drugs as well as by direct exposure of the cells in vitro. The data suggest that this inhibition of adhesion is mediated by one or more products generated by stimulation of a lipoxygenase pathway. | 10.1016/0024-3205(90)90547-5 |
pubmed_777_3227 | OBJECTIVE
Preterm birth remains one of the most challenging areas in obstetrics. The pathogenesis of preterm labor is multifactorial and research on preterm birth has focused principally on infection and inflammatory markers. Recently the focus has turned to potential genetic factors influencing preterm birth. Uteroplacental insufficiency and thrombotic vasculopathy are considered part of the pathogenesis of preterm labor. Investigating the gene expression in the maternal/fetal interface seems of importance to expand our knowledge of the pathophysiology of preterm birth. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) appears to play an important role in fetal/placental development and uteroplacental circulation. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and I/D polymorphisms in the ACE gene in mothers and infants with appropriately grown infants in relation to preterm birth and infant birth weight.
STUDY DESIGN
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 113 term pregnancies (> or =37 weeks) and 18 preterm pregnancies (<37 weeks). Umbilical cord bloods (venous and arterial) were obtained from the placenta immediately after delivery for serum ACE activity, ACE genotype analysis of the I/D polymorphism and the acid-base status. Maternal venous samples were obtained just after delivery for analysis of ACE activity and ACE genotype.
RESULTS
The distribution of the maternal ACE genotypes was similar for preterm and term births as was maternal ACE activity. Preterm infants were more likely to be of the DD genotype than term infants (7/18 (39%) vs. 11/83 (13%), p=0.02) (adjusted p=0.04). There was no correlation between ACE activity and birth weight (r(2) 0.00, p=0.82).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the ACE genotype of the infant may influence the risk of preterm birth among appropriately grown fetuses. | 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2008.07.006 |
pubmed_266_22835 | How to cite this article: Poddar B. Withdraw Sedation Gently or Face Withdrawal Syndrome! Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(6):381-382. | 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23466 |
pubmed_1133_23260 | Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a collagen-related disorder associated to dominant, recessive or X-linked transmission, mainly caused by mutations in type I collagen genes or in genes involved in type I collagen metabolism. Among the recessive forms, OI types VII, VIII, and IX are due to mutations in CRTAP, P3H1, and PPIB genes, respectively. They code for the three components of the endoplasmic reticulum complex that catalyzes 3-hydroxylation of type I collagen α1Pro986. Under-hydroxylation of this residue leads to collagen structural abnormalities and results in moderate to lethal OI phenotype, despite the exact molecular mechanisms are still not completely clear. To shed light on these recessive forms, primary fibroblasts from OI patients with mutations in CRTAP (n=3), P3H1 (n=3), PPIB (n=1) genes and from controls (n=4) were investigated by a functional proteomic approach. Cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton asset, protein fate, and metabolism were delineated as mainly affected. While western blot experiments confirmed altered expression of lamin A/C and cofilin-1, immunofluorescence analysis using antibody against lamin A/C and phalloidin showed an aberrant organization of nucleus and cytoskeleton. This is the first report describing an altered organization of intracellular structural proteins in recessive OI and pointing them as possible novel target for OI treatment.
SIGNIFICANCE
OI is a prototype for skeletal dysplasias. It is a highly heterogeneous collagen-related disorder with dominant, recessive and X-linked transmission. There is no definitive cure for this disease, thus a better understanding of the molecular basis of its pathophysiology is expected to contribute in identifying potential targets to develop new treatments. Based on this concept, we performed a functional proteomic study to delineate affected molecular pathways in primary fibroblasts from recessive OI patients, carrying mutations in CRTAP (OI type VII), P3H1 (OI type VIII), and PPIB (OI type IX) genes. Our analyses demonstrated the occurrence of an altered cytoskeleton and, for the first time in OI, of nuclear lamina organization. Hence, cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton components may be considered as novel drug targets for clinical management of the disease. Finally, according to our analyses, OI emerged to share similar deregulated pathways and molecular aberrances, as previously described, with other rare disorders caused by different genetic defects. Those aberrances may provide common pharmacological targets to support classical clinical approach in treating different diseases. | 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.08.007 |
pubmed_85_10116 | We have measured the alkane and benzene-based molecules with aldehyde and carboxylic acid as anchoring groups by using the electrochemical jump-to-contact scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (ECSTM-BJ) approach. The results show that molecule with benzene backbone has better peak shape and intensity than those with alkane backbone. Typically, high junction formation probability for same anchoring group (aldehyde and carboxylic acid) with benzene backbone is found, which contributes to the stronger attractive interaction between Cu and molecules with benzene backbone. The present work shows the import role of backbone in junction, which can guide the design molecule to form effective junction for studying molecular electronics. | 10.1186/s11671-016-1596-1 |
pubmed_964_21113 | Gene therapy may be a useful means of delivering substances to the brain that are capable of preventing neuronal degeneration. In the present experiment, we determined whether intraparenchymal transplants of primary autologous cells genetically modified to produce nerve growth factor (NGF) would prevent injury-induced degeneration of cholinergic neurons. Cultured primary monkey fibroblasts were genetically modified to produce human NGF, and secreted 13.2 ng NGF/10(6) cells/h in vitro. Adult monkeys then underwent fornix transections to induce degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, and received autologous grafts of either NGF-producing or control, beta-galactosidase-producing fibroblasts directly into the basal forebrain region. One month later, 61.7 +/- 8.9% of cholinergic neurons remained indentifiable in NGF-graft recipients compared to 26.2 +/- 5.0% in control graft recipients (P < 0.02). Neuronal protection correlated with the accuracy of graft placement: up to 92% protection from neuronal degeneration occurred when NGF-secreting grafts were accurately placed immediately adjacent to injured neurons. Thus, intraparenchymal NGF delivery to the adult primate brain by gene transfer can prevent the degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Gene therapy can target intraparenchymal brain sites for regionally specific neurotrophin delivery, thereby avoiding limitations imposed by diffusion of substances across the blood-brain barrier and through CNS parenchyma, while avoiding adverse effects of neurotrophic factors delivered in a non-directed manner to the central nervous system. The delivery of NGF by gene transfer to the brain merits further study as a means of preventing cholinergic neuronal degeneration in human disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. | pubmed_964_21113 |
pubmed_976_19035 | The following case report describes in detail a 57 years old (+/- 5 years) male individual from a Franconian graveyard in Insheim, Province of Rhineland-Palatinate, dating to between the 6th and 7th century A.D. The individual displays a number of unusual pathologies. The atlas shows a complete aplasia of the posterior arch, probably resulting in a torticollis. The changed static induced a massive spondylar-arthrotic degeneration of the cervical spine on the right-lateral portion. On the fronto-parietal section two fractures are visible which were caused by a sharp and violent force. The area in question measures 7 by 10 cm. It has healed in a dislocated position. The second location displays marks of a 6 cm long sword-cut which did strike the skull obtusely on the left parietal. In addition to the above the skull displays on its right side a great number of small circular hole defects which also appear on ribs, vertebrae, clavicula and the mandible. They present the typical picture of a plasmocytoma. As an expression of a secondary hyperparathyreoidism one can recognize ossifications of soft tissue on the calcaneus, tibia, fibula and patella as well as intravital loss of mandibular dentition. It is quite remarkable that the individual reached a relative old age despite of his numerous and serious physical encroachments due to the apparent and obvious intentions of his aggressive contemporaries to kill him. | pubmed_976_19035 |
pubmed_641_6666 | Prolonged storage of red blood cells (RBCs) at 4 degrees C results in decreased intracellular ATP levels with diminished posttransfusion survival. Meryman described a preservative medium, exceptional in its capacity to increase these intracellular levels during the first weeks of storage and later in maintaining adequate levels, for extended storage periods. We modified this medium, investigated its constituents, and found that its ATP-preserving effect was unrelated to its tonicity or to the presence of mannitol. Throughout storage, RBC potassium leakage and lactate production were moderate. No evidence of osmotic swelling was detected. In spite of high ATP levels, the cells became echinocytes, thus discounting a direct correlation between shape and metabolic status. The most striking finding in this study was that the prestorage pH of the blood unit (pH 7.0), has a crucial contribution in elevating nucleotide levels in a medium containing high levels of phosphate (18-40 mM) and adenine. We suggest that a combined effect of optimal pH, adenine, glucose and phosphate in the medium contributes to the ability of the RBCs to synthesize the necessary purine nucleotides by the 'salvage pathway'. | 10.1111/j.1423-0410.1994.tb00327.x |
pubmed_576_5391 | A crystal complex consisting of the isobutyl analog of phosphatidylcholine (PC) (isobutylphosphocholine), cholesterol, and isobutanol with molecular ratio 1:3:3 was obtained and investigated by means of X-ray analysis. The complex was shown to correspond to the monoclinic system (sp. gr. P2(1)): a=16.994(10), b=11.314(7), c=28.164(15), beta=104.07(3), V=5252.63 A(3), Z=2, D(calc)=1.0273 g/cm(3). The isobutylphosphocholine molecule is the key component of the complex. Pairs of hydrogen bonds are formed between the (-delta)O-P-O(delta-) group of the isobutylphosphocholine molecule and C-OH groups of two cholesterol and two isobutanol molecules. The third molecules of cholesterol and isobutanol are H-bonded with the (-delta)O-P-O(delta-) group of the isobutylphosphocholine molecule via C-OH groups of isobutanol and cholesterol, respectively. The crystal structure is built up by translation of the complex in multiplicate along the two-fold axis in the direction of axis b. It contains bands formed by isobutylphosphocholine molecules alternately changing their direction. They are fixed by virtue of two zones of electrostatic interactions of the type (-delta)O-P-O(delta-)ellipsis(+)N(CH(3))(3) and are more or less parallel to the bc plane. The structure also contains three-layer domains formed by cholesterol molecules perpendicular to isobutylphosphocholine bands. In the direction of the c-axis isobutylphosphocholine bands alternate with the layers of cholesterol molecules herewith reproducing repeated blocks. The obtained structure is compared with that of crystals of phospholipids and cholesterol and its derivatives. | 10.1016/s0005-2736(00)00162-0 |
pubmed_826_23089 | BACKGROUND
Chronic pain has a strong association with major depressive disorder (MDD), but there is a relative paucity of studies on the association between chronic multisite pain and bipolar disorder (BD). Such studies are required to help elucidate the complex biological and psychological overlap between pain and mood disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between chronic multisite pain and mood disorder across the unipolar-bipolar spectrum.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 149,611 UK Biobank participants. Self-reported depressive and bipolar features were used to categorise participants into MDD and BD groups and a non-mood disordered comparison group. Multinomial logistic regression was used to establish whether there was an association between extent of chronic pain (independent variable) and mood disorder category (dependent variable), using no pain as the referent category, and adjusting for a wide range of potential sociodemographic, lifestyle and comorbidity confounders.
RESULTS
Multisite pain was significantly more prevalent in participants with BD and MDD, for example, 4-7 pain sites: BD 5.8%, MDD 4.5%, and comparison group 1.8% (p < 0.001). A relationship was observed between extent of chronic pain and risk of BD and persisted after adjusting for confounders (relative to individuals with no chronic pain): 2-3 sites RRR of BD 1.84 (95% CI 1.61, 2.11); 4-7 sites RRR of BD 2.39 (95% CI 1.88, 3.03) and widespread pain RRR of BD 2.37 (95% CI 1.73, 3.23). A similar relationship was observed between chronic pain and MDD: 2-3 sites RRR of MDD 1.59 (95% CI 1.54, 1.65); 4-7 sites RRR of MDD 2.13 (95% CI 1.98, 2.30); widespread pain RRR of MDD 1.86 (95% CI 1.66, 2.08).
CONCLUSIONS
Individuals who report chronic pain and multiple sites of pain are more likely to have MDD and are at higher risk of BD. These findings highlight an important aspect of comorbidity in MDD and BD and may have implications for understanding the shared neurobiology of chronic pain and mood disorders. | 10.1186/s12888-014-0350-4 |
pubmed_470_14128 | There is increasing provision of welfare benefits advice in primary care (WBAPC). This reflects the present government's recognition of the association between socioeconomic and health inequalities. However, the assumption that increasing an individual's income will improve their health is not based on clear evidence. This paper reviews the relevant evidence, using four categories of pathways from poverty to ill-health: individual material; environmental material; individual psychological; environmental psychological. A description is offered of the scope and limits of WBAPC as a health intervention: one that primarily offers relief from psychological stress for service users, who tend to be middle-aged or older and suffering from chronic disease or disability. WBAPC may also make a small contribution to the physical health of individuals and to the social capital of communities. Thus to define the scope of WBAPC does not diminish its value to its beneficiaries, who carry a significant burden of both poverty and illness, nor does it in any way weaken the ethical argument for public policy to seek to reduce inequalities, and for primary care to play its part in that. | 10.1093/pubmed/24.4.307 |
pubmed_354_12714 | Chalcone synthase( CHS) and chalcone isomerase( CHI) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of flavonoids. In this study,unigenes for CHS and CHI were screened from the transcriptome database of Arisaema heterophyllum. The open reading frame( ORFs) of chalcone synthase( Ah CHS) and chalcone isomerase( Ah CHI) were cloned from the plant by RT-PCR. The physicochemical properties,expression and structure characteristics of the encoded proteins Ah CHS and Ah CHI were analyzed. The ORFs of Ah CHS and Ah CHI were 1 176,630 bp in length and encoded 392,209 amino acids,respectively. Ah CHS functioned as a symmetric homodimer. The N-terminal helix of one monomer entwined with the corresponding helix of another monomer. Each CHS monomer consisted of two structural domains. In particular,four conserved residues define the active site. The tertiary structure of Ah CHI revealed a novel open-faced β-sandwich fold. A large β-sheet( β4-β11) and a layer of α-helices( α1-α7) comprised the core structure. The residues spanning β4,β5,α4,and α6 in the three-dimensional structure were conserved among CHIs from different species. Notably,these structural elements formed the active site on the protein surface,and the topology of the active-site cleft defined the stereochemistry of the cyclization reaction. The homology comparison showed that Ah CHS had the highest similarity to the CHS of Anthurium andraeanum,while Ah CHI had the highest similarity to the CHI of Paeonia delavayi. This study provided the basis for the functional study of Ah CHS and Ah CHI and the further study on plant flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. | 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20190130.001 |
pubmed_842_19940 | The repeatability of a spectral surface electromyography-based fatigue assessment strategy was evaluated. Variability of two fatigue-trend tracking parameters was used as an indicator for repeatability. The parameters were the natural logarithm of the slope of linear mean frequency decline lnMF(S) and the percent drop in mean frequency MF(D). The coefficient of variation CoV was used as the metric for repeatability, representing the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean of repeated measures from the same individual. Five weekly fatigue tests on the right biceps brachii were conducted on 11 participants with a fatiguing regime comprising of alternating static and cyclic segments, collecting seven channels of differential EMG. The resulting 95% confidence intervals of the CoV were: 15.38-24.87% (Static lnMF(S)), 12.21-23.36% (Cyclic lnMF(S)), 13.18-21.85% (Static MF(D)), and 12.37-24.39% (Cyclic MF(D)). There was no statistically significant difference in repeatability between any combination of parameter and types of motion. | 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090958 |
pubmed_197_19199 | OBJECTIVES
A look-back study was conducted to determine the clinical significance of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) blood transfusion in an HBV hyperendemic area.
AIM
To improve the blood transfusion safety.
BACKGROUND
Occult HBV is transmissible through blood transfusion in HBV-naÏve recipients. However, its impact on recipients with prevalent HBV infection in HBV hyperendemic areas is unclear.
METHODS/MATERIALS
In 2006, 12 occult HBV blood donors were found from 10 824 repository samples by nucleic acid testing. The 74 corresponding recipients were identified and their pre- and post-transfusion clinical information was gathered, and the living recipients were recalled for follow-up. From the available archival sera, the HBV DNA was examined and sub-genomic sequences between paired donor and recipient were compared using polymerase chain reaction-based assays.
RESULTS
Among the 74 recipients, 18 were still alive and 12 returned to our clinic. From the available serological profiles, 76% of recipients had ongoing or recovered HBV infection before transfusion. Only 24 recipients had available post-transfusion serological profiles and none seroconverted to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. Moreover, except for the prior HBsAg carriers, the recipients' HBV DNA levels after transfusion were low (<20 IU/mL). One recipient had identical HBV surface gene sub-genomic sequence (384 nucleotides) to his donor. After transfusion, no recipient developed post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) and the clinical outcome was good.
CONCLUSION
In HBV hyperendemic areas, occult hepatitis B transfusion might not lead to HBsAg carriage or PTH. The risk of transfusion-transmitted HBV infection was probably lower than that in non-endemic areas because most recipients had already experienced HBV infection. | 10.1111/j.1365-3148.2010.01036.x |
pubmed_670_21306 | A genetic probe encoding a virulence gene from Salmonella typhimurium was useful in the detection of Salmonella from feces during an outbreak of salmonellosis at a local dairy. A 3.2-kb BamHI restriction endonuclease fragment of the S. typhimurium virulence plasmid, pStSR100, has been useful as a DNA probe for both detection of Salmonella sp. and characterization of virulence plasmids from numerous field isolates. This virA probe hybridizes to a highly conserved gene carried on the large virulence plasmids of invasive Salmonella isolates. Colony blots prepared from feces directly plated onto MaConkey's agar failed to detect low numbers of Salmonella sp. However, hybridization of the VirA probe to vacuum blots or colony blots prepared from feces in tetrathionate enrichment broth incubated for 16 hours at 37 C was effective for detecting Salmonella sp. and resulted in an 85.9% correlation with culture results. The probe also demonstrated the highly conserved nature (96%) of the virulence gene among S. cholerae-suis isolate plasmids detected using Southern blot analysis. | 10.1177/104063879100300306 |
pubmed_1138_3322 | A new method based on the off-line coupling of analytical SFE and GC has been developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of major volatile components in Suhexiang Wan, a Chinese patent medicine. The factors affecting extraction efficiency were examined to seek the optimal operating parameters. Quantitative recovery (90%) was achieved with 20 ml CO2 in ca 1 h using a self-designed analytical SFE system. Compared with the conventional methods, the SFE as an alternative technique for sample preparation will be most useful in the quality control of Chinese patent medicine. | pubmed_1138_3322 |
pubmed_835_23060 | Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a promising liquid-based technique for in situ chemical analysis on ocean worlds that allows the detection of a wide range of organic molecules relevant to the search for life. CE coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is particularly valuable as it also enables the discovery of unknown compounds. Here we demonstrate that CE coupled to MS via electrospray ionization (ESI) can readily analyze samples containing up to half the saturation levels of salts relevant to ocean worlds when using 5 M acetic acid as the separation media. A mixture containing amino acids, peptides, nucleobases, and nucleosides was analyzed in the presence of two salts, NaCl and MgSO4, based on their relevance to Europa and Enceladus. We demonstrate here CE-MS limits of detection for these organics ranging from 0.05 to 1 μM (8 to 89 ppb) in the absence of salts. More importantly, we demonstrate here for the first time that organics in the low micromolar range (1-50 μM) are detected by CE-MS in the presence of 3 M NaCl without desalting, preconcentration, or derivatization. This demonstration highlights how CE-MS is uniquely suited for organic analysis on future missions to ocean worlds. | 10.1089/ast.2021.0091 |
pubmed_1136_1396 | Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) types I and II are curious genetic disorders that share hyperkalemia as a predominant finding. Together they have become windows to understanding new molecular physiology in the kidney. Autosomal recessive PHAI results from mutations in the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), whereas autosomal dominant PHAI is characterized by mutations in the mineralocorticoid receptor. PHAII is the result of mutations in a family of serine-threonine kinases called with-no-lysine kinases (WNK)1 and WNK4. WNK4 negatively regulates the NaCl cotransporter (NCC), and PHAII mutations in WNK4 abrogate this affect. WNK4 also regulates the expression or function of renal outer medullary potassium (ROMK) channels, ENaCs, and Cl transporters. WNK1 also regulates NCC and ROMK. Aldosterone inactivates WNK1 and WNK4 activity. Whether angiotensin II can fine tune the actions of aldosterone is still unclear. | 10.1681/ASN.2010050457 |
pubmed_1088_9438 | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
We studied whether changes in less invasive, noncalibrated pulse-contour cardiac output (by modified ModelFlow, COmf) and derived stroke volume variations (SVV), as well as systolic and pulse pressure variations, predict changes in bolus thermodilution cardiac output (COtd), evoked by continuous and cyclic increases in intrathoracic pressure by increases in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and tidal volume (Vt), respectively.
METHODS
Prospective study on 17 critically ill postcardiac surgery patients on full mechanical ventilatory support, in the intensive care unit.
RESULTS
In contrast to systolic pressure variation and pulse pressure variation, SVV increased from (mean +/- SD) 6.2 +/- 4.4 to 8.1 +/- 5.6 at PEEP 10 cmH2O (P = 0.064) and to 7.8 +/- 3.5% at PEEP 15 cmH2O (P = 0.031), concomitantly with a 12 +/- 7 and 11 +/- 8% decrease in COmf and COtd (P < 0.001), respectively. For pooled data, changes in COmf correlated with those in COtd (r = 0.55, P = 0.002), but changes in SVV did not. Variables did not change when Vt was increased up to 50%.
CONCLUSION
A fall in COmf is more sensitive than a rise in SVV, which is more sensitive than systolic pressure variation and pulse pressure variation, in tracking a fall in COtd during continuous (and not cyclic) increases in intrathoracic pressure, in mechanically ventilated patients after cardiac surgery. This suggests a reduction in biventricular preload as the main factor in decreasing cardiac output and increasing SVV with PEEP. | 10.1097/EJA.0b013e32832ac5fe |
pubmed_288_7355 | Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex (MAC) is the most common isolate of nontuberculous mycobacteria and causes pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases. MAC species can be grouped into 31 serotypes by the epitopic oligosaccharide structure of the species-specific glycopeptidolipid (GPL) antigen. The GPL consists of a serotype-common fatty acyl peptide core with 3,4-di-O-methyl-rhamnose at the terminal alaninol and a 6-deoxy-talose at the allo-threonine and serotype-specific oligosaccharides extending from the 6-deoxy-talose. Although the complete structures of 15 serotype-specific GPLs have been defined, the serotype 16-specific GPL structure has not yet been elucidated. In this study, the chemical structure of the serotype 16 GPL derived from M. intracellulare was determined by using chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. The result indicates that the terminal carbohydrate epitope of the oligosaccharide is a novel N-acyl-dideoxy-hexose. By the combined linkage analysis, the oligosaccharide structure of serotype 16 GPL was determined to be 3-2'-methyl-3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxy-pentanoyl-amido-3,6-dideoxy-beta-hexose-(1-->3)-4-O-methyl-alpha-L-rhamnose-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnose-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnose-(1-->2)-6-deoxy-alpha-L-talose. Next, the 22.9-kb serotype 16-specific gene cluster involved in the glycosylation of oligosaccharide was isolated and sequenced. The cluster contained 17 open reading frames (ORFs). Based on the similarity of the deduced amino acid sequences, it was assumed that the ORF functions include encoding three glycosyltransferases, an acyltransferase, an aminotransferase, and a methyltransferase. An M. avium serotype 1 strain was transformed with cosmid clone no. 253 containing gtfB-drrC of M. intracellulare serotype 16, and the transformant produced serotype 16 GPL. Together, the ORFs of this serotype 16-specific gene cluster are responsible for the biosynthesis of serotype 16 GPL. | 10.1128/JB.01850-07 |
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