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pubmed_1021_14327
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The authors undertook a preliminary study of two categories of patients to link morbidity and mortality to the nutritional condition of patients before and after surgery: the first group of patients were to be operated on for cancer; the second group was to act as a control group. For both groups, a study was made before and after surgery, of the nutritional condition of the patients and of progress, respectively. The findings revealed signs of de-nutrition in both groups and a distinct correlation between post-operation complications and the degree of de-nutrition. Hence, in the case of cancer, it is recommended some nutritional preparation before the operation.
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pubmed_1021_14327
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pubmed_20_5523
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BACKGROUND
The Main purpose of vocational rehabilitation is occupational reintegration of clients into the job market who have lost their job or whose job is threatened because of a handicap or chronicl illness. With regard to existing evidence for the relevance of personality factors for work performance and job achievement, the present study investigated the influence of participants' personality factors on a successful reintegration after a retraining program in a vocational training center over 2 years. A central research objective was to identify prognostic personality factors for successful vocational integration.
METHOD
In this longitudinal study 15 vocational training centers participated at 3 time points of measurement (T1, T2 and T3). Data gathering was based on rehabilitants' self-reports (standardized questionnaires: SVF, BSW, SPR, CSES) about personality aspects. First data collection started at the beginning (T1) and a second survey was conducted at the end of the training 2 years later (T2). Based on the data at measurement points T1 and T2, 4 prognostic models were computed (binary logistic regression analysis) and evaluated, examining the differenzial influence of several scales and items on direct reintegration after completing the vocational retraining and reintegration status 6 months later (T3).
RESULTS
As expected, different variables turned out to be relevant for occupational integration at the end of the training program and 6 months later. Correspondingly other variables appeared to be relevant for occupational reintegration at T1 and at T2. At the end of the vocational training program, approximately 24% of the participants had a job. With respect to direct reintegration, regression analysis revealed that vocational self-efficacy (R(2)=0,175) and self-evaluation were relevant (R(2)=0,383). Approximately 70% of the participants had gotten a job 6 months later. Several stress coping strategies (R(2)=0,170), estimation of the own reintegration prognosis and aspects like vocational center contextual factors (R(2)=0,280) appeared to be relevant for reintegration 6 months later.
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10.1055/s-0041-109094
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pubmed_639_5949
|
Human breast milk (HBM) provides essential nutrients for newborn growth and development, and contains a variety of biologically active ingredients that can affect gastrointestinal tract and immune system development in breastfed infants. HBM also contains mRNAs, microRNAs and lncRNAs, most of which are encapsulated in milk-derived exosomes and exhibit various important infant development related biological functions. While previous studies have shown that exosomal circRNAs are involved in the intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and repair. However, the effect of HBM exosomal circRNAs on intestinal development is not clear. In this study, we identified 6756 circRNAs both in preterm colostrum (PC) and term colostrum (TC), of which 66 were upregulated, and 42 were downregulated (|fold change>2|, p < 0.05) in PC. Pathway analysis showed that the VEGF signalling pathway was involved, and network analysis revealed that the differentially expressed circRNAs bound various miRNAs. Further analyses showed that has_circRNA_405708 and has_circRNA_104707 were involved in the VEGF signalling pathway, and that they all bound various mirRNAs. Exosomes found in preterm colostrum (PC) and term colostrum (TC) promoted VEGF protein expression and induced the proliferation and migration of small intestinal epithelial cells (FHCs). Exosomal circRNAs found in human colostrum (HC) binding to related miRNAs may regulate VEGF signalling, and intestinal development.
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10.18632/aging.202806
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pubmed_132_5583
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The arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene has been associated with stroke. The majority of the reported ALOX5AP associations have considered non-radiologically confirmed infarcts as the stroke phenotype. We assessed the association of genetic variants in ALOX5AP with stroke defined by the presence of infarcts on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We studied 202 persons with MRI-defined brain infarcts and 487 healthy individuals of Caribbean Hispanic ancestry. Another sample of European ancestry comprised 1823 persons with MRI-defined brain infarct and 7578 control subjects. Subjects were genotyped for the 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that define ALOX5AP HapA haplotype. No association was found between SNPs and MRI-defined brain infarcts. Our data do not support the hypothesis that variants in ALOX5AP are associated with risk of MRI-defined brain infarcts.
|
10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.10.010
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pubmed_984_8300
|
Ruminants are characterized by an efficient particle-sorting mechanism in the forestomach (FRST) followed by selective rechewing of large food particles. For the nonruminating foregut fermenter pygmy hippo it was demonstrated that large particles are excreted as fast as, or faster than, the small particles. The same has been suggested for other nonruminating foregut fermenters. We determined the mean retention time of fluids and different-sized particles in six red kangaroos (Macropus rufus), seven collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) and three colobine monkeys (Colobus angolensis, C. polykomos, Trachypithecus johnii). We fed Co-EDTA as fluid and mordanted fiber as particle markers (Cr, Ce). Mean (+ or - SD) total tract retention time for fluids, small and large particles was 14 + or - 2, 29 + or - 10 and 30 + or - 9 hr in red kangaroos, 26 + or - 2, 34 + or - 5 and 32 + or - 3 hr in collared peccaries and 57 + or - 17, 55 + or - 19 and 54 + or - 19 hr in colobine monkeys, respectively. Large and small particles were excreted simultaneously in all species. There was no difference in the excretion of fluids and particles in the colobine monkeys, in contrast to the other foregut fermenters. In the nonprimate, nonruminant foregut fermenters, the difference in the excretion of fluids and small particles decreases with increasing food intake. On the contrary, ruminants keep this differential excretion constant at different intake levels. This may be a prerequisite for the sorting of particles in their FRST and enable them to achieve higher food intake rates. The functional significance of differential excretion of fluids and particles from the FRST requires further investigations.
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10.1002/jez.552
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pubmed_1115_13044
|
BACKGROUND
The National Immunization Survey demonstrates that national immunization coverage in 2002 remained near the all-time highs achieved in 2000. However, that survey cannot detect whether coverage is uniformly high within relatively small areas or populations. The measles resurgence in the early 1990s revealed that coverage was low in some areas, particularly among inner-city children from racial and ethnic minority groups. Today, identifying areas with low childhood-vaccination coverage remains important, particularly if these areas are at risk for the introduction of disease. In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a congressionally mandated demonstrated project now called the Childhood Immunization Demonstration project of Community Health Networks. This mandate specified an assessment to determine whether a network of primary care providers affiliated with university teaching hospitals could assume a public health responsibility for raising immunization levels among preschoolers in medically underserved communities. Communities with federally designated health professional shortage areas were invited to submit proposals, and 4 were selected: Detroit, MI, New York, NY, San Diego, CA, and rural Colorado.
OBJECTIVES
To measure immunization coverage among preschool children in the 4 selected medically underserved areas and determine predictors of coverage levels.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Surveys in the 4 areas were based on stratified cluster probability sample designs in which clusters of dwelling units were selected and all households in selected clusters were screened for the presence of children aged 12 to 35 months. Immunization histories were obtained from parents and providers for these children. For each age-eligible child, the information collected on utilization of immunization health services included a listing of all clinics or offices ever used for the child's well-child care and/or for obtaining immunizations. Information was also collected on whether the child currently had health insurance (public and/or private) and whether the child had a medical home. A child was classified as having a medical home if the survey respondent reported a source of well care that was the same as the source of sick care and that this place was not an emergency department.
PARTICIPANTS
Children 12 to 35 months of age in Detroit, New York, San Diego, and rural Colorado.
OUTCOME MEASURE
Community-wide up-to-date (UTD) immunization coverage levels at 19 to 35 months of age, defined as receipt of 4 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine, 3 doses of poliovirus vaccine, 1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, 3 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine, and 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine (the 4:3:1:3:3 series).
ANALYSIS
We examined the association between coverage level and independent variables and performed chi2 and t tests to determine whether differences observed within and between groups and sites were significant.
RESULTS
The overall response rate for eligible children ranged from 79.4% to 88.1%. Coverage levels for most individual vaccines were >90% in all sites except Detroit. Coverage for the 4:3:1:3:3 series was significantly higher for children in New York (84%) and San Diego (86%) than for children in Detroit (66%) and rural Colorado (75%). Demographic risk factors related to UTD immunization status varied by site. Although differences in coverage levels by ethnicity varied by site, differences were not significant. In Colorado and New York, coverage was slightly lower among Hispanic than white children (71% vs 76% and 83% vs 91%, respectively). In San Diego, coverage was lower among whites, compared with Hispanics (76% vs 85%). Coverage was also lower for African American than white children only in New York (75% vs 91%). However, in San Diego and Colorado, children receiving their vaccinations from private providers had lower coverage levels than children receiving their vaccinations from other providers (78% vs 91% and 71% vs 57%, respectively). Ictively). In all 4 sites, children for whom respondents reported having an immunization card at the time of the interview were more likely to have higher series coverage levels than children for whom a parent-held card was not available. Also, children who were UTD at 3 months of age had significantly higher vaccination-series coverage levels than children who were not UTD at 3 months of age. In addition, the vaccination coverage was lower for children in Detroit whose parents reported problems accessing the health care system because lack of transportation (46%), compared with those who did not report such problems (65%); however, this difference did not reach significance (chi2 = 6.0). In Colorado, the small proportion of children in families without a phone had a lower vaccination coverage level (58%) than those in households with a phone (75%) (chi2 = 6.3). In all sites, children who were UTD at 3 months of age and had a parent-held vaccination card were more likely to be UTD at 19 to 35 months of age.
CONCLUSIONS
Preschoolers in these medically underserved areas were not at uniform risk for underimmunization. Because they were designated as health professional shortage areas, the 4 sites in this study were expected to have low immunization-coverage rates. However, this was not the case. In fact, coverage in 3 of the 4 areas was quite high compared with US national figures (73%); only Detroit had a much lower UTD rate (66%). Efforts are needed to improve methods to identify areas with low immunization coverage so that resources can be directed to places where interventions are needed. Our results reveal that an area's need for childhood immunization interventions is not well predicted by a low number of providers per capita. Other criteria must be developed to predict areas or populations with low immunization coverage. Understanding more about the characteristics of children/provider pairs for children who are UTD at 3 months and more about the role of parental hand-held cards, along with finding strategies to improve immunization delivery by providers in Vaccines for Children Program facilities, suggest potentially productive avenues for increasing and sustaining high coverage levels.
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10.1542/peds.113.4.e296
|
pubmed_407_19415
|
Gradient stripe patterns of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with remarkable regularity over large areas were fabricated by using evaporation-induced self-assembly technique. In this method, a glass coverslip was inclinedly immersed into a suspension of MWCNTs in dichloroethane. By controlling the solvent evaporation temperature, well-defined gradient stripes were formed at the air-solvent-substrate contact line. The effects of several experimental parameters, such as the substrate tilt angle, concentration of MWCNTs, and evaporation temperature, on the regularity of stripes were discussed. A possible stripe formation process was described as a negative feedback of MWCNT concentration caused by a concavely curved shape of the meniscus. Additionally, the strips of MWCNTs on Si/SiO(2) substrate were directly used to fabricate field-effect transistor (FET) devices. The electrical properties of the MWCNT-FET devices were also investigated.
|
10.1021/am300936a
|
pubmed_100_9291
|
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a member of the interferon regulatory factor family of transcription factors and has been shown to have critical functions at several stages of B-cell development. Genome-wide association study identified a polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of IRF4 as a chronic lymphocytic leukemia risk locus. In this study, we report a recurrent heterozygous somatic mutation in the DNA-binding domain of IRF4 detected in 7 of 457 chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients (1.5%). Patients with IRF4 mutation have a good prognosis, and 4 of 6 have a trisomy 12. We also found that IRF4 mRNA expression is higher in the patients with the mutation.
|
10.1182/blood-2011-04-350579
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pubmed_611_9977
|
The terminal segments of vertebral, right supreme intercostal and accessory hemiazygos veins from 28 cadavers of various ages were histologically examined to assess the possible presence of intrinsic mechanisms facilitating the delivery of venous blood from the upper vertebral and spinal cord territories. In these veins, blood flow is assisted by gravity (veins of receptive type); however, the tunica adventitia showed a significant amount of longitudinally oriented bundles of smooth muscle fibers together with elastic fibers, i.e., an intrinsic structure similar to that of propulsive type veins. Both the muscular and elastic components increased with age. One or two complete valves were found at the opening of these veins into their major receptors. It can be assumed that the structural changes of the venous wall and the ostial valves play a role in avoiding or limiting undue reversion of the blood flow in many physiologic and pathologic conditions, and in protecting the delicate nervous structures of the vertebral canal from possible damages due to temporary or chronic venous stasis.
|
10.1002/1098-2353(2000)13:6<410::AID-CA3>3.0.CO;2-Q
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pubmed_380_12715
|
Recent studies have shown that a reverse flow often occurs in a unidirectional airflow in push-pull ventilation and may transport contaminants from the source into a worker's breathing zone. The same problem may arise in local exhaust ventilation when the contaminant source is located in the worker's wake region. In this study, organic solvent work with local exhaust ventilation was duplicated in a laboratory and the details of the reverse flow around the worker's body produced by the ventilation were experimentally investigated. In order to evaluate the influence of the reverse flow on the exposure of the worker, experiments with a mock-up mannequin (dummy worker) and a local ventilation system which was equipped with an exterior type hood and an enclosure type hood were conducted. The exposure level and the contaminant leakage from the hoods in several conditions were measured by means of a smoke test and tracer gas method. Ethanol vapor was used as a tracer gas. With the exterior type hood, the reverse flow visualized by the smoke was observed in front of the standing dummy worker but could not be observed when the dummy worker was seated. From the tracer gas measurements, it was proved that the exposure due to the reverse flow was not so serious at a capture velocity of > 0.4 m/s, but < 10 ppm contaminant leakage from the exterior hood had been recognized independently of the capture velocity. With the enclosure type hood, exposure due to the reverse flow could be controlled with a capture velocity of > 0.8 m/s. Although the contaminant leakage from the hood due to the reverse flow was not obvious with the enclosure type in any condition, caution should be exercised to prevent exposure when the worker is seated. Regardless of the hood type, the increase in the capture velocity was effective in decreasing exposure due to the reverse flow.
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10.1539/sangyoeisei.45.125
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pubmed_95_1512
|
BACKGROUND
The clinical significance of pretreatment serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values was studied to determine the ability to predict clinical stage and prognosis using a relatively large number of patients with prostate cancer.
METHODS
Serum PSA values at diagnosis were analyzed from 749 patients with newly-diagnosed prostate cancer and registered in the Tokai Urological Cancer Registry. Correlations between the PSA value, the clinical stage and prognosis of the patients were evaluated.
RESULTS
Serum PSA values at each stage of diagnosis showed positivity (> or = 3.6 ng/mL) in 23% (stage A1) to 91.2% (stage D2) of patients, and it was possible to obtain statistical differences between the stages, even between A1 and A2. Based on a cumulative study of PSA distribution, stages greater than A2 could be diagnosed using a cut-off of 7.2 ng/mL, with a 99.2% positive predictive value (PPV), and a 16.2% negative predictive value (NPV). At a PSA level of 10.8 ng/mL, stages greater than B2 could be predicted with a PPV of 95.3% but an NPV of 40.3%. Pretreatment PSA values were a significant prognostic indicator in stage D2 patients using 100 to 150 ng/mL as the cut-off values. These differences were primarily found in the poorly differentiated group, which showed a statistical difference using cut-off PSA values from 75 to 150 ng/mL.
CONCLUSIONS
Serum PSA levels from a large number of patients can be used to predict the stage and prognosis of prostate cancer patients.
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10.1111/j.1442-2042.1996.tb00577.x
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pubmed_415_50
|
The word krimi is used in Veda for different macroscopic & microscopic creatures. Right from bacteria, various insects like kita, patanga were nominated as krimi. Two types of krimi viz. Drishta (Visible/Macroscopic) & Adrishta (Invisible / Microscopic) were described in veda. These two categories encompases nearly all krimi (Microbes / pathogens). According to their origin & Habitat they were categorized as pranyashrayee & Anyasthanashrayee. Different sharirika, manasika & adhyatmic vyadhis were thought to be originated from these Krimis. These harmful & debilitates (Pushtinashaka) organisms were recognized by various names based on troubles/sufferings they produce. Sun & Agni (fire) were described as internal source of krimichikitsa. Today science also confirms this fact. That early morning ultraviolet light rays emanating from sun can be used for various krimijanya-vyadhis. Apart from this various treatment modalities by using various natural resources, vegetable drugs. mineral drugs, fumigation, cleansing (Marjan-prokshana) & hymns were described for krimi & diseases caused by them.
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10.4103/0974-8520.68188
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pubmed_281_15886
|
The early prediction of diabetes can facilitate interventions to prevent or delay it. This study proposes a diabetes prediction model based on machine learning (ML) to encourage individuals at risk of diabetes to employ healthy interventions. A total of 38,379 subjects were included. We trained the model on 80% of the subjects and verified its predictive performance on the remaining 20%. Furthermore, the performances of several algorithms were compared, including logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Cox regression, and XGBoost Survival Embedding (XGBSE). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the XGBoost model was the largest, followed by those of the decision tree, logistic regression, and random forest models. For the survival analysis, XGBSE yielded an AUROC exceeding 0.9 for the 2- to 9-year predictions and a C-index of 0.934, while the Cox regression achieved a C-index of 0.921. After lowering the threshold from 0.5 to 0.25, the sensitivity increased from 0.011 to 0.236 for the 2-year prediction model and from 0.607 to 0.994 for the 9-year prediction model, while the specificity showed negligible changes. We developed a high-performance diabetes prediction model that applied the XGBSE algorithm with threshold adjustment. We plan to use this prediction model in real clinical practice for diabetes prevention after simplifying and validating it externally.
|
10.3390/jpm12111899
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pubmed_582_5640
|
Seminiferous tubule differentiation was related to the occurrence of germ cell neoplasia in 38 men, aged 17-47, treated surgically in childhood for cryptorchidism. Tissues from 46 testes obtained from biopsies taken as a neoplastic preventive procedure or whole testes removed because of GCT were evaluated quantitatively. Paraffin sections were treated with antibodies against placental like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), a marker of germ cell neoplasia, and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18), a marker of immature Sertoli cells. Quality of spermatogenesis and number Leydig cells were assessed with a score count. Seminiferous tubules diameter, thickness of basal membrane and size of intertubular spaces were measured with image analysis software. In 17.4% of testes spermatogenesis was normal (9.9 points) (N) and neoplasia was not found there. In the other 38 specimens (83%) spermatogenesis was abnormal (A). When spermatogenesis was arrested or when germ cells were absent (3.7+/-1.8 points), neoplastic lesions were found in 13.1% of the specimens. In A group 5.1+/-7.1% of tubules contained immature Sertoli cells, while in N they were not found. Tubular diameter was significantly lower in A (161.5+/-31.8 microm) than in N (184.6+/-24.3 microm) and the percentage of seminiferous tubules with the thickening of tubular basal membrane was also greater in A. Intertubular spaces were significantly larger in A (49.9+/-18.6%) in comparison to N group (32.6+/-12.5%). Mean number of Leydig cells was similar in both groups. To conclude, in most of the formerly cryptorchid testes, despite surgical treatment, impaired seminiferous tubules differentiation is predominant. Germ cell neoplasia is present in testes with retarded seminiferous tubules differentiation. Retardation of seminiferous tubule differentiation consists of inhibited spermatogenesis, presence of tubules with immature Sertoli cells, decreased tubular diameter, increased thickness of basal membrane and enlarged intertubular spaces. Examination of testicular biopsy with respect to the state of seminiferous tubule differentiation may be helpful to predict the appearance of germ cell neoplasia in adult men with cryptorchidism in anamnesis. Orchiopexy of cryptorchid testes may not prevent the occurrence of features of testicular dysgenesis and the associated germ cell neoplasia.
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pubmed_582_5640
|
pubmed_614_8986
|
AIM
To investigate the toxicity and response of intensity-modulated radiotherapy schedule intensified with a simultaneous integrated boost in anal canal cancer.
METHODS
From March 2009 to March 2014, we retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy for anal canal squamous cell carcinoma at our center. Radiotherapy was delivered via simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique by helical tomotherapy, and doses were adapted to two clinical target volumes according to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage: 50.6 Gy and 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions in T1N0, 52.8 Gy and 43.2 Gy in 24 fractions in T2N0, and 55 Gy and 45 Gy in 25 fractions in all patients with N positive and/or ≥ T3, respectively, to planning target volumes 1 and 2. The most common chemotherapy regimen was 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-based. Human papilloma virus (HPV) p16 expression was performed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated in the majority of patients. Acute and late toxicity was scored according to CTCAe v 3.0 and RTOG scales.
RESULTS
The median follow-up was 30 mo (range: 12-71). Median age was 63 years (range 32-84). The stage of disease was: stage I in 2 patients, stage II in 13 patients, stage IIIA in 12 patients, and stage IIIB in 14 patients, respectively. Two patients were known to be HIV positive (4.9%). HPV p16 expression status was positive in 29/34 (85.3%) patients. The 4-year progression-free survival and overall survival in HPV-positive patients were 78% and 92%, respectively. Acute grade 3 skin and gastrointestinal toxicities were reported in 5% and 7.3% of patients, respectively; patients' compliance to the treatment was good due to a low occurrence of severe acute toxicity, although treatment interruptions due to toxicity were required in 7.3% of patients. At 6 mo from end of treatment, 36/40 (90%) patients obtained complete response; during follow-up, 5 (13.8%) patients presented with disease progression (local or systemic).
CONCLUSION
In our experience, intensified SIB-IMRT with chemotherapy is very feasible in clinical practice, with excellent results in terms of overall survival and local control.
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10.3748/wjg.v21.i37.10688
|
pubmed_401_4940
|
Unimodal sensory loss leads to structural and functional changes in both deprived and nondeprived brain circuits. This process is broadly known as cross-modal plasticity. The evidence available indicates that cross-modal changes underlie the enhanced performances of the spared sensory modalities in deprived subjects. Sensory experience is a fundamental driver of cross-modal plasticity, yet there is evidence from early-visually deprived models supporting an additional role for experience-independent factors. These experience-independent factors are expected to act early in development and constrain neuronal plasticity at later stages. Here we review the cross-modal adaptations elicited by congenital or induced visual deprivation prior to vision. In most of these studies, cross-modal adaptations have been addressed at the structural and functional levels. Here, we also appraise recent data regarding behavioral performance in early-visually deprived models. However, further research is needed to explore how circuit reorganization affects their function and what brings about enhanced behavioral performance.
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10.1146/annurev-neuro-111020-104222
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pubmed_732_23321
|
BACKGROUND
Suicide is a major cause of death throughout the world. Approximately 60% of all suicides have a history of depression. Previous studies of structural brain imaging have shown that suicide is often associated with abnormal fronto-limbic networks. However, the mechanism underlying suicide in depression remains poorly understood.
METHOD
Twenty sex- and age-matched suicidal unipolar patients were compared with 18 non-suicidal unipolar patients and 28 healthy controls. High-resolution T1-weighted 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired. Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale (HAMD) and Self-Rating Depression scale (SDS) were evaluated. The criterion for suicidality was one or more documented lifetime suicide attempts. A whole-brain optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach was applied. The Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) was used to measure cognitive scheme in depressive patients.
RESULTS
Compared with controls, patients without suicide history showed significant decreased gray matter volume in the left insula lobe [-35 18 9], whereas patients with suicide history showed significantly decreased gray matter volume in the right middle temporal gyrus [60 -53 -8] and increased gray matter volume in the right parietal lobe [39 -39 60]. Compared with the non-suicidal depressed patient group, the suicidal group showed significant decreased gray matter volume in left limbic cingulated gyrus [-2 -21 28]. Moreover, the gray matter volume values in this significantly different brain region were negatively correlated with dysfunctional attitude scores in suicidal depressed patients.
LIMITATIONS
This study needs replication and further clarification in a larger patient population.
CONCLUSIONS
Suicide attempts in young depressed patients may be related to abnormal gray matter volumes in temporal-parietal-limbic networks. Specifically, small left limbic cingulate gyrus volumes may be a candidate for the prediction of suicide in young depressed patients.
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pubmed_732_23321
|
pubmed_806_24677
|
A nomenclatural review of Sarcoramphus vultures resulted in the following: The genus Sarcoramphus was described by Duméril in 1805 rather than 1806. Vultur papa Linnaeus, 1758, is the type of Sarcoramphus by subsequent monotypy (Froriep in Duméril 1806), not by Vigors's (1825) designation. The type of the genus Gypagus Vieillot, 1816, is, by monotypy, Vultur gryphus Linnaeus, 1758, not Vultur papa Linnaeus, 1758. Due to this, Gypagus is a junior objective synonym of Vultur Linnaeus, 1758. Gyparchus was created by Gloger (1841) as a new genus for Vultur papa Linnaeus, 1758, not as an emendation of Gypagus Vieillot, 1816. Vultur papa Linnaeus, 1758 was found to be possibly based on syntypes from two different taxa and a lectotype is here designated. The author of Vultur sacer is Zimmermann (in Bartram 1793), not Cassin (1853). Possible speciation events in the genus Sarcoramphus are also discussed.
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10.11646/zootaxa.3918.4.7
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pubmed_616_23461
|
Compositional data consist of vectors of proportions normalized to a constant sum from a basis of unobserved counts. The sum constraint makes inference on correlations between unconstrained features challenging due to the information loss from normalization. However, such correlations are of long-standing interest in fields including ecology. We propose a novel Bayesian framework (BAnOCC: Bayesian Analysis of Compositional Covariance) to estimate a sparse precision matrix through a LASSO prior. The resulting posterior, generated by MCMC sampling, allows uncertainty quantification of any function of the precision matrix, including the correlation matrix. We also use a first-order Taylor expansion to approximate the transformation from the unobserved counts to the composition in order to investigate what characteristics of the unobserved counts can make the correlations more or less difficult to infer. On simulated datasets, we show that BAnOCC infers the true network as well as previous methods while offering the advantage of posterior inference. Larger and more realistic simulated datasets further showed that BAnOCC performs well as measured by type I and type II error rates. Finally, we apply BAnOCC to a microbial ecology dataset from the Human Microbiome Project, which in addition to reproducing established ecological results revealed unique, competition-based roles for Proteobacteria in multiple distinct habitats.
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10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005852
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pubmed_457_16531
|
Dearomatized N-heterocycles are an important class of structural motifs for organic synthesis and chemical biology. The catalytic dearomative reduction of unactivated N-heteroarenes using silicon and/or boron-containing compounds as a reductant is one of the most straightforward alternatives to hydrogenation. However, thus far, there are few reported examples on the catalytic reduction of N-heteroaromatic compounds with silane or borane reducing agents. This Review presents recent advances in the catalytic reduction of unactivated N-heteroarenes by hydrosilanes, hydroboranes, silaboranes, and diboranes. The focus is on the chemical reactivity and selectivity of transition-metal or metal-free organocatalyst systems. In addition, the working modes of these catalysis will be described primarily on the basis of experimental mechanistic insight.
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10.1002/anie.201612140
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pubmed_1077_6623
|
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery typically experience outcomes of marked weight loss and improvements in medical comorbidities and psychological functioning. Unfortunately, a significant minority of patients also experience problems, such as reoccurring or new psychiatric disorders, alcohol or substance abuse, or eating disorders. In the current manuscript, we explore empirical studies published in the past year that are relevant to this topic.
RECENT FINDINGS
In the area of psychiatric disorders, we focus on depression and anxiety, with several studies showing initial improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms followed by deterioration in the following years. Research in alcohol use has revealed a trend in which alcohol consumption decreases or ceases immediately following surgery, but often increases over time. Some studies have recently compared alcohol use across different types of surgery, which may help clarify a potential biological component of these problems. Finally, some eating disordered behaviors, which have until now received relatively little attention, have been further studied, with subthreshold loss-of-control eating behaviors receiving increased empirical examination.
SUMMARY
Stemming from these findings, we suggest several directions to take for future research. With respect to psychiatric disorders, a closer examination of the effect of weight regain on related psychiatric comorbidities would prove valuable in determining the risk of disorder development. The mechanism by which the rate of alcohol consumption is altered following surgery has been proven elusive, and focusing further scrutiny on the differences in consumption between surgical procedures could prove useful in deciphering it. And with regards to eating disorders, a closer examination of both full diagnostic and less common eating disorders following bariatric surgery would be prudent.
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10.1097/YCO.0000000000000101
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pubmed_1027_1201
|
BACKGROUND
Management of prostate cancer that has spread outside of the prostate capsule is a difficult problem. Innovative, non-toxic approaches to the disease are required. New, relatively non-toxic vitamin D3 analogs have recently been synthesized. We report that several of these compounds have marked antiproliferative effects on prostate cells.
METHODS
The clonal antiproliferative activity of five novel analogs of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3, (cmpd C)] as well as 1,25(OH)2D3 itself was tested on three human prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, LNCaP, and DU-145). The analogs were 20-epi-22oxa-24a,26a,27a-tri-homo-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 (code name: KH 1060); 24a26a27a-tri-homo-22,24-diene-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 (code name: EB 1089); 1,25(OH)2-16ene-D3 (code name: HM); 1,25(OH)2-16ene-23yne-D3 (code name: V); 1,25(OH)2-20-epi-D3 (code name: MC 1288)].
RESULTS
With the parent compound [1,25(OH)2D3], the effective dose that inhibited 50% clonogenic growth of PC-3 and LNCaP was 10(-8)M and 7 x 10(-9)M, respectively. For these prostate cancer cell lines, KH 1060 was the most potent analog by an order of 25- to 35-fold as compared to cmpd C. The second and third most potent analogs were HM and MC 1288. DU-145 was resistant to all the vitamin D3 analogs. The major side-effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 is the production of hypercalcemia. The relative inhibitory index (RII) was determined by comparing the antiproliferative activity of the analog to its ability to produce hypercalcemia in mice injected intraperitoneally every other day. The KH 1060 had the best RTI: 50- to 70-fold greater than 1,25(OH)2D3 for PC-3 and LNCaP, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
A trial of one or more of these innovative compounds should be considered for treatment of minimal residual disease of prostate cancer.
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10.1002/(sici)1097-0045(19970501)31:2<77::aid-pros1>3.0.co;2-e
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pubmed_674_7705
|
PURPOSE
To compare the outcomes of torsional phacoemulsification with a new balanced tip (Intrepid) and a conventional tip (Kelman) using a single active-fluidics torsional phacoemulsification machine (Centurion).
SETTING
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
DESIGN
Prospective comparative case-control study.
METHODS
Patients with senile cataract had torsional phacoemulsification with the Kelman conventional tip or the new Intrepid balanced tip using the active-fluidics torsional machine. Intraoperative parameters, such as cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), total ultrasound (US) time, torsion use time, torsion amplitude, aspiration time, and fluid use, were noted and compared. Endothelial cell loss and central corneal thickness (CCT) changes were evaluated at 1 month.
RESULTS
The new tip showed significantly less CDE, total US time, torsion amplitude, aspiration time, and fluid use (8.55 ± 6.9 [SD], 33.59 ± 28.12 seconds, 37.8 ± 13.42, 173.19 ± 47.26 seconds, and 66.59 ± 20.44 mL, respectively) than the conventional tip (13.47 ± 10.65, 42.8 ± 33.46 seconds, 42.58 ± 16.38, 202.25 ± 71.28 seconds, and 97.14 ± 36.86 mL, respectively) (P < .01), especially in higher grades of cataract. Anterior capsulorhexis margin tear occurred in 2 patients with the new tip. There were no corneal burns in either group. The mean endothelial cell loss and the percentage change in CCT were not significantly different at 1 month.
CONCLUSIONS
The new balanced tip performed phacoemulsification more efficiently, especially in hard cataracts requiring higher energy and prolonged phacoemulsification time.
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10.1016/j.jcrs.2016.11.034
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pubmed_542_14829
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A simplified schedule, applicable in developing countries, has been tested for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) and polio immunization. It comprised two injections, six months apart starting at the age of 3 to 8 months. DTP and inactivated polio (IPV) vaccines of special composition and live measles vaccine given at the age of 9 to 14 months induced a good antibody response. Special attention is being given to pertussis immunity. Although low agglutination titers may sometimes be found, DTP vaccination was shown to interrupt the normal periodicity of pertussis epidemics. From the relatively high proportion of vaccines which attained pertussis specific serum IgA antibodies in the course of four years following vaccination, it could be deduced that vaccination does not prevent infection although it protects against disease. Based on these results, successful immunization against seven diseases will be possible in two sessions; DTP, IPV, and BCG vaccinations at the age of 3 to 8 months; and DTP, IPV, measles and yellow fever vaccination at the age of 9 to 14 months.
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pubmed_542_14829
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pubmed_85_12349
|
BACKGROUND
The primary aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of capturing and streaming neuronavigation images onto a head-up display during spine instrumentation.
METHODS
Using a novel device, neuronavigation images were captured and transferred wirelessly via a password-encrypted network to the head-up display. At the end of the procedure, the surgeons completed a survey to gather their opinions of the system.
RESULTS
Forty pedicle screws were placed using the head-up display. The average screw placement time was slightly shorter when the head-up display was used (4.13 min with vs. 4.86 min without). The post-procedure survey demonstrated that 79% of surgeon's responses were positive.
CONCLUSION
A wearable head-up display can benefit current neuronavigation systems, but larger, outcomes-based trials are needed. Higher processing speed would allow streaming of higher resolution images. Along with an enlarged display, these may significantly improve utilization of this technology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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10.1002/rcs.1770
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pubmed_533_1419
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Job embeddedness considers job satisfaction while incorporating the concepts of environment and community. This exploratory, mixed methods study used the Job Embeddedness Instrument to examine factors that influence retention of acute care nurses. Qualitative methods informed the survey results. Increasing age, ties to community, and peer relationships were found to be most indicative of job embeddedness. Nursing professional development practitioners can impact retention by focusing on factors that encourage nurses to stay in their positions.
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10.1097/NND.0000000000000420
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pubmed_68_20720
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Personal opinions on surgery of polyps of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, including from simple polypectomy to ethmoid microsurgery and nasal endoscopic surgery. The diagnostic importance of tomodensitometry and the essential postsurgical care are emphasized. The results of 29 patients with polyps of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses treated with intranasal microsurgery and endoscopic surgery are reported.
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pubmed_68_20720
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pubmed_93_9076
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C-Src activity is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation at two distinct sites, Tyr416 and Tyr527, with opposite effects. However, the clinical roles of these sites in human cancers are not well defined. This study aims to determine whether the alterations and crosstalk of these two sites may contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specimens from 85 patients who had undergone curative hepatectomy were collected for this study. The patterns of p-Tyr416-Src and p-Tyr527-Src, as well as the non-phosphorylated status for each site, were determined using immunohistochemistry and statistically correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival rate. The active state of c-Src, p-Tyr416-c-Src, was positively correlated with tumour grade (P=0.062) but inversely correlated with vascular invasion (P=0.071). Its non-phosphorylated status, non-p-Tyr416-c-Src, was positively correlated with tumour stage and grade (P= 0.041 and 0.020). The inactive state of c-Src, p-Tyr527-c-Src, was decreased in male patients but increased HCV-infected patients (P=0.044 and 0.033). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve further showed that increased p-Tyr416-c-Src and decreased non-p-Tyr527-c-Src expression were associated with a poor patient survival rate (P=0.004 and 0.025). Interestingly, the expression of non-p-Tyr416-c-Src was positively correlated with that of p-Tyr527-c-Src in the HCC lesions (P=0.040). In addition, the patients with concomitantly low p-Tyr416-c-Src and non-p-Tyr527-c-Src expression had a prolonged overall survival rate (P=0.030). A multivariable COX regression model showed that p-Tyr416-c-Src expression was an effective predictor for patient survival in HCC [OR =3.78, 95% CI =1.46-9.76; P=0.006]. Our results suggest that the active state of c-Src, p-Tyr416-c-Src, may serve as an independent prognostic marker of patient survival in HCC. Relative levels of other phosphorylated or non-phosphorylated c-Src kinases may also present different statuses during HCC development and require further investigation.
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10.3233/DMA-2011-0792
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pubmed_206_16689
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The study investigates the risk exposure to HIV infection among South African children aged 2-9 years served by public health services. Together with their biological mothers, 3471 children and were recruited from inpatient and outpatient children in the Free State Province. Blood samples were taken by professional nurses and a history taken of exposure factors associated with HIV transmission. DNA testing was used to confirm biological maternity where the child was HIV-positive and the mother HIV-negative. Mother-child pairs were stratified by mother's HIV status. Exposure factors related to the child's HIV status were examined in each stratum using a chi-square test. Independent factors were then included in a multiple logistic regression model. Having an HIV-positive mother was strongly related to HIV infection in children (OR: 310; 95%CI: 148-781). However, seven HIV-positive children had HIV-negative mothers. Transmission in this group was significantly associated with breastfeeding by a non-biological mother (OR: 437; 95%CI: 53-5020), being fed with expressed breast milk from a milk room (OR: 37.6; 95%CI: 6.2-259.0), dental injection history (OR: 31.5; 95%CI: 4.5-189.4) and visits to a dentist (OR: 26.9; 95%CI: 4.4-283.5). Although mother-to-child-transmission is shown to be the primary mode of HIV transmission in South African children, the few HIV-positive children infected by other modes of transmission suggest a potential risk of non-vertical HIV infections. These infections can be prevented through education and improved infection-control procedures.
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10.1080/09540120701771705
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pubmed_869_10410
|
With the increase of population on the Nile banks, a remarkable increase in industrial, agricultural, human activities, and recreational activities have also occurred. The effluents of such activities are discharged directly into the Nile or through some agricultural drains which finally discharge their wastes into the Nile. Thus, the microbiological monitoring is one of the main objectives to protect the river Nile. This study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of river Nile at Cairo segment. Eight sites were chosen along the distance (60 Km) from El-Shobak to El-Kanater and tested for two successive years (summer 1994-spring 1996). To achieve this goal, microbiological parameters (total bacterial counts at both 22 degrees C and 37 degrees C, total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, total yeasts, Candida albicans, Aeromonas hydrophila, salmonellae, total staphylococci, total vibrios and Listeria group) were evaluated. The results showed that the count of the previous parameters ranged between 1.0x10(3)-7.8x10(5) CFU/ml, 5.0x10(2)-6.4x10(5) CFU/ml, 4.9x10-1.6x10(4) MPN/100 ml, 2.0-5.2x0(3) MPN/100 ml, 2.0x10-1.4x10(3) MPN/100 ml, 1.7x10(3)-2.6x10(5) CFU/100 ml, 1.5x10(2)-1.7x10(5) CFU/100 ml, 1.0x10(3)-2.4x10(5) CFU/100 ml, 1.3x10(2)-5.1x10(3) CFU/100 ml, 1.0x10(2)-3.3x10(3) CFU/100 ml, 1.0x10(2)-3.8x10(4) CFU/100 ml and 1.0x10(2)-1.4x10(5) CFU/100 ml, respectively. The total bacterial counts and bacterial indicators (total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci) were detected in all samples during the period of study, and the count increased in samples collected during summer than other seasons. Also total yeasts, A. hydrophila and total staphylococci were detected in all samples with differences in count between the sites. In contrast, other microbial parameters, Candida albicans, salmonellae, total vibrios and Listeria group were not detected in some samples at some sites. According to our results it can be concluded that the river Nile is categorized as an intermediately polluted river.
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pubmed_869_10410
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pubmed_294_7274
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Botulinum toxin A (btx) is used to treat focal dystonias. From accidental intoxications it is known that btx can cause generalized pathologic single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) findings. We monitored the onset and course of these disturbances in eight patients who received a small dose of btx (2-22 ng) for therapy of focal dystonias in the head/neck region for the first time via repeated SFEMG investigations at days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 28, and 56. Recordings were performed in the extensor digitorum brevis muscle, and in two patients additionally in the tibialis anterior muscle. In six of these patients we found an increase of jitter and blocking. The onset of these changes was in the range of 3-13 days after injection. Fiber density showed a tendency to increase. There was no correlation between SFEMG findings and the dose of injected btx. Possible mechanisms for these observations may be either a very efficient local uptake and retrograde axonal transport via the spinal motor neurons or a systemic distribution via the blood circulation.
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10.1002/mds.870080106
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pubmed_910_17074
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Post-irradiation residual mass and recurrence always suggest a worse prognosis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Our study aimed to investigate the malignant behaviors of post-irradiation residual NPC cells, to identify the potential underlying mechanisms and to search for appropriate bio-targets to overcome this malignancy. Two NPC cell lines were firstly exposed to 60 Gy irradiation, and residual cells were collected. In our previous study, colony formation assay detected the radioresistance of these cells. Here, the CCK-8 assay examined the cell sensitivity to paclitaxel and cisplatin. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to investigate cell motility and invasion capabilities. Inverted phase-contrast microscopy was used to observe and photograph the morphology of cells. Expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were detected by western blot assay in NPC cells and tissues. The mRNA levels of cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes were detected via qRT-PCR. The results revealed that residual NPC cells exhibited enhanced radioresistance and cross-resistance to paclitaxel and cisplatin. Higher capacities of invasion and migration were also observed. An elongated morphology with pseudopodia formation and broadening in the intercellular space was observed in the residual cells. Downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of vimentin were detected in the residual NPC cells and tissues. CSC-related Lgr5 and c-myc were significantly upregulated in the CNE-2-Rs and 6-10B-Rs radioresistance cells. Higher proportions of Lgr5+ cells were observed in radioresistant cells via immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that residual NPC cells had an advanced malignant transition and presented with both EMT and a CSC phenotype. This provides a possible clue and treatment strategy for advanced and residual NPC.
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10.3892/or.2016.4768
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pubmed_278_7686
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In this study, we attempted to prepare an amylose-oligo[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (ORHB) inclusion complex using a vine-twining polymerization approach. Our previous studies indicated that glucan phosphorylase (GP)-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization in the presence of appropriate hydrophobic guest polymers produces the corresponding amylose-polymer inclusion complexes, a process named vine-twining polymerization. When vine-twining polymerization was conducted in the presence of ORHB under general enzymatic polymerization conditions (45 °C), the enzymatically produced amylose did not undergo complexation with ORHB. However, using a maltotriose primer in the same polymerization system at 70 °C for 48 h to obtain water-soluble amylose, called single amylose, followed by cooling the system over 7 h to 45 °C, successfully induced the formation of the inclusion complex. Furthermore, enzymatic polymerization initiated from a longer primer under the same conditions induced the partial formation of the inclusion complex. The structures of the different products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, 1H-NMR, and IR measurements. The mechanism of formation of the inclusion complexes discussed in the study is proposed based on the additional experimental results.
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10.3390/molecules26092595
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pubmed_740_21854
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Though genetic data suggest that Polycomb group proteins (PcGs) are central chromatin modifiers and repressors that have been implicated in control of embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency, the precise mechanism of PcG complex recruitment remains elusive, especially in mammals. We now report that the first and second MBT repeats of L3mbtl2 are important structural and functional features that are necessary and sufficient for L3mbtl2-mediated recruitment of PRC1.6 complex to target promoters. Interestingly, this region of L3mbtl2 harbors the evolutionarily conserved Pho-binding pocket also present in Drosophila Sfmbt, and mutation of the critical residues within this pocket completely abolishes its interaction with target promoters. Additionally, decreased PRC1.6 chromatin occupancy was observed following loss of individual components (L3mbtl2, Pcgf6, and Max) of the complex. Our findings suggest that the recruitment of noncanonical PRC1.6 complex in ESCs might be the result of L3mbtl2's interaction with multiple components of the complex.
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10.1016/j.celrep.2018.02.072
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pubmed_904_14211
|
BACKGROUND
Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity. They cause widespread hardship and are associated with detrimental effects on mental health.AimsOur aim is to provide the best estimate of the effects of natural disasters on mental health through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the rates of psychological distress and psychiatric disorder after natural disasters.
METHOD
This systematic review and meta-analysis is limited to studies that met predetermined quality criteria. We required included studies to make comparisons with pre-disaster or non-disaster exposed controls, and sample representative populations. Key studies were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO from 1980 to 3 March 2017. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for studies that reported key outcomes with appropriate statistics.
RESULTS
Forty-one studies were identified by the literature search, of which 27 contributed to the meta-analyses. Continuous measures of psychological distress were increased after natural disasters (combined standardised mean difference 0.63, 95% CI 0.27-0.98, P = 0.005). Psychiatric disorders were also increased (combined odds ratio 1.84, 95% CI 1.43-2.38, P < 0.001). Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were significantly increased after disasters. Findings for anxiety and alcohol misuse/dependence were not significant. High rates of heterogeneity suggest that disaster-specific factors and, to a lesser degree, methodological factors contribute to the variance between studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased rates of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders follow natural disasters. High levels of heterogeneity between studies suggest that disaster variables and post-disaster response have the potential to mitigate adverse effects.Declaration of interestNone.
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10.1192/bjp.2018.210
|
pubmed_382_7584
|
OBJECTIVES
To identify predictors of tibial and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) chelatable lead in 543 organolead manufacturing workers with past exposure to organic and inorganic lead.
METHODS
In this cross sectional study, tibial lead (by 109Cd K-shell x ray fluorescence), DMSA chelatable lead (4 hour urinary lead excretion after oral administration of 10 mg/kg), and several exposure measures were obtained on study participants, mean (SD) age 57.6 (7.6) years.
RESULTS
Tibial lead concentrations ranged from -1.6 to 52.0 micrograms lead/g bone mineral, with a mean (SD) of 14.4 (9.3) micrograms/g. DMSA chelatable lead ranged from 1.2 to 136 micrograms, with a mean (SD) of 19.3 (17.2) micrograms. In a multiple linear regression model of tibial lead, age (p < 0.01), duration of exposure (p < 0.01), current (p < 0.01) and past (p = 0.05) cigarette smoking, and diabetes (p = 0.01) were all independent positive predictors, whereas height (p = 0.03), and exercise inducing sweating (p = 0.04) were both negative predictors. The final regression model accounted for 31% of the variance in tibial lead concentrations; 27% was explained by age and duration of exposure alone. DMSA chelatable lead was directly associated with tibial lead (p = 0.01), cumulative exposure to inorganic lead (y.microgram/m3, p = 0.01), current smoking (p < 0.01), and weight (p < 0.01), and negatively associated with diabetes (p = 0.02). The final model accounted for 11% of the variance in chelatable lead. When blood lead was added to this model of DMSA chelatable lead, tibial lead, cumulative exposure to inorganic lead, and diabetes were no longer significant; blood lead accounted for the largest proportion of variance (p < 0.001); and the total model r2 increased to 19%.
CONCLUSIONS
The low proportions of variance explained in models of both tibial and chelatable lead suggest that other factors are involved in the deposition of lead in bone and soft tissue. In epidemiological studies of the health effects of lead, evaluation of associations with both these measures may allow inferences to be made about whether health effects are likely to be recent, and thus potentially reversible, or chronic, and thus possibly irreversible. The data also provide direct evidence that in men the total amount of lead in the body that is bioavailable declines with age.
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10.1136/oem.56.1.22
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pubmed_260_8588
|
BACKGROUND
Microsurgical free tissue transfer has become a reliable technique. Nevertheless, 5 to 25 percent of transferred flaps require re-exploration due to circulatory compromise. This study was conducted to evaluate the timing of occurrence of flap compromise following free tissue transfer, and its correlation with salvage outcome.
METHODS
Between January of 2002 and June of 2003, 1142 free flap procedures were performed and 113 flaps (9.9 percent) received re-exploration due to compromise. All patients were cared for in the microsurgical intensive care unit for 5 days. Through a retrospective review, timing of presentation of compromise was identified and correlated with salvage outcome.
RESULTS
Seventy-two flaps (63.7 percent) were completely salvaged and 23 (20.4 percent) were partially salvaged. Eighteen flaps (15.9 percent) failed completely. Ninety-three flaps (82.3 percent) presented with circulatory compromise within 24 hours; 108 (95.6 percent) presented with circulatory compromise within 72 hours, and 92 flaps (85.2 percent) were salvaged within this period. One out of the three flaps presenting with compromise 1 week postoperatively was salvaged. Flaps presenting with compromise upon admission to the microsurgical intensive care unit had significantly lower complete salvage rates as compared with those without immediate abnormal signs (40.9 percent versus 69.2 percent, p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The time of presentation of flap compromise is a significant predictor of flap salvage outcome. Intensive flap monitoring at a special microsurgical intensive care unit by well-trained nurses and surgeons allows for early detection of vascular compromise, which leads to better outcomes.
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10.1097/01.prs.0000264077.07779.50
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pubmed_989_22403
|
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to detect the mechanical anisotropy of the cornea using Brillouin microscopy along different perturbation directions.
Methods
Brillouin frequency shift of both whole globes (n = 10) and cornea punches (n = 10) were measured at different angles to the incident laser, thereby probing corneal longitudinal modulus of elasticity along different directions. Frequency shift of virgin (n = 26) versus cross-linked corneas (n = 15) over a large range of hydration conditions were compared in order to differentiate the contributions to Brillouin shift due to hydration from those due to stromal tissue.
Results
We detected mechanical anisotropy of corneas, with an average frequency shift increase of 53 MHz and 96 MHz when the instrument probed from 0° to 15° and 30° along the direction of the stromal fibers. Brillouin microscopy did not lose sensitivity to mechanical anisotropy up to 96% water content. We experimentally measured and theoretically modeled how mechanical changes independent of hydration affect frequency shift as a result of corneal cross-linking by isolating an approximately 100 MHz increase in frequency shift following a cross-linking procedure purely due to changes of stromal tissue mechanics.
Conclusions
Brillouin microscopy is sensitive to mechanical anisotropy of the stroma even in highly hydrated corneas. The agreement between model and experimental data suggested a quantitative relationship between Brillouin frequency shift, hydration state of the cornea, and stromal tissue stiffness.
Translational Relevance
The protocol and model validated throughout this study offer a path for comprehensive measurements of corneal mechanics within the clinic; allowing for improved evaluation of the long-term mechanical efficacy of cross-linking procedures.
|
10.1167/tvst.9.7.26
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pubmed_901_9732
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Specimens of 387 nasopharyngeal suction smears obtained from 354 children hospitalized with acute respiratory infections during an eight-month period were examined for the presence of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique (IFAT) and by conventional tissue culture infectivity techniques. Respiratory syncytial virus was identified in nasopharyngeal suction smear specimens from 123 of these specimens (32%) with the use of both techniques. Of the specimens positive on tissue culture 92% were also positive for RS virus by IFAT. However, eight specimens positive for RS virus by tissue culture were negative by IFAT, although three of the specimens were technically unsuitable. Six percent of the specimens negative for RS virus by tissue culture were positive for RS virus antigen when tested by IFAT. Using IFAT, identification of RS virus could be accomplished within four to six hours, whereas isolation by tissue culture took an average period of ten days. These data suggest that IFAT is a reliable means for the rapid diagnosis of RS virus infection in infants and children.
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10.1001/archpedi.1978.02120360044006
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pubmed_436_23326
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BACKGROUND
Walleyed bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO) syndrome has mainly been reported in patients with cerebrovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis, but has never been described in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a patient with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) who presented with WEBINO syndrome.
DESIGN
Case report and review of literature.
SETTING
A university hospital.
PATIENT
A 72-year-old man began to display akinesia, freezing of gait, postural instability, mild rigidity of the neck, and vertical supranuclear palsy, including downward gaze limitation, at 66 years of age. At 68 years, he started to develop diplopia. At 70 years, he had bilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus syndrome. Later, his eye positions gradually showed alternating exotropia.
RESULTS
A diagnosis of probable PSP was made based on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy criteria. He showed alternating exotropia in the forward gaze, and adduction paresis and monocular nystagmus of the abducted eye in the horizontal gaze, 2 clinical symptoms of WEBINO syndrome.
CONCLUSION
This is the first reported case of a patient with PSP presenting with WEBINO syndrome. Because bilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus lesions are commonly observed in PSP as clinical and pathological findings, particular attention should be given to WEBINO syndrome in patients with PSP.
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10.1001/archneur.65.6.827
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pubmed_394_18538
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Melanoma is commonly associated with multi-organ metastasis, and bone is a frequent metastatic site for melanoma. However, the mechanism responsible for such melanoma-induced bone metastasis is still poorly understood. In the present study, the intracardiac inoculation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-producing human melanoma-derived cells (SEKI) developed osteolytic bone destruction in male BALB/cA-nu/nu nude mice. To elucidate the role of LIF in melanoma-induced osteolysis, cells were prepared in which the expression of LIF was reduced using a siRNA technique from the parent SEKI cells. Osteoclastogenesis was induced in the co-culture of LIF and/or SEKI cells with osteoblastic stromal cells in vitro, whereas the LIF-reduced SEKI cells did not induce osteoclastogenesis. The intracardiac inoculation of LIF-reduced SEKI cells resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence and number of bone metastasis in comparison to those in the mice inoculated with the parent SEKI cells. The expression of LIF was found in seven of nine human melanoma-derived cell lines, suggesting that LIF expression is a universal event in melanoma. These findings suggest that a potential role for LIF in the melanoma-induced bone metastasis possibly through the stimulation of osteoclastogenesis. LIF might therefore be a potentially effective drug target in the treatment of bone metastasis in melanoma.
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10.1007/s10585-008-9223-x
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pubmed_153_7145
|
A factor for estimating the flexibility of proteins is described that uses a cleavage method of "in-source decay (ISD)" coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). The MALDI-ISD spectra of bovine serum albumin (BSA), myoglobin and thioredoxin show discontinuous intense ion peaks originating from one-side preferential cleavage at the N-Cα bond of Xxx-Asp, Xxx-Asn, Xxx-Cys and Gly-Xxx residues. Consistent with these observations, Asp, Asn and Gly residues are also identified by other flexibility measures such as B-factor, turn preference, protection and fluorescence decay factors, while Asp, Asn, Cys and Gly residues are identified by turn preference factor based on X-ray crystallography. The results suggest that protein molecules embedded in/on MALDI matrix crystals partly maintain α-helix and that the reason some of the residues are more susceptible to ISD (Asp, Asn, Cys and Gly) and others less so (Ile and Val) is because of accessibility of the peptide backbone to hydrogen-radicals from matrix molecules. The hydrogen-radical accessibility in MALDI-ISD could therefore be adopted as a factor for measuring protein flexibility.
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10.3390/ijms15058428
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pubmed_704_16065
|
Allergic diseases have been a global problem over the past few decades. The effect of allergic diseases on healthcare systems and society is generally remarkable and is considered as one of the most common causes of chronic and hospitalized disease. The functional ability of probiotics to modulate the innate/acquired immune system leads to the initiation of mucosal/systemic immune responses. Gut microbiota plays a beneficial role in food digestion, development of the immune system, control/growth of the intestinal epithelial cells and their differentiation. Prescribing probiotics causes a significant change in the intestinal microflora and modulates cytokine secretion, including networks of genes, TLRs, signaling molecules and increased intestinal IgA responses. The modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance is done by probiotics, which suppress Th2 responses with shifts to Th1 and thereby prevent allergies. In general, probiotics are associated with a decrease in inflammation by increasing butyrate production and induction of tolerance with an increase in the ratio of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10/IFN-γ, Treg/TGF-β, reducing serum eosinophil levels and the expression of metalloproteinase-9 which contribute to the improvement of the allergic disease's symptoms. Finally, it can be said that the therapeutic approach to immunotherapy and the reduction of the risk of side effects in the treatment of allergic diseases is the first priority of treatment and the final approach that completes the first priority in maintaining the condition and sustainability of the tolerance along with the recovery of the individual.
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10.1016/j.aller.2020.04.005
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pubmed_921_9629
|
BACKGROUND
Adrenocortical suppression is a potential complication of the use of topical corticosteroids in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether or not the adrenocortical suppression observed in patients with severe AD is a sole result of the application of topical steroids.
METHODS
A total of 45 patients with severe AD that required hospitalization for treatment were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment received before hospitalization: group 1 had not used topical corticosteroids for at least three months (n = 17), while group 2 had used topical corticosteroids daily (n = 28). Otherwise, these two groups were matched to clinical characteristics. A rapid ACTH test was performed upon hospital admission. Topical corticosteroids were then applied to both groups. The second ACTH test was performed just before discharge, an average of 23 days after the first test.
RESULTS
The basal serum cortisol levels as well as the response to ACTH stimulation in the first examination were significantly lower in the AD patients than in the controls (P < .001), although there were no significant differences in the results between groups 1 and 2. The followup study of adrenocortical function at hospital discharge showed that morning basal serum cortisol levels were significantly increased in group 1 (P < .01), despite their topical corticosteroid treatment, while no significant increase or decrease was seen in group 2.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that the adrenocortical suppression seen in patients with AD may be caused by the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids as well as by other factors related to the disease.
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10.1016/S1081-1206(10)62431-3
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pubmed_123_24354
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Recent pharmacological evidence suggests that the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) vagal inhibitory input responsible for receptive relaxation of the fundic stomach is mediated by nitric oxide-synthesizing enteric neurons. To demonstrate anatomically such direct vagal inputs to neurochemically identified enteric neurons, we utilized the nicotinamide acetamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase histochemical reaction in conjunction with selective anterograde labeling of vagal efferents or afferents. Approximately 30% of all myenteric neurons of the fundic myenteric plexus stained positive for NADPH diaphorase, and the principal recipient of axonal projections from NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons was the circular muscle layer. In a group of animals showing the most complete labeling of vagal efferent preganglionics with the carbocyanine dye DiA, quantitative analysis of the half of the ventral fundic wall closer to the greater curvature revealed that 46.8% +/- 4.4% of all myenteric neurons received some degree of vagal contacts and that 30.5% +/- 6.6% of such vagally contacted neurons were also NADPH diaphorase positive. In another group of rats with the most successful selective labeling of vagal afferents through DiI injections into the left nodose ganglion, analysis of select ganglia throughout the ventral fundic wall revealed that, of a total of 454 neurons with vagal afferent contacts, 34.8% +/- 2.8% were NADPH diaphorase positive. These findings support the view that, in the fundic stomach, some vagal preganglionic efferents terminate on nitric oxide-synthesizing neurons that, in turn, project to and relax the external smooth muscle layers. Furthermore, vagal afferent endings also contact NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons, suggesting the possibility of local axon reflexes originating from smooth muscular in-series tension receptors and terminating on nitrergic neurons of the myenteric plexus.
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10.1002/cne.903580309
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pubmed_710_7699
|
AIMS
Disturbances in personality and addictions are associated with an increased risk of committing crimes and therefore of being imprisoned. In this study, the relationship between these factors is analyzed through a sample of inmates in the Prison of Pereiro de Aguiar, Ourense.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
204 inmates participated in this transversal simple blind design study. The following variables were analyzed: presence of personality disorders and psychopathy, history of addictive psychoactive substance use, criminal history and socio-demographic variables.
RESULTS
101 (49.5%) inmates received a diagnosis of personality disorder, the most frequent being: narcissistic, 43 (21.08%); antisocial, 38 (18.63%); and paranoid, 29 (14.22%). The presence of any personality disorder was associated with an increase in the risk of committing crimes, especially violence and crimes against property. The most frequent personality disorders were associated with higher scores in the psychopathy assessment tools. Higher scores in the Psychopathy Checklist Reviewed (PCL-R) correlated with an increased risk of committing the following crimes: violent, against public health, against property and disorderly conduct. The consumption of addictive psychoactive substances was associated with the commission of crimes against property. Methadone stood out for its protective role against the commission of violent crimes.
DISCUSSION
This sample shows that inmates have a higher prevalence of personality disorders, psychopathy and consumption of addictive psychoactive substances. These three variables significantly increased the risk of committing crimes.
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pubmed_710_7699
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pubmed_92_3602
|
Emerging evidence supports an important, etiologic role for epigenetic modifications in cancer. Various post translational modifications of histone proteins together with DNA methylation constitute an 'epigenetic code' regulating the transcriptional status of the cell and aberrant writing and/or interpretation of the code can contribute to a dysregulated, hyperproliferative state. In some cases, epigenetic deregulation has also been reported to result in tumor initiation. The discovery of somatic mutations in some chromatin binding proteins associated with subtypes of lymphomas and the ability to regulate expression of proto oncogenes such as Myc has spurred the development of specific small molecule modulators of histone binding proteins. Several of these compounds have entered clinical development for the treatment of heme malignancies. This review summarizes progress in the discovery and advancement of epigenetic therapeutics for cancer and provides a perspective for future development.
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pubmed_92_3602
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pubmed_440_23309
|
High-throughput amplicon sequencing technology has been widely used in soil microbiome studies. Here, we estimated the bias of amplicon sequencing data affected by DNA extraction methods in a saline soil, and a non-saline normal soil was used as a control. Compared with the normal soil, several unique points were observed in the saline soil. The soil washing pretreatment can improve not only DNA quantity and quality but also microbial diversities in the saline soil; therefore, we recommend the soil washing pretreatment for saline soils especially hypersaline soils that cannot be achieved with detectable DNA amounts without the pretreatment. Also, evenness indices were more easily affected by DNA extraction methods than richness indices in the saline soil. Moreover, proportions of Gram-positive bacteria had significant positive correlations with the achieved microbial diversities within replicates of the saline soil. Though DNA extraction methods can bias the microbial diversity or community and relative abundances of some phyla/classes can vary by a factor of more than five, soil types were still the most important factor of the whole community. We confirmed good comparability in the whole community, but more attention should be paid when concentrating on an exact diversity value or the exact relative abundance of a certain taxon. Our study can provide references for the DNA extraction from saline and non-saline soils and comparing sequencing data across studies who may employ different DNA extraction methods.
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10.3389/fmicb.2018.01796
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pubmed_554_22698
|
Memantine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, is a well-established treatment option for moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer disease. Recently, growing evidence has indicated memantine might also be effective in treatment of affective disorders. The common drug-induced adverse events of memantine include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, and agitation. Herein, we presented a case of a 73-year-old female patient with vascular neurocognitive disorder, who developed a manic episode after taking memantine.
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10.2147/NDT.S160832
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pubmed_674_13148
|
Drought is believed to cause many metabolic changes which affect plant growth and development. However, it might be mitigated by various inorganic substances, such as nitrogen. Thus, the study was carried out to investigate the effect of foliar-applied urea with or without urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) on a maize cultivar under drought stress simulated by 15% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 6000. Foliar-applied urea resulted in a significant increase in plant dry weight, relative water content, and photosynthetic pigments under water stress condition. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and hydrogen peroxidase (CAT), were enhanced with all spraying treatments under drought stress, which led to decreases in accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion ([Formula: see text]) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The contents of soluble protein and soluble sugar accumulated remarkably with urea-applied under drought stress condition. Moreover, a further enhancement in above metabolites was observed by spraying a mixture of urea and urease inhibitor as compared to urea sprayed only. Taken together, our findings show that foliar application of urea and a urease inhibitor could significantly enhance drought tolerance of maize through protecting photosynthetic apparatus, activating antioxidant defense system and improving osmoregulation.
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10.1007/s10265-017-0933-5
|
pubmed_878_5486
|
Palladium based nano-alloys are well known for their unique electrocatalytic properties. In this work, a palladium-decorated FeCo@Fe/C core-shell nanocatalyst has been prepared by a new method called microwave-induced top-down nanostructuring and decoration (MITNAD). This simple, yet efficient technique, resulted in the generation of sub-10 nm sized FeCo@Fe@Pd nanocatalysts (mainly 3-5 nm) from a micron-sized (0.21-1.5 μm) FeCo@Fe/C. The electrocatalytic activities of the core-shell nanocatalysts were explored for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium. A negative shift of 300 mV in the onset potential for MOR was observed, with a current thrice that of the Pd/C catalysts. A very low resistance to electron transfer (Rct) was observed while the ratio of forward-to-backward oxidation current (If/Ib) was doubled. The overpotential of ORR was significantly reduced with a positive shift of about 250 mV and twice the reduction current density was observed in comparison with Pd/C nanocatalysts with the same mass loading. The kinetic parameters (in terms of the Tafel slope (b) = -59.7 mV dec(-1) (Temkin isotherm) and high exchange current density (jo) = 1.26 × 10(-2) mA cm(-2)) provide insights into the favorable electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts in ORR in alkaline media. Importantly, the core-shell nanocatalyst exhibited excellent resistance to possible methanol cross-over during ORR, which shows excellent promise for application in direct alkaline alcohol fuel cells (DAAFCs).
|
10.1039/c3cp52601a
|
pubmed_845_1820
|
Background: n-Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) catalyses the NAD +-dependent oxidative phosphorylation of n-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-diphospho-n-glycerate and its reverse reaction in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Methods: Four distinct crystal structures of human n-Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( HsGAPDH) have been determined from protein purified from the supernatant of HEK293F human epithelial kidney cells. Results: X-ray crystallography and mass-spectrometry indicate that the catalytic cysteine of the protein ( HsGAPDH Cys152) is partially oxidised to cysteine S-sulfonic acid. The average occupancy for the Cys152-S-sulfonic acid modification over the 20 crystallographically independent copies of HsGAPDH across three of the crystal forms obtained is 0.31±0.17. Conclusions: The modification induces no significant structural changes on the tetrameric enzyme, and only makes aspecific contacts to surface residues in the active site, in keeping with the hypothesis that the oxidising conditions of the secreted mammalian cell expression system result in HsGAPDH catalytic cysteine S-sulfonic acid modification and irreversible inactivation of the enzyme.
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10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15893.2
|
pubmed_731_5908
|
BACKGROUND
Neonatal hypothermia is a worldwide problem and an important contributing factor for Neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. High prevalence of hypothermia has been reported from countries with the highest burden of Neonatal mortality. So the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Neonatal hypothermia and associated factors among newborn admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa.
METHODS
An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to April 30, 2016, in Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa and based on admission rate a total of 356 Neonates with their mother paired were enrolled for the study. Axillary temperate of the newborn was measured by a digital thermometer at the point of admission. Multivariate binary logistic regression, with 95% confidence interval and a p-value < 0.05 was used to identify variables which had a significant association.
RESULTS
The prevalence of Neonatal hypothermia in the study area was 64%. Preterm delivery (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI: 2.67, 8.64), age of Neonate ≤24 h old (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.03), no skin to skin contact with their mother immediately after delivery (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI: 2.38, 8.11), delayed initiation of breastfeeding (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 2.07, 6.65) and resuscitation at birth (AOR = 3.65, 95%CI: 1.52, 8.78) were significantly associated with hypothermia.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of Neonatal hypothermia in the study area was high. Preterm delivery, age ≤ 24 h old, no skin to skin contact immediately after delivery, delayed initiation of breastfeeding and resuscitation at birth were independent predictors of Neonatal hypothermia. Therefore attention is needed for thermal care of preterm newborn and use of low-cost thermal protection principles of warm chain especially on early initiation of breastfeeding, skin to skin contact immediately after delivery and warm resuscitation.
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10.1186/s12887-018-1238-0
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pubmed_624_16843
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Subcutaneous adipose tissue extracellular glucose was investigated in vivo in man with a microdialysis technique. A small dialysis probe (4 or 10 x 0.5 mm) was implanted subcutaneously, and was perfused continuously with a micro-infusion pump. Dialysate samples were collected in 15-min periods. A transient yield of ATP was recorded immediately after insertion of the probe; thereafter ATP was almost undetectable. During steady-state conditions the tissue dialysate glucose concentration remained constant for at least 2 h, which indicated that there was no drainage of glucose from the interstitial fluid to the tissue dialysate. Simultaneous dialysis of venous blood and subcutaneous fat in rats showed that the recovery of glucose from the adipose tissue interstitial fluid to the dialysate was only 20% of that from blood. However, in vivo dialysis of human adipose tissue with glucose-containing solutions produced an equilibrium with the extracellular space at a glucose concentration that was similar to the blood glucose concentration. After oral glucose ingestion and following i.v. insulin and glucose administration the relative variations in subcutaneous glucose closely resembled those in blood glucose. It is concluded that the subcutaneous implantation of the presently used small dialysis device causes only minor and transient traumatic effects. The dialysis recovery of glucose is lower in adipose tissue than in blood. However, the relative kinetics of subcutaneous tissue dialysate glucose are closely related to variations in the blood glucose concentration, and thus may be used for monitoring of glycaemic control in man.
|
10.1080/00365518909089123
|
pubmed_1033_10925
|
Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) have emerged as a novel class of anti-cancer agents. Analogs of the potent FTI, 1-benzyl-5-(3-biphenyl-2-yl-propyl)-1H-imidazole, were synthesized and tested in vitro for their inhibitory activities. The most promising compound identified from this series is analog 29 that possesses potent enzymatic and cellular activities.
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10.1016/j.bmcl.2004.07.083
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pubmed_1088_7201
|
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft-tissue malignancy that represents approximately 4-8% of all solid tumours in children and commonly arises from the head and neck and genitourinary system. Intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma, in particular with omental involvement, has been rarely reported in the literature. Furthermore, reports of omental rhabdomyosarcoma of embryonal origin do not exist, to our knowledge. We report two cases of omental embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma affecting children and illustrate the imaging characteristics of this rare tumour.
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10.1007/s00247-009-1275-9
|
pubmed_835_20765
|
This case report describes a 58-year-old, never-smoking housewife with chief complaints of progressively worsening cough, dyspnea, and intermittent fever, who was initially misdiagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, her pulse oximetry oxygen saturation continued to decline, and eventually, she underwent an endotracheal intubation. Fortunately, transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) assisted by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was performed in the most critical situation, and it revealed an organizing pneumonia (OP) pattern. OP describes a histological pattern of acute or subacute pulmonary damage, which may be idiopathic or associated with a known or unknown underlying disease. A definitive diagnosis of OP usually obtained from pathology, and surgical lung biopsy with large lung tissue is recommended. However, since the surgical lung biopsy was not convenient for this patient after mechanical ventilation, bedside TBCB supported by ECMO was selected. To our knowledge, we are the first to report the pathological diagnosis of ECMO assisted TBCB in acute respiratory failure. When oxygenation cannot be maintained after endotracheal intubation and surgical lung biopsy is not feasible, ECMO-supported TBCB may be a good choice to obtain lung tissue for histopathological diagnosis in patients with acute lung injury of unknown etiology.
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10.3389/fmed.2022.955992
|
pubmed_180_15741
|
We proposed a simple and an effective method to predict the site occupancy and threshold concentration of metal ions in lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN) single crystal. The ionic energy parameter E(i), defined by the ionic electronegativity and ionic radius, was proposed to describe the electrostatic and size effects of cations on the structural stability of LN. The dopant location can be easily identified by comparing the E(i) deviation of dopant from those of host cations Li(+) and Nb(5+), and the dopant prefers to occupy the lattice site with the smaller deviation of E(i). Our calculated occupancies agree well with those experimental results, which demonstrate the predictive power of our present method. We in this work predicted the preferred occupancies of 60 metal ions in LN single crystal. Further, the threshold concentrations of some frequently used dopants were calculated on the basis of the assumption that all doped LN crystals can endure the same variation of E(i).
|
10.1021/ic401805x
|
pubmed_442_3237
|
The role of exogenous spermine (0.25 mM Spm, a type of polyamine (PA) in reducing Cd uptake and alleviating Cd toxicity (containing 1 and 1.5 mM CdCl2 in the growing media) effects was studied in the mung bean (Vigna radiata L. cv. BARI Mung-2) plant. Exogenously applied Spm reduced Cd content, accumulation, and translocation in different plant parts. Increasing phytochelatin content, exogenous Spm reduced Cd accumulation and translocation. Spm application reduced the Cd-induced oxidative damage which was reflected from the reduction of H2O2 content, O2•- generation rate, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and lipid peroxidation level and also reflected from the reduction of spots of H2O2 and O2•- from mung bean leaves (compared to control treatment). Spm pretreatment increased non-enzymatic antioxidant contents (ascorbate, AsA, and glutathione, GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) which reduced oxidative stress. The cytotoxicity of methylglyoxal (MG) is also reduced by exogenous Spm because it enhanced glyoxalase system enzymes and components. Through osmoregulation, Spm maintained a better water status of Cd-affected mung bean seedlings. Spm prevented the chl damage and increased its content. Exogenous Spm also modulated the endogenous free PAs level which might have the roles in improving physiological processes including antioxidant capacity, osmoregulation, and Cd and MG detoxification capacity. The overall Spm-induced tolerance of mung bean seedlings to Cd toxicity was reflected through improved growth of mung bean seedlings.
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10.1007/s11356-016-7295-8
|
pubmed_1091_1001
|
BACKGROUND
Both shipping medical examinations in 2012-2013 and 2015 and oil and gas offshore medical examinations in 2009-2011 in the Netherlands show a decline in the percentage of declarations of unfitness as the number of examinations performed annually by each physician increases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The data from the electronic databases for shipping employees 2012-2013 and 2015 and the data collected from doctors examining offshore workers from 2009 to 2011 (based on data from a voluntary questionnaire) were subject to a statistical analysis to be able to assess which variables affect the rate of unfitness declaration.
RESULTS
Both shipping and offshore data show a decline in the percentage of declarations of unfitness as the number of examinations performed annually by each physician increases. The shipping examination data suggests that neither the type of physician (family physician, company's physician or other physician) nor the number of years of experience correlates with any trend in the percentage of such declarations. However shipping physicians working as employees had half the percentage of declaration of unfitness when compared to the self-employed physicians. The self-employed physicians, who performed the largest number of examinations per year, had an almost three times lower percentage of declaration of unfitness than the self-employed physicians, who performed few examinations. The percentages of declarations of medical unfitness by physicians working as employees are constant whether they perform many or few examinations per year.
|
10.5603/IMH.2018.0002
|
pubmed_418_15917
|
PURPOSE
No previous study has evaluated the relationship between vitamin K and frailty. Thus, we assessed the relationship between vitamin K status and frailty over 13 years in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA).
METHODS
Prospective cohort study with 644 community-dwelling adults ≥ 55 years from the LASA cohort. In 2002-2003, plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) was measured as marker of vitamin K status through a sandwich ELISA. Frailty was measured at baseline and in four follow-up examinations with the LASA Frailty Index (LASA-FI), which was used as both a continuous and a dichotomous measure (FI ≥ 0.25), as indicator of the degree of frailty and frailty risk, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with multivariable generalized estimating equations using the lowest dp-ucMGP tertile, reflecting a high vitamin K status, as reference.
RESULTS
The mean (SD) age was 59.9 (2.9) years, and 54% were female. Compared with the lowest tertile, the medium and highest dp-ucMGP tertile were associated with a higher degree of frailty [1.40, 95% confidence interval (0.01-2.81) and 1.62, (0.18-3.06), respectively. P trend: 0.03]. Additionally, the medium and highest dp-ucMGP tertile had a higher odds ratio of frailty [1.75 (1.11-2.77) and 1.63 (1.04-2.57), respectively]. The degree of frailty increased over time, but the differences by dp-ucMGP tertiles existed since baseline and remained stable during follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Baseline plasma low vitamin K status was associated with a greater degree of frailty and frailty risk in this cohort of older adults, which highlights the importance of ensuring an optimal nutritional status of this vitamin to prevent frailty in later life.
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10.1007/s00394-019-01984-9
|
pubmed_695_8425
|
Histone lysine demethylase 6a (Kdm6a) mediates the removal of repressive trimethylation from histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) to activate target gene expression. Obesity is associated with metabolic inflammation, and adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are key players orchestrating metabolic inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether the Kdm6a pathway in ATMs regulates energy homeostasis. Here, we identified Kdm6a as a critical epigenetic switch that modulates macrophage polarisation and further disrupts energy balance. Myeloid-specific Kdm6a knockout in Kdm6aF/Y;Lyz2-Cre mice significantly reversed the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced M1-M2 imbalance in white adipose tissue (WAT) and blocked HFD-induced obesity. The brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity, WAT browning and energy expenditure were significantly increased in Kdm6aF/Y;Lyz2-Cre mice. Furthermore, Kdm6a regulated the Ire1α expression in a demethylase activity-dependent manner and augmented the M2 polarisation of macrophages. Macrophage with higher Kdm6a significantly promotes adipogenesis in white adipocyte and inhibits thermogenesis in beige adipocytes. These results suggest that the Kdm6a in macrophages drives obesity and metabolic syndrome by impairing BAT activity and WAT differentiation.
|
10.1038/s41418-020-00694-8
|
pubmed_852_20131
|
In this editor's review, articles published in 2012 are organized by category and briefly summarized. We aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration. As the official journal of the International Federation for Artificial Organs, the International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide such meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected, and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers, the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our publisher, Wiley Periodicals, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years.
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10.1111/aor.12057
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pubmed_111_13119
|
Public antenatal health care services in the National Capital District (NCD) of Papua New Guinea are provided at some of the nurse operated urban satellite clinics and at a large outpatient clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). The major functions of the antenatal clinics are screening for high risk cases and giving routine medications. In this they are following the policy of the National Health Plan and the recommendations of the Public Health Department reports on which it was partially based. The purpose of this study was to examine some of the characteristics of a particular segment of the clientele at the PMGH antenatal clinic and to explore their motivation for attendance, especially the timing of their first visit. After an initial survey of the clinic record cards of all women attending the PMGH clinic in September 1980, interviews were conducted with a stratified sample of women attending clinic sometime between February and June 1981. Only women indigenous to the NCD and the surrounding province were included in the study. From clinic record cards, information was obtained on each woman's residence, birthplace, parity, gestational stage at first clinic visit, place of previous deliveries, clinical/laboratory measures and obstetric history. The interviews were conducted in a private room near the clinic in a language preferred by the interviewee. Their responses clarified some of the background data on their clinic cards and provided additional information on why they came to the clinic when they did. In general, the sample group was highly oriented toward Western-based medical care. They came to have themselves and their babies examined for possible problems, to receive the right amounts of the right medicines, and to get information. This was consistent with both policy and services. They also came because of the perceived effectiveness of the clinic and sometimes because it was the 'proper thing to do'. Many factors influenced their choice of when and where to seek antenatal services, including advice from husbands as well as from traditional female sources. Their previous experiences with hospitals and clinics and with pregnancy in general were also important.
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10.1016/0277-9536(85)90111-x
|
pubmed_1142_19210
|
Evidence supporting the association of glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with the risk of endometrial cancer is controversial and reports from Asia were limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association in Japanese women. We evaluated 52 460 women in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study aged 45-74 years who responded to the 5-year follow-up survey. GI and GL were calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire, and the participants were divided into three groups by GI and GL. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with the Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for potential confounding factors. As a result, within 15.5 years of follow-up, 166 new cases of endometrial cancer were identified. Compared with the lowest GI and GL tertile groups, the HR of the risk of endometrial cancer in the highest GI tertile group was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.53-1.20; Ptrend = .33), and that of the highest GL tertile group was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.52-1.19; Ptrend = .82). The results were unchanged after stratification by body mass index, coffee consumption, and history of diabetes. In conclusion, we did not find any significant association between GI and GL with the risk of endometrial cancer. Further research is required to clarify the association.
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10.1111/cas.14997
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pubmed_875_18811
|
Nebulin is an about 1μm long intrinsically disordered scaffold for the thin filaments of skeletal muscle sarcomere. It is a multifunctional elastic protein that wraps around actin filament, stabilizes thin filaments, and regulates Ca-dependent actomyosin interactions. This study investigates whether the disorder profile of nebulin might encode guidelines for thin and thick filament interactions in the sarcomere of the skeletal muscle. The question was addressed computationally by analyzing the predicted disorder profile of human nebulin (6669 residues, ∼200 actin-binding repeats) by pondr and the periodicity of the A-band stripes (reflecting the locations of myosin-associated proteins) in the electron micrographs of the sarcomere. Using the detrended fluctuation analysis, a scale factor for the A-band stripe image data with respect to the nebulin disorder profile was determined to make the thin and thick filaments aligned to have maximum correlation. The empirical mode decomposition method was then applied to identify hidden periodicities in both the nebulin disorder profile and the rescaled A-band data. The decomposition reveals three characteristic length scales (45 nm, 100 nm, and 200 nm) that are relevant for correlational analysis. The dynamical cross-correlation analyses with moving windows at various sarcomere lengths depict a vernierlike design for both periodicities, thus enabling nebulin to sense position and fine tune sarcomere overlap. This shows that the disorder profile of scaffolding proteins may encode a guideline for cellular architecture.
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10.1103/PhysRevE.93.062406
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pubmed_437_275
|
BACKGROUND
Since the global standards for postgraduate medical education (PGME) were published in January 2003, they have gained worldwide attention. The current state of residency training programs in medical-school-affiliated hospitals throughout China was assessed in this study.
METHODS
Based on the internationally recognized global standards for PGME, residents undergoing residency training at that time and the relevant residency training instructors and management personnel from 15 medical-school-affiliated hospitals throughout China were recruited and surveyed regarding the current state of residency training programs. A total of 938 questionnaire surveys were distributed between June 30, 2006 and July 30, 2006; of 892 surveys collected, 841 were valid.
RESULTS
For six items, the total proportions of "basically meets standards" and "completely meets standards" were <70% for the basic standards. These items were identified in the fields of "training settings and educational resources", "evaluation of training process", and "trainees". In all fields other than "continuous updates", the average scores of the western regions were significantly lower than those of the eastern regions for both the basic and target standards. Specifically, the average scores for the basic standards on as many as 25 of the 38 items in the nine fields were significantly lower in the western regions. There were significant differences in the basic standards scores on 13 of the 38 items among trainees, instructors, and managers.
CONCLUSIONS
The residency training programs have achieved satisfactory outcomes in the hospitals affiliated with various medical schools in China. However, overall, the programs remain inadequate in certain areas. For the governments, organizations, and institutions responsible for PGME, such global standards for PGME are a very useful self-assessment tool and can help identify problems, promote reform, and ultimately standardize PGME.
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10.1186/1472-6920-14-111
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pubmed_1022_9543
|
The adaptive immune system has been reported to play a dual role in many cancers, on one hand inhibiting tumor growth and, on the other hand, promoting disease progression, escape from cancer immunosurveillance and relapse. We have previously reported that the suppression of the adaptive immune response associated with high levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) was evident in patients with low-risk neuroblastoma. Here, we report the results of a pilot study demonstrating that the amounts of HLA-DR-positive or negative myeloid cells in the peripheral blood might predict disease outcome among individuals affected by high-risk neuroblastoma.
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10.4161/onci.26616
|
pubmed_1085_4556
|
The heme-globin complexes of hemoglobin and myoglobin are investigated in positive-ion mode and negative-ion mode using a nano-ESI source coupled to a quadrupole ion trap MS and an orthogonal time-of-flight MS. The extent of dissociation of these noncovalent complexes upon collisional activation and thus their gas-phase stability is strongly dependent on the polarity of the ESI-MS experiment as well as on the charge of the prosthetic group (ferri-heme [Fe3+-heme]+ vs. ferro-heme [Fe2+-heme]+/-0). The results clearly point to the important role of electrostatic interactions on the gas phase stability of noncovalent complexes and therefore the ion signals observed in ESI-MS experiments.
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10.1016/S1044-0305(01)00294-X
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pubmed_10_6104
|
A growing body of research implicates the left anterior temporal lobe (LATL) for combinatorial semantic processing. However, magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies have revealed this activity to be timed quite early, at 200-250ms, preceding the most common time window for lexical-semantic effects. What type of semantic composition could the LATL perform at 200-250ms? We hypothesized that the LATL computes an early stage of composition, taking as its input only the most readily available lexical-semantic information. To test this, we varied the context-sensitivity of prenominal adjectives, postulating that only context-insensitive intersective adjectives (e.g., dead, Italian) should compose in an early time window, whereas the composition of context-sensitive scalar adjectives (e.g., fast, large) should be delayed until the interpretation of the subsequent noun is fully determined. Consistent with this, early combinatory effects in left temporal cortex were observed only for intersective adjectives, though in this study the effects were somewhat more posterior than in prior reports. Overall, our results suggest multiple stages of semantic composition, of which the LATL may index the earliest.
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10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.06.010
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pubmed_982_6787
|
Bacteroides fragilis group strains are still considered susceptible to most antimicrobial agents used for the treatment of infections caused by anaerobic organisms. We describe two cases of infections due to isolates simultaneously resistant to clindamycin, tetracycline, cefoxitin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and imipenem and, in one of the two cases, to metronidazole. Such infections, although still rare, do exist and tend to complicate treatment.
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10.1128/JCM.00316-06
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pubmed_776_20026
|
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiology of vertically acquired HIV infection in the British Isles, the level of underreporting, the vertical transmission rate, and clinical spectrum of paediatric AIDS.
DESIGN
Confidential, linked registers based on reporting from obstetricians and paediatricians; anonymous unlinked neonatal HIV serosurveys.
SETTING
British Isles.
SUBJECTS
Children born to mothers with HIV infection.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Trends in HIV infection and vertical transmission rate.
RESULTS
In Scotland and the Irish Republic, where most maternal HIV infection is related to drug misuse, the annual number of reports of children born to infected mothers has fallen since 1989. In England and Wales nearly half of maternal infections have been acquired overseas, and the number of children born to these women, and to women who became infected in Britain, is increasing. In south east England the proportion of live births to women whose infection was identified before delivery was only 17% (50/287), compared with 68% (26/38) in Scotland. The vertical transmission rate was 13.7% (23/168), and 23% of infected children developed AIDS in the first year of life. 41% (38/92) of children born to infected mothers who were ascertained after delivery were breast fed, compared with 5% (12/236) of those ascertained before delivery.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of vertically transmitted HIV infection is increasing in England and Wales. More extensive antenatal testing would enable infected women to be counselled against breast feeding, which could prevent a substantial proportion of vertical transmission in some areas, and would increase opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of infected children.
|
10.1136/bmj.306.6888.1296
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pubmed_690_3788
|
Changes in the level of mRNA for aldosterone synthase cytochrome P-450 (cytochrome P-450aldo) in rats on dietary sodium restriction were studied by means of Northern and slot blot hybridization using an oligonucleotide probe that allowed differentiation of the message for this enzyme from that for cytochrome P-450(11)beta. These two enzymes have been shown to be highly homologous with each other, exhibiting 88% homology in their nucleotide sequences in the coding region. Upon sodium restriction for 2 weeks, cytochrome P-450aldo mRNA in rat adrenals increased 7-fold, whereas the cytochrome P-450(11) beta mRNA level in the same adrenals did not change significantly. The increase in cytochrome P-450aldo mRNA paralleled that in cytochrome P-450aldo protein, as analyzed by immunoblot technique. These results, together with our previous finding that angiotensin II induced cytochrome P-450aldo in rat adrenocortex [Shibata, H., Ogishima, T., Mitani, F., Suzuki, H., Murakami, M., Saruta, T., & Ishimura, Y. (1991) Endocrinology 128, 2534-2539], suggest that the production of cytochrome P-450aldo is regulated by angiotensin II at the pretranslational level, most likely at the transcriptional level.
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10.1093/oxfordjournals.jbchem.a123776
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pubmed_1142_22914
|
BACKGROUND
Social networking platforms offer a wide reach for public health interventions allowing communication with broad audiences using tools that are generally free and straightforward to use and may be combined with other components, such as public health policies. We define interactive social media as activities, practices, or behaviours among communities of people who have gathered online to interactively share information, knowledge, and opinions.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to assess the effectiveness of interactive social media interventions, in which adults are able to communicate directly with each other, on changing health behaviours, body functions, psychological health, well-being, and adverse effects. Our secondary objective was to assess the effects of these interventions on the health of populations who experience health inequity as defined by PROGRESS-Plus. We assessed whether there is evidence about PROGRESS-Plus populations being included in studies and whether results are analysed across any of these characteristics.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE (including trial registries) and PsycINFO. We used Google, Web of Science, and relevant web sites to identify additional studies and searched reference lists of included studies. We searched for published and unpublished studies from 2001 until June 1, 2020. We did not limit results by language.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-and-after (CBAs) and interrupted time series studies (ITSs). We included studies in which the intervention website, app, or social media platform described a goal of changing a health behaviour, or included a behaviour change technique. The social media intervention had to be delivered to adults via a commonly-used social media platform or one that mimicked a commonly-used platform. We included studies comparing an interactive social media intervention alone or as a component of a multi-component intervention with either a non-interactive social media control or an active but less-interactive social media comparator (e.g. a moderated versus an unmoderated discussion group). Our main outcomes were health behaviours (e.g. physical activity), body function outcomes (e.g. blood glucose), psychological health outcomes (e.g. depression), well-being, and adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were process outcomes important for behaviour change and included knowledge, attitudes, intention and motivation, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and social support.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used a pre-tested data extraction form and collected data independently, in duplicate. Because we aimed to assess broad outcomes, we extracted only one outcome per main and secondary outcome categories prioritised by those that were the primary outcome as reported by the study authors, used in a sample size calculation, and patient-important.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 88 studies (871,378 participants), of which 84 were RCTs, three were CBAs and one was an ITS. The majority of the studies were conducted in the USA (54%). In total, 86% were conducted in high-income countries and the remaining 14% in upper middle-income countries. The most commonly used social media platform was Facebook (39%) with few studies utilising other platforms such as WeChat, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts. Many studies (48%) used web-based communities or apps that mimic functions of these well-known social media platforms. We compared studies assessing interactive social media interventions with non-interactive social media interventions, which included paper-based or in-person interventions or no intervention. We only reported the RCT results in our 'Summary of findings' table. We found a range of effects on health behaviours, such as breastfeeding, condom use, diet quality, medication adherence, medical screening and testing, physical activity, tobacco use, and vaccination. For example, these interventions may increase physical activity and medical screening tests but there was little to no effect for other health behaviours, such as improved diet or reduced tobacco use (20,139 participants in 54 RCTs). For body function outcomes, interactive social media interventions may result in small but important positive effects, such as a small but important positive effect on weight loss and a small but important reduction in resting heart rate (4521 participants in 30 RCTs). Interactive social media may improve overall well-being (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.79, moderate effect, low-certainty evidence) demonstrated by an increase of 3.77 points on a general well-being scale (from 1.15 to 6.48 points higher) where scores range from 14 to 70 (3792 participants in 16 studies). We found no difference in effect on psychological outcomes (depression and distress) representing a difference of 0.1 points on a standard scale in which scores range from 0 to 63 points (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.12, low-certainty evidence, 2070 participants in 12 RCTs). We also compared studies assessing interactive social media interventions with those with an active but less interactive social media control (11 studies). Four RCTs (1523 participants) that reported on physical activity found an improvement demonstrated by an increase of 28 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week (from 10 to 47 minutes more, SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59, small effect, very low-certainty evidence). Two studies found little to no difference in well-being for those in the intervention and control groups (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.13, small effect, low-certainty evidence), demonstrated by a mean change of 0.4 points on a scale with a range of 0 to 100. Adverse events related to the social media component of the interventions, such as privacy issues, were not reported in any of our included studies. We were unable to conduct planned subgroup analyses related to health equity as only four studies reported relevant data.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review combined data for a variety of outcomes and found that social media interventions that aim to increase physical activity may be effective and social media interventions may improve well-being. While we assessed many other outcomes, there were too few studies to compare or, where there were studies, the evidence was uncertain. None of our included studies reported adverse effects related to the social media component of the intervention. Future studies should assess adverse events related to the interactive social media component and should report on population characteristics to increase our understanding of the potential effect of these interventions on reducing health inequities.
|
10.1002/14651858.CD012932.pub2
|
pubmed_569_1466
|
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the efficacy and side effects of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before gynecologic surgery.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted. Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched. Randomized controlled trials on MBP prior to gynecologic surgery were included. The software package Revman 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Odds ratio (OR) and standard mean deviation were calculated for dichotomous and continuous variable, respectively.
RESULTS
The quality of the included studies was moderate to good. MBP prior to laparoscopic gynecologic benign surgery or vaginal prolapse surgery has not been proven to be valuable for surgical performance, mainly involving visualization of the surgical field (OR 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1 to 2.32; Z = 1.95, p = 0.05), bowel handling (OR 2.21, 95% CI 0.83 to 5.84; Z = 1.59, p = 0.11), surgical complications (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.46 to 3.67; Z = 0.5, p = 0.62) and bowel preparation. The discomfort due to oral catharsis is severer than no bowel preparation and enema, however without any difference between enema and no bowel preparation.
CONCLUSION
The routine practice of MBP before gynecologic surgery needs to be reconsidered. This traditional clinical behavior has to be abandoned before benign laparoscopic surgery. Studies on the role of MBP for gynecologic laparotomy and gynecologic cancer are urgent. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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10.1159/000431226
|
pubmed_422_21676
|
OBJECTIVES
1) To determine p53 expression in urinary wash cytology by immunohistochemistry in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and controls; 2) to correlate p53 in urinary wash cytology and anatomopathological characteristics of the bladder tumors analyzed; 3) to determine the utility of p53 expression in urinary wash cytology as a prognostic factor; and 4) to identify a subgroup of patients with superficial tumors of worse prognosis in order to improve control of the evolution of the tumor and treatment.
METHODS
From 1993 to 1998, 141 cases were studied; 32 controls comprised group I and 109 (38 primary and 71 recurrence) patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder comprised group II.
RESULTS
In group II, 29.5% were positive for p53 in urinary wash cytology, while no positive cases were found in group I. A total of 104 valid data were analyzed, which showed a higher percentage of p53-positive cases in grade III tumors (44.4%). Statistical analysis showed the percentage of p53-positive cases increased with tumor grade in a linear trend (p = 0.17). The recurrence rate in the p53-positive was 20% greater than in the p53-negative cases. Tumor progression was three times higher in the p53-positive than in the p53-negative patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The application of biomolecular knowledge to cytology is a useful complement in follow-up of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and offers additional parameters to distinguish benign and malignant cells. Immunohistochemical determination of p53 in urinary wash cytology identifies patients with superficial tumors with a worse prognosis.
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pubmed_422_21676
|
pubmed_910_3919
|
Organizing movements in time is a critical and highly conserved feature of mammalian behavior. Temporal control of action requires corticostriatal networks. We investigate these networks in rodents using a two-interval timing task while recording LFPs in medial frontal cortex (MFC) or dorsomedial striatum. Consistent with prior work, we found cue-triggered delta (1-4 Hz) and theta activity (4-8 Hz) primarily in rodent MFC. We observed delta activity across temporal intervals in MFC and dorsomedial striatum. Rewarded responses were associated with increased delta activity in MFC. Activity in theta bands in MFC and delta bands in the striatum was linked with the timing of responses. These data suggest both delta and theta activity in frontostriatal networks are modulated during interval timing and that activity in these bands may be involved in the temporal control of action.
|
10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00459
|
pubmed_824_8664
|
BACKGROUND
Impairments in emotional experience and expression have been observed in patients with schizophrenia. However, most previous studies have been limited to either emotional experience (especially anhedonia) or expression. Few studies have examined both the experience and expression of emotion in schizophrenia patients at the same time.
AIMS
The present study aimed to examine pleasure experience and emotion expression in patients with schizophrenia. In particular, we specifically examined the relationship between emotion impairments (both pleasure experience and expression) and negative symptoms.
METHODS
One hundred and fifty patients completed the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale and Emotional Expressivity Scale.
RESULTS
Schizophrenia patients exhibited deficits in experiencing pleasure, but showed intact reported emotion expression. Patients with prominent negative symptoms showed reduced anticipatory pleasure, especially in abstract anticipatory pleasure.
CONCLUSION
The present findings suggest that patients with schizophrenia have deficits in pleasure experience, while their abilities to express emotion appear intact. Such deficits are more severe in patients with prominent negative symptoms.
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10.11919/j.issn.1002-0829.217072
|
pubmed_732_14720
|
The progression of podocytopathies is quite variable among patients and the underlying reason for this remains unclear. Here, we report that autophagic activity in podocytes plays a critical role in controlling the progression of podocytopathies. Morphological and biochemical studies on renal biopsies from patients with minimal change disease (MCD) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) showed that glomeruli, and in particular podocytes, from MCD patients had higher levels of Beclin1-mediated autophagic activity than glomeruli from FSGS patients. Repeat renal biopsies of MCD patients enabled tracking of podocyte autophagic activity and confirmed that patients maintaining high podocyte autophagic activity retained MCD status, whereas patients with decreased podocyte autophagic activity progressed to FSGS. Inhibition of autophagic activity, by knocking down Beclin1 or by treating with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or chloroquine, enhanced puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced apoptosis of podocytes. In contrast, rapamycin-mediated promotion of autophagic activity decreased this apoptosis. In PAN-treated rats, inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA or chloroquine resulted in earlier onset and greater proteinuria, more extensive foot-process effacement, and reduction in podocyte markers, whereas rapamycin-mediated stimulation of autophagy led to decreased proteinuria and less severe foot-process effacement, but higher expression of podocyte markers. This study demonstrates that podocyte autophagic activity plays a critical protective role in renal injury and that maintaining podocyte autophagic activity represents a potential therapeutic strategy for controlling the progression of podocytopathies.
|
10.1002/path.4382
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pubmed_272_13239
|
Abstract. Mortality has often been regarded as a measure for overall outcome and both treatment and drug policy effectiveness. The number of deaths by illegal drugs from the years 1990 - 2000 in Bavaria were analysed using statistical trend tests (Spearman rho and Kendall tau). In Bavaria in general (p = 0.014) as well as in 5 out of seven counties a significant increase in drug related mortality was found.
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10.1055/s-2002-19669
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pubmed_655_18066
|
To identify features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that are associated with unstable intracranial pressure (ICP) and outcome after CSF shunting in patients with NPH, we reviewed MRI scans of 17 patients who had continuous ICP monitoring performed prior to ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion. We evaluated the association between periventricular/deep white matter lesion burden, focal impingement of the corpus callosum, aqueductal CSF flow void, and B-waves with outcome after shunting. The change in neurological function between pre- and post CSF shunting evaluation was scored according to a standard scale (range -3 or +3). Patients were divided into those with clinical improvement (score > 0) or without improvement (score < or = 0) after shunt surgery. Focal impingement of the corpus callosum was more frequent in patients who improved after CSF shunting compared to those without improvement (8 of 13 vs 0 of 4, p = 0.05). Patients with focal impingement of corpus callosum had more B-wave time than those without impingement (60.5% vs 24.7%, p = 0.02). Focal impingement of corpus callosum on MRI may be associated with unstable intracranial pressure in patients with NPH and may be useful in identifying patients who will benefit from CSF shunting.
|
10.1007/978-3-7091-6475-4_102
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pubmed_312_20207
|
The crystal structure of cytochrome c5 from Azotobacter vinelandii has been solved and refined to an R value of 0.29 at 2.5 A resolution. The structure of the oxidized protein was solved using a monoclinic crystal form. The structure was solved by multiple isomorphous replacements, re-fit to a solvent-leveled multiple isomorphous replacement map, and refined by restrained least squares. The structure reveals monomers associated about the crystallographic 2-fold axis by hydrophobic contacts at the "exposed heme edge". The overall conformation for the monomer is similar to that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome c551. However, relative to a common heme conformation, c5 and c551 differ by an average of 6.8 A over 82 alpha-carbon positions and the propionates of c5 are much more exposed to solvent. The shortest heme--heme contact at the "dimer" interface is 6.3 A (Fe to Fe 16.4 A). Alignment of c5 and c551 shows that the two cytochromes, in spite of sequence differences, have remarkably similar charge distributions. A disulfide stacks on a tyrosine between the N- and C-terminal helices.
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10.1016/0022-2836(85)90380-8
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pubmed_372_15315
|
Process-based models can be classified into: (a) terrestrial biogeochemical models (TBMs), which simulate fluxes of carbon, water and nitrogen coupled within terrestrial ecosystems, and (b) dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs), which further couple these processes interactively with changes in slow ecosystem processes depending on resource competition, establishment, growth and mortality of different vegetation types. In this study, four models - RHESSys, GOTILWA+, LPJ-GUESS and ORCHIDEE - representing both modelling approaches were compared and evaluated against benchmarks provided by eddy-covariance measurements of carbon and water fluxes at 15 forest sites within the EUROFLUX project. Overall, model-measurement agreement varied greatly among sites. Both modelling approaches have somewhat different strengths, but there was no model among those tested that universally performed well on the two variables evaluated. Small biases and errors suggest that ORCHIDEE and GOTILWA+ performed better in simulating carbon fluxes while LPJ-GUESS and RHESSys did a better job in simulating water fluxes. In general, the models can be considered as useful tools for studies of climate change impacts on carbon and water cycling in forests. However, the various sources of variation among models simulations and between models simulations and observed data described in this study place some constraints on the results and to some extent reduce their reliability. For example, at most sites in the Mediterranean region all models generally performed poorly most likely because of problems in the representation of water stress effects on both carbon uptake by photosynthesis and carbon release by heterotrophic respiration (Rh ). The use of flux data as a means of assessing key processes in models of this type is an important approach to improving model performance. Our results show that the models have value but that further model development is necessary with regard to the representation of the some of the key ecosystem processes.
|
10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.01036.x
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pubmed_1119_14630
|
Histories and clinical evaluations were obtained from 230 postmenopausal women aged 48 to 56 years to determine whether the alveolar height in the edentulous anterior region of the maxillae is adversely affected by the presence of mandibular incisors. Many of these women lost their teeth in early adulthood. When all subjects were included, the height of the ridge in the anterior region of the maxillae was not significantly altered by presence of mandibular incisors. When the ridge height was compared among those who had been edentate in the maxillae for less than 30 years, the difference between dentate and edentate subjects was significant. This study indicates that the alveolar ridges in the anterior region of the maxillae where teeth were extracted early in life during the rapid phase of bone metabolism are less disposed to bite trauma caused by the presence of the mandibular incisors than are individuals who lost their teeth in middle or old age.
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10.1016/s0022-3913(05)80201-x
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pubmed_1115_20491
|
The authors report an unusual case of a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in the cervical spine after a C1-2 fracture. The patient presented with a delayed epidural hematoma and quadriparesis. The DAVF was successfully treated by coil embolization and the patient made a full recovery. The possibility of a DAVF as a late complication of an upper cervical spine fracture should be considered when a patient presents with a spinal epidural hematoma.
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10.3171/spi.2004.100.4.0382
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pubmed_999_14007
|
BACKGROUND
Disruption of alternative splicing (AS) is frequently observed in cancer and might represent an important signature for tumor progression and therapy. Exon skipping (ES) represents one of the most frequent AS events, and in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) MET exon 14 skipping was shown to be targetable.
METHODS
We constructed neural networks (NN/CNN) specifically designed to detect MET exon 14 skipping events using RNAseq data. Furthermore, for discovery purposes we also developed a sparsely connected autoencoder to identify uncharacterized MET isoforms.
RESULTS
The neural networks had a Met exon 14 skipping detection rate greater than 94% when tested on a manually curated set of 690 TCGA bronchus and lung samples. When globally applied to 2605 TCGA samples, we observed that the majority of false positives was characterized by a blurry coverage of exon 14, but interestingly they share a common coverage peak in the second intron and we speculate that this event could be the transcription signature of a LINE1 (Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1)-MET (Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition receptor tyrosine kinase) fusion.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, our results indicate that neural networks can be an effective tool to provide a quick classification of pathological transcription events, and sparsely connected autoencoders could represent the basis for the development of an effective discovery tool.
|
10.3390/ijms22084217
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pubmed_528_8584
|
To clarify the nature of the motions contributing to the observed multiplet structures in the low-energy (900-1800 cm-1) vibrational spectrum of the H5O2+ "Zundel" ion, we report the evolution of its vibrational fingerprint with sequential H/D isotopic substitution in a predissociation study of the Ar complexes. Of particular interest is the D4HO2+ complex, which displays a single intense band in the vicinity of the asymmetric OHO stretch of the bridging proton, in contrast to the more complex multiplet observed for both H5O2+ and D5O2+ isotopologues. These intensity patterns are consistent with the recent assignment of the bridging proton band's doublet in the H5O2+.Ne spectrum to a 2 x 2 Fermi resonance interaction between the shared proton stretch and a complex background level primarily derived from the O-O stretch together with two quanta of the wagging vibration involving the pyramidal deformations of the flanking H2O groups (Vendrell, O.; Gatti, F.; Meyer, H.-D. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 6918). In addition, the observed trends rule out assignment of the approximately 1800 cm-1 feature in H5O2+ to a combination band of the bridging proton vibration with the O-O stretch, providing a secure foundation for the previously reported scheme that attributes this band to the out-of-phase intramolecular bending fundamental. The observed feature occurs at an unusually high energy for typical HOH bends, however, and we explore the participation of the bridging proton in these eigenstates by following how the calculated harmonic spectrum evolves when artificially large masses are assigned to the proton. The empirical assignments are supported by anharmonic estimates of the isotope shifts evaluated by the diffusion Monte Carlo method.
|
10.1021/jp075289m
|
pubmed_176_16982
|
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is characterized by elevated levels of very long chain fatty acids in the serum, brain, and adrenal glands that can lead to neurodevelopmental impairment and decreased adrenal function. We report here the case of a pediatric patient with pericarditis who was found to have adrenoleukodystrophy. More common causes of pericarditis (such as infectious, autoimmune, and metabolic) were excluded. On the basis of the examination finding of cutaneous hyperpigmentation, hypocortisolism was discovered. Further evaluation revealed elevated serum levels of very long chain fatty acids and a partial deletion of the ABCD1 gene, consistent with the diagnosis of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Two of the index patient's brothers were subsequently found to have the same disease. Although pericarditis has been reported previously in association with autoimmune diseases that affect the adrenal glands, this is the first reported case (to our knowledge) of pericarditis in association with hypocortisolism from a nonautoimmune cause. Therefore, we suggest that hypocortisolism itself may lead to pericarditis in some patients.
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10.1542/peds.2010-2232
|
pubmed_1092_20123
|
OBJECTIVE
To address the current economic crisis, governments have promoted austerity measures that have affected the taxpayer-funded health system. We report the findings of a study exploring the perceptions of primary care physicians in Madrid (Spain) on measures implemented in the Spanish health system.
METHODS
We carried out a qualitative study in two primary health care centres located in two neighbourhoods with unemployment and migrant population rates above the average of those in Madrid. Interviews were conducted with 12 primary health care physicians. Interview data were analysed by using thematic analysis and by adopting some elements of the grounded theory approach.
RESULTS
Two categories were identified: evaluation of austerity measures and evaluation of decision-making in this process. Respondents believed there was a need to promote measures to improve the taxpayer-funded health system, but expressed their disagreement with the measures implemented. They considered that the measures were not evidence-based and responded to the need to decrease public health care expenditure in the short term. Respondents believed that they had not been properly informed about the measures and that there was adequate professional participation in the prioritization, selection and implementation of measures. They considered physician participation to be essential in the decision-making process because physicians have a more patient-centred view and have first-hand knowledge of areas requiring improvement in the system.
CONCLUSIONS
It is essential that public authorities actively involve health care professionals in decision-making processes to ensure the implementation of evidence-based measures with strong professional support, thus maintaining the quality of care.
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pubmed_1092_20123
|
pubmed_665_5724
|
Amiloride is a nonspecific blocker of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) that have been recently implicated in the mediation of mechanical and chemical/inflammatory nociception. Preliminary data using a transgenic model are suggestive of sex differences in the role of ASICs. We report here that systemic administration of amiloride (10-70 mg/kg ip) produces a robust, dose-dependent blockade of late/tonic phase nociceptive behavior on the mouse formalin test (5%; 20 microl) in female but not male mice, completely abolishing the known sex difference in formalin test response. Adult gonadectomy produced a "switching" of sex differences in amiloride efficacy, with castrated males displaying an amiloride blockade and ovariectomized females rendered less sensitive to amiloride. Gonadectomized mice could be switched back to their intact status using chronic estrogen benzoate or testosterone propionate replacement via osmotic minipump (6 microg/day or 250 microg/day, respectively). It is unclear whether this striking sex difference is due to sex-specific involvement of ASICs in pain processing, but the present data represent one of the first demonstrations of pain-related sex differences with no obvious opioid involvement.
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10.1152/ajpregu.00902.2005
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pubmed_1110_949
|
The aim: This paper's aim is to assess the level of development and size of particular body parts and dimorphic differences with regard to body height. Methods: The research was carried out over the period of 1995-2010 on a 1,969-strong cohort of first-year students of physical education, aged 19-21. The following somatic features were measured: body height and weight, breadth of distal femoral epiphysis, breadth of distal brachial epiphysis, four skinfolds, arm circumference, and calf circumference. Using the results, the shares of endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy were calculated as well as the mean values of particular features and their supplemental values and regression equations. Results: With regard to height, the women students exhibit higher share of endomorphy than do the men students who, in turn, are characterised by a higher share of mesomorphy, the differences being statistically significant. The women also exhibit a higher share of ectomorphy, with differences statistically significant. The regression equation shows that the share of endomorphy decreases with height in the case of both sexes. Conclusions: The men students' body build is dominated by mesomorphy and endomorphy, while the women students' - by endomorphy. Sexual dimorphism is best seen in the mesomorphic build.
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10.1127/anthranz/2018/0754
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pubmed_260_848
|
Chemically induced renal neoplasms in male rats, developed coincident with alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy, are not considered predictive of risk to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Criteria have been defined to establish the role of alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy in renal carcinogenesis, based on a proposed mode of action involving sustained tubular cell proliferation resulting from alpha(2u)-induced nephropathy, with consequent development of neoplastic lesions. Recent NTP studies demonstrated inconsistencies with this proposed mechanism, including in some cases, far weaker kidney tumor responses than expected based on the extent of alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy. NTP studies with decalin, propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether and Stoddard solvent IIC included extended evaluations of alpha(2u)-related nephropathy, and were thus used in assessing the linkage between key events in 90-day studies with renal tumors in 2-year studies. This review revealed no or at best weak associations of tumor responses with renal alpha(2u)-globulin concentrations, indices of cell turnover, or microscopic evidence of alpha(2u)-associated nephropathy in prechronic studies. While tumor responses corresponded somewhat with a measure of cumulative alpha(2u)-associated nephropathy (linear mineralization of the papilla) at the end of the 2-year studies, the severity of chronic nephropathy was generally in best agreement with the pattern of tumor response. These results suggest that while alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy may contribute to the renal tumor response, the critical component(s) of the nephropathy most closely associated with the development of tumors could not be clearly identified in this review.
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10.1080/01926230701338941
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pubmed_400_10397
|
OBJECTIVE
To observe the relationship between lingual base and uvula, the relationship between lingua and jaw dentition in normal adults, snorers and patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to study the difference of the relationships among them.
METHOD
21 patients with OSAS, 25 snorer and 30 normal adults were included in the study. The relationship between lingua and uvula and the relationship between lingual base and jaw dentition were observed. The difference of the relationships among the OSAS patients, snorers and normal adults were studied.
RESULT
Among the OSAS patients, snorer and normal adults, there are obviously difference in the relationship between lingua and uvula and the relationships between lingual base and jaw dentition. In normal adults, the lingua below to jaw dentition and the uvula is visible at opening of mouth; in snorers, the lingua match the jaw dentition and the uvula is visible at pronunciation; in OSAS patients, the lingua tower above the jaw dentition and the uvula is sightless at pronunciation.
CONCLUSION
The study suggests that the enlarge of lingua and uvula be the one of etiology of OSAS.
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pubmed_400_10397
|
pubmed_241_6262
|
AIM
This study compares lymphatic mapping in early gastric cancer with ICG and infrared ray electronic endoscopy (IREE) to ICG alone. It examines the optimal method for intra-operative detection of metastases and shows long term follow up results.
METHODS
212 patients underwent the SN procedure with IREE and peritumoural ICG injection. Evaluated parameters were detection of sentinel nodes with IREE versus ICG alone, intra-operative detection rate of lymph node (LN) metastasis with node picking versus lymphatic basin dissection (LBD) and lymphatic drainage patterns.
RESULTS
34 patients had LN metastases. The SN identification rate and sensitivity for IREE versus ICG alone were 99.5 versus 85.8% and 97.0 versus 48.4% respectively. Intra-operative accuracy for detecting LN metastasis was 50% with node picking versus 92.3% with LBD. LN metastases were always in the SN basin. Lymphatic invasion and T-stage were risk factors for nodal metastases. Two patients showed recurrent disease. Both had a tumour with signet cell differentiation. One patient had a T3 tumour, the other patient had a tumour with a diameter of 85 mm.
CONCLUSION
The SN procedure with IREE can detect the SN and is better than ICG alone. LBD of the SN basin is required for accurate intra-operative diagnosis of metastases. LBD dissection based on IREE is a safe method of nodal dissection in patients with T1 or limited T2 tumours.
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10.1016/j.ejso.2010.04.007
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pubmed_341_6811
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Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is nearly ubiquitous in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF CRS is a challenging entity to define, diagnose, and treat, as patients often have severe refractory sinus disease in addition to complex medical comorbidities. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the medical management of CF CRS and determine how to best identify, diagnose, and manage CF CRS. Ultimately, the treatment of these patients requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving the pulmonologist and otolaryngologist.
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10.3390/medsci7020032
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pubmed_581_1139
|
Due to recombination, different regions of a retrovirus genome can have distinct phylogenetic histories. The RD114-and-D-type-retrovirus (RDR) interference group provides an extreme example: the RDR group comprises a variety of taxonomically distinct retroviruses, isolated from diverse mammalian and avian hosts, that share a homologous env gene and use the same cell-surface entry receptor. RDR env homologs are also found among ancient endogenous retrovirus (ERV) sequences, including the syncytin genes of humans and rabbits, indicating that RDR Env glycoproteins have likely mediated endogenization on multiple occasions in diverse vertebrate lineages. The distribution of RDR env among exogenous and endogenous retroviruses indicates that it has been swapped between viruses many times, and that it likely facilitated multiple cross-species transmission events spanning millions of years of vertebrate evolution.
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10.1016/j.coviro.2017.07.020
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pubmed_496_20732
|
To reach a large audience of public health workers and others interested in learning more about bioterrorism and emergency preparedness, an on-line, Web-based, certificated course entitled "Terrorism, Preparedness and Public Health: An Introduction" was planned, developed, and implemented. Interactivity and other user-friendly devices helped it gain acceptance. To date (May 2005), more than 6,000 people from all 50 states and some foreign countries have registered for the course, and about 2,400 have passed an exam for a certificate of completion. We believe the success of this course is related to the strength and accuracy of the content and its historical perspective; to the quality of the technical development, including multiple levels of interactivity, ease of use, and a printed completion certificate; and to the use of real case studies and the lack of dramatic overstatement.
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10.1097/00124784-200511001-00023
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pubmed_354_9460
|
Since Drosophila melanogaster has proven to be a useful model system to study phenotypes of oncogenic mutations and to identify new anti-cancer drugs, we generated human BRAFV600E homologous dRaf mutant (dRafA572E ) Drosophila melanogaster strains to use these for characterisation of mutant phenotypes and exploit these phenotypes for drug testing. For mutant gene expression, the GAL4/UAS expression system was used. dRafA572E was expressed tissue-specific in the eye, epidermis, heart, wings, secretory glands and in the whole animal. Expression of dRaf A572E under the control of an eye-specific driver led to semi-lethality and a rough eye phenotype. The vast majority of other tissue-specific and ubiquitous drivers led to a lethal phenotype only. The rough eye phenotype was used to test BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and MEK1/2 inhibitor cobimetinib. There was no phenotype rescue by this treatment. However, a significant rescue of the lethal phenotype was observed under a gut-specific driver. Here, MEK1/2 inhibitor cobimetinib rescued Drosophila larvae to reach pupal stage in 37% of cases as compared to 1% in control experiments. Taken together, the BRAFV600E homolog dRaf A572E exerts mostly lethal effects in Drosophila. Gut-specific dRaf A572E expression might in future be developed further for drug testing.
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10.1111/exd.14010
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pubmed_560_2803
|
Different veterinary pharmaceuticals are used in agricultural livestock becoming a source of environment contamination. Furthermore, no regulation exists for the concentration limits of pharmaceuticals in soil or water. Monitoring programs for environment contamination with pharmaceuticals are needed, requiring new sensitive and selective screening methods. The present study focuses on developing a method for the simultaneous scanning of forty-two compounds (pharmaceuticals, azole biocides and fungicides) in soil and plant material samples. For extraction purposes the use of ultrasonic assisted and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) were compared. The extract was purified and concentrated by applying a solid phase extraction step followed by ultra-high-performance-chromatographic separation and accurate-mass spectrometric detection using Exacte Orbitrap technology (FWHM 50,000). The effects of the different extraction solvents and conditions on the extraction efficiency were tested. Although both extraction approaches are applicable the optimal extraction efficiency was obtained by applying accelerated solvent extraction using solvent mixtures containing acetone for soil and methanol for plant samples. An ASE process has been validated for the determination of selected pharmaceuticals and fungicides in soil and in plant material. The recoveries from soil samples were >70% for more than 68% of the compounds. The levels of detection were ≤10 μg kg(-1) for 93% of the compounds tested. The recoveries from plant material were >70% for 64% of the compounds tested. The levels of detection were ≤10 μg kg(-1) for 66% of the compounds. The developed method was used to screen soil and plant material collected throughout the Netherlands and oxytetracycline residues were detected.
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10.1016/j.talanta.2011.11.054
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pubmed_731_14514
|
Extracts of several members of the monoterpene-rich Lamiaceae sub-family Nepetoideae, including those from the Salvia (sage), Melissa (Lemon balm) and Rosmarinus (rosemary) genera, evince cognitive and mood effects in humans that are potentially related to their effects on cholinergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. To date, despite promising in vitro properties, the cognitive and mood effects of the closely related Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha piperita (peppermint) remain unexplored. This study therefore assessed the human cognitive/mood effects of the M. spicata/piperita essential oil with the most promising, brain-relevant in vitro properties according to pre-trial in vitro screening. Design: Organic spearmint and peppermint (Mentha spicata/piperita) essential oils were pre-screened for neurotransmitter receptor binding and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced cross-over study, 24 participants (mean age 25.2 years) consumed single doses of encapsulated placebo and 50 µl and 100 µl of the most promising essential oil (peppermint with nicotinic/GABAA receptor binding and AChE inhibitory properties, that increased calcium influx in a CAD cell neuronal model). Psychological functioning was assessed with mood scales and a range of standardised, cognitively demanding tasks pre-dose and at 1, 3 and 6 h post-dose. Results: The highest (100 µL) dose of essential oil improved performance on the cognitively demanding Rapid Visual Information Processing task (RVIP) at 1 h and 3 h post-dose and both doses attenuated fatigue and improved performance of the Serial 3 s subtraction task at 3 h post-dose. Conclusion: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil with high levels of menthol/menthone and characteristic in vitro cholinergic inhibitory, calcium regulatory and GABAA/nicotinic receptor binding properties, beneficially modulated performance on demanding cognitive tasks and attenuated the increase in mental fatigue associated with extended cognitive task performance in healthy adults. Future investigations should consider investigating higher doses.
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10.3390/nu10081029
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